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Retail Intelligence Play Fairdeal.Market Raises ₹26.3 Cr; Brothers Prateek & Yash Bansal Eye 100K Retailer Network in 3 Years

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Retail Intelligence Play Fairdeal.Market Raises ₹26.3 Cr; Brothers Prateek & Yash Bansal Eye 100K Retailer Network in 3 Years

Gurugram-based retail intelligence startup Fairdeal.Market has raised $3 million (about ₹26.3 crore) in a Pre-Series A round led by Incubate Fund Asia, with continued backing from Waterbridge Ventures. Several angel investors, whose names remain undisclosed, also participated.

The fresh infusion will be channelled into strengthening the company’s technology stack, widening its footprint across new zones in Delhi NCR, and onboarding a larger pool of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Founded in 2022 by brothers Prateek and Yash Bansal, Fairdeal.Market operates a data-led distribution network designed to offer a full-stack offline distribution service to D2C brands.

The company’s proposition blends instant delivery with demand prediction, allowing retailers to receive exactly what they need without overstocking or locking capital on shelves. The founders aim to build a network of 100,000 loyal retailers within the next three years, enabling partner brands to increase margins and market reach.

This round comes just over a year after Fairdeal secured $2 million from Waterbridge Ventures, Gemba Capital, GrowX Ventures, Ananta Capital CEO Priyaranjan Kumar, and Vini Cosmetics CFO Manish Bajoria.

The retail intelligence market has been heating up, with platforms leaning heavily on artificial intelligence for faster delivery cycles, real-time demand sensing, and enhanced operational efficiency. The space saw Bizom raise $12 million from Pavestone VC, IndiaMART and family offices in December 2024. Around the same time, Intelligence Node was acquired by global ad giant Interpublic Group, prompting Cornerstone Ventures to exit its investment.

With competition from both Bizom and Intelligence Node, Fairdeal.Market is betting on a hybrid of tech-driven intelligence and last-mile agility to capture market share in a segment where investors see deep untapped potential.

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Desi Malts Surge 75% in 2023, Overtake Scotch for First Time; Indri, Paul John, Rampur Lead Charge

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Desi Malts Surge 75% in 2023, Overtake Scotch for First Time; Indri, Paul John, Rampur Lead Charge

India’s whisky shelves are looking less like a tour of Scottish highlands and more like a celebration of homegrown craft. For the first time on record, sales of Indian single malts overtook Scotch imports in 2024, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

Leading the charge is Indri, a four-year-old label from Haryana’s Piccadily Agro Industries, which outsold Scotch stalwarts Glenlivet and Glenfiddich to become India’s top-selling single malt last year. It shares the podium with fellow Indian names Paul John, Rampur and Amrut, which now dominate the first six spots by sales.

The shift is being driven by quality, accessibility and price. “There is a clear move from imported whiskies to Indian single malts that deliver premium taste at a lower cost,” said Piccadily Agro CEO Praveen Malviya, adding that Indri’s demand has outpaced supply.

The numbers are striking. Sales of Indian single malts surged over 75 percent in 2023 to around 9,000 nine-litre cases, before climbing a further 25 percent in 2024, significantly outpacing Scotch. Wider retail presence and access through the Canteen Stores Department, where foreign brands are barred, have added momentum.

Indian single malts skip age statements, not out of compromise but climate reality. While Scotland loses 2-3 percent of spirit annually to evaporation, India’s “angels’ share” can top 10 percent, making five to eight years the sweet spot for maturation. Globally, age is no longer the ultimate badge of quality. “Consumers now chase distinctive notes, whether smoky or sweet,” said Alok Gupta, chief executive of Allied Blenders, which is building its own malt distillery.

With new entrants from both domestic players and global giants like Pernod Ricard and Diageo, India’s single malt story is no longer a niche subplot. It’s the main act—and Scotch is no longer the automatic hero.

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Zomato Serves Star Power with Shah Rukh Khan as Brand Ambassador, Backs $20B Growth Play Against Swiggy & Zepto

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Zomato Serves Star Power with Shah Rukh Khan as Brand Ambassador, Backs $20B Growth Play Against Swiggy & Zepto

Shah Rukh Khan is now the face of Zomato. The Deepinder Goyal-led food delivery giant has signed the Bollywood superstar as its new brand ambassador, unveiling him through its latest campaign Fuel Your Hustle. The film, released across TV, digital and outdoor platforms, positions Khan as the embodiment of persistence and ambition, qualities Zomato says reflect its own journey.

For Khan, the association is personal. “Zomato’s story is one of hustle, innovation and a love for bringing people closer to what they cherish most: great food. It’s a journey that resonates with me deeply,” he said, adding that he is “thrilled” to join a brand that has become part of daily life for millions of Indians.

The partnership will see Khan front Zomato’s multi-platform push, including television commercials, digital campaigns, print ads and outdoor activations in key markets. Marketing head Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney said the actor’s life story — from humble beginnings to global recognition — mirrors the company’s values of grit and progress without shortcuts. “His influence transcends generations and borders. He is a reminder for India to keep at it,” Sawhney noted.

The endorsement comes at a time of leadership changes inside Zomato. In July, Aditya Mangla took over as CEO of its food ordering and delivery business, replacing Rakesh Ranjan after a two-year tenure. Ranjan will remain associated with the company in another role, though without a senior management designation.

Zomato, valued at over $20 billion on the public markets, has been expanding beyond core food delivery into quick commerce and dining-out experiences. By aligning with one of India’s most recognisable and enduring celebrities, the company is making a clear bet on brand recall and emotional connection in an increasingly competitive space where Blinkit, Swiggy and Zepto are jostling for share of stomach — and mind.

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Trent Turns Up the Heat with ‘Burnt Toast’ Westside Owner Enters ₹1.5 Lakh-Cr Youth Fashion Market, Debuts in Bengaluru

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Trent Turns Up the Heat with ‘Burnt Toast’ Westside Owner Enters ₹1.5 Lakh-Cr Youth Fashion Market, Debuts in Bengaluru

Trent Ltd, the retail arm behind Westside and Zudio, is adding a third name to its fashion portfolio with the launch of Burnt Toast, a youth-focused clothing label. The brand made its debut in Bengaluru today with a 2,500 square foot store at MM Complex, No. 23, 100 Feet Ring Road in Banashankari, marking Trent’s entry into the fast-growing youth apparel market.

Billed as trend-forward yet affordable, Burnt Toast is designed to appeal to India’s fashion-conscious young consumers who are seeking styles that feel global but are priced for everyday wear. The debut store’s racks are stocked with clothing that can shift easily from casual afternoons to evening outings, reflecting the city’s blend of relaxed and aspirational fashion sensibilities.

P. Venkatesalu, Managing Director of Trent Ltd, said Bengaluru was a deliberate choice for the first outlet, citing its mix of college-goers, young professionals and a thriving street-style culture. “This is a city where young people don’t just consume trends, they create them. Burnt Toast is about meeting that energy head-on,” he said.

The brand’s positioning builds on Trent’s track record of creating differentiated labels for distinct audiences. Westside has established itself as a mainstream department store chain, while Zudio has gained traction as a value fashion format. Burnt Toast is aimed squarely at Gen Z and young millennials, offering collections that tap into the cultural currency of music, art and social media-led style.

Trent described the brand as inspired by the notion that great things can come from the unexpected. With a colour palette and cuts meant to feel fresh and playful, Burnt Toast is expected to expand beyond Bengaluru in the coming year as Trent tests demand in other youth-heavy markets. The move underlines Trent’s intention to deepen its footprint in India’s estimated 1.5 lakh crore apparel sector, where the youth segment remains one of the fastest-growing categories.

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Truemeds Bags $85 Million from Accel, Peak XV to Double Fulfilment Network to 50 Hubs, Eyes Non-Metro Domination

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Truemeds Bags $85 Million from Accel, Peak XV to Double Fulfilment Network to 50 Hubs, Eyes Non-Metro Domination

Truemeds, the Mumbai-based telehealth and e-pharmacy platform, has closed an $85 million Series C funding round, cementing its position as one of the fastest-scaling players in India’s chronic care medicine segment. The round was led by Accel and Peak XV Partners, with continued backing from WestBridge Capital and Info Edge Ventures.

The fresh capital includes $65 million in primary infusion for expansion and $20 million in secondary share sales, allowing early investors to exit. Founded in 2019 by Akshat Nayyar and Dr Kunal Wani, the company aims to aggressively widen its national presence, scaling its fulfillment network from 19 to 50 centers within the next 12 months. It also plans to set up a technology hub in Bengaluru, hire across engineering and product teams, and introduce diagnostic services in the coming months.

Targeting India’s planned-care market, Truemeds focuses on patients managing long-term conditions like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Its model offers clinically approved, lower-cost alternatives to branded drugs, claiming to cut monthly medicine bills by 50 to 70 percent. The platform currently handles about 600,000 orders a month and connects with roughly 600 doctors every day, with a growing share of its user base coming from non-metro regions.

Co-founder and CEO Nayyar said the company’s goal is to make quality medicines affordable for every patient in the country, particularly in regions where access remains limited. The new funding, he added, would strengthen operations and deepen penetration into underserved markets.

Accel partner Abhinav Chaturvedi noted that affordability remains a critical challenge in India’s healthcare sector, despite rapid modernization. Peak XV’s managing director Sakshi Chopra called Truemeds’ approach “transformative” for chronic care delivery, highlighting its ability to blend technology, clinical expertise and logistics to bring essential medicines to millions who need them most.

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MyDesignation Targets ₹400 Cr by FY28, 20 New Stores & Overseas Debut in UAE, UK, US on Cards

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MyDesignation Targets ₹400 Cr by FY28, 20 New Stores & Overseas Debut in UAE, UK, US on Cards

Thiruvananthapuram-based D2C fashion label MyDesignation is preparing for its most aggressive expansion yet, with a target to hit Rs 100 crore in annual recurring revenue by March 2026 and plans to launch in the UAE, UK and US later this year.

Founded in 2019 by husband-wife duo Swaroop Krishnan and Gopika Menon, the brand blends Kerala’s cultural motifs with global streetwear influences under the tagline Wear Your Vibe. Operating on a direct-to-consumer model, MyDesignation has served nearly 500,000 customers, aiming to double that figure within 12 months.

The company raised Rs 10.7 crore in seed funding from Multiply Ventures, Veltis Capital, Sattva Ventures, Dominor Investment Holdings and Green Trunk Ventures. Since the funding closed, revenue has scaled nearly fivefold in five months, with current ARR standing at Rs 60 crore. FY 2024–25 revenue was Rs 16 crore, up from Rs 7.5 crore the previous year.

Over 90 percent of sales come from the brand’s website, with the balance from three profitable outlets in Lulu Malls across Kerala. Each store operates at 20 to 25 percent margins without offline ad spends. Expansion plans include 20 new outlets in the next year, starting with Bengaluru’s Indiranagar, followed by Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Shirts account for 60 percent of revenue, with T-shirts, oversized tees, jackets and bottoms making up the rest. Monthly repeat purchases hover at 30 to 35 percent. The brand’s eco-conscious practices include using only natural fabrics and dyes, avoiding plastic, sending seed packets with orders and planting one tree for every 100 purchases.

By FY 2028, MyDesignation aims to reach Rs 400 crore in revenue, supported by a planned Series A fundraise next year to accelerate offline and overseas growth.

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Blinkit’s Albinder Dhindsa Nets ₹214 Cr in Eternal’s Biggest Esop Exercise Since Listing

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Blinkit’s Albinder Dhindsa Nets ₹214 Cr in Eternal’s Biggest Esop Exercise Since Listing

Over 140 executives at Eternal, the parent of Zomato and Blinkit, have converted employee stock options worth ₹419 crore in a two-day window on July 29 and 30, stock exchange filings show. Blinkit chief executive Albinder Dhindsa accounted for more than half the total, acquiring seven million shares worth ₹214.51 crore.

Thirty-one other senior leaders each exercised options worth over ₹1 crore. This group included Hyperpure CEO Rishi Arora, former Zomato food delivery head Rakesh Ranjan, his successor Aditya Mangla, and corporate development chief Kunal Swarup. Collectively, the top 32 executives bought shares worth ₹378.50 crore, representing 90 percent of the total. Nearly half were from Blinkit, the rest split between Eternal, Zomato, Hyperpure, and the going-out business District.

Eternal’s stock closed Friday at ₹300.80, valuing the company at ₹2.9 lakh crore, its highest in seven months. Analysts say rising share prices often prompt executives to exercise vested Esops, especially when strike prices are well below market value.

Blinkit’s performance has strengthened that confidence. For the quarter ended June 30, Blinkit’s gross order value surged 140 percent year-on-year to ₹11,821 crore, surpassing Zomato’s ₹10,769 crore for the first time. However, rapid expansion, including 243 new dark stores in the quarter, pulled Eternal’s net profit down 90 percent to ₹25 crore.

The company now operates 1,544 dark stores and aims to reach 2,000 by December, with a long-term plan for 3,000. Brokerage Goldman Sachs expects Blinkit to keep gaining market share over the next three quarters as rivals focus on profitability.

Eternal, which went public in 2021 with a ₹9,375-crore IPO, has been among the top wealth creators in India’s internet economy, using stock incentives to retain leadership and reward performance.

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Barista Coffee Brews Rs 400 Cr Ambition for FY26 with 25–30% Surge, 40 New Stores, and Healthy Menu Push

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Barista Coffee Brews Rs 400 Cr Ambition for FY26 with 25–30% Surge, 40 New Stores, and Healthy Menu Push

Barista Coffee is brewing an ambitious growth story this year, with plans to notch up 25 to 30 per cent higher revenue and close FY26 at around Rs 400 crore. The homegrown coffee chain ended last fiscal at roughly Rs 290 crore and says it has been the only player in India’s café segment consistently delivering double-digit like-to-like growth.

Chief executive Rajat Agrawal credits the momentum to a sharper product mix, a bigger bet on healthy food and beverages, and fresh revenue streams such as merchandising and a growing non-coffee portfolio. Around 20 to 30 per cent of its beverage menu is non-coffee, while food now brings in 23 to 24 per cent of overall sales. Stores with live kitchens — currently 10 per cent of its network — have seen a 5 to 6 per cent lift in demand, according to Agrawal.

Barista’s average order value hovers between Rs 425 and Rs 475, with a near-even split between online and dine-in orders at 55:45. The company also reports that proprietary and co-branded products now contribute between 5 and 10 per cent of revenue.

Expansion remains central to its plan. From 480 stores across 165 cities, Barista aims to cross 520 outlets by year-end, largely through franchise partners. Quick commerce and the vending machine business are being scaled to capture more on-the-go consumption.

Agrawal says the brand’s regional spread will also get more diverse this year, moving beyond its traditional strongholds. “It is about making the coffee experience accessible wherever the customer is — in malls, high streets, offices, or even at home,” he said.

With a tighter menu, healthier options, and a broader reach, Barista is positioning itself for a bigger slice of India’s growing café market — one espresso, smoothie, and fresh salad at a time.

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Deep Bajaj Buys Back Sirona from Good Glamm, Targets Rs 500 Cr Revenue in 5 Years with Femtech Push

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Deep Bajaj Buys Back Sirona from Good Glamm, Targets Rs 500 Cr Revenue in 5 Years with Femtech Push

In a rare move in India’s personal care industry, entrepreneur Deep Bajaj has bought back Sirona Hygiene Pvt. Ltd. from the Good Glamm Group, regaining full control of the femtech brand he founded. The acquisition sets the stage for a renewed growth strategy aimed at deepening its presence in the women’s intimate hygiene segment, with a revenue target of Rs 500 crore over the next three to five years.

Sirona, best known for products such as PeeBuddy, menstrual cups, period patches, and intimate wipes, was acquired by Good Glamm in 2021. Bajaj’s return as head of the company marks what he calls “unfinished business” — a push to innovate with speed and precision in a sector that still faces significant awareness gaps in India.

The company is now streamlining its portfolio to focus on high-performing categories while investing in research and development. Quick commerce is emerging as a strategic growth channel, with products now available on Blinkit and Zepto to meet “urgent need” purchases, from period essentials to hygiene wipes. Repeat purchase rates on these platforms have been steadily rising, according to company data.

Beyond online, Sirona is expanding into offline formats including wellness stores, pharmacies, airport lounges, and educational institutions to ensure discreet, immediate access to products. The brand has also built a WhatsApp-based period tracker with over 4 lakh users, reflecting its push into tech-led engagement and personalised care.

Bajaj has raised $13.2 million in funding so far and is prioritising profitability alongside purpose. Former team members have rejoined since the buyback, signalling renewed cultural alignment.

By FY30, Bajaj envisions Sirona as a trusted household name, covering the full spectrum of intimate care needs. “Our goal is to be present in every moment where hygiene matters,” he said.

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Zepto Enters ₹25,000-Crore Online Pharmacy Race, Pitches 10-Minute Medicines in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad

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Zepto Enters ₹25,000-Crore Online Pharmacy Race, Pitches 10-Minute Medicines in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad

Zepto, the quick-commerce unicorn known for its 10-minute grocery runs, has now set its sights on your medicine cabinet. The company on Thursday rolled out Zepto Pharmacy in select areas of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, with a promise to deliver prescription and over-the-counter medicines in as little as 10 minutes.

Co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha said the launch comes after a year-long pilot designed to fine-tune the notoriously tricky business of pharmaceutical delivery. “Over the past 12 months, we have worked to perfect the customer experience, supply chain and compliance on a small scale. Now we will grow steadily, without rushing expansion, because of the complexity of this category,” Palicha said in a LinkedIn post.

The pilot phase focused on building partnerships with licensed vendors, strengthening cold-chain logistics for temperature-sensitive drugs, and ensuring deliveries met regulatory standards. The company has not disclosed the number of partner pharmacies or the size of its delivery fleet for the segment but insiders say Zepto will initially cover only high-density urban clusters before widening its footprint.

By stepping into the online medicine market, Zepto is taking on heavyweights such as Tata 1mg, PharmEasy and Apollo 24/7, all of which offer same-day or next-day deliveries. Other quick-commerce players like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart have also dabbled in the category, though none have fully committed to a 10-minute promise at scale.

India’s online pharmacy market, valued at over ₹25,000 crore in 2024, is projected to grow at double-digit rates over the next five years, driven by rising health awareness, expanding digital adoption, and demand for instant fulfilment. For Zepto, the move not only diversifies its business beyond groceries but could cement its position as the fastest delivery platform in multiple essential categories.

The real test begins now: keeping the promise while keeping compliance intact.

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