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OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal Invests in Culture Circle at ₹400 Cr Valuation After Shark Tank Deal; Founders Devansh Jain Nawal & Ackshay Jain Eye Global Expansion

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OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal Invests in Culture Circle at ₹400 Cr Valuation After Shark Tank Deal; Founders Devansh Jain Nawal & Ackshay Jain Eye Global Expansion

Culture Circle, the fast-growing luxury fashion app co-founded by Devansh Jain Nawal and Ackshay Jain, has secured fresh strategic backing from OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal—just months after the brand made waves on Shark Tank India.

What’s notable? The duo walked away from an ₹8 crore offer on the show and instead shook hands with Ritesh and Snapdeal co-founder Kunal Bahl on a ₹3 crore deal they believed better aligned with their long-term vision. That bet seems to be paying off. The app is now valued north of ₹400 crore and has seen its business multiply fourfold in recent months.

With over 1 million monthly users and a network of 4,000 fully verified sellers, Culture Circle has quietly become one of the most influential names in the luxury streetwear space—regularly featuring among the top 50 shopping apps in India. The platform focuses on offering authenticated drops from names like Nike, Yeezy, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, all verified through a proprietary five-step AI-backed process.

“Culture Circle doesn’t just sell fashion—it understands what the new generation wants,” said Agarwal. “That mix of community, credibility, and tech made this a no-brainer for me.”

The founders aren’t just thinking local, either. With plans to expand globally this year and new flagship stores lined up in Mumbai, Gurugram, and two other cities, Culture Circle is on track to turn its hype into a cross-border brand. Their tech platform SourceX, an in-house AI engine, will also play a key role as they move into new categories.

“This partnership isn’t just about money—it’s about building something meaningful,” said Nawal. “We’re here to reshape how Gen Z connects with fashion, and Ritesh shares that vision.”

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Influencers Radhika Seth and Meghna Kaur Team Up With Akash Thakkar to Launch Premium Coffee Brand ‘NAKED’ With 9 Limited-Edition Blends

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Influencers Radhika Seth and Meghna Kaur Team Up With Akash Thakkar to Launch Premium Coffee Brand ‘NAKED’ With 9 Limited-Edition Blends

Three friends, a shared love for great coffee, and a refusal to play by the old rules—this is how NAKED was born. Kaur, along with Naheel Koroth and Akash Thakkar, decided it was time to stir things up in India’s specialty coffee space. And they’re not easing into it—they’re jumping in headfirst.

Their brand, NAKED, isn’t about frills or fluff. It’s about great coffee, done simply and done right. They’re starting strong with nine distinct coffees, each sourced from eight carefully selected estates across India and beyond. Some are microlots, others nanolots—tiny, unique batches that won’t return once they’re gone. That’s the point: it’s personal, limited, and ever-evolving.

Built for those who know what they like—or want to discover it—NAKED offers both whole beans and customized grinds, depending on how you brew at home. But the real game-changer? A single-serve pour-over bag. It’s coffee-shop quality made for people who are always moving.

“We’re not trying to mystify coffee,” says Seth. “We’re just keeping it real. You shouldn’t need a barista degree to enjoy a good cup.”

Every bit of this brand has been handcrafted—from the roast to the logo. No outside agencies. No focus groups. Just three friends with a vision, doing the work themselves. The idea? Build something real, and make people feel like they’re part of it.

“It’s been equal parts chaos and clarity,” Kaur admits. “But we’ve touched every piece of this—from the beans to the packaging. We’re building a brand, yes, but we’re also trying to grow a culture around good coffee.”

As younger Indians dive deeper into home brewing and hunt for brands that feel genuine, NAKED hopes to strike the right balance: quality without pretense, simplicity without shortcuts, and coffee that feels less like a product and more like a story you’re a part of.

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Did Deepinder Goyal Just Buy a $78 Million Jet? Here’s What the Zomato CEO Has to Say

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Did Deepinder Goyal Just Buy a $78 Million Jet? Here’s What the Zomato CEO Has to Say

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has set the record straight after buzz started flying about him allegedly purchasing a private jet. The speculation was triggered by a Moneycontrol report claiming that an aviation startup backed by Goyal had acquired a Bombardier Global aircraft, which has reportedly been sitting at Delhi airport’s VIP terminal since June and is scheduled to start flying mid-July.

Goyal, however, quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to shut the story down. “For those who care about facts over flashy headlines—LAT is a startup building planes for regional travel. It hasn’t bought any jet, and it’s definitely not in the plane-buying business,” he posted.

LAT Aerospace, the startup in question, is backed by Goyal but, according to him, is focused on regional aviation tech—not hoarding high-end aircraft.

That said, Goyal didn’t exactly deny the idea of owning a jet someday. When someone cheekily commented, “Owning a jet ain’t a crime. Get a Gulfstream G650!”—a nod to one of the world’s most luxurious aircraft—Goyal replied with just two words: “One day.”

The chatter comes hot on the heels of another high-profile purchase—Goyal recently bought a lavish apartment in Gurugram’s ultra-exclusive The Camellias for ₹52.3 crore.

Forbes currently pegs Goyal’s net worth at $1.6 billion, thanks to his stake in Zomato. While the CEO may not be boarding a private jet just yet, he’s clearly flying high—just not in the way headlines might have you believe.

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Zulu Club Raises $250K from TDV Partners to Bring 100-Minute Fashion Deliveries and Try-at-Home Kits to Delhi NCR

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Zulu Club Raises $250K from TDV Partners to Bring 100-Minute Fashion Deliveries and Try-at-Home Kits to Delhi NCR

Gurugram-based fashion delivery start-up Zulu Club has raised $250,000 in pre-seed funding from early-stage VC firm TDV Partners. With the capital, the brand is gearing up to expand across more neighbourhoods in Delhi NCR, aiming to get closer to the fast-moving urban shopper.

Zulu Club blends convenience with experience by offering a unique fashion delivery model: users can shop from local malls and retail outlets, request live product guidance, and receive curated “Try-at-Home” kits—all delivered in just 100 minutes.

Founder Adarsh Bhatia says the idea came from a common frustration: fast fashion apps may offer endless variety, but they leave out the confidence and comfort of trying things on. “We’re bringing back that confidence—without dragging people into traffic or endless returns. Zulu Club is for millennials and Gen Z who want quick access to style, with a personal touch,” he said.

Instead of static images and confusing size charts, Zulu Club lets users actually try clothes at home before making a decision. It’s a model built around the needs of time-strapped, style-conscious urban consumers.

“Fashion shopping should be simple, smart, and trustworthy,” added Ujwal Sutaria, General Partner at TDV Partners. “Zulu Club is solving a real pain point—people don’t just want fast delivery, they want to feel good about what they’re buying.”

With the new funding, Zulu Club plans to refine its Try-at-Home experience, enhance personalisation, and strengthen ties with malls and retail outlets. The team is also investing in logistics and customer experience to make fashion shopping smoother, faster, and more human.

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Agilitas Builds India’s First Sports Shoe Innovation Hub: Here’s What’s Inside the Noida-Based agilitas.lab

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Agilitas Builds India’s First Sports Shoe Innovation Hub: Here’s What’s Inside the Noida-Based agilitas.lab

Agilitas, the new-age sportswear brand co-founded by Abhishek Ganguly, has taken a bold leap in sports innovation by launching Agilitas.lab, India’s first fully equipped R&D facility focused solely on sports footwear. Located in Noida, this state-of-the-art center is designed to redefine how performance shoes are built — combining science, speed, and soul.

The lab serves as a high-performance hub where ideas are swiftly turned into prototypes, materials are reimagined, and products are rigorously tested at every development stage. It’s not just a space for engineers and designers — athletes, creators, and consumers are also part of the product journey, providing direct feedback that helps fine-tune every performance detail.

From design sprints to critical performance enhancements, Agilitas.lab aims to be the birthplace of India’s next-gen sports footwear innovations. The facility boasts cutting-edge machinery, open and collaborative workspaces, and a process-driven approach that seamlessly blends functionality with creativity.

This move marks a significant milestone for the Indian sportswear ecosystem, positioning Agilitas as a serious player in the global performance footwear arena. As international giants dominate the market, Agilitas is building a homegrown alternative rooted in deep research, rapid prototyping, and consumer co-creation.

By establishing this lab, the brand not only reinforces its “Built in India” ethos but also signals its intent to lead the future of Indian sportswear innovation.

With the launch of Agilitas.lab, the company is making it clear — the future of performance footwear in India will be locally designed, technologically advanced, and globally competitive.

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Little Sesame Raises $8.5M Series A Round Led by InvestEco to Capitalize on Booming $1.2B U.S. Hummus Market

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Little Sesame Raises $8.5M Series A Round Led by InvestEco to Capitalize on Booming $1.2B U.S. Hummus Market

Little Sesame, a rapidly expanding challenger brand in the U.S. hummus space, has raised $8.5 million in a Series A round led by Toronto-based sustainable food investor InvestEco. The round also saw participation from Watchfire Ventures, Santatera Capital, Beliade Consumer Partners, and a number of strategic angel investors.

InvestEco, known for backing food brands like LesserEvil and Vital Farms, brings both capital and credibility to Little Sesame’s mission of delivering chef-crafted, organic hummus to mainstream retail. The new funding will be channeled into expanding manufacturing capacity, developing new products, and bringing in new talent to support the brand’s growth trajectory.

Founded in 2016 by Nick Wiseman and Ronen Tenne, Little Sesame originally began as a restaurant concept before pivoting to retail. In 2021, they launched their packaged, retail-ready hummus line, which has since gained popularity for its clean ingredients, creamy texture, and bold, globally-inspired flavors.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

As consumer demand for plant-based and healthier snacking options continues to rise, Little Sesame is positioning itself at the forefront of a booming category. The U.S. hummus market is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% through 2031, driven by health-conscious eating habits and increasing demand for convenient, protein-rich foods.

With this Series A investment, Little Sesame is poised to scale significantly, aiming to become a household name in refrigerated dips and spreads while maintaining its mission of sustainability and ingredient transparency. This move signals growing investor confidence in the future of better-for-you CPG brands rooted in authenticity and culinary expertise.

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Bingo!’s #SabkaJawaabTedheMedhe Campaign Proves That Viral Creators Are the New Ad Stars

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Bingo!’s #SabkaJawaabTedheMedhe Campaign Proves That Viral Creators Are the New Ad Stars

Viral video, music, and dance. Yes, that’s becoming the new blueprint for ad campaigns in India. This time, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe just showed everyone how to do it right. So, the story starts some time ago with a reel by creator Deepankar Koshta that blew up online. In that clip, he casually listed his favorite snacks and said, “Tedhe Medhe bhi acche lagte hain.” That oddly catchy line delivered in his slightly cringey but relatable tone hit 3 million organic views. The audience got it, felt it, and found it funny.

Bingo’s marketing team can’t sit on the sidelines when they are getting popular without making an effort. They pounced on the moment, and now, it’s a full-blown national campaign for Bingo Thede Medhe.

#SabkaJawaabTedheMedhe. Bingo! Tedhe Medhe’s latest masterstroke. A campaign that flipped a viral reel into India’s most earworm-worthy snack anthem. The kind of stuff that makes marketing teams everywhere take notes. Forget high-budget ad films, this one started with a voice, a snack, and a reel.

The best part is that Deepankar was acknowledged properly. Bingo! Responded to him with a heartfelt Tedhe Medhe hamper and a personalized letter. This thoughtful gesture didn’t just stop there. It inspired 7+ organic follow-up reels from Deepankar, adding 1.5 million+ more views to the tally. 

To turbocharge the buzz, Bingo! Called in Anshum Sharma, a music producer known for spinning viral soundtracks from regular moments. He made a quirky, peppy anthem based on Deepankar’s original line. It was groovy, addictive, and exactly what social media loves. Numbers don’t lie, as 68 million+ views, 122k+ shares already achieved. It became the second most shared piece of content in Bingo!’s history. 

Still not done. Parveen Sharma. Yes, that “Vartmaan Aankho Ka Dhoka” dancer, internet meme-dance wizard. He choreographed a fun, slightly off-beat, highly viral dance routine to the anthem. The video exploded again with 44 million+ views, 225k+ shares. It is now the most shared Bingo content ever.

Wait, Bingo! Wasn’t done riding the wave. To keep the momentum up, they launched the #SabkaJawaabTedheMedhe contest featuring comedian Satish Ray. He’s the perfect pick for relatable, funny, and always in tune with online culture. He challenges you to answer tricky questions using Deepankar’s audio punchline. It also crossed 1.7 million+ views, 14k+ shares, and hundreds of witty user remixes. Now influencers like Purav Jha joined the fun, and even brands like Swiggy couldn’t resist jumping in. It was no longer just a campaign; it became a cultural ripple. That’s what you call virality done right.

So, dear marketers, whether it’s a perfectly polished 1-minute ad film, a front-page newspaper spot, or a 5-second mention by a creator, only one thing matters now. It has to go viral. 

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India–UK Free Trade Deal Opens Doors for Handloom & High Fashion

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India–UK Free Trade Deal Opens Doors for Handloom & High Fashion

The India–UK Free Trade Agreement, signed in May 2025, has shaken up the fashion industry on both sides—duty-free access now spans 99% of Indian exports and 90% of UK goods.

For fashion, the implications are electrifying. Indian design houses—from Sabyasachi to Kartik Research—now gain seamless access to UK markets without hefty tariffs. HM-supported projections show India’s luxury and apparel exports could double by 2027. Traditional crafts—Banarasi silks, Kutch embroidery, Madhubani prints—are no longer niche curiosities; they’re poised to become mainstream UK collections.

Exporters from Tiruppur and Surat (textiles), Jaipur (handicrafts), and Moradabad (brassware) are already prepping for order surges—apparel volumes like shirts, trousers, and knitwear are expected to surge. British buyers, diversifying beyond China/Bangladesh thanks to “China‑plus‑one” strategies, are keen on India’s scale and quality.

Beyond tariffs, the agreement signals deeper change. Regulatory obstacles are being eased. More visas are available for Indian professionals, enabling fashion talent exchange . And digitally-savvy MSMEs are benefiting from supply chain clarity and improved infrastructure.

Yet challenges remain: fragmented value chains, MMF taxation issues, and logistical inefficiencies could hold growth back. Fixes are needed—like GST reform and export-oriented textile parks under PM MITRA.

Final Take: The India‑UK FTA isn’t just economic—it’s cultural. It’s a formal bridge elevating Indian heritage craft and ready-to-wear to global wardrobes. But success depends on India harnessing export readiness, policy clarity, and design innovation. London boutiques may soon be lined with South Asian stories.

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This Text Is Not Blurry. Your Lens Is’: ZEISS’s AR-Driven Print Campaign Sets a New Benchmark for Smart, Sensory Marketing ZEISS Bridges Print and Digital with a “Glitch” That’s Pure Genius

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This Text Is Not Blurry. Your Lens Is’: ZEISS’s AR-Driven Print Campaign Sets a New Benchmark for Smart, Sensory Marketing ZEISS Bridges Print and Digital with a "Glitch" That's Pure Genius

What if a printing glitch wasn’t a mistake, but a cleverly planned, next-gen eye tech reveal? ZEISS, the global leader in optics and optoelectronics, has executed its first-ever interactive QR code print ad campaign, turning what appears to be a flaw into a marketing stroke of genius. This campaign, highlighted on the front page of The Times of India, is not only about vision clarity but rather the relationship of print media to the internet world. The campaign with the theme of, see and be seen more clearly, is the brilliant articulation of excellence performance by ZEISS Vision Care lenses. Created by OWLED and ALTRD, the ad hits straight on the nerve of the ordinary inconveniences of spectacle owners like lens scratching, constant smears, distracting glares, sticking stains of water or oil, and exposure to UV.

The focal point of this advertisement is a seemingly blurry image. A bold, white statement cuts through: “This text is not blurry. Your lens is.” It’s not just eye-catching, it’s personal. And just below that statement was a QR code. Scan it, and you’re pulled into a slick augmented reality (AR) experience. It’s a 15-second video that shows lens quality. This quick yet immersive visual dive demonstrates how clarity depends on your lens, not your screen. It puts the spotlight firmly on ZEISS’s newly launched DuraVision Gold UV lens. This ad goes beyond the static printed picture. The video shows off the lens’s real-world features like its tough water-repellent surface, dust resistance, and durability that lasts. It’s clarity, demonstrated. Not promised. This campaign puts the ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV coating front and center. It’s protective, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and built for daily life. 

The head of marketing of Vision Care at ZEISS India, Ritesh Dwivedi, explains: “Innovation is the fuel behind all our activities at ZEISS and it is evident in the unparalleled quality of our lenses globally.” He continues with, “In our most recent campaign, we wanted to deliver an immersive experience, where our consumers can freely engage with our campaign with ease.” But there’s more. Dwivedi also points to how this campaign blends physical and digital touchpoints. “It enables seamless consumer interaction with campaigns and products as we bridge traditional and digital mediums,” he explained. 

In the end, this campaign does more than just market eyewear. It redefines the way print and digital media can work together intelligently. It catches your eye, captivates your interest in it, and then teaches without lecturing.

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Swiggy Targets Gen Z and Budget Eaters with Bold ₹99 Store Rollout, Promises Daily Meal Value in 175+ Indian Cities Swiggy Fires Back at Rapido Entry with Strategic ₹99 Store Launch, Blending Value Pricing with Eco-Friendly Delivery Messaging

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Swiggy Targets Gen Z and Budget Eaters with Bold ₹99 Store Rollout, Promises Daily Meal Value in 175+ Indian Cities Swiggy Fires Back at Rapido Entry with Strategic ₹99 Store Launch, Blending Value Pricing with Eco-Friendly Delivery Messaging

The heat in India’s food delivery competition just turned up a notch. Rapido, recently stepping into the food delivery scene, is hinting at a possible shake-up for heavyweights like Swiggy and Zomato. Swiggy has hit back fast this time, with something that could ease the sting of rising prices.

In a savvy countermove, Swiggy launched the “99 Store”, a brand-new section on its app that offers quick-prep, single-serve meals priced at just ₹99. Rather than a marketing gimmick, it’s a full-blown rollout that already lives in 175+ cities, including big metros like Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, and Lucknow. Even Tier 2 cities like Vadodara, Trivandrum, Tirupati, Patna, Surat, Bhopal, Dehradun, Mysore, and Ludhiana are getting a taste.

Don’t get attracted to the price. The 99 Store doesn’t skimp on taste or choices; it has a wide lineup with Rolls, Biryanis, and Noodles. Additionally, it has regional staples like North and South Indian thalis, and the classics like Pizzas, Burgers, and Cakes. Something for every mood and every food lover. Adding a twist, all deliveries under this initiative come via the “Eco Saver” mode. This setting smartly optimizes routes, club orders, and keeps the carbon footprint in check. 

Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy Food Marketplace, made the intent pretty clear:

“At ₹99, this isn’t just a price point, it’s a promise. A promise that good food can be both affordable and accessible, especially for our younger customers.”

He further added:

“We worked closely with restaurant partners and our delivery fleet to get this right. The 99 Store is about daily meals that don’t wreck your wallet. Whether you’re a college kid or just hunting a no-hassle lunch, this is our most value-driven offering yet.”

Let’s get a reality check now. This smart move is aimed squarely at the budget-first, Gen Z crowd. The ones juggling between lectures, late-night hunger, and monthly savings. In a space where price can make or break loyalty, Swiggy just threw down a strong gauntlet.

With the 99 Store, Swiggy is offering food, adding relief, value, and variety all wrapped in one smartly delivered box. This will redefine how India sees single-serve meals. Because good food shouldn’t come with guilt or a massive bill.

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