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Nara Thai Debuts in North India as Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality Plans 10-Outlet National Expansion

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Nara Thai has stepped into North India with the opening of its first restaurant in Gurugram, setting the stage for a wider national push under Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality. The launch marks a significant milestone for the Bangkok-born brand, which now operates 35 restaurants across Asia and the Middle East and has crossed sixty global outlets when including its extended group portfolio.

The move also signals a broader ambition from Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, which entered the premium dining segment only last year. What began as a Mumbai-specific franchise has now evolved into a nationwide mandate after the company convinced Nara’s founders about the opportunity in India’s tier-one markets. The group currently manages two Nara Thai locations in Mumbai, and the Gurugram restaurant becomes its first in the North.

The next phase is sharply defined. Ten new Nara Thai restaurants are planned over the coming three years, with Delhi, Noida and Bengaluru at the front of the queue, followed by Hyderabad and Pune. Each outlet will span roughly 2,500 to 3,000 square feet and seat around eighty to a hundred diners. The company estimates that every restaurant generates fifty to sixty direct jobs, taking the three-year employment potential close to six hundred roles.

Nara Thai maintains a stringent culinary playbook. Core ingredients, sauces and pastes are sourced from Bangkok to preserve the flavour profile built over two decades, while fresh produce is procured locally. The India team spends time training with Bangkok’s culinary leads, and the brand’s global executive chef makes regular visits to ensure consistency.

With Taiwan currently its strongest market with twelve restaurants, Nara’s founders believe India has the potential to surpass it over the next decade. The partnership with Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality spans ten years, giving the brand time to deepen its reach as premium Asian dining continues to grow in urban India.

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Albinder Dhindsa Predicts Quick Commerce Shakeout Amid Rising Cash Burn

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India’s quick commerce sector, long powered by aggressive fundraising and rapid geographic expansion, may be approaching a reality check. Blinkit Chief Executive Albinder Dhindsa has warned that the model that fuelled the industry’s rise is now showing clear signs of strain, setting the stage for a correction that could reshape the consumer internet landscape.

Dhindsa said the sector’s dependence on constant capital inflows has reached a point where companies will soon be forced to examine how much longer they can absorb heavy operational losses. His comments come at a time when global investors such as SoftBank, Temasek and major Middle Eastern funds have already committed billions to India’s ten-minute delivery experiment. The enthusiasm helped create one of the most watched rapid-delivery markets in the world, even as similar models stumbled in the United States, Europe and parts of Asia.

Funding pressures are becoming more visible. Swiggy, Blinkit’s nearest competitor, is preparing a share sale worth about one point one billion dollars, almost mirroring the valuation of its previous year’s market debut. Zepto has raised four hundred fifty million dollars ahead of an expected listing next year. The moves highlight the steep cash requirements needed to keep the promise of stocking and delivering everything from fresh produce to electronics at record speed.

Dhindsa believes the imbalance between rising capital needs and investor caution is usually followed by swift corrections that catch companies unprepared. Analysts at Bernstein and Société Générale recently noted that Blinkit’s parent Eternal Limited still holds a strong advantage due to its execution and cash reserves of more than two billion dollars. Even so, the analysts warned that competitive intensity could force higher spending before the business generates free cash flow.

Blinkit continues to build supply-chain depth, especially with its push into smaller towns where demand exists but the density of dark stores and strong procurement systems remains limited. Dhindsa said the company is focusing on scalable categories and avoiding the heavy discounting that created artificial spikes in orders during earlier phases of the market.

He believes the next stage for quick commerce will be defined by consolidation, sharper category choices and a shift in discounting behaviour. The industry has already moved once from scepticism to celebration. Dhindsa said the next swing in sentiment is inevitable, though the exact timing remains uncertain.

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Timex Taps Rising Motorsports Craze, Introduces Aston Martin Watches in India

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Timex Group India is setting its sights firmly on the premium watch buyer as it introduces Aston Martin timepieces to the country, marking one of its most ambitious expansions in recent years. The company believes the British marque fills a wide open gap for a true motorsports-rooted brand in India’s watch market.

Deepak Chhabra, Managing Director of Timex India, said the decision comes at a moment when motorsports interest in the country is at an all-time high. Formula One viewership, he noted, has climbed from roughly thirty-one million fans in 2020 to nearly sixty million today. This surge, combined with a visible shift toward design-driven and high-value watches, has created what the company sees as a natural entry point for Aston Martin.

With this launch, Timex strengthens its presence in the bridge-to-luxury category where it already houses Guess Collection and Philipp Plein. The Aston Martin portfolio will start with about sixty-five SKUs across two lines. One focuses on sportier, Formula One-inspired models priced from twelve thousand to twenty-five thousand rupees. The second line leans into the brand’s automotive heritage with timepieces ranging from twenty thousand to sixty thousand rupees.

The rollout will span major online platforms such as Myntra, Tata Cliq and Ajio Luxe, along with Timex’s own Just Watches network. Offline distribution will cover more than one hundred premium stores including Shoppers Stop, Just In Time, The Collective, Zimson, Swiss Time House, Sethi Watch Company and Ganga Ram Gallery.

Initially, all units will be imported under the parent company’s global licence. Timex plans to monitor demand before considering local assembly. The company is eyeing three million dollars in revenue from the range within two years. Retail sales typically double that figure, placing Aston Martin on track to become a fifty-crore brand in India by the end of that period.

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Dabur India Launches ₹500 Crore Dabur Ventures Fund to Invest in D2C Health, Beauty and Wellness Startups

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Dabur India just dropped a big move today: they’ve launched “Dabur Ventures,” a ₹500 crore fund dedicated to picking up minority stakes in direct-to-consumer startups, especially in the natural health, beauty, and wellness space.

If you’ve been anywhere near Instagram or quick-commerce apps lately, you know this category is exploding. From ayurvedic skincare brands to adaptogen-packed energy drinks, new-age D2C labels are eating market share faster than anyone expected. Dabur, being one of the oldest and biggest names in ayurveda, clearly doesn’t want to watch from the sidelines anymore.

Instead of trying to build everything in-house (which can take years), they’re taking the smarter route: invest early, learn from the new kids, get distribution insights, and probably roll some of these brands into their own portfolio later. It’s classic corporate venture capital, but with a sharp focus on segments where Dabur already has deep expertise and trust.

₹500 crore isn’t pocket change, but in the larger Indian startup funding scene it’s not mega-fund size either. It’s enough to write 15-25 meaningful cheques over the next few years without spreading themselves too thin. Expect them to chase companies that already have ₹20-100 crore ARR, strong unit economics, and a clear “natural” or “heritage-inspired” story.

This feels like perfect timing. Consumer trust in “chemical-free” and “back-to-roots” products is at an all-time high, and Dabur has the brand muscle to help these startups scale offline too. Smart play by an 140-year-old giant that refuses to get old.

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Foxtale Transforms Into House of Brands With Launch of Hula Hoop Bodycare Line

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Foxtale has taken a decisive step toward becoming a larger beauty powerhouse with the launch of its new bodycare brand, Hula Hoop by Foxtale. The move signals the company’s shift into a House of Brands structure, expanding its reach beyond the skincare category where it built its reputation. The Bengaluru-based company said the launch is backed by months of internal R&D work and a clear demand gap in science-led bodycare, a segment it believes has been underserved despite fast-rising consumer interest.

Hula Hoop arrives at a time when Foxtale is posting some of its strongest numbers since inception. The company reported a 250 per cent year-on-year surge in business over the past twelve months, strengthened by a repeat purchase rate of nearly 50 per cent across its direct platform. This performance, according to the company, has provided both the financial room and confidence to expand into adjacent categories and create a portfolio that can grow at scale.

Founder and chief executive Romita Mazumdar said the new brand is built for customers looking for targeted, derm-grade solutions for concerns like body acne, keratosis pilaris, pigmentation and chronic dryness. She added that the focus is on products that are outcome-driven and backed by the same formulation discipline that shaped Foxtale’s early success.

At launch, Hula Hoop will offer four products priced from ₹329 to ₹649, including two body washes, a lotion and an exfoliating scrub. The products will go live on the brand’s D2C site along with Nykaa, Amazon and leading quick-commerce platforms. Wider offline expansion is expected through the coming months.

Foxtale is on track to close the year with more than ₹700 crore in annualised GMV. The company expects to turn profitable next year as higher efficiencies and stronger retention metrics begin to reflect in its cost structure.

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Fast-Growing QSR Brand The Chatpata Affair to Raise ₹10 Crore for Middle East Expansion

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Image of The Chatpata Affair.
Fast-Growing QSR Brand The Chatpata Affair to Raise ₹10 Crore for Middle East Expansion

The Chatpata Affair is preparing for its biggest international push yet, as the vegetarian quick-service chain moves to raise Rs 10 crore to fuel an ambitious expansion across the UAE and the broader GCC region. The company, which has been testing the waters in Dubai with its first store, says early traction has been strong enough to justify a wider rollout.

The brand plans to open six new outlets in Dubai by March 2026, marking its first structured overseas expansion. The upcoming stores will span a mix of formats, from compact kiosks inside malls to smaller neighbourhood units positioned in residential pockets and busy transit points. The approach is intentionally asset-light, with the company leaning on a model that reduces upfront costs while allowing rapid scaling in high-footfall locations.

Founder Shiju Pappen says the new capital will be directed toward building this network and establishing partnerships that can support the chain’s long-term GCC footprint. Franchising will play a central role as the brand looks to expand beyond Dubai into markets like Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman over the next phase of growth.

Back home, The Chatpata Affair has crossed the 100-outlet mark and continues to add stores across major Indian cities. The company posted a 20 percent year-on-year rise in revenues, with combined domestic and international operations generating an annualised turnover of roughly Rs 40 crore. The management believes the international business will become a meaningful contributor over the next two years as more outlets come online in the Middle East.

With vegetarian QSR demand rising among both Indian diaspora and regional consumers, the company is betting that its fast-casual street-food positioning will resonate strongly across the GCC’s increasingly diverse food-service market.

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Laurel’s Rockets Past Seven Figure Sales as Whole Foods, Erewhon, and Gelsons Fuel a Breakout A2 Dairy Boom

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Laurel’s has pulled off a remarkable first year, crossing the coveted seven figure mark in annual sales and catching the attention of buyers across the retail landscape. The brand, launched in August 2024, entered the market with a simple idea. A ready to drink latte made with A2 dairy and crafted with flavors that feel familiar yet elevated. What started as a small launch has now turned into a fast expanding presence in premium stores.

In just over a year, Laurel’s products have made their way into Erewhon, Gelsons, and Wegmans. The momentum has not slowed down. Whole Foods Market has taken the brand nationwide and conversations with Target and Kroger are already underway for 2026 placement. This early scale is unusual for a young beverage company and speaks to the demand for A2 dairy as shoppers continue searching for cleaner and easier to digest options.

Industry analysts estimate that the A2 dairy category will grow close to fifteen percent year over year through 2030. Smaller players who entered early are now in a strong position to ride the wave. Laurel’s sits in the same circle as Pioneer Pastures and Alec’s Ice Cream, two other names that have helped shape the space. Retailers have also noticed that shoppers are actively shifting from standard dairy to A2 based choices, especially in ready to drink beverages.

With this level of traction, the team at Laurel’s is preparing for its first institutional raise in the coming quarter. Investors have been following the brand’s climb closely and early signs point toward a competitive round. If the company maintains its current pace, it could be one of the breakout stories in the next chapter of the A2 category.

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Kimirica Launches Luxury Home Fragrance Line to Elevate Indian Lifestyle Segment

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Kimirica, India’s premium self-care brand, is making a foray into luxury home fragrances, signaling a strategic expansion beyond personal care. The Bengaluru-based brand unveiled a new collection featuring hand-poured soy candles, room sprays, and curated hand caddy sets. Each item is presented in reeded jars, designed to function as both décor pieces and sensory enhancers for modern living spaces.

The move reflects Kimirica’s growing emphasis on blending aesthetics with olfactory sophistication. Rajat Jain, Co-founder and Olfactory Expert, explained that the brand’s entry into home fragrances builds on its expertise in premium perfumery. “Our experience with Eau de Parfums inspired us to extend that sensorial journey into homes. The goal was not just to fill spaces with fragrance but to create pieces that contribute to the visual and emotional character of the environment,” he said.

CEO and Co-founder Mohit Jain emphasized the brand’s intent to elevate the perception of home fragrances. “Traditionally, home scents have been functional and utilitarian. Our vision is to merge design, aroma, and lifestyle. Each product serves as a visual anchor, enriching spaces while remaining personal and inviting,” he noted.

Since its inception in 2012, Kimirica has established a niche with vegan formulations, distinctive scent profiles, and products that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. The new home fragrance collection represents a continuation of the brand’s philosophy, focusing on creating elevated, immersive experiences for consumers who prioritize both quality and design.

The line is IFRA-certified, reinforcing Kimirica’s commitment to safety and global standards, while aligning with contemporary consumer preferences for ethically crafted, luxury lifestyle products. By entering the home fragrance segment, the company aims to capture a growing market for premium lifestyle offerings in India, extending its brand footprint and reinforcing its position as a curator of sophisticated self-care and home experiences.

This launch positions Kimirica to compete with both international and domestic premium lifestyle brands, marking a significant milestone in the company’s broader strategy to combine sensorial indulgence with elevated design.

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Shark Tank India Alum Ravelcare Delivers a Fiery 55 Percent IPO Pop and Attracts Record Bids

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A young beauty brand that once walked into the Shark Tank India studio seeking only Rs 75 lakh has now delivered a stunning moment in the public markets. Ravelcare surprised investors on December 8 with a powerful market debut that instantly turned early believers into big winners. Its shares opened with a sharp 55 percent gain over the issue price of Rs 130, creating a wave of excitement across retail and institutional circles.

What makes the story even more gripping is the response the company received during its offering. Ravelcare raised Rs 24.10 crore through a fully fresh issue and witnessed an eye popping subscription of 437.6 times. This kind of interest is rare and reflects the growing appetite for new age beauty and personal care brands that are pushing fresh ideas into a crowded category.

The startup first gained attention on Shark Tank India for its clean formulation promise and its confident pitch that blended science, transparency, and a bold plan to scale. While the founders did not walk away with funding on the show, the visibility worked in their favor. It helped the brand build trust, expand its customer base, and eventually prepare for a public listing.

Several analysts believe that the company managed to strike the right balance between storytelling and solid financials. The strong subscription across retail, high net worth, and institutional investors points to a belief that Ravelcare can grow rapidly across modern retail and ecommerce in the coming years.

For many investors, watching a Shark Tank hopeful turn into a rewarding market success feels especially sweet. It shows that a compelling product and determined founders can turn a modest pitch into a memorable market milestone.

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Swiggy Shareholders Greenlight Rs 10,000 Crore QIP as Instamart Losses Mount

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Swiggy has secured shareholder approval to raise Rs 10,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement, setting the stage for its largest capital infusion since going public last year. A regulatory filing on Monday confirmed the nod, which acts as a green signal for the company to move ahead with the fundraising exercise that could open as early as this week, according to people familiar with the matter.

The food and grocery delivery firm has shortlisted the Indian arms of Citigroup, JPMorgan and Kotak Mahindra Capital to manage the placement. Market participants expect the issue to be priced at a discount to Swiggy’s prevailing stock price, a common practice in QIPs. Shares closed at Rs 385.85 on the BSE, slipping 2.1 percent after the disclosure. At current levels, the proposed fundraise would dilute more than a tenth of the company’s equity.

This will be Swiggy’s first major capital raise since its November 2024 listing, where it raised Rs 4,500 crore. By the September quarter, the company had already used over four-fifths of that amount. Most of the spending was linked to losses in Instamart, its quick commerce arm, which has been expanding at a pace faster than internal projections.

The fresh funding comes at a time when competition in the 10-minute delivery market is intensifying. Blinkit, owned by Eternal, and Zepto, backed by Nexus Venture Partners and preparing to file draft papers by mid-December, are expected to accelerate expansion. Swiggy’s consolidated cash burn stood at Rs 740 crore in the September quarter, ahead of Eternal’s Rs 543 crore.

In a recent communication to shareholders, Swiggy said the company wants additional financial headroom to strengthen its market position as store networks mature and operating leverage improves. The firm also highlighted the Rs 2,400 crore it will receive from its Rapido divestment as part of its broader balance sheet strategy.

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