Monte Carlo Fashions Cuts Q4 Loss to ₹10.34 Cr, Closes FY25 with 35.4% Profit Jump to ₹81.17 Cr
Monte Carlo Fashions Ltd managed to reduce its net loss for the January–March quarter of FY25, reporting a shortfall of ₹10.34 crore. This marks an improvement from the ₹17.76 crore loss the company posted during the same period last year, as per its latest regulatory filing.
Revenue from operations for the quarter held steady, coming in at ₹205.93 crore—just slightly below last year’s ₹206.52 crore for the same three-month stretch.
A noticeable cut in spending helped cushion the bottom line. The company’s total expenses for the quarter dropped 4.6%, settling at ₹228.11 crore.
Zooming out to the full financial year, Monte Carlo wrapped up FY25 on a positive note. Net profit surged by 35.4% to ₹81.17 crore, compared to ₹59.94 crore the previous year. Total consolidated income also saw a bump, rising 4.23% to ₹1,135.58 crore.
Rs 90 Lakh Worth of Goods Seized: BIS Cracks Down on FirstCry Parent Brainbees in Surprise Bengaluru Raid
On May 26, 2025, officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducted an unannounced inspection at a FirstCry warehouse located in Bengaluru, according to Brainbees Solutions Limited, the company behind the brand. The surprise raid resulted in the confiscation of goods valued at around Rs 90 lakh. BIS has accused the company of violating hallmarking standards under Section 14(6) of the BIS Act, 2016 — a charge that may carry serious legal consequences.
In a statement to the stock exchanges, the Pune-based company clarified that its core operations remain unaffected by the incident. FirstCry also noted that it is consulting legal experts and maintains that the products in question comply with BIS standards. The company emphasized its commitment to regulatory compliance and responsible business practices.
This recent action by BIS reflects a broader trend: regulators are stepping up efforts to ensure products in the market meet established safety and quality standards. Notably, this isn’t the first time FirstCry has drawn scrutiny — in November 2024, it came under investigation by the GST department in Mumbai.
Coinciding with the disclosure, Brainbees also released its Q4 results for FY25. The company posted an 18% increase in revenue, reaching Rs 1,930 crore compared to the same quarter last year. However, losses also widened sharply — up 74% to Rs 75 crore.
Listed at an initial price of Rs 446, Brainbees shares were trading at Rs 355.95 as of 11:42 AM on May 27, pushing the company’s market cap to roughly Rs 18,557 crore, or about $2.18 billion.
Aadit Palicha Calls Out Competing CFO for ‘Smear Campaign,’ Reveals 65% Burn Cut and 2,000 bps EBITDA Jump
Zepto co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha has publicly called out the chief financial officer of a competing quick commerce firm, accusing him of attempting to tarnish Zepto’s image through backdoor tactics and false narratives. In a strongly worded LinkedIn post, Palicha said the executive in question has been reaching out to investors with misleading information, circulating manipulated financial data, and allegedly using bots to stir negativity on social media.
“This individual has been cold-calling our investors with baseless accusations, leaking cooked-up spreadsheets to journalists, and trying to fuel a smear campaign online,” Palicha wrote. “Frankly, this kind of behaviour is well below the standards one would expect from a CFO at a company that wants to be taken seriously. It’s clear they’re feeling the heat as Zepto’s numbers start to tell a different story.”
Palicha didn’t just fire back — he backed it up with metrics. According to his post, Zepto’s gross order value (GOV) has seen a massive jump from ₹750 crore in May 2024 to ₹2,400 crore by May 2025. Over the past five months alone, he said the company has not only cut its cash burn by 65 percent but also improved its EBITDA margin by 2,000 basis points.
Despite this push for profitability, growth hasn’t slowed. Palicha noted that between January and May 2025, the company maintained an average monthly GOV growth of 4 to 5 percent.
Looking ahead, he said most of Zepto’s dark stores are on track to become EBITDA-positive in the upcoming quarter. He also expects the company’s overall EBITDA and operating cash flow to hover just a few hundred basis points away from breakeven.
“Numbers speak louder than noise,” Palicha added — a clear message to critics and competitors alike.
Drools Becomes India’s First Pet Food Unicorn After Nestlé Deal, Exports to 22 Countries and Dominates Amazon Cat Food Charts
In a landmark moment for India’s pet care industry, Drools Pet Food Pvt. Ltd. has earned the distinction of becoming the country’s first pet food unicorn, following a minority investment by Swiss food giant Nestlé S.A., the parent company of Nestlé India. While the financial terms haven’t been shared publicly, the deal marks a significant endorsement from one of the world’s most trusted names in nutrition.
Despite the global backing, Drools says it will continue to chart its own course — with no changes to its day-to-day operations or strategic independence.
This fresh funding follows a $60 million investment in mid-2023 by L Catterton, the private equity firm linked to luxury group LVMH. That round, too, was for a minority stake, and was aimed at helping the brand scale further in a market that’s evolving fast.
Drools was started in 2010 by Fahim Sultan, who saw a gap in India’s pet food sector at a time when imported brands dominated the shelves. Over the past decade, the company has transformed into a homegrown powerhouse, offering over 650 product variants through 40,000 retail points across the country. Beyond Indian borders, Drools products are now shipped to 22 countries — and online, they’re already a dominant force in categories like cat food on platforms such as Amazon.
“This milestone belongs to every Indian pet parent who believed in us,” said Sultan. “We’ve built this brand on the back of science-based nutrition and a commitment to quality.”
Drools currently runs six manufacturing units and operates a warehouse footprint of 1.6 million square feet. The company employs 3,400 people, with nearly half of them focused entirely on sales — a reflection of its aggressive push into homes, stores, and hearts across India.
Kaivalya Vohra’s Zepto Joins Hands with Truecaller to Cut Missed Calls and OTP Hassles for Millions
Zepto, the fast-growing Mumbai-based startup famous for getting groceries to your doorstep in under 10 minutes, has announced a new partnership with Truecaller. The goal? To make communication with customers more reliable, less confusing, and ultimately smoother for everyone involved.
The collaboration will weave Truecaller’s communication tools directly into Zepto’s systems. That means when a Zepto delivery partner calls, customers will now see exactly who’s trying to reach them — complete with the company’s name, logo, and a green verification tick. This move is expected to cut down on missed calls and build more trust in the process.
Zepto is currently active in over 80 cities and offers a vast selection of around 45,000 products. As the company grows, keeping its communication clean and transparent has become more important than ever. This upgrade includes features like Video Caller ID, which allows Zepto to send a short branded video before a call, and “Call Reason,” which tells users why they’re being contacted. There’s even a “Call Me Back” feature, giving customers more control over when they want to respond.
On top of that, Zepto will now be able to run verified outreach campaigns using Truecaller’s platform — a useful tool when pushing flash sales, limited-time deals, or handling the usual festival season rush. For new users, the login process is also getting a facelift. Thanks to Truecaller’s tech, signing up for Zepto or Zepto Café will now be possible with a single tap, skipping the usual OTP maze altogether.
Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto’s co-founder, called the upgrade a key step in making every interaction more secure and efficient. “When users trust who’s calling, everything runs better — for them and for us,” he said.
Farmley on a hiring spree; backed by a fresh round of funding, the brand is now focused on attracting top talent
Aakarsh Singh, Vice President at Farmley, has announced an exciting opportunity for experienced sales professionals as the company looks to ramp up its institutional business. In a recent post, Singh revealed that Farmley is hiring for a full-time, in-office role based in Noida, focused on driving large-scale deals with corporate clients and other institutional buyers.
Farmley, widely recognized as India’s largest healthy snacking brand, has made significant inroads in the retail and direct-to-consumer space. Now, the company is turning its attention to institutional partnerships, a move that reflects a broader shift in how businesses approach wellness and employee engagement.
“Healthy snacking is no longer just a consumer-driven trend,” Singh wrote. “Corporates are also waking up to the importance of clean, nutritious options in the workplace. We’re looking for someone who gets that, and knows how to close with confidence.”
The post doesn’t hold back on expectations. Farmley is looking for a dynamic individual who can identify and crack big deals, build lasting relationships with key decision-makers, and represent the brand’s ethos with conviction. A love for healthy snacks doesn’t hurt either.
The company has clearly stated that this is an in-office role. “We love people IRL,” Singh added, signaling Farmley’s preference for in-person collaboration at its Noida headquarters.
This hire comes at a time when the demand for better-for-you snacks is rising not just among individual consumers, but within offices, hotels, gyms, and co-working spaces as well. By expanding its reach through institutional sales, Farmley aims to embed itself even deeper into everyday snacking occasions across the country.
As Farmley continues to scale, this strategic push into B2B could open new frontiers, and the right candidate may find themselves in the driver’s seat of that growth story.
Boldfit Signs Arshdeep Singh After KL Rahul’s Investment: Inside the Athlete-First Brand’s Strategy to Dominate India’s ₹5,000 Cr Fitness Market
Fitness-focused brand Boldfit has added another name to its growing lineup of sports stars—Team India’s rising pace bowler Arshdeep Singh. The young cricketer now becomes a face of the brand, joining KL Rahul, who isn’t just an ambassador but also Boldfit’s first investor and a strong influence on its athlete-driven identity.
Boldfit broke the news with a tongue-in-cheek social media campaign that quickly picked up steam. The playful post featured a lighthearted chat between Rahul and Arshdeep, transitioning into a sharp reveal of Arshdeep kitted out in Boldfit apparel. The campaign struck a nerve with young Indians who blend fitness with flair, sparking buzz across platforms.
Speaking about his association with the brand, Arshdeep said, “I go all in—whether I’m bowling at the death or working out in the gym. Boldfit matches that mindset. Their gear is built for athletes who train hard and live harder. I’m pumped to be part of this journey.”
Founder Pallav Bihani sees this as a natural next step in the brand’s growth. “Boldfit was born to represent real athletes—not just the superstars, but anyone pushing limits. KL gave us that initial momentum. Now, with Arshdeep joining, we’re ready to take things up a notch. We’re already working on athlete-driven collections with his input, tuned to what India’s fitness community truly needs.”
Started in 2018 in Bengaluru, Boldfit has grown into a brand known for designing training gear and equipment that speaks to performance, recovery, and the everyday grind of athletic life. Whether it’s gym warriors, weekend runners, or pro cricketers, Boldfit aims to be right there with them—boldly.
India’s Retail Sector Grows 4% in April 2025: RAI Highlights QSR Boom and North India’s Shopping Surge
Retail sales across India saw a modest uptick in April 2025, inching up 4% compared to the same month last year, according to the latest Retail Business Survey by the Retailers Association of India (RAI).
When broken down by region, the northern and western parts of the country outpaced others, reporting 6% and 5% growth, respectively. Meanwhile, the eastern and southern regions lagged slightly behind, each managing just a 2% increase.
“Store visits may be thinning out a bit, but those who do walk in seem more intentional with their purchases,” said Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI. “Shoppers are also showing interest in fresh product lines. Brands that bring something aspirational or unique to the table are definitely seeing stronger results.”
Looking at specific retail categories, quick service restaurants (QSRs) stood out with a healthy 11% jump. Food & grocery, along with beauty products, each posted 6% gains. Apparel wasn’t far behind with a 5% increase. Jewellery and furniture segments both saw a 4% rise, while footwear edged up by 2%. Sports goods and consumer durables had the slowest growth, each inching up just 1%.
Despite mixed signals in foot traffic and spending patterns, the mood among retailers remains cautiously optimistic. Most are holding steady, not seeing any sharp pullbacks in consumer spending for now.
Krafton Backs Indore-Based Shuru with Undisclosed Investment: Hyperlocal Social App Hits 10 Million Installs and 2 Million Monthly Users
Krafton, the South Korean gaming giant known for titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India, has made a fresh bet on the Indian tech space—this time backing a homegrown social networking startup with hyperlocal ambitions. The company, through its Indian division, has poured an undisclosed sum into Shuru, a digital platform built around local discovery and community interaction, based out of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
The funding round also saw participation from existing backers Omidyar Network India and Eximius Ventures, who appear confident in the startup’s momentum.
Shuru isn’t trying to be the next Twitter or Instagram. Instead, it’s carving out its own space by giving users real-time updates from their neighborhoods—think local news, shop listings, community classifieds, and buy-sell posts. The app is already being used by over 2 million people each month, suggesting that its hyperlocal approach is resonating with users in smaller towns and cities.
The brains behind Shuru are Mayank Bhangadia and Harsh Chhabra. Mayank, an IIT Delhi graduate, was previously behind Roposo, a short-video app that hit 100 million users before being snapped up by InMobi’s Glance. Harsh, who led product at Roposo, went on to launch GoParento, a digital space for parents to connect and share advice.
For Krafton, this investment isn’t just about money—it’s strategic. The company hopes to build deeper connections with Indian users by getting closer to what’s happening on the ground. “Local engagement is key if we want to be more relevant across India,” said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India. “Shuru’s approach to community-driven content fits perfectly with our mission of delivering experiences that feel native and meaningful to different regions.”
Sean added that the hyperlocal landscape in India is still in its early stages but is full of potential—and Shuru is well-positioned to lead the charge.
Shuru’s CEO, Mayank Bhangadia, echoed that sentiment. “We’re building something that goes beyond just social media—we’re creating digital infrastructure for neighborhoods,” he said. “With over 6.5 lakh locations already active on the platform and having crossed 10 million installs, we’re just scratching the surface. Partnering with Krafton gives us the firepower to innovate faster and serve our communities even better.”
Nihansh Bhat, who heads corporate development at Krafton India, noted that the collaboration is about more than just growth—it’s about shaping the future of local digital interaction. “By working with Shuru, we aim to strengthen user experiences, build stronger local ties, and contribute meaningfully to India’s digital evolution at the grassroots level,” he said.
Since 2021, Krafton has invested more than $200 million in Indian startups spanning gaming, entertainment, and tech. Its support also extends to nurturing game developers through initiatives like the Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI).
As India’s digital footprint continues to spread beyond metros, bets like Shuru may just prove that the next big thing isn’t global—it’s right around the corner.
Ugaoo Opens Its Biggest Bangalore Store Yet in HSR Layout: 2,000 Sq. Ft. of Urban Jungle Magic, 11th Outlet Nationwide
In a leafy corner of Bangalore’s HSR Layout, a new kind of plant shop has opened its doors—one that’s not just selling greenery but building a lifestyle around it. Ugaoo, a brand that’s been quietly cultivating India’s love for urban gardening, has launched its second retail store in the city, and it’s a stunner.
Spread across 2,000 square feet, this isn’t your typical nursery. It’s Ugaoo’s biggest store in Bangalore so far, and the 11th in its national footprint, which includes spaces in Mumbai and Pune. From green-covered walls and curated plant corners to open workshop zones, the new space has been designed to make visitors slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover their connection with nature.
“This isn’t just another store—it’s a space to build community,” said Siddhant Bhalinge, founder and CEO of Ugaoo. “HSR Layout feels like the right place for this. It’s full of people who care about design, wellness, and the environment. We’re excited to become part of their daily lives.”
The neighbourhood itself—known for its young professionals, eco-conscious families, and design-forward homes—mirrors Ugaoo’s audience. It’s a place where terracotta pots and fiddle-leaf figs feel just as at home as laptops and matcha lattes.
Ugaoo, founded in 2015, has deep agricultural roots. Bhalinge, a landscape architect trained in California, comes from a family that’s been in the agri-business for over a century through Namdeo Umaji Agritech, one of India’s oldest seed companies. His decision to blend that legacy with a sleek, millennial-friendly brand has struck a chord—especially in cities where balconies double as personal jungles.
Unlike many gardening brands that rely on third-party suppliers, Ugaoo keeps things in-house. Its 25-acre farm in Talegaon, Maharashtra, acts as the backbone of its supply chain, giving the brand full control over quality, freshness, and variety. That’s a big part of why their plants tend to arrive healthier, last longer, and come with thoughtful tips for care.
The brand’s growth ambitions are just as lush. Ugaoo plans to scale to 80 stores by 2030, with an emphasis on Southern India and smaller cities like Indore, Nashik, Bhopal, and Kolhapur—places where the gardening bug is just beginning to bloom.
Beyond plants, the store offers a mix of gardening tools, stylish planters, home décor items, and even expert consultations—making it part boutique, part classroom, part sanctuary.
For Bhalinge, this new opening isn’t just about increasing retail presence. “It’s about building spaces where people don’t just buy plants—they form habits, swap stories, and fall in love with the idea of living green,” he said.
With the new HSR Layout outlet, Ugaoo continues to water the seeds of a greener, more mindful urban lifestyle—one neighbourhood at a time.
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