Startup77

Amocare Secures $400K in Pre-Seed Funding Round to Expand Intimate Wellness Product Line

-

July 2, 2024

Amocare Secures $400K in Pre-Seed Funding Round to Expand Intimate Wellness Product Line

Amocare, a Gurugram-based wellness brand specializing in intimate wellness products, has successfully raised $400,000 in a pre-seed funding round co-led by FAAD Network and AngelBay Holdings. The funding infusion aims to accelerate Amocare’s growth trajectory by expanding its product offerings, strengthening brand presence, and venturing into new international markets.

Founded in 2023 by Prabhat Maheshwari and Neeraj Sehgal, Amocare distinguishes itself by offering premium intimate wellness solutions rooted in natural ingredients. Its product portfolio spans personal care and intimate hygiene, addressing a spectrum of holistic wellness needs.

The funding will primarily support Amocare’s initiatives to scale operations, enhance product development capabilities, and bolster customer engagement strategies. Additionally, the brand plans to expand its market footprint into key international territories such as Eastern Europe and the UK, leveraging strategic partnerships facilitated by its investors.

In the competitive landscape of intimate wellness brands, which includes players like Bold Care, MyMuse, Pee Safe, and The Sangya Project, Amocare aims to carve out a niche through innovation, quality, and a focus on customer trust.

With this latest funding round, Amocare is poised to capitalize on growing consumer awareness and demand for natural wellness solutions, positioning itself as a leader in the intimate wellness segment both domestically and globally.

The successful funding round reflects investor confidence in Amocare’s business model and growth potential, reinforcing its commitment to revolutionizing intimate wellness through sustainable and scientifically backed products.

Patanjali Foods Acquires Home and Personal Care Business from Patanjali Ayurved for Rs 1,100 Crore

Garima Bansal

-

July 2, 2024

0

Patanjali Foods Acquires Home and Personal Care Business from Patanjali Ayurved for Rs 1,100 Crore

Patanjali Foods Ltd, a listed entity under the Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali group, has announced the acquisition of Patanjali Ayurved’s home and personal care business for Rs 1,100 crore. This strategic move aims to transform Patanjali Foods into a prominent player in the FMCG sector, leveraging the strong brand equity and consumer base of the acquired business.

According to a regulatory filing, Patanjali Foods’ board has approved the acquisition through a slump sale arrangement, encompassing all aspects of Patanjali Ayurved’s non-food business. This includes assets, properties, contracts, licenses, and liabilities associated with segments such as hair care, skin care, dental care, and home care.

“The acquisition of the home and personal care business from Patanjali Ayurved will accelerate our transition into a leading FMCG company,” stated Patanjali Foods in its filing. The acquired business currently holds a robust position in India’s FMCG market, enjoying significant brand loyalty across its product categories.

As part of the transaction, Patanjali Foods and Patanjali Ayurved have agreed to a licensing arrangement that allows Patanjali Foods continued use of trademarks and associated intellectual property owned by Patanjali Ayurved.

“The valuation exercises conducted by independent valuers have resulted in a lump sum consideration of Rs 1,100 crore for the transfer of this business,” the filing added, highlighting the mutually negotiated nature of the transaction.

This acquisition is expected to consolidate the ‘Patanjali’ brand’s presence in the FMCG sector, driving synergies in brand equity, product innovation, cost optimization, infrastructure efficiencies, and market share expansion.

Following the board’s approval, Patanjali Foods will proceed with executing definitive agreements and obtaining necessary approvals from shareholders, lenders, and regulatory authorities to complete the transaction.

The move underscores Patanjali’s strategic realignment to focus and strengthen its foothold in key consumer product categories, aligning with broader market trends and consumer preferences in India’s competitive FMCG landscape.

Air India Plans Flying Training Organisation in Amravati, Operations Set for Early 2026

Garima Bansal

-

July 2, 2024

0

Air India Plans Flying Training Organisation in Amravati, Operations Set for Early 2026

Air India has unveiled plans to establish a Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone in Indian aviation. The initiative, scheduled to commence operations by early 2026, aims to become South Asia’s largest facility of its kind, catering to the burgeoning demand for skilled commercial pilots.

This pioneering venture, the first of its kind by an Indian airline, will be housed at Amravati’s Belora airport and operate under a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) license. The FTO will boast a fleet comprising 31 single-engine and 3 twin-engine aircraft, dedicated to training aspiring pilots.

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, emphasized the strategic importance of the FTO in bolstering India’s aviation capabilities and fostering opportunities for the nation’s youth to pursue careers in aviation. “The establishment of the FTO at Amravati is a crucial step towards enhancing self-reliance in Indian aviation and realizing the aspirations of future pilots,” he stated.

Air India secured the tender from the Maharashtra Airport Development Company for a 30-year lease to develop and operate the FTO, underscoring its commitment to supporting India’s aviation infrastructure growth.

Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of the Aviation Academy of Air India, highlighted the FTO’s role in providing world-class training aligned with global standards. “Aspiring pilots will benefit from state-of-the-art curricula comparable to the best international institutions,” Bhaskaran affirmed. He also reiterated Air India’s dedication to advancing India’s aviation sector in alignment with the government’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Earlier this year, Air India announced plans for its Aviation Academy in Gurugram, set to be South Asia’s largest spanning 600,000 square feet. These initiatives reflect Air India’s proactive approach in addressing the evolving demands of the aviation industry and preparing for future growth.

The establishment of the FTO in Amravati comes at a critical juncture amidst industry reports highlighting significant manpower shortages across various aviation disciplines. CAPA India, a leading aviation consultancy, recently underscored the severity of these shortages, citing concerns over pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), and cabin crew deficits exacerbated by global recruitment trends and regulatory changes.

As Air India progresses with its expansion plans, including the new FTO in Amravati and the Gurugram Aviation Academy, the airline reaffirms its commitment to advancing India’s aviation ecosystem and meeting the evolving needs of the rapidly expanding aviation market.

AB De Villiers Joins Supply6 as Brand Ambassador and Investor, Promoting Healthier Lifestyles

Garima Bansal

-

July 2, 2024

0

Former South African cricket star AB De Villiers has teamed up with Bengaluru-based health food brand Supply6, signing on as both a brand ambassador and investor. This strategic collaboration aims to blend De Villiers’ athletic prowess with Supply6’s commitment to providing essential nutrients, fostering a culture of healthier living.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, AB De Villiers underscored the pivotal role nutrition plays in enhancing health and performance, aligning closely with his personal dedication to peak physical condition. “I am excited to join forces with Supply6,” he remarked, highlighting the brand’s focus on comprehensive and convenient nutrition solutions.

Founded in January 2019 by Vaibhav Bhandari and Rahul Jacob, Supply6 specializes in offering a range of health supplements designed to support holistic well-being. The company’s flagship product, Supply6 360 Foundational Nutrition Supplement, targets common deficiencies such as Vitamin D, B12, and gut health issues. The supplement line also includes specialized formulations for skin wellness and energy enhancement.

Vaibhav Bhandari, Co-founder and CEO of Supply6, identified gaps in nutritional needs within the market, prompting the development of Supply6 360. This supplement integrates essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics into a single product, addressing core nutritional deficiencies comprehensively.

Supply6 adheres to six fundamental pillars of nutrition—protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber—to guide the formulation of its products. Each supplement is grounded in scientific research and tailored to cater to diverse health requirements, offering a range from general health maintenance to targeted solutions for specific nutritional goals.

Rahul Jacob, Co-founder of Supply6, emphasized the brand’s commitment to customization, acknowledging that individual nutritional needs vary widely. This approach ensures that Supply6’s product offerings are thoughtfully curated to meet specific health concerns and enhance overall vitality.

As AB De Villiers joins Supply6 in promoting its mission of fostering healthier lifestyles through quality nutrition, the partnership reflects a shared vision of integrating athletic excellence with nutritional innovation. Together, they aim to inspire individuals to prioritize their health with scientifically backed supplements that support optimal well-being.

The collaboration marks a significant step for Supply6 in expanding its reach and reinforcing its commitment to empowering consumers with effective, science-driven nutrition solutions.

Pivot Robots Secures Funding from NuVentures to Advance AI-Powered Manufacturing Automation

Garima Bansal

-

July 2, 2024

0

Pivot Robots Secures Funding from NuVentures to Advance AI-Powered Manufacturing Automation

Pivot Robots, an AI startup specializing in industrial automation, has successfully secured funding from early-stage investor NuVentures, as part of its strategic expansion plans. The undisclosed investment comes shortly after Pivot Robots participated in Y Combinator’s 2024 cohort, highlighting its potential in the burgeoning field of AI-driven manufacturing solutions.

Founded in 2023 by Siddharth Girdhar and Vignesh Rajmohan, both seasoned veterans in AI and robotics with previous stints at tech giants like Meta, Google, and Uber, Pivot Robots aims to revolutionize the manufacturing sector by leveraging artificial intelligence. The startup’s proprietary AI vision control software enables industrial robots to automate complex tasks, starting with the critical function of grinding metal parts.

Pivot Robots’ technology represents a significant leap beyond traditional robotic automation systems, granting industrial robots unprecedented adaptability and precision. This capability addresses immediate challenges such as labor shortages in the US manufacturing sector, underscoring the practical applications of AI in enhancing industrial productivity.

NuVentures, known for its early investments in successful ventures like Mu Sigma and Acko, boasts a diverse portfolio of over 40 companies including PocketAces, Foxtale, Geist Beer, and Third Wave. The partnership with Pivot Robots aligns with NuVentures’ strategy of backing innovative startups poised to disrupt traditional industries with transformative technologies.

Looking ahead, Pivot Robots aims to further innovate and expand its product offerings, leveraging NuVentures’ strategic support to solidify its position as a leader in AI-powered manufacturing automation. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to driving technological advancements that propel industrial efficiency and sustainability in global manufacturing markets.

Vedix Partners with Shoppers Stop for Offline Expansion, Introduces Customised Ayurveda Experience

Garima Bansal

-

July 2, 2024

0

Vedix Partners with Shoppers Stop for Offline Expansion, Introduces Customised Ayurveda Experience

Vedix, a leading customised Ayurvedic personal care brand, has embarked on its offline expansion journey with the launch of an exclusive shop-in-shop store in collaboration with Shoppers Stop. The inaugural store has opened its doors at Shoppers Stop, Garuda Mall in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone for Vedix in enhancing its retail presence.

Jatin Gujarati, Business Head at Vedix, expressed gratitude for the partnership with Shoppers Stop, highlighting their strong online presence in India and globally and their exciting foray into offline retail. The collaboration aims to bring a premium, customised Ayurveda beauty experience to Shoppers Stop customers.

Central to this partnership is the introduction of advanced hair and skin analyzers, innovative devices that provide detailed insights into customer issues, enabling precise product recommendations and enhancing efficacy. These industry-first analyzers, along with other innovations such as Ayutree and AyuPods, are set to differentiate the shopping experience at Shoppers Stop and drive significant customer engagement, Gujarati noted.

Vedix’s product range includes customised hair care, skincare, and immunity products formulated by Ayurvedic experts to cater to specific consumer needs. The company has introduced Ayutree, an IoT-enabled device that dispenses real-time, customised oil samples based on customer selections made on a tablet interface. Customers can also opt for AyuPods, exclusive to Vedix stores, which further enhance customisation options for achieving specific hair and skin goals.

With an impressive Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of Rs 150 crore and a customer base exceeding 15 million, Vedix continues to innovate in the Ayurvedic beauty segment, blending traditional wisdom with modern technology to deliver personalized wellness solutions.

Biju Kassim, Customer Care Associate and CEO of Beauty at Shoppers Stop, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Vedix onboard. He highlighted the partnership as an opportunity for Shoppers Stop customers to experience personalized Ayurveda integrated with cutting-edge skincare and haircare solutions. The collaboration underscores Shoppers Stop’s commitment to offering immersive, modern retail experiences and expanding its range of personalized product offerings in-store.

The partnership between Vedix and Shoppers Stop represents a convergence of traditional Ayurvedic expertise and contemporary retail innovation, poised to redefine customer expectations in the beauty and wellness space. As Vedix continues to expand its offline footprint, the collaboration promises to introduce more consumers to the transformative benefits of personalised Ayurvedic care.

Watch Your Health Secures $5 Million in Seed Funding to Expand Health-Tech Platform

Garima Bansal

-

July 2, 2024

0

Watch Your Health Secures $5 Million in Seed Funding to Expand Health-Tech Platform

Watch Your Health, a Mumbai-based health-tech startup, has successfully raised $5 million in a seed funding round co-led by Cornerstone Ventures and Conquest Global, a Singapore-based investor. This significant capital infusion will be pivotal in scaling operations and expanding its user base both locally and internationally, while also enhancing its technological infrastructure and platform capabilities, the company announced in a recent press release.

Founded in 2015 by Ratheesh Nair, Abhitosh Pandey, Jay Patel, Prachi Shinde, Prasanth Prabhakaran, and Ashok Nair, Watch Your Health operates within the business-to-business (B2B) sector, catering to insurers and pharmaceutical companies.

The platform utilizes advanced analytics to deliver personalized health recommendations, including guidance on diet management, suitable exercise regimens, and lifestyle adjustments, aimed at enhancing customer engagement and overall health outcomes.

In addition to its current offerings, Watch Your Health has ambitious plans to introduce electronic behavior records, bolster mental health support, and deploy advanced predictive analytics for disease prevention. These initiatives are designed to facilitate chronic disease management and post-hospitalization care programs, underscoring the company’s commitment to comprehensive health management solutions.

The startup has forged strategic partnerships with prominent healthcare providers such as Watania Takaful and Shalina Healthcare in the UAE, integrating their services seamlessly into its platform. This collaborative approach enhances Watch Your Health’s ability to deliver holistic healthcare solutions tailored to diverse customer needs.

With this latest infusion of capital, Watch Your Health is poised to accelerate its growth trajectory and continue making strides in transforming healthcare delivery through innovative digital solutions.

Fabriclore Secures $1.6 Million to Expand Tech-Driven Fabric Sourcing Platform

Garima Bansal

-

July 2, 2024

0

Fabriclore Secures $1.6 Million to Expand Tech-Driven Fabric Sourcing Platform

Fabriclore, a pioneering fabric sourcing platform tailored for fashion enterprises, has successfully raised $1.6 million in its latest funding round led by PeerCapital and Regal Fabrics. This infusion of capital marks a significant milestone for the company as it gears up to bolster its footprint across strategic markets such as India, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA.

Founded in 2016 by Vijay Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, and Anupam Arya, Fabriclore has carved out a niche by offering end-to-end fabric solutions, encompassing fabric discovery, design, dyeing, printing, and stringent quality inspection, all under one roof.

This integrated approach has resonated particularly well with direct-to-consumer fashion brands and multi-brand retailers, allowing them to access customized fabric solutions with lower minimum order quantities.

The recent funding round is earmarked to fuel Fabriclore’s technological advancements, aimed at optimizing operational efficiencies, enhancing customer experiences, and facilitating its expansion into international markets. The company has already demonstrated its capabilities by curating an extensive catalog of 10,000 SKUs sourced from over 550 suppliers across India, establishing itself as a frontrunner in the country’s $20 billion fabric supply chain sector.

In 2023, Fabriclore strategically pivoted towards the B2B segment, swiftly attracting over 200 private labels predominantly from India and the Middle East within just one year. The company operates from a state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot warehouse equipped with an in-house quality inspection unit. Additionally, strategic partnerships with globally accredited testing laboratories enable Fabriclore to provide clients with certifications tailored to specific quality standards.

The company’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by the establishment of the Fabric Experience Studio in Jaipur, where customers can engage in a tactile exploration of fabrics sourced from 50 mills. With plans underway to replicate this concept in major cities across India and the UAE, Fabriclore aims to elevate the fabric sourcing experience to new heights.

With this latest funding round, Fabriclore is poised to strengthen its market position and redefine the fabric supply chain landscape with its tech-driven approach, setting the stage for sustained growth and innovation in the fashion industry.

Akasa Air Poised for Success in Expanding Aviation Market, Says CEO Vinay Dube

Garima Bansal

-

July 1, 2024

0

Akasa Air Poised for Success in Expanding Aviation Market, Says CEO Vinay Dube

Vinay Dube, CEO of Akasa Air, exudes confidence in the airline’s future amidst rapid expansion plans and a competitive aviation landscape. Established less than two years ago in August 2022, Akasa Air has quickly grown its fleet to 24 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, operating over 900 weekly flights across domestic and international routes.

Market Confidence and Expansion

Dube emphasizes that the aviation market in India is substantial enough to accommodate Akasa Air’s growth ambitions. “If we focus on ourselves, the market is big enough for us to succeed,” he asserts confidently in a recent interview with PTI. Despite acknowledging competition, Dube maintains a steadfast focus on internal growth strategies rather than external pressures.

Strategic Initiatives and Service Offerings

Currently holding a 4.8 percent domestic market share, Akasa Air has expanded its international footprint to include Doha, Riyadh, and soon Abu Dhabi, with plans for Jeddah, Kuwait, and Medina. The airline prides itself on offering a range of ancillary services, including pet-friendly travel options and a flexible approach to in-flight amenities to cater to diverse passenger preferences.

Employee and Pilot Management

With over 4,000 employees, Akasa Air has temporarily paused pilot hiring while ensuring adequate staffing for its existing fleet. Dube reassures stakeholders about pilot availability and the airline’s commitment to managing pilot fatigue through stringent operational standards and thoughtful rostering practices.

Future Fleet Expansion and Profitability Goals

Looking ahead, Akasa Air anticipates adding more than 200 aircraft to its fleet over the next eight years, supported by a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX planes. Co-founder Aditya Ghosh underscores the airline’s trajectory towards profitability, highlighting operational reliability, customer satisfaction metrics, and a robust load factor as indicators of sustainable growth.

Mumbai-based Startup Wify Secures Rs 25 Crore in Pre-Series A Funding

Garima Bansal

-

July 1, 2024

0

Mumbai-based Startup Wify Secures Rs 25 Crore in Pre-Series A Funding

Wify, a Mumbai-based startup specializing in home furnishing installation, has successfully raised Rs 25 crore in a pre-Series A funding round. The investment was co-led by Mount Judi Ventures and existing investor Capria Ventures, with participation from Blume Founders Fund and other undisclosed existing investors.

Founded in 2019 by Vikram Sharma and Deepanshu Goel, Wify acts as a crucial link between modern home brands and skilled technicians. The startup offers a comprehensive SaaS platform that facilitates seamless order management, on-site project coordination, and real-time tracking for both brands and consumers.

The fresh capital infusion will enable Wify to deepen its market presence within existing categories by enhancing value-added services. Additionally, the startup plans to expand into new categories, bolster its workforce, and strengthen its technological infrastructure. These efforts aim to accelerate capacity building and elevate customer service standards.

Wify intends to leverage generative AI to optimize the training and onboarding of technicians, provide on-the-job assistance, and elevate overall customer service quality.

Currently operational across 100 cities in India, Wify boasts a network of over 3,000 technicians. The startup has established partnerships with more than 100 leading global and local brands, including prominent names like IKEA, Amazon, Godrej, and Hettich.

In the B2C segment, Wify competes directly with established players like Urban Company. Meanwhile, in the B2B space, it faces competition from regional service providers such as Mechanic2Home and Easyfix.

This funding round marks a pivotal moment for Wify as it aims to consolidate its market position and drive further growth in the competitive home services industry.