Tag: #news

Goldman Sachs has sold over 1 crore shares of Eternal Limited, the parent company of Zomato, in a block deal valued at INR 355.32 crore. The shares were sold at INR 329 each, matching the closing price from the previous Wednesday. BofA Securities Europe SA acquired the entire stake, marking a significant transaction in the Indian food delivery and quick commerce sector.

Details of the Transaction

The sale represents approximately 0.11% of Eternal’s equity. Earlier this month, Goldman Sachs sold 82 lakh shares for INR 267 crore and 9.52 lakh shares for INR 31.6 crore, indicating a gradual exit from its investment in Eternal.

Eternal’s Market Performance

Despite a 90% decline in net profit for Q1 FY26 due to increased investments, Eternal has demonstrated strong revenue growth. The company’s market capitalisation has surpassed that of established firms like Tata Motors and Titan, driven by its robust performance in the food delivery and quick commerce sectors. HSBC has recently reiterated a ‘Buy’ call on Eternal, raising its target price to INR 390 per share, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s future prospects.

Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) to Retain Talent

In a strategic move to retain and motivate its workforce, Eternal has approved the grant of 64.13 lakh stock options under its ESOP 2014, 2021, and 2024 plans, valued at approximately INR 211 crore. Each option is convertible into one fully paid equity share with a face value of INR 1. The options granted under the ESOP 2014 and 2021 plans can be exercised within a period of 10 years from the vesting date or 12 years from the date of listing, whichever is later. Options granted under the ESOP 2024 plan carry a 10-year exercise window from the vesting date.

Conclusion

Goldman Sachs’ recent sale of shares in Eternal shows how active and fast-changing the Indian tech and food delivery market is. While the deal reduces Goldman Sachs’ stake in the company, it also shows that investors are still interested in Eternal and its business plans. As the company keeps growing, it is unclear how these changes will affect its market position and how investors feel about it in the coming months.

In its latest financial results, L’Oréal India has posted a notable rise in profit for the year ending March 2025. Net profit increased by 22.6% to INR 597.5 crore, compared with INR 487.5 crore in FY24. Meanwhile, net sales rose by 6.25% to INR 5,925.3 crore.

This growth was supported by a moderate rise in total income (including other income), which climbed by 5.2% to INR 5,979.2 crore. The company also managed to slightly reduce its advertising and promotional expenses by about 3%, bringing them down to INR 1,663.2 crore.

Slower Sales Growth Amid Rising Pressure from D2C Rivals

While the profit jump is impressive, L’Oréal India’s topline growth was more modest. Some reports suggest sales increased by around 5%, under pressure from growing competition from direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. These newer beauty firms are increasingly targeting younger consumers with digital marketing and streamlined product portfolios.

The challenge is clear: while L’Oréal continues to command a strong presence in traditional channels, the shift in consumer habits toward online and direct purchases is intensifying competition in key segments.

Strategic Moves, Future Plans, and Market Outlook

To deepen its roots in India, L’Oréal’s global board is expected to visit the country soon to assess growth opportunities. The visit will coincide with recent leadership changes: Jacques Lebel has been appointed country manager, and Aseem Kaushik has been elevated as chairman, effective from 1 October.

The company is also planning to scale up production locally. One report suggests L’Oréal intends to more than double its business in India over the coming years and expand manufacturing capacity.

India remains a highly strategic market for global beauty firms. With a young population, rising incomes, and growing internet penetration, domestic demand for cosmetics and personal care continues to expand. Analysts expect this trend to encourage further investment from multinational brands as well as homegrown players.

Top Cosmetics Brands in India | Popular Beauty Brands Brands

Cosmetic brands in India have seen great growth over the past years. Look at the top cosmetics brand in India which provide the best beauty products.

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesMuskaan Kapoor

Indian eyewear retailer Lenskart has secured approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP), a key regulatory step before launching its initial public offering (IPO).

Under the current proposal, Lenskart plans to raise INR 2,150 crore via a fresh issue of shares. In addition, existing shareholders and promoters will sell up to 13.2 crore shares through an Offer for Sale (OFS).

While some media reports mention a larger IPO size in the range of INR 7,500 to INR 8,000 crore, the INR 2,150 crore pertains specifically to the fresh issue component. The total size depends on how many existing shares are sold and at what valuation.

Lenskart is targeting a November 2025 date for its stock market listing, subject to market conditions and final regulatory formalities.

Use of Funds and Business Strategy

The company has outlined how it plans to utilise the funds from the fresh issue. Key allocations include:

• Expansion of new company-owned (CoCo) stores across India
• Covering lease, rent, and licensing costs for its existing network
• Investment in technology, cloud infrastructure, and brand marketing
• Supporting acquisitions and general corporate objectives

The OFS proceeds will allow early investors and promoters to partially exit or reduce their holdings. Among them, co-founder Peyush Bansal is expected to sell about 2.05 crore shares.

Performance and Market Outlook

Lenskart has shown strong financial improvement in its latest fiscal year. In FY25, the company reported a net profit of INR 297.3 crore, turning around from a loss of about INR 10 crore in FY24. Revenue rose by over 22–23% to around INR 6,652.5 crore.

Lenskart operates in both online and offline channels, with more than 2,000 physical stores and a vertical integration model — designing, manufacturing, distributing, and retailing its eyewear products.

Analysts view Lenskart’s upcoming IPO as a test of investor appetite in consumer tech and retail in India. If successful, the listing could galvanise more startups to enter the public markets.

Challenges and Risks

Despite the promising backdrop, Lenskart must navigate several challenges:

• Market volatility: Fluctuations in investor sentiment can affect the valuation and timing of the IPO.
• Competition: The eyewear and fashion accessory sector is crowded, both online and via local retailers.
• Execution risk: Expanding store networks, managing lease burdens, and scaling operations can strain resources.
• Regulatory & compliance matters: As a public company, stricter disclosure and governance norms will apply.

Final Thoughts

As Lenskart moves closer to its public debut, all eyes will be on how well it balances growth ambitions with execution discipline. A successful IPO could mark a milestone not just for the company, but also for India’s consumer-tech sector.

Lenskart Gets Shareholder Nod for INR 2150 Cr IPO

Lenskart secures shareholder approval for INR 2,150 Cr fresh issue ahead of a massive INR 8,500 Cr IPO, including OFS from investors.

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesNitin Konde

Perplexity wants to reach everyone. It has made its AI browser, Comet, free to use now (from October 2, 2025). The tool was made available in July. And, back then, Comet was a $200/month tool for elite users. As the waitlist of 460,000 people grew into a million, the company made the tool free. So, what do you get for free? What happens to the Comet Plus users now that the tool is free? For all who learn more.

What Is “Comet”?

It’s Perplexity’s AI-powered web browser that can:

• Search the web for you.
• Write emails (clear and detailed).
• Summarise content.

So, it’s AI + Browser.

What About Comet Plus?

In August, Perplexity announced a paid version of the tool, called Comet Plus.

• Now that it’s free, users can still upgrade to Comet Plus for $ 5 per month.
• However, if you are an existing Pro or Max plan user, you get Comet Plus for free.

What Makes Comet Plus Special?

Perplexity wants to compete with Apple News, and to do that, it partnered with major publishers like:

• CNN
• Condé Nast
• The Washington Post
• Los Angeles Times
• Fortune
• Le Monde
• Le Figaro

So, the users get their hands on premium, trustworthy news sources directly inside Comet Plus.

New Feature: Background Assistant

• Perplexity also introduced a new feature called the Background Assistant.
• This assistant can access multiple apps and still continue your work on tasks even when you’re not there.
• For instance, the assistant can handle emails, do research, or run tasks all at the same time when you’re away.

Why Is Comet Made Free Now Only?

Perplexity is not alone. Several other companies are getting into the space. So, the AI browser market is heating up.

Because recently:

• On September 30, 2025, Opera launched its AI browser called Neon. The browser can run code and do tasks at the same time.
• On the other hand, OpenAI is developing an AI browser soon.
• So, Perplexity wants to keep its users on its AI browser, Comet, only.

Comparison of Comet, Opera Neon, and the Rumoured OpenAI Browser

Perplexity Comet AI Browser Rolls Out in India for Windows and Mac Users

Perplexity has rolled out its Comet AI browser in India for Pro users on Windows and Mac. The Chromium-based browser features an AI assistant for summaries, workspaces, and automation, marking a key step in India’s AI-driven browsing market.

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesStartupTalky News

In a landmark shift in India’s entertainment and wealth scene, Shah Rukh Khan has officially entered the billionaire club, becoming the richest actor ever recorded in the Hurun India Rich List 2025. Meanwhile, in the broader Indian context, Mukesh Ambani has reclaimed the top spot as the country’s richest individual.

Landmark Entry for Bollywood

As per the Hurun India Rich List 2025, Shah Rukh Khan’s net worth is estimated at ₹12,490 crore, putting him squarely in the billionaire bracket for the first time. His wealth derives not only from box-office earnings but also from his business ventures, including Red Chillies Entertainment and his stake in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL franchise.

This milestone marks the first time any Bollywood actor has broken the billion-rupee mark in the Hurun listing. Warner­, in recent years, the Forbes Celebrity 100 list already pegged Khan among India’s highest earners, but this is his boldest financial acknowledgement to date.

Bollywood’s Wealth League

Alongside Khan, other film personalities have featured prominently in the Hurun list:

• Juhi Chawla and family: Holding a net worth of ₹7,790 crore, Chawla has been dubbed India’s richest actress in 2025. Her wealth is largely tied to her stake in KKR and other businesses.
• Hrithik Roshan: With diversified interests including his HRX fitness brand, his net worth is estimated at around ₹2,160 crore.
• Karan Johar: His production house and other investments place him at ₹1,880 crore.
• Amitabh Bachchan: Making his debut on the 2025 list, the iconic actor’s assets (film productions, real estate) are valued at ₹1,630 crore.

Combined, these top five Bollywood personalities have a combined wealth of approximately ₹25,950 crore. Notably, prominent stars such as Salman Khan and Deepika Padukone did not make it to the top five in this ranking.

Indian Wealth Rankings: Ambani Leads Again

While celebrities are making headway, India’s overall wealth hierarchy continues to be dominated by industrial and business titans. Mukesh Ambani and his family have reclaimed the top position in the Hurun India Rich List 2025, with estimated assets worth ₹9.55 lakh crore, overtaking Gautam Adani and family.

Gautam Adani and his family follow in second place with a worth of ₹8.15 lakh crore. Additionally, Roshni Nadar Malhotra has risen into the top three, estimated at ₹2.84 lakh crore, making her India’s wealthiest woman in this survey.

The Hurun 2025 edition also spotlights a fresh wave of millionaires and billionaires from tech start-ups, including Aravind Srinivas (founder of Perplexity AI), Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha (co-founders of Zepto), among others. The list notes that over 1,687 individuals now possess net worths of at least ₹1,000 crore, an increase over previous years.

What It Signifies

The entry of Shah Rukh Khan into the billionaire ranks is not just a personal milestone. It shows how entertainment, branding, and strategic investment are increasingly blurring boundaries with mainstream business. His transformation from superstar actor to industrial-scale brand mirrors a broader shift: Bollywood is now a legitimate player in the realm of large-scale enterprise.

Yet, despite this symbolic breakthrough, top industrialists continue to command India’s wealth scale. Still, for a film star to match business magnates in net worth signals changing dynamics in how wealth is created and perceived in India today.

List of Brands Endorsed By Shah Rukh Khan as Brand Ambassador

Shah Rukh Khan has endorsed various brands from Byju’s to Dubai Tourism. Here’s the list of brands where Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) is the Brand Ambassador

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesAnik Banerjee

Actress and Entrepreneur Mouni Roy has been announced as the brand ambassador of Ivana Jewels, one of India’s fastest-growing lab-grown diamond jewellery brands. To mark this association, the brand has launched its first television commercial, featuring the actress. The campaign carries the message – “See it. Wear it. Believe it”, showing Ivana’s aim to make jewellery more about style, confidence, and self-expression.

The TVC moves away from the usual claims about lab-grown diamonds and instead, focuses on details that customers really look for today – design, individuality, and the joy of wearing jewellery that feels personal. Shot in a behind-the-scenes format, the TVC features Mouni Roy refusing scripted lines and inviting people to “see for yourself,” highlighting Ivana’s craftsmanship and customer-first approach.

Commenting on the association, Ayushi Jindal, Co-founder of Ivana Jewels, said, “Mouni Roy represents the modern woman who values authenticity and individuality, which are also the values at the heart of Ivana Jewels,” said the brand spokesperson. “With this campaign, we want to focus on what matters to customers: jewellery that feels personal and is easy to wear. Mouni’s journey from television to films reflects the confidence and style our brand stands for, making her the right choice as we expand across India.”

This collaboration aims to connect with a new generation of jewellery buyers who value individuality over convention. With Mouni as the face of the campaign, the brand bridges glamour with authenticity, ensuring the message resonates with both aspirational and everyday consumers.

Sharing her excitement, Mouni Roy said, “I’m truly excited to join hands with Ivana Jewels as their brand ambassador. What I love about Ivana is how their jewellery is designed to feel personal and real, not just for special occasions but as a part of everyday style. Each piece allows you to express your individuality while enjoying the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into it. This campaign is all about celebrating confidence, authenticity, and the joy of wearing jewellery that truly belongs to you, and I’m proud to be part of this journey.”

Surat-based lab-grown diamond and Polki jewellery brand IVANA Jewels is actively expanding its presence across India while strengthening its business with a wider product range, enhanced customisation, and personalised services. With lab-grown diamonds increasingly being adopted by modern buyers, IVANA is tapping into this trend by offering jewellery that combines innovation, design, and accessibility, while connecting with customers who value individuality and sustainable style.

At just 31, Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, has become India’s youngest billionaire. As per the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025, Srinivas now has an estimated net worth of INR 21,190 crore, powered by the remarkable global success of his AI startup.

From Chennai Classrooms to Silicon Valley

Born and brought up in Chennai, Srinivas’s journey reflects the classic story of Indian ambition meeting global opportunity. He studied Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras, one of India’s top institutions, before heading to the University of California, Berkeley, for a PhD in Computer Science.

During his academic years and early career, Srinivas worked with leading AI labs such as OpenAI, DeepMind, and Google Brain, gaining hands-on experience in the field of artificial intelligence. Those years laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most talked-about AI startups.

The Vision Behind Perplexity AI

In 2022, Srinivas co-founded Perplexity AI, a search engine built to change how people find information. Unlike traditional search tools that bombard users with links, Perplexity focuses on providing concise, verified answers — citing real sources and maintaining transparency.

The platform’s “answer engine” approach quickly captured global attention. With a clean interface and an emphasis on accuracy, Perplexity has positioned itself as a serious challenger to Google and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, attracting both users and investors.

India’s New Face of Deep Tech

Srinivas’s inclusion in the Hurun India Rich List is more than a personal milestone. It signals India’s growing presence in deep tech innovation. His rise shows how Indian engineers and researchers are shaping the future of global technology.

Inspiring a New Generation

Srinivas’s story has already become an inspiration for many young Indians chasing global ambitions. His mix of technical expertise, academic focus, and entrepreneurial drive has made him a name to watch in the AI world.

As AI continues to reshape how we learn, work, and interact, Srinivas’s success with Perplexity shows how innovation rooted in purpose, not just profit, can build both impact and wealth.

How to Download Perplexity Comet AI Browser and Use the Comet AI Email Tool

Perplexity Comet AI browser is now available in India for Pro users. Learn how to download it on Windows, Mac, and pre-order on Android, and discover how the Comet AI Email tool can automate your emails and save time.

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesApoorva Bajj

WeWork India launched an Initial Public Offering (IPO) worth ₹3,000 crore today (October 3, 2025). It’s a company that caters to creating flexible workspace solutions (either through leasing or transforming a building into modern office setups). According to the PIB website, there are over 505,000 startups in India, indicating that many would require office spaces to accommodate their staff. And many wonder with questions. Is it a good long-term investment? What does the grey market say about the stock and the gains? What are the risks and concerns? Should you invest? For all that, learn more. 

Key Details of This IPO

Dates:

• The subscription opened on October 3, 2025
• The subscription closes on October 7, 2025
• Allotment (meaning, deciding on who gets shares): October 8, 2025
• Listing (meaning, it’s when shares start trading on stock exchanges): October 10, 2025 (NSE & BSE).

Price band of shares: INR 615 – INR 648 per share.

Shares on offer: About INR 4.63 crore shares.

• If the stocks are sold at the highest price (INR 648), then the total IPO value sums up to INR 3,000 crore.

Type of Issue: It’s 100% Offer for Sale (OFS)

• This means that the company is not issuing any new shares; only the shares held by promoters and investors are being traded.
• Therefore, the money will not go to WeWork India.
• Anchor investors (big early investors): Before going public, the company raised INR 1,348 crore from 67 anchor investors at the top price of INR 648.

How Is the Subscription Going So Far?

• Today is day one (October 3), and the demand is apparently subdued, which means it is weak.
• Retail investors (general public) only subscribed to 7% of the stock by mid-morning. 

Grey Market Premium (GMP)

• According to the Grey Market Premium (unofficial market), the stock is trading at ₹15 above the issue price.
• This means the market’s interest is currently moderate.

About WeWork India’s Business

WeWork is a leading co-working spaces provider in the country.

Business model is:

• Lease premium office spaces for the long term.
• Customise and design the workspace.
• Sub-let the office space to clients on flexible terms, such as shorter leases and membership options.

Financials

• The revenue-to-rent multiple of WeWork is 2.7 times. This number outperforms many of its competitors in the market. 

Risks and Concerns

The company receives nothing from this IPO, so it has no new funds to grow.

High lease commitments: This means its clients have to pay massive rent regardless of whether their offices are fully occupied or not.

Risk:

• If the occupancy of the workspaces drops → profits will fall too.
• Clients can renegotiate for lower rents.

Past losses and pending legal issues: A petition has been filed accusing the company of making misstatements in its disclosures. Regulatory uncertainty in this market is also a risk.

What Analysts Are Saying?

• They say that the demand for the stock is lukewarm. However, subscription from big investors (QIBs, HNIs) may say how strong the IPO will be in the days to come.
• The market outlook is optimistic as the co-working spaces and modern offices are in demand (a growing market).

WeWork Business Model | The Secret behind WeWork’s Success

WeWork is one of the highest valued startup in the world. Lets look at its business model to understand the secret behind its success.

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesAnagha S