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  • Top 12 Mattress Brands in India for 2025

    In this fast-paced world, quality sleep is an absolute necessity for maintaining good health and overall well-being. The mattress industry in India has witnessed remarkable advancements, with innovative technologies and materials transforming the way we rest and rejuvenate.

    Whether you’re a millennial with a hectic lifestyle or an elder seeking a peaceful slumber, choosing the right mattress can make a world of difference in your daily life. With numerous brands flooding the market, each claiming to offer the best sleep experience, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect match for your sleep needs. The mattress business in India is rapidly growing, driven by rising health awareness, urbanization, and demand for better sleep solutions.

    Fear not! Our blog is here to guide you through the clutter and present you with a carefully curated list of the finest mattress brands in India. So, if you’re ready to discover the ultimate sleep companion that promises restful nights and energizing mornings, join us as we explore the crème de la crème of the mattress world for the year 2025. When exploring the sleep industry, analyzing top mattress company names can offer valuable insights into branding, innovation, and consumer trust.

    S.no Product Price (in INR) Rating (out of 5)
    1 Sunday LGA Certified Latex Foam Soft King Size Mattress 19,397 3.4
    2 Wakefit Mattress | 10 Years Warranty 22,929 4.4
    3 Sleepypanda Vita Ortho Memory Foam Mattress 7,856 4.6
    4 Duroflex Strength Mattress 29,395 4.1
    5 Sleepyhead Original – 3 Layered BodyIQ Orthopedic Memory Foam Mattress 11,898 4.4
    6 Peps Spine Guard 8-Inch Queen Size Spring Mattress 48,487 4.1
    7 Flo Ergo™ Mattress 10,484 4.3
    8 Sleepwell Ortho Mattress | Quilted 11,400 4.1
    9 Kurl-On Mattress 10,548 4.2
    10 The Sleep Company SnowTec™ Mattress 31,175 4.5
    11 Centuary’Sleepables Orthopaedic Memory Foam 11,699 3.9
    12 Springtek Coir Mattress 11,703 4.6

    Best Mattress Companies in India

    1. Sunday Mattress
    2. Wakefit
    3. SleepyPanda
    4. Duroflex
    5. Sleepyhead
    6. Peps Mattress
    7. Flo
    8. Sleepwell
    9. Kurl-on
    10. The Sleep Company
    11. Centuary Mattress
    12. Springtek

    Sunday Mattress

    Company Name Sunday Mattress
    Founded In 2016
    Founder Alphonse Reddy
    Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka
    Mattresses by Size Diwan, Single, Double, King, Queen, XL Queen, Customized
    Bed Company Names - Sunday Orthopedic Bed Mattresses
    Best Mattress Companies in India – Sunday Orthopedic Bed Mattresses

    Sunday is one of the most prominent names when it comes to mattress brands in India. It provides advanced-technology-equipped mattresses. The mattresses offered are made of memory foam, which provides 5-zone orthopedic support, and are LGA-certified from Belgium. Sunday Mattress also offers a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial for its customers.

    The notable features that make Sunday mattresses stand out from the rest are:

    • Compressing a mattress is known to reduce life by 30% and reduce the foam’s orthopedic properties. The critical thing about Sunday mattresses is that they never compress the mattress. So, you are assured of getting a better life and full orthopedic benefits.
    • The mattress uses many more natural materials. For example, Latex is natural and certified to European standards, and the top cover is made of Organic cotton to ensure better summer comfort.
    • 100-night trial so that you get a hassle-free cash refund if you do not like the mattress.

    Pros of Sunday Mattress

    • Innovative sleep technology
    • Thoughtfully designed mattresses for personalized comfort
    • Premium materials for durability and long-lasting performance

    Cons of Sunday Mattress

    • Relatively higher price point
    • Limited physical presence may limit availability in certain areas

    User Testimonial

    Lovely feeling when you plunge on to it after a long day of work and especially after adventurous Bangalore traffic.

    2. Wakefit

    Company Name Wakefit
    Founded In 2016
    Founder Ankit Garg and Chaitanya Ramalingegowda
    Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka
    Mattresses by Size King, Queen, Single, Diwan, Kids
    Bed Company Names - Wakefit XpertGRID Mattress
    Best Mattress Companies in India – Wakefit XpertGRID Mattress

    Wakefit is a D2C-based startup that aims to improve the way of living of Indian households. They provide high-quality sleep products with affordable pricing. Founders have done enormous research and built the startup on customer centricity.

    As of the financial year 2021, Wakefit raised Rs. 200 crores in its Series C funding. This helped them enhance the logistics management, boost the supply chain, and increase market spending. It is one of the top 10 mattress brands in India.

    The top Wakefit mattress products are dual comfort mattresses, foam spring mattresses, orthopedic memory foam mattresses, and 7-zone latex mattresses.

    Pros of Wakefit Mattress

    • Affordable and value-for-money mattresses
    • Offers good support and pressure relief for most sleepers
    • User-friendly online buying experience with doorstep delivery

    Cons of Wakefit Mattress

    • Limited options for firmness levels
    • Some users may find the mattresses too firm for their liking

    User Testimonial

    I definitely wanted to choose something that would help in my fitness journey… It (Wakefit mattress) has made a big difference to me because I know that I sleep better and I feel better.

    3. SleepyPanda

    Company Name SleepyPanda
    Founded In 2020
    Founder Monica Thakur, Suhas Masuti, and Veerendra Koujalagi
    Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka
    Mattresses by Size Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King
    Mattress Companies Names - SleepyPanda Mattress
    Best Mattress Company in India – SleepyPanda Mattress

    SleepyPanda kickstarted with the simple idea of improving people’s sleeping experience with comfortable and affordable mattress solutions. Their top products include Luna Dual comfort ortho mattresses, Vita ortho memory foam mattresses, microfiber pillows, and memory mattresses. It is in the list of the top 5 best mattress in India

    SleepyPanda has developed mattresses that reduce back aches along with an innovative gel technology used in creating memory foam. They also provide free shipping and a 10-year warranty period. SleepyPanda follows the B2C business model and sells products directly between the business and customers.

    Pros of SleepyPanda

    • Eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing practices
    • Unique design with a blend of natural latex and memory foam
    • Good motion isolation for couples

    Cons of SleepyPanda

    • Limited availability in some regions, makes it challenging to purchase
    • May not provide enough support for people with specific back issues
    • Some users may find the mattress too soft or lacking in edge support

    4. Duroflex

    Company Name Duroflex
    Founded In 1963
    Founder PC Mathew
    Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka
    Mattresses by Size Single-bed, Double-bed, Queen, King
    Mattress Company Names - Duroflex Mattress
    Best Mattress Company in India – Duroflex Mattress

    One of the most dominant mattress players in India, Duroflex was started around 50 years back and is still the dominant sleep solution-providing company. The vision of helping India sleep better is still proving to be their prime focus. All the products manufactured by them are carefully researched and backed by technology for better inventions. It is one of the oldest mattress company in India.

    Duroflex now is not just constrained to manufacturing mattresses and pillows but has also successfully entered the market of furniture and bed linen. Its products are made available through multiple eCommerce websites as well as through the official site of Duroflex.

    Pros of Duroflex

    • Durable and long-lasting mattresses
    • Offers various mattress options to cater to different needs
    • Good customer service and warranty policies

    Cons of Duroflex

    • Some users may find them too firm for their preferences
    • May not have advanced sleep technologies present in some models

    User Testimonial

    Did my wholesome research before purchasing it, went to duroflex experience centre and did a physical feel of the product. The layers are perfect making it durable, comfortable and orthopedically recommended.

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    5. Sleepyhead

    Company Name Sleepyhead
    Founded In 2017
    Founder Matthew Joseph
    Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka
    Mattresses by Size Single, Double, Queen, King
    Best Mattress Companies in India - Sleepyhead Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
    Best Mattress Brands in India – Sleepyhead Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress

    With a vast variety of memory foam and latex foam mattresses, Sleepyhead is counted among the best and most promising mattress companies in India. From king size to sofa cum bed, you can get everything here.

    The company claims to be developing eco-friendly mattresses and has sold over 4.1 lakh products. Sleepyhead is known to have an advanced digital business model whose main focus is selling high-quality products. It is one of the top 10 mattress brands in India.

    And by the financial year 2023, the company aims to grow its revenue up to INR 300 crore. They have recently added the furniture and home decor section. Hopefully, in the near future, you’ll find the kitchen, hallway furniture, garden furniture, and many others, turning Sleepyhead into a lifestyle brand.

    Pros of Sleepyhead

    • Variety of mattress options
    • Advanced sleep technology for enhanced comfort
    • Good motion isolation and edge support

    Cons of Sleepyhead

    • Some complaints about off-gassing odor
    • May have limited availability in certain regions

    User Testimonial

    The mattress provides excellent support and comfort, allowing me to get a good night’s sleep every night. The quality of materials used is evident, and I appreciate the attention to detail in the design. 

    6. Peps Mattress

    Company Name Peps Mattress
    Founded In 2006
    Founder K Madhavan
    Headquarters Bangalore, Karnataka
    Mattresses by Size Single, Twin, Queen, King
    Best Mattress Companies in India - Peps Zenimo Spring Mattress
    Best Mattress Company in India – Peps Zenimo Spring Mattress

    Peps Mattress is best known for its spring mattress collection. Many people prefer spring mattresses over foam mattresses, which is why Peps Mattress never disappoints its customers. Here, you’ll find both Bonnell as well as a Pocketed innerspring mattress.

    The products of Peps Mattress work great for people who want to have a bit of bounce in their bed rather than sag. Plus, the Bonnell innerspring mattress reduces backaches and gives a peaceful sleep.

    Pros of Peps Mattress

    • Established brand with a wide range of choices
    • Offers mattresses for various sleep preferences
    • Decent motion isolation for undisturbed sleep

    Cons of Peps Mattress

    • Inconsistent customer service experience
    • Some users may find certain models too soft or lacking in support

    7. Flo

    Company Name Flo
    Founded In 2018
    Founder Dmitry and Yuri Gurski
    Headquarters New Delhi
    Mattresses by Size Single, Double, Queen, King, Custom
    Best Mattress Companies in India - Flo Mattress
    Best Mattress Brands in India – Flo Mattress

    Flo is known as the fastest-growing D2C business across India which has sold more than 15,000 mattresses in just 18 months. They mainly offer two variants of mattresses – Ergo and Ortho. Ergo stands for the ergonomic variant whose top-most layer is of gel infused memory market.

    It is mostly preferred by people 60 years of age and older. And Ortho stands for the Orthopaedic variant which is quite firm, best suited for back problems and extra back support.

    The orthopedic mattress is considered the best mattress for back aches in India. Flo offers tons of benefits to their customers, including a 100-night free trial policy. The company is very promising and has truly satisfied its customers.

    Pros of Flo Mattress

    • Advanced cooling technology for hot sleepers
    • Provides good support and pressure relief
    • Made with high-quality materials for durability

    Cons of Flo Mattress

    • May not be suitable for those who prefer very firm beds
    • ome users may find it expensive compared to other brands

    User Testimonial

    The experience with this mattress is amazing. Comfortable for everyone and best in quality.

    8. Sleepwell

    Company Name Sleepwell
    Founded In 1971
    Founder Sheela Gautam
    Headquarters Noida, Uttar Pradesh
    Mattresses by Size King, Queen, Single, Double
    Best Mattress Companies in India - Sleepwell Mattresses
    Best Mattress Company in India – Sleepwell Mattresses

    Sleepwell is one of India’s leading and most trusted mattress companies, renowned for its commitment to providing superior sleep solutions. Established in 1971, Sleepwell is a flagship brand of Sheela Foam Limited, which is one of the largest manufacturers of foam and mattress products in Asia. With over four decades of expertise, Sleepwell has become a household name and a symbol of quality and comfort. Sleepwell comprises a broad network of 110 exclusive distributors along with 2750 exclusive retailers all across India.

    Pros of Sleepwell

    • Trusted brand with a long history in the industry
    • Offers a variety of mattresses for different sleep needs
    • Availability in various offline and online stores

    Cons of Sleepwell

    • Reports of sagging and durability issues over time
    • May not have advanced features compared to some competitors

    User Testimonial

    Supremely comfortable and supportive.

    9. Kurl-on

    Company Name Kurlon
    Founded In 1962
    Founder Ramesh Pai
    Headquarters Bangalore, Karnataka
    Mattresses by Size Single, Double, Queen, King
    Best Mattress Companies in India - Kurl-on Mattresses
    Best Mattress Brands in India – Kurl-on Mattresses

    Kurl-on is a well-established and prominent mattress brand in India, renowned for its rich history and commitment to providing comfortable and high-quality sleep solutions. Founded in 1962, Kurl-on is one of the oldest and most trusted mattress manufacturers in the country, with a legacy spanning over six decades.

    If you’re on the hunt for the finest coir mattresses in India, Kurl-on emerges as the ideal choice. Coir mattresses are filled with natural coconut husk and boast excellent cooling properties for the summer season.

    Pros of Kurlon

    • Extensive distribution network for easy accessibility
    • Offers mattresses with different firmness options
    • Good customer service and warranty policies

    Cons of Kurlon

    • Some users find their mattresses too soft
    • Reports of off-gassing odor upon unboxing

    User Testimonial

    One of the best sleeps I ever had after a long time is only with the new Kurlon Spinekare mattresses. Absolute comfort makes sure you wake up refreshed.

    10. The Sleep Company

    Company Name The Sleep Company
    Founded In 2019
    Founder Priyanka Salot and Harshil Salot
    Headquarters Mumbai, Maharashtra
    Mattresses by Size Diwan, Queen, King, Single
    Best Mattress Companies in India - The Sleep Company
    Best Mattress Companies in India – The Sleep Company

    The Sleep Company has earned widespread recognition as the exclusive seller of grid-based mattresses in the market. With a strong presence in 35 cities across India, it has successfully generated half of its total revenue from this wide distribution network. In the year 2022 alone, the company achieved an impressive milestone, reaching a total revenue of $1.34 billion.

    Expanding beyond mattresses, The Sleep Company now offers a diversified product portfolio, including seat cushions, back cushions, and adjustable pillows. And that’s not all; in the coming years, the startup is set to introduce innovative product sections, such as vehicle seats, chairs, and gaming chairs, further enhancing its offerings to cater to diverse comfort needs. With continuous innovation and expansion, The Sleep Company is carving its path as a trailblazer in the sleep and comfort industry.

    Global Mattress Market
    Global Mattress Market

    Pros of The Sleep Company

    • High-quality materials and advanced sleep technology
    • Provides good support and pressure relief
    • Offers advanced cooling features for better sleep

    Cons of The Sleep Company

    • Premium pricing compared to other brands
    • Limited availability in certain regions

    User Testimonial

    Ortho Pro gives firm support and is very comfortable.

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    11. Centuary Mattress

    Company Name Centuary Mattress
    Founded In 1988
    Founder Shruti Malani
    Headquarters Hyderabad
    Mattresses by Size Single, Double, Queen, King, Kids
    Best Mattress Companies in India - Centuary Mattress
    Best Mattress Companies in India – Centuary Mattress

    Centuary Mattress is a leading Indian mattress company known for its commitment to providing quality sleep solutions. Established in 1988, the company has grown to become one of India’s most trusted mattress brands. Centuary offers a diverse range of mattresses, including memory foam, coir, latex, orthopedic, and spring mattresses, catering to various sleep preferences and requirements. With a focus on innovation and technology, Centuary ensures that its products are crafted using the finest materials and advanced manufacturing processes.

    Pros of Centuary Mattress

    • Offers a wide variety of mattress types
    • Uses high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes for durability
    • Provides good support and comfort for a restful sleep experience
    • Known for its reputation and trustworthiness

    Cons of Centuary Mattress

    • Some premium models may be relatively expensive
    • May not offer a very long trial period
    • Some mattresses may be relatively heavy, making them harder to move or rotate

    User Testimonial

    It’s good and comfortable, fit and very easy to handle and it is heat retention well. Cotton also very qualified. Good sleep quality.

    Springtek

    Company Name Springtek Mattress
    Founded In 2009
    Founder Namit Goel
    Headquarters Bareily
    Mattresses by Size Single, Double, Queen, King, Kids
    Best Mattress Companies in India - Springtek Mattress
    Best Mattress Brands in India – Springtek Mattress

    The Springtek Mattress blends classic spring support with advanced foam comfort for a balanced, hybrid sleep experience. Its innerspring core delivers responsive support, while the foam layer cushions the body and minimizes motion transfer. A breathable fabric cover promotes airflow, helping maintain a cool and restful sleep. Perfect for those who enjoy the bounce of a spring mattress but crave the softness of foam, the Springtek Mattress offers both long-lasting durability and adaptable comfort.

    Pros of Springtek Mattress

    • Combines spring support with foam comfort
    • Good bounce and responsiveness
    • Reduces motion transfer
    • Breathable fabric keeps it cool
    • Durable and long-lasting

    Cons of Springtek Mattress

    • May feel too firm for some users
    • Edges may sag over time
    • Not ideal for those preferring pure memory foam

    User Testimonial

    The matress is value for money. It holds the shape and contour of the body pretty well as you lie down on it. It is neither too hard and neither too soft and helps to relax and get into sleep quickly. The fitting is very good and the support is also good.

    Conclusion

    In summary, having a good and comfortable mattress holds great importance in your bedroom. It not only impacts the quality of your sleep but also plays a vital role in your overall mental and physical well-being.

    Fortunately, in today’s market, numerous brands offer mattresses that incorporate advanced technology and essential elements, designed to optimize your sleeping experience. From Sleepyhead to The Sleep Company, these top mattress startups in India present a diverse range of options to choose from.

    Take the time to explore these brands and discover the mattress that best suits your unique sleep needs. Investing in a quality mattress is an investment in your health and vitality, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to embrace each day to the fullest.

    FAQs

    What are some of the top mattress brands in India?

    The article showcases various top mattress startups in India, including Sunday, Wakefit, SleepyPanda, Duroflex, Sleepyhead, Peps Mattress, Flo, Sleepwell, Kurlon, Centuary and Sleepsia.

    What types of mattresses do these brands offer?

    These brands offer a wide range of mattresses, including memory foam mattresses, coir mattresses, spring mattresses, latex mattresses, and more, catering to different sleep preferences.

    Is Sleepwell an Indian company?

    Yes, Sleepwell is an Indian company.

    Why is Wakefit products are cheap?

    Wakefit offers competitive pricing for its mattresses due to its direct-to-consumer (D2C) business model, cutting out middlemen and reducing overhead costs. Additionally, their in-house manufacturing and online sales further contribute to affordability.

    Is foam mattresses good for health?

    Foam mattresses can be good for health as they provide excellent support, pressure relief, and can promote better spinal alignment during sleep. However, individual preferences and specific health conditions should be considered when choosing a mattress.

    How to choose a perfect mattress?

    To choose a perfect mattress, consider factors such as your preferred sleep position, firmness level, material type, and any specific health needs or conditions you may have. Test mattresses in-store if possible, and read customer reviews to make an informed decision.

    Why should I consider buying a branded mattress?

    Consider buying a branded mattress for assured quality, comfort, and durability. Established mattress brands have a proven track record of customer satisfaction, premium materials, and innovative designs. They offer warranties and customer support, ensuring a sound investment in your sleep health and long-term satisfaction.

    Who are Sleepwell competitors?

    Springtek, Wakefit, Duroflex are the top competitors of Sleepwell.

  • How to Implement Financial Controls in a Growing Startup: Tools, Processes & Frameworks That Work

    This article has been contributed by Hardik Jaisingh, Director, Chief of Staff, Assiduus Global.

    Why Financial Controls Matter Early

    When you’re building a startup, most of your attention naturally goes into the front-facing work like sales, product, hiring, and marketing. Financial systems tend to stay in the background until something breaks. But for startups to scale responsibly, setting up basic financial controls early can prevent costly mistakes and free up time for actual growth.

    You don’t need to build a full-fledged finance department from day one. What you do need is a few well-placed controls that bring visibility, accountability, and rhythm to how money moves in the business.

    Five Financial Priorities Every Startup Should Watch

    Startups, by default, are fast-paced. Teams are often focused on product, growth, and customer delivery. In that momentum, some of the operational tasks like submitting reimbursements or reviewing monthly spends can get delayed or deprioritised. These are natural growing pains, not red flags.

    Instead of reacting to issues when they occur, it’s helpful to proactively ask: Where are we most likely to lose visibility? For many early-stage companies, that includes:

    1. Unstructured reimbursement processes
    2. Informal vendor onboarding and payments
    3. Lack of real-time view into cash flow
    4. No thresholds for who can approve what
    5. Delayed monthly expense reviews

    Mapping these out helps teams build a financial foundation that doesn’t slow them down.

    Choosing the Right Tools for Control

    Once risk zones are mapped, the next step is to bring in the right tools that offer visibility and control. Startups don’t need an ERP to start with. Tools like Zoho Books, Tally or QuickBooks can support basic accounting, payouts, and approvals.

    When choosing tools, focus on four things:

    1. Does it integrate easily with your bank and payroll platform?
    2. Can you set user-level permissions and approval workflows?
    3. Is there an audit trail for each transaction?
    4. Can it scale to handle more complexity over time?

    The goal is to avoid manual reconciliations and ensure that every expense is traceable: who spent it, who approved it, and whether it was within budget.

    Defining Roles and Segregating Duties

    Even in small teams, roles must be clearly defined to avoid control gaps. The person initiating a transaction shouldn’t be the one approving it. And the one reconciling accounts shouldn’t be the same person handling payments.

    In a lean setup, simple mechanisms like dual approval for spends above a certain amount or maintaining an email trail of approvals can help. If using a digital tool, configure maker-checker rules. The objective isn’t to add bureaucracy, but to build guardrails that prevent duplication or errors.

    Embedding Controls in Daily Operations

    Financial controls only work when they’re part of the daily workflow. For example:

    • Vendor payments should only be processed against an approved purchase order.
    • Reimbursements should follow a monthly cut-off and require bills.
    • Payroll should be calculated through integrated tools that sync with attendance systems, with exceptions reviewed before disbursal.

    These aren’t complicated policies, but they’re habits that encourage consistency. The tighter the loop between spend and review, the easier it is to stay on top of cash flows.

    Building for Scale with The PACE Framework

    As the business grows, controls must evolve. A helpful framework many teams adopt is PACE:

    • Policies: Document your key financial processes and dos/don’ts
    • Approvals: Define thresholds and responsibilities for each spend category
    • Checks: Use automation to flag duplicates, anomalies, or out-of-policy spends
    • Evolution: Review and adapt every 6-12 months as transaction volumes grow

    Routine internal reviews (quarterly or biannually) can help surface process inefficiencies and pre-empt audit risks. Over time, this creates a culture where financial hygiene is baked into scale.

    Reporting as a Decision-Making Engine

    Accurate, timely reporting helps founders make sharper decisions. Start with a simple monthly MIS that includes:

    • Cash in the bank
    • Outstanding receivables
    • Burn rate vs forecast
    • Department-wise spend

    The format doesn’t need to be fancy. What matters is that the data is reviewed consistently and acted upon. This practice helps course-correct before problems escalate.

    For early-stage teams, even a shared Google Sheet with version control can serve as the foundation. As complexity grows, reporting tools or dashboards can be layered on.

    Staying Ahead of Compliance

    Founders should ensure that someone (an external CA, internal resource, or part-time CFO) tracks statutory requirements across the board. A simple checklist or tool like ClearTax or IndiaFilings can help automate reminders. Even if you’re not venture-funded yet, building compliance discipline early saves time during diligence and helps with long-term planning.

    Linking Finance to Day-to-Day Ops

    Finance controls are most effective when they’re cross-functional. For example, syncing HR data (like attendance or bonuses) with payroll systems reduces manual adjustments. Aligning procurement with budgets ensures no surprises in month-end closes.

    Startups can establish basic coordination rhythms like weekly expense reviews, monthly budget reconciliations, or automated alerts for threshold breaches. These make financial controls part of the way teams work, not a separate burden.

    Scenario Planning for Better Visibility

    Cash runway is a founder’s lifeline. Scenario planning helps you understand how much room you actually have. At a minimum, prepare projections for three cases:

    • Best case: Revenue exceeds plan
    • Expected: Assumptions hold
    • Worst case: Collections are delayed, burn rises

    Update these monthly or quarterly, especially if you’re fundraising, expanding, or hiring. Even a simple projection can help you delay a hire or accelerate a vendor negotiation with clarity.

    Training for Finance Hygiene

    Everyone on the team, not just finance, should understand the basics of how money moves. Make finance hygiene a part of onboarding. Share guidelines for:

    • What requires approval (and how to get it)
    • What documents are mandatory
    • Timelines for reimbursement, reporting, and reviews

    This reduces back-and-forth, improves first-time accuracy, and builds collective ownership over company spend.

    Some companies even do quarterly “finance 101” refreshers with functional heads to align expectations and highlight policy changes.

    Controls Create Confidence

    Well-designed financial controls aren’t about micromanagement. They’re about trust, predictability, and decision-making clarity. When everyone knows how spending works, teams can move faster, not slower.

    Startups don’t need to get everything right from day one. Start with one process, maybe vendor payments or payroll, and build from there. The key is to keep evolving as you grow.

    The earlier you build discipline into your finance function, the easier it becomes to scale without surprises. Because in high-growth environments, clarity compounds.

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  • The Heart Behind the Hustle: Abel Boaz’s Journey to Empower and Elevate

    New Delhi [India], April 21: In the fast-evolving world of startups, where ideas rise and fall by the day, Abel Boaz stands out—not just as an entrepreneur but as a man driven by mission, meaning, and mental strength. From launching ventures that range across finance, wellness, and networking to penning a powerful book on empowerment, his journey is one of purpose and perseverance.

    A Triad of Purpose-Driven Ventures

    Abel Boaz is the founder of Abellian Finman, a financial consulting firm rooted in trust and precision, focused on cost accounting, strategic business planning, and corporate finance. With a vision to empower businesses through clarity and control over their numbers, Abel’s approach to finance has helped startups and established enterprises streamline their strategies and make smarter decisions.

    But Abel’s mission didn’t stop there. In a bold move into personal care and wellness, he co-founded Abellian Cosmetics and Wellness Pvt Ltd, a brand devoted to high-quality skincare with an organic and Ayurvedic edge. Targeting an audience often neglected in luxury skincare—elderly individuals and children—Abellian Cosmetics combines ancient rituals with modern science, championing clean beauty, sustainability, and ethical luxury.

    Yet, it is with the BWB Network (Brothers Watching Brothers Network) that Abel Boaz’s voice resonates the loudest. BWB is a powerful social and professional networking platform built specifically for men, a space where conversations on mental health, brotherhood, business collaboration, and emotional well-being are not just welcomed but encouraged. In a society where men often carry silent burdens, BWB creates a safe space for expression, empowerment, and elevation.

    Abel Boaz
    Abel Boaz

    The Author and Advocate

    Abel’s passion for creating change doesn’t end with his companies. His book, Breaking Barriers: Empowering Men for Equality, is a stirring reminder that men, too, must be part of the conversation on equality, not just as allies, but as individuals in need of healing and growth. In it, Abel writes:

    “Empowerment isn’t exclusive. When we help men heal, we help families thrive, workplaces flourish, and communities rise.”

    The book dives into the emotional resilience men need today, the cultural shifts we must embrace, and the mental health gaps that society can no longer ignore. It is not a cry for attention, but a call for balance, and Boaz delivers it with sincerity, compassion, and strength.

    His Message to Startups and Dreamers

    Abel Boaz believes that every person carries a spark of something extraordinary. And to those still waiting for the right time to start, he says:

    “There’s no perfect day to begin. Start small. Stay consistent. What’s meant for you won’t miss you if you keep showing up.”

    It’s this consistency that has been a hallmark of his own journey—one filled with trials, pivots, reinventions, and growth. For aspiring entrepreneurs, his message is rooted in action over perfection, persistence over applause.

    Advocating for Men’s Mental Health

    Through BWB Network, Abel has become a passionate voice for men’s mental well-being—a subject often swept under the rug. With rising rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout among men, BWB is more than a digital platform. It’s a movement.

    “The strongest men aren’t the ones who say nothing—they’re the ones brave enough to speak, to heal, and to grow,” Abel emphasizes.

    Workshops, discussions, support groups, and digital resources on the platform all focus on one thing: creating a space where men can be heard without being judged.

    A Salute to the Nation’s Support for Innovation

    Abel is also a proud admirer of India’s startup ecosystem and the government’s unwavering push toward entrepreneurship.

    “We are living in a golden era for startups in India. The government’s initiatives—from Startup India to ease of doing business—have given wings to countless dreamers. I’m one of them.”

    He acknowledges that his ventures wouldn’t have gained momentum without this ecosystem, and now, through BWB, he wants to give back by creating leaders, not just businesses.

    What’s Next?

    From mobile apps to global partnerships, Abel Boaz is far from done. His focus now is scaling BWB Network to become a global movement, expanding Abellian Cosmetics into new markets, and taking Abellian Finman deeper into fintech integrations.

    But at his core, he remains a builder of people, not just projects. His story is not of overnight success, but of everyday commitment.

    “The real success isn’t in what we create, but in how many we uplift along the way,” Abel says.

    And in this journey of words, wellness, wisdom, and willpower, Abel Boaz is just getting started.

  • Quick and Easy Medication Delivery with PhonePe’s Pincode

    PhonePe‘s e-commerce platform Pincode has expanded its rapid commerce strategy by launching a 10-minute medication delivery service in three cities. Currently offered in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai, the service allows customers to order medications online around the clock and have them delivered in as little as ten minutes from local pharmacies. Pincode doesn’t have a dark store model as the others do. Additionally, it states that it provides customers with free delivery and direct discounts from nearby pharmacies. According to a statement from PhonePe, customers can order both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications via the recently launched service.

    Helping Customers with No-Prescription

    Consumers without a prescription can choose the “no prescription” option when adding medications to their cart. According to the statement, a licensed physician would then get in touch with the client to provide a free consultation and provide a digital prescription. The company’s constant availability and free doctor-on-call service, according to Pincode CEO Vivek Lohched, are enhancing access to basic healthcare services and strengthening the place of local medical stores in the digital economy. This strategy guarantees that reputable medical stores continue to play a vital role in their communities while also promoting local economic growth. With the promise of delivering groceries and other goods in 10–20 minutes, Pincode launched its rapid commerce service in November 2024 in select areas of Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Varanasi. PhonePe introduced Pincode in 2023 to sell food, clothing, groceries, and tech items on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform. These categories were removed from the ONDC network last year when the platform began creating its own marketplace. By doing this, Pincode is changing its emphasis from being an app that serves buyers to one that serves sellers.

    Quick Commerce Now Taking Dive in India’s Pharma Sector

    The Indian rapid commerce ecosystem is expanding to other vital services, such as healthcare, after developing and meeting consumer demand for food and grocery delivery in ten to fifteen minutes. OTC medications are already available from rapid commerce behemoths like Zepto, Swiggy’s Instamart, and Blinkit, but a number of companies are starting to appear to help clients get prescription drugs delivered quickly. Swiggy just launched an e-pharmacy on Instamart through a collaboration with Pharmeasy, and Flipkart is considering joining the market as well. Other platforms, such as Apollo 24/7 and Tata 1mg, are also at different phases of testing the delivery of medications instantly. After earning $25 million in its Series C funding round, healthtech startup Zeno Health launched a 50-minute medication delivery service in Mumbai last month.

  • The 30-Year-Old Creator of an AI Business, Lucy Guo, Becomes the Youngest Self-Made Female Billionaire in History

    For Taylor Swift, it’s over. The Music Queen is no longer the youngest lady to become a self-made billionaire. According to a media house, serial entrepreneur Lucy Guo is now the youngest self-made woman billionaire, surpassing pop sensation Taylor Swift at the age of thirty. Her former business, Scale AI, is approaching a tender offer scheduled for June 1st, and this milestone comes at a significant financial leap. Early workers and investors can cash out their shares as part of the deal, which values the AI data annotation company at $25 billion, an 80% increase from its $13.8 billion valuation in May.

    Lucie Guo, Who is She?

    In 2016, Guo co-founded Scale AI, a crucial business for the AI sector that organises data for machine learning models. OpenAI and the US government are among its clients. Guo, a Bay Area native and first-generation Chinese-American, learnt to code in middle school before leaving to work for the Thiel Fellowship, a $100,000 grant program for aspiring business owners established by Peter Thiel, dubbed Donald Trump’s man in Silicon Valley.

    Guo met co-founder Alexandr Wang at Quora, where she worked before joining Scale AI, and then at Snapchat. She started Backend Capital, a venture capital firm, after leaving Scale and made billion-dollar investments in firms like Ramp. She established Passes in 2022, a creator subscription platform similar to OnlyFans that has raised $50 million and is worth $150 million. The site is used by celebrities including Shaquille O’Neal and Olivia Dunne. Through memberships, live streaming, one-on-one calls, and fan management tools, Passes is a platform that helps creators make money off of their brands. The Silicon Valley dream is embodied by Guo’s ascent from self-taught coder to billionaire. She surpassed 35-year-old Taylor Swift, who had held the distinction since Forbes labelled her a billionaire in 2023.

    Financially Independent, Retire Early (FIRE)

    In a previous interview with a media site, Guo stated that the FIRE movement had a significant impact on her early career choices. She went on to say that since Reddit offers a wealth of information on wealth and money management, she would search for Lean FIRE (financially independent, retire early) and Fat FIRE communities. “You can afford a lower salary if you’re young,” she remarked. She found it appealing that she might live a reasonably comfortable life in retirement with, in essence, not much money. She has long promoted a thrifty way of living, telling people who want to increase their money to “live below your means”. She undoubtedly has access to a lifestyle that many would only dream about as a recent addition to the billionaire’s club.

  • Nykaa Under ESOP Allots Shares Worth INR 32 Lakh

    Nykaa, a significant player in the beauty and fashion industry, has distributed 17,010 equity shares through its employee stock option plans (ESOP). The company stated in an exchange filing on 21 April that the equity shares were distributed in accordance with the employees’ execution of vested stock options under ESOP programmes. The allotment is valued at more than INR 32.3 lakh based on Nykaa’s starting price of INR 190 per share.

    Financial Outlook and Ongoing Developments at Nykaa

    Nihir Parikh, the CEO of Nykaa Fashion, resigned in December 2024, citing personal obligations, marking another high-level departure from the company. In terms of finances, Nykaa’s consolidated net profit increased 51% from INR 17.5 Cr in the same period last year to INR 26.4 Cr in Q3 FY25. Operational revenue increased 26.7% from INR 1,788.8 Cr in Q3 FY24 to INR 2,267.2 Cr in the reviewed quarter. Broker JM Financial kept its “BUY” recommendation on the stock due to the company’s good quarterly performance, pointing to its capacity to generate high growth in an environment of low demand. In the meanwhile, Bernstein kept its “market-perform” rating on the company, although anticipating that the margin will progressively grow as a result of ongoing investments and an improvement in profitability in its B2B and fashion divisions. Nykaa has also been working on offering 10-minute delivery on a few cities’ SKUs in response to the growing popularity of rapid commerce.

    In March, 1.01 Lakh Equity Shares were Allotted in Another ESOP

    In March 2025, Nykaa had distributed 101,350 equity shares through its employee stock option plans (ESOP). According to the filing, the equity shares that were so assigned will rank on an equal footing with the company’s current equity shares in every way. This comes three weeks after 90,500 equity shares were distributed under ESOP plans by the company led by Falguni Nayar. It had already distributed 56,750 stock shares in January.

    Current ESOP Scenario in India

    According to a 2024 survey of 160 companies, 78% of them offered employee stock option plans (ESOPs) to their staff, a considerable increase from 59% in 2021. This indicates that ESOPs are becoming more and more popular among startup owners. More firms are now offering ESOPs to all employees, not only senior management, according to a survey done by Saison Capital, XA Network, and Carta. Compared to one in four in 2021, one in three firms now provides these plans to all employees.

    Furthermore, the median ESOP pool size grew from 9% in 2021 to 12.6% in 2024, and 90% of founders now talk about ESOPs with candidates during interviews or job offers, up from 75% in 2021. Additionally, the reasons for providing ESOPs have changed; in 2024, 40% of founders cited cost reductions, up from 28% in 2021.

  • How Ananya Birla Built Her Own Empire Beyond the Billionaire Name

    Born into one of India’s most powerful business dynasties, Ananya Birla could have chosen a life of luxury, comfort, and legacy. But instead of walking the path laid out before her, she chose to carve her own. In addition to being the daughter of industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, Ananya is a dynamic entrepreneur, a chart-topping singer, and a force redefining what it means to be an heiress in the 21st century. With a net worth soaring past $22.6 billion, Ananya’s journey is a testament to her relentless drive and versatility.

    From launching her own ventures to topping music charts and advocating for mental health, Ananya’s story is as dynamic as it is inspiring. Her investments span fintech, e-commerce, and entertainment, while her music resonates with millions globally. But beyond the glitz and glamour lies a strategic mind, a heart for social causes, and a net worth that reflects her business acumen. Let’s dive into her life, empire, and the milestones that define her in 2025.

    Ananya Birla – Biography

    Name Ananya Birla
    Born July 17, 1994
    Nationality Indian
    Profession Singer, Entrepreneur, Mental Health Advocate
    Net Worth $22.6 billion (April 2025 )

    Ananya Birla – Early Life and Family
    Ananya Birla – Entrepreneurial Ventures
    Ananya Birla – New Venture
    The Music Star – Breaking Records and Boundaries
    Ananya Birla – Expansive Investment Portfolio (2025)
    Ananya Birla – Awards & Recognition
    Ananya Birla – Interesting Facts

    Ananya Birla – Early Life and Family

    Born into the illustrious Birla family, Ananya grew up with privilege but chose to forge her own identity. She attended the University of Oxford, where she studied Psychology and Economics, laying the groundwork for her entrepreneurial ventures. Her mother, Neerja Birla, a mental health advocate, deeply influenced her philanthropic endeavors, while her father’s business acumen shaped her strategic mindset.

    Despite her family’s towering legacy in industries like cement and textiles, Ananya ventured into uncharted territories, fintech, music, and lifestyle brands—proving that she’s more than just an heir; she’s a trailblazer.

    Kumar Mangalam Birla | Chairman | Aditya Birla Group | Vodafone Idea Limited |
    Kumar Mangalam Birla is an Indian businessman who is serving as the Chairman of Aditya Birla Group since 1995. He also serves as the Chairman of Vodafone Idea Limited. As of January 2021, he has an estimated net worth of $10 billion.
    StartupTalkyMegha Rani

    Ananya Birla – Entrepreneurial Ventures

    While many inherit a legacy, few reshape it with their own hands. Ananya Birla, far from resting on her family’s storied lineage, has carved a bold entrepreneurial path. Her ventures aren’t just business plays, they’re statements of purpose, blending profit with impact, design with meaning, and legacy with innovation.

    Svatantra Microfin 

    Launched in 2013, Svatantra Microfin was Ananya’s debut into the entrepreneurial world and arguably her most transformative venture. Meaning “freedom” in Sanskrit, Svatantra was born with a mission to empower India’s underserved rural women by providing access to microcredit and financial inclusion.

    Positioned as a non-banking financial company microfinance institution (NBFC-MFI), Svatantra has grown into a formidable force in rural banking. As of 2025, the company boasts:

    • Assets Under Management (AUM) – INR 13,500 crore
    • Operational Reach – 800+ branches across 20+ states
    • Client Base – Over 3 million rural women
    • YoY Revenue Growth (2024–25) – 23%

    But the real turning point came in July 2023, when Svatantra made headlines by acquiring Chaitanya India Fin Credit for INR 1,479 crore. The deal, with backing from the Navi Group’s Sachin Bansal, expanded Svatantra’s footprint deep into South India. This strategic acquisition not only bolstered its portfolio but also marked one of the biggest consolidation moves in the Indian microfinance space.

    What sets Svatantra apart isn’t just scale, it’s soul. The company blends tech-driven operations with grassroots outreach, bringing dignity and opportunity to millions of women entrepreneurs who would otherwise be invisible to the traditional banking system.

    Ikai Asai 

    In 2019, Ananya expanded her horizon from finance to fashion and founded Ikai Asai a luxury e-commerce and lifestyle label that celebrates Indian artistry. The brand was born out of a desire to make indigenous craftsmanship cool again, not just locally but globally.

    Ikai Asai is where heritage meets haute couture. From handwoven textiles to intricately crafted ceramics and home décor, the platform curates collections that embody sustainable luxury and slow design. The brand works directly with artisans across India, reviving forgotten techniques and giving them a contemporary edge.

    In 2024, Vogue India spotlighted Ikai Asai as one of the “Top Indian Design Houses to Watch”, lauding its commitment to conscious design and cultural storytelling. With a growing international customer base and collaborations with leading designers, Ikai Asai is shaping a new design language rooted in Indian soil but globally relevant.

    Mpower 

    Not all ventures are about products; some are about purpose. Ananya, alongside her mother Dr. Neerja Birla, co-founded Mpower, a pioneering mental health initiative aimed at erasing the stigma around psychological wellness in India.

    Since its inception, Mpower has championed mental health through a multi-pronged approach: clinical services, education, and outreach. By 2025, it will have:

    • Established 12 Mpower Centres across key Indian cities
    • Reached over 5 million individuals through workshops, school programs, campaigns, and online initiatives

    In a society where mental health is often brushed under the carpet, Mpower stands as a loud, empathetic voice. Whether celebrity-led campaigns or grassroots interventions, the organization has become synonymous with safe, stigma-free support.

    Ananya Birla – New Venture

    Ananya Birla, the entrepreneur and social advocate, has announced her latest business venture, LOVETC, a new beauty and personal care brand set to launch in 2025. This initiative aims to offer innovative, international-quality products that celebrate individuality and challenge conventional norms in the beauty industry.​

    Through a phased rollout, LOVETC will introduce a range of products across various segments, including makeup and fragrances. The brand emphasizes differentiated packaging and a commitment to authenticity and innovation, aiming to redefine the consumer experience in the Indian market.

    Recognizing the rapid evolution of India’s beauty industry, which is projected to reach $34 billion by 2028 with a 10–11% annual growth rate, Ananya Birla’s venture seeks to meet the increasing demand for home-grown brands that resonate with consumers’ individuality and lifestyle.​

    The Music Star – Breaking Records and Boundaries

    Ananya’s musical career is anything but a side hustle. She is the first Indian artist with an English single to go platinum. Her tracks like Meant to Be, Better, and Circles have not only garnered hundreds of millions of streams but also earned her spots on stages with Coldplay, Wiz Khalifa, and Sean Kingston.

    Music Highlights

    • Spotify Streams (2025) – 350M+ globally
    • Debut Album – Bombay Basement (released 2024, topped iTunes India)
    • Labels – Formerly with Universal Music, currently signed with her own label NBT Records
    • Global Footprint – Her 2024 Europe Tour included sold-out shows in London, Amsterdam, and Berlin

    In 2025, she announced her next big collab: a bilingual track with Korean artist B.I, merging Hindi and Korean lyrics, which trended on Spotify Asia charts in Q1 2025.

    Ananya Birla – Awards & Recognition

    • 2022 – Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (Finance & Entertainment)
    • 2023 – ET 40 Under 40 Business Leaders
    • 2024 – Vogue India Trailblazer Award
    • 2025 – TIME NextGen Leader (Global Recognition for Mental Health Advocacy)

    Ananya Birla – Interesting Facts

    • Billion-Dollar Boss – Founder of Svatantra Microfin, with INR 13,500+ Cr AUM. Net worth crosses INR 300 Cr.
    • Music Trailblazer – She is the first Indian to go platinum with English singles. 350M+ Spotify streams. 
    • Digital Art Collector – Ananya Birla owns an NFT art collection worth INR 20 Cr across Ethereum & Solana. 
    • Self-Made Streak – She turned down a role with the Aditya Birla Group so that she could build her own legacy. 

    Aditya Birla Group Case Study | Revenue & Growth Strategy
    Aditya Birla Group is a remarkable business in India. Read about Aditya Birla group Case study, Kumar Mangalam Birla, history, revenue, & growth.
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    FAQs

    Who is Ananya Birla?

    Ananya Birla is an Indian entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, and mental health advocate. She is the daughter of billionaire businessman Kumar Mangalam Birla.  

    What is Ananya Birla’s educational background?

    Ananya Birla pursued her higher education at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, where she graduated with a degree in Economics and Management.  

    What was Ananya Birla’s first entrepreneurial venture?

    Ananya Birla first major entrepreneurial venture was Svatantra Microfin, a company she founded at the age of 17 that provides microfinance to women in rural India.

  • Eversource Intends to Acquire BluSmart of INR 800-1000 Crore

    A media report claims that Eversource, a private equity firm, has made an offer to purchase BluSmart for between INR 800 and 1,000 crore. Eversource Capital is a climate-focused investment platform. If the purchase goes through, BluSmart’s last known valuation of $300 million (about INR 2,561 crore) would be at least 60% lower. According to the media filings, Eversource intends to combine BluSmart with Lithium Urban Technologies, a company in its portfolio, and invest roughly $100 million in the resulting company.

    Jaggi Brothers to Step-down

    According to reports, Eversource wants Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, co-founders of BluSmart, to resign from their positions on the board. Following their exclusion from the securities market by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). This step was taken due to allegations of capital diversion and fraudulent activities conducted by the Jaggi brothers. Sebi accused the two of misusing money intended for the purchase of electric vehicles for their own personal expenses, such as buying a fancy flat. Following regulatory action, BluSmart suspended operations, causing thousands of drivers to lose their jobs and customers to express worries about ride credit refunds. The accusations of financial impropriety have also resulted in the resignation of other senior officials. Eversource Capital is a climate investing platform based in India that was established in 2018. It is a 50:50 joint venture between Lightsource BP, a worldwide solar energy producer based in the UK, and Everstone Capital, a private equity firm with operations in India and Southeast Asia.

    Choosing Luxury Over Business Development

    The Jaggi brothers’ use of businesses under their control to divert funds was one of the most humiliating discoveries. Capbridge Ventures, a promoter-affiliated company, was used to channel INR 50 crore of a loan of INR 71.41 crore. From INR 50 crore, INR 42.94 crore was used to purchase an expensive flat in Gurugram’s elite residential complex, The Camellias. Wellray Solar Industries, which is also connected to the promoters, received an additional INR 40 crore from another loan. It was very impossible to determine the money’s actual destination because it was redirected among a number of different companies, including Gensol EV Lease, GoSolar Ventures, and BluSmart Mobility.

    These deliberate actions were intended to obscure the audit trail and mislead investors, lenders, and regulators. Even more egregiously, Gensol claimed their loan accounts were in good standing in fake “Conduct Letters” that they sent to PFC and IREDA. After verifying, SEBI discovered that the agencies had not issued any such letters. Rating agencies ICRA and CARE downgraded Gensol’s credit rating to “D”, indicating high default risk and damaged confidence, because this not only broke regulatory standards but also amounted to open fraud.

  • State-Owned MTNL Defaults on 7 PSU Banks’ INR 8,346 Crore in Bank Debts

    Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL), a state-owned telecom service provider, announced on April 19 that it had fallen behind on bank loans from public sector lenders of INR 8,346.24 crore, as per the exchange filing. Seven public sector banks provided loans to the company, including the Union Bank of India, Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, UCO Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank, according to BSE data. According to the declaration, the total amount of outstanding debt, including both short-term and long-term borrowings, was INR 33,568 crore following the most recent default of INR 8,346.24 crore. To pay the interest on the SG Bond, this is further separated into a bank loan, an SG Bond, and a loan from the Department of Telecom.

    How Much MTNL Owes to Each Bank?

    MTNL has defaulted on INR 3,633.42 crore to the Union Bank of India, INR 1,077.34 crore to the Bank of India, INR 464.26 crore to the Punjab National Bank, INR 350.05 crore to the State Bank of India, INR 266.39 crore to the UCO Bank, INR 180.30 crore to the Punjab and Sind Bank, and INR 2,374.49 crore to the Indian Overseas Bank, according to the filing data. The loan principal and past-due interest amount are included in the default payment figures, which cover the period from August 2024 to February 2025. In addition, the corporation owes INR 8,346 crore in bank loan defaults, INR 1,151 crore in Department of Telecom debt, and INR 24,071 crore in SG Bond debt.

    MTNL a Sinking Ship

    The telecom operator is experiencing a serious liquidity shortage as a result of the frequent defaults. In the previous months, the company had sent a series of letters informing the stock exchanges of similar defaults. According to TRAI data, at the end of March 2023, MTNL held a 0.21% market share in the cellular segment and an 8.14% market share in the wireline segment. The business has recently accrued a significant amount of debt and has been reporting losses for a number of years. With the exception of the 2013–14 fiscal year, MTNL has been reporting losses annually since it first disclosed one in the 2008–09 fiscal year. The hefty labour costs borne by both MTNL and BSNL, two public sector undertakings (PSUs), are a major contributing factor to the debt.

    MTNL currently employs 3,547 people, while it once employed over 20,000 people in only two service areas. In 2019, around 15,000 workers at MTNL chose to participate in the voluntary retirement plan (VRS). Another major factor contributing to MTNL’s collapse was its limited reach. In the National Capital Region (which includes Delhi and the nearby cities of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad), Mumbai, Thane, and New Mumbai, it provides both fixed-line and wireless services. In terms of customer experience, MTNL has also failed to match commercial players. Due to years of being the sole service provider, the company was ill-equipped to handle subscribers’ issues in a satisfactory manner.

  • [Update] Bhavish Aggarwal’s Krutrim Denies Report on $300 Million Fundraising Plan

    Update | April 21, 2025, 5:30 pm
    Krutrim has issued a statement denying claims in the media reports regarding its fundraising efforts. The company clarified that it is not seeking external equity capital, and any reports suggesting otherwise are “speculative and misleading.” The company remains focused on executing its AI strategy with existing funds.

    Bhavish Aggarwal, founder of Ola and Ola Electric, was reportedly planning to raise up to $300 million (around INR 2,561 crore) for his artificial intelligence startup, Krutrim. The funding was said to include a mix of equity and debt to support its product and infrastructure expansion.

    Krutrim Cuts Fundraising Target as Investors Remain Cautious

    According to a Mint report citing sources close to the matter, Aggarwal had initially aimed for a $500 million raise but revised the target to $300 million due to muted investor sentiment. Factors such as the past business performance of Ola and its aggressive expansion strategy were cited as reasons for reduced interest.

    No confirmed investment offers were mentioned, but the report claimed Aggarwal remained confident about closing the round soon, with potential participation from global financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and SBI Capital Markets.

    What Krutrim Plans to Build with the Funding

    Krutrim was launched in 2023 with a focus on building artificial intelligence products designed for Indian users. The company introduced its own large language model in December 2023 and became India’s first AI unicorn just a month later, in January 2024. The company has raised approximately $75 million in previous funding from investors like Z47 (formerly Matrix) and the Sarin Family.

    Krutrim aims to create AI solutions in Indian languages, along with launching AI servers, cloud services, and consumer devices. The fresh funding will likely support the development of these offerings and help the company grow its team and infrastructure.

    The startup is betting big on the future of AI in India. Its long-term goal is to offer locally trained AI models that can power businesses and consumer applications across the country.

    Krutrim AI Labs and Vision for India’s AI Future

    In 2025, Aggarwal launched Krutrim AI Labs, aiming to develop AI technologies tailored specifically for the Indian market. Initially, the venture is backed by INR 2,000 crore in investments, with plans to scale up to INR 10,000 crore by next year. Krutrim’s goal is to build an AI ecosystem capable of competing with global players like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.

    Krutrim is actively working on multiple AI models, including:

    • Krutrim-2, a next-generation language model
    • Chitrarth 1, focused on images and text
    • Dhwani 1, designed for speech recognition
    • Vyakhyarth 1, designed for Indian languages

    Krutrim is also constructing India’s largest AI supercomputer, equipped with NVIDIA’s GB200 chips. This supercomputer is expected to enhance both AI and cloud infrastructure within the country.

    📢 Krutrim Issues Statement Denying Fundraising Reports

    Following the circulation of fundraising reports, Krutrim has denied the claims in an official press statement. The company called the reports inaccurate, speculative, and misleading, stating:

    “Krutrim presently is not raising any external equity as the company is well funded by the promoter and select investors and it continues to invest towards executing its AI strategy.”

    It further stated that the fundraising claims were inaccurate and clarified that all updates would be shared through official channels.

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