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  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 9th October 2025: Rusk Media Raises INR 103 Cr, Reo.Dev Secures $4 Mn, Lenskart Smartglasses with UPI & More

    India’s startup ecosystem witnessed significant developments on 9th October 2025, with funding across media, SaaS, wearables, healthtech, cybersecurity, mobility, and AI sectors. Key highlights include Rusk Media raising INR 103 crore in Series B, Reo.Dev securing $4 million in a seed round, Eternz expanding its wearable business, and Fastest.Health boosting rapid diagnostics services. Additionally, Lenskart unveiled smartglasses with direct UPI payments, while LG Electronics India’s IPO faces scrutiny over tax and royalty concerns, reflecting both innovation and regulatory attention in the Indian market.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 9th October 2025

    Company Amount Round Lead investor(s) Sector
    Rusk Media INR 103 Cr Series B Info Edge; undisclosed investors Media / Content distribution
    Reo.Dev $4 Mn Seed Heavybit Developer tools / SaaS
    Eternz Undisclosed Pre-Series A Timex Group India Tech-enabled watches / Wearables
    Fastest.Health INR 1.2 Cr Pre-seed Inflection Point Ventures Quick diagnostics / Healthtech
    Pantherun Technologies $12 Mn Series A Sahasrar Capital Investors and Lucky Investment Managers Cybersecurity / Enterprise security
    Hala Mobility INR 30 Cr Hala+ FOCO Mobility / Transportation
    Contrails AI $1 Mn Pre-seed Huddle Ventures; IAN Group AI / Trust & Safety / Risk governance

    Rusk Media raises INR 103 Cr in Series B round

    Rusk Media, a content distribution and media startup, raised INR 103 crore in its Series B round led by Info Edge and other investors. The funding will help scale operations, enhance technology infrastructure, expand content offerings, and strengthen market presence, enabling the company to grow its audience and reach across India.

    Reo.Dev raises $4 Mn in seed round led by Heavybit

    Developer-focused SaaS startup Reo.Dev raised $4 million in a seed round led by Heavybit. The funding will accelerate product development, expand its suite of developer tools, improve customer support, and drive adoption in global developer communities. The company aims to simplify software workflows and enhance developer productivity at scale.

    Eternz raises Pre-Series A to accelerate growth, partners with Timex Group India

    Eternz raised a Pre-Series A round to expand its wearable technology business in partnership with Timex Group India. The funds will be used to enhance product innovation, improve distribution channels, and scale operations. The startup focuses on tech-enabled watches, blending style and functionality for an evolving customer base.

    Fastest.Health raises INR 1.2 crore in pre-seed funding

    Quick diagnostics platform Fastest.Health secured INR 1.2 crore in pre-seed funding led by Inflection Point Ventures. The investment will support doorstep sample collection, fast 90-minute report delivery, and expansion of services across cities. The startup aims to simplify healthcare access, improve patient convenience, and build a reliable rapid diagnostics network in India.

    Pantherun Technologies secures $12M funding

    Cybersecurity firm Pantherun Technologies raised $12 million to expand its enterprise security offerings globally. The funding will strengthen product development, enhance threat detection capabilities, and support international market entry. The company aims to provide scalable, AI-driven security solutions to enterprises, addressing rising cyber threats and safeguarding sensitive organizational data effectively.

    Hala Mobility raises INR 30 crore under Hala+ FOCO

    Hala Mobility raised INR 30 crore under its Hala+ FOCO initiative to scale mobility and transportation services. The funds will enhance fleet management, expand operations, and improve technology integration. The startup aims to provide reliable, tech-enabled transport solutions while optimizing operational efficiency, supporting sustainable mobility, and increasing customer satisfaction.

    Contrails AI raises $1 million led by Huddle Ventures and IAN Group

    AI startup Contrails AI raised $1 million in a pre-seed round led by Huddle Ventures and IAN Group. The funding will enhance its AI-powered trust and safety platform, helping online businesses detect, prevent, and manage risks. The company focuses on ensuring safer digital experiences and governance for platforms using generative AI content.

    Key Business News for 9th October 2025

    Lenskart Integrates UPI Payments into Smartglasses

    Lenskart has unveiled its upcoming B Camera Smartglasses, set to launch in the coming months. These smartglasses feature direct UPI payment integration, allowing users to make instant QR-based transactions by simply scanning a code and issuing a voice command, eliminating the need for a smartphone or PIN. The UPI Circle feature, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), ensures secure and private transactions. This innovation marks a significant step in India’s wearable technology landscape, combining AI-based camera features with digital payment capabilities.

    LG Electronics India IPO Faces Scrutiny Over Tax and Royalty Issues

    LG Electronics India’s INR 11,607 crore initial public offering (IPO) is under scrutiny following concerns raised by governance advisory firm InGovern Research Services. InGovern highlighted INR 4,717 crore in disputed tax liabilities, ongoing royalty payments, and related-party transactions as potential risks that could affect the company’s future profitability. Despite these issues, the IPO has been oversubscribed, with significant participation from institutional investors. The offering is a 100% offer-for-sale by the Korean parent company, LG Electronics Inc., which will retain 85% ownership post-listing.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 8th October 2025
    India’s startup ecosystem saw notable activity on 8th October 2025, with funding in logistics tech, FMCG, clean tech, healthtech, and e-mobility.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesStartupTalky News

  • 61% of Tier-I Consumers Opt for Homegrown Brands This Festive Season: Rukam Capital Study

    India’s festive season, long known for its grandeur and generosity, is undergoing a significant shift. A new study titled “Aspirations of New India: How Consumers Select, Shop, and Shape Brand Connections” by early-stage venture capital firm Rukam Capital highlights how wellness, authenticity, and purpose are driving consumer choices this year.

    The study, conducted by YouGov with over 5,000 respondents across 18 states, reveals that Indians are increasingly mindful and value-driven when it comes to festive spending. Rather than shopping based purely on impulse or tradition, consumers are now choosing brands that align with their identity and values.

    India’s festive retail market is expected to grow by 23%, reaching an estimated $125-150 billion in 2025. Backed by GST 2.0 reforms, this growth is no longer limited to metropolitan cities but is also expanding across smaller towns — offering brands deeper cultural opportunities to connect with consumers.

    Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Rukam Capital, said:

    “Indian consumers are not just trend followers anymore. They seek brands that make them feel understood and valued. Loyalty today is built through connection and purpose, not discounts. This evolution is compelling even the most traditional categories to innovate from offering healthier alternatives to embracing transparency and community engagement.”

    Key Festive Insights

    1. Rise of the Homegrown

    Festive shopping is increasingly tied to local pride and conscious choices.

    • Local Love: Over half of Indian consumers prefer homegrown or small business brands.
    • Purposeful Purchases: In Tier I cities, 61% of consumers actively choose Indian brands, while 59% align their spending with social or environmental causes.
    • Start-up Support: 43% of respondents enjoy shopping from new start-ups during the festive season.

    2. Wellness Takes Centre Stage

    Health is redefining indulgence this festive season.

    • Healthy Snacking: 53% of Millennials and 47% of Gen Z shoppers plan to buy healthy snacks.
    • Sugar-Free Trend: 73% of young consumers prefer sugar-free or substitute-based sweets.
    • Cultural Wellness: One in three shoppers seek festive products blending heritage with health — highlighting demand for traditional yet guilt-free treats.

    3. Digital Dominance: UPI Leads the Way

    India’s digital payment revolution continues to reshape festive shopping.

    • UPI on Top: Nearly 40% of shoppers use UPI for purchases, making it the most preferred payment method.
    • Tier Trends: Tier III cities show the highest UPI usage (42%), while Tier I consumers balance UPI (36%) with credit card payments (24%) for cashback and rewards.

  • Elon Musk and Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal Settle $128 Million Severance Dispute

    A $128 million lawsuit brought by former CEO Parag Agrawal and three other senior managers who claimed they were not given severance pay has been settled between Elon Musk and the business that was formerly known as Twitter.

    A September 30 federal court filing that postponed litigation deadlines and the date of a scheduled hearing in San Francisco did not reveal the terms of the settlement. The executives’ attorney stated in the petition that the parties had negotiated a settlement and that it has specific requirements that must be fulfilled soon.

    Musk and X Officials Agrees to Settle $500 Million Suit

    The agreement comes as Musk and representatives of X Corp., the new name for Twitter, reached a settlement in August to pay $500 million to roughly 6,000 rank-and-file workers who were laid off and claimed the billionaire had cheated them on severances after taking over the social media company. An email requesting comment on the settlement was not immediately answered by X and Musk representatives on Tuesday. Additionally, a lawyer for the former executives did not immediately respond to a request for comment via email.

    Musk did Entire Reshuffling of X After Taking Over

    Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 after abandoning an attempt to renege on his $44 billion acquisition offer. This decision was made after a judge in Delaware, where Twitter was incorporated at the time, ruled against him in several pre-trial decisions. Musk sacked a few high-ranking Twitter executives as soon as he took over.

    The individuals who filed the lawsuit in addition to Agrawal were Vijaya Gadde, the company’s chief legal and policy officer; Ned Segal, the company’s chief financial officer; and Sean Edgett, the former general counsel of Twitter who currently serves in the same capacity for Match Group. In numerous lawsuits, Twitter—which the billionaire rebranded as X—was charged with labour and workplace infractions, including not providing severance compensation to thousands of laid-off employees.

    Former Twitter employees accused Musk of stealing their wages in a severance class-action lawsuit, but a federal court in Delaware dismissed part of the case last month, ruling that the billionaire could not be held accountable as an “alter ego” of the corporation.

    Quick Shots

    •Elon Musk and ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal reach
    settlement over unpaid severance claims.

    •Former CFO Ned Segal, legal chief Vijaya Gadde, and
    ex-general counsel Sean Edgett also part of the case.

    •Federal court filing confirms resolution but does
    not disclose settlement details.

    •Lawsuit follows Musk’s $500 million settlement with
    6,000 former Twitter employees over severance pay.

    •Musk fired top executives after his $44 billion
    takeover of Twitter in 2022.

  • LG Electronics IPO Under Scanner After InGovern Highlights INR 4,717 Crore Tax and Royalty Issues

    After InGovern Research Services identified INR 4,717 crore in contested tax liabilities, ongoing royalties, and related-party transactions, LG Electronics India’s INR 11,607 crore IPO (Initial Public Offering) is being investigated. The advising company added that the Korean parent will maintain 85% control after listing, noting that a poor decision in these procedures might severely reduce future earnings or necessitate remedies.

    Findings of the InGovern

    With all proceeds going straight to the parent firm and no new funds being collected for expansion, the IPO, which is a 100% offer-for-sale by Korean promoter LG Electronics Inc., is set to close today, October 9, at 5 p.m. According to InGovern, LGEIL has revealed contingent liabilities totalling INR 4,717 crore, which accounts for 73% of its total net worth.

    The main source of these obligations is contested income tax, excise, and service tax claims. Citing current appeals before appellate forums and legal guidance, the advice also stated that the company has not made provisions for these proceedings.

    LG India Faces Contingent Liability of INR 315 Cr

    Transfer pricing on royalties and payments for technical services to the promoter account for a sizable amount of tax disputes. InGovern emphasised that royalties they pay to the promoter under the terms of the licence agreement or in other circumstances could be subject to regulatory scrutiny or action. Royalties alone accounted for INR 315 crore of LG India’s potential liabilities as of the IPO filing; this amount may increase as a result of regulatory reviews.

    The advice firm also pointed out that, without shareholder consent, the Korean parent company may increase royalties from domestic production by up to 5% of yearly consolidated turnover. Over the last three years, royalty outflows have historically varied from 1.63% to 1.90% of revenue; this structure may have an impact on margins in the absence of scrutiny by minority investors.

    InGovern cautioned that LG Electronics Inc. would lose its ability to produce and market under the LG brand and that operations would be seriously disrupted if it terminated or changed the perpetual licence agreement with six months’ notice.

    The promoter would have effective control over board decisions and related-party transactions when LG Electronics retains 85% of its Indian unit following the IPO. “The promoter may take into account the interests of its subsidiaries and affiliates that may not align with minority shareholders,” according to InGovern.

     The Korean parent company, LG India, and other LG Group companies have a number of licensing, technical service, and framework agreements that result in continuous governance exposure. Concerns regarding transparency and transfer pricing were raised by the advising company when it stated that “no independent benchmarking study or third-party pricing review for royalty payments is presented.”

     LG India’s IPO is a pure offer-for-sale that only benefits the promoter, even though the company reported INR 24,367 crore in revenue and INR 2,203 crore in net profit for FY25 with a debt-free balance sheet. InGovern concluded by stating that careful thought should be given to the governance issues surrounding related-party transactions and contingent liabilities.

    Quick Shots

    •InGovern flags INR 4,717 crore in disputed tax,
    royalty, and related-party risks.

    •Tax, excise, and service tax disputes form 73% of
    LG India’s net worth.

    •IPO proceeds go entirely to Korean parent LG
    Electronics Inc.; no fresh funds raised for expansion.

    •INR 315 crore liability linked to royalty payments
    and technical service fees to the parent firm.

  • Bombay HC Backs SBI Move to Report Anil Ambani to RBI in Reliance Communications Case

    The Bombay High Court last week upheld the State Bank of India’s (SBI) decision to label the accounts of Reliance Communications (RCom) as “fraud” and submit Anil Ambani’s name to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

    On October 3, a panel of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale decided that a personal hearing was not required and that the SBI had given him enough time to present his case in accordance with the RBI’s and the Supreme Court’s directives. Ambani asserted that the bank had not given him a chance to present his arguments in a face-to-face hearing.

    Why Reliance’s Anil Ambani is Facing the Heat?

    The court held that once RCom – where Ambani was a director and promoter – was identified as “fraud”, his name could be disclosed to the RBI since he was “in control” of the firm during the relevant period. Due to his affiliation with RCom, which defaulted on loans and credit facilities totalling more than INR 1,500 crore that were approved between 2012 and 2016, the court’s ruling will essentially prohibit Ambani from raising money or pursuing credit facilities.

     The RBI Master Directions on Frauds list this restriction on credit and funding as one of the “penal measures”. These regulations prohibit anyone who is deemed to be a fraudster and those “associated” with them from obtaining credit from banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), which are governed by the RBI.

    This restriction is in effect for five years after the date of the settlement of dues or the full repayment of the fraudulent sum. Ambani filed a plea in court contesting a June ruling by the SBI’s Fraud Identification Committee (FIC). In 2020, the SBI initially deemed RCom accounts to be “fraud” in accordance with the RBI’s 2016 Master Directions.

    Following a Supreme Court decision in 2023 that required borrowers to have a previous hearing, this injunction was revoked. After that, the bank sent Ambani a new show-cause letter and provided him an opportunity to reply. In June, it declared that RCom’s account was fraudulent and that the RBI would be notified of his identity.

    On What Basis HC Termed RCom Fraud?

    Based on the financial system’s handling of “fraud”, which is regulated by the RBI’s Master Directions and altered by the Supreme Court’s historic State Bank of India & Ors. v. Rajesh Agarwal & Ors. ruling in 2023, the HC ruling was made. How banks identify, categorise, and report fraud is outlined in the RBI’s 2016 Master Directions on fraud classification and reporting by commercial banks and selected financial institutions.

    In 2017, the SBI designated Reliance Communications’ account as a non-performing asset (NPA) due to the company’s failure to fulfil its commitments under the loan restructuring. As instructed by the RBI, SBI’s FIC deemed RCom’s account to be “fraud” in November 2020. In a subsequent case, the directives were contested on the grounds that they did not necessitate a hearing before labelling an account as fraudulent.

    Following a historic Supreme Court ruling in the Rajesh Agarwal case, which established that borrowers must be given a chance to be heard before such categorisation, SBI retracted its classification of RCom’s account as fraudulent.

    Quick Shots

    •Court backs State Bank of India’s move to report
    Anil Ambani to RBI over RCom fraud.

    •Ambani barred from raising funds or obtaining
    credit from banks/NBFCs for five years post-repayment.

    •Ruling follows RBI’s 2016 Master Directions on
    fraud and the 2023 Supreme Court Rajesh Agarwal judgment requiring borrower
    hearings.

    •SBI had issued show-cause letters and allowed Ambani
    to reply before reaffirming fraud classification.

  • Creencia Consulting launches maiden investment fund with 100 CR AuM

    Creencia Consulting, a new-age, hedge-fund style investment platform today announced the launch of its maiden fund with an AuM commitment of INR 100 crore. With backing from reputed family offices, UHNIs, and seasoned industry leaders, the fund uses globally inspired strategies tailored for growth in the Indian market. With the launch of the fund, Creencia Consulting has now introduced a hedge-fund style investment vehicle to the Indian market, which is structured and risk-managed, designed to deliver consistent, direction-neutral returns.

    Within the next six to twelve months, the company plans to double its AuM, by onboarding strategically aligned investors—maintaining the ethos of a member-only club for refined capital. The company also aims to deliver a clear track record of stable, risk-adjusted returns with disciplined drawdown control (<5%), reinforcing the fund’s risk-first DNA.

    India’s Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) have seen significant growth, with total commitments reaching Rs. 13,00,000 crore (US$ 149.25 billion) as of December 2024, reflecting a 5% QoQ increase, according to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Investors today are looking at alternative assets to hedge against public market volatility, build a diversified portfolio, and enhance portfolio performance across market scenarios. Despite India being home to one of the world’s most liquid derivatives markets, very few institutional funds have built structured, risk-managed models around it, and Creencia Consulting aims to tap this opportunity.

    Amandeep Singh Uberoi, Founder & CIO, Creencia Consulting said, “Today, the market dynamics are changing rapidly, and investors are looking for stable, risk-managed alternatives. At Creencia, we have a proven track record of managing and growing assets of over ₹70 crore, and our integration of advanced algorithms and data-driven systems for precise execution and agile decision-making enables us to fill in a white space effectively.”

    With a young yet experience team, bold, and data-driven risk practices, Creencia represents a new category of its own: a fund that blends global best practices with India’s market opportunities, designed for consistency, transparency, and scale.

  • Suniel Shetty Breaks the Privilege Myth: How Grit and Talent Redefine Success in India

    Bollywood actor, entrepreneur, and mentor Suniel Shetty reflected on India’s transformation over the decades in a recent LinkedIn post, emphasising how opportunities for young talent have dramatically expanded compared to the 70s and 80s.

    From Limited Opportunities to Wider Horizons

    In his recently shared LinkedIn post, Shetty noted, “India until the 70s, 80s was a very different place. So much of your future depended on aspects you had no control over. Which city or state you were born in. What the common profession in your community was. What your family could actually afford to risk or imagine for you.”

    He described how, historically, a person’s aspirations were limited by social structures and familial means. “Most of the time, those experiences were limited. Which meant many ambitions never really got a chance to take off. Limited aspirations,” he wrote. Even hard work could be insufficient due to lack of opportunity and systemic barriers.

    Merit, Talent, and Technology Driving Change

    Shetty observed that economic growth, improved connectivity, and technology have changed the landscape. “With each passing decade though, things improved. The economy opened up. Entire industries came alive. Connectivity and information have reached the smallest villages. Almost everyone now has a smartphone.”

    He pointed out that skill and perseverance now play a greater role in shaping careers. “Slowly but surely, this has given those with skill and drive the chance to dream bigger than what people around them once thought possible,” he wrote.

    Shetty cited examples across sectors, including entrepreneurship, sports, and the arts. “I’ve met entrepreneurs from little towns who went to government schools and are now building companies with global reach. Athletes who trained on dusty grounds without real facilities and now carry India’s flag around the world,” he said. Reflecting on his own journey in films, he recalled the challenges of entering Bollywood in the 90s without connections.

    “Today, an artist has so many more routes. TV, films, OTT, digital, content creation, social media. The doors are wider,” Shetty observed. While privilege and luck still play a role, they no longer dictate outcomes entirely. Talent and persistence can now take individuals further than ever before.



    He concluded by celebrating the confidence and fearlessness of India’s youth. “Dreams are no longer defined by where you start. For me, that is one of the most beautiful changes I’ve seen in India. That’s the India of merit. And we’re only going to see more of it.”

    Shetty’s reflections capture the evolving story of modern India, where ambition, skill, and digital connectivity are reshaping the nation’s talent landscape.

    Dreamers vs Doers: Anupam Mittal Reveals the Truth About Founders
    Discover what separates dreamers from doers. Shaadi.com’s Anupam Mittal shares key insights on the traits that make a real founder stand out.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesMuskaan Kapoor

  • SEBI Updates Block Deal Regulations: Key Changes Investors Must Know

    In an effort to improve the efficiency and transparency of major trade execution, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a circular for the implementation of a revamped block deal framework for stock exchanges. In order to prevent price manipulation, the block deal mechanism permits pre-negotiated agreements between parties to be carried out on the exchange during certain windows and under stringent guidelines. With a minimum order quantity of INR 25 crore, the price range will be ±3% of the reference price.

    According to current standards, the minimum order size is INR10 crore, and the pricing range is ±1%. The order size was last adjusted by SEBI in October 2017. Since orders less than INR 25 crore will occur in the regular market, the higher threshold is anticipated to increase liquidity.

    Two Specific Windows of Block Deal

    There are two distinct times that block deals are available: 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM in the morning and 2:05 PM to 2:20 PM in the afternoon. According to the SEBI circular, the closing price of the stock the day before would serve as the reference price for executing block deals during the morning window.

    The volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of trades made in the stock on the cash segment between 1:45 and 2:00 PM will serve as the reference price for the afternoon window.

    Before the afternoon session begins, stock exchanges will compute and distribute the relevant VWAP between 2:00 and 2:05 PM. EffectiveDecember 7, 2025, the Sebi circular will be in force. According to the Sebi circular, the aforementioned clauses will also apply to the block deal window during the optional T+0 settlement cycle.

    The 1st Framework was Introduced in 2005

    As markets have expanded and block deal sizes have increased, regulations pertaining to these transactions have been re-examined. Since its initial release in 2005, the framework has undergone a number of reviews.

    Although one of the exchanges had proposed a ±2% price range, a working committee on the matter had recommended a ±5% price range for the morning block transaction window and a ±3% price range for the afternoon trading window.

    The working group had suggested raising the ceiling, citing the nearly threefold increase in benchmark indices over the previous ten years as justification. It was desirable to raise the restrictions since markets were becoming deeper and larger. 90% of block deals were larger than INR 14 crore, 75% larger than INR 26 crore, 60% larger than INR 50 crore, and 50% larger than INR 84 crore, according to SEBI’s analysis of the data from FY25 block deals at the NSE. Therefore, the order size needed to be reviewed.

    Quick Shots

    •Circular issued to enhance transparency and
    efficiency in major stock trades.

    •Threshold increased from INR 10 crore to INR 25
    crore to boost liquidity and prevent market manipulation.

    •New rules applicable from December 7, 2025,
    including optional T+0 settlement cycle.

    •Block deal framework first introduced in 2005;
    reviewed multiple times as markets grew.

  • Eternz Raises Pre-Series A to Accelerate Growth, Partners with Timex Group India

    Eternz, India’s largest vertical marketplace for jewelry, announces the successful closure of its Pre-Series A funding. The round was led by new investor Multiply Venture Partners and also saw participation from existing investors like Kae Capital, Gemba Capital, IIMA Ventures, TDV Partners, alongside fresh backers like Twin & Bull as well as renowned angel investors Raghunandhan (Taxi For Sure) and Nandan Reddy (Swiggy COO). This new capital infusion marks a defining milestone in Eternz’s growth story by setting the stage for its expansion across India. Accelerating its journey further, the platform has also strategically partnered with Timex Group India to include global brands under its umbrella.

    Eternz, founded by Arthi Ramalingam, a second-time jewelry entrepreneur, stands as one of India’s largest vertical jewelry marketplaces. With a mission to redefine how India discovers, shops and connects with jewelry, Eternz unites premium & luxury brands and exquisite craftsmanship under a dedicated vertical. The platform hosts over 200+ brands with 10% of exclusive listings, creating an unparalleled online destination for consumers. 

    The company plans to deploy the new capital to strengthen its core leadership team, scale marketing initiatives, and deepen its tech-driven customer experience. Eternz has already launched a series of cutting-edge features including Virtual Try-On, a Virtual Ring Sizer, and a first-of-its-kind “Tinder for Jewellery”, enabling users to swipe through designs and help train a personalization engine that curates recommendations unique to each shopper’s taste.

    Eternz is also going deeper into onboarding gold and lab-grown jewelry along with international brands. The platform has already taken a step in this direction by partnering with Timex Group India, adding global luxury brands like GUESS, Versace, Ted Baker, and more under its vertical. 

    “Brands have seen strong growth on Eternz, reaching the most relevant customers and expanding their presence across geographies, with our tech-led experiences like Virtual Try-On and Ring Sizer drawing brands closer to our platform and showcasing new possibilities for customer engagement. Drawing from my own experience of building a brand and navigating marketplace challenges, we’ve designed Eternz to truly solve for brands- making discovery, trust, and growth effortless. We’re now doubling down to support women entrepreneurs building jewelry businesses and onboarding lab-grown diamond brands, creating opportunities for innovation and scale. Jewelry, for us, is more than adornment- it’s a celebration of identity and self-expression. With a $94B market ahead, our vision is clear: to create a platform that celebrates identity and joy while building a billion-dollar company,” said Arthi Ramalingam, Founder & CEO, Eternz. 

    “Our partnership with Eternz marks a strategic step in strengthening Timex Group’s luxury and premium jewelry & watch distribution in India. Eternz’s deep expertise in the jewelry space, combined with their seamless expansion into watches, makes them a valued partner for us. Their systems are robust, their category understanding is sharp, and our experience working with them has been excellent. We believe Eternz has the potential to emerge as the leading player in India’s jewellery and accessories market,” shares Deepak Chhabra, Managing Director, Timex Group India Limited.

    “India’s jewelry market is large, fragmented, and historically traditional on the supply side. While demand remains consistently high, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, consumers often struggle with discovery, trust, convenience, and variety. Modern buyers increasingly seek unique, design-driven pieces that go beyond big brands or local family-owned stores. Yet, there is no centralised destination that seamlessly delivers these four critical value propositions in one place. This gap presents a clear opportunity to build a curated, specialised vertical marketplace for jewelry. Beyond the market potential, our investment decision was strongly influenced by the team’s proven commitment and capability to capitalise on this opportunity and redefine the jewelry shopping experience in India,” added Sanjay Ramakrishnan, Partner, Multiply Venture Partners.

    As Eternz enters this transformative phase, the brand remains steadfast to deliver exquisite jewelry to modern consumers with a strong focus on quality and transparency. This has led the brand to achieve market validation and  achieve a 10X growth in just one year from the time of its inception. The successful funding round not only validates Eternz’s pioneering marketplace model but also catalyses its journey to reshape how India will experience online jewelry shopping.

  • Peyush Bansal’s Lenskart Introduces UPI Payments in Upcoming B Camera Smartglasses at GFF 2025, Strengthening India’s Wearable Tech Revolution

    Lenskart has announced a major step forward in India’s wearable technology journey with the introduction of UPI payments integrated directly into its upcoming B Camera Smartglasses, unveiled at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025.

    With this new feature, users will be able to make instant UPI payments by simply scanning a QR code using their smartglasses, eliminating the need for a smartphone or PIN.

    Expected to launch in the coming months, the Lenskart B Camera Smartglasses blend cutting-edge eyewear design with next-generation digital functionality. The direct UPI integration securely links the glasses to the wearer’s bank account, enabling payment authorisation and completion through voice commands alone.

    The UPI Circle feature, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), ensures all transactions are secure, private, and verified in real time.

    “The role and use of smart glasses in our lives will continue to evolve and payments are an important part of our daily activity. By integrating payments into the camera of smart glasses, we intend to make this a seamless form of payment,” said Peyush Bansal, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of Lenskart.

    This innovation marks a significant leap for Lenskart, strengthening its position at the intersection of fashion, technology, and convenience, and reinforcing India’s growing dominance in homegrown wearable tech.

    Equipped with an on-the-go POV camera and built-in AI capabilities, the B Camera Smartglasses bring together vision, intelligence, and commerce, representing the next frontier in connected eyewear.

    Lenskart Gets SEBI Nod for IPO, to Raise ₹2,150 Crore
    Lenskart has received SEBI’s approval to launch its IPO, planning to raise ₹2,150 crore through a fresh issue of shares. The eyewear retailer aims for a November 2025 listing as it expands its store network, boosts technology, and strengthens its presence in the Indian eyewear market.
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