Welcome to today’s funding news roundup! Here is the latest funding news from India for 28 May 2025. Companies across sectors such as spacetech, AI, fashion, finance, and agritech have recently raised capital to support their growth and expansion plans. Read on for a detailed overview of today’s key funding announcements.
💰 Indian Funding News Roundup: 28 May 2025
Orbitt Space Raises $1 Million in Pre-Seed Funding
Orbitt Space, an emerging player in the Indian spacetech ecosystem, has secured $1 million in a pre-seed funding round. The round was led by IIMA Ventures, marking a significant boost to the company’s ambitions in satellite technology and space exploration.
SenseAI Leads $1.2 Million Seed Round for AI Startup Contineu
Contineu, an AI startup focused on advancing machine learning solutions, has raised $1.2 million in seed funding with SenseAI as the lead investor. This capital will help accelerate product development and market expansion.
Myntra Bags $125 Million from Singapore-Based Parent
Leading Indian fashion e-commerce platform Myntra has received a $125 million capital infusion from its Singapore-based parent company. This fresh capital is expected to support Myntra’s growth initiatives and strengthen its position in the competitive online retail market.
Brookfield Infrastructure to Redeem Series 1 Preferred Units
Brookfield Asset Management has announced plans to redeem its Series 1 preferred units, marking a strategic move in its financial structuring. The redemption will impact its preferred equity holdings and financial positioning.
Dry Fruit Brand Bolas Seeks INR 900 Crore Investment
Bolas, a prominent dry fruit brand in India, is seeking INR 900 crore to scale operations and expand its product portfolio. This move highlights growing investor interest in the food and FMCG sectors.
Simply Nam Secures Funding from Bhaane Group to Expand in India’s Beauty Market
Simply Nam, a beauty brand focused on natural products, has secured funding from the Bhaane Group. This investment will facilitate its expansion across India’s rapidly growing beauty and personal care market.
Pallet Secures $27 Million in Series B for AI Supply Chain Tech
AI-driven supply chain technology provider Pallet has raised $27 million in a Series B funding round. The funds will support development of advanced AI solutions to optimise supply chain operations globally.
Saarathi Finance Raises INR 475 Crore to Boost Credit Access for Micro & Nano Businesses
Saarathi Finance has raised INR 475 crore to enhance credit accessibility for micro and nano enterprises. The capital injection aims to empower small businesses and promote financial inclusion.
GyanDhan Secures Nearly $6 Million in Funding
Edtech platform GyanDhan has raised close to $6 million to expand its suite of financial products and services for students seeking education loans and scholarships. This funding will be pivotal for scaling its operations.
GROWiT Raises $3 Million in Series A for Agritech Expansion
Agritech startup GROWiT has closed a $3 million Series A funding round to support its expansion in agricultural technology. The fresh capital will help innovate and enhance farming solutions for Indian farmers.
In Conclusion, India’s Funding Momentum Continues to Rise
India’s funding scene is buzzing with new investments across different sectors like spacetech, AI, fashion, finance, and agriculture. Both startups and bigger companies are raising money to grow and improve their services. These funding rounds show that investors are excited about the future of Indian businesses. We’ll keep you updated with the latest funding news.
The Bear House, a contemporary men’s apparel and accessories brand specialising in smart casuals, has announced its first global presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market.
Touted as the launchpad for the brand’s deeper international growth, the latest move targets an expansive physical retail and omnichannel presence in the region. The Middle East, with its high demand for premium men’s fashion and strong e-commerce infrastructure, offers a natural fit for The Bear House’s smart casual positioning.
The Bear House’s range of comfort-led silhouettes, timeless styles with regional adaptability, and hybrid wardrobe essentials are available on local GCC platforms like Noon, Namshi, and Amazon. These platforms were strategically chosen for their established trust, high traffic, and logistical maturity in the region, offering the fastest way for The Bear House to connect with a relevant, fashion-forward audience.
Speaking on the launch, Harsh Somaiya, Co-Founder of The Bear House, said, “This is our first major step towards becoming a global Indian brand. The Bear House fills in the ‘affordable luxury’ gap for the GCC consumer, who currently has only two choices — high-end luxury brands and value brands. The UAE, being the fashion and e-commerce hub of the GCC, offers a brand like ours developed infrastructure, a ready consumer base, and market accessibility, making it an ideal gateway for expansion into the wider Middle Eastern market and a natural extension of our current business in India. Smart casuals are becoming a staple for professionals in the GCC, aligning closely with our core offering.”
The Bear House has been on an expansion drive in India over the past couple of years, successfully foraying into physical retail with stores in Bangalore and Hyderabad, growing from an online-only presence. Earlier this year, The Bear House also garnered national attention by appearing on Shark Tank India Season 4 and securing an INR 3 crore investment from Shark Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals. It significantly accelerated its brand visibility and momentum for growth.
About The Bear House
The Bear House is a contemporary men’s apparel and accessories brand redefining smart casuals with elevated essentials since 2017. Founded by Tanvi and Harsh Somaiya, the brand curates a range of shirts, t-shirts, denims, polos, blazers, accessories, and footwear, crafted for men who go everywhere and do everything.
Rooted in European style and minimalist aesthetics, The Bear House blends sophistication with comfort, creating uncluttered, effortless, and always relevant fashion. With a philosophy of elevated core, it champions timeless essentials over fleeting trends, forming a community of modern, style-conscious men.
Featured on Shark Tank India, The Bear House is scaling rapidly, aiming to surpass INR 250 crore in net revenue with 80%+ YoY growth. The Bear House also recently raised INR 50 crore in a Series A funding round led by JM Financial India Growth Fund III, further accelerating its expansion and market leadership. Leading Myntra’s shirt category, its collections are available on its website, app, Tata Cliq, Nykaa, Amazon, Zepto, and in four retail stores, including two with Broadway, across Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
This article has been contributed byRajesh TR, Indirect Tax Expert, InCorp Advisory.
Getting GST compliance right isn’t just about following the rules, it’s about protecting your business from penalties, audits, and unwanted financial pressure. And right at the centre of it all is invoicing. Every invoice you issue feeds into your GST returns, income tax records, and overall financial statements. When your invoicing process is accurate, your compliance stays solid. But even small missteps can throw things off and lead to serious trouble.
With figures from GSTR-3B now visible in the Income Tax department’s Annual Information Statement (AIS), errors that once seemed minor can now lead to notices and audits. Below are some common invoicing mistakes businesses often make, and why it’s important to avoid them.
Typos Contributing to the Inflation of Turnover
Any single error in typing may disturb the whole tax balance. For example, if the liability for INR 1,00,000 is keyed in as INR 10,00,000, then it is intensified by ten times. This huge figure makes its way into your entries in the GST returns and very often into the Annual Information Statement (AIS) as well, thereby crossing one of the thresholds that warrant an audit under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act.
These mistakes are often overlooked, especially when invoices are prepared manually or in a hurry. If there is no system of checks put in place, these easily go unnoticed.
Not Reporting Credit Notes
If you forget to include your credit note in GSTR-1, your turnover will be overstated. For example, suppose you invoice your client for INR 5,00,000 and later issue a credit note for INR 1,00,000: you ought to disclose that in your returns. On the other hand, if you do not, the reported sales will continue to appear as INR 5,00,000 while it should be INR 4,00,000.
This can confuse your books, affect your client’s Input Tax Credit (ITC), and even damage your professional relationships. Not reporting a credit note could seem small to start with, but it can carry significant weight during actual scrutiny.
Double-entry for an invoice
Duplicate entries can easily find their way in, particularly in B2C sales. For instance, an invoice amounting to INR 50,000 could be entered in both February and March, thus inflating the turnover and leaving the books unmatched with the returns. Even if the GST system does not spot such an error, it can be noticed during an assessment. Most of these errors generally arise because of versioning or disconnected accounting systems. A defined record-keeping policy and consistent data-entry procedures can help avoid such slips.
Mismatched Figures Between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B
If GSTR-1 shows sales of INR 1,00,000 and GSTR-3B shows sales of INR 80,000, the difference shown in AIS may invite queries and could lead to penalties.
This discrepancy may arise from a simple oversight or from post-invoice edits that are not reflected in both returns or when an error has been overlooked.
According to GST rules, tax has to be paid on advances received for services. Suppose you receive INR 1,00,000 as an advance but do not adjust it against a final bill of INR 1,20,000; then, your turnover is considered inflated.
Often, smaller businesses overlook this step either due to a lack of awareness or resources. But to miss out on adjusting advances means extra payment of tax upfront, which is very difficult to reconcile with at the time of annual filings.
Reporting in the Incorrect Tax Period
The revenue for sales made in March gets shifted to the next financial year if it is recorded under April. This gives rise to discrepancies between your books and tax filings, and questions from the tax department in most cases.
The difference lies not in whether the income is reported, but in when it is reported. GST returns are filed every month, whereas income tax returns are filed annually. Such mismatches of timing raise unnecessary red flags.
Service Rendered, Invoicing Late
By GST regulations, invoicing of services has to be completed within 30 days from the date of delivery of the service. Where a service is provided in January, and the invoice is issued in March, the GST return for January ends up under-reporting income.
Incomplete Invoice Information
Your invoice may become invalid if you omit information such as dates, GSTINs, and invoice numbers or use the wrong tax rates. In the instance of e-invoicing, the missing IRN (Invoice Reference Number) alone rectifies the invoice as non-compliant, barring the buyers from claiming ITC, leading to various disputes.
Why is it Hard to Match GSTR-3B with AIS?
Since the GSTR-3B turnover feeds into AIS, it’s become more important than ever to keep both records in sync. Some of the mismatches happen because of:
Inter-State Branch Transfers: These are taxable under GST but not considered revenue in accounting books.
Interest Income: Included in GST turnover but often recorded separately in financial statements.
Credit Notes After Sale: This may reduce the value of books, but not always in GST filings.
Year-End Adjustments: These appear in GSTR-9, not monthly GSTR-3B returns.
Without collaboration between your finance, accounting, and tax teams, these gaps can become difficult to close.
How to Avoid These Errors:
Maintaining compliance doesn’t have to be difficult if you establish good habits. Here are a few trustworthy steps:
Learn Smart Invoicing Tools: Software that auto-fills the GST fields reduces errors.
Reconcile Often: Every month, reconcile your GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and internal accounts. Automated tools can ease this process.
Maintain Record Backups: Carry digital copies of the documents.
Check Against AIS: Periodically compare GST returns with AIS to identify differences and address them.
To be informed of changes that can impact your procedures, it’s also beneficial to keep a filing calendar, set deadline notifications, and follow GST Council updates.
Conclusion
Errors in billing result not only in extra tax payments from you but also in wasting your time, resources, and peace of mind. Because mismatches are detected promptly by systems like AIS, there is less margin for mistakes.
Right invoicing is no longer an option as it forms the base of clean compliance, timely filings, and smooth operations. Looking at invoicing as part of your compliance circuitry rather than mere admin tasks will help you build a robust and credible operation.
A group has apparently been established by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to develop the national framework for global capacity centres (GCCs).
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), GCC consulting firms Zinnov Consulting and ANSR, accounting giant KPMG, and the national investment promotion and facilitation agency Invest India make up the newly established committee, according to a media report that cited people with knowledge of the situation.
In order to centralise and deliver its business services and technology for worldwide operations, a multinational corporation established a GCC in-house subsidiary in a particular place. Notably, a national framework would be established to direct states in promoting GCCs in tier II cities, according to the Union Budget 2025–2026.
The Centre stated at the time that this framework would recommend actions such as infrastructure, talent availability, bylaw amendments, and possible industry cooperation.
Madhya Pradesh Showing Keen Interest to Lead Digital and Technological Sector
Madhya Pradesh also unveiled a specific GCC policy earlier this year in an effort to establish itself as a centre for technology and the digital world.
At the time, the state claimed that the goal of this strategy was to draw in investments in fields including business process outsourcing (BPO), engineering, finance, and information technology.
In order to oversee the implementation of this strategy, the Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (MPSeDC) was selected as the nodal agency. In addition, Bengal intends to implement GCC and semiconductor regulations to entice investment in the GCC, drones, and semiconductor industries.
GCC Market Sprawling its Nexus in India
India is currently experiencing a revolution in technology. A number of AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and blockchain technologies have emerged and been adopted throughout the last ten years.
According to a Zinnov analysis, over 86% of Indian GCC countries used AI and ML at scale for hyperpersonalisation, process automation, and predictive analytics in FY24. In addition, 82% of the centres now use cloud computing as their core infrastructure. In addition to serving the IT and BFSI sectors, the GCC market in India is at the forefront of innovation in fintech, agritech, healthcare, and logistics.
The result of all of this is the development of ability and skills. More than 1.9 million professionals were employed in the Indian GCC in 2024, according to many media estimates.
The government estimates that by 2030, the GCC market in India will be worth $105 billion. Around 2,400 GCC countries are expected to employ over 2.8 million people by that time, securing India’s position as a major global centre for innovation and business operations.
India’s love for coffee is growing stronger than ever! Once seen as a niche beverage, coffee has become a lifestyle choice for millions of Indians. With a booming middle class and a growing appetite for global trends, this is the perfect time to tap into this lucrative market.
Whether you dream of a cozy, bohemian café that feels like home or a vibrant, Instagram-worthy coffee shop, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we walk you through the step-by-step process of starting a coffee shop business in India, from understanding the market and planning your concept to managing finances and crafting a memorable brand.
Understanding the Indian Coffee Market
India’s coffee market has seen a massive rise over the past two decades, expanding at a robust 10-15% annually. The Indian coffee industry is projected to reach up to $3.2 billion by 2028. This surge is fueled by rising global exposure, shifting lifestyles, and India’s strong coffee cultivation roots. With a growing base of coffee enthusiasts, the demand for trendy and cozy coffee shops has skyrocketed.
The road to success is not an easy one. Your coffee shop’s profitability will hinge on factors like location, competition, product quality, pricing, and a solid marketing strategy. The Indian coffee shop business offers a highly promising avenue for aspiring entrepreneurs.
How to Start a Coffee Shop in India: Essential Steps for Beginners
How to Start a Coffee Shop in India: Essential Steps for Beginners
Here are the key steps you need to follow to start a coffee shop business in India. These will help you plan better, avoid common mistakes, and build a strong foundation for your cafe business:
Building a Coffee Shop Business Plan in India
Before thinking about your cafe’s design or menu, it’s important to make a clear coffee shop business plan in India. This plan will help you decide what kind of cafe you want, who your customers are, what you’ll sell, and how much everything will cost. A strong plan gives you direction and helps avoid mistakes later.
Think about whether you want your cafe to be a quiet place for students or a lively hangout for friends. This will guide your menu, prices, and marketing. Also, include your cafe’s layout in the plan. This helps you use the space well and makes customers feel comfortable.
Planning Your Cafe’s Ambience and Menu
Before diving into logistics, prepare a strong concept that shapes your café’s menu, design, and brand. Think about the atmosphere you want to offer: a cozy reading nook and a vibrant social hub. Next, identify your target audience: are you catering to students, professionals, or families, because each segment has unique tastes, price expectations, and preferences.
Tip: Visit popular cafés in your city and observe their crowd, menu, and pricing. Note what works and think about how you can stand out.
Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Coffee Shop
This step is as crucial as your concept and budget; it needs to be factored in early. If you’re venturing into an unfamiliar city, then study customer behaviour, popular hangouts, and existing coffee trends.
Location demographics – Who lives, works, or passes by?
Competition – Are there too many similar cafés nearby?
Accessibility – Is it easy for people to reach?
Visibility – Can your shop catch the eye of passersby?
Traffic flow – Are there enough people moving through the area?
Budget – Can you afford rent, utilities, and other costs here?
Set a Budget for Your Coffee Shop
The cost to open a coffee shop in India depends on several factors like location, size, and menu offerings. Starting a café in India typically costs between INR 5–10 lakhs, though costs can rise to INR 25 lakhs for larger setups. If you are considering a coffee shop franchise, entry-level investments can start from INR 3 lakhs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key expenses to budget for:
Rent
Equipment and inventory
Furniture and decor
Staff salaries
Marketing and advertising
Create a Functional Floor Plan
Your café’s layout is key to attracting and retaining customers. Whether you’re designing cozy corners for solo visitors or larger tables for groups, it is important to optimize space to ensure customer flow without overcrowding.
Apply For Permits and Licenses
Before launching your cafe or thinking of serving your first customer, make sure you have secured all the necessary permits and licenses for opening a cafe in India. These include health and safety clearances, FSSAI registration, shop and establishment licenses, GST registration, and fire safety approvals.
These essentials can cost around INR 8.5 lakhs. No wonder many opt for franchises—they provide everything from setup to support at a lower upfront cost.
Other essentials include:
Quality coffee beans and teas
Cups, containers, straws, napkins
Food and beverages
POS systems and billing software
Hire the Right Team for Smooth Café Operations
Your café’s success hinges on the team behind the counter. Friendly and skilled staff not only keep operations running but also create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
For a medium-sized café, you will typically need 5–6 employees, while larger setups may require 8–12 staff. Essential roles include:
Manager
Baristas
Cashier
Accountant
Baker
Start recruiting early to find reliable talent who aligns with your café’s culture and service standards.
Choose the Right Coffee Supplier
Are you looking for suppliers with a solid reputation, transparent sourcing practices, and reliable delivery timelines? Building a good relationship with your supplier ensures consistent quality and supply, which is necessary for customer satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to sample different beans before finalizing a supplier.
Promote Your Coffee Shop
The key to making your coffee known is marketing. As a newcomer, you need both online and offline strategies to reach your audience and build buzz.
Here are some quick tips:
Build a website and post regular blogs to boost online visibility.
Share new offers and discounts on social media platforms.
Try promotions like “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” to attract first-time customers.
Create a unique brand voice and stay consistent.
Engage actively with customers, online and offline, to build loyalty.
Coffee Shop Startup Costs – A Detailed Breakdown
Launching a coffee shop requires careful financial planning. Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses:
Expense Category
Estimated Cost (INR)
Coffee Machine & Equipment
INR 2,00,000 – INR 5,00,000
Interior Setup & Decor
INR 3,00,000 – INR 10,00,000
Licenses & Permits
INR 50,000 – INR 1,50,000
Raw Materials (Initial Stock)
INR 1,50,000 – INR 3,00,000/month
Marketing & Branding
INR 1,00,000 – INR 3,00,000
Staff Salaries
INR 1,50,000 – INR 3,00,000/month
5 Tips for Opening a Café on a Low Budget
Budget Friendly Tips To Open a Coffee Shop
Here are practical, budget-friendly tips to launch your dream coffee shop with limited investment:
Focus on Essentials: Start with the basics, invest in a quality espresso machine, and simple yet cozy seating, and consider second-hand or leased equipment to cut costs.
Smart Inventory Management: Plan your menu to minimize waste and improve storage and portion control. This boosts profits and cuts unnecessary expenses.
Negotiate a Favourable Lease: Look for spots with flexible, affordable lease terms. Consider shared spaces or temporary pop-ups to keep rent manageable.
Use Low-Cost Marketing: Focus on digital channels like social media, your website, and local community engagement to build awareness without overspending. Consider online ordering to expand reach.
Efficient Staffing and Training: Optimize your schedule and train staff well to maximize productivity, reducing the need for excessive hiring.
Conclusion
Opening a coffee shop in India can be rewarding business, but it requires a solid plan and readiness to overcome challenges. Startup costs will vary based on factors like location, space, and equipment. With the café industry in India growing rapidly, this is a golden opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. You can set your coffee shop up for lasting success by following the steps we have covered in this article.
How much does it cost to open a coffee shop in India?
The average cost to open a coffee shop in India ranges from INR 5–25 lakhs, depending on factors like location, size, menu, and design. Budget setups can begin around INR 5 lakhs.
What licenses are required to start a coffee shop in India?
You need several licenses, including FSSAI registration, GST registration, Shop & Establishment Act license, Fire safety clearance, and a local municipal health license.
Is opening a coffee shop in India profitable?
Yes, with the rising café culture, a well-located and managed coffee shop can be profitable. Profitability depends on location, menu pricing, branding, and operational efficiency.
The hospitality giant OYO has apparently resumed talks for its public offering amidst the persistent rumours surrounding its IPO. The company plans to submit its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) to SEBI between August and September of this year.
According to a news agency citing sources, the firm has had preliminary talks with several investment banks, who have stated that OYO may fetch between $6 billion and $7 billion when it goes public.
The firm plans to make its market debut by the March quarter (Q4) of fiscal year 2025–2026 (FY26). Notably, after abandoning plans to go public in 2022 and 2024, this would be OYO’s third try.
A key meeting between OYO’s board and officials of SoftBank, which owns more than 30% of the business, is planned for London next month.
SoftBank Pushing OYO’s IPO Plans
SoftBank reportedly suggested that OYO postpone its IPO aspirations for several months, according to reports that surfaced weeks ago.
According to another media outlet, OYO had previously stated that it aimed to list by October of this year, but after SoftBank’s intervention, the business moved the deadline to March 2026.
As per earlier reports, CEO Ritesh Agarwal was under pressure from creditors to speed up the IPO process.
To put things in perspective, Agarwal increased his ownership of OYO in 2019 by taking out a $2.2 billion loan that was personally guaranteed by Masayoshi Son of SoftBank. One instalment of $383 million was due in December 2025 as part of the restructured debt.
OYO Ringing the Profit Bells
In FY25, OYO declared a profit of INR 623 crore. Strong growth in its portfolio of premium hotels and international development drove a 172% increase in profit after tax and a 20% increase in revenue to INR 6,463 crore compared to the previous year.
Additionally, OYO recently settled a significant legal challenge, coinciding with the relaunched IPO attempt. The Delhi High Court decided in favour of OYO in its protracted dispute with ZO Rooms’ parent business, Zostel Hospitality, in May 2025.
Because there was no legally binding acquisition agreement between the two corporations, the court overturned an earlier arbitral ruling.
It came to the conclusion that during the unsuccessful deal negotiations that began in 2015, OYO had not violated any contractual duties.
OYO’s Previous IPO Attempt
Oyo filed and refiled its draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in 2021 in an attempt to collect INR 8,430 crore through an IPO.
This is the reason for the ongoing effort for an IPO. In May 2024, the business eventually retracted such documents.
Oyo has recently strengthened its position in important markets like India, the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia while streamlining its international operations.
According to sources, the company’s enhanced operational effectiveness and financial indicators have boosted investor confidence, which is why it is making a second bid to go public.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given PayPal Payments Pvt Ltd (PayPal), the Indian division of PayPal Holdings Inc., in-principle permission to function as a Payment AggregatorCrossBorderExports (PA-CB-E).
According to a statement from the company, this is a significant turning point in PayPal’s activities in India and its ongoing assistance for Indian small businesses, allowing safe cross-border payments to about 200 markets.
India’s Exports Reached USD 73.8 Billion
The decision coincides with India’s exports hitting USD 73.8 billion in April 2025, highlighting the growing strength of international trade.
The RBI’s in-principle PA-CB-E approval is a major milestone for PayPal, according to Nath Parameshwaran, Senior Director of Government Relations at PayPal India. It demonstrates the robustness of India’s regulatory framework and the advancements made in the direction of safe, simple cross-border transactions.
He added further that the PayPal is still dedicated to providing Indian companies with reliable digital payment solutions as the country develops into a major exporting hub.
PayPal is working to make international selling easier for Indian small businesses with a growing range of locally tailored products, including PayPal Checkout, PayPal Invoicing, and No-Code checkout solutions.
PayPal Connect India’s Small Business with Global Commerce: Murshed
Over the past 25 years, PayPal has demonstrated its ability to innovate at each significant turning point in the business world, according to Abid Murshed, Head of Sales at PayPal India.
Murshed went on to say that the organisation has been in business in India for over ten years, providing reliable and secure payment options that allow freelancers and small enterprises to engage in international trade.
PayPal supports its clients as they grow into new trade corridors and satisfy changing global customer expectations as trade dynamics change, bringing with them both new opportunities and challenges.
PayPal said that the in-principle clearance enables it to continue providing cross-border payment services in a regulated environment, giving Indian merchants more security, consistency, and transparency in their international transactions.
According to the statement, this creates new opportunities for localised product developments, better customer experiences, and easier access to PayPal’s worldwide payment network for Indian freelancers, small businesses, and major corporations.
How PayPal Operates?
Founded in March 2000, PayPal is an American online retailer that focuses on online money transfers. By allowing users to connect their PayPal accounts to their personal bank accounts and credit cards, the company speeds up payments and transfers compared to traditional methods of money transmission.
PayPal’s main source of income is the transaction fees it charges customers and businesses on a per-transaction basis.
A number of additional activities and transaction types, such as cross-border transactions, currency conversions, expedited money transfers to clients’ bank accounts or debit cards, and cryptocurrency transactions, all generate fees for the digital payments platform.
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, Plush and Blinkit are delivering more than just pads; they’re delivering a wake-up call.
In a disruptive offline-first campaign, Plush – India’s favourite femcare brand – partners with quick commerce company, Blinkit, to turn homes into ground zero for cultural change.
Each home receives what looks like a formal legal envelope – the kind that usually spells trouble. But inside is something far more urgent: A bold call to action.
“This is your final notice to put your comfort first.”
With a Plush 100% rash-free pad.
This bold activation is part of Plush’s mission to build a #PeriodFriendlyWorld – a world where period care isn’t whispered about, hidden away, or treated like an afterthought. It’s about dignity, not discomfort. Confidence, not compromise. It’s about serving notice to silence, stigma, and shame.
The campaign also builds on Plush’s digital movement, “Volume Up. Period.” – based on a powerful insight: most menstruators instinctively lower their voices when talking about periods. Not because they want to, but because they’ve been conditioned to. This campaign aims to change that, encouraging menstruators to raise their voices and make the change.
And we are here to change that & turn the Volume up. Period.
“Periods have been tiptoed around for too long – inside homes, offices, and even marketing boardrooms,” says Prince Kapoor, Co-founder of Plush.“This campaign isn’t just about delivering pads – it’s about speaking up. To expect better. To demand comfort. To turn the Volume Up. Period. We’re proud to do it in partnership with Blinkit, who help us take this message straight into the homes where it matters most.”
Anish Shrivastava, Senior Vice President – Revenue, Blinkit, said, “This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we’re proud to collaborate with a femcare brand like Plush to support a cause that underscores the need for period care to be seen, respected, and prioritized. It’s about making room for honest conversations, and ensuring that something so fundamental is never out of reach.”
With Blinkit’s delivery network and Plush’s comfort-first innovation, this campaign sets a precedent for how brands can drive cultural change through creative collaboration and direct-to-home consumer engagement.
As part of the activation, anyone ordering feminine hygiene products on Blinkit in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai on May 27th and 28th will receive this bold ‘Public Interest Notice’ envelope, with the campaign aiming to reach over 25,000 homes, sparking meaningful conversations right at their doorstep.
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, Plush isn’t just sparking a conversation – It’s rewriting the tone of it. Because building a #PeriodFriendlyWorld means breaking down what’s been normalised for too long – and turning up the volume on what menstruators truly deserve.
And it all starts with one powerful delivery.
About Plush Pads
Plush Pads is India’s leading premium period care brand, committed to delivering rash-free, toxin-free, and ultra-comfortable sanitary products. With a focus on thoughtful innovation and sustainability, Plush Pads continues to redefine the conversation around menstrual wellness.
According to media reports, used vehicle marketplace CARS24 is currently laying off an additional 120 workers from its non-core verticals as part of a reorganisation exercise, more than a month after it let off 200 workers.
The non-core verticals of the Delhi NCR-based startup are being shut down or scaled down. According to the reports, it is doing this by closing its business-to-business automotive replacement parts platform, “Inspare”, which will cause 80 workers to lose their employment.
The firm has requested staff members from Inspare’s operations, sales, procurement, catalogue, and other teams to find new employment opportunities after informing them of its decision to shut down operations.
Vikram Chopra Announcing the Shut-Down of Inspare on LikedIn
According to a LinkedIn post by CARS24 founder Vikram Chopra, Inspare, which was in the “pilot” stage, has been shut down. He did not, however, reveal how many workers were affected by this choice. According to Chopra’s tweet, the business believed the market was prepared for change. And the more it promoted adoption, the more obvious it was that it wasn’t.
A severance payout is being offered to the affected employees in accordance with their notice period. According to a media source, 40 workers at the startup’s “FourDoor” auto repair and maintenance platform have also been let go.
Questions concerning the layoffs at FourDoor were also not answered by CARS24. According to one of the sources, the reorganisation effort entails laying off more than 120 workers from CARS24’s non-core business sectors.
Notably, Chopra stated earlier this month in another LinkedIn post that customers would not be able to access two of CARS24’s platforms: FourDoor and the on-demand driver hiring tool AutoPilot. Chopra said these services are still crucial to the brand’s main transaction engine when it made the announcement.
However, the business is reducing its customer-facing operations and strengthening its support for the remaining business units. He went on to say that CARS24 was in discussions with the workers in these verticals about giving them other positions based on their “skills and ambitions”.
Due to their difficulties turning a profit, the startup is shutting down activities in these verticals. According to one of the individuals, companies that are not making money are being shut down.
Financial Outlook of CARS24
Chopra, Ruchit Agarwal, Gajendra Jangid, and Mehul Agrawal founded CARS24, an online marketplace for used car sales and purchases, in 2015. The IPO-bound business also entered the new car industry earlier this year.
200 workers were let go by the startup last month as part of a reorganisation that started as soon as it bought the domestic auto forum Team-BHP. The Singaporean parent company of the Delhi NCR-based startup invested INR 250 Cr in CARS24 last year.
Since its founding, the company has raised over $1.3 billion from investors like SoftBank, Alpha Wave Global, and Commercial Bank of Dubai, among others. In its most recent funding round, CARS24 was valued at $3.2 billion.
According to several media reports, Unacademy co-founders Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini intend to leave their operational positions in the next two to three months.
The pair is presently in advanced talks with investors and the board to spin off Unacademy’s language learning software, Airlearn, as a distinct business. The offline business is anticipated to be taken over by Sumit Jain, the founder of Graphy, who was promoted to partner at Unacademy following the departure of co-founder Hemesh Singh last year.
The selection of a new leadership team to oversee Unacademy’s main online operations is ongoing. According to reports, Munjal formally informed the board of his intention to stand down in March of this year, having been considering doing so since last year.
Restructuring the Entire Operations Team
Munjal has remained on till now because, according to a media report, the board requested that he first lower the company’s burn. The offline business will be taken over by co-founder Sumit Jain, according to a succession plan, while Unacademy’s online activities will be run by a new leadership team.
After Hemesh Singh left his job as CTO of Unacademy and took an advising role, Jain took over as partner. He co-founded Graphy, Unacademy’s SaaS platform for educators and creators, after joining the firm in April 2020.
After Singh left, he was promoted to the board. After the Airlearn spin-off structure is established, Munjal and Saini are anticipated to depart Unacademy. The board has been presented with a plan by the co-founder that would enable him to run Airlearn on his own.
According to a person with knowledge of the discussions, “There is over 90% alignment on the matter, with some final negotiations remaining around equity and structure.” It has also been reported that Munjal has granted current Unacademy investors the opportunity to contribute to the new business after the spin-off is completed.
Airlearn Gaining Popularity
Meanwhile, Airlearn is expanding quickly and is thought to be Munjal’s next big venture. According to Munjal, who shared the company’s update on social media last month, the language-learning software, which competes with Duolingo, has 70,000 daily active users and around 3 lakh monthly users.
It also has 17,500 paying members and generates $2 million in recurring revenue annually. Spanish and French are the most often used languages, and the bulk of their users are from the US and the UK. In FY24, Unacademy’s sales dropped 7.4% to INR 839 crore, while its net losses sharply decreased by 62.4% to INR 631 crore.
According to Unacademy’s most recent report, the company’s main cash burn has decreased from over INR 1,000 crore per year three years ago to less than INR 200 crore this FY25. According to the co-founder, the company is currently in a “default alive” status with INR 1,250 crore in the bank.
He also mentioned that Graphy and PrepLadder, two of Unacademy’s enterprises, are making money each month.
Apoorva Bajj
