Tag: #news

  • Eternal Hit With INR 1.34 Cr GST Demand for FY22, Set to Challenge Order

    A tax demand and penalty order totalling INR 1.34 Cr for the fiscal year 2021–2022 has been issued to Eternal, a food delivery and rapid commerce company.

    Tax Order Issued by Lucknow Authorities

    According to a stock exchange filing by the firm, which owns Zomato and Blinkit, the order was issued on 6 August by the Deputy Commissioner of State Tax in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in accordance with Section 74 of the CGST and UPGST Acts. In addition to relevant interest, the total sum consists of INR 67.25 lakh in tax demand and an equal amount in penalty.

    Company Plans to Appeal GST Ruling

    The overuse of input tax credits and the underpayment of output taxes were the reasons for the increase in demand. In a filing, Eternal said that it thinks the company has a compelling argument on its own merits and that it will appeal the ruling to the relevant authority.

    GST Troubles Are Not New for Eternal

    Companies like Eternal frequently receive GST notices for non-payment of taxes; in fact, several state government offices have sent out these notices. For example, in December of last year, the CGST and Central Excise of Thane Commissionerate sent Eternal a GST demand notice and a penalty demand of INR 803 Cr.

    Before that, the company had received GST notices from the governments of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Haryana within the previous 12 months.

    Financial Performance: Profit Drop Despite Revenue Surge

    In terms of finances, the company’s first-quarter net profit for FY26 dropped 90% to INR 25 Cr from INR 253 during the same period last year. From INR 4,206 Cr in Q1 FY25 to INR 7,167 Cr, Eternal’s operating revenue increased by more than 70%.

    The penalty coincides with reports that Antfin, an Alibaba Group unit, will sell 18.8 Cr shares of Eternal in a block deal valued at around INR 5,375 Cr. At the conclusion of the June quarter, Antfin owned 1.95% of Eternal, according to the company’s shareholding that was listed on exchanges.

    NRAI Demands Clarity on Zomato’s Long-Distance Fee

    The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has chosen to speak with Zomato this month after a flurry of restaurant complaints regarding the food tech giant’s recently implemented long-distance service charge.

    According to various media reports, the restaurant industry association had preliminary talks with Deepinder Goyal, the CEO of Zomato parent company Eternal, about the matter and intends to meet with him this month to try to find a solution.

    Zomato announced in May of this year that, regardless of order value, it would charge restaurants a service fee of INR 15 for deliveries within 4 to 6 km and INR 25 to INR 35 for deliveries over 6 km.

    Restaurants are furious about this action. Zomato asserts that it sets a 30% commission cap on restaurant orders, but eateries complain that this cap has been violated as a result of the new long-distance price.

    Quick
    Shots

    ·       
    GST Demand: INR
    1.34 Cr for FY22

    ·       
    Reason: Excess input
    credit & underpaid output tax

    ·       
    Issued by:
    Deputy Commissioner, Lucknow

    ·       
    Parent Company:
    Eternal (owns Zomato, Blinkit)

    ·       
    Appeal: Planned
    by Eternal

    ·       
    Recent Profit
    Drop: 90% YoY

    ·       
    Antfin Share
    Sale: INR 5,375 Cr block deal

    ·       
    Industry
    Backlash: NRAI vs Zomato on new fees

  • AI Is the New Classroom: Gemini Launches “Guided Learning” For Students

    Using AI in academics is a no-brainer. A survey by the Digital Education Council (a global alliance of universities and industry experts) shows that about 86% of students use AI in their studies. Roughly 66% use ChatGPT specifically. And around 89% use it for their homework. Well, finished in seconds, but who is getting smart, here? Not certainly the students. Many parents believe that this approach goes well against the purpose of doing homework. That’s why ChatGPT came with a “Study Mode”, and Gemini is joining the list next with ‘Guided Learning.’ Will Gemini make independent learning less dependent on AI, or is it just a fancy new feature addition?

    Gemini’s Guided Learning

    Google launched ‘Guided Learning’ on Wednesday (August 7), just a week after OpenAI tossed ‘Study Mode’ on ChatGPT (July 29). According to Google, the feature adds value to students like a tutor, let’s say a study buddy. Unlike the usual AI use, the tool shifts into a complete study mode. Instead of pushing answers, the AI helps the user understand the how, what, and whys of the subject matter.

    How Gemini’s Guided Learning Works?

    1. When given a problem, Guided Learning breaks it down step by step.
    2. In Guided Learning, everything follows an order, unlike a question-and-answer flow.
    3. It gives simple to simpler explanations based on the level of one’s understanding.
    4. Incorporates images, videos, diagrams, and short quizzes to keep the learning engaging.
    5. Students can now ask the AI to make flashcards and study guides for their exams.
    6. Hereafter, Guided Learning will include relevant YouTube videos whenever necessary.

    Bonuses From Google

    Google rolled out a special bonus to students from the U.S., Japan, Indonesia, Korea, or Brazil: 1 year free access to its AI Pro plan.

    The bonus will give students access to:

    1. Gemini 2.5 Pro
    2. NotebookLM (it’s like a smart notebook)
    3. Veo 3 (for videos)
    4. Deep Research Tools and more.

    In a recent blog post, Maureen Heymans, VP of Learning, Google, wrote, “We worked with educators to design Guided Learning to be a partner in their teaching, built on the core principle that real learning is an active, constructive process. It encourages students to move beyond answers and develop their own thinking by guiding them with questions that foster critical thought,” said Google VP of Learning.”

    Final Thoughts

    With 86% of students using AI daily for learning and a rise in plagiarism, Google and OpenAI are implementing necessary improvements. Only time can say if these features are any help to students. We’ll be bringing more news and stats on every new update the world gets.

  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 7 August 2025: RENÉE Cosmetics Raises $30M, TCS Salary Hike, Bluestone Stake Exit & More

    On 7 August 2025, RENÉE Cosmetics made headlines by raising $30 million in its Series C, achieving a $200 million valuation, a testament to its strong growth trajectory and omnichannel ambitions. Meanwhile, in the IT sector, TCS announced upcoming salary hikes for 80% of its workforce, set to take effect from 1 September, even as it proceeds with layoffs, highlighting a careful balancing act between retention and restructuring. Here’s your quick roundup for the top funding deals and key business highlights in India today.

    Daily Indian Funding Digest – 7 August 2025

    Company Funding Round Amount Raised Lead Investors
    RENÉE Cosmetics Series C $30 million Playbook (with secondaries from Midas)
    MangoPoint Pre‑Series A $1 million Inflection Point Ventures
    Outzidr Pre‑Series A ₹27 crore (~$3.1 million) RTP Global (with Stellaris Venture Partners)
    Nuuk Follow‑on Round Over $2 million (~₹19 crore) Vertex Ventures SEA & Good Capital
    NPrep Pre‑seed Undisclosed amount All In Capital, IIMA Ventures, Chegg founder & others
    Xovian Aerospace Pre‑seed $2.5 million Piper Serica & TurboStart (with IPV & Eaglewings)

    RENÉE Cosmetics Raised $30 Million at $200 Million Valuation

    Beauty brand RENÉE Cosmetics has raised $30 million in Series C funding, reaching a $200 million valuation. The round was led by Playbook, with secondary transactions involving Midas. RENÉE aims to drive product innovation, expand its omnichannel presence, and scale its technology and marketing initiatives. The company currently posts an ARR of ₹500 crore and plans to double that figure within two years.

    MangoPoint Raised $1 Million in Pre-Series A Round Led by IPV

    Chennai-based MangoPoint, which offers chemical-free mangoes through a controlled supply chain, has secured $1 million in a Pre-Series A round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The fresh capital will be used to enhance infrastructure, expand into new markets, develop backend systems, and grow the product portfolio. MangoPoint currently manages over 2,000 MT of mangoes annually.

    Outzidr Raised INR 27 Crore (~$3.1 Million) in Pre-Series A Round

    Gen-Z fashion startup Outzidr raised INR 27 crore (~$3.1 million) in a Pre-Series A round led by RTP Global, with additional backing from existing investor Stellaris Venture Partners. Founded in 2024 and launched in February 2025, the company boasts over 100,000 customers and has released 8,000 styles. The funds will help Outzidr launch its first exclusive offline store by March 2026 and scale teams across tech, design, and operations.

    Nuuk Raised Over $2 Million in Follow-on Round

    D2C home appliance brand Nuuk has raised over $2 million (~₹19 crore) in a follow-on round led by Vertex Ventures SEA and Good Capital. Both had previously participated in Nuuk’s Series A round. With total funding now exceeding $10 million, the company will use the new capital to strengthen its domestic supply chain, increase brand visibility, and boost product development.

    NPrep Raised Undisclosed Pre-Seed Funding Led by All In Capital

    AI-driven nursing education platform NPrep raised an undisclosed pre-seed round led by All In Capital, with participation from IIMA Ventures, Chegg founder Aayush Phumbhra, and other angels. The platform currently supports over 2 million learners monthly and has onboarded 40,000 users in the last six months. NPrep plans to expand course offerings, enhance AI features, and grow its placement partnerships.

    Xovian Aerospace Raised $2.5 Million in Pre-Seed Round

    Spacetech firm Xovian Aerospace raised $2.5 million in pre-seed funding led by Piper Serica and TurboStart, with additional support from Inflection Point Ventures and Eaglewings Ventures. The Bengaluru-based startup focuses on AI-powered RF nanosatellite systems. The funding will support the development of space-ready hardware, R&D, and upcoming orbital trials.

    Key News Highlights from 7 August 2025

    Kalaari and Iron Pillar Offload INR 443 Crore Bluestone Stakes Ahead of IPO

    Early-stage investors Kalaari Capital and Iron Pillar Fund exited a combined INR 443 crore stake in Bluestone through secondary transactions between February and September 2024. Iron Pillar sold shares worth INR 103 crore to 360 One, while Kalaari conducted two tranches, INR 220 crore to Peak XV on 2 September and ₹120 crore to Steadview Capital on 26 September, priced at INR 5,403 per share. These off-market transfers were disclosed in Bluestone’s December 2024 DRHP, ahead of its upcoming IPO, which now targets a valuation near INR 7,800 crore.

    PharmEasy CEO Siddharth Shah Steps Down; Rahul Guha to Take Over

    Siddharth Shah, co-founder and current CEO of API Holdings (parent of PharmEasy), is stepping down from his executive role to become Vice Chairman and Director, effective 27 August 2025. Rahul Guha, currently MD and CEO of Thyrocare and President of Operations at API, has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of API Holdings. Guha will continue to lead Thyrocare alongside his new responsibilities.

    TCS to Hike Wages for 80% of Workforce from 1 September Amid Layoffs

    Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will implement delayed annual salary increases for 80% of its workforce, specifically eligible employees up to grade C3A, covering freshers to mid‑level staff, effective 1 September 2025. This decision follows a five-month delay in the appraisal cycle amid planned layoffs affecting over 12,000 mid and senior-level employees. Wage hikes are estimated to range from 4.5% to 7%, with some variation by onshore/offshore roles.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup and Key News: 6 August 2025
    The Sleep Company secured INR 480 crore in funding, Antfin fully exited Paytm by selling its remaining and more. Here’s your roundup of top funding deals and key business news in India on 6 August 2025.


  • Adani Power to Invest $3 Billion in 2400 MW Thermal Power Plant in Bihar

    Adani Power announced on 7 August that it had obtained a Letter of Intent (LoI) to invest $3 billion in the development and operation of a 2,400 MW greenfield thermal power project in Bihar.

    2,400 MW Thermal Project to Supply Power to Bihar Utilities

    North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd. (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd. (SBPDCL) will receive 2,274 MW of power from a 2,400 MW thermal power project that will be built at Pirpainti in the Bhagalpur District of Bihar, thanks to the bid that India’s largest private sector thermal power generator won from Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd. (BSPGCL).

    In a very competitive bidding procedure, Adani Power came in last with a final supply price of INR 6.075 per kWh. A greenfield 3×800 MW ultra-supercritical power plant, to be established under the Design, Build, Finance, Own, and Operate (DBFOO) model, will provide power as part of the contract.

    Project Timeline: First Unit to Be Commissioned in 48 Months

    Within 48 months of the scheduled date, the first unit will be put into service, and the last one within 60 months. Adani Power’s CEO, S.B. Khyalia, expressed the company’s satisfaction at winning the proposal to build and run a 2,400 MW thermal power project in Bihar.

    With a $3 billion investment, it will establish a new greenfield factory that will help the state’s industrialisation even further. He added that the plant will be a state-of-the-art, low-emission Ultra-supercritical, one that will provide reliable, reasonably priced, and high-quality power.

    It is anticipated that the project will create 10,000–12,000 direct and indirect jobs during development and 3,000 after it is operational.

    SHAKTI Policy to Provide Fuel Linkage

    Fuel for the plant will come from the designated coal linkage under the Central government’s SHAKTI Policy. According to the corporation, the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with the State Utilities would be signed after it receives the LoA (Letter of Award) in due order.

    The biggest private thermal power producer in India is Adani Power, which is a component of the Adani portfolio. In addition to a 40 MW solar power plant in Gujarat, the corporation has an installed thermal power capacity of 18,110 MW distributed across 12 power plants in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu.

    Acquisition Watch: Adani Group Bids for Jaiprakash Associates

    According to media sources, the Adani group has emerged as the front-runner to purchase Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL), which is presently going through insolvency processes, with a bid of up to INR 12,500 crore.

    With no limitations attached, the company has offered an upfront payment of about INR 8,000 crore.

    However, if a legal issue pertaining to its JP’s sports city project is settled, Dalmia Group is anticipated to present a serious challenge to Adani Group and maybe outbid Adani’s offer. The Supreme Court of India is still considering the matter.

    Quick
    Shots

    ·       
    Investment: $3
    Billion (INR 25,000 crore)

    ·       
    Capacity: 2,400
    MW (3×800 MW)

    ·       
    Location:
    Pirpainti, Bhagalpur District, Bihar

    ·       
    Model: DBFOO
    (Design, Build, Finance, Own, Operate)

    ·       
    Fuel: Coal via
    SHAKTI Policy

    ·       
    Jobs:
    10,000–12,000 (construction), 3,000 (operations)

  • Oops, Did GPT-5 Just Get Leaked Before Getting Launched?

    OpenAI is officially launching its new AI model, GPT-5, possibly this month, but oops. Oops, because some key information about GPT-5 was accidentally leaked on GitHub. The drama drew quick attention, and the blog was soon deleted. However, the details remain forever on the internet. The blog confirms that the new version will be available starting today (August 7) and will be accessible on GitHub models. What more did the blog leak about GPT-5?

    What Information About GPT-5 Leaked?

    The highly anticipated GPT-5 is seemingly setting higher standards for its users worldwide. The deleted blog on GitHub offers a glimpse of what will come to life after its launch. The leaked blog post on GitHub suggested that GPT-5 is the most powerful model OpenAI has ever developed. In addition, the tool has improved at having smarter conversations.

    The model excels at:

    1. Writing quality code with minimal inputs.
    2. Handling complex tasks with few prompts.
    3. Providing accurate code explanations and reasoning.
    4. Serving as a better assistant for its users.

    What Are The Different Versions of GPT-5?

    Reportedly, GPT-5 has four variants for four different needs:

    1. gpt-5 – Made for multi-tasking and logic.
    2. gpt-5-mini – Designed as a light-weight version for budget-conscious applications.
    3. gpt-5-nano – Acts super speed for applications that need quick replies.
    4. gpt-5-chat – Made for human-like (context-aware) conversations for businesses (enterprise applicants).

    Cost of GPT-5?

    Such a high-end launch can make one wonder whether payment is required to access GPT-5. Here’s a clear breakdown of access for different ChatGPT users.

    1. A regular ChatGPT user will have access to a standard intelligence level of GPT-5. There is no need for any pay at this level.
    2. ChatGPT Plus users can access GPT-5 at higher intelligence settings. If you want to get your hands on new GPT-5 you’ll have to subscribe at $20 (about ₹1,750) per month.
    3. ChatGPT Pro users can access the advanced intelligence level of GPT-5. To unlock the advanced features, you’ll have to subscribe for $200 per month (₹17550 INR per month).

    GPT-5 Will Be Available On?

    The developers can now play around with GPT-5 in GitHub via tools and APIs. An average ChatGPT user can access the new version on the website and mobile applications

    Users can access Microsoft Copilot in Word and Excel as usual. CPT-5 in Copilot will introduce a new “Smart Mode.” The latest version will work according to your needs and help you work faster and smarter.

  • AI Collapse of Middle Class by 2027: Ex-Google Exec Mo Gawdat Warns of White-Collar Job Loss

    Former Google executive Mo Gawdat issued a warning on the Diary of a CEO podcast, stating that middle-class livelihoods would soon be destroyed by artificial intelligence (AI). He predicted that automation driven by AI would end all occupations, from podcasters to software engineers and CEOs, and that the disruption would start as early as 2027, a time he referred to as “hell before we get to heaven”.

    How AI is Replacing White-Collar Jobs

    Gawdat mentioned his own company, Emma.love, an AI-enabled emotional and relationship-focused firm currently operated by just three people. Gawdat was the Chief Business Officer at Google X until 2018. On the other hand, similar operations once employed as many as 350 developers. He said, “As a matter of fact, podcaster is going to be replaced,” highlighting the sheer number of jobs being lost.

    He also cautioned that the educated middle class, which is the foundation of contemporary economies, will be destroyed by the impending wave of automation. “Unlike previous revolutions that largely affected manual work, this one will sweep through offices and jobs once thought secure.”

    The Decline of the Middle Class

    A grim future of growing inequality and deteriorating social cohesiveness was depicted by Gawdat. He projected that people would lose their economic significance unless they were among the top 0.1%. He went on to say that you are a peasant until you are among the top 0.1%. The middle class does not exist.

    As people lose their purpose and their careers, he cautioned of an increase in mental health problems, loneliness, and discontent. In spite of his dire cautions, Gawdat nevertheless outlined a positive outlook for the years after 2040. He envisioned a world freed from consumerist ideals and routine work, one that prioritised love, community, creativity, and spirituality.

    But in order for this to occur, he contended, governments and businesses need to take immediate action, putting in place safeguards like universal basic income and moral, value-based AI development, as reported by the New York Post. He informed Bartlett that although the world is on the verge of a short-term dystopia, we still have the power to determine what happens next. He added that fair access and regulation have a critical role in determining results.

    Industry Experts Echo Concerns

    The tech and scientific research community is becoming increasingly concerned, as seen by Gawdat’s warnings. Up to half of entry-level office jobs could go in the next five years, according to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who has warned of a possible “white-collar bloodbath”.

    According to Harvard experts, approximately 35% of white-collar jobs are now automatable, and 40% of businesses globally anticipate staff cutbacks as a result of AI breakthroughs, according to a World Economic Forum study. His worries about plummeting wages, high wealth concentration, and increased social volatility are also echoed by a number of organisations, including MIT and PwC, unless significant legislative actions are implemented.

    Another source of worry is the recent warning from Geoffrey Hinton, who is frequently called the “Godfather of AI”, that AI models may create secret internal languages that are incomprehensible to humans, making it hard to decipher their motivations and reasoning processes.

  • India’s Gifting Startups Secure $115.9 Million Over a Decade, Signalling Steady Sectoral Growth: Tracxn

    Key highlights: 

    • Indian gifting startups raised $115.9M between 2015–2025 YTD, and $57.6K in 2025 YTD.
    • All-time funding in India stands at $159.4M 
    • Indigifts was the only Indian startup to raise capital in 2025 YTD, backed by Ritesh Agarwal and Vineeta Singh 
    • Top-funded Indian startups include Xoxoday ($30.6M), Ferns N Petals ($26.1M), ZoomIn ($21M), Bakingo and FlowerAura ($16M each) 
    • Global gifting startups raised $1.73B between 2015–2025 YTD, and $66.2M in 2025 YTD.
    • All-time global funding stands at $2.52B 
    • Leading global players include Raise ($220M), Floward ($190.2M), and Bloom & Wild ($174.3M) 
    • No exits were recorded in India in 2025 YTD; globally, there were 3 acquisitions
    • The sector continues to attract selective capital, with growing interest in personalisation, enterprise gifting, and acquisition-led growth 

    Tracxn, a leading market intelligence platform, has released its Gifting Platforms Wrap Report, analysing funding trends, investor activity, and exits in the global and Indian gifting space between 2015 and 2025 YTD. 

    Funding activity in 2025 YTD remains muted, particularly in India, where Indigifts was the only startup to raise funding, securing $57.6K in an angel round. This marks a steep decline from 2024, which raised $1.3M. 2024 represents a 96% drop from the $32.7M raised in 2023, and a 98% fall from the $63.9M raised in 2022. Globally, gifting startups raised $66.2M across four funding rounds in 2025 YTD. In 2024, global funding stood at $99.8M, a 54% drop from the $218.0M raised in 2023, and a 16% decline compared to the $118.6M raised in 2022. The trend reflects a cautious investment climate, with investors remaining selective and prioritising profitability over scale. 

    Over the past decade, India’s gifting startups have raised a total of $115.9M reflecting a consistent, though modest, growth trajectory. Globally, gifting startups secured $1.7B between 2015 and 2025 YTD. These numbers speak to the evolution of the category from a largely offline, occasion-led segment to a more tech-enabled, experience-driven space. On an all-time basis, funding in India stands at $159.4M, while global gifting startups have collectively raised $2.52B. 

    The sector recorded its highest funding activity in 2022, as gifting behaviour shifted during the pandemic. That year, Indian startups secured $63.9M, their highest annual total, and global startups raised $559M in 2021, which was the peak for global funding. This surge was driven by rising demand for digital gifting solutions, growth in festive and corporate gifting use cases, and increased adoption of D2C platforms offering curated, personalised experiences. However, the momentum slowed sharply in subsequent years as investors moved away from blitzscaling and began backing sustainable, capital-efficient businesses instead. 

    Commenting on the findings of their report, Neha Singh, Co-Founder, Tracxn, said, “The gifting and rewards sector has quietly evolved into a globally relevant, innovation-led category. Over the last decade, we’ve seen over $2.5B flow into gifting startups, not just to scale transactions, but to reimagine consumer experience, convenience, and loyalty. India, while still maturing, has built a strong base of resilient, founder-led businesses that are defining new benchmarks in digital-first branding and operational efficiency. As capital becomes more selective, this sector stands out for its ability to attract high-conviction investors, achieve strategic exits, and continue innovating for long-term value creation.” 

    In terms of investor activity, 2025 YTD has been highly selective. In India, Ritesh Agarwal and Vineeta Singh emerged as the most active investors, backing Indigifts. This reflects continued support from prominent founder-investors for early-stage consumer brands, especially in the D2C gifting space. Globally, Raise, the top-funded company this year, secured a $63M Series D round, attracting marquee investors such as Haun Ventures, GSR Ventures, and Web3 Foundation, along with niche funds like ANAGRAM, Paper Ventures, Selini Capital, and Pharsalus—signalling strong confidence. Other notable deals included Inkd Greetings, which raised $2.7M in a Series A round, and Giftagram, which secured $441.9K in seed funding. 

    India’s gifting and rewards sector is led by seasoned players that have secured substantial capital to scale innovation and customer engagement. Xoxoday tops the chart with $30.6 funding to date. Ferns N Petals has raised $26.1M. ZoomIn and Printo, with $21M and $17.7M funding respectively. Other notable players include Bakingo and FlowerAura, both with $16M in funding, and eYantra with $10.9M

    These top players collectively indicate growing institutional interest in the personalisation, D2C gifting, and employee experience segments, making the sector ripe for further innovation and acquisition.

    The global gifting and rewards space is led by high-growth digital-first companies, with Raise emerging as the top-funded player, having secured $220M to scale its online gift card marketplace. Floward, a Saudi based flower gifting platform stands at the second position with $190.2M funding. While Bloom & Wild, UK-Based $174.3M, is underscoring Europe’s shift toward experience-driven, recurring gifting models. Snappy ($130M) and Bouqs ($97.8M) in the U.S. highlight investor appetite for corporate gifting and sustainable flower delivery, respectively. 

    Exit momentum has been limited in India so far this year, with no acquisitions recorded. This follows a historical pattern of modest exit activity in the region, with only five known acquisitions to date, including players like Xoxoday (acquired by Gift in 2022) and ZoomIn (acquired by Sachin Katira in 2018). Globally, however, exit activity continues at a steady pace. There have been three acquisitions in 2025 YTD, led by the $32.2M acquisition of Funky Pigeon by Card Factory. Other notable deals include Floom being acquired by Promenade and Giftcloud by Recharge.com. These transactions signal ongoing consolidation in the international gifting tech space, particularly in Western markets. 

    On the IPO front, no new public listings in India have taken place in 2025 so far, continuing a slowdown like previous years. Globally, the last notable IPO was Vaziva’s listing on Euronext Growth in March 2024. Historically, IPOs in this space have been rare, with only 12 global listings ever recorded, dominated by Western markets and legacy players like Moonpig and FTD. 

    The lack of unicorns and minimal IPO activity reflects the early-stage nature of the sector, with most exits occurring through strategic acquisitions rather than public markets.. 

    The 10-year trend reveals that this is not a high-volume funding sector, but one where select category leaders attract disproportionate capital. It’s a space defined by deep specialisation, strong consumer branding, and acquisition-led exits — not blitzscaling. This makes it fertile ground for long-term, patient capital, especially in enterprise gifting, personalisation tech, and niche D2C experiences. 

    About Tracxn

    Tracxn Technologies Ltd. is a data intelligence platform for private market research, tracking 4 million entities through 2900+ feeds categorised across industries, sub-sectors, geographies, and networks globally. It has become one of the leading providers of private company data and ranks among the top five players globally in terms of the number of companies and web domains profiled.

  • RENÉE Cosmetics Raises $30 Million in Series C, Hits $200 Million Valuation

    Aims to strengthen product innovation, expand offline retail and double down on tech and marketing

    RENÉE Cosmetics, one of India’s fastest-growing beauty brands, has raised $30Mn in a new funding round, at a valuation $200Mn. The round was led by Playbook with secondaries from Midas, including a mix of primary and secondary investments. The brand has grown nearly 3X in the past 18 months, driven by strong consumer adoption, omnichannel expansion, and innovation-led product launches.

    RENÉE Cosmetics has a growing portfolio of over 200+ SKUs and has consistently delivered trend-forward products that merge innovation, inclusivity, and affordability. With this fresh capital, the brand plans to expand its product portfolio, scale omnichannel presence across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities and invest further in technology and brand-building initiatives. Renee’s sharp focus on delivering innovation in both product and packaging, aligned with consumer expectations, has fuelled its fast scale-up.

    Commenting on the recent fund raised, Mr. Ashutosh Valani, Co-founder of RENÉE Cosmetics said ‘’We are happy to partner with Playbook for our new funding round and to be backed by Evolvence India and Edelweiss. This capital further gives us the firepower to scale our marketing engine, optimise consumer acquisition costs, and drive better conversion across both D2C and marketplace platforms. We’ve already achieved an annual revenue run rate (ARR) of ₹500 crore and are confident of doubling this to ₹1,000 crore in the next two years.”

    “RENÉE was founded with a vision to merge ethics with innovation, and we remain committed to delivering differentiated, quality-driven beauty solutions that connect with today’s empowered consumer,” said Aashka Goradia Goble, Co-founder & CMO, RENÉE Cosmetics. As someone deeply involved in product and innovation, this funding allows us to fast-track R&D and roll out cutting-edge formats that blend performance with global beauty trends. Our goal is to consistently surprise and delight the consumer.” 

    “One of the biggest gaps we identified early on was the lack of depth in offline execution among new-age beauty brands,” said Priyank Shah, Co-founder of RENÉE Cosmetics. With this round, we plan to build a scalable distribution engine, strengthen retail presence in untapped locations, and ensure consistent brand experience on-ground. Offline will be key to our next phase of sustainable growth.”

    “India, a country known for its beauty, is now embarking upon the next wave of consumption in the cosmetics and personal care category – driven by a social media savvy, digitally native generation. The young consumer is increasingly seeking authenticity, inclusivity, and innovation in their choices. Renée is leading that growth, especially in Tier 2+ markets. We’re excited to bring our deep operating insights from having built India’s largest companies, to partner with a brand that’s growing exponentially to be the leader in this business in India.” said Vikas Choudhury, Founding and Managing Partner Playbook.

    Abhishek Chandra, Partner at Evolvence Equity Partners, shares “We’ve been proud supporters of Renée since its formative years and are pleased to see strong investor interest in the company’s vision and execution. This fundraise marks an important milestone in its next phase of growth. The brand’s sustained momentum continues to reaffirm our long-term conviction in its potential, and we are excited for what lies ahead.” 

    With its blend of innovation, affordability, and consumer insight, RENÉE has become a favorite among modern Indian beauty consumers. Currently present in 15,000 outlets, the brand sees a 10X headroom for growth in the retail segment. It is also available across leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, and Myntra. With over 200+ SKUs in its beauty and perfume portfolio, RENÉE is expanding globally with a beta online presence in the US, UAE, and Australia. The new funding will further accelerate offline expansion, product development, and customer experience.

    About RENÉE Cosmetics

    RENÉE Cosmetics is an Indian makeup brand that strives to bring cruelty-free cosmetics products that are timelessly inspired and endlessly enhanced to bring the best of beauty products to evolving consumers. RENÉE Cosmetics is redefining beauty with its range of high-quality, FDA-approved innovative range of products. RENÉE believes in empowering women to own and enjoy their bold, ambitious persona and let their glam do the talking. The art of cosmetics is a true liberator and a beautiful form of expressing oneself in hues, tones, and shades. We seek inspiration from timeless beauty and transform it to meet the needs of the modern woman. RENÉE Cosmetics is soaring and surpassing old definitions of beauty, art, and expression. We are committed to empowering women to reinvent themselves, redefining how they desire to showcase their persona.


    RENÉE Cosmetics: Bold, Cruelty-Free & Vegan Beauty Revolution | Owners | Net Worth |
    Founded by Ashutosh Valani, Priyank Shah & Aashka Goradia, RENÉE is an Indian makeup & cosmetic brand. Know about RENÉE founders, net worth, business model, startup idea, growth, and more.


  • TCS Announces Salary Hike for 80% Employees Amid Layoffs and Market Uncertainty

    TCS surprised its employees by announcing pay increases for qualified associates up to grade C3A and comparable (freshers to mid-level), which covers about 80% of its workforce.

    TCS Layoffs 2025: 12,000 Mid and Senior-Level Staff to Be Impacted

    TCS plans to lay off 2% of its workforce this year, or around 12,000 mid- and senior-level personnel. This is at a time when many of its competitors have put compensation increases on hold or postponed them.

    CHRO Milind Lakkad and CHRO-designate K Sudeep sent out an internal message on 6 August stating that the pay increase will take effect on September 1. In response to a question from the media, the corporation stated that it can affirm that, as of September 1, 2025, it will be raising wages for almost 80% of its employees.

    June Quarter Results: Revenue Decline and Client Slowdown

    In an unusual departure from its April cycle, TCS hinted during the April earnings conference call that it could have to postpone its yearly raises. This came as clients’ pessimistic mood was heightened by a slowdown and uncertainties surrounding tariffs.

    Even in the earnings for the June quarter, Lakkad stated that the corporation has not yet decided whether to raise wages. TCS’s June quarter results showed poor performance, which was credited to the closing of the BSNL purchase, cautious customer mood, delayed decision-making, and unfavourable macroeconomic conditions.

    Due to geopolitical uncertainty that slowed demand, its June quarter revenue decreased 3.1% year over year in constant currency and 3.3% sequentially. TCS gave its employees pay increases last year that ranged from 4.5% to 7%, with strong performers getting double-digit raises.

    The average raise, however, has not been revealed by the corporation in its communications. The announcement of this year’s pay rise coincides with a difficult time when clients are being careful with their spending and making decisions slowly in important markets like the US and Europe.

    Future Outlook: TCS Optimistic Despite Market Challenges

    TCS is nevertheless hopeful about a recovery and expects demand to pick up in the second part of the year. When discussing compensation increases, Indian IT CEOs have taken a cautious stance. Salil Parekh, the CEO of Infosys, stated that the company has completed its pay increases for the fourth and first quarters of the previous fiscal year when discussing the schedule for wage increases.

    As it always does at the end of a cycle, Infosys is now starting to assess the timing for the next one. Two rises over 18 months resulted from the disruption of the normal cycle during COVID-19. Nothing is going to change. The company will continue using its current procedure and promptly disclose the upcoming cycle.

  • MangoPoint Raises USD 1 M Led by Inflection Point Ventures to Scale Chemical-Free Mango Exports

    Chennai, 7th August 2025 – Chemical-free high-quality fresh mangoes exporter MangoPoint raises USD 1 Million in Pre-series A round led by Inflection Point Ventures, one of India’s largest angel investing platforms to expand infrastructure, reach additional markets, strengthen backend and increase product portfolio. The round also saw participation from The Chennai Angels, Native Angel Network, Keiretsu Forum India, Fondation Botnar, IIM-CAN, Metis Family Office and JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF).

    Since its founding in 2018, Mangopoint established a name for itself as a high-end supplier of fresh mangoes that are single-origin, free of chemicals and carbides, as well as processed mango goods, to North America and Europe. With a strong emphasis on quality and authenticity, the brand presents the best mangoes and mango products from India to customers across the world.

    Manjula Gandhi Rooban and Prasanna Venkatarathnam, two seasoned experts with extensive international expertise in supply chain, consulting, and IT, co-founded MangoPoint. Manjula, an Anna University alumnus, has worked in information technology for more than 15 years with organizations like Mindtree and ABB. She first worked in India and the US before coming back to India to follow her entrepreneurial dreams. A graduate of Coles College of Business, Prasanna has over 15 years of experience in project management and consulting with companies such as Accenture and Cognizant. He possesses extensive knowledge of logistics and retail technology, and his work with Walmart’s IT infrastructure served as the basis for MangoPoint’s core functions.

    Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, IPV says, “Despite Indian mangoes being among the finest in the world, they lag behind in terms of making their international presence felt, due to poor post-harvest handling, disorganized supply chain, inadequate storage, and transportation infrastructure affecting quality and international competitiveness. MangoPoint is resolving this by streamlining the supply chain, introducing international grade quality control and establishing post harvest infrastructure thus bringing the Indian king of fruits on the global market’s palate”

    By processing mangoes responsibly from farm to market, MangoPoint fills a significant gap in post-harvest management by avoiding the use of dangerous pesticides like calcium carbide and guaranteeing natural ripening. The business is already handling more than 2,000 MT of mangoes a year, and it plans to expand to 20,000 MT in the upcoming years. MangoPoint is in a unique position to drive the transformation of mango exports with an emphasis on quality, safety, and sustainability, since India produces 24 million MT of mangoes yearly, or about half of the world’s total. 

    Manjula Gandhi Rooban, Founder & MD, MangoPoint says, “We are excited with our journey and partnership with IPV and other investors in this funding round. This investment will significantly enhance our network, broaden our market reach, and drive scalability. We are optimistic about the exciting opportunities this opens beyond our core Fresh Mangoes business, enabling us to innovate and build a robust mango value chain with processed products and mango-based ingredients, positioning us as a unique leader in the industry.”

    MangoPoint has established itself as a standard for quality and compliance in the mango export sector by becoming the first packhouse in Tamil Nadu to be recognized by both APEDA and NPPO. Additionally, the factory has received FDA inspection and accreditation, allowing fresh mangoes and mango products to be exported to China, North America, and Europe, among other high-end international markets.

    The Mango Industry is estimated at USD 60 Billion globally with over USD 20 Billion in India alone, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% to 8%.

    About MangoPoint

    MangoPoint, founded in 2018, specializes in exporting single-origin, carbide-free, chemical-free high-quality fresh mangoes, mango ingredients and processed mango products to Europe and North America. The newly acquired funds will be utilized to expand farmgate infrastructures, develop waste to value category with mango ingredients for food, pharma and cosmetic industries, enhance scalability, accelerate growth, and delight customers globally with India’s finest mangoes, mango ingredients and mango products.

    About Inflection Point Ventures and Physis Capital

    Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) is an angel investing platform with over 23,500+ CXOs, HNIs, and Professionals to together invest in startups. The firm supports new-age entrepreneurs by providing them with monetary & experiential capital and connecting them with a diverse group of investors. IPV has launched a $50 Mn CAT 2 VC fund, Physis Capital, to invest in Pre-Series A to Series B growth-stage start-ups. The fund has already deployed capital in two startups so far, with a few deals in advanced stages of pipeline.