Category Archives: Startup

Startups, Entrepreneurship, Startup

Aman Gupta’s Reality Check Amid BluSmart Crisis: “Jo Bhi Karo Dil Se Karo”

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Aman Gupta’s Reality Check Amid BluSmart Crisis: “Jo Bhi Karo Dil Se Karo”

Introduction

Aman Gupta startup advice, BluSmart crisis, Shark Tank India quotes, Aman Gupta viral tweet, Indian startups funding, BluSmart layoffs, startup hype vs reality, boAt founder statement, India startup winter, founder mindset, VC investment India, Aman Gupta entrepreneur tips, building with passion, startup sustainability, BluSmart controversy

As India’s startup ecosystem grapples with funding winter and operational hurdles, Shark Tank India’s Aman Gupta has offered a timely reality check to aspiring entrepreneurs. Speaking in the wake of BluSmart’s reported crisis, the boAt co-founder urged startup founders to build with passion and resilience—underscoring the importance of sincerity over hype.

BluSmart, one of India’s most ambitious electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing platforms, has recently been in the spotlight over layoffs, delayed salaries, and a funding crunch. Gupta’s message didn’t directly name the startup but clearly resonated with the ongoing challenges faced by many new-age ventures.

Here’s a breakdown of Aman Gupta’s message, the context behind it, and what it means for India’s ever-evolving startup landscape.

Aman Gupta’s Message

In a widely shared post on X (formerly Twitter), Aman Gupta wrote:

“Jo bhi karo, dil se karo. Investors ka paisa lena, media mein dikhna, aur PR karna asaan hota hai. But real game hai ground pe ladna.”

Translation: Whatever you do, do it with heart. Taking investor money, getting media coverage, and doing PR is easy. The real game is fought on the ground.

The statement quickly went viral, sparking debates among founders, VCs, and the broader startup community.

The BluSmart Backdrop

What’s Happening with BluSmart?

  • BluSmart, once hailed as a promising EV alternative to Ola and Uber, is reportedly struggling with financial stability.
  • Reports indicate:
    • Layoffs affecting over 100 employees
    • Delayed or unpaid salaries across departments
    • Difficulty in raising new capital despite prior successful rounds

Strategic Missteps?

  • Critics cite aggressive expansion and high operational costs as key issues.
  • Others believe the lack of strong unit economics and over-dependence on subsidies hurt scalability.

Why Aman’s Message Resonates

No-Filter Reality Check

In an ecosystem where valuation often trumps value, Gupta’s message strikes at the heart of what’s broken:

  • Founders focusing more on media optics than product-market fit
  • Lavish spending without sustainable revenue
  • PR-driven growth that doesn’t match on-ground traction

Credibility Factor

As co-founder of boAt, a brand that has bootstrapped and thrived in a competitive market, Aman Gupta brings authenticity to the table. His words carry weight among budding founders and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

Reactions from the Ecosystem

Founders

  • Some lauded Gupta’s honesty, saying more influential voices should call out startup vanity.
  • Others questioned whether such comments help when many are battling real-world pressures.

Investors

  • VCs echoed the sentiment, calling for a return to business fundamentals over hype cycles.
  • Angel investors suggested that Gupta’s statement could reset expectations among early-stage founders.

Twitter/X Users

  • Hashtags like #StartupIndia, #AmanGupta, and #RealityCheck began trending
  • Memes, quotes, and personal anecdotes flooded social media platforms

Lessons for Indian Startups

1. Grounded Growth > Glamour

PR without product-market fit is short-lived. Focus on customer needs, not vanity metrics.

2. Financial Discipline

Spend wisely, especially when capital is scarce. Frugality isn’t weakness—it’s strategy.

3. Culture of Accountability

Entrepreneurs should prioritize team welfare, operational sustainability, and long-term impact.

Conclusion

Aman Gupta’s blunt advice lands as a wake-up call for India’s startup ecosystem, especially at a time when many unicorns are revisiting valuations, cutting costs, and restructuring operations. His message—though simple—urges entrepreneurs to realign their priorities.

In a country that celebrates innovation and hustle, the true test lies not in the headlines but in what’s built with grit and heart. As BluSmart and others navigate tough terrain, Gupta’s words may serve as both a caution and a compass.

 

Startup

Zepto Renames Parent Company from Kiranakart to Zepto Ahead of IPO

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Zepto Renames Parent Company Ahead of IPO to Boost Brand Recall

Introduction

Quick commerce giant Zepto has officially changed its parent company name from Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd to Zepto Pvt Ltd, in a strategic move aimed at enhancing brand recall and aligning its corporate identity ahead of its anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The rebranding signals a maturation of the startup’s brand journey and positions Zepto to make a strong, unified impression on both investors and consumers. With the IPO buzz growing louder, this decision is more than just cosmetic—it’s a calculated branding pivot as the company gears up for public scrutiny.

Here’s why the name change matters and what it indicates about Zepto’s upcoming market moves.

Why the Rebrand Now?

Stronger Brand Alignment

Zepto has become a household name in India’s hyperlocal delivery space, while the legacy name ‘Kiranakart’ no longer reflects its evolving identity. The rebranding helps create consistency between its consumer-facing brand and corporate entity.

IPO Readiness

With Zepto reportedly planning an IPO in the next 12-15 months, a unified corporate identity simplifies investor communications, filings, and public perception—critical elements during a public listing process.

Zepto’s Rise in Quick Commerce

From Kirana to Q-Commerce

Zepto started during the pandemic as a 10-minute grocery delivery service catering to urban kirana needs. Since then, it has expanded its offerings, coverage, and valuation—becoming a key player in the quick commerce ecosystem.

Market Position

Zepto competes with players like Blinkit, Instamart, and BigBasket Now, and has carved a niche through aggressive expansion, operational speed, and tech-driven inventory management.

Funding and Valuation

The company raised $200 million in its Series E round in 2023, pushing its valuation close to $1.4 billion, making it one of the youngest unicorns in the Indian startup landscape.

What It Means for the IPO

Signaling Maturity

By aligning the legal entity with the brand, Zepto is signaling that it’s no longer a scrappy startup—it’s IPO-ready, with a refined corporate structure and market-savvy approach.

Investor Confidence

A consistent brand identity boosts investor confidence by eliminating ambiguity and reinforcing Zepto’s focused vision and growth story.

Streamlined Compliance

Legal and regulatory compliance becomes easier when the company’s public identity matches its legal documentation—especially in IPO filings, investor disclosures, and financial audits.

Conclusion: A Smart Step Toward the Public Markets

Zepto’s move to rename its parent company reflects strategic intent and growth-focused clarity. As it preps for its IPO journey, this rebranding will likely serve as a foundational step in cementing investor trust and public confidence.

With the quick commerce race intensifying, every step counts—and this one positions Zepto for smoother takeoff when it hits the public markets.

 

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Tech Innovation, Startup, Tech News

Swiggy Expands Beyond Food With Pyng App for Services

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Swiggy Launches Pyng App to Meet Rising Demand for Professional Services

Swiggy, the food delivery giant that reshaped how Indians order meals, is making a bold new move into the professional services space with the launch of Pyng—an app that lets users book everything from electricians and beauticians to pet care and repair services.

Currently live in Bengaluru, Pyng is Swiggy’s answer to India’s growing demand for hyperlocal professional services. It’s a natural progression for the company as it looks to diversify its portfolio and become a go-to app for everyday needs.

What Is Pyng and What Can You Book?

The Pyng app connects users with verified professionals across a range of service categories, including:

  • Appliance repairs (AC, fridge, washing machines)
  • Plumbing & electrical services
  • Salon-at-home
  • Home cleaning
  • Car washing & bike servicing
  • Pest control
  • Pet grooming

Think of it as Swiggy’s version of UrbanClap (now Urban Company), aimed at making daily life tasks seamless.

Why Is Swiggy Doing This?

1. Tapping Into India’s $10B+ Home Services Market

The organized home services market in India is still underpenetrated but growing rapidly. With brand trust and logistics already in place, Swiggy is well-positioned to make a dent.

2. Diversifying Beyond Food Delivery

Post-pandemic, Swiggy has made it clear it wants to go beyond food. From Instamart to Genie and now Pyng, the company is becoming a lifestyle and convenience ecosystem.

3. Hyperlocal Is the Future

With the success of Dunzo, Urban Company, and others, the hyperlocal playbook has been proven. Pyng adds services to Swiggy’s existing delivery backbone, making it more efficient.

Bengaluru First—Then What?

Swiggy has soft-launched Pyng in select Bengaluru neighborhoods to test scalability and demand. Depending on traction, it plans to:

  • Expand to more cities in phases
  • Integrate Pyng into the main Swiggy app
  • Offer subscription-based service bundles or memberships

Competition: Urban Company in the Crosshairs?

With Pyng, Swiggy is clearly taking aim at Urban Company’s dominance in the organized home services space. While Urban Company has a head start and deeper vertical expertise, Swiggy’s edge lies in its:

  • User base
  • Logistics network
  • Brand recall

Plus, if Pyng manages to maintain service quality, pricing, and timely delivery, the competition could heat up quickly.

Conclusion – Swiggy’s Super App Strategy Gets a Boost

The launch of Pyng shows Swiggy isn’t content being just a food delivery giant. As it builds out its “everything app” strategy, services like Pyng could be the next big frontier.

From your next meal to your next plumber, Swiggy wants to be the tap that gets it done.

 

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Sam Altman Praises Bengaluru Startup Behind His Baby’s Smart Crib
Startup, Tech Innovation, Technology

Sam Altman Praises Bengaluru Startup Behind His Baby’s Smart Crib

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Sam Altman Praises Bengaluru Founder for His Baby’s Smart Crib

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, one of the most influential figures in tech today, recently gave a heartfelt shoutout to a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur—Kartik Mandaville, the founder of SpringWorks—for a product that has become part of his parenting routine: a smart baby crib.

Altman, in a recent social media post, thanked Mandaville for the thoughtful gift and revealed that the high-tech crib is actively in use in his household. The product in question? A Cradlewise smart crib, designed to monitor babies, adapt to their sleep cycles, and automatically soothe them with motion and sound.

What Is the Smart Crib and What Does It Do?

The Cradlewise crib isn’t your ordinary bassinet. It’s a next-gen baby gadget equipped with:

  • A built-in baby monitor
  • Motion-sensor technology to detect early signs of waking
  • Gentle bouncing and sound features to soothe infants
  • A machine learning algorithm to personalize response patterns

The product is targeted at tech-savvy millennial parents and retails for around ₹2.4 lakh (approx. $2,000) in the U.S. market.

The Bengaluru Connection

While the company behind Cradlewise is based in the U.S., the brains and build behind the tech has strong roots in India. Kartik Mandaville, best known for his HR-tech startup SpringWorks, helped enable part of the product’s development pipeline. The smart crib’s tech team and hardware contributors include members based out of Bengaluru, furthering India’s growing footprint in global consumer tech.

Why This Matters

Sam Altman’s public appreciation does more than highlight a parenting gadget—it puts the spotlight on:

  • India’s growing influence in global hardware innovation
  • Bengaluru as a hub not just for software but now hardware and smart consumer products
  • The personal side of tech leaders, reminding the world that behind AI breakthroughs are dads who still need a good night’s sleep

Global Recognition of Indian Talent

Altman’s mention has already sparked excitement in the Indian startup community. It underscores how Indian entrepreneurs are creating products that aren’t just scalable—they’re world-class and lifestyle-enhancing.

Whether it’s a productivity app or a baby crib, Indian innovation continues to make waves across Silicon Valley and beyond.

 

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Startup

Cred in Talks for $200M Raise Amid Market Pressure

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Cred Targets $100–200 Million in New Funding at Reduced Valuation

Introduction –

Valuation Trim Signals a New Market Reality

Cred, the Indian fintech giant led by entrepreneur Kunal Shah, is reportedly in talks to raise $100–200 million in fresh capital—but this time, at a significantly reduced valuation. Once valued at $6.4 billion during its last fundraising round, Cred may now accept a valuation closer to $5.5–6 billion.

This marks a noteworthy shift for the elite fintech startup and reflects broader market dynamics where even well-established players are recalibrating expectations amid a global funding slowdown.

Why is Cred, a darling of Indian fintech, scaling back its valuation targets? Let’s explore the evolving strategy, investor sentiment, and the implications for India’s startup ecosystem.

Why the Valuation Cut?

Funding Winter Continues

Global markets remain cautious, with venture capital firms more focused on profitability and path-to-scale than sky-high paper valuations. Cred’s move signals that reality checks are hitting late-stage startups too.

Shift in Growth Metrics

Investors today are placing more weight on unit economics, customer acquisition costs, and monetization models. While Cred has scaled user engagement impressively, profitability is still a long-term play.

Strategic Optics

Accepting a slightly reduced valuation could help Cred close this round faster while keeping its focus on expansion, rather than just valuation hype. It also signals maturity and realism to potential investors.

Who’s Involved in the Fundraise?

Reports suggest that both existing and new investors are involved in the discussions. Past backers include:

  • Tiger Global
  • Falcon Edge Capital
  • DST Global

The fresh capital may be used to fuel Cred’s diversification into lending, wealth management, and other consumer-focused financial services.

The Bigger Picture – What’s Next for Cred?

Diversification Beyond Credit Cards

Cred started as a credit card bill payment platform but has expanded into personal loans, UPI payments, and e-commerce through its Cred Store. The fundraise could accelerate these verticals.

Building Sustainable Revenue Streams

With increased investor focus on sustainability, Cred may double down on services that generate consistent cash flow—like lending, wealth tools, and premium memberships.

Preparing for Public Markets?

Some insiders speculate that Cred’s current moves are laying groundwork for a potential IPO in the next few years. This fundraise could be a key bridge to that milestone.

Broader Implications for Indian Startups

Down Rounds May Become Normal

Cred isn’t alone. As valuations across the board get recalibrated, even unicorns are making peace with modest markdowns.

From Burn to Earn

VCs are now prioritizing business models that show clear monetization and efficiency over just user growth. Cred’s approach may set the tone for other fintechs.

Sign of Maturity

Accepting a more grounded valuation isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign that India’s startup ecosystem is evolving from hype to health.

Conclusion –

A Smart Reset for a Fintech Leader

Cred’s decision to raise funds at a lower valuation is less a setback and more a strategic adjustment. In today’s funding environment, realism is the new unicorn.

As the company continues to expand its financial offerings and attract high-value users, this capital could fuel its next big leap—sustainably and strategically.

Whether it’s a precursor to an IPO or a push toward long-term profitability, Cred’s next chapter is worth watching.

 

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Business News, Startup

Lahori Breaks Coke Pepsi Parle Hold in India’s Drink Market

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Lahori Breaks Coke Pepsi Parle Hold on India’s Beverage Market With Regional Disruption Strategy

Introduction:

In a market long dominated by global heavyweights and entrenched domestic players, a bold regional brand is turning heads. Lahori breaks Coke Pepsi Parle hold on India’s ₹70,000 crore beverage industry with a compelling mix of local flavor, grassroots marketing, and customer-first innovation.

What began as a small-scale startup has now morphed into one of India’s fastest-growing beverage brands. Lahori has not only created a niche for itself in the desi drink segment but is now actively challenging the supremacy of established brands like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Parle Agro in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

How Lahori Broke the Monopoly of Giants

Lahori’s rise was powered by sharp insights into Indian consumer behavior and untapped preferences for traditional flavors. While Pepsi and Coke focused on urban cool, Lahori focused on:

  • Desi flavors like Nimbu Pani, Masala Jeera, and Aam Panna
  • Affordable pricing, targeting value-conscious customers
  • Local supply chains and regional retail penetration

Rather than compete with slick advertising budgets, Lahori played the authenticity card—offering familiar tastes in hygienic, ready-to-drink formats.

Key Strategic Moves by Lahori

  1. Hyperlocal Branding: Lahori’s name, packaging, and product line-up evoke nostalgic street-side drinks.
  2. Smart Distribution: Lahori avoided large supermarkets and instead focused on kirana stores, railway stalls, and school canteens.
  3. Innovative Formats: Ready-to-drink bottles with traditional beverages sealed for hygiene.
  4. Price Point Strategy: Most drinks priced under ₹20 to capture the mass market.

These tactics allowed Lahori to sidestep the massive media battles waged by multinational rivals.

Lahori’s Product Line That Turned Heads

Their current portfolio includes:

  • Lahori Nimbu Pani
  • Lahori Aam Panna
  • Lahori Masala Cola
  • Lahori Jaljeera
  • Lahori Jeera Soda

These drinks are not only rooted in Indian taste but are also healthier alternatives compared to sugary colas, giving Lahori a wellness edge.

Disrupting the Beverage Triangle: Coke, Pepsi, Parle

For decades, India’s soft drink space has been boxed into a triangle—Coke and Pepsi dominating carbonated drinks and Parle ruling local favorites through brands like Frooti and Appy. But Lahori’s entry as a hybrid disruptor—traditional taste with startup agility—has shaken the status quo.

The fact that Lahori breaks Coke Pepsi Parle hold in local markets shows the consumer appetite for something new, relevant, and regionally rooted.

Challenges Lahori Faced

Of course, it wasn’t easy. Lahori faced:

  • Resistance from entrenched distributors loyal to larger brands
  • Lack of visibility in national media
  • Scaling hurdles in production and cold storage logistics

However, their direct relationship with retailers and grassroots branding helped overcome these issues.

Funding and Future Outlook

Lahori has recently attracted investor attention, raising significant capital to expand operations, ramp up manufacturing, and build brand recall in urban centers. Their goal is to:

  • Enter 100+ cities across India
  • Launch a new health-oriented drink range
  • Take Lahori products overseas to NRI markets

With growth metrics exceeding 100% YoY in regional zones, Lahori is poised to become the breakout FMCG star of India’s D2C beverage ecosystem.

Conclusion:

The story of how Lahori breaks Coke Pepsi Parle hold is one of modern Indian entrepreneurship meeting cultural insight. It’s a case study in turning regional loyalty into national scale, without mimicking the marketing playbooks of global giants.

As consumer preferences shift toward authentic, affordable, and health-conscious products, Lahori’s success shows that there’s always room for new players—especially those who understand Bharat as much as India.

 

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SpaceX Investor Makes Massive ₹5,600 Cr Haldiram Investment

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Space X Investor Haldiram’s Stake Deal Signals Global Confidence in India’s FMCG Sector

Introduction:
In a groundbreaking move blending global innovation and Indian tradition, a prominent SpaceX investor has acquired a 6% stake in Haldiram’s—India’s iconic snack and sweets brand. The SpaceX investor Haldiram’s stake deal is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a resounding signal that Indian FMCG brands are becoming hotspots for global capital.

This cross-industry development has taken both the financial world and consumer goods sector by surprise. On one end is a high-tech space investor, and on the other, a legacy Indian company known for its namkeens, mithais, and deep-rooted cultural appeal. As the boundaries between tech and tradition blur, the SpaceX investor Haldiram’s stake acquisition is being hailed as a strategic bet on India’s consumer economy.

SpaceX Investor Haldiram’s Stake: Why It Makes Sense

While details about the investor remain confidential, the link to Elon Musk’s SpaceX ecosystem points to a financially robust and forward-thinking backer. This move into India’s FMCG sector indicates a diversification strategy—shifting from tech innovation to stable, high-volume consumer markets.

Haldiram’s, with its widespread brand recognition, large-scale operations, and expanding global footprint, presents a compelling opportunity. The company’s ability to maintain traditional quality while modernizing packaging, retail formats, and logistics makes it an attractive investment.

 

Haldiram’s Growth Trajectory and Market Leadership

With over 80 years of brand heritage, Haldiram’s dominates India’s snack food industry. The company boasts:

  • A pan-India distribution network
  • A strong D2C and retail presence
  • Export operations in over 80 countries

Its evolution from a family-run sweet shop to a global FMCG force is a case study in sustainable brand building. The SpaceX investor Haldiram’s stake acquisition adds fuel to this momentum, providing strategic capital to support expansion, R&D, and digital transformation.

What This Means for Indian FMCG and Foreign Investment

The SpaceX investor Haldiram’s stake move is part of a growing trend: foreign investors are looking beyond tech unicorns and into resilient, revenue-generating sectors. Indian FMCG, backed by a billion-plus consumer base and rising disposable income, is proving to be an irresistible magnet.

Analysts predict that this could trigger:

  • Greater international interest in Indian legacy brands
  • A re-rating of FMCG valuation multiples
  • Accelerated IPO conversations for companies like Haldiram’s

It’s a clear nod to India’s evolving global position—not just as a tech powerhouse, but as a hub of consumer-led growth.

Opportunities Opened by the Stake Sale

With the new investment, Haldiram’s could:

  • Expand aggressively into underpenetrated Tier 2 & Tier 3 markets
  • Boost exports to newer geographies
  • Invest in automation and supply chain innovation
  • Accelerate product development and e-commerce capabilities

The SpaceX investor Haldiram’s stake deal brings not just money but credibility—raising the brand’s international profile and attracting further strategic partnerships.

Strategic Shift: When Tech Investors Back Traditional Brands

It’s not every day that a stakeholder linked to rockets and reusable launch vehicles dives into savory snacks. But this isn’t a random move. It’s part of a broader realization: India’s economic future lies in convergence—where technology, tradition, and scale intersect.

The SpaceX investor Haldiram’s stake story could well serve as a blueprint for future investments in emerging market consumer champions.

Conclusion:

The SpaceX investor Haldiram’s stake acquisition is more than a headline—it’s a symbol of a larger shift in global investment trends. As Indian brands rise on the global stage, the appetite for legacy-meets-modernity stories will only grow.

This move is a vote of confidence—not only in Haldiram’s—but in the strength, scalability, and future-readiness of India’s consumer ecosystem.

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Lehlah Raises Rs 12.5 Crore in Funding Led by Nikhil Kamath

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Lehlah Raises Rs 12.5 Crore: Nikhil Kamath-Backed Startup Eyes Creator Commerce Growth

Introduction

India’s booming creator economy just got a major push as influencer commerce startup Lehlah raises Rs 12.5 crore in seed funding. The round was led by Gruhas, the investment platform co-founded by Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath. Positioned at the intersection of tech, creators, and commerce, Lehlah aims to redefine how influencers launch and monetize their own D2C brands. With this capital infusion, the company is looking to expand its team, invest in tech, and bring more creator-led brands to life.

The news that Lehlah raises Rs 12.5 crore signals growing investor interest in the fast-evolving influencer-driven business model.

Funding Details

Investment Highlights

  • Total raised: ₹12.5 crore (~$1.5 million)
  • Lead investor: Gruhas (Nikhil Kamath & Abhijeet Pai)
  • Other investors: WEH Ventures, All In Capital, and angel investors from the startup and content ecosystem

Usage of Funds

Lehlah plans to use the funds for:

  • Scaling its tech platform
  • Expanding creator partnerships
  • Hiring across product, engineering, and growth teams
  • Supporting brand launches and logistics

What is Lehlah?

Lehlah is a full-stack platform that enables influencers to:

  • Launch their own brands from scratch
  • Manage product development, supply chain, and fulfillment
  • Handle marketing and customer engagement

Why It Matters

With creators becoming brands themselves, Lehlah simplifies the process of monetizing their audience and turning influence into commerce.

Founders and Vision

The Founding Team

Lehlah was founded by a team with backgrounds in consumer tech, marketing, and brand building. The exact names were not disclosed in the article, but the company is rooted in deep experience across D2C and creator-led growth.

Vision for the Future

Lehlah aims to be the Shopify + agency for India’s influencer economy, giving creators full control over their digital storefronts while handling backend complexity.

Why Investors Are Betting on Lehlah

Nikhil Kamath’s Backing

Gruhas co-founder Nikhil Kamath said the investment aligns with their interest in content-driven commerce. “Creators are the new-age entrepreneurs,” he noted.

Market Potential

India has over 80 million content creators, with a growing number exploring brand creation. Influencer commerce is projected to reach ₹2,200 crore by 2027.

Industry Context: Rise of Creator-Led Startups

Growing Creator Economy

More influencers are moving beyond brand deals and affiliate marketing, opting instead to launch their own products—beauty, fashion, wellness, and more.

Tools for D2C Enablement

Startups like Lehlah are essential to lowering the barriers to entry for creators, who often lack the backend knowledge or capital to scale D2C businesses.

Competitors to Watch

Similar startups in the space include:

  • TMRW by Aditya Birla
  • Moj creator programs
  • CreatorStack

What’s Next for Lehlah?

  • Onboard more micro and mid-tier creators
  • Launch multiple niche brands in beauty, fashion, and wellness
  • Strengthen tech offerings for analytics, logistics, and CRM

By mid-2025, Lehlah aims to power over 100 creator-led brands.

Conclusion

That Lehlah raises Rs 12.5 crore is not just another funding headline—it’s a signal of where digital commerce is heading. With creators becoming entrepreneurs and audiences doubling up as consumers, the influencer economy is at a turning point. Lehlah is well-positioned to ride this wave, empowering creators to build sustainable, independent businesses. As India’s content and commerce worlds merge, startups like Lehlah are shaping the next chapter of eCommerce.

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Zomato Lays Off 600 Employees – What It Means for the Industry

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Zomato Lays Off 600 Employees: Automation and Slowdown to Blame?

Introduction

In a move that has sent ripples across the startup ecosystem, Zomato lays off 600 employees from its customer support team. The decision, driven by a combination of automation advancements and a slowdown in food delivery demand, marks a significant shift in the company’s operational strategy. As one of India’s top food tech giants, Zomato’s move raises important questions about the balance between tech-driven efficiency and workforce stability. In this article, we explore why the layoffs happened, what they mean for Zomato’s future, and how it reflects the larger trends in the gig economy.

What Triggered the Layoffs?

Automation at the Core

Zomato has been aggressively investing in automation, from AI chatbots to self-service resolution tools, significantly reducing the need for human intervention in customer support.

Food Delivery Demand Stabilizing

Unlike the pandemic-era surge, the food delivery segment has now stabilized, with growth rates plateauing. This has made some parts of the customer support infrastructure redundant.

Inside the Numbers

  • 600 employees laid off from the customer support division
  • Impact primarily seen across outsourced vendors in cities like Hyderabad, Gurugram, and Bengaluru
  • No layoffs reported in tech, product, or core delivery teams

Zomato has clarified that these are not company payroll employees but were working via third-party agencies.

Company’s Official Response

Streamlining for Efficiency

According to Zomato, the layoffs are part of an ongoing effort to optimize customer support operations. The company maintains that automation has drastically reduced complaint volumes and response times.

No Impact on Service Quality

Zomato stated that customer satisfaction metrics have actually improved with the use of tech solutions. “This decision, though tough, aligns with our long-term efficiency goals,” a spokesperson said.

Employee Reactions

Shock and Disappointment

While some saw it coming due to reduced work volumes, others were caught off guard. Many affected employees have taken to social media to express frustration over the sudden move.

Severance and Support

Some vendors have offered minimal severance packages, while others are working to reassign staff to different clients.

The Bigger Picture: Tech vs Jobs

The Automation Debate

This layoff once again stokes the debate around AI replacing jobs. While automation brings efficiency, it often comes at the cost of blue-collar employment.

Other Startups Following Suit

Zomato isn’t alone. Several startups in logistics, edtech, and fintech have also scaled down customer support roles, choosing AI-powered solutions over manpower.

Zomato’s Strategic Vision

Focus on Profitability

Zomato has recently turned profitable and is doubling down on operational margins. These layoffs, though controversial, are in line with the company’s drive toward leaner operations.

Future of Customer Support

Expect more AI-led solutions in the app: smart FAQs, automated refunds, and real-time order tracking are just the beginning.

Industry Reactions

Analysts’ Take

Market experts view this as a practical move. “For Zomato, scalability with fewer human resources is crucial in the long run,” says a startup analyst.

Investor Confidence

Despite the layoffs, investor sentiment remains stable. Zomato’s stock showed little volatility following the announcement, indicating market confidence in its tech-driven strategy.

What It Means for the Gig Economy

Reskilling the Workforce

There’s now a louder call for companies to invest in reskilling displaced workers for roles in AI supervision, product training, or digital marketing.

Ethical Layoffs?

The debate continues on whether tech companies should offer better transition support to outsourced workers affected by automation.

Conclusion

The news that Zomato lays off 600 employees is more than just a business update—it’s a sign of changing times. While automation drives efficiency, it also highlights the urgent need for humane transition strategies. For India’s evolving startup ecosystem, this move underscores the importance of balancing innovation with inclusivity. As Zomato marches toward a more tech-centric future, the industry watches closely to see who’s next and how companies handle the human side of disruption.

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Artificial Intelligence, Startup

OpenAI Raises $40B at $300B Valuation! What’s Next?

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OpenAI Finalises $40 Billion Funding at a $300 Billion Valuation

Introduction

In a move that has shaken the global tech and AI landscape, OpenAI has officially closed a massive $40 billion funding round, propelling its valuation to a staggering $300 billion. This groundbreaking development has not only solidified OpenAI’s position as a titan in artificial intelligence innovation but also marked a significant shift in investor confidence in AI’s future.

This blog post explores the implications of this monumental funding, what it means for the industry, OpenAI’s strategic roadmap, and how this positions the organization amid fierce global AI competition. Our focus keyword is OpenAI $40B funding, and it will guide our SEO strategy and structure.

Let’s break down the who, what, and why behind this $40 billion investment and how it cements OpenAI’s role in shaping the next era of technological revolution.

What the $40B Funding Round Means for OpenAI

OpenAI’s ability to close such a significant round during a time of economic uncertainty demonstrates immense trust from investors in the company’s leadership and vision. According to sources, the round included major players from tech investment powerhouses and sovereign wealth funds, signaling the global importance of OpenAI’s work.

The $300 billion valuation puts OpenAI in the league of mega-cap companies, previously reserved for the likes of Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Notably, Microsoft has already committed substantial investments in OpenAI, deepening their strategic partnership.

This funding will empower OpenAI to scale its research capabilities, expand infrastructure, and innovate at a faster pace in developing safer and more powerful AI systems.

Where Will the Money Go?

According to insiders, OpenAI plans to allocate the funds across multiple fronts:

  • Model Development: Improving models like GPT-5 and future iterations.
  • Infrastructure Expansion: Investing in data centers and supercomputing resources.
  • Global Talent Acquisition: Attracting top-tier AI researchers and engineers.
  • Safety and Alignment Research: Ensuring AI systems remain safe and controllable.
  • Enterprise Tools: Expanding its API offerings and customizable AI platforms for businesses.

With competitors like Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and Mistral racing forward, OpenAI’s capital infusion ensures it retains a leading edge in the global AI arms race.

The Global AI Landscape After the Funding

This move is expected to recalibrate the balance of power within the AI space. Startups and major players alike now face the pressure of keeping up with OpenAI’s momentum. Some experts believe that this funding round might spark a new wave of mergers and acquisitions as smaller players look for scale.

Industry Reactions and Market Impact

The industry response to the funding has been swift and intense. Venture capitalists are now eyeing AI-focused ventures with renewed interest. Public companies are seeing spikes in their AI-related stock prices, and tech publications are filled with speculation about OpenAI’s next moves.

There are growing expectations for:

  • Public offering rumors in 2025-26.
  • Strategic international partnerships.
  • Increased presence in Asia and the Middle East.

Ethical Concerns and Future Challenges

Despite the celebration, the massive funding has reignited debates around ethical AI development. Critics warn that with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to generative AI’s impact on misinformation, employment, and privacy.

OpenAI has committed to continued transparency, open research publications, and working closely with global regulators. However, the challenges of scale, bias mitigation, and global cooperation remain.

Conclusion

The OpenAI $40B funding marks a historic milestone not only for the organization but for the entire AI industry. With its valuation soaring to $300 billion, OpenAI now has both the resources and the responsibility to shape a future where AI is both transformative and trustworthy.

This moment reflects a turning point in how we perceive and invest in artificial intelligence. As OpenAI marches forward with enhanced capabilities and expanded vision, all eyes will remain on what it builds next—and how responsibly it steers this powerful technology.

Stay tuned, because the future of AI just got a whole lot more interesting.

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