Ex-Flipkart, Myntra Exec Padmakumar Pal’s Fashion Startup ZILO Lands $4.5M — Aims to Serve 100,000 Styles in 60 Minutes

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June 30, 2025

Image-of-zilo — Ex-Flipkart, Myntra Exec Padmakumar Pal’s Fashion Startup ZILO Lands $4.5M — Aims to Serve 100,000 Styles in 60 Minutes

In a bid to shake up how India shops for fashion, Mumbai-based startup ZILO has raised $4.5 million in seed funding to expand its ultra-fast style delivery service. The funding round was led by Info Edge Ventures and Chiratae Ventures, with the goal of taking ZILO’s operations beyond Mumbai and into other major cities by the end of the year.

Founded earlier this year by Padmakumar Pal (ex-Flipkart, ex-Myntra) and serial entrepreneur Bhavik Jhaveri, ZILO is reimagining fashion shopping for the on-demand generation. The idea? Deliver handpicked clothing, shoes, and accessories from popular brands to your doorstep in under an hour—no long wait, no last-season leftovers.

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The company has already tied up with over 250 well-known labels, including Levi’s, Puma, United Colors of Benetton, and The Souled Store. But it’s not just about speed. ZILO also offers scheduled home trials and instant returns, so users can try things on before they pay—bringing the dressing room to your living room.

“We’re building ZILO for shoppers who don’t have time to browse endlessly or wait days for deliveries. They want the right look, right now,” said co-founder Bhavik Jhaveri, who also leads innovation at the company. “We’re blending the best of offline and online experiences to make shopping fast, flexible, and fun.”

The fresh funds will be used to upgrade ZILO’s hybrid supply chain, deepen brand partnerships, and open more dark stores—localized mini-warehouses that help ensure quick access to trending styles and fresh inventory.

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ZILO’s current catalog spans apparel, shoes, watches, bags, and other accessories, and the founders aim to push that number past 100,000 styles in time for the upcoming festive season. With its eyes on metros like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, the brand hopes to become the go-to choice for shoppers who want fashion delivered at the speed of a pizza.

Eggoz Raises $20 Million in Series C Led by Gaja Capital — Startup Eyes ₹200 Cr ARR With Protein-Rich Egg Revolution

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June 30, 2025

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Image of eggoz nutrition. — Eggoz Raises $20 Million in Series C Led by Gaja Capital — Startup Eyes ₹200 Cr ARR With Protein-Rich Egg Revolution

Homegrown egg brand Eggoz has raised $20 million in a fresh funding round, marking a big leap forward in its mission to bring cleaner, healthier eggs to Indian households. The Series C round was led by Gaja Capital, with continued backing from long-time supporters like IvyCap Ventures, Rebright Partners, Avaana Capital, NABVENTURES, Merisis Opportunities Fund, along with a mix of seasoned investors including Arvind Thakur, S. Ramadorai, Artek Chemicals, and Blue Dot Capital.

Founded in 2017 by Abhishek Negi, Aditya Singh, and Uttam Kumar—all alumni of IIT Kharagpur—Eggoz is looking to disrupt India’s messy and unorganised egg market. Its farm-to-retail supply chain, powered by tech and lean infrastructure, is built to deliver eggs that are not just fresh and hygienic, but also traceable and nutritionally better than your average tray at the local kirana.

In addition to regular eggs, the company has been expanding its range of egg-based, high-protein foods—think egg momos, burger patties, and more ready-to-cook options designed for busy urban lifestyles. These are now available in more than 11 cities, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune.

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Eggoz isn’t just growing—it’s accelerating. In FY25, the startup clocked Rs 130 crore in net cash revenue, up from Rs 74 crore in the previous financial year—representing a 76% jump year-on-year. The last quarter of FY25 saw the brand hit an annualised revenue run rate (ARR) of Rs 200 crore, and it also reached EBITDA breakeven, marking a significant financial milestone.

“We’re not in the business of selling just eggs—we’re reshaping how Indians think about this daily protein,” said Abhishek Negi, Co-Founder & CEO of Eggoz. “Over 95% of eggs sold in India are still unbranded, unhygienic, and often from unknown sources. Our goal is to flip that narrative—clean, protein-rich eggs should be the norm, not the exception. And we want farmers to benefit too, with better prices and more consistent demand.”

Gopal Jain, Managing Partner at Gaja Capital, echoed this sentiment: “India has long faced a protein deficit, and eggs are a vital, affordable source. Eggoz is tackling this head-on with a tech-driven model that’s both scalable and deeply impactful.”

With the fresh funding, Eggoz plans to scale up operations in existing cities, expand into new markets, and pour capital into tech and logistics. The brand is betting big on consumer demand for clean-label food—and it’s making sure the humble egg finally gets the premium shelf space it deserves.

Yatri Mitra Launches in Mumbai-Thane with 2,000+ Auto Drivers Onboarded on Day 1 — ₹25 Daily Fee, ₹5 Lakh Insurance, and Zero Commissions

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June 30, 2025

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Image-of-yatri-mitra — Yatri Mitra Launches in Mumbai-Thane with 2,000+ Auto Drivers Onboarded on Day 1 — ₹25 Daily Fee, ₹5 Lakh Insurance, and Zero Commissions

In a bid to shake up the autorickshaw ride-hailing space in Mumbai and Thane, a new app called Yatri Mitra has entered the scene. The app is a joint initiative between Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi & Transport Union (SSATTU) and Thane-based tech firm Metazen Labs, and it’s already creating a buzz among both drivers and commuters.

Unlike the dominant platforms that have long drawn criticism from drivers over commission cuts, Yatri Mitra takes a different route: no commissions at all. Auto drivers who join the platform pay a flat fee of ₹25 per day and keep the rest of their earnings. On day one alone, over 2,000 drivers signed up, according to Metazen Labs director Narendra Rao.

The platform is currently running in beta and plans a full public launch on July 15. It’s owned and operated by Metazen Labs, a subsidiary of Kaizen Infotech Solutions — a software company whose client roster includes the Income Tax Department, Godrej Group, and the Thane Municipal Corporation.

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SSATTU, acting as the drivers’ representative body, has been instrumental in onboarding its members and building trust around the new system. General Secretary D.M. Gosavi confirmed that riders using Yatri Mitra will be charged standard meter fares, with no hidden or extra “convenience” fees — a rare thing in today’s app-based transport landscape.

On top of its no-commission promise, the app also provides a layer of financial protection for drivers, offering accident insurance worth ₹3–5 lakh. This benefit is expected to further boost interest among rickshaw operators who have often found themselves squeezed by the economics of larger platforms.

The move comes as alternative ride-hailing models are gaining traction across India. Bengaluru’s Namma Yatri, launched in 2022 by Juspay along with local auto unions, was the first to make headlines for its driver-first, zero-commission approach. It has since expanded to multiple cities including Delhi, Kochi, and Kolkata.

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Inspired by these successes — and spurred by growing driver discontent — even industry giants have started adapting. Uber moved to a zero-commission model for its auto services earlier this year, positioning itself as a tech enabler rather than a cut-taking intermediary. Ola followed suit just last week, extending the model across its bike, auto, and cab services.

Adding to the momentum, the Indian government announced its own ride-hailing platform, Sahkar Taxi, scheduled for launch in March. Backed by the Centre, the initiative promises 100% earnings retention for drivers — a policy Home Minister Amit Shah said would protect livelihoods and improve driver welfare.

As for Yatri Mitra, Metazen Labs already has plans to expand the service beyond Mumbai and Thane. Maharashtra’s other major cities are on the radar, and a leap into cab bookings is also on the table.

In a crowded ride-hailing ecosystem, Yatri Mitra hopes to stand out by putting drivers first — and giving riders a simpler, more transparent way to get around.

Homegrown Beauty Brand WishCare Scales ₹200 Crore with 10X Growth Since FY24 Global Launch Next

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June 30, 2025

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Homegrown beauty brand WishCare has hit a major milestone, clocking ₹200 crore in revenue for FY 2024–25—a massive leap from where it stood just two years ago. With a current annual run rate of ₹300 crore, it’s quickly cementing its place among India’s fastest-growing independent beauty companies.

Started by siblings Stuti, Ankit, and Ayush Kothari, WishCare was born out of a desire to create high-performance, science-backed personal care products that cater to today’s health-conscious and ingredient-aware consumers. From haircare to suncare and bodycare, the brand’s product lineup has been designed to be both effective and multifunctional.

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Things really took off after Unilever Ventures came on board as its first and only investor in FY24. Since then, WishCare has grown ten times in just a year and a half, thanks largely to its strong direct-to-consumer presence. The surge in online popularity has now sparked growing interest from offline retailers as well—setting the stage for a full-fledged omnichannel rollout.

“At every stage, we’ve listened to our customers and let their needs guide our product development,” said co-founder Stuti Kothari. “This growth isn’t just about numbers—it reflects the genuine trust we’ve built with our community. We’re now looking forward to taking WishCare to international markets and scaling the brand across multiple touchpoints.”

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Founded in 2020, the brand has already reached over five million customers across India. With momentum on its side, WishCare is now preparing to step into global markets, with the UAE, USA, and Southeast Asia high on the priority list.

America’s Favorite Soft Serve Brand Carvel to Open First Indian Outlet in Delhi This August, 100 More on the Menu

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June 28, 2025

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Image of Carvel — America’s Favorite Soft Serve Brand Carvel to Open First Indian Outlet in Delhi This August, 100 More on the Menu

A taste of classic American nostalgia is on its way to Indian shores. Carvel, the iconic soft serve brand that’s been charming the U.S. since 1934, is set to open its first Indian outlet this August in New Delhi.

Bringing Carvel to India is Unify Foodworks, the company that holds the exclusive rights to expand the brand across the country. And they’re not stopping at one location. Over the next few years, Unify plans to open 100 Carvel stores in major Indian cities.

Indian dessert lovers can expect to try Carvel’s signature offerings — soft serves in flavours like hazelnut, vanilla, pistachio, chocolate, coffee, and the brand’s cult-favourite “Flying Saucers.” Also on the menu: their much-loved ice cream cakes.

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Carvel’s journey began nearly a century ago when Tom Carvel turned a broken-down ice cream truck into an empire. Today, it has over 370 stores in 14 countries and is credited with popularizing the soft serve format.

Steven Yang, who heads Carvel’s international efforts in the Asia-Pacific region for GoTo Foods, sees India as a natural next step. “There’s a real synergy between what Carvel stands for — bold flavours and timeless quality — and the adventurous palate of Indian consumers,” he said. “With Unify Foodworks as our partner, we’re set up to scale thoughtfully, not just quickly.”

Unify Foodworks has made a name for itself by bringing established international food brands to India through national franchise deals. Their goal is to help global names feel at home in India, without losing what makes them special.

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“Carvel isn’t just about ice cream,” said Sumer Sethi, Founder of Unify Foodworks. “It’s about shared joy — the kind you feel when celebrating a birthday or grabbing dessert with your friends after work. We want to build places where people from all walks of life can come together, relax, and treat themselves.”

With its mix of heritage and innovation, Carvel’s Indian debut is more than a launch — it’s an invitation to slow down and enjoy a sweet moment.

Stayvista Bags ₹40 Crore in Funding Round Backed by JSW Ventures, Looks to Scale India’s Luxe Villa Getaway Market

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June 28, 2025

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Image-of-Stayvista. — Stayvista Bags ₹40 Crore in Funding Round Backed by JSW Ventures, Looks to Scale India’s Luxe Villa Getaway Market

Stayvista, a Mumbai-based player that’s quietly become the go-to name in India’s luxury villa rental space, has just pulled in ₹40 crore in fresh funding. The round was led by JSW Ventures, with continued backing from DSG Consumer Partners and the Capri Global Family Office.

With over 1,000 premium properties now live across 85 destinations, and more than a million guests hosted so far, Stayvista is eyeing its next chapter — one that includes expanding its footprint, building out its team, and refining how guests experience its getaways.

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Sachin Tagra, Managing Partner at JSW Ventures, believes the company is riding a wave of changing travel preferences. “People are increasingly looking beyond cookie-cutter hotels. Stayvista taps into that shift — and they’re doing it in a way that’s both scalable and smart with capital,” he said.

Founded by Pranav Maheshwari, Stayvista has already reached profitability — a rare feat in India’s startup ecosystem — and now has its sights set on becoming the largest name in the luxury villa category. “Our mission is simple: to make Stayvista the first name Indians think of when planning a special, high-quality getaway,” Maheshwari shared.

What makes Stayvista’s model stand out is its approach — the platform partners with individual homeowners, turning beautiful but often-unused second homes into full-fledged holiday stays. It’s a model that benefits both sides: homeowners get to earn from their property, while guests enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that’s hard to find in standard hotels.

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With this new round of funding, Stayvista is gearing up for a sharper, wider rollout — aiming to meet India’s booming appetite for premium, personalised travel experiences head-on.

NIC’s Parent Walko Acquires Mumbai’s Meemee’s Ice Creams to Tap India’s ₹3,000 Crore Artisanal Dessert Wave

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June 28, 2025

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Image-of-Meemees-Ice — NIC’s Parent Walko Acquires Mumbai’s Meemee’s Ice Creams to Tap India’s ₹3,000 Crore Artisanal Dessert Wave

Walko Food Company, the Pune-based force behind popular ice cream brands like NIC, Grameen Kulfi, and Mimo, has just added a bold new flavour to its mix — Mumbai’s Meemee’s Ice Creams. Known for its quirky, youth-friendly creations, Meemee’s has been snapped up by Walko in a move that hints at deeper ambitions in India’s fast-growing artisanal dessert space.

While the financial details remain under wraps, the intent behind the deal is loud and clear: Walko is looking to widen its footprint in India’s urban markets and double down on D2C and digital-first strategies. With Meemee’s in its corner, the company now gains access to a fresh batch of format-driven desserts that don’t play by the usual rules — think Ice Cream Toasties, layered Roley’s, Instagram-ready cakes, and Tubsters made for quick indulgence.

“Dessert isn’t just about taste anymore — it’s about experience, mood, and personal style,” said Raj Bhandari, director at Walko. “Meemee’s brings that spark. Their brand energy, their out-of-the-box formats — it all fits perfectly with how we see the future of frozen treats.”

Founded in Mumbai, Meemee’s has steadily gained traction with a younger crowd that cares just as much about design and story as it does about flavour. The brand has built its identity around fun, innovation, and social media appeal — and its menu reflects that spirit. Whether it’s a slice of cake that doubles as a scoop of nostalgia or a grab-and-go tub that hits just right on a Friday night, Meemee’s has tapped into a new kind of dessert behavior.

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With this acquisition, Walko isn’t just expanding its product lineup — it’s entering a cultural space where desserts are as expressive as they are delicious.

Welspun Ropes In Vidya Balan as Brand Ambassador to Lead ₹10,000 Crore Domestic Textile Push Across Indian Households

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June 28, 2025

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Image of Welspun — Welspun Ropes In Vidya Balan as Brand Ambassador to Lead ₹10,000 Crore Domestic Textile Push Across Indian Households

Welspun, a well-known name in the home textiles space, has brought acclaimed actor Vidya Balan on board as the face of its domestic product range. The move comes as the company gears up for a new marketing push that aims to speak directly to Indian households about quality, trust, and everyday comfort.

Instead of going the typical celebrity endorsement route, Welspun chose Balan for who she is beyond the screen — someone who connects with people across regions, age groups, and backgrounds. Her personality mirrors the qualities Welspun wants to highlight: dependable, no-nonsense, and deeply rooted in Indian values.

The upcoming campaign, which will unfold across digital, print, and television, will spotlight Welspun’s home textile offerings — not just as stylish accessories, but as thoughtful additions to real Indian homes. Expect to see Vidya featured in relatable scenarios that reflect how Welspun products fit into daily routines and family life.

“‘Har Ghar Welspun’ isn’t just a line — it’s our goal,” said Saumil Mehta, President and Business Head – Domestic Home Textiles at Welspun Global Brands. “We’re seeing more and more Indian consumers shift from generic products to trusted, branded ones. Vidya brings warmth and authenticity to that message. She feels like family — and so should our products.”

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Pradnya Popade, who heads marketing for the domestic textiles division, echoed that sentiment. “Vidya isn’t about showy glamour — she’s about real stories, real choices. That’s exactly the tone we’re aiming for. Welspun isn’t trying to impress with flash — we want to connect through trust, practicality, and thoughtful design.”

For Vidya Balan, this isn’t just another commercial deal. “When a brand reflects your own beliefs, the association feels natural,” she said. “Welspun’s focus on quality that lasts, comfort that matters, and designs that feel personal — all of that clicked with me. I’m excited to be part of a brand that understands the pulse of Indian homes.”

With this partnership, Welspun isn’t just adding a new face to its campaigns — it’s anchoring itself more deeply in the stories, routines, and aspirations of Indian households.

Nancy Tyagi vs Neha Bhasin: The Cannes Corset Dispute That Spotlights Indian Fashion Accountability

Fashion

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June 27, 2025

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Image of Nancy Tyagi vs Neha Bhasin. — Nancy Tyagi vs Neha Bhasin: The Cannes Corset Dispute That Spotlights Indian Fashion Accountability

This Cannes, all eyes were on the chain‐corset controversy—when influencer Nancy Tyagi claimed to have designed her showpiece look, but singer Neha Bhasin—and designer Surbhi Gupta—called her out.

The drama? A social-media explosion. Nancy said it was her handmade creation; Neha revealed proof she’d worn a similar corset by The Source Bombay before—and Surbhi noted that Nancy had bought the dress for ₹25K. Meanwhile, Diet Sabya traced the original chain-corset style to The Blonds and Raakesh Agarwal.

This isn’t just gossip—it’s a masterclass in fashion ethics. It highlights the difference between curated self-expression and rebranded iterations. Questions of originality, credit, and cultural appropriation came under the spotlight—all in one Cannes moment.

The ripple? Influencers and brands are reevaluating credit-sharing, transparency, and public representation. Meanwhile, Nancy’s case reminds us: in a digital age, no look stays private. If you’re selling creativity, ownership matters.

Final Take: This isn’t a curtains-down moment—it’s fashion’s accountability act. If we want Indian fashion to be seen as credible and creative, we must also ensure it’s credit-worthy. The corset may have been the garment—but the lesson is bigger: integrity is always in style.

Natasa Stankovic’s Bombay Times Fashion Week Return Is a Mom-Style Moment with Heart

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June 27, 2025

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Image of Natasa Stankovic — Natasa Stankovic’s Bombay Times Fashion Week Return Is a Mom-Style Moment with Heart

After years away from the ramp, Natasa Stankovic made a powerful return at Bombay Times Fashion Week—and it wasn’t just her style that impressed—it was her resilience.

Walking the runway in elegant draped silhouettes infused with bold prints and luxe textures, Natasa brought runway drama—but in the sweetest twist, she was flanked by tears and cheers. Her son, Agastya, was her “tiniest cheerleader,” and Natasa admitted the moment shifted more than her shoes—it shifted her perspective.

What makes this comeback resonate? It’s a portrait of the modern Indian woman—multidimensional, career-driven, family-loving, and unapologetically stylish. Her interview taking viewers behind the scenes revealed vulnerability, strength, and a sense of reclamation.

As she revisited past choices—including her reality-show stint in Bigg Boss—Natasa said she often felt lost, unsure of her place. But on this ramp? She looked centered, radiant, and absolutely in control.

Final Take: Natasa’s FTW moment isn’t just a runway story—it’s a statement. It’s about rewriting narratives: fashion isn’t just for the early-career or single girl—it’s for moms, multifaceted women, and every person forging their own style timeline.

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