Estailo Secures Rs 75 Lakh Seed Round from Wolfpack Labs as It Taps Into India’s Fashion-Forward Youth

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June 2, 2025

Image of estailo — Estailo Secures Rs 75 Lakh Seed Round from Wolfpack Labs as It Taps Into India’s Fashion-Forward Youth

Estailo, a rising homegrown fashion accessories brand with Korean influences, has bagged Rs 75 lakh in seed funding from venture studio Wolfpack Labs. The capital infusion comes at a time when the startup is actively expanding both online and offline, positioning itself as a go-to label for affordable, trendy accessories aimed at India’s Gen Z and young millennials.

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Founded in 2023, the Delhi-based D2C brand has quickly built momentum, now handling over 1,500 daily orders through its own platform. Its core appeal lies in offering stylish, impulse-friendly products at pocket-friendly prices—an equation that’s resonated strongly with its target audience.

The company runs with a tight-knit 70-member team, 90% of whom are women—a fact founder and CEO Sangeeta Dudeja believes has added a layer of authenticity and emotional intelligence to the brand’s aesthetic and customer experience.

Wolfpack Labs hasn’t just invested capital—they’ve rolled up their sleeves to help streamline Estailo’s backend, strengthening supply chain logistics and operational systems. Within just three months of closing the round, Estailo doubled its revenue and reported a surge in returning buyers.

“From the very beginning, we wanted to make high-style, low-cost accessories accessible to young Indian women without cutting corners on quality,” said Dudeja. “With Wolfpack’s support, we’ve gone from idea to execution faster than we imagined.”

Looking ahead, Estailo is getting ready to broaden its presence—both digitally and physically. It’s eyeing quick-commerce platforms and short-term retail formats like pop-ups to increase visibility in high-footfall zones. The brand is also experimenting with new product categories and sales formats to keep up with fast-changing tastes and digital habits of its customer base.

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With a mix of bold design, price accessibility, and strong execution, Estailo is betting big on India’s growing appetite for fashion that’s fast, fun, and fiercely expressive.

Bata India’s Q4 Operating Profit Slumps 36% to Rs 37 Crore Despite Volume Gains, Revenue Dips Marginally

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June 2, 2025

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Image of bata india. — Bata India’s Q4 Operating Profit Slumps 36% to Rs 37 Crore Despite Volume Gains, Revenue Dips Marginally

Bata India took a hit in the January–March quarter, with its operating profit falling 36% to Rs 37 crore, down from Rs 58 crore during the same period last year. The dip comes despite the company pushing for higher volumes amid a challenging demand environment.

Revenue for the quarter came in at Rs 788 crore, slightly below last year’s Rs 798 crore. In a regulatory update, the company acknowledged the slowdown but pointed to gains in volume, which it said align with its broader goal of driving growth through affordability and simplification across product lines.

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“We’ve been navigating a tough market, but our focus on offering value and streamlining our portfolio has helped us grow volumes,” said Gunjan Shah, Managing Director and CEO of Bata India.

Bata’s board has proposed a final dividend of Rs 9 per share. This comes on top of the Rs 10 interim dividend distributed in September 2024, bringing the total payout for the year to Rs 244 crore.

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Shares of the footwear brand closed marginally lower on Wednesday, slipping 0.29% to Rs 1,275.60 on the BSE.

Nykaa’s Parent Company Doubles Profit in Q4, Closes FY25 with Strong Growth in Beauty and Premium Segments

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May 31, 2025

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Image of nykaa — Nykaa’s Parent Company Doubles Profit in Q4, Closes FY25 with Strong Growth in Beauty and Premium Segments

FSN E-Commerce Ventures, the company behind Nykaa, wrapped up the financial year with a major boost in both quarterly and annual performance, thanks to rising demand in its core beauty business and a stronger focus on higher-margin, in-house and premium offerings.

For the quarter ending March 2025, the Mumbai-based company saw net profit jump 110% year-on-year to Rs 19 crore. Revenue from operations also climbed 24% to Rs 2,062 crore. Over the full fiscal year, net profit rose 81% to Rs 72 crore, while total revenue touched Rs 7,950 crore, also up 24% compared to the previous year.

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Nykaa’s profitability saw a healthy lift on the operating side as well. Quarterly EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) was up 43% to Rs 133 crore, improving margins from 5.6% to 6.5%. For the year, EBITDA rose 37% to Rs 474 crore, with annual EBITDA margins also ticking up to 6.0%.

The company’s gross merchandise value (GMV)—a key metric for online retailers—grew 27% in Q4 to Rs 4,102 crore, while full-year GMV reached Rs 15,600 crore, up 25% year-on-year.

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Nykaa’s performance signals a strong return to form, driven by sharp execution in its beauty vertical, growing consumer preference for premium and exclusive labels, and a tighter grip on operational efficiency.

Neeraj Chopra Teams Up with Audi India, Merging Athletic Grit with Automotive Glamour

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May 31, 2025

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Image of audi. — Neeraj Chopra Teams Up with Audi India, Merging Athletic Grit with Automotive Glamour

Olympic champion and javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra has joined Audi India as its newest brand face, bringing together one of the country’s most celebrated athletes and one of the world’s most recognized luxury car makers.

This isn’t just another celebrity-brand handshake—it’s a bold alignment of two forces that thrive on pushing limits. Whether it’s Neeraj’s record-shattering throws or Audi’s engineering feats, both operate with one thing in common: precision under pressure.

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After capturing the nation’s heart with his gold-winning performance at the Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj has become a symbol of focus, ambition, and power. These are the same qualities Audi wants to highlight in its journey across India’s premium car market.

“Neeraj represents more than just medals—he reflects a mindset, the kind that doesn’t settle,” said an Audi India representative. “That drive and sharp focus are exactly what makes this association exciting.”

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With this partnership, Audi isn’t just attaching its logo to a popular face—it’s betting on a story that resonates with millions of Indians: the rise of homegrown excellence on a global stage, with horsepower to match.

Pankaj Tripathi Joins Hyundai India as Brand Ambassador, Bringing Star Power with a Heartland Touch

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May 31, 2025

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Image of hyundai — Pankaj Tripathi Joins Hyundai India as Brand Ambassador, Bringing Star Power with a Heartland Touch

Hyundai Motor India has signed up actor Pankaj Tripathi as its newest brand ambassador, adding a distinctly relatable and rooted voice to its brand image. Known for playing characters that feel deeply real, Tripathi’s style and persona strike a chord with everyday Indians—making him a fitting face for Hyundai’s next chapter.

This move signals Hyundai’s intent to deepen its bond with consumers not just through cars, but through culture and storytelling. With a reputation built on reliability and innovation, the automaker is now betting on a more personal, emotionally resonant approach to connect with its audience across regions.

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“Pankaj Tripathi isn’t just a brilliant actor—he represents honesty, humility, and the kind of grounded appeal that mirrors what we stand for,” said a senior Hyundai executive. “We believe his presence will help us speak more meaningfully to the millions of Indians who see a part of themselves in him.”

Tripathi now joins Hyundai’s growing list of celebrated ambassadors—each chosen for the unique audience they engage with—as the brand looks to strike a balance between mass appeal and meaningful messaging.

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This partnership is more than a celebrity endorsement—it’s a step toward making the brand feel even more familiar to Indian families, big cities and small towns alike.

Coca-Cola Sees Strong Consumer Demand in India, Looks to Curb Seasonal Dependence with Year-Round Strategies

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May 31, 2025

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Image of coca-cola. — Coca-Cola Sees Strong Consumer Demand in India, Looks to Curb Seasonal Dependence with Year-Round Strategies

Despite unpredictable summer rains across parts of India, Coca-Cola says demand for its beverages remains steady and shows no signs of slowing. The company is now working on a broader strategy to push consumption beyond the traditional summer peak, aiming to build more year-round relevance for its drinks.

“India continues to be a high-growth market for us. Even with seasonal challenges, consumer interest holds firm,” said Henrique Braun, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Coca-Cola. Speaking about the brand’s long-term plans, Braun emphasized the need to reduce the heavy reliance on peak summer months by creating new consumption moments throughout the year.

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“Globally, summer drives a large chunk of beverage sales—but that doesn’t mean we should wait around for the heat,” Braun said. “We’re focused on building events and habits that encourage people to enjoy our products no matter the season. It won’t happen overnight, but the trend is clear when you zoom out: Indian demand is strong, and it’s growing.”

India ranks as Coca-Cola’s fifth-largest market by volume worldwide, and the company is investing accordingly—not just in products, but also in digital infrastructure. One key initiative is Coke Buddy, the company’s tech platform for local kirana stores. Currently, over 1 million retailers in India have adopted Coke Buddy, helping them streamline bulk ordering, track deliveries, and receive personalized suggestions.

“We’ve learned a lot from the Indian market, especially in how digital tools can drive adoption and convenience at the grassroots level,” Braun noted.

On the product side, Coca-Cola India is leaning into shifting health trends by expanding its portfolio of low- and zero-sugar drinks. The company recently launched Thums Up XForce, a no-sugar version of the popular Indian cola. Other options like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Sprite Zero also cater to health-conscious consumers. Smaller packaging formats, such as the Affordable Small Sparkling Package (ASSP), are being pushed to encourage portion control while maintaining price accessibility.

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“As consumer preferences evolve and regulations tighten, we’re adapting quickly,” Braun added. “From reformulating beverages to offering more transparency, the focus is on giving people choices without compromising on taste or accessibility.”

For Coca-Cola, the long game in India isn’t just about selling more drinks in the heat—it’s about making those drinks a part of daily life, rain or shine.

Madame Opens Second Store in Raipur’s Pandri, Eyes Aggressive Tier-2 Expansion Across India in 2025

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May 31, 2025

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Image of madame. — Madame Opens Second Store in Raipur’s Pandri, Eyes Aggressive Tier-2 Expansion Across India in 2025

Women’s fashion label Madame is doubling down on its presence in Chhattisgarh with the launch of a new outlet on Main Road, Pandri—right in the bustling heart of Raipur. This marks the brand’s second store in the state, following its earlier debut at Magneto Mall.

The company isn’t stopping there. With an aggressive retail rollout lined up for 2025, Madame is gearing up to plant its flag in more tier-2 and tier-3 cities, especially across Central India.

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“Chhattisgarh has proven to be a high-energy market with a real appetite for fashion-forward pieces,” said Akhil Jain, Managing Director and CEO of Madame. “We’ve seen tremendous traction in our existing stores, and that’s pushed us to speed up our plans. People here aren’t just shopping—they’re choosing style, and they’re choosing quality.”

Founded in 1993 under the banner of Jain Amar Clothing Pvt. Ltd., Madame has carved out a niche for itself as a go-to destination for chic western wear for young women. The brand offers a wide range of seasonal collections, from everyday essentials to occasion-ready outfits, all tailored for the style-savvy Indian shopper.

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With growing interest from fashion-conscious consumers outside the metros, Madame’s latest move shows that the brand is thinking well beyond the big cities—and tapping into India’s rapidly evolving fashion map.

Grammarly Secures $1 Billion from General Catalyst as CEO Shishir Mehrotra Charts Bold AI Productivity Push

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May 31, 2025

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Image of grammarly. — Grammarly Secures $1 Billion from General Catalyst as CEO Shishir Mehrotra Charts Bold AI Productivity Push

Grammarly, now helmed by Shishir Mehrotra and rooted in Indian heritage, has secured a hefty $1 billion in funding—without giving up any equity. The investment comes from long-time backer General Catalyst and represents one of the biggest cash injections into the AI-powered productivity space this year.

This raise follows Grammarly’s recent acquisition of Coda, the collaborative doc platform, signaling a clear push beyond grammar checks and writing suggestions. The company is now eyeing a broader play in workplace tools and enterprise workflows. This particular funding came through General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund, which zeroes in on expanding real-world market reach.

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Grammarly plans to use the new capital to strengthen its marketing efforts, scale up sales, and explore new acquisitions. Already boasting more than 40 million daily users and generating north of $700 million a year in revenue, Grammarly is steadily transforming into a multi-layered AI platform that stretches across apps, digital assistants, and enterprise systems.

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Mehrotra noted that bringing Coda into the fold has reshaped Grammarly’s identity—from a writing sidekick to an all-in-one productivity platform built for the modern workspace.

Gold Jewellery Sales to Shrink in FY26 as Prices Soar, But Investment Demand Stays Strong

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May 30, 2025

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Image of gold jewellery — Gold Jewellery Sales to Shrink in FY26 as Prices Soar, But Investment Demand Stays Strong

India’s love affair with gold isn’t ending anytime soon—but rising prices are definitely changing how people buy it. A new report by ICRA predicts that gold jewellery consumption by volume could drop 9-10% in FY26, thanks largely to a massive 33% spike in gold prices over the past year.

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While people may cut back on buying jewellery, they’re turning to gold as a financial safety net. Demand for gold bars and coins—often seen as safer investment options—jumped 17% and 25% in FY24 and FY25, as global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions made investors nervous. That trend isn’t going away, either. ICRA expects bars and coins to make up around 35% of total gold demand in FY26, with demand rising another 10%.

Interestingly, even though people are expected to buy less jewellery by weight, the total value of jewellery sales is still projected to grow—by 12-14% in FY26. That’s on top of the 28% value jump in FY25, which was driven almost entirely by the surge in gold prices.

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Jitin Makkar, Senior VP and Group Head at ICRA, explained that larger, organised jewellery retailers are still expected to do well. Their revenues could climb 14-16% year-on-year, helped by expanding store networks, climbing gold prices, and a continued shift of market share away from smaller, unorganised players. A favorable calendar with more auspicious days for weddings and festivals will also help prop up demand.

KhiladiPro Raises $1M to Revolutionize Grassroots Sports Scouting in India

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May 30, 2025

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Image-of-khiladiPro — KhiladiPro Raises $1M to Revolutionize Grassroots Sports Scouting in India

Bengaluru-based sportstech startup KhiladiPro has secured $1 million in pre-seed funding, marking a major step forward in its mission to overhaul how young talent is identified and nurtured in Indian sports.

The investment round saw participation from Shastra VC and MGA Ventures, who co-led the funding, along with a mix of notable family offices and individual investors. Among them were M Pallonji, Jeena & Co., Ayaz Billawala, Nimesh Kampani, and Jaimin Bhat—lending a strong vote of confidence in the startup’s vision.

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Founded in August 2023 by Utkarsh Yadav, KhiladiPro is attempting something few others in India are doing: blending cutting-edge video-based AI analysis with globally recognized training models to assess young athletes through nothing more than a smartphone.

The fresh capital will go toward scaling the company’s reach across India and fine-tuning its in-house AI technology. The startup’s flagship tools, like the KPro Sports Ability Test (SAT) and the Khiladi Ability Index (KAI), are designed to give clear, structured insights into a child’s athletic capabilities—something that’s often missing in India’s chaotic grassroots sports scene.

The assessments are rooted in international methodologies like Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) and the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model, which are used by sports academies and Olympic training programs worldwide. KhiladiPro brings that level of rigor to schools, academies, and families across India, with nothing more than a mobile phone and a video recording.

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For a country where sporting potential often gets lost in the noise, KhiladiPro is trying to turn raw talent into measurable progress—and investors are clearly paying attention.

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