~ Captures almost 70% market share in the guilt-free ice cream category on quick-commerce platforms
Go Zero, India’s #1 guilt-free ice cream brand, has raised INR 30 crore in its Series A funding round, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The round witnessed continued backing from existing investors DSG Consumer Partners, Saama Capital, and V3 Ventures. Subtle participation also came from notable investors Aman Gupta (through Shark Tank India) and Namita Thapar (outside the tank). With this round, Go Zero has raised a total of USD 6 million to date.
Since its inception in July 2022, Go Zero has pioneered the guilt-free ice cream segment, offering 100% sugar-free products with 50% fewer calories than traditional ice creams. The brand has seen remarkable growth, achieving 5X revenue growth in its second year and 3X in the third. Despite January being the off-season for ice cream sales, Go Zero recorded its highest-ever sales in January2025, crossing ₹5 crore in revenue.
Ash Lilani, Founder & Managing Partner at Saama Capital, expressed confidence in Go Zero’s trajectory, stating, “We are delighted to double down on our investment in Go Zero. At Saama, we firmly believe in the rise of guilt-free indulgence in India and are focused on supporting better-for-you insurgent F&B brands. Most importantly, we have strong conviction in Kiran’s entrepreneurial spirit and two decades of experience in the ice cream industry. His immense product knowledge, flavour innovation, and natural marketing instinct have positioned Go Zero well to become India’s favourite indulgent dessert brand.”
Arjun Vaidya shared his perspective, “Reflecting on our early investment days, it’s incredible to see how the company has grown over 20 times in the past two years from a 25 lakh monthly run rate when we first met. My decision to back Go Zero was deeply personal. Growing up, Apsara ice cream was a household favourite, my Nani lived across the street from their original Walkeshwar outlet. Kiran’s 11-year experience in his family ice cream business, especially his creation of the spicy guava flavour, showcased his deep understanding of crafting exceptional products. Taste is crucial in any food business, specifically ice cream. The zero-sugar market presented an exciting opportunity beyond just healthy consumers. With approximately 280 million Indians either diabetic or pre-diabetic, India is the diabetes capital of the world. But we’re not stopping to eat desserts. Thus there’s a significant demand for indulgent yet health-conscious desserts. Go Zero addresses this by offering products that satisfy sweet cravings while managing sugar spike and calorie content. What impresses me most is Go Zero’s approach to product development. They’ve reimagined classic favourites like the orange stick, Madagascar choco bar and duets, resonating deeply with consumers. Their strategic use of quick commerce channels has further accelerated growth.”
He adds, “India’s per capita ice cream consumption is relatively low at 1.6 L compared to other countries. For instance, New Zealand leads with 28.4 litres per person annually, followed by the U.S. at 20.8 litres, and Australia at 18 litres. This indicates a vast scope for growth in the Indian market. Quick commerce will do 3,000 cr this year just in ice cream, this is not just taking away demand from other channels, it’s fundamentally new demand. Looking ahead, I’m excited about Go Zero’s plans to capture more market share, allowing Indians to indulge in delicious ice cream without compromising on health. The recent cassata launch is one I’m super excited about.”
Hariharan noted, “Three years ago, we backed Kiran on his mission to deliver the best-tasting guilt-free ice cream. The exceptional consumer response since our initial investment has far surpassed our expectations, underscoring the enormous opportunity in guilt-free indulgence. Go Zero is well on its way to becoming a category-defining brand, with Kiran, who previously built Apsara Ice Cream, once again proving his strong product capabilities and execution skills in the ice cream segment.”
The fresh investment will fuel supply chain expansion, innovation in product offerings, and brand growth as Go Zero continues its aggressive expansion on quick-commerce platforms in Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets.
Kiran Shah, Founder & CEO of Go Zero, said, “The demand for ‘better-for-you’ products is no longer niche, it’s a mainstream shift. We are proud to lead this transformation in the guilt-free ice cream category with Go Zero. This fresh funding will accelerate our plans to bring healthier indulgence to more households across India.”
With a strong presence across Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, Go Zero is also set to launch new guilt-free formats, including kulfi sticks and cassata, following the success of its ice cream cones and Duets. The company currently operates two manufacturing units in Mumbai and Bangalore.
About Go Zero
Go Zero is India’s #1 guilt-free ice cream brand, redefining zero-sugar, low-calorie ice creams and desserts. Founded in 2022, Go Zero has rapidly scaled across quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto, with additional availability on delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. Backed by leading investors including DSG Consumer Partners, Saama Capital, and V3 Ventures, and notable investors like Shantanu Deshpande from Bombay Shaving Company and Arjun Purkayastha (Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Greater China & North Asia at Reckitt Benckiser Group), Go Zero is on a mission to make healthier indulgence accessible to all. To date, the company has raised a total of USD 6 million.
Awfis, India’s largest and first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, continues to strengthen its leadership team, marking a significant milestone in its mission to redefine workplace solutions. The company has appointed distinguished industry leaders across Technology, Managed Office Solutions, and Design & Build to cater to the increasing demand across both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. These strategic hires reinforce Awfis’ commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and client-centric solutions.
As a testament to Awfis’ focus on strategic development, the company appointed Sanjay Baurai as Strategic Advisor for Workplace Solutions and Growth. With extensive expertise in corporate real estate strategy, large-scale operations, risk management, and business continuity, Sanjay brings a wealth of experience to the role. At Awfis, he will lead key initiatives across account management, co-working, manufacturing, government liaison, M&A integration for design and build, and overall business strategy, ensuring seamless execution, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with organizational goals.
To further build its rapidly expanding Managed Office portfolio across India, Awfis has appointed Parul Seth (National Head of business Development and Growth) Roshan Alva (Sr. National Director, Enterprise Business), and Rahul Kanungo (National Director, Sales). With extensive experience spanning real estate, banking, and technology; they bring a multidimensional perspective that will help Awfis solidify its leadership position as the preferred flex space provider in India.
To cater to the ever-increasing demand from GCCs, and large corporates for Design & Build solutions, Awfis has onboarded industry leaders with local understanding and design experts with global exposure to build world-class workspaces that resonate with the modern workforce. Some of the recent key hires include Noelle Bianca Aguilar and Debora Emert as Design Heads from the Philippines & USA respectively. On the business front, Awfis onboarded Kamal Pandey, Director, BD who brings over a decade of experience in the design & build industry. Awfis’ global design expertise coupled with an in-depth understanding of the Indian workspace and large on-ground teams gives it an added edge in delivering innovative, sustainable, and aesthetic workplaces.
On the technology front, Rohit Manghnani, the newly appointed Chief Product & Technology Officer, will spearhead Awfis’ digital transformation. With a strong track record in driving growth and operational efficiency, he will lead technological advancements to enhance system capabilities, ensuring seamless scalability and superior user experiences.
Commenting on the recent appointments, Mr. Amit Ramani, Chairman and Managing Director of Awfis Space Solutions Limited, stated, “The strategic expansion of our D&B, Managed Office, and Technology teams represents a significant leap in our capabilities. The collective expertise of these leaders enables Awfis to create workplace experiences that transcend traditional office spaces, fostering productivity, creativity, and business success. Their combined expertise and forward-thinking approach will play a pivotal role in shaping our next growth phase and reinforcing our position as an industry leader.”
The flex space industry is experiencing exponential growth, driven by a surge in entrepreneurs, start-ups, and the expanding GCC market in India. Awfis continues to expand its footprint, innovate within the flex space sector, and provide transformative solutions for businesses seeking to thrive in an evolving corporate landscape. With a strategic vision, advanced infrastructure, and a commitment to flexibility and scalability, Awfis is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing demand and reinforce its leadership in the industry.
About Awfis Space Solutions Limited
Awfis Space Solutions Ltd. (‘Awfis’) is India’s leading and only listed flexible workspace solutions provider offering the largest network of agile workspaces. The company enables small and large corporates to seamlessly book and utilize workspaces as per their requirement and convenience. The comprehensive suite of solutions includes Flex Space Solutions (Coworking and Enterprise Solutions), Mobility Solutions, Design & Build, Awfis Café, and TechLabs-advanced tech infrastructure. With a strong presence in 18 cities and 200+ centres, Awfis serves over 3,000 clients across diverse industries, ensuring scalable and adaptable workspace solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Yummy Bee, India’s leading café chain focused on guilt-free indulgence, has successfully raised INR 18 crore in total funding, including INR 11 crore in its most recent round. This capital injection will primarily support the brand’s expansion into Mumbai and Bengaluru as well as establish their base for Consumer Packed Goods (CPG) for the FMCG market, marking a significant milestone in its mission to offer healthier food options nationwide.
The funding round saw participation from Mile Deep Capital, a prominent Hyderabad-based VC firm, as well as key investors such as Mohan Krishna, Executive Director at Continental Coffee, Ajitha Challa, Founder and MD, Karafa Coffee and Praveen Jaipuriar, Group CEO of Continental Coffee and former head of marketing at Dabur. These strategic investors bring invaluable expertise and support to Yummy Bee’s aggressive growth plans.
The capital raised will be utilized to expand Yummy Bee’s footprint across key metros, with new outlets planned for Mumbai and Bengaluru. Additionally, Yummy Bee is also expanding its range of Consumer Packed Goods (CPG) for the FMCG market with new products being added such as millet puffs and almond rocks. Funds will also be utilized for channel expansion into both quick commerce and modern trade.
Sandeep Jangala, Founder & CEO of Yummy Bee, expressed his excitement over the new funding: “This investment will allow us to reach more health-conscious individuals across the country, with the goal of making guilt-free indulgence accessible in every major city. We remain committed to offering delicious, nutritious food that doesn’t compromise on taste.”
With the new funding, Yummy Bee is targeting an annualized recurring revenue of INR 50 crore by March 2026 and plans to expand to 20 outlets across India by the end of the year. Founded in 2022, Yummy Bee has rapidly gained popularity with its sugar-free, gluten-free, preservative-free menu items, including tacos, millet pizzas, pasta, and signature desserts like Double Chocolate Brownies, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Chocolate Truffle Pastry. The brand currently operates outlets in Jubilee Hills, Kondapur, Kokapet, and Kukatpally in Hyderabad.
About Yummy Bee
Yummy Bee, established in 2022 under VLOGS Food Private Limited, is India’s first café chain offering guilt-free, health-conscious food options. Known for its sugar-free, gluten-free, and preservative-free menu, Yummy Bee aims to redefine the café culture in India by combining health, taste, and innovation in every bite. The brand operates outlets in Hyderabad and is set to expand to Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Cricketers are similar to movie stars that have a huge commercial appeal. This is why many upcoming cricketers including Shreyas Iyer are currently in demand for endorsing products. Shreyas Santosh Iyer is an Indian cricketer who currently plays for the country in international cricket, Mumbai’s cricket team in the domestic cricket and Delhi Capital in the Indian Premier league.
Shreyas Iyer is a right-handed top order batsman that plays in all forms of cricket like One day International (ODIs), Twenty20 International, Indian Premier League, Under 19 Indian cricket team, etc for India. The cricketer made his debut in 2014 to 2015 Vijay Hazare Trophy by playing for Mumbai, in which he scored over 273 runs in the tournament at an average of 54.
Shreyas helped the Under-19 team by hitting back-to-back half-centuries in the playoffs which led to India to finish fifth in the 2014 World Cup. He also played Ranji trophy the same year with an impressive score of 809 runs with an average of 50.56 making him the 7th highest scorer of 2014 Ranji Trophy.
He has also given top performances in 2016 to 2017 Ranji trophy, 2018 to 2019 Vijay Hazare trophy tournament, 2018 to 2019 Deodhar Trophy, 2018 to 2019 Syed Maushtaq Ali trophy. Shreyas became popular after he became a part of the Delhi Capital Team after being auctioned in 2015 Indian Premier League. In 2018, he became the youngest capital to lead the Delhi Daredevils team in the IPL history.
Shreyas Iyer was retained by the Delhi Capitals IPL team up until 2019, the cricketer also helped the team reach playoffs after seven years. In 2020’s IPL season, Shreyas continued as a captain making the team reach finals for the first time. BCCI describes the cricketer that has the ability to mix power game with classical approach and known for his sharp fielding in the IPL.
In 2021, Shreyas Iyer became a part of Lancashire for 2021 season of Royal London One Day Cup. The net worth of Shreyas Iyer is estimated to be $4 million in 2021. He is known to charge over Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 lakhs for brand endorsement deals. Some of the brands endorsed by Shreyas Iyer are BoAt, Fresca Juices, Myprotein, Google Pixel, Manyavar, Dream11, and CEAT. Lets know more about these.
In February 2025, InCred, a diversified financial services group, announced its collaboration with Shreyas Iyer, announced him as its new brand ambassador, succeeding the legendary Rahul Dravid.
This partnership underscores InCred’s commitment to aligning with the core values of cricket—discipline, perseverance, and performance—which resonate with their vision of empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals. The collaboration features a series of marketing campaigns focused on making financial services more accessible and transparent & enhancing financial awareness across India.
MyFitness
MyFitness – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Iyer’s partnership with MyFitness is a perfect example of how sports personalities can influence lifestyle and dietary choices. With his disciplined fitness routine and strong fan following, he continues to inspire many to opt for healthier food options, making this endorsement a successful and strategic move for both MyFitness and Iyer’s brand.
Britannia
Britannia – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Britannia Bourbon launched its “Original Friendship” campaign, featuring Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, and Deepak Chahar. The television commercial depicted the trio’s camaraderie, highlighting the mischievous aspects of friendship. In the ad, Pandya playfully deceives Iyer and Chahar by pretending to share the last Bourbon biscuit while secretly hiding additional pieces, leading to a lighthearted chase among the friends.
This campaign aimed to celebrate the playful bonds among friends, positioning Britannia Bourbon as a treat that complements such fun moments. The cricketers’ real-life friendship added authenticity to the narrative, resonating with audiences who cherish similar experiences with their friends.
Ramraj
Ramraj – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer was featured in a television commercial for Ramraj, a brand renowned for its traditional men’s attire, including vests (baniyans). The advertisement aimed to highlight the comfort and convenience of Ramraj vests.
However, the commercial garnered significant attention on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where users critiqued its content and execution, labeling it “cringe-worthy.” The ad’s narrative and presentation sparked widespread discussions and humorous reactions among netizens.
WhatsApp partnered with Star Sports to launch the “Privacy Unplugged” series, a five-part short-form content initiative highlighting the significance of privacy in the digital age. This series featured prominent athletes, including Shreyas Iyer, who shared personal narratives emphasizing how WhatsApp’s privacy features support their professional and personal lives.
In his segment, Iyer discussed leveraging WhatsApp’s ‘View Once’ feature to share his magic tricks with younger teammates, fostering a comfortable environment for them to discuss challenges. This approach underscores the importance of private communication in building confidence and camaraderie within a team.
NBA Style India
NBA Style India – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Shreyas Iyer’s association with NBA Style India is a testament to his growing influence beyond cricket, positioning him as a style icon who effortlessly blends sports with fashion. This collaboration allows him to showcase his love for sneakers, streetwear, and athleisure, stuff that have become a crucial part of modern-day sports culture.
Through his partnership with NBA Style India, Iyer has successfully expanded his brand beyond cricket. His ability to carry bold fashion statements while maintaining an athletic edge has made him a trendsetter among young sports enthusiasts.
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer was featured in a FanCraze advertisement that garnered significant attention and sparked controversy. The ad campaign depicted a scenario where a female fan approaches Iyer for an autograph but realizes she doesn’t have suitable material for him to sign. In a seemingly awkward moment, she begins to lift her top, prompting Iyer to intervene by offering his hoodie for the autograph.
This incident highlights the fine line that advertising campaigns must navigate to engage audiences without crossing into controversial or offensive territory. It also underscores the importance of sensitivity and awareness in content creation, especially when featuring high-profile personalities like Shreyas Iyer.
Oppo
OPPO – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
In June 2024, OPPO India unveiled its #DareToFlaunt campaign to promote the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G smartphone, featuring actress Shraddha Kapoor and cricketer Shreyas Iyer. The campaign highlighted the phone’s status as India’s first IP69-rated waterproof smartphone, emphasizing its durability and sleek design.
The accompanying television commercial showcased the F27 Pro+ enduring various rigorous scenarios, such as being subjected to a washing machine cycle, submerged in a swimming pool, used to hammer a cricket wicket, and even run over by a car.
In each instance, the phone emerged unscathed, underscoring its resilience. This portrayal aimed to resonate with extremely bold and adventurous spirit of Gen Z, encouraging users to flaunt their devices without fear of damage.
The #DareToFlaunt campaign successfully garnered significant attention, accumulating over 150 million views across various platforms.
This widespread engagement reflects the campaign’s effectiveness in connecting with the target audience and highlighting the unique features of the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G.
Ultrahuman
Ultrahuman – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer collaborated with Ultrahuman, a leading metabolic fitness platform, to enhance his athletic performance through advanced health monitoring technology.
Using the Ultrahuman M1, a continuous glucose monitoring device, Iyer gained valuable insights into his metabolic health, enabling him to optimize his diet, training, and overall performance. This partnership underscores Iyer’s commitment to leveraging technology for health and fitness optimization, reflecting an active and health-conscious lifestyle.
Gillette
Gillette – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Gillette India launched the ‘Play With The Stars’ campaign, featuring Shreyas Iyer and fellow cricketer Shubman Gill. This initiative introduced special Cricket Edition packs of Gillette’s Mach3 and Fusion5 razors, offering consumers a chance to meet and play cricket with their idols. The campaign emphasized precision and excellence, aligning with Gillette’s brand values.
Red Bull
Shreyas Iyer, the dynamic Indian cricketer, has established a notable partnership with Red Bull, a brand renowned for its association with high-energy sports and events.
This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Iyer’s vibrant and active persona, reflecting his commitment to excellence on and off the cricket field. This association places Iyer among an elite group of sports personalities who embody the brand’s ethos of pushing boundaries and striving for greatness.
Mutual Funds Sahi Hai – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) expanded its “Mutual Funds Sahi Hai” campaign by collaborating with prominent cricketers, including Shreyas Iyer, to enhance financial literacy among India’s youth and first-time investors.
By aligning with popular cricketers, AMFI successfully bridged the gap between complex financial concepts and the general public, fostering a culture of informed investment decisions among India’s youth.
BoAt
BoAt – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
BoAt is one of the top consumer electronics company in India. It founded by Sameer Mehta and Aman Gupta in 2013. The company has its headquarters based in New Delhi and is known for wide range of products like headphones, speakers, mobile phone accessories, smartwatches, stereos, electric shavers, travel chargers, premium cables, power banks, sound bars, etc.
In 2020, BoAt became the fifth largest wearable company in the world as it had a market share of 3.5% in the global market. Shreyas Iyer was signed as BoAt’s brand ambassador in 2020. Shreyas Iyer has been featured ad campaign with the tagline of “Sound of the Champions”. This ad is said to be targeted towards fitness and music enthusiasts. With Shreyas in their side the brand is hoping to strengthen the brand narrative of offering products that are high tech, best in style and good for strenuous exercises.
Commenting on the association, Aman Gupta, the co-founder of BoAt said that, the cricketer’s youthful persona and dynamism goes perfectly with BoAt. BoAt has also been the audio sponsor for six IPL teams and has previously signed cricketers like KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Prithvi Shaw as their brand ambassadors.
Google Pixel
Google Pixel – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Google Pixel is one of the top consumer electronics company that was developed by Google. The pixel brand was first introduced in 2013 with their laptop Chromebook Pixel. Google Pixel is known for its products such as the Pixel Smartphones (Pixel 3a & 3a XL, Pixel 4 & 4 XL, Pixel 5, etc.) Pixel tablets (Pixel C, Pixel Slate), Laptops (Chromebook Pixel, Pixelbook) and Accessories (Pixel Buds, Pixelbook Pen, etc.). These products can be run with the Chrome OS or the Android operating system.
In 2017, the company signed the then Indian cricket team coach and Shardul Thakur, Mayank Dagar and Shreyas Iyer to endorse the Google Pixel 2. The #daywithpixel2 ad campaign featured all cricketers where they showcase the features of Google Pixel 2 when they spend a day where they out for lunch and a supposed outing away from the camp with Google Pixel 2. This ad campaign became viral as it has garnered over 3 million views.
Manyavar is one of the most well-known ethnic fashion brands in India. The company was initially founded by Ravi Modi in 1999 where it only sold men’s ethnic wear. The company has now become synonymous for its wide range of wedding wear, festive wear, fusion wear for men, women and even children. As of now, Manyavar has over 600 stores across in more than 200 cities including 120 flagship stores and over 13 international stores in countries UAE and America.
It also has more than 4000 employees around the world. Manyavar has so far, many famous brand ambassadors such as Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Kartik Aryan, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, etc. The company also signed Shreyas Iyer as an endorser for the #Manyavarwalidiwaali campaign in 2018. The cricketer can be seen dancing with a kid while wearing a Manyavar kurta. This ad also features other cricketers like Virat Kohli, Umesh Yadav, etc.
Fresca Juices
Fresca juices – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Fresca juices is one of the fastest growing natural fruit brands in India. The brand is a under the FMCG company known as Bankey Behari foods was started by Akhil Gupta in 1999. The company is known for its products such as Jams, Pickles, Tomato Ketchup, Chutneys and Syrups. In 2010, the company also started manufacturing delivering fresh and authentic fruit juices with diverse flavors.
Fresca Juices has now become a household name because of its wide variety of nutritious flavors essential for a healthy lifestyle. The company is known to have over 200 plus distributers across the country. The brand signed Amrya Dastur and Shreyas Iyer as its brand ambassador in 2021.
The cricketer has appeared in ad campaigns in a unique fun-filled avatar, where the cricketer talks about situations when life gives you tough situations, he just grabs the drink to bring it back on track. The tagline of the campaign is #TheFrescaLife, with this campaign the brands aim to strengthen its leadership position in the fruit drink market in India.
Myprotein
Myprotein – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Myprotein is a leading sports nutrition company was originally founded by Oliver Cookson in 2004. The company is known for its products such as sports nutrition products, gym clothing, protein powders, nutritional shakes and drinks, vitamins and healthy high-protein snacks. The brand is a subsidiary of Hut Group and is currently the Number 1 in Europe while operating in over 70 countries.
Myprotein became so popular because its products are high quality, vitamins and minerals, high-protein foods, snack alternatives, and performance clothing. The brand signed Shreyas Iyer as its brand ambassador in 2021 during the 14th season of the Indian Premier League. With Shreyas Iyer endorsing its products, the brand aims to utilize the cricketer’s strong social media presence in order to connect with more sports enthusiasts and spread the benefits of Myprotein.
According to the cricketer, professional athletes, have to focus on fitness and body conditioning and maintain correct levels of protein and vitamins to support their strength training and conditioning, that’s where brands like Myprotein help in keeping a balanced regime.
CEAT is a multinational tyre company which is a subsidiary of RPG Group. The company is a leader in manufacturing tyres for passenger cars, cycles, SUVs, two-wheelers, trucks and buses, light commercial vehicles, earth movers, fork lifters, tractors, trailers, and even autorickshaws. CEAT exports to countries across Africa, Americas, Australia, Asia, and have a production capacity of over 800 tonnes per day and 165 million tyres annually.
The company was initially founded by Virginio Bruni Tedeschi in 1924 but was acquired by RPG Group in the 1990s. CEAT has had a history of choosing cricketers like Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane as its brand ambassador especially during IPL seasons.
In 2019, the company signed Shreyas Iyer as its brand ambassador in 2019, according to the deal the CEAT logo will permanently be features donned on the bats used by Shreyas Iyer. Commenting on the association, the cricketer said that it is his pleasure to be associated with CEAT as it has always supported and boosted cricket in the India.
Dream11
Dream11 – Shreyas Iyer Brand Endorsements
Dream11 is a leading Indian fantasy sports company that was founded by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth in 2008. The company allows its user to play fantasy cricket, hockey, football, kabaddi and basketball. As of 2014, Dream11 is known to have over 1 million registered users which grew to 2 million in 2016 and up to 45 million in 2018.
In 2019, the company was the first Indian gaming company to become a unicorn. In 2021, Dream11 launch six multimedia campaigns during the 2021 Indian Premier League. The ad campaigns feature cricketers like Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer that seen playing fantasy cricket with their neighborhood teams.
The tagline of the ads is ‘Team Hai Toh Mazaa Hai’, and revolves around fans and their love for cricket. The ad campaign also showcases the importance of having a team in real life to enjoy playing sports just like how the users of Dream11 can play their favourite sport by making their own teams.
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer has recently emerged as a promising prospect for the Indian cricket team. At the age of 26, Shreyas Iyer has become prolific top-order batsman known for his fearless style of batting and high strike rate. Many media outlets have even compared him to iconic cricketers like Virender Sehwag. Shreyas Iyer has always actively promoted brands on social media where he has a huge fan following, which has helped him grow in the advertising world.
FAQs
Who is Shreyas Iyer?
Shreyas Iyer is a prominent Indian international cricketer known for his batting prowess.
Why are brands interested in endorsing Shreyas Iyer?
His consistent performance, youth appeal, stylish image, and growing popularity make him attractive to brands.
What types of brands does Shreyas Iyer typically endorse?
He endorses a variety of brands across categories like sports apparel, electronics, financial services, and consumer goods.
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Until the emergence of eCommerce and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) selling, the Indian beauty sector had been dominated by cosmetics majors for decades. In the beauty industry, it’s difficult to overlook the influence of direct-to-consumer companies like Nykaa, Mamaearth, WOW Skin, Plum, and Sugar Cosmetics, which are quickly becoming customers’ go-to alternatives in metros and Tier 1 and 2 cities.
With just two products when it was first founded in 2012, Sugar Cosmetics has quickly expanded to become one of India’s leading beauty businesses, with 450 warehouses under its belt in just five years. Known for its cruelty-free makeup, the brand caters to bold, independent women who defy preconceptions and is the ideal fusion of style and performance. Sugar Cosmetics has evolved into a symbol of empowerment, enabling people to confidently express their individuality.
Here’s learning more about Sugar Cosmetics, its history, its Founders and Team, Business Model, Revenue Model, Name, Logo and Tagline, Growth, Mission and Vision, Competitors, Challenges Faced, Future Plans, and more.
Sugar Cosmetics is one of India’s fastest-growing premium cosmetic companies, with a cult following among millennials. Thanks to its clutter-breaking attitude, unique low-poly packaging, and chart-topping products, it has become the first choice of many Indian women. The brand’s bestselling goods in the Lips, Eyes, Face, Nails, and Skin categories are sent all over the world from state-of-the-art facilities in Germany, Italy, India, the United States, and Korea.
The brand is devoted to producing products that are a great fit for every Indian skin tone throughout seasons and across the calendar, with a cruelty-free line that is high on design and high on performance. Sugar Cosmetics is aggressively expanding its strong existence, with over 45,000 retail outlets across 550 cities, including 200 of its own branded stores. It is backed by the faith of marquee investors and the passion of millions of beauty aficionados.
Sugar Cosmetics – Industry
According to the Statista analysis, the Indian Cosmetic industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.86% from 2024 to 2028. This increase is partly explained by consumers’ increasing preference for digital experiences, which has caused the beauty industry to undergo a dramatic shift in favor of eCommerce.
The ease of use and time-saving capabilities provided by online platforms serve as the foundation for this change. Customers can now move more easily between virtual stores and online content, having almost the same “real-life” experience with customization possibilities, product samples, and other features. This paradigm change demonstrates how the cosmetics business has responded to changing consumer tastes by redefining and improving the entire customer experience through the use of digital technology.
Sugar Cosmetics – Founders and Team
Sugar Cosmetics was founded by Kaushik Mukherjee and Vineeta Singh in 2012.
Vineeta Singh (Co-Founder and CEO) and Kaushik Mukherjee (Co-Founder and COO) of Sugar Cosmetics
Kaushik Mukherjee
Kaushik Mukherjee, the co-founder and COO of SUGAR Cosmetics, boasts an impressive educational background, having graduated from BITS Pilani and earned a degree from IIM Ahmedabad. In addition to being a seasoned professional and a successful marathon and Ironman triathlete, Mukherjee is a TEDx speaker.
His professional journey commenced as an Applications Engineer at Oracle Corporation, followed by a role as an Analyst at Goldman Sachs. Mukherjee then founded BigSlick Infotech/AKVenture and later served as an Associate at McKinsey & Company. He continued his entrepreneurial journey as the Co-founder & MD of FAB Bag before founding and assuming the role of co-founder and chief operating officer at SUGAR Cosmetics. Mukherjee’s diverse experiences underscore his multifaceted expertise in both the corporate and entrepreneurial realms.
Vineeta Singh
Vineeta Singh, co-founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, is a powerhouse driving India’s fastest-growing cosmetic business. Armed with degrees from IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad, she extends her influence beyond the corporate realm as a TEDx Speaker and an accomplished triathlon and ultramarathon runner.
Vineeta is a well-known figure on Shark Tank India, where she displays her aptitude for entrepreneurship. Her career started with important internships at ITC Limited and Deutsche Bank. Following her role as a Director at Quetzal Verify Private Limited and her co-founding of FAB Bag, Vineeta went on to co-found Sugar Cosmetics company and serve as its CEO.
The inception of SUGAR Cosmetics company marks the collaborative effort of Vineeta Singh and her husband and business partner, Kaushik Mukherjee. Early in her career, Vineeta, an IIT Madras Electrical Engineering graduate with extra Business Studies from IIM Ahmedabad, made a crucial choice. In her twenties, she turned down a big employment offer of Rs. 1 crore because she wanted to follow her dream of being an entrepreneur.
Vineeta and Kaushik persisted in their startup efforts despite obstacles. Seeing a gap in the Indian beauty market, which was dominated by foreign brands that weren’t very suitable for the country’s environment and skin tone, the two took advantage of the knowledge they were able to gather via their beauty subscription service. The direct input from 100,000 women who subscribed to the program served as the basis for the debut of SUGAR Cosmetics.
Established with the tenets of adaptability, creativity, and in-depth knowledge of customer requirements, SUGAR Cosmetics company has emerged as a leader in the Indian beauty sector. Vineeta Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee’s joint efforts demonstrate the ability of business alliances to turn obstacles into success stories.
“We have a long way to go and great goals to achieve! Success to me is having the flexibility and capacity to achieve whatever I want without fear of failure. To be honest, I had my reservations when I turned down the job offer when I was 23 years old. But, in keeping with my concept of having no regrets, I pursued my ambitions. I was quite enthusiastic about being an entrepreneur and starting a business. I simply knew that if I didn’t do it now, I’d regret it for the rest of my life, so I went ahead and did it,” said Vineeta Singh.
Sugar Cosmetics Success Story Timeline
Sugar Cosmetics – Mission and Vision
Sugar Cosmetics’ mission statement says, “We believe in every interpretation of beauty. Bold to subdued, quirky to crazy, every day to glam goddess! We aim to celebrate every aspect of you, no matter what your style is. So, go ahead and pick your faves.”
Sugar Cosmetics – Name, Tagline and Logo
Sugar Cosmetics Logo
The company began as an online supplier of natural, paraben-free cosmetics and has since grown in popularity not just in India but throughout the world. Due to the usage of the black and white color combination, the visual identity of an Indian cosmetic business is beautiful and refined while also seeming bold and confident. The company’s logo is made up of a wordmark with an emblem on the left, which serves as the brand’s signifier and appears on all of the company’s cosmetics.
Sugar Cosmetics’ tagline says, “Rule The World, One Look At A Time!!!”
Sugar Cosmetics – Business Model
Sugar Cosmetics operates with a direct-to-consumer (D2C) business model that strategically incorporates an omnichannel approach. By using this strategy, Sugar leverages theadvantage of other eCommerce marketplaces, such as Amazon and Nykaa, increasing its accessibility and reach. The brand emphasizes its global presence through a variety of revenue streams, including both domestic sales in India and international export sales.
The customer-centric business approach of Sugar Cosmetics is one of its main advantages. The company does a great job of satisfying the wide range of demands and tastes of its target market. Its product line is carefully designed to be inclusive and versatile, with a wide variety of hues and formulas catered to all skin types and tones. Sugar’s emphasis on diversity makes it seem like a brand that appeals to a wide range of customers.
Sugar Cosmetics – Revenue Model
Sugar Cosmetics makes money from different resources. Some of the prominent ones are listed below:
Various Channels of Sales
Uses brick-and-mortar stores, the official website, and e-commerce partnerships (Amazon, Nykaa) for sales.
Specialty kiosks create an additional offline sales channel.
Revenue Streams by Geography
Principal source of income for meeting local demands for beauty in India.
Significant income from export sales to other countries.
Present Both Online and Offline
Consolidated internet sales on the official website.
Offline sales through unique kiosks and physical stores.
Sugar Cosmetics – Challenges Faced
Co-founders Vineeta and Kaushik faced several obstacles during Sugar Cosmetics’ early years as they walked the difficult path of bootstrapping the company. Obtaining funding, identifying reliable suppliers, and assembling a team were major obstacles.
The company first had trouble making an impression in the crowded market. Products were difficult to market, and they had trouble obtaining finance. Despite everything, the company’s founders were committed to growing it. They put a lot of effort into producing new goods and attracting additional clients.
The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges for Sugar Cosmetics, intensified by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to numerous other brands, the company’s valuation was impacted by supply chain delays, decreased customer spending, and general economic uncertainty.
Sugar Cosmetics changed course in response, embracing an online platform and stepping up its digital marketing and advertising initiatives to combat the market decline. This strategic move highlights the company’s resolve to continue growing in the face of external hardships by demonstrating its ability to overcome obstacles and adjust to changing market conditions.
Sugar Cosmetics – Funding and Investors
Sugar Cosmetics has raised $95 million in over 8 funding rounds that the company has seen to date. Their latest funding was raised on November 27, 2024, from a Series-E round by Anicut Capital.
Here are the funding details:
Date
Round
Amount
Lead Investors
November 27, 2024
Series-E
INR 38 crore
Anicut Capital
October 20, 2024
Secondary Market
$3 million
IMM Investment
September 3, 2022
Angel Round
–
Ranveer Singh
May 30, 2022
Series D
$50 million
L Catterton
October 21, 2020
Debt Financing
$2 million
Stride Ventures
October 21, 2020
Series C
$21 million
A91 Partners, Elevation Capital, India Quotient, Stride Ventures
March 8, 2019
Series B
$12 million
A91 Partners, Anicut Capital, India Quotient
June 1, 2017
Series A
$2.5 million
India Quotient, RB Investments Pte. Ltd.
Sugar Cosmetics – Shareholding
Sugar’s shareholding pattern as of March 2025, sourced from Tracxn:
Sugar Cosmetics Shareholders
Percentage
Kaushik Pavan Mukherjee
13.1%
Vineeta Singh
13.1%
Anicut Capital
1.8%
A91 Partners
20.3%
Elevation Capital
10.5%
RB Investments
10.0%
India Quotient
10.3%
Malabar Investments
1.0%
Stride Ventures
0.4%
L N Bangur Group
0.1%
Vikramaditya Mohan Thapar Family Trust
< 0.1%
Selenium Trust
< 0.1%
Pawan Munjal Family Trust
< 0.1%
Ajay S Shriram Family Trust
< 0.1%
Vikram S Shriram Family Trust
< 0.1%
Ajit S Shriram Family Trust
< 0.1%
Sukalp Foundation
< 0.1%
Munjal Family Trust
< 0.1%
LCA Celestial
6.1%
Waterfield Advisors
1.1%
Texport
0.3%
Astra Industries And Trading
< 0.1%
Karsahi Infraventures
< 0.1%
Paeonia Group
< 0.1%
T Poddar Group
< 0.1%
Suchir Chemicals
< 0.1%
Lumax World
< 0.1%
Richa Global
< 0.1%
Blau I Merchandising
–
Angel
7.1%
Other People
–
ESOP Pool
3.3%
Other Investors
0.4%
Total
99.8%
Sugar Cosmetics Shareholding
Sugar Cosmetics – Mergers and Acquisitions
Sugar Cosmetics has acquired 1 company to date. The acquisition of ENN Beauty was announced on January 13, 2022, when the company picked up the majority (51%) stakes in the natural skin and hair care brand.
The beauty firm, which operates on a hybrid model, currently has a presence in over 45,000 retail outlets across 550 cities. After the pandemic took a heavy toll, the corporation devised novel strategies to reinforce the trust connection between its brand and its clients. SUGAR Cosmetics found a position for itself in the fast-growing beauty sector and weathered the epidemic by slashing expenses and reorganizing the team, as well as utilizing social media marketing and an e-commerce push.
Some of the other growth highlights of Sugar are:
Sugar’s website and app witness more than 2 million unique visitors each month.
It sells 200K+ products each month.
Sugar Cosmetics products are present in over 40K retail stores.
All prominent eCommerce marketplaces sell Sugar products, like Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, Myntra, and more.
Sugar also sells its products outside India, in countries like Korea, Germany, Italy, and the US.
Sugar onboarded Shehnaz Gill as its first brand ambassador for Sugar POP in June 2023.
Social media is one of the most effective tools used by SUGAR Cosmetics. According to Singh, they saw that customers were spending more time on their smartphones and engaging with their content on social media. The company leveraged this as a chance to boost its social media presence.
Sugar Cosmetics – Financials
Over the past few years, Sugar Cosmetics has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, surpassing the INR 500 crore mark in FY24. Despite this upward trajectory in revenue, the company continues to operate at a net loss, although there has been a slight reduction in losses compared to previous years.
Particulars
FY24
FY23
FY22
Revenue
INR 515.4 Crore
INR 428.4 Crore
INR 223.8 Crore
Expenses
INR 583.7 Crore
INR 505.5 Crore
INR 300 Crore
Net Profit/(Loss)
INR -68.4 Crore
INR -77.2 Crore
INR -76.2 Crore
Sugar Financials FY24
Revenue grew by INR 87 crore in FY24, but losses reduced slightly compared to FY23. Expenses also increased significantly.
Sugar Cosmetics Revenue
Particulars
FY24
FY23
Revenue from Operations
INR 505.1 Crore
INR 420.3 Crore
Other Income
INR 10.2 Crore
INR 8.1 Crore
Total Revenue
INR 515.4 Crore
INR 428.4 Crore
Revenue increased by INR 87 crore in FY24, driven by higher operational revenue and other income.
Sugar Cosmetics Profit/Loss
Profit Metric
FY24
FY23
Profit/Loss
INR -68.4 crore
INR -77.2 crore
The net loss decreased by 11.3% in FY24, reducing to INR 68.4 crore from INR 77.2 crore in FY23.
Sugar Cosmetics Expenses
Particulars
FY24
FY23
Purchases of Stock-in-Trade
INR 113.4 Crore
INR 156.1 Crore
Changes in Inventories
INR 24.7 Crore
(INR 42.2 Crore)
Employee Benefit Expense
INR 70 Crore
INR 60.8 Crore
Finance Cost
INR 6.1 Crore
INR 5.3 Crore
Depreciation & Amortisation
INR 13.8 Crore
INR 10.7 Crore
Other Expenses
INR 355.7 Crore
INR 314.8 Crore
Total Expenses
INR 583.7 Crore
INR 505.5 Crore
Total expenses increased by 15.5% in FY24, reaching INR 583.7 crore, up from INR 505.5 crore in FY23. Notably, ‘Other expenses’ rose by 13% during this period.
Quick Summary:
Revenue Growth: Sugar Cosmetics achieved a 20% increase in total revenue in FY24, reaching INR 515.4 crore, up from INR 428.4 crore in FY23.
Expense Increase: Total expenses grew by 15.5% in FY24, totaling INR 583.7 crore compared to INR 505.5 crore in FY23.
Loss Reduction: The company’s net loss decreased by 11.3% in FY24, amounting to INR 68.4 crore, down from INR 77.2 crore in FY23.
Sugar Cosmetics – Products and Launch
Sugar Play
‘Sugar Play’ is the name of the first pre-teen and teen-targeted makeup range ever introduced by the cosmetics company Sugar Cosmetics in August 2023. The new color cosmetics line combines vibrant hues with formulas designed for sensitive, youthful skin.
New Store Launch
Sugar Cosmetics has added a brick-and-mortar presence in the Delhi NCR area and built a new store at the Ghaziabad-based KW Delhi 6 mall in July 2023.
BB Serum Hybrid Product
Makeup company Sugar Cosmetics introduced a BB Serum-hybrid product in March 2023. The debut of the new product is intended to broaden the company’s face makeup selection and serve Gen Z consumers who are always on the go.
Sugar Cosmetics – Partnerships
Delhivery
Delhivery, a logistics services provider, announced in May 20224, its collaboration with the beauty brand Sugar Cosmetics for pan-India B2B shipments.
Amazon Prime
The highly anticipated second season of “Made in Heaven” on Amazon Prime was launched in August 2023. SUGAR Cosmetics is thrilled to present the exclusive “SUGAR x Made in Heaven” cosmetics kit with the partnership.
OMP
OMP India will manage the complete media strategy for the cosmetic brand from the agency’s location in Mumbai as part of this cooperation between the two companies in July 2023.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan has partnered with Vineeta Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee, co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics, invested an undisclosed sum of money in Quench Botanics, and has become a co-owner of the new business. To scale the new Korean skincare brand, the alliance is anticipated to make use of Singh and Mukherjee’s expertise in the beauty e-commerce sector.
Sugar Cosmetics – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
Sugar Cosmetics Campaign
In the #ShukarHainSUGARHain campaign, the story unfolds with Ranveer Singh nervously introducing his girlfriend Tamannaah Bhatia to his family. Tamannaah gives Ranveer a peck right before the family opens the door, capturing a touching and realistic moment in relationships.
This endearing story deftly highlights SUGAR’s dedication to long-lasting, smudge-proof cosmetics while also fitting in with the brand’s USP of transfer-proof lipsticks. The advertisement successfully draws in viewers on an emotional level while emphasizing how long-lasting SUGAR’s makeup is.
Sugar Cosmetics – Competitors
The top ten rivals in SUGAR Cosmetics’ competitive group can be listed as:
Vinita Singh said the company intends to file for an IPO by 2025. The company also expects to turn all its offline stores profitable in FY25.
Vineeta Singh, co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics, mentioned in a news report dated January 4, 2024, “We are looking at about a two to three years’ timeline in terms of an IPO because it is important to have some solid track record of profitability in the bank before taking the company public. This also aligned well with our board because we had an aspiration that we should go into the market at a Rs 1,000-crore plus revenue, plus profitability. And that is how we are expecting to look at.”
FAQs
What is Sugar Cosmetics?
Sugar Cosmetics is one of India’s fastest-growing premium cosmetic companies, with a cult following among millennials.
Who is Sugar Cosmetics owner?
Kaushik Mukherjee and Vineeta Singh are the owners of Sugar Cosmetics, they founded the company in 2012.
Who is the CEO of Sugar Cosmetics?
Vineeta Singh is the CEO of Sugar Cosmetics. She is also the founder of the company and can be popularly recognized as one of the judges of the popular Indian business reality show “Shark Tank India”.
What is the Sugar Cosmetics valuation?
The Sugar Cosmetics valuation is around INR 4100 as of 2024.
Which country owns Sugar Cosmetics?
Sugar Cosmetics is an Indian company.
What is Sugar Cosmetics revenue for FY24?
In FY24, Sugar’s operating revenue rose by 20.2% to INR 505.1 crore from INR 420.3 crore in FY23.
What is Sugar Cosmetics business model?
Sugar Cosmetics follows a D2C + Omnichannel business model. It sells beauty products online (website, apps, marketplaces) and offline (exclusive stores, kiosks, multi-brand outlets). The brand focuses on affordable, high-quality cosmetics for Indian skin tones, using influencer marketing and social media for growth.
With the transformed digital age, the capacity to differentiate between human and AI content has become increasingly vigilant. AI text checkers, or AI content detectors, play a very significant role in the entire process. These kinds of tools employ the most advanced algorithms with the support of machine learning to analyze a piece of text and then spot its pattern for identification of AI authorship. Major forms include machine learning models trained upon mammoth datasets to easily distinguish between writing styles based on vocabulary, sentence structure, and coherence analysis. Moreover, a handful of the lost words, like burstiness and perplexity, are used. Perplexity describes how predictable text is, as in the previous cases; an AI-source text would be in lower scores. Burstiness determines whether a person’s writing is more unequal concerning sentence length. Text classification is further enhanced detection by creating classes for content according to the patterns, thus making these tools most precious for maintaining authenticity in different areas like education, publishing, and even digital marketing.
Even so, AI text checkers do come with a bit of an edge about them. For instance, they can produce false positives, but most of the time they will misjudge some pieces written by a human to be written by a machine. For this reason, a manual review is necessary to confirm results and maintain accuracy. For the sake of responsible use, however, based on the ideals of quality and trustworthiness in written communications, it is important that with the spread of AI generation, these tools should be used responsibly.
Originality.ai is a multifunctional application that allows the user to keep written texts original. The highly versatile and multipurpose tool comes packed with a robust mix of features ranging from plagiarism detection, and fact-checking assistance, to content readability analysis, all of which serve as an important complement to content creators, editors, and publishers in general. An advanced natural language processing mechanism gives it a real edge in spotting largely paraphrased plagiarism as well as a guarantee for originality. It should find a significant niche in academics and publishing, where authenticity and precision of content are extremely critical.
Plagiarism detection is a fundamental aspect of Originality.ai, making sure that content is free from duplication or paraphrased sources. Other features include fact-checking aid before publication, thereby minimizing the risk of faults, and readability score analysis, which gives a clear, entertaining, and search-engine-optimized reading of the content. Team management features further complement the tool as it allows users to enhance or enable seamless access and activity monitoring control. API integration into the developer’s customized workflow becomes possible using the tool. The application is developed to meet requirements from all-around markets worldwide through multilingual support. All of these combined make Originality.ai a promising solution for upholding exceptionalism in written communication.
Pros
Highly accurate in identifying plagiarism and ensuring content authenticity.
Packed with comprehensive features for seamless editorial workflows.
Easy-to-use interface with multilingual support for diverse users and teams.
Cons
Available only with a paid subscription, as no free version is offered.
High computational demands may restrict accessibility for some users.
paraphrasing, grammar checking, and improving overall writing quality
QuillBot – Best AI-Generated Text Checker
QuillBot Detection Tool is the most popular and best tool online that can help you analyze any text. This is a new revelation from the same developers of QuillBot that launched this July 2024. The feature will also complement all other writing tools of QuillBot that help the user with paraphrasing, grammar, and plagiarism checks. Nowadays, detection becomes more relevant as text authenticity is concerned, so QuillBot wants to cater to students and professionals looking for a way of grading material written for authentic uses like being a content creator or educator.
This tool examines a variety of features of language, from sentence structure to choice of vocabulary to the tone of writing and order and logical flow. In parallel, however, it compares input text to a vast volume database and finds out the patterns of repetitive phrases that may also mean that the writing is unoriginal or duplicated definite a very serious factor in modeling writing. Some of its important features are the following: a friendly interface so that all can handle it; complete integrated workflow with other QuillBot tools; and percentage figures of accuracy reporting to understand the originality of the text. True detection tool, it can serve as an application in most areas of education, profession, or creative writing, thus promoting confidence and clarity in one’s written communication.
Pros
Independent tests show an accuracy value of about 80%.
Collects many writing aids in one platform, which increases productivity.
The user can access the detector without creating an account.
Cons
May occasionally misidentify authentic human-written content due to pattern sensitivity.
Limited in capturing nuances and complexities in more intricate texts.
Undetectable.ai
WEBSITE
WWW.UNDETECTABLE.AI
Rating
4.4
Free Trial
Yes
Best for
making AI-generated content more human-like
Undetectable.ai – Best AI-Generated Text Checker
Undetectable.ai will cut out in training writing so that it becomes almost indistinguishable from human writing. The software is primarily developed for content creators, marketers, and higher education users to improve the readability and quality of their text. So, by rewording input content yet retaining the original meaning, Undetectable.ai is trying to create an audience-pleasing, naturally engaging piece of writing that will resonate more closely with human readers for the sake of better authenticity and communication effectiveness.
The tool has been enriched with a multi-step analysis of advanced rewriting algorithms, and the key features include the incorporation of all forms of writing quality parameters to measure the entire analysis and optimization. Apart from these rewriting strategies, it uses sentences and vocabulary to fine-tune content to certain styles, tones, or readability levels. The interface is user-friendly so that even laymen can operate the program without much concern about their technical skills. It concentrates on producing high-quality, polished output that tends to be error-free and readable, thus making it an ideal tool for business people looking for precise and powerful expressions.
Pros
Successfully transforms AI-created content so that it can appear to be human-written, thus minimizing the detection chances by the filters.
This makes it as wide-ranging as content writing, academic writing, SEO marketing, and email marketing.
The originals are owned. The rewritten does not destroy the original meaning in any way.
Cons
Not entirely flawless; some texts may still be flagged for lack of authenticity.
Ethical use is crucial; users should consider the implications of employing such tools.
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Monthly Plan
$14.99/month
For Business
Undetectable.ai offers custom pricing; contact them for a quote.
GPTZero
WEBSITE
GPTZERO.ME
Rating
4.3
Free Trial
Yes
Best for
detecting AI-generated text, especially in academic and professional writing
GPTZero – Best AI-Generated Text Checker
The text will be examined for originality, and authorship may be evaluated by the use of GPTZero. The prescribed product is developed directly in response to the increase in automated writing. GPTZero is an application that caters to educators, content creators, and other organizations for assessing evaluation. It supports academic integrity which ensures adherence to originality standards in written text and avoids excessive dependence on automated sources.
This is done using advanced algorithms created from a wide dataset of text to conduct expert writer analysis. GPTZero can analyze a lot of characteristics of the content and show unoriginally phrased parts. Some important features of this assessment tool are the possibility to submit several models together for examining various authorship contexts, and the possibility to upload different file formats such as PDF or DOCX into the assessment workflow. The system gives you a beautiful graphics-and-easy-to-understand dashboard along with feedback available for aiding the interpretation of results effectively. Solutions, especially tailored for educational applications, help and empower teachers to maintain fair assessments and uphold content standards. Hence, GPTZero is such a source that promotes authenticity in almost all fields.
Pros
Highly accurate with a false positive rate of less than 1%, ensuring reliable evaluations.
Provides detailed, sentence-level analysis for a clear understanding of text characteristics.
Widely trusted by over 2.5 million users and numerous educational institutions worldwide.
Cons
Advanced features require a subscription, as free access offers only basic functionality.
May occasionally misclassify human-written content due to stylistic patterns.
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Essential
$14.99/month
Premium
$23.99/month
Professional
$45.99/month
Scribbr’s Free AI Detector
WEBSITE
WWW.SCRIBBR.COM
Rating
4.7
Free Trial
Yes
Best for
plagiarism checking and authenticity verification
Scribbr’s Free Text Detector – Best AI-Generated Text Checker
Scribbr’s Free Text Detector is a user-friendly tool that evaluates the originality of written material “against” increasing verification importance in writing between students, educators, and professionals. It mainly comprises free tools in Scribbr’s debt to academic integrity and enhances written content reliability in various contexts.
Based on advanced text analysis, detecting stylistic and linguistic patterns, this device offers free unlimited checking of one’s submitted text between 1,200 words per check submission; it could give an accuracy score of 78 in distinguishing human-written from non-original text and could also identify mixed content at a success rate of 50. With an easy user interface, it is a short input yet clear output making it a reliable and convenient tool for assessing writing credibility within an academic and professional setting.
Pros
Unlimited checks are available free of charge, ensuring broad accessibility.
Reliable in detecting unoriginal patterns in written content.
No sign-up is required, offering convenience and privacy for users.
Cons
Text submissions are limited to 1,200 words, posing challenges for longer documents.
Reduced accuracy when analyzing paraphrased or heavily modified texts.
Conclusion
Detection tools have been initiated for maintenance purposes because the plagiarized content has become rampant. Most of these tools cater to different categories of people such as educators, students, and marketers. Features include everything from plagiarism checking to content refinement and pattern recognition. Reliability is based on detection accuracy, which is essential to capture the evasion standards of unoriginal content. Most of the tools are available free of cost or at highly nominal charges and thus broaden their market. Therefore, such an increase in dependence on content evaluation tools requires a discussion concerning their ethical use against the reality of writing originality and authenticity.
An AI text checker is a software tool that uses artificial intelligence to analyze written text, identifying potential instances of AI-generated content, plagiarism, grammatical errors, and stylistic inconsistencies.
What are the benefits of using an AI text checker?
Benefits include maintaining academic integrity, ensuring originality in content, improving writing quality, and detecting potential plagiarism.
Can AI text checkers help improve my writing?
Yes, many AI text checkers provide feedback on grammar, style, and clarity, helping users improve their writing skills.
This article has been contributed by Kashika Malhotra, Head of Business Development & Director, Brandman Retail.
The retail industry experiences fast changes while inclusivity emerges as a global business priority. Modern consumers need brands to demonstrate their values while providing services for various needs and delivering fair shopping experiences. The strategic importance of inclusivity transcends codes of morality by helping businesses establish customer loyalty spur innovation and function as a guarantee for operational success.
Companies that focus on inclusiveness through diverse leadership and accessible shopping solutions and product advancements establish better connections with consumer markets. They achieve success by implementing fair recruitment strategies with custom-made marketing initiatives and diverse product selection and technology solutions so all parties gain from both profit and social responsibility goals.
Diversity in Leadership and Workforce
To achieve a truly inclusive retail industry, it must start with leadership. Diverse leaders help drive augmented innovation and better decision-making, both of which lead to better financial performance. However, some industries still have very little representation at the executive level; hence, the culture lacks understanding and an approachable angle on serving diverse consumers.
Once that gap is closed, recruitment will have to be on account for talents from varied backgrounds and implement leadership development programs for under-represented groups. Mentorship and internships will promote the diverse voices in the organisation and establish a workplace that is inclusive.
People from different backgrounds in the workforce enhance organisational capabilities to connect and understand broad customer segments. The integration of inclusive hiring and leadership approaches leads businesses to acquire essential viewpoints that improve their service for multiple consumer segments.
Inclusivity should not stop at leadership, it should go into hiring practices at every level. Businesses must develop non-biased recruitment techniques combined with fair compensation systems and cultural diversity-focused organizational programs. Flexible work arrangements together with employee resource groups strengthen inclusivity throughout the workplace to create a feeling of appreciation and capability among numerous groups of people.
Inclusive Marketing and Brand Representation
Marketing plays a significant part in consumer perception formation. Consumers increasingly feel more connected with brands that reflect their identities and experiences. Nevertheless, others engage in superficial diversity efforts, unable to impart inclusivity to the heart of brand marketing messaging.
While true inclusivity in marketing needs realistic storytelling, brands ought to ensure involved representation in advertisements, partnerships with influencers, and campaigns for products. These should cater to beauty in age, body type, gender identification, and ethnicity.
Personalised user experiences are also important; you need to tailor efforts to regional and cultural preferences by leveraging data analytics. With India’s diverse market, multilingual campaigns and culturally tuned messaging can create much more meaningful relationships with the consumer.
Besides advertising, more brands ought to get involved with diverse communities. That could include things such as community support efforts, working in collaboration with minority-owned businesses, and finding ways to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. Inclusive branding builds consumer trust and makes for strong future brand loyalty.
Retail accessibility spans beyond the design structures of stores to include digital commerce accessibility and both physical and digital customer care outreach services. Businesses need to focus on accessibility both in their physical stores and digital platforms because this enables all customers to shop in seamless ways.
Malls that have opened access provide shoppers in wheelchairs with specific shopping modes as well as signs and additional services such as sign language interpretation. People with disabilities experience major improvements in store experiences when shopping establishments implement basic elements such as reduced checkout counters and expanded aisle widths.
The provision of accessibility features by e-commerce sites must include additional text descriptions for pictures together with screen reader compatibility and voice navigation functions. The availability of payment methods through UPI digital wallets and cash-on-delivery gives every customer ease of transaction including those in rural areas who cannot use digital banking.
Where accessibility in retail grows, it would also mean service to underserved communities. While it’s the burgeoning metropolitan cities that enjoy retail therapy, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are considered virgin territories, flush with demand. Successful brands should check their presence beyond the urban context to be able to democratise good-quality products and ensure every person has access to these provisions.
Product Innovation for a Diverse Consumer Base
Consumers nowadays expect that their brands address their many unique needs: from adaptive conceptions of fashion and gender-neutral beauty products to sustainable and ethically sourced goods. Product innovation is one of the mainstays of inclusivity in working with broader demographics.
Fashion retailers have to go beyond ranges of limited size and provide inclusive sizing. Adaptive clothing will further allow easy accessibility in fashion, as they are invented for disabled people. Along the same line, gender-neutral products in beauty and personal care must take into consideration changing preferences among contemporary consumers.
Inclusivity is also an everyday product. Brands have to take dietary, religious, and cultural preferences into consideration when they aggregate aspects of meeting the needs of the overall market for the portfolio of their product offerings. Food and beverage retail has an opportunity to expand with halal-certified vegan or gluten-free options to cater to specific market segments that have often remained unnoticed.
Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Retail Experiences
Retail inclusivity benefits from technological powers as an effective tool. Brands leverage artificial intelligence with machine learning capabilities to deliver custom shopping suggestions according to what customers like and how they behave. AR technology helps businesses overcome accessibility challenges by enabling customers to simulate clothing tests as well as test makeup and eyewear adjustments.
Such voice search and AI chatbots enhance the customer experience for differently-abled users by providing seamless assistance. In addition to multiple digital payment options retailers offer two essential services namely home delivery and in-store pickup to enhance customer convenience. Business operations need to adopt innovative methods to build an inclusive retail environment that brings convenience to shoppers.
Sustainability and Ethical Business Practices
Inclusiveness is more than representation, it includes ethical practices in business, sustainability, and responsible sourcing. Today’s consumers are more aware and asking questions such as how it is made, who made it, and the impact that the product has on the environment. For sustainable retailing, brands need to make commitments to fair trade practices, eco-friendly packaging, and ethical production methods.
A transparent supply chain is essential. A business must prioritise ethical labour practices, fair wages, and responsible sourcing. Being sustainable with such things as upcycled packaging, carbon neutrality during shipping, and cruelty-free product testing all enhance a brand’s reputation in attracting conscious consumers. Studies are showing that shoppers are ready to pay extra for products that are consistent with their values. Sustainability can be a source of competitive advantage.
The Future of Inclusive Retail
The retail industry is at a crossroads, where inclusivity has become a business imperative far beyond a social responsibility. Innovation and customer loyalty will be driven further by diversity among leaders, marketers, product developers, and technology.
Going further, businesses must realise that this inclusivity is not a mere initiative but rather a commitment that is lived day in and day out; as such, it necessitates repeated adaptations, dialogues with customers, and fine-tuning of business strategies.
A thriving retail industry system provides advantages to both companies and their customers and societal needs through diverse services and honest management practices. The path to long-term progress demands a retail space that matches our current societal environment with true inclusiveness. The business landscape of tomorrow will evolve under retailers who establish inclusivity fundamentals instead of treating it as a momentary trend because inclusivity enables sustainable development.
Shoegr will use strategic Allocation of Funds for Innovation, Market Expansion, and Community Engagement
Mohali-based SHOEGR, a leading shoe care brand has raised US$ 100K in pre-seed funding from early-stage startup accelerator PedalStart. From humble beginnings to being seen as the undisputed leader in India’s shoe care industry, SHOEGR has grown substantially while attempting to redefine shoe care in India and beyond.
The company will be utilizing the newly acquired pre-seed capital to grow and scale its product portfolio, improve market and end-user reach, and strengthen its awareness-building initiatives. Additionally, the funds will be used to bolster SHOEGR’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) presence by enhancing the e-commerce experience on www.shoegr.com and facilitating new retail partnerships to allow its products to reach a wider audience.
SHOEGR, co-founded by Saurabh Gupta, Anuj Sachdeva, and Ankit Roy, has introduced an extensive range of shoe cleaning, protection and storage solutions. With the sneaker culture gaining immense popularity in our country in recent years, SHOEGR is poised to expand the conversation beyond just sneakers – ensuring that people give all types of footwear – be it sneakers, boots, sandals or casual footwear – the same level of attention and care as they give to their clothing and premium lifestyle accessories.
Speaking on the fundraise, Anuj Sachdeva, Co-Founder, SHOEGR commented, “Our pre-seed investment from PedalStart marks a significant milestone – it has come at the right time when we are experiencing steady year-on-year growth, and are ready to scale exponentially. We strongly believe that shoe care should not be seen as an afterthought, but become an integral part of one’s personal grooming regime and style. Going ahead, as we continue to take strides towards making shoe care seamless, more affordable and accessible for people across all ages, we envision creating a culture where shoes are not just worn but cared for and valued”.
“We are thrilled to invest in SHOEGR – a brand committed to addressing critical gaps in the footwear industry. Operating in a nascent-yet-high-potential segment, we believe SHOEGR is well-positioned to become a go-to brand for shoe care in India. We are excited to propel their growth story, and will continue to enable them in more ways shortly,” said Chintan Kalla, Founding Partner at PedalStart.
Mayank Jain, a strategic mentor for SHOEGR and former CPO & CMO at Snapdeal, added,“With India’s footwear sector growing in leaps and bounds, it’s high time we shift the focus from just sneaker care to nurturing a culture of comprehensive shoe care. SHOEGR is all about making shoe care affordable, accessible, and more convenient, and their dominance across e-commerce marketplaces is commendable. As the brand’s mentor, I am happy to contribute to its growth and scaling, and envision SHOEGR becoming the most successful brand in this industry in the years to come”.
Apart from its website, SHOEGR currently sells its products via platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and Ajio, and takes pride in being the pioneering Indian company to have launched a shoe cleaning kit with three specially-curated brushes for delivering targeted care to every part of a shoe. Notably, in October last year, SHOEGR achieved ₹50 lakh monthly sales milestone, and is projected to cross ₹1 crore monthly sales in FY 2025-26.
Owing to its innovative products and rapidly growing community, along with an impressive track record of 4+ stars ratings across all products, SHOEGR is emerging as a disruptive force in India’s burgeoning shoe care industry, elevating it to new heights. The brand – committed to educating consumers about the significance of proper shoe care through engaging content, influencer collaborations, and campaigns – has built a loyal community of shoe care enthusiasts while catering to over 2.5 lakh customers till date.
About SHOEGR
SHOEGR is a shoe care brand dedicated to helping you keep your shoes look and feel their best. We understand that shoes are an important part of your wardrobe, and we want to help you extend their lifespan and keep them looking new for longer. We offer a wide range of products, including high-quality shoe cleaning, shoe care and protection, and storage solutions for footwear enthusiasts. Our products are the outcome of rigorous testing, research, experiments and, above all, customer feedback. Customers’ needs and satisfaction are our number one priority, we are dedicated to providing a transparent customer experience.
About PedalStart
PedalStart is India’s fastest-growing, operator-led startup accelerator, designed to empower early-stage founders with hands-on guidance, execution support, and strategic growth. Through a rigorous 3-month filtration process – conducted both online and offline – we carefully select only 15-18 high-potential startups each year. As an accelerator, we go beyond mentorship by actively investing $100K in these startups, leveraging our deep industry expertise to help them scale, expand their market presence, and build a strong foundation for long-term success. Backed by a strong ecosystem of experienced operators, mentors, and investors, PedalStart is committed to transforming early-stage ventures into high-growth companies.
The INR 3 crore investment includes INR 1 crore for a 1% equity stake and INR 2 crore as debt; this contemporary men’s apparel and accessories brand is expected to cross INR 140 crore in net revenue this year with over 40% year-on-year (YoY) growth
In the latest episode of the business reality TV series Shark Tank India, aired on Sony LIV on March 13th, the co-founders of The Bear House, a contemporary men’s apparel and accessories brand specialising in smart casuals—Tanvi and Harsh Somaiya—have secured an INR 3 crore investment from Shark Namita Thapar.
The investment deal from Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, who is known for her expertise in scaling businesses, includes INR 1 crore for a 1% equity stake and INR 2 crore as debt. In the episode, which featured Sharks Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Aman Gupta, Viraj Bahl, and Kunal Bahl, the couple impressed the judges with The Bear House’s profitability, scalability, and product offerings. Shark Aman even described the brand as ‘too good to be true.’
Shark Kunal Bahl also expressed interest and offered to invest INR 3 crore for a 3% equity stake at a INR 100 crore valuation. Harsh and Tanvi Somaiya felt Namita Thapar’s offer aligned better with their vision and decided to move forward with her when choosing between the two Sharks.
This menswear brand, inspired by European fashion and known for its high-quality, minimalistic, and smart casuals designed for hybrid work cultures, received high praise from the investors.
“Being on Shark Tank and earning the trust and support of the judges is a pivotal moment for The Bear House team! Having them experience our garments and believe in our business model through this investment validates our vision—giving Indian men the freedom to express their unique selves through our clothes, no matter where they go or what they do. This experience has solidified our reputation as a powerhouse in the menswear segment,” said Tanvi Somaiya, Co-founder of The Bear House.
“Our philosophy has always been simple—our product is our brand ambassador!” added Harsh Somaiya, Co-founder of The Bear House.
Having already established an offline presence in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad this year, the brand aims to expand into other Tier I, Tier II cities, including Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai. It expects to surpass INR 140 crore in net revenue this year, with over 40% YoY growth.
In addition to its strong presence on Myntra—where it holds the top spot in the casual shirts category—the brand is also available on Flipkart, Ajio, Tata Cliq, Nykaa, and Amazon. It is further expanding its reach through collaborations with hyperlocal quick-commerce platforms like Zepto.
“Your story sounds too good to be true—but it’s not just a story; it’s your reality. Despite facing setbacks, you’ve emerged stronger, with a smile on your face and integrity intact. That resilience and commitment make me want to believe in you,” said Namita Thapar while making her offer.
She maintained the brand’s INR 100 crore valuation, offering INR 1 crore for a 1% equity stake and INR 2 crore in debt at a 10% interest rate, repayable over five years.
About The Bear House
Founded in 2017 by Tanvi and Harsh Somaiya as a passion project, The Bear House has grown into a premium menswear brand known for its impeccable quality and versatile designs. Catering to discerning Indian consumers who seek effortless transitions between professional and social settings, The Bear House offers a curated range of smart casuals, including shirts, especially popular for its flannel shirts, t-shirts, bottoms, denims, polos, blazers, accessories, and footwear. Designed for modern Indian men who aspire to “Go Everywhere, Do Everything,” the brand seamlessly blends international craftsmanship with contemporary style.
The Bear House recently made waves on Shark Tank India, securing investment to fuel its next phase of growth. The brand, expected to cross INR 140 crore in net revenue this year with an anticipated 40%+ YoY growth, plans to reinvest the funding into online and offline expansion, along with strategic marketing initiatives leveraging Shark Tank’s reach.
The brand is currently accessible through its e-commerce-enabled website, www.thebearhouse.com, the brand’s own app, and a growing retail footprint. It operates through Broadway, which is a D2C multi-brand store, present in Delhi and Hyderabad. The brand also recently opened its first EBO in Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru. Looking ahead, The Bear House aims to launch multiple EBOs in the coming year, further strengthening its presence in India’s fashion landscape—both online and offline.
In addition to its existing partnerships with Myntra—where it holds the top spot in shirts—the brand is also available on Tata Cliq, Nykaa, Amazon, and other growing marketplace platforms. The brand is expanding further through new collaborations with hyperlocal quick-commerce platforms like Zepto, where it is already available.
From the time the internet took over – very few companies have experienced the highs and lows quite like Yahoo. Once a global tech giant and pioneer of the internet era, Yahoo’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale for businesses in this massive, competitive tech industry. Well, come on. Not every day, you come across a company that had it all figured out, before getting lost in this sea of Google-owned products, suites, and businesses. As fascinating as it gets, this is the story of the poster boy of search engines in the early 2000s and how quickly it became irrelevant. In this comprehensive analysis, we will dive deep into the factors that led to Yahoo’s failure, exploring mismanagement, strategic errors, technological shifts, intense competition, and what happened to Yahoo!
Founded in January 1994 by Jerry Yang and David Filo, Yahoo started as a humble project called “Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web.” Little did they know that their venture would grow into a global tech powerhouse that would shape the internet as we know it today.
Yahoo’s initial mission was to organise and categorize the rapidly expanding World Wide Web. At a time when search engines were scarce, Yahoo’s directory of websites provided users with a structured and intuitive way to navigate the vast depths of the internet. It became the go-to starting point for countless internet users, propelling its popularity.
As the 1990s progressed, Yahoo evolved beyond a mere directory. It expanded its services to include email (Yahoo Mail), news (Yahoo News), instant messaging (Yahoo Messenger), and more. These services were integrated into the Yahoo portal, creating an all-in-one destination for Internet users. Yahoo had become an integral part of internet culture.
Acquisitions and Partnerships
Yahoo was very successful in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The company made a lot of money and became very popular. It went public in 1996, raising $33.8 million in its IPO. By the end of the decade, Yahoo’s value grew to $125 billion, making it one of the world’s most valuable companies.
During this time, Yahoo bought several companies to grow bigger and offer more services. Some important purchases were GeoCities, a web hosting platform, and Broadcast.com, a streaming media company. These smart moves helped Yahoo become a major internet company.
Stage
Year(s)
Key Events
Impact
Rise
1994-2000
Founded by Stanford students Jerry Yang and David Filo-Becomes a popular directory of websites, email service, and news portal-IPO in 1996
Dominated the early web as a one-stop shop for information and services.
Missed Opportunities
2000-2004
Declined to acquire Google-Passed on buying Facebook
Failed to capitalize on emerging technologies like search and social media.
Stagnation & Decline
2005-2014
Internal leadership struggles and lack of vision-Failure to adapt to changing user behavior and mobile technology
Lost relevance in the internet landscape.
Fall & Acquisition
2015-2017
Data breaches and security issues damaged brand reputation-Declining revenue and profits-Acquired by Verizon
Lost independence and became a part of a larger company.
Present
2018-Present
Operates as a subsidiary of Verizon Media, focusing on email and news.
Remains a recognizable brand but lacks its former prominence.
The Challenges and Missteps
After its meteoric rise, Yahoo faced a series of challenges and strategic missteps that ultimately led to its downfall.
Missed Opportunities
One pivotal moment in Yahoo’s decline was its decision to pass on the opportunity to acquire Google in its infancy for a mere $5 billion. This decision allowed Google to dominate the online search and advertising space, leaving Yahoo struggling to keep up.
Furthermore, the emergence of social media giants like Facebook and Twitter diverted user attention and advertising revenue away from Yahoo’s properties. As user engagement declined and consumers flocked to other platforms, Yahoo failed to take timely action.
Leadership Crisis
From the late 1990s to the 2010s, Yahoo experienced a revolving door of CEOs, each bringing their vision and strategy. This lack of continuity in leadership resulted in a lack of clear long-term vision and strategic direction. The constant shifts in corporate strategy confused employees and scared off investors.
Even when co-founder Jerry Yang returned as CEO in 2007, Yahoo missed crucial opportunities, including the failure to acquire Google. Subsequent CEOs, such as Carol Bartz, Scott Thompson, and Marissa Mayer, were unable to reverse Yahoo’s decline.
Data Breaches and Controversies
In the early 2010s, Yahoo faced a series of high-profile data breaches that severely damaged its reputation. The first breach, which occurred in 2013 but was not disclosed until 2016, affected over 3 billion user accounts. The breach exposed sensitive data, shaking the tech community and Yahoo users.
To make matters worse, in 2014, Yahoo experienced another significant data breach, impacting at least 500 million user accounts. These breaches raised serious concerns about Yahoo’s security practices and further eroded its user trust.
Before its decline, Yahoo company made a series of failed acquisitions that drained its resources and distracted the company from its core business. Acquisitions like Broadcast.com in 1999 quickly became irrelevant as technology evolved, representing major financial missteps.
One of Yahoo’s most infamous acquisitions was Tumblr, a microblogging platform purchased for $1.1 billion. While the acquisition aimed to tap into Tumblr’s youthful user base, Yahoo struggled to monetize the platform effectively and failed to retain its community. Tumblr’s value plummeted, further contributing to Yahoo’s downfall.
Missed Opportunities with Alibaba
One of Yahoo’s bright spots was its early investment in Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce behemoth. In 2005, Yahoo invested $1 billion in Alibaba, fueling its rapid growth. However, as Alibaba expanded and diversified, it became evident that Yahoo could have reaped even greater returns from this investment.
In a pivotal moment, Yahoo’s then-CEO, Marissa Mayer, sold a significant portion of its Alibaba shares to address tax concerns. This decision left billions of dollars on the table, missing out on the potential windfall from Alibaba’s subsequent success.
Yahoo’s Transformation and Current State
After a series of costly mistakes, Yahoo underwent a turbulent transformation. In 2017, Verizon Communications acquired Yahoo’s core internet business for approximately $4.48 billion. This acquisition aimed to bolster Verizon’s digital advertising and media portfolio.
Yahoo’s remaining assets, primarily its stake in Alibaba Group and other investments, were rebranded as Altaba Inc. The focus shifted to monetizing these holdings. However, Yahoo’s struggles did not end there. The internet business acquired by Verizon was merged with AOL to form Oath Inc., later rebranded as Verizon Media Group. Despite efforts to compete in the digital media and advertising space, Verizon Media Group faced challenges in an industry dominated by tech giants like Google and Facebook. In 2021, Apollo Global Management acquired Verizon Media Group for $5 billion, marking another transition and rebranding effort. The company returned to its iconic Yahoo name.
Today, Yahoo is transforming its new owner. It has streamlined its workforce and focuses on core businesses like Yahoo Mail, Finance, and Sports. The company is also exploring new growth opportunities, as seen with the recent acquisition of the peer-to-peer sports betting app Wagr.
Revenue of Yahoo from 2004 to 2016
Lessons to Learn from Yahoo’s Downfall
Yahoo’s failure offers valuable lessons for businesses in the tech industry:
Embrace Innovation and Adapt: Stay ahead of technological shifts and evolving user behaviour. Failure to adapt to changing trends can lead to irrelevance.
Maintain a Clear Vision: Establish a clear long-term vision and strategic direction. Continuity in leadership is crucial for aligning efforts and avoiding confusion.
Prioritise User Trust and Security: Protect user data and maintain robust security measures. Data breaches can severely damage a company’s reputation and erode user trust.
Make Strategic Acquisitions: Be cautious when making acquisitions. Ensure they align with the company’s core business and have a clear path to profitability.
Capitalise on Opportunities: Be open to seizing opportunities and taking calculated risks. Missing out on game-changing acquisitions can have long-lasting consequences.
Focus on Core Competencies: Avoid spreading resources too thin. Concentrate on strengthening core businesses and nurturing growth opportunities.
Learn from Mistakes: Reflect on past missteps and use them as learning opportunities. Continuously adapt and improve to stay competitive.
Maintain a Strong Leadership: Strong leadership is essential for a company’s success. Yahoo’s leaders made some poor decisions that weakened investor trust and slowed the company’s growth.
In conclusion, Rise and downfall of Yahoo serve as a reminder of the quick-turn nature of the tech industry. No matter what you are doing & how it is important to remember that you aren’t irreplaceable. It is important to understand that the times demand innovation of an unprecedented level, especially with the advent of AI– the times are changing in the blink of an eye. What was prevalent yesterday isn’t relevant today and what will be relevant tomorrow is known to none. In times like these, we can only work to the best of our abilities and make things work. That’s all we can do! Yahoo’s story reminds us of just that. It is a note to the fact that change is a constant, and if we do not hold on to the opportunities that come our way, we may become irrelevant, sooner or later!
FAQs
Why did Yahoo fail?
Passing on acquiring Google and Facebook, failing to adapt to search and social media trends, internal leadership struggles, data breaches, and misguided acquisitions.
What are the key takeaways from Yahoo’s story for businesses?
Embrace innovation, adapt to change, maintain a clear vision, prioritize user trust and security, make strategic acquisitions, capitalize on opportunities, focus on core competencies, and learn from mistakes.
What is Yahoo’s focus today?
Yahoo focuses on core businesses like Mail, Finance, and Sports under Apollo Global Management, exploring new growth opportunities like sports betting.
What are Yahoo failed acquisitions?
Yahoo’s failed acquisition include Broadcast.com and Tumblr.
