Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a world leader in IT services and digital transformation, has announced a strategic alliance with The ePlane Company, a pioneer in compact flying electric taxis and urban air mobility solutions, to revolutionise urban mobility.
The collaboration intends to take advantage of TCS’s proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as ePlane’s advancements in small eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, its innovative aircraft designs, and its state-of-the-art technology. By working together, both firms want to develop groundbreaking answers to urgent urban problems, including traffic, waste, and environmental sustainability.
According to Vishnu Ramakrishnan, founder of The ePlane Company’s office (Business), this partnership with TCS is a natural fit with the company’s goal of redefining urban transportation through the development of sustainable and effective electric air mobility solutions. The company may expand its operations, improve its technological skills, and get closer to the future of air mobility by utilising TCS’s experience. TCS and The ePlane Company hope to provide sustainable solutions that tackle the problems of contemporary urban transit by fusing their respective strengths.
Creating Robust Framework
A strong foundation for effective and scalable air mobility will be established by this convergence of technology capabilities. TCS‘s CTO, Harrick Vin, went on to say that the company is thrilled to collaborate with The ePlane Company, a leader in small flying electric taxis. This collaboration underscores TCS’s aim of using technology to create a sustainable future and demonstrates its dedication to fostering innovation in cutting-edge sectors like electric aircraft.
By incorporating renewable energy sources and creating a very strong supplier-buyer framework, the collaboration also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and scalability. These initiatives seek to improve the electric aviation ecosystem’s operational effectiveness and reach while ensuring its long-term viability.
Other Important Initiatives of the MoU
The MoU also describes strategic efforts, such as product presentations, co-development of customised solutions for TCS clients, involvement in innovation-focused events like TCS PacePortsTM, and investigation of proof-of-concept projects. These programs aim to establish the partnership as a pioneer in the developing field of sustainable transportation and accelerate the implementation of cutting-edge air mobility technology.
The collaboration demonstrates India’s leadership in the global movement for sustainable and innovative transportation. This partnership aims to clear the path for a time when air mobility solutions will be essential in alleviating urban transport problems as cities around the world struggle with traffic and environmental issues.
Backdrop of The ePlane Company
The goal of the ePlane Company, which was founded by Professor Satya Chakravarthy and developed at IIT Madras in 2019, is to transform urban transportation. The business is working on the e200x, an eVTOL aircraft that will reduce traffic in metropolitan areas by up to seven times and enable up to seven times faster intra-city commutes and cargo delivery. The goal of ePlane is to develop sustainable, lightweight, and small urban mobility alternatives.
When Professor Chakravarthy of IIT Madras and his students teamed up as business partners for a new idea in 2017, the flying taxi start-up took its first form. To advance the business, Chakravarthy took a leave of absence from his teaching position. The business was fostered at IIT Madras later in 2019.
Swiggy, a platform that delivers groceries and food, has released a new app called Snacc that allows users to order meals, snacks, and beverages in as little as 15 minutes. The debut coincides with a race among Indian food delivery apps to deliver hot beverages and biryani to consumers’ doorsteps in less than ten to fifteen minutes.
Recently, Blinkit, Zomato’s quick-commerce subsidiary, launched “Bistro,” a platform that promises to deliver meals, snacks, and drinks in ten minutes. The debut took place barely one day after competitor Zepto announced the Zepto Cafe, their endeavour. In a few places, Zomato has started offering its own 15-minute food delivery service. Zomato’s explore page now has a special “15-minute delivery” tab. The business hasn’t, however, released an official statement. Quick-to-prepare, ready-to-eat meals from a few eateries within a two-kilometre radius are promised by the service.
Vibrant Features of Snacc
On January 7, Snacc, which has a bright fluorescent green background and dark blue writing, went online in a few areas of Bengaluru. The sources claim that Swiggy intends to expand the platform throughout the nation.
Chocolate cookies, Indian breakfast, coffee, tea, eggs, rolls and sandwiches, lunches, cold drinks, egg puffs, and cheese Maggie are among the foods offered at Snacc. Prior to that, Swiggy announced in December that it had expanded Bolt, its 10-minute meal delivery service, to more than 400 cities and towns nationwide. For the first time, fresh food from consumers’ favourite restaurants is being delivered right to their door. According to Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy’s Food Marketplace, fries are crispy straight out of the packaging, ice creams remain frozen, and idlis arrive warm and fluffy.
Offerings of Bolt
The Bolt offers a variety of well-liked food items that are ready to pack or take little preparation time, such as burgers, snacks, bakery goods, drinks, desserts, ice creams, and breakfast items. Local favourites like Gwalia Sweets in Ahmedabad, Shiraz and Kookie Jar in Kolkata, Karachi Bakery, and G Pulla Reddy Sweets in Hyderabad are available to customers on Bolt in addition to well-known domestic brands.
The app also offers food items from MM Mithaiwala in Mumbai, Bhartiya Jalpan and Anand Sweets in Bangalore, Sethi Ice Cream in Delhi, and Irani Cafe in Pune, etc. More than 10% of the orders placed by leading partners in Tier-2 cities, such as Varalakshmi Tiffins in Guntur, Akhshay Tiffins in Mangalore, and Baap of Rolls in Roorkee, already come through Bolt.
According to Swiggy’s annual report on the nation’s food ordering habits, the 10-minute Bolt meal delivery service set records for delivery times of up to three minutes for food items like burgers, cakes, and ice creams in places like Nashik, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Magicpin’s magiNOW to Spice up the Competition
MagicNOW, a new 15-minute meal delivery service being piloted in major Indian cities and metros, was recently unveiled by magicpin, the country’s third-largest food delivery app.
In order to preserve freshness and culinary integrity, magicNOW strives to deliver fast meals within a 1.5–2 km radius. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Pune would be the first cities to host it. Between November 14 and December 15, magicNOW successfully performed 75,000 deliveries from more than 1,000 local restaurants and a network of more than 2,000 food brands, such as Wendy’s, Chaayos, and Faasos. According to Datum Intelligence’s study, the fast commerce market is projected to grow from $6.1 billion in 2024 to $40 billion by 2030.
A company with ISO 9001:2015 certification, Wakefit sells high-quality single, double, king, queen, and latex mattresses online. To make sure that its consumers are comfortable with its mattresses before making a purchase, the brand offers a special 100-day risk-free trial. Additionally, it provides a 20-year product warranty. Additionally, Wakefit produces mattresses in bespoke sizes to meet consumers’ needs. It is a well-run business with individuals from a variety of backgrounds who have joined forces to conduct an in-depth study and provide you with the advantages of a good night’s sleep.
About Wakefit
Established in 2016 by Ankit Garg and Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, Wakefit is a well-known Indian sleep and home solutions company that prioritizes offering premium and reasonably priced goods to improve its clients’ general well-being. Wakefit, a company that specializes in mattresses, pillows, and furniture, creates items that support a comfortable and healthy lifestyle by fusing ergonomic elements with creative design. The business has become well-known for its dedication to providing excellent sleep experiences, open pricing, and a customer-centric philosophy.
Wakefit’s business model is based on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy. Wakefit produces its goods in-house while upholding stringent cost and quality control. Through its online platform, the business mattresses, pillows, and furniture directly to consumers, cutting down on distribution expenses and guaranteeing affordability. However, the brand also has a strong presence in various retail stores across the country as well as on several marketplaces. Sales of Wakefit’s sleep and home solutions products, with an emphasis on providing a variety of options to suit various consumer tastes and needs, are the company’s main source of income. The brand’s success in the Indian market can be attributed to its focus on customer pleasure and its 100-night risk-free mattress trial.
How Does Wakefit Make Money | Wakefit Revenue Model
With an emphasis on growing its product line and omnichannel presence, Wakefit’s revenue approach combines retail locations and online marketplaces.
Generating Revenue Through Retail Stores and Marketplaces: About 30% of Wakefit’s revenue comes from its retail locations, and another 20% to 30% comes via marketplaces.
Generating Revenue Through Sleep Products: Wakefit’s original focus was on mattresses, pillows, and bed frames, which still account for a significant amount of their sales.
Generating Revenue Through Furniture: Wakefit has added study tables, bookshelves, dining sets, wardrobes, and sofas to its list of products, and currently, they are doing pretty well in the market.
Generating Revenue Through Home Improvement Products: Through its retail locations, online shops, and other marketplaces, Wakefit also offers a wide range of home improvement products.
Wakefit Financials
Wakefit’s financial performance improved significantly from FY22 to FY23. Operating revenue grew from INR 633 crore to INR 813 crore, while total expenses increased from INR 744 crore to INR 966 crore, resulting in a larger loss of INR 146 crore in FY23 compared to INR 107 crore in FY22.
USP of Wakefit
Wakefit’s unique selling point is that its products are created following in-depth customer feedback and interviews. Wakefit has developed a memory foam mattress that fits all body types thanks to extensive research. Pressure distribution, weight distribution, foam testing, and stress testing are the engineering parameters used to create the product.
The core of Wakefit’s business strategy is direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing. Wakefit eliminates the intermediaries by selling directly through its web platform, which lowers traditional retail markups and distribution expenses.
Wakefit’s dedication to cost-effectiveness is clear. The average Wakefit mattress costs about 30% less than comparable products from conventional retail channels, per the company’s internal data.
From the acquisition of raw materials to the manufacturing process, Wakefit guarantees stringent quality control.
The goal of Wakefit’s creative designs and ergonomic features is to deliver the greatest possible sleep experience.
Wakefit Weaknesses
The DTC market presents Wakefit with a number of difficulties, including scaling problems.
Although there were a respectable amount of visitors to Wakefit’s website, the conversion rate was poor.
If Wakefit posted its items on e-commerce sites like Amazon and Flipkart, it would be required to pay a commission of 24%.
Wakefit Opportunities
The IMARC Group analysis projects that the Indian mattress industry will rise to INR 25,500 Crore by 2026, therefore the company is well-positioned to benefit from this anticipated expansion.
People have become more health-conscious in the wake of the pandemic, which presents an opportunity for Wakefit to further expand its business in this sector.
Additionally, Wakefit can offer tailored solutions for older individuals, pregnant women, and allergy patients.
Wakefit Threats
Wakefit opened experience centers in a few places, but there wasn’t much traffic.
There will be more rivalry in the future because so many new businesses are entering this market.
Furthermore, if a company wants to be a leader in this field, it must continuously test and launch new goods because technology is always changing.
Wakefit’s transformation from a startup to a market disruptor provides priceless insights into customer-centricity, creativity, and strategic thinking. They have revolutionized the Indian sleep and home solutions market by delivering unmatched value thanks to their direct-to-consumer business model, dedication to quality, and strategic collaborations. Wakefit is a living example of the strength of vision, strategy, and steadfast dedication as they innovate and grow. Ankit Garg and Chaitanya Ramalingegowda are influential voices in the rapidly growing consumer products industry because of their work in this area. In addition to offering goods, Wakefit has spearheaded a sleep revolution, making sure that everyone has access to good sleep, which is now a need rather than a luxury.
FAQs
What is Wakefit?
Wakefit is a sleep solutions startup that offers comfortable mattresses and other related products such as pillows and comforters.
Who are the founders of Wakefit?
Wakefit was founded by Ankit Garg and Chaitanya Ramalingegowda.
What is Wakefit business model?
Wakefit’s business model focuses on providing affordable, high-quality home furniture and sleep products directly to customers online. They manufacture and sell products like mattresses, bed frames, pillows, and other sleep essentials, as well as furniture such as sofas and study tables. Their key selling point is offering value through a direct-to-consumer approach, cutting out middlemen.
How does Wakefit make money?
Wakefit makes money by selling home furniture and mattresses. They offer a range of products like beds, sofas, and mattresses, primarily through their online platform. They also have offline stores in some locations. They make money through the sales of these products.
Aashka Goradia Goble’s life is about beauty, grace, and entrepreneurial spirit. Aashka’s journey is inspiring, from captivating millions with her stellar TV performances to co-founding the highly successful Renee Cosmetics. Aashka came to television stardom early in her career with the known role of Dheer Bai Bhatiyani in Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap. Moreover, she has appeared on reality shows like Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi. She is famous, though, but decided to make a massive career shift and proved that real success happens when you follow your passion.
In 2018, Aashka took the plunge into Business and founded Renee Cosmetics. Renee is a beauty brand that eventually disrupted India’s competitive Beauty Industry. Innovative products and a deep understanding of her audience helped her build a multimillion-dollar success. Renee Cosmetics had come a long way under Aashka’s leadership. She revolutionized beauty and became one of India’s most trusted brands.
In this article, you will read about how Aashka Goradia Goble has gone from the small screen to becoming a business magnate. Discover how she led her trials, triumphs, and visionary moves, which led her to build a brand that continues to inspire and empower women worldwide. We will also explore Aashka Goradia Goble’s success story, including her early life, history, net worth, childhood, personal life, education, achievements, and more.
Aashka Goradia Goble – Biography
Name
Aashka Goradia
Birth Date
November 27, 1985
Born Place
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Nationality
India
Profession
Actress, Businesswoman
Education
St. Louis School, Ahmedabad
Known For
Famous role in Maharana Pratap as Dheer Bai Bhatiyani
Aashka Goradia was born in a well-set Gujarati family on November 27, 1985, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. She is close to her younger brother, Shivam Goradia. St. Louis School in Ahmedabad was where Aashka did her education and got schooling. Aashka moved to Mumbai at 16 to pursue her passion for acting and began her remarkable career.
Aashka Goradia Goble – Career
First, she ventured into the entertainment industry with the show Achanak 37 Saal Baad in 2002, but her role in Ekta Kapoor’s Kkusum as Kumud cemented her place in the hearts of audiences. This was the gateway to a successful career in Indian television, as Aashka became a household name. After that, she did shows like Sinndoor Tere Naam Ka, Viruddh, Naagin, and Baal Veer, making her one of the most sought-after TV stars of her time.
Later in 2018, Aashka took a U-turn from television and left the industry and city behind. In 2018, she co-founded Renee Cosmetics with Priyank Shah and Ashutosh Valani, co-founders of Beardo. The company deals with high-quality beauty products like eye makeup, lip colors, and skin serums.
During the pandemic, its valuation soared to $100 million by 2022. By 2024, Renee Cosmetics is projected to be worth around INR 1300 crore (around $155 million) and is now the strongest competitor to top Indian cosmetic companies such as Nykaa and Sugar Cosmetics.
Aashka made the strategic and well-informed decision to transition from television to entrepreneurship. In just a few years, Renee Cosmetics has become one of India’s best beauty startups, raising over INR 400 crore in funding from five rounds. Aashka’s successful entrepreneurial venture was recognized when the brand won India’s Most Trusted Brand at the CNBC Most Trusted Brands of India awards in 2021.
Rohit Bakshi had the first notable relationship with Aashka. The two dated for almost a decade, from 2006 to 2015, but eventually broke up. From then on, Aashka’s love life changed when she met Brent Goble, an American entrepreneur. Though their love story is unique, it has served as a testament to the power of fate and timing.
Aashka and Brent met in 2017 and married in a whirlwind romance. They were married in a beautiful Christian ceremony on December 1 and a traditional Hindu ceremony on December 3. Not only was it love, but they also shared an emotional connection and understood each other, which helped them survive and thrive through whatever challenges came their way.
The couple married for a few years and then had their first child, a boy named William Alexander, in October 2023. Brent expressed his joy and gratitude in an emotional Instagram post.
After reflecting and growing, Aashka and Brent decided to start a family. In an interview, Aashka said they had taken time to grow as a couple and ensure they were both ready for parenthood. Brent had uprooted his entire life to India and needed to feel in the place before having a kid. Before embracing a balance of parenthood and work, Aashka wanted to ensure her business, Renee Cosmetics, was doing well.
Aashka has also been honest about her struggles, especially regarding her looks. In 2018, she came under fire after having lip surgery, and many trollers accused her of changing her natural beauty. But Aashka, as she did respond to the criticism, explained why she chose to go under the knife. She said she wanted to look better, but that didn’t mean she ‘faked’ it; it was a personal choice that made her feel better about herself.
Apart from reality shows like Bigg Boss, Aashka was scrutinized for her role. She was edited on the show so that she was misrepresented, and false narratives of her personal life were created. In a candid interview, Aashka expressed her frustration about being edited to be portrayed as a lesbian. This was one of the most challenging experiences in her career, but she turned it into an opportunity to discuss the reality of being a public person and standing up for what you believe in.
Aashka Goradia Goble – Renee Cosmetics
Aashka Goradia’s life story is quite incredible. She was known for her role in many Indian television soap operas, but in 2018, she decided to make a bold pivot and quit her acting career to start a venture she had always longed for: cosmetics. With college friends Ashutosh Valani and Priyank Shah, she co-founded RENÉE Cosmetics. This beauty brand has rapidly become a disruptor in India’s INR 1,50,000 crore beauty market, taking on the likes of Lakmé, Maybelline, L’Oréal, and Sugar Cosmetics.
India’s beauty industry is always huge, with local and international giants fighting for market share. RÉNÉE was founded on the belief that there should be a brand for a digitally savvy, forward-thinking woman. The brand stood by offering high-quality products at reasonable prices, incorporating a new and innovative approach to cosmetics. Two years later, RENÉE Cosmetics turned the minimal INR 50 lakh into a robust turnover of INR 100 crore.
Aashka remembers how she felt compelled to bring forth RENÉE because she believed make-up is a form of empowerment. She wanted to make products that celebrated a woman’s natural beauty and empowered her to speak boldly. It was going to be a transformative journey; together with Priyank Shah and Ashutosh Valani, who had worked in finance, operations, and distribution (they had built and sold the male grooming brand Beardo), RENÉE’s journey was set to be transformative.
With standout products like Kohlistic Eye Range, Bold 3D Eyelashes, and Fab 5-In-1 Lipstick, which did something different in a saturated market, the brand started on the right foot. For example, the Fab 5-In-1 lipstick, which does everything, and the Renee Madness PH stick, a black lipstick that turns pink on application, both innovated the possibilities of use and enticed consumption. These products reflected the brand’s dedication to producing quality, innovative, young, beauty-conscious products that would appeal to them.
It’s impressive growth, particularly given that RENÉE competes with some of the biggest beauty brands in the world and India’s oldest beauty companies, such as Lakmé and Colorbar.
RENÉE’s products are not only good-looking but are also ethically driven. Conscious consumers have resonated with the brand because it is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and FDA-approved. RENÉE has tapped into the burgeoning demand for cruelty-free products and, in particular, has made itself a brand that is more than just about me; it is about empowerment and sustainability.
Aashka’s commitment to the cause goes beyond product formulation. She actively manages RENÉE’s brand and its marketing and communication to ensure the brand resonates with its target audience of digitally savvy women between 18 and 35. The brand from Ahmedabad, which sells its products through online platforms like Nykaa, Flipkart, Amazon, and Myntra, and more than 650 physical retail stores across India, is using both.
RENÉE Cosmetics has also become prominent due to eCommerce and digital platforms. In just three months, Aashka’s team contacted over 75,000 consumers to explore India’s rising trend of online beauty shopping. RENÉE offers over 200 products, including beauty and perfumes, and has become a major player in e-commerce giants like Nykaa and Flipkart. In addition, the brand has extended its reach to international markets like the US, UAE, and Australia, growing its presence in the global beauty space.
The growth and success have been impressive, and RENÉE managed to raise INR 100 crore in a Series B funding round led by Evolvence India and Edelweiss Group. The funding, which valued the company between INR 1,200 to INR 1,400 crores, is a 60% increase from the company’s December 2022 valuation. This influx of capital is intended to help the brand grow its product line, expand its marketing efforts, and scale its operations further.
Like many businesses worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, and RENÉE was no different. But it also opened the door to innovation. At this time, the brand recognized the value of Made in India products because international trade channels broke. It kept the company running and created a mood of community and loyalty among its customers.
Though not easy, RENÉE has grown extremely fast and aims to reach INR 100 crore ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) in the coming months. Aashka attributes the brand’s success to its deep understanding of its audience, the unique packaging of its products, and its commitment to innovation. RENÉE has been able to tap into a trend and change its marketing strategies accordingly, giving it a competitive edge.
RENÉE – Financials FY24
RENÉE’s revenue nearly doubled, increasing by 97% from INR 97.15 crore in 2023 to INR 191.65 crore in 2024. However, expenses also rose by 82%, from INR 145.38 crore to INR 264 crore. Despite the revenue growth, losses increased by 88%, from INR 32.66 crore in 2023 to INR 61.45 crore in 2024.
Looking Ahead: The Future of RENÉE Cosmetics
With an upward curve in RENÉE’s journey, Aashka envisions taking the entire nation to empower everyone to accept and flaunt their natural beauty. The promise of premium quality products, luxurious packaging, and affordability has made the brand a hit with Indian women, making it one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the country. RENÉE is progressing in product development and plans to deepen its offline presence, focusing on key premium stores.
RENÉE Cosmetics has a lofty ambition of challenging established brands and making its way in the Indian beauty industry, and the future looks bright. RENÉE has the strength of its founders, a committed customer base, and a clear vision for growth. It is poised to become a global beauty brand that epitomizes the best of Indian innovation and empowerment in the cosmetics world.
Aashka Goradia Goble – Awards and Recognitions
Won Indian Television Academy Awards for the category of Best Actress in a Negative Role in 2013
Was nominated for Best Actress in a Negative Role at the Indian Telly Awards in 2014
Received India’s Most Promising Woman Leader in 2021 by Femina
Aashka Goradia Goble – Interesting Facts
Before entering the entertainment industry, Aashka wanted to be a criminal psychologist, with which she would be completely different.
The turning point came when Aashka entered”>Bigg Boss 6 in 2012 back home and became the instant favorite up to 11 weeks before the tyrant had her evicted. Always open about her choices, Aashka even confessed to lip surgery to get the look she wished for.
She leads a very healthy life and is a complete vegetarian. Very much an animal lover, she has two pets: a Labrador named Romeo and a Turkish Angora called Narcy.
Aashka’s television debut was in 2002 with Achanak 37 Saal Baad, which marked the commencement of her glorious career. She had a long relationship with actor Rohit Bakshi in the process of her love life until she met businessman Brent Goble, whom she wed in 2017.
Family is an important part of her life; she shares a strong bond with them.
Aashka rose to stardom due to her most loved character, Dheer Bai Bhatiyani, in the historical drama Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, which she considers one of her favorites.
FAQs
Who is Aashka Goradia?
Aashka Goradia is an Indian television actress and entrepreneur. She is known for her roles in popular TV shows like Kkusum, Laagi Tujhse Lagan, and Baal Veer. Aashka is also a co-founder of a wellness and beauty brand Renee, and has ventured into business and entrepreneurship through this brand.
Who is Aashka Goradia Goble husband?
Brent Goble, an American businessman is the husband of Aashka Goradia.
When was Renee Cosmetics founded?
Aashka Goradia founded Renee Cosmetics in 2018 with Ashutosh Valani and Priyank Shah.
What is Aashka Goradia age?
Aashka Goradia was born in 1985. She is 39 years old.
Starting a new business is exciting and quite a piece of work as well, especially when you are setting up a completely new thing and following your passion by being a small entrepreneur. A business not only needs hard work, talent, desire, and persistence, but it also needs something that will help it keep going and that is an investment. Without it, a business cannot survive, in fact, for any kind of business, small or big, getting someone who will invest in them is far from easy.
Imagine having a reality television show that helps budding entrepreneurs showcase their business model in front of some of the most successful business people from around the country. Surprising as well as amazing isn’t it? Well, now this thing is a reality. In this world where finding investors who are willing to provide funds for your dream is back-breaking, these types of shows exist and are making headlines.
We have an American reality television show called Shark Tank that does the above job, and the exciting news is we are getting our very own Indian version of that show. In this article, we will talk about Shark Tank India, who the sharks (Shark Tank Judges) are, and whether it will be a success like its American counterpart. So, let’s dive in.
“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” – Robert Kiyosaki
Listen to our host, Harini Rao, talking about Shark Tank India to one of its biggest fans in our podcast, Startup Tea.
The Shark Tank America first premiered on August 9, 2009, on ABC, although the history of the show goes much deeper than that. This show is actually an international franchise of Dragons’ Den, a show which originated in Japan in 2001. The panel of investors, or the judges, is actually the Sharks, who, after getting pitched by the contestants, decide whether to invest in their company or not.
In the show, the Shark helped the pitchers by consulting with them if there is any flaw in their products, services, or business model once they heard the said entrepreneur.
If the investor is ready to invest in the business, they shake hands and seal the deal. Sometimes, the entrepreneur gets rejected when all the sharks refuse to invest after they are not convinced of their ideas.
The Shark Tank effect is so strong that after appearing in the show, entrepreneurs’ revenue increased 10 to 20 times.
In the American version of the show, notable entrepreneurs like Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban, and Kevin Harrington are present at the show as the sharks who invest in the businesses. Shark Tank is a multiple Emmy Award-winning show and is considered the World’s biggest and number 1 business reality show.
The globally famous show is going to make its debut on Indian television. Just like its American counterpart, Shark Tank India is a platform that provides opportunities to new entrepreneurs who will be able to entice the sharks with their ideas. The Sharks will invest in those businesses that they will find suitable. The Shark Tank India is produced by Studio NEXT and will be telecasted on Sony Entertainment Television Channel.
In this Indian reality television show, budding entrepreneurs will visit and present their business models. They will try to convince the judges (Sharks) with their plan for the business and gain investment from the panel of investors present there for their wholesome ideas.
After its successful run of two seasons, Shark Tank India has grown bigger and better for its third year. The show has now increased the number of sharks, each with their own expertise in different fields, from pharmaceuticals to hospitality. This will help entrepreneurs secure bigger investments from the sharks and attract them to invest in their businesses.
Who are the Judges of Shark Tank India?
Here are the names of Shark Tank India judges witheir companies and designations:
Vineeta Singh
Name
Vineeta Singh
Company
Sugar Cosmetics
Designation
Co-Founder and CEO
Vineeta Singh – Shark Tank India Judges
Vineeta Singh is the Co-Founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics. Vineeta Singh completed her electrical engineering degree from IIT Madras and later on, went on to pursue her business studies at IIM Ahmedabad. She co-founded Sugar Cosmetics in 2015 with Kaushik Mukherjee.
Peyush Bansal is the CEO and Founder of Lenskart. He did his undergraduate studies at McGill University and his post-graduate studies at the Indian IIM Bangalore. He founded Lenskart in 2010 with the help of Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi.
Namita Thapar is the executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals. She is a chartered accountant from ICAI and earned an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. With years of experience in the healthcare industry and a sharp mind, she is an invaluable asset to any startup seeking her guidance and investment.
Anupam Mittal is a Co-Founder and CEO of Shaadi.com – People Group. He has done his MBA in Operations and Strategic Management from Boston College in the USA. He founded Shaadi.com in 1997. Mittal’s investing experience in over 250 startups has given him a sharp eye for spotting potential. He uses his entrepreneurial knowledge and financial resources to back promising ventures.
Aman Gupta is the Co-founder of boAt Lifestyle. He did his MBA from Kellogg School of Management. Aman Gupta founded BoAt in 2011 with Sameer Mehta. Before co-founding Boat, he was the director of sales at Harman International. He is a popular investor on Shark Tank and is known for backing startups with disruptive ideas and driven founders. His quick wit and infectious energy make him a fan favourite.
Amit Jain, an IIT Delhi graduate, is currently serving as one of the judges on Shark Tank India. He is also the CEO and co-founder of CarDekho Group, a leading auto-tech company in India that has expanded to Southeast Asia and acquired companies like Gaadi and ZigWheels under his leadership. Jain’s business acumen and investing experience make him a valuable asset to the show, providing invaluable insights as a Shark.
Ritesh Agarwal
Name
Ritesh Agarwal
Company
OYO Rooms
Designation
Co-Founder and CEO
Ritesh Agarwal – Shark Tank India Judges
Ritesh Agarwal, the young entrepreneur who is one of the newest judges on Shark Tank India, did not attend an Ivy League university. He dropped out of college at the age of 17 and went on to establish OYO Rooms, a hospitality giant, gradually and using digital technology. Today, as a self-made billionaire and CEO, he brings his expertise in hospitality and his drive to the judging table, eager to support India’s next generation of innovative entrepreneurs.
Ronnie Screwvala, a well-known media and entertainment entrepreneur, joined the panel of judges on Shark Tank India Season 3. He has a bachelor’s degree from Sydenham College, Mumbai, and co-founded UpGrad and Unilazer Ventures. Previously, he was the founder and CEO of UTV Group. With his extensive experience in the industry, Screwvala offers a unique perspective to entrepreneurs seeking investment in Shark Tank India.
Deepinder Goyal
Name
Deepinder Goyal
Company
Zomato
Designation
Co-Founder and CEO
Deepinder Goyal – Shark Tank India Judges
Deepinder Goyal, the founder and CEO of Zomato, is one of the new additions to the panel of judges on Shark Tank India. He graduated from IIT Delhi and previously worked at Bain & Company. Goyal has successfully expanded Zomato’s operations to 24 countries and is known for his expertise in building and scaling startups. As a judge on Shark Tank India, he provides valuable advice to entrepreneurs based on his experience. Goyal invests in startups that utilize technology to disrupt traditional industries.
Azhar Iqubal, the Founder & CEO of India’s highest-rated news app ‘Inshorts‘, was a new judge on Shark Tank India Season 3. He dropped out of IIT and is known for his expertise in building and scaling technology startups. Iqubal offers insightful advice to budding entrepreneurs on the show.
Radhika Gupta
Name
Radhika Gupta
Company
Edelweiss Mutual Fund
Designation
Managing Director and CEO
Radhika Gupta – Shark Tank India Judges
Radhika Gupta is the Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund. Under her leadership, Edelweiss MF has become one of India’s leading mutual fund houses with Assets Under Management (AUM) of over ₹1 lakh crore. As an investment expert, Gupta assesses startups on Shark Tank India, evaluating their business models, scalability, and valuation. She invests in startups that have the potential for high growth and returns.
Varun Dua is a judge on Shark Tank India. He completed his Master’s degree from MICA University. Dua is the Founder and CEO of Acko, an Indian insurtech startup. Under his leadership, Acko has emerged as one of the fastest-growing insurance companies in India. With his experience in building a successful startup, Dua provides valuable feedback to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Kunal Bahl
Name
Kunal Bahl
Company
Snapdeal, Titan Capital
Designation
Co-Founder
Kunal Bahl – Shark Tank India Judges
Kunal Bahl is an Indian entrepreneur known for co-founding Snapdeal, a leading e-commerce platform, and Titan Capital, a prominent venture capital firm. Bahl has significantly impacted the Indian startup ecosystem by investing in companies like Ola and Mamaearth. He also holds key positions in organizations such as NASSCOM and the National Startup Advisory Council, showcasing his influence in India’s business landscape. Kunal Bahl is the newest shark on Shark Tank India season 4.
Kunal has received various prestigious awards including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Startup), Fortune Global 40 under 40, and The Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year, among others.
Viraj Bahl
Name
Viraj Bahl
Company
Veeba
Designation
Founder & Managing Director
Viraj Bahl – Shark Tank India Judges
Viraj Bahl is the Founder and Managing Director of Veeba (VRB Consumer Products Pvt. Ltd.), a leading consumer food brand. He joined the panel of Sharks forShark Tank India season 4. Viraj is known for his deep understanding of the food industry. He is excited to share his knowledge and mentor entrepreneurs with great, scalable ideas.
His experience in building a successful business will help guide those looking for investments and advice. Viraj has studied Industrial Marine Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic.
Vikas D Nahar
Name
Vikas D Nahar
Company
Happilo
Designation
Founder & CEO
Vikas D Nahar – Shark Tank India Judges
Vikas D Nahar is an Indian businessman who has made a name for himself in the healthy food industry. He is the founder of Happilo International, a company that specializes in offering high-quality dried fruits, nuts, seeds, dates, hampers, and more. Despite facing numerous rejections, Vikas persevered and successfully raised funds for Happilo, which has now become a well-known health food brand.
Nahar was the guest shark for the grand finale of Shark Tank India Season 2. A special “digital-only” episode on SonyLiv called “Gateway to Shark Tank India 2” aired, wherein aspiring business owners got the chance to interact with Vikas and other sharks and pitch their ideas to them.
Ashneer Grover and Ghazal Alagh
Name
Ashneer Grover and Ghazal Alagh
Company
BharatPe, Mamaearth
Designation
Co-Founder, Co-founder and Chief Mama
Ashneer Grover and Ghazal Alagh – Ex Shark Tank India Judges
Ashneer Grover was the Managing Director and Co-founder of BharatPe. He co-founded Bharatpe with Shashvat Nakrani in 2018 and announced his resignation on February 28, 2022. He has co-founded Third Unicorn, a venture for capital-efficient, lean, tech-driven Indian startups. Grover departed from Shark Tank after season one due to his blunt attitude and worsening relationship with BharatPe.
Ghazal Alagh is the Co-Founder and Chief Mama of Mamaearth. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and has completed Intensive Courses in Modern Art, Design, and Applied Arts from the New York Academy of Arts. Ghazal, along with Varun Alagh, co-founded Mamaearth in 2016. She appeared in a few episodes of season one before discontinuing due to pregnancy and launching Mamaearth’s IPO.
How to Register for Shark Tank India?
How to Register For Shark Tank India
To participate in the show, one has to register. Below are some of the steps one needs to follow during the registration:
First and foremost, one must download the SonyLiv app or Log on to www.sonyliv.com.
Then, you can find the registered banner of Shark Tank; click on that.
You have to enter your mobile number to get your OTP verified.
You have to fill out all the information in the form regarding your participation in the show.
You have to enter all the information about your business.
The mandatory fields need to be filled out properly with relevant information.
Submit your registration form.
Current Scenario for Registration of Shark Tank India
The registration for the third season of Shark Tank India commenced on June 20, 2024, and lasted until the end of the month. Participation in the show is free, but applicants must be physically and mentally fit. Proxy entries are not allowed. The third season began streaming on January 06, 2025 on Sony Liv.
Has Shark Tank India Been Successful?
Since its premiere in December 2021, Shark Tank India has proven to be a major hit. As the Indian adaptation of the popular American business reality show, it has broken viewership records for the Sony Entertainment Television channel. The premiere episode alone drew over 6 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched episodes in the channel’s history. By the end of the first week, the show’s viewership had surpassed 40 million views.
The show’s success can also be seen in its impact on the businesses featured. In the first season alone, over 200 business pitched their ideas to the sharks. The startups and businesses saw a massive surge in demand and sales after appearing on the show. For example, after their pitch, Pandora Labs saw a growth of 500% in sales of their biodegradable sanitary pads. The tremendous reach of the show has allowed many small businesses in India to scale up their operations rapidly.
The television show ‘Shark Tank India’ has established its brand value over the years. With each passing season, the show is getting bigger and better. The show’s third season has 12 renowned sharks who have massive portfolios. The show’s commendable longevity is admirable and has a positive impact on India’s startup culture, thus helping the country become a global leader.
Shows Like Shark Tank in India
Shows Like Shark Tank India
Shark Tank India is not going to be the first business reality show in the country. Prior to this, the country had MTV Dropout. It was aired in 2017, and the concept was almost the same as that of the Shark Tank. This show featured some dropouts who had to participate in many challenges that tested their physical and mental strength. This shows the judges if it is good to invest in their business or not. The show was not renewed after its first season.
“The Vault” was a 2016 Indian business reality TV show. Entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to a panel of investors known as “Vault Keepers”. They evaluated the plans and decided whether to invest in the ventures. Funded entrepreneurs received mentorship and resources to build their startups.
When you start a business, find investors willing to invest in your business who will trust you and believe in you by providing funds to your business. Shows like Shark Tank have done it in many countries and have succeeded in India. Shark Tank is a show that may provide some great opportunities to new entrepreneurs, and who knows, this may lead to being the next big thing related to business in the country.
FAQS
Is there Shark Tank in India?
Sony Entertainment Television started airing the new business reality show Shark Tank India on December 20, 2021.
What is Shark Tank India?
Shark Tank India is an Indian business reality television series based on the popular global format Shark Tank. It has budding entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of potential investors called ‘Sharks’ to secure investment deals.
What is Shark Tank all about?
Shark Tank is a reality show where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of successful investors (“sharks”) in hopes of securing funding and mentorship.
Who will be the sharks in Shark Tank India?
Vineeta Singh, Peeyush Bansal, Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Amit Jain, Deepinder Goyal, Varun Dua, Radhika Gupta, Ronnie Screwvala, Azhar Iquabal, Ritesh Agarwal, and Aman Gupta are the sharks in Shark Tank India. Season four of the show will feature two new sharks, Kunal Bahl and Viraj Bahl.
When will Shark Tank premiere in India?
Shark Tank Season Four premiered on Sony LIV on January 06, 2025.
How Shark Tank India works?
Shark Tank India features entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of investors (sharks) who decide whether to invest in exchange for equity.
Who is Shark Tank host India?
Ashish Solanki and Sahiba Bali are the new host of Shark Tank India Season 4.
What is Shark Tank India concept?
Shark Tank India is a reality show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of wealthy investors (sharks) for funding in exchange for equity or a stake in their companies.
What is Shark Tank meaning?
The show is the Indian version of the American series Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a panel of investors, or “sharks,” who choose whether to invest in their companies.
According to reports, the Centre is trying to improve the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules in order to protect kids from online dangers and encourage their use of technology. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in a media agency report that the rules will change in response to lessons learnt from their application. “We will continue to improve it (DPDP Rules) to give kids access to technology while protecting them from numerous risks,” he stated. The draft DPDP Rules 2025 were made public by the government on January 3 and are available for public comment until February 18, 2024. Users under the age of 18 are considered children under the DPDP Act, which requires social media companies and other online intermediaries—known as data fiduciaries—to get express parental approval before processing any kid data.
What New Drafted Rules State?
According to the draft regulations, digital platforms are only permitted to process a child’s data with a verified parent or guardian’s approval. Either a virtual token issued by a legally authorised entity or freely supplied identity and age information can be used for verification. According to Vaishnaw, the token system has worked well in a number of situations, including transaction verifications based on Aadhaar. He clarified that the tokens will be transient and only be used for one transaction before being instantly destroyed. The minister added that if necessary, sector-specific guidelines might be released, but only after speaking with stakeholders and experts in the relevant area.
Individual Privacy will Remain Intact
Virtual token verification won’t jeopardise personal privacy, according to Vaishnaw. He affirmed that because whistleblowers are legally protected, they would not be impacted by the DPDP Act. He added that the DPDP Act has no restrictions on the number of complaints that can be filed. According to a report from last year, social media companies are looking into ways to comply with the DPDP Act of 2023, such as using QR codes, virtual Aadhaar IDs, or app store-level age verification. Industry executives, however, objected to this clause because they were worried about the privacy implications of using these tools to determine the ages of children and confirm parental relationships.
Strict Compliances are the Need of the Hour
S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Government of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), claims that compliance is really increasing dramatically and that a great number of cases are resolved before the blocking issue is even raised. They act on it right away. According to their own community guidelines or the government’s removal demands for illegal content, they now complete these tasks much more quickly than they did in the past.
There has been a noticeable increase in both the quantity and timeliness of items removed. These cover topics including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), inappropriate information of all kinds, and anything that could sabotage peace in the community, S. Krishnan noted further.
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence Headquarter (DGGI-HQ) has been given authority by the Indian government to direct intermediaries to disable the websites of online gaming enterprises accused of tax evasion. The government has designated the Additional/Joint Director (Intelligence) as the nodal officer for the assignment, according to a notice published in the Ministry of Finance’s gazette.
Section 14A(3) of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 gives the DGGI-HQ the authority to block any “information generated, transmitted, received, or hosted in any computer resource” that an online gaming company that has not paid taxes has used. This covers businesses based outside of India.
Clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 79 of the Information Technology Act, which imposes liability on intermediaries for failing to block or remove content upon government orders, is also cited in the notification. The material Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules’ clause (d) of subrule (1), which forbids intermediaries from keeping illegal material, is also included.
The government’s intention is to thwart tax-evading foreign gambling platforms by instructing intermediaries, such as search engines and social media platforms, to halt their online operations in India, according to the gazette notification.
Sector Evaded Taxes Worth INR 81,875 Crore in FY24
Earlier this year, the DGGI declared that the largest amount of GST evasion in the fiscal year 2023–2024 was caused by the online real money gaming industry. In FY24, the sector avoided paying taxes totalling INR 81,875 crore in 78 cases. The distinction between “real money online gaming” and gambling was effectively eliminated when the government raised the GST on real money online gaming from 18% to 28% earlier in 2023.
Numerous businesses received extensive tax evasion warnings dating back to prior fiscal years when the legislation went into effect on October 1, 2023. According to reports, Delta Corp received a notice of INR 16,822 crore for the period of July 2017 to March 2022, while Dream Sports received claims ranging from INR 25,000 to INR 40,000 crore.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman later disclosed that within six months of the raise, tax receipts from the sector had increased fivefold. From October 2023 to March 2024, collections increased 412% to INR 6,909 crore from INR 1,349 crore.
Government Under Strong Criticism
The industry protested the tax hike, which was a highly contentious move. In a letter to the government, more than 100 skill-gaming businesses claimed that it would “reverse the growth trajectory of the industry.” According to the letter, the GST will incentivise offshore gambling operators, attract Indian customers to them, and ultimately result in neither the expansion of the legal industry nor the best possible revenue collection.
To help users of WazirX, a compromised cryptocurrency exchange that suffered a huge $230 million (INR 1,900 crore) cyberattack last year, cryptocurrency unicorn CoinSwitch has started an INR 600 cr recovery scheme. The company hopes to assist impacted individuals in compensating for their losses, depositing money to benefit from the current cryptocurrency market boom, and receiving incentives through the program called “CoinSwitch Cares.” Cybercriminals from North Korea are said to have breached WazirX in July 2024, removing over $234 million in cryptocurrency assets from one of its wallets. Over 4 million Indian customers suffered significant losses as a result of the cyberattack, which also damaged confidence in the country’s cryptocurrency market.
Smart Move by CoinSwitch to Allure WazirX Users
In essence, the project is an attempt by the cryptocurrency platform to acquire WazirX users. Ashish Singhal, cofounder and CEO of CoinSwitch, stated during a virtual “Ask Me Anything” session that the company has launched the CoinSwitch Cares program in an effort to rebuild the trust of the Indian cryptocurrency community. Users affected by the WazirX attack can now assess their losses on the CoinSwitch Cares page and upload statements for verification.
How the Entire Recovery System will Work?
There will be three parts to the recovery program. Users can earn up to 10% of the money invested through this program over the next two years with the help of the first part, Assured Signup Rewards. In order to benefit from the scheme, users affected by the WazirX theft have two options: deposit money to CoinSwitch right away or wait for the Nischal Shetty-led company to completely resume withdrawals on the platform.
The second feature is revenue redistribution, which enables CoinSwitch to divide trading profits from the recovery program among impacted users based on their respective losses. Referral Rewards, which helps users earn up to 5% of the deposited funds by referring WazirX hack victims, comes in third.
Recent Updates on WazirX
WazirX had $566.38 million in liquid assets as of December 5, 2024. Customers have sued the business for $546.47 million in damages. It is important to remember that CoinSwitch said last year that it will sue WazirX in an attempt to recoup 2% of its money that is still in the hands of the compromised cryptocurrency exchange. WazirX is expected to fully restart cryptocurrency withdrawals on the platform by the middle of April this year, as multiple media outlets reported. It is seeking a plan of arrangement in Singapore to start business again. Through tokenisation and rebalancing, the suggested plan seeks to provide WazirX users with liquidity and extra recoveries. Following the scheme’s approval and sanction, WazirX will distribute recovery tokens to all of its customers and release liquid assets valued at $284 million.
Zettai Pte Ltd Coming Up with Decentralised Exchange
In order to start recovery efforts, Zettai Pte Ltd, the parent company of Zanmai Labs, the company that runs WazirX, is creating a new decentralised exchange (DEX) at the same time. On the next platform, the business intends to introduce capabilities including futures trading and cryptocurrency staking. WazirX lifted the ban on INR withdrawals from the platform in August of last year, albeit gradually and with a 66% cap. These events coincide with an investigation of the WazirX attack by a number of government organisations, including the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Intelligence Bureau.
On January 7, Nagaraju Maddirala, secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), urged fintech companies to “consistently” provide creative solutions to the financial services sector while “strictly” adhering to rules. He said this while presiding over a conference in New Delhi with cofounders and senior executives from significant fintech companies. Kunal Shah, the founder of CRED; Bipin Preet Singh of MobiKwik; Sharath Bulusu of Google Pay; and officials from BillDesk, Infibeam Avenues, and Razorpay were among those present at the meeting. The gathering was also attended by industry organisations like the Digital Lenders Association of India, the Payments Council of India, and the Startup Policy Forum. According to a statement, “the goal of the engagement with partners from the startup and fintech ecosystem was to promote an open exchange of ideas aimed at elevating the fintech sector to a global standard.”
Sharing his views on the suggestion, Rajjat Gulati, Co-Founder, plutos ONE stated, “Fintechs use technology to deliver services to their customers cheaper, faster, and better than before or to offer innovative new solutions. With technology comes the potential to deliver these solutions and their positive impact at never-before-seen scales. At the same time, technology also means that any missteps or vulnerabilities can be multiplied many times over. An attacker now has access to not thousands, but millions of customer records if they are able to access your systems. Millions could be defrauded of billions because somewhere in the stack of technological services that come together to deliver a simple money transfer solution is a bug or vulnerability or a piece of malicious code.”
Digital Payment Systems Required Deeper Penetration
Maddirala praised the Indian fintech industry’s explosive expansion over the last ten years and emphasised the necessity of enhancing digital payment systems in rural and northeastern areas, especially with UPI. He also urged the stakeholders to support micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) through “lending based on digital footprints.” According to the official announcement, Maddirala outlined the several steps the Centre has made to foster an atmosphere that is supportive of the fintech industry. Officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) also attended the conference.
2024 Not a Promising Year for Fintech Startups
The gathering takes place while the domestic fintech sector continues to suffer from a lack of capital. Indian fintech firms raised $2.5 billion in 2024, a 19% decrease from $3.1 billion the year before, despite being the most funded industry last year. The fintech ecosystem had a drop in funding for the third year in a row in 2024. Nonetheless, the number of deals in the industry increased by 23% from 2023 to 2024, from 132 to 162. Last year, the fintech industry also achieved a $30 billion funding milestone (from 2014 to 2024) and welcomed two new unicorns to its portfolio: Moneyview and Perfios. Finova Capital, Drip Capital, and M2P were notable for securing some of the largest agreements in 2024, with each deal exceeding $100 million.
India’s Fintech Ecosystem Still Leading the Global Race
In spite of this downturn, the Indian fintech ecosystem is one of the top three globally financed fintech ecosystems in H1 2024, after the US and the UK. According to Tracxn’s Geo Semi Annual Fintech India Report for H1 2024, the ongoing funding winter and a number of other geopolitical challenges are to blame for the funding fall. Compared to one in H2 2023, two funding rounds totalling more than $100 million were observed during that time. These include the $120 million Series C funding round raised by lending platform Avanse and the $144 million Series D funding round raised by non-banking lender Credit Saison.
Zomato has increased competition in the rapidly changing quick food delivery market by subtly launching a 15-minute meal delivery service. Currently accessible through the Zomato app, the new functionality puts the business in a competitive position against rivals such as Swiggy’s Bolt, Magicpin, and Zepto.
Although the service has not yet been formally announced, it is currently operational in a few major cities, including Bangalore and Mumbai. In the app’s explore section, a special “15-minute delivery” page has emerged, displaying a variety of ready-to-eat and quick-to-prepare items from participating restaurants. Similar to Swiggy’s Bolt, Zomato restricts deliveries to eateries within two kilometres in order to guarantee prompt service.
Rapidly Sprawling Nexus of Quick Commerce
With its decision to provide 15-minute delivery, Zomato enters a highly competitive market where quick delivery is increasingly important for standing out from the competition. This comes soon after the debut of Blinkit, Zomato’s rapid commerce division, which will soon unveil “Bistro,” a service that promises to bring nutritious juices, snacks, and meals in a matter of minutes.
In a similar vein, Swiggy began offering its Bolt service in October 2024 and has since stated that 5% of all of its food delivery orders are currently completed using this expedited delivery option. In order to meet the increasing demand for lightning-fast service, Zepto has also stepped up its focus on quick meal delivery by releasing a second app called Zepto Cafe.
Other Players Soon to Join the Race
Ola Dash, Ola’s 10-minute food delivery service, began in Bengaluru and is currently being rolled out nationwide. With JioMart, Reliance also intended to enter the fast commerce market last year, offering deliveries in less than 30 minutes. According to reports, Myntra, a shopping portal, has begun testing its own 30-minute delivery service for specific brands in a few Bengaluru neighbourhoods.
Performance of India’s Quick Commerce Sector in 2024
In addition to substantial venture capital and expansion, the quick commerce industry saw the arrival of big companies and experienced remarkable user growth in 2024. Zomato-backed Blinkit turned adjusted EBITDA positive in March 2024, and Swiggy went public recently.
Amazon declared Tez and Myntra introduced “M-Now,” while Flipkart ventured into fast commerce with “Minutes.” Now, every major company is concentrating on the quickly expanding fast commerce business, due to the demand and broad adoption in tier-2 and tier-3 cities as well as metro areas.
According to the Tracxn study, the rapid commerce industry had a notable increase in funding in 2024, raising $1.37 billion in equity capital from seven rounds, primarily owing to Zepto, which raised $1.355 billion in three $300 million rounds. Redseer, a consultancy firm, projects a 40–45% GMV CAGR for q-commerce over the next three years. All players have now increased their services beyond only grocery and food to include toys, Dhanteras gold, cosmetics, fashion, and electronics, among other things.
Nitin Konde
