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  • Deep-Tech, Sustainable Material Innovation Company Bambrew Secures ₹90 Crores Funding

    Bengaluru, July 1, 2025 – Bambrew, the Bengaluru-based meta-material innovation company specializing in sustainable packaging solutions, has raised ₹90 crore (~USD 10.3 million) round led by Mr. Ashok Goel, former Managing Director of Essel Propack along with Japanese venture capital firm ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL.

    This investment marks a defining milestone in Bambrew’s five-year journey, and will drive its next phase of growth as the company accelerates innovation, scales manufacturing, and expands its presence in global markets including the Middle East and North America.

    Founded in 2019 by Vaibhav Anant, Bambrew develops planet-positive, high-performance alternatives to single-use plastics using bamboo fiber, agro-waste, seaweed, recycled paper, and other natural resources. Its proprietary materials are home-compostable, durable, and scalable that are designed to meet the demands of modern commerce without environmental compromise.

    Commenting on the investment, Vaibhav Anant, Founder and CEO of Bambrew, said, “The packaging industry is at a crossroads, and there’s an urgent need for solutions that go beyond surface-level sustainability. With this capital, we’re investing in the science, infrastructure, and scale required to replace plastic meaningfully, not just in India, but globally. We also see strong potential in the D2C space, where consumers are actively seeking environmentally conscious alternatives. It’s a proud moment to be backed by partners who understand both the industry and the urgency of the problem.”

    Kunal Prasad, Co-founder and CBO of Bambrew, added, “This funding is a testament to the strength of our innovation engine and the trust we’ve built with our partners. At Bambrew, we’re committed to building a resilient, future-ready supply chain and taking Indian sustainable materials to the global stage. The next 12 months will be crucial for us, as we strengthen operations, introduce new product lines, and bring our mission closer to everyday consumers.”

    The company is targeting a revenue milestone of ₹120 crore and aims to achieve profitability within the next 12 months. In parallel, it plans to diversify its product portfolio to serve fast-moving sectors such as quick commerce and personal care, with an emphasis on performance-grade packaging materials that are both compostable and recyclable.

    Mr. Ashok Goel, Former MD, Essel Propak, a global leader in tube packaging, who brings decades of experience in the global packaging industry , sees Bambrew’s model as one with transformative potential. “What stands out about Bambrew is its material-first approach which is deeply focused on functionality, compliance, and sustainability,” he said. “Their innovations are timely and globally relevant. With the right support, I believe they can become a benchmark for how sustainability can scale without compromise.”

    ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL, a Japanese VC fund backing scalable, responsible innovations in India, also echoed the sentiment. Yusuke Kakimoto, Founder CEO, ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL said, “At ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL, we believe that solving India’s environmental challenges creates ripple effects far beyond its borders. Bambrew’s deep commitment to material science and sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission to back startups driving positive societal change. Their work is already transforming industries, and we’re excited to support their global expansion and new consumer-focused journey, bringing ethical innovation into everyday homes.”

    Over the past year, Bambrew has expanded its product portfolio from garment bags and mailer bags to sustainable mango box packaging, and customer base across key sectors including FMCG, e-commerce, personal care, and food and beverages. With innovative solutions such as high-barrier, plastic-free laminates and aluminium-free recyclable films, today, the company is helping over 500 brands transition away from traditional plastic and foil-based packaging without compromising on performance or shelf life. 

    In its next phase, Bambrew is set to debut its direct-to-consumer (D2C) range, bringing its sustainable material innovation directly into the hands of environmentally conscious consumers. The new line of everyday packaging essentials will be available in the marketplace in the coming months, marking a strategic shift in the company’s evolution from a B2B-focused manufacturer to a holistic, consumer-facing brand. 

    Backed by deep material science, a rapidly evolving product portfolio, and the confidence of global investors, Bambrew is now positioned to lead the next chapter of sustainable innovation. As the world moves toward stricter environmental mandates and greater consumer demand for circular solutions, the company aims to build a future where packaging is not just eco-friendly but engineered for impact at scale.

    About BambrewBambrew is a material-agnostic sustainable packaging company committed to eliminating plastic from the global packaging ecosystem. By developing high-performance meta-materials from natural resources, Bambrew delivers scalable and cost-effective solutions to businesses across FMCG, e-commerce, healthcare, personal care, and food sectors. The company is driven by innovation, sustainability, and the goal of making eco-friendly packaging the industry norm.

  • Meta Cracks Down: SEBI Verification Now Mandatory for Investment Ads

    In a significant crackdown on fraudulent market consultants and investment gurus, or “furus”, Meta has required advertiser authentication for all securities and investment-related advertisements that target Indian consumers beginning on July 31.

    All advertisers running investment ads in India, including international campaigns targeting Indian audiences, must confirm the person or entity benefiting from and paying for the ad by providing valid SEBI registration details, according to updated terms of service announced on June 26 by Meta.

    This comprises the name of the company, its SEBI registration number, and its registered phone number and email address. For authentication, Meta will supply the specified contact with a verification code.

    Along with unique disclaimers made during ad setting, the SEBI registration number, organisation name, and location would be shown publicly on the advertisement as payer and beneficiary.

    Advertisers to Get One Month to Complete Verification

    According to Meta, advertising professionals will have at least a month to finish the screening procedure, and by July 28, the feature should be completely operational.

    As long as the advertiser account is validated, ads that were active before July 31 do not require editing. In an effort to improve transparency and prevent fraud by dishonest influencers, the capital market regulator partnered with digital platforms to verify financial advisors earlier this year after much consideration and a thorough consultation process.

    Meta has established alternative verification mechanisms for individuals who seek exemption from regulator registration, such as financial instructors or trainers.

    Organisations must upload pertinent business documents, and individuals must present at least one government-issued ID. The advertisements will continue to reveal the confirmed identity.

    Ads that Don’t Require Verification  

    Ads pertaining to training, talent development, or financial education might not need SEBI verification, Meta explained. Cyber law expert counsel (Dr) Prashant Mali said that Meta’s verification of SEBI credentials was long overdue and that Google should do the same for its YouTube channel.

    In actuality, META and Google, with SEBI’s assistance, must immediately eliminate all prior shorts, reels, and videos that violate SEBI regulations and ultimately mislead investors. This verification was something that Dr Mali was always pushing for.

    The action comes after a news release issued by SEBI on March 21 requesting that all intermediaries registered with the agency that advertise on social media platforms submit their verified contact information with the agency.

    A surge in securities-related scams on websites like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store was noted by the regulator.

    According to Meta, the policy’s objectives are to improve customer safety, stop fraud and impersonation, and maybe expand such regulations to other financial product categories in the future.

  • Astrophel Aerospace Raises INR 6.84 Crore to Build a Reusable Launch Vehicle

    Pune & New Delhi, Tuesday, 1st July 2025: Astrophel Aerospace, a Pune-based deep-tech space startup, has raised INR 6.84 Crore (USD 800,000) in a pre-seed funding round led by a consortium of individuals and angel venture firms. The funds will be deployed to develop a reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle, scale its in-house R&D to develop missile-grade guidance systems and components. The company anticipates having a working, reusable prototype ready for testing within the next 24 to 36 months. 

    The funding has been raised on the cusp of the landmark Gaganyaan, Axiom-4, and Space Activities Bill, poised to open the floodgates for private innovation in space technologies. Astrophel Aerospace is one of only a handful of indigenous private startups to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine. The milestone was achieved by spending a mere INR 6 Lakh (USD 7,000) and zero external funding before the current round. 

    Astrophel Aerospace is leveraging a modular, systems-first approach inspired by auto manufacturing best practices to build its Potentia C1U engine. It has also signed an MoU with ISRO for collaborative R&D and testing campaigns. India’s space economy is expected to grow from USD 8.4 billion in 2022 to USD 44 billion by 2033, with over 8,500 small satellites forecast to be launched globally within this decade, as per IN-SPACe.

    Suyash Bafna, Co-founder, Astrophel Aerospace, said, “We believe that India’s private space sector is ready to tackle high-complexity, deep-tech challenges in aerospace. We’re building reusable systems and precision components that reduce costs and will usher in a new age of space access for India.”

    Astrophel Aerospace is also collaborating with a listed Indian manufacturer to co-produce cryogenic valves, with dual-use potential in both commercial and defence applications. India’s space startup ecosystem is gaining exponential momentum, backed by favourable policy reforms.

    “Reusable rockets, turbopump-fed engines and missile-grade guidance systems are among some of the toughest challenges in aerospace today,” said Immanuel Louis, Co-founder, Astrophel Aerospace. “The funding will enable us to deep-dive into development while staying lean and execution-focused,” he added.

    With its first suborbital launch on the horizon, Astrophel Aerospace is positioning itself as India’s next propulsion and launch infrastructure company, built from the ground up to serve India’s ambitious space aspirations.

    About Astrophel Aerospace

    Astrophel Aerospace is an Indian deep tech space startup developing affordable, dedicated launch vehicles for small satellites, powered by semi-cryogenic propulsion systems. Its flagship Astra C1 series and Potentia engine position it among the few Indian private companies to have independently built and successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine in August 2023, without any external funding. By combining best practices from automotive manufacturing with 3D printing, Astrophel reduces production time and cost by up to 40%, making it potentially one of the most accessible launch providers in the segment. The company has developed in-house capabilities across throttleable engine valves, regenerative nozzle design, cryogenic subsystems, and real-time avionics software. Astrophel is planning full orbital missions from Indian launchpads utilising reusable launchers to capitalise on the potential of India’s space industry, projected to reach USD 44 billion by 2033. It is supported by a distinguished advisory board, consisting of propulsion experts with experience working at ISRO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and DRDO. Together, they bring technical oversight and strategic depth to Astrophel’s mission to democratise space access. 

    About Suyash Bafna

    Suyash Bafna is the Co-Founder of Astrophel Aerospace, playing a key role in systems integration, operations, and strategic execution. With a background in mechanical engineering, Suyash bridges the gap between propulsion, avionics, and structural design, ensuring that Astrophel’s launch systems are optimised for performance and reliability. He has been instrumental in coordinating subsystem development for the Astra C1 vehicle and managing timelines for the company’s upcoming suborbital launch. His focus on mission-readiness, testing protocols, and cross-functional collaboration has helped streamline development despite limited resources. At Astrophel, Suyash also oversees external partnerships and vendor alignments, working to reduce costs while maintaining technical integrity. Passionate about building indigenous space capabilities, he is committed to enabling affordable access to space for small satellite operators. His systems-driven leadership contributes significantly to Astrophel’s goal of becoming India’s most cost-effective and agile launch provider.

    About Immanuel Louis

    Immanuel Louis is the Co-Founder of Astrophel Aerospace. An aerospace engineer by training and a lifelong aviation enthusiast, Immanuel holds a master’s degree from MIT Chennai. His journey began with building remote-control aircraft as a child and evolved into co-building one of India’s most affordable semi cryogenic rocket engines. At Astrophel, he spearheads propulsion system design, engineering integration, and business strategy. He is committed to building India’s next-gen launch infrastructure and fostering a new wave of aerospace talent. His passion lies in combining indigenous innovation with global best practices to position Astrophel as an upcoming leader in the small satellite launch segment.

    About MD Taj Baba, Founding Member & Head of Aero Thermal Engineering

    MD Taj Baba is a founding member of Astrophel Aerospace and currently leads aero-thermal engineering initiatives with a dedicated focus on liquid propulsion and rocket nozzle systems. With a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering from AeSI, New Delhi, and a Master’s in Thermal Engineering from Osmania University, Taj brings deep expertise in thermodynamic analysis, engine heat transfer, and high-performance thermal system design. While instrumental in shaping Astrophel’s early vision and direction as a Co-Founder, Taj is now transitioning away from operational leadership to focus full-time on technical development within the propulsion team. At Astrophel, he has played a pivotal role in the design and validation of critical cryogenic engine components, control valves, and regenerative cooling systems. An Associate Member of the Aeronautical Society of India and a mentor to aspiring aerospace engineers, Taj remains deeply committed to advancing indigenous semi cryogenic propulsion technologies and scaling India’s capabilities in the global space sector.

  • OpenAI Hits Pause: Weeklong Shutdown Amid Fierce Talent Tug-of-War with Meta

    According to various media reports, OpenAI is planning a rare company-wide downtime for next week to allow workers to rest following months of demanding 80-hour workweeks.

    The interim closure occurs as the ChatGPT creator struggles to hold onto top staff in the face of significant recruitment offers from Meta, totalling $100 million.

    As the AI powerhouse strives to create artificial general intelligence, the ChatGPT maker has maintained what sources describe as rigorous operational schedules, with personnel putting in 80 hours a week.

    This closure is an unusual step for the company. As per a renowned media house, only executives would continue to work during the break.

    Mark Chen Warns Employees Against Offers From Meta

    In an internal Slack post, Chief Research Officer Mark Chen cautioned colleagues that Meta will probably take advantage of the outage period to prod OpenAI researchers into making judgements quickly.

    In a memo, he stated that Meta is aware that OpenAI is taking this week off and would attempt to use it to compel OpenAI staff to make snap choices. Given that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has hired seven OpenAI researchers in recent weeks, including important contributors to the company’s reasoning models, the timing is crucial.

    Trapit Bansal, a key contributor to OpenAI’s O1 model, Xiaohua Zhai, Alexander Kolesnikov, and Lucas Beyer have joined Meta’s superintelligence lab. The leadership of OpenAI is “recalibrating comp” and looking into “creative ways to recognise and reward top talent,” Chen said.

    The company’s reaction follows CEO Sam Altman’s disclosure that Meta gave certain employees signing incentives worth over $100 million, but subsequent defectors have called these exact amounts “fake news”.

    Altman argues that none of OpenAI’s top talent have chosen to accept them despite the financial strain, attributing retention to the company’s better innovation skills and mission focus. The company’s main goal will be to achieve artificial general intelligence, rather than launching new products frequently.

    Intense War on AI Talent Acquisition

    Indeed, this case exemplifies how the AI talent war has escalated significantly. In addition to hiring about seven to eight researchers, including well-known figures like Xiaohua Zhai, Trapit Bansal, Alexander Kolesnikov, and Lucas Beyer, Meta has established its own Superintelligence Labs with significant financial support and leadership appointments.

    A potential strategic change for OpenAI is also indicated by the recent break, as the company abandons its rapid-fire product release methodology in favour of concentrating more on long-term AGI development.

    In the face of escalating competition and internal restructuring, the internal memo referred to the decision to suspend operations as a “reset”.

    The competition for AI expertise is becoming a defining issue for the major players in the industry as Meta expands its own superintelligence lab and offers previously unthinkable compensation packages.

  • Garaaz Raises INR 4.55 Crore to Digitise and Organise Auto Spare Parts Market

    • Jaipur-based Garaaz is a SaaS and aggregator platform for the auto-tech industry, helping distributors and unorganised workshops with part identification, availability, and delivery.
    • The funds raised will be strategically deployed towards Garaaz’s aggressive expansion plans, deepening its R&D capabilities, and strengthening its Technological Innovation.
    • The company has grown 3X in the last 2 years with sales doubling in the last 12 months

    Garaaz, an Automobile spare parts aggregator, has raised INR 4.55 Cr in a seed round led by GVFL. The funds raised will be used to scale operations in other states, strengthen local distribution, partnerships, and on-ground teams, invest in technological innovation (R&D) and hire key talent across technology, sales, marketing, and operations. The company plans to set up a scalable customer support infrastructure and bring the unorganised workshops under their umbrella.

    The current capital raise will also enable Garaaz’s goal of becoming India’s leading digital ecosystem and most comprehensive online hub for automotive spare parts, seamlessly connecting stakeholders across platforms on a trusted and transparent platform. The key areas of expansion and funding plans include: technology development in order to enhance product & platform features, build robust backend systems and data infrastructure, invest in AI/ML for automation and decision intelligence to deliver a superior customer experience. Streamline procurement and logistics for better unit economics, invest in tools and systems to ensure last-mile delivery efficiency and finally to ensure data security, legal compliance, and scalable backend architecture in order to build trust and deliver quality products to the customers. Garaaz is bringing much-needed structure, efficiency, and clarity to a traditionally unorganised and unregulated market. 

    Mihir Joshi, Managing Director, GVFL, said, “India has come a long way in terms of online markets. Today, we can buy EV motorcycles on E-commerce platforms. However, the spare parts ecosystem for the auto industry is highly fragmented, with thousands of small distributors, middlemen, and local suppliers leading to inefficiencies and a lack of standardization, making it highly unreliable. Garaaz is addressing the issue by connecting key stakeholders—brands, distributors/retailers, and workshops—while fostering trust and transparency in a traditionally unorganized and complex market.”

    Founded in 2019 by Shaleen Agarwal with the aim to bring together multi-brand garages that can seamlessly discover, compare, and purchase from a catalogue of over 8 million parts spanning 25 leading car brands. Garaaz has doubled its sales in FY 24-25 vis-a-vis FY 23-24 and has grown 3X in the last 2 years. Offering features such as; parts discovery, inventory lookup, orders & schemes, account management, orders & CBO, sales & schemes, branch management, workshop management to distributors, OEMs, resellers, as well as manufacturers.

    Shaleen Agarwal, CEO & Founder, Garaaz said, “At Garaaz, we’re not just delivering spare parts — we’re powering the heart of India’s workshop economy. Every order, every delivery, every connection is backed by a tech backbone that scales trust, transparency, and efficiency across the aftermarket. Our mission is simple: make spare parts accessible, intelligent, and instant — with technology so seamless, it feels invisible.”

    India’s automotive aftermarket sector is projected to go up to $14 billion by 2028 from $10 billion in 2023,Gujarat-based presenting significant growth opportunities for companies like Garaaz to scale their operations. This expansive market presents significant opportunities for Garaaz to digitize and organize the fragmented workshop ecosystem, facilitating seamless access to genuine parts and fostering efficiency across the value chain.

    About Garaaz

    Garaaz is a Jaipur-based B2B automotive spare parts aggregator. Founded in 2019 by Shaleen Agarwal (CEO & Founder), Sahil Rally (CTO), and Varun Agarwal (COO), Garaaz operates as a SaaS-based solution facilitating the distribution of automotive spare parts. Connecting workshops to distributors of automobile spare parts, enabling sourcing and supply chain management. The platform provides a solution for distributors and workshops to purchase a wide range of car parts from genuine parts distributors.

    About GVFL

    GVFL is an Ahmedabad, Gujarat-based Venture Capital Fund. With over 150+ total investments and 90+ successful exits, It has been instrumental in nurturing and scaling innovative startups across various sectors. GVFL has a diverse portfolio, investing in sectors such as agritech, healthtech, fintech, deep tech, clean tech, defence tech, enterprise tech, and consumer brands.

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  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 30 June 2025: Infra.Market Bags $150M, Jumbotail Turns Unicorn, Torrent Pharma Strikes ₹25,689 Cr Deal

    Indian startups raised fresh funding across various sectors on 30 June 2025. From large growth rounds to early-stage deals, the day saw strong investor interest in infra-tech, agri-tech, AI, and more. Here’s a quick look at the companies that secured funding.

    Daily Indian Startup Funding Digest – 30 June 2025

    Startup Amount Raised Funding Round Lead Investor(s) Sector
    Infra.Market $150 million Debt Mars Growth Capital & Liquidity Group InfraTech
    Eggoz $20 million Series C Omnivore, NABVENTURES, others AgriTech (Eggs)
    Aukera $15 million Series A Peak XV Partners Lab-Grown Diamonds
    Jumbotail $120 million Series D Invus, Nexus Venture Partners B2B E-commerce
    Blostem ₹4 crore Seed AC Ventures B2B fintech infra

    Infra.Market Raises $150 Million in Debt from Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group

    B2B construction solutions platform, Infra.Market has secured $150 million in debt financing. The funding came through a partnership between Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group, aimed at fuelling Infra.Market’s expansion into global markets and supporting its working capital needs. The company, already a unicorn, continues to be a key player in India’s infrastructure tech space.

    Eggoz Nutrition Closes $20 Million Series C Round

    Brand offering farm-fresh eggs with a tech-integrated supply chain, Eggoz Nutrition raised $20 million in its Series C round. The round was co-led by Omnivore and NABVENTURES, with participation from existing backers Avaana Capital, Bellerive Capital, and others. Eggoz aims to expand its footprint across India and enhance cold-chain logistics.

    Aukera Secures $15 Million in Series A Funding Led by Peak XV Partners

    Aukera, a lab-grown diamond brand targeting global luxury buyers, raised $15 million in a Series A round led by Peak XV Partners. The funds will be utilised to strengthen product innovation, grow global brand presence, and build direct-to-consumer channels. This marks a significant boost for India’s emerging sustainable luxury sector.

    Jumbotail Becomes Unicorn After $120 Million Series D Round

    B2B e-commerce platform Jumbotail has entered the unicorn club following a $120 million Series D funding round. The round was led by Invus, with continued participation from Nexus Venture Partners, Kalaari Capital, Arkam Ventures, and others. Jumbotail enables grocery and FMCG supply for kirana stores across India.

    Blostem Raises INR 4 Cr in Seed Round Led by AC Ventures

    Blostem, a B2B fintech infra startup for fixed deposit distribution, raised INR 4 crore in seed funding. The round was led by AC Ventures, with participation from Mobikwik and Kapil Bharti of Delhivery. The startup enables digital FDs via a single API and plans to expand its savings product offerings.

    Key News Highlights – 30 June 2025

    MobiKwik Appoints Saurabh Dwivedi as CTO, Dhruv Wadhera as SVP

    Fintech firm MobiKwik has announced two key leadership changes.

    • Saurabh Dwivedi has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
    • Dhruv Wadhera has been elevated to Senior Vice President (SVP), Marketing and Growth.

    These appointments aim to strengthen MobiKwik’s tech and marketing leadership as it prepares for further growth in the digital finance space.

    Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal Plans Regional Aviation Venture with LAT Aerospace

    Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal is reportedly venturing into regional aviation in partnership with LAT Aerospace. The new airline is said to focus on improving air connectivity in underserved Indian regions. This is a separate initiative by Goyal and not linked directly to Zomato.

    Torrent Pharma to Acquire Controlling Stake in JB Pharma at INR 25,689 Crore Valuation

    Torrent Pharmaceuticals will acquire a controlling stake in JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd (JB Pharma). The deal values JB Pharma at ₹25,689 crore, and the stake will be bought from KKR & Co. This acquisition marks one of the biggest deals in India’s pharmaceutical sector this year.

    Starlink (SpaceX) and Amazon’s Project Kuiper have signed their first satellite broadband agreements with Indian entities. This marks a major step ahead of the Indian government’s expected satellite spectrum allocation. These early agreements will help both companies begin the groundwork for satellite internet rollout in India.

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  • Genpact Addresses Employee Concerns, Clarifies 9-Hour Workday Policy

    Genpact has informed a media house that the company observes a 9-hour workday, not a 10-hour one as previously suggested, in response to internet criticism of claims of a 10-hour workweek.

    However, Genpact refused to provide more information about the policy and did not reply to any further media queries. With effect from June 1, Accenture has formally extended its corporate function (marketing, human resources, and other areas) workday from 8 to 9 hours.

    Nonetheless, Accenture’s workweek is limited to 45 hours, in accordance with all state government regulations. While HCL adheres to a regular 9-hour workweek, Infosys expects employees to clock in for 9 hours and 15 minutes every day.

    Genpact’s Employees in a Confused State

    There is a climate of mistrust and misunderstanding among Genpact’s employees. If formal leadership had announced the longer hours rather than direct management, workers would have felt more comfortable.

    After the commotion, many had hoped that the corporation would rethink the decision, but as of right now, it appears that they have no such plans. Additionally, according to reports, Genpact has implemented a mechanism to monitor daily productivity by recording employees’ “active hours”.

    When employees perform the required amount of hours each day, they receive points, which can be exchanged for little bonuses. Employees contend that the bonuses are insufficient to make up for the extra effort, particularly in the absence of a salary increase.

    Employees’ Mental and Physical Health at Stake

    Employees and human resource specialists worry about the possible harm to workers’ productivity and mental health as a result of such a demanding schedule.

    Employee well-being will suffer if this trend becomes widespread in the sector. These worries stem from the growing pressure on India’s IT-BPM industry to maximise profits in the face of rapid automation and uncertainties in the global economy.

    However, experts caution that long-term employee loyalty and brand reputation may suffer in order to achieve short-term cost savings. Genpact’s leadership’s lack of transparency is currently escalating the unrest.

    According to Indian labour laws, the typical workweek is limited to 48 hours, with any extra hours being eligible for overtime pay at double the ordinary rate, said Sanketh Chengappa KG, director and business head – professional staffing, Adecco India, in response to a media question.

    Even though these rules aren’t usually strictly enforced for white-collar jobs, the contemporary drive for longer workdays has sparked a renewed discussion about worker rights, mental health, and fair compensation—especially when productivity targets are already being reached.

    The Karnataka government recently proposed employment reforms that will increase the number of working hours to ten per day while maintaining the 48-hour weekly restriction.

    Santhosh Lad, the Karnataka labour minister, said last year that the IT sector was pressuring the state government to pass legislation allowing software developers to work up to 14 hours a day.

  • Walko Food Scoops Up Meemee’s Ice Creams to Sweeten its Artisanal Dessert Game

    With the acquisition of Mumbai-based Meemee’s Ice Creams, Walko Food Company—owner of well-known ice cream brands like NIC Ice Creams, Grameen Kulfi, and Mimo Ice Creams—marked a calculated entry into India’s artisanal dessert market.

    The business did not, however, provide the deal’s financial details. According to a statement from Walko, the acquisition will enable it to provide a variety of goods to its clientele under Meemee’s house brand.

    Additionally, the agreement will enable it to diversify into rollies, tubsters, ice cream cakes, and toasties. With the aid of Walko’s extensive supply chain network, the acquisition will propel Meemee’s growth and visibility throughout India.

    Network and Financial Dynamics of Both the Firms

    The Walko Food Company was established in 2012 by Jitendra Bhandari and Sanjiv Shah and sells a variety of goods, including shakes, kulfis, frozen desserts, and ice creams. Cream Pot & Café Chokolade are also part of the direct-to-consumer (D2C) ice cream brand’s house of brands.

    The Pune-based startup sells its goods on foodtech platforms like Swiggy and Zomato through more than 200 company-owned delivery kitchens and maintains a pan-India supply chain. Additionally, it sells its goods using fast commerce platforms like Zepto and Blinkit.

    As per the financial year 2023-24 (FY24) standalone financial statement obtained from Tofler, Walko’s operating revenue increased to INR 2.40 Cr from INR 1.20 Cr during the previous fiscal period.

    Despite a loss of INR 8 lakh in FY23, Walko was able to generate a net profit of INR 4.04 cr during the year under review due to its expanding topline. Meha Agarwal established Meemee’s, a local ice cream company based in Mumbai, in 2021. Its website states that there are roughly 14 retail locations in Mumbai where the ice creams are sold.

    Moreover, over a year has passed since Walko Food Company received $20 million from Jungle Ventures. In 2023, Jungle, a current investor in the D2C firm, also contributed $11 million to Walko.

    Ongoing Developments in India’s Ice Cream Sector

    At the moment, the ice cream market in India is growing. Hocco and Go Zero, two other D2C companies in the same market, also raised money earlier this year to help with their expansion and growth.

    Hocco was able to acquire $10 million from the Chona family office and Sauce.vc, while Go Zero received INR 30 Cr (about $4 million) from its Series A round from current investors Saama Capital, V3 Ventures, and DSG Consumer Partners.

    According to a number of media sources, Hindustan Unilever declared in January that Kwality Walls, its ice cream vertical, would soon be listed on the BSE and NSE.

    Among others, Walko faces competition from Go Zero, Hocco, NOTO, Get-A-Way, and The Brooklyn Creamery for a piece of India’s expanding ice cream market, which is expected to reach $12.60 billion by 2033.

  • Starlink & Amazon Strike First Satellite Broadband Deals in India Ahead of Spectrum Showdown

    According to a media report, US satellite companies Starlink and Amazon Kuiper have inked their first commercial agreements with VSAT providers in India.

    This step marks a significant step towards the establishment of government and business satellite broadband services before satellite spectrum is formally allotted.

    Through these collaborations, the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband companies hope to make money from their products in the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) markets. At the same time, they are getting ready to cater to the retail consumer market, whose price structures are still being decided.

    According to the media source, Amazon and Starlink have been attempting to establish collaborations in India. With an emphasis on the B2B and B2G markets, they have already found a few VSAT partners in India and are actively seeking more. They aim to make the best use of their India potential. Hughes Communications, Nelco, and Inmarsat are a few of the major VSAT providers in India.

    Eutelsat OneWeb will use a sell-through strategy through Indian partners, and both Starlink and Amazon Kuiper want to compete directly with it in both the enterprise and retail sectors.

    Hybrid Model go to Market for India

    According to a media report, Kuiper and Starlink are pursuing a hybrid go-to-market strategy in India. In addition to providing services directly, they are forming alliances to market through other partners.

    For example, Starlink has previously established a sell-through model collaboration with Reliance Jio and Airtel. According to the report, Starlink would soon start providing connections to customers directly through its website.

    In the same way, Kuiper will not depend on a single master distributor or handle everything on their own. This strategy was chosen because India is a adverse and new market.

    Bank branches, ATMs, remote petrol stations, warehouses, retail chains, cellular backhaul, maritime and in-flight connectivity, and defence infrastructure are among the common applications for VSAT service providers, all of which stand to gain from higher-bandwidth LEO-based upgrades.

    In terms of regulatory advancement, these changes put Starlink on par with Jio Satellite and Eutelsat OneWeb. Last month, it was granted a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) licence, making it the third business in India permitted to provide commercial satcom services.

    Although Starlink currently has a GMPCS permit, it has not yet received its IN-SPACe approval. According to a media report, Starlink has received a draft agreement from the Indian space regulator that is anticipated to be signed shortly.

    Additionally, Starlink will receive trial spectrum from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in exchange for completing security compliance demonstrations.

    Jyotiraditya Scindia, the minister of communications, met with senior executives from SpaceX, the parent firm of Starlink, a few days ago to explore joint venture possibilities for using satellite technology to fuel India’s digital infrastructure.

    Amazon Kuiper is now pending IN-SPACe and GMPCS certifications. The business has finished all necessary operational and security audits, and the next meeting of the interministerial standing committee is probably when its application will be examined.

  • Eggoz Raises $20M in Series C Led by Gaja Capital to Expand Branded Egg Portfolio

    Eggoz, India’s leading agri-consumer brand transforming the egg industry, has announced the successful raise of $20 million in a Series C funding round led by Gaja Capital. The round also saw participation from existing investors, including IvyCap Ventures, Rebright Partners, Avaana Capital, NABVENTURES, Merisis Opportunities Fund, Arvind Thakur, S. Ramadorai, Artek Chemicals, Blue Dot Capital, and other marquee angel investors.

    Founded in 2017 by IIT Kharagpur alumni Abhishek Negi, Aditya Singh, and Uttam Kumar, Eggoz is on a mission to revolutionise the way Indians consume eggs. Leveraging a tech-enabled, asset-light model that directly integrates with farmers, Eggoz ensures every egg is safe, traceable, and nutritionally superior. They deliver this promise through 11+ safety and hygiene checks and 100% herbal hen feed, setting new benchmarks in quality and food safety. Eggoz has established itself as the #1 branded egg player across India’s leading quick commerce and e-commerce platforms, reflecting deep consumer trust and consistent demand for clean, high-quality eggs delivered conveniently.

    Eggoz offers a wide range of branded eggs and has pioneered India’s first line of egg-based snacks, including egg momos and burger patties. These high protein, ready-to-cook products cater to the growing demand for convenient and nutritious food options for urban consumers. Currently available in over 11 major cities, including Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune, Eggoz has become synonymous with trust and innovation in the $12 billion (One lakh crore) Indian egg market. 

    The company reported a 76% year-on-year revenue growth, with net cash revenue reaching ₹130 crore in FY25, up from ₹74 crore in FY24. In Q4 FY25, Eggoz achieved a peak brand ARR of ₹200 crore and EBITDA breakeven; driven by strong consumer demand and deepened distribution.

    Abhishek Negi, Co-Founder & CEO of Eggoz, said, “We’re excited to welcome Gaja Capital to the Eggoz family as we enter our next growth phase. At Eggoz, we’re not just building a brand—we’re redefining a category that reaches most Indian households. This capital will help us strengthen our presence in current markets, expand to new cities, and invest in technology and supply chain infrastructure. Over 95% of eggs in India are sold loose, often lacking basic hygiene and quality. Our mission is to ensure consumers never compromise on safety or nutrition. We aim to make clean, protein-rich eggs accessible to all while empowering farmers with better practices and prices.”

    “Eggoz is solving a critical gap in India’s protein ecosystem with a scalable, tech-first approach,” said Gopal Jain, CEO and Managing Director at Gaja Capital. “We believe their vertically integrated model and strong brand promise position them well to lead the next wave of growth in India’s food and nutrition sector. We’ve seen Abhishek and Aditya work closely for over two years, and we appreciate the first principles approach they’ve adopted to address this significant pain-point for Indian consumers.”

    “With India producing over 140 billion eggs annually, the need for quality and traceability in this essential category is more important than ever. At IvyCap, we back founders solving large-scale, real-world challenges with innovation and purpose. Eggoz exemplifies this by transforming a fragmented market into a trusted consumer brand. We’re excited to continue supporting their journey as they scale across India.” — Vikram Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner, IvyCap Ventures.

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