Mom and baby care brand SuperBottoms secures $5mn in a Series A1 round

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August 23, 2023

SuperBottoms, a sustainable baby and mum care brand based in Mumbai, has raised $5 million in a Series A1 funding round to support its plans to expand into new product categories and accelerate offline growth. Lok Capital and Sharrp Ventures led the round.

SuperBottom wants to broaden its physical presence to connect with more people in person and diversify its product line to appeal to a wider market.

SuperBottoms received funding in May 2022 from DSG Partners and Saama Capital totaling Rs 22.5 crore (roughly $3 million).

SuperBottoms, a company founded in 2016 by Pallavi Utagi, sells reusable baby and mom care products and claims to have served over 200,000 customers.

The startup offers products such as Cotton Langots, Potty Training Pants, Kid’s Clothing, and the innovative MaxAbsorb™ Period Underwear.

Pallavi Utagi, the Founder of SuperBottoms, expressed her gratitude towards the parent community for their unwavering support. She stated, “With the funds raised, we aim to drive initiatives that spread awareness about Cloth Diapering to a wider audience throughout the country. We’re thrilled to join forces with consumer-oriented investors like Lok Capital, Sharrp Ventures, DSG Consumer Partners, and Saama Capital as we expand our reach and strengthen our commitment to creating a robust brand for children.”

Venky Natarajan, Managing Partner at Lok Capital, said, “Pallavi’s journey, born out of a real personal need as a new mother, is inspiring. The company has scaled remarkably, while upholding its commitment to sustainability and catering to their audience with empathy. SuperBottoms’ innovative approach to eco-friendly baby products has resonated deeply with consumers, and their dedication to quality and environmental responsibility stands out. We look forward to being a part of this journey, supporting SuperBottoms as they continue to redefine this market and pave the way for a greener future in childcare.”

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts announces Clarks Exotica Island House in Port Blair

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August 22, 2023

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The Clarks Hotels & Resorts recently announced the opening of their upcoming property, Clarks Exotica Island House, in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Through this strategic move, the group will be able to expand to the exotic destination and provide guests with upscale MICE, leisure, and destination wedding amenities.

Clarks Exotica Island House has an open-air dining area with a beautiful view of the island and 40 efficiently designed keys, including a mix of rooms and independent villas.

Rahul Deb Banerjee, the Vice President of The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, stated, “Expanding our footprint to Port Blair aligns perfectly with our corporate strategy of providing personalised experiences to our guests. The Clarks Exotica Island House is designed to cater to the evolving travel preferences, and with the government’s emphasis on boosting tourism, we are confident that our guests will cherish their time at this exquisite property.”

The hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional services extends to its spa, where skilled masseurs ensure guests a luxurious and rejuvenating experience.

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts are unwavering in their commitment to ethical travel and sustainable practices as part of their commitment to responsible tourism. The brand works tirelessly to reduce its environmental impacts while helping the local communities.

Empowering ayurveda consumers: HealthMug.com and Vansaar join hands for transformative partnership

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August 22, 2023

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HealthMug.com and Vansaar Set the Stage for a New Era in Ayurveda Retail

New Delhi, 21st August 2023 – HealthMug.com, a leading online marketplace for healthcare and wellness products, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Vansaar, a prominent name in the Ayurveda industry. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in redefining the Ayurveda shopping experience for consumers by combining tradition with modernity.

Dr. Mohit Agarwal, Co-founder of HealthMug Pvt. Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “The collaboration with Vansaar has allowed our marketplace to gain wider brand visibility in the Ayurveda Category. This collaboration comes at an opportune time, as consumers increasingly seek modern versions of Ayurveda products that seamlessly blend tradition and present needs. Vansaar represents the same. Both Healthmug and Vansaar are excited about the possibilities this collaboration presents. By pushing boundaries and embracing tradition, they are setting a new standard for customer satisfaction within the Ayurveda industry.”

Vansaar’s E-commerce Lead, Anurag Karmakar, shared his excitement about the journey with HealthMug, saying, “It’s been a great journey so far selling our products under the brand VANSAAR with HealthMug. We started the business on HealthMug recently and we have seen tremendous growth on the portal in terms of sales. I can see a huge potential in HealthMug as a platform for brands like us. Currently, we are on a Run rate of 2 lacs on a monthly basis and want to achieve a Run rate of at least 25 lacs on a monthly basis in the coming 3-4 months. We are hoping to grow in the same manner as an upward trajectory.”

This partnership showcases a shared commitment to providing customers with top-quality Ayurveda products and services. HealthMug.com and Vansaar are dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in the Ayurveda industry while delivering products catering to traditional wisdom and modern preferences.

With this collaboration, HealthMug.com and Vansaar are poised to set new industry benchmarks and become the go-to destination for Ayurveda enthusiasts seeking a blend of heritage and contemporary wellness solutions.

About HealthMug.com

HealthMug.com is a leading online marketplace dedicated to offering customers a wide range of healthcare and wellness products across India. With a focus on quality, convenience, and customer satisfaction, HealthMug.com aims to provide a seamless shopping experience for individuals seeking authentic health and wellness solutions.

For more information about HealthMug.com, please visit: https://www.healthmug.com/

About Vansaar

Vansaar is a prominent name in the Ayurveda industry, known for its commitment to providing high-quality Ayurvedic products that blend traditional wisdom with contemporary needs. With a wide range of offerings, Vansaar aims to promote wellness and balance in the lives of its customers through time-tested Ayurvedic remedies.

For more information about Vansaar, please visit: https://www.vansaar.com/

Food tech company Enough bags €40 million

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August 22, 2023

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Food technology company ENOUGH, which has partnerships with Unilever and Marks & Spencer, has raised 40 million euros ($43.5 million), attracting investment despite signs of a slowdown in the alternative meat and protein sector.

ENOUGH, which ferments fungi to produce protein for plant-based chicken, mince, and dairy products, said the funding round was headed by venture capital firm World Fund and CPT Capital, an early investor in Beyond Meat and had a stake in Upside Foods.

Other participants in the fund-raising for the British and Netherlands-based company ENOUGH included existing investors like AXA IM Alts and the Olympic Investments company of the Onassis shipping family.

“ENOUGH has made great strides in the past few years to launch our new factory in the Netherlands and scale up to work with customers across the UK and Europe,” said CEO Jim Laird, a former chief executive of plant-based meat producer Quorn.

“With this new funding, we will accelerate that growth,” he added.

Alternative meat and protein producers claim that by using meat produced in laboratories, which has a lower environmental impact than traditional farming, they are helping in the battle to protect the climate.

However, Beyond Meat’s reduction of its annual revenue forecast earlier this month suggests that consumer demand for plant-based meat may be declining.

Aretto, kids footwear brand, secures Rs 4.5-Cr in funding round

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August 19, 2023

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The kid’s footwear brand Aretto announced the successful completion of its seed funding round. The company raised $550K from a clutch of angel investors and advisors, which included renowned cricketer Hardik Pandya; Abhineet Singh(Co-founder of VegNonVeg and Founder Brewhouse), Shyam Raichura (MD of Aan Group), Raunak Munot (Ex-CMO of Bombay Shaving Company), investment banking firm Veromint Advisors, Vinayak Shrivastav (Co-founder Videoverse), and Kunal Sumaya (MD Julius Bear).

Aretto offers technologically designed shoes that adapt to the size and shape of the kid’s feet as they grow. The company stated it would strategically channel and use the funds to increase team size, research and development efforts, and introduce new product lines.

Satyajit Mittal, CEO Aretto, commented, “We are immensely grateful for the support and trust shown by our investors at this crucial stage of Aretto’s journey. Each investor is a mentor in their own capacity and a well-wisher of the brand, sharing our larger vision and belief in the team’s determination and grit. This seed funding is not only a testament to our investors’ confidence in our innovative kids’ technology, but it also reiterates our commitment to revolutionizing the industry.”

TGI Hotels & Resorts has expanded its portfolio by adding six more hotels to its brand

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August 19, 2023

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TGI Properties & Resorts have moved one step closer to achieving its development goals for 2023 with the signing of 6 new properties across brands in India during March and July. Locations include Sakleshpura, Bangalore, Mandu, and Haridwar. It is scheduled to open in September 2023. These signings strengthen the group’s position in India, where it already operates 20 hotels across 15 locations.

We have signed our First property under Our New brand, “TRISHVAM”, at Sakleshpur, Karnataka. A popular yet offbeat hill station in Karnataka flanked by the Western Ghats. There is something for everyone, from the dense rainforest, hiking trails, historical temples and an old fort, mountain peaks and waterfalls. This place is one of the most popular destinations for a weekend getaway in the state. This will be a turning point in our efforts to offer luxurious accommodations in niche markets where we meticulously curate experiences to recraft your memories. The 42 luxurious cottages are spread across a 24-acre coffee plantation and will be launched by September

Bangalore: With seven hotels, we have a strong presence throughout the city. As the demand for hotel rooms along the Outer Ring Road grew, we decided to seize the opportunity and actively expand our services to position ourselves for future growth by signing three hotels totalling 210 keys as a cluster on the Outer Ring Road.

Haridwar: We chose to start operations in Haridwar since it is the gateway to all of Uttarakhand’s tourism locations and a major pilgrimage centre. The hotel is scheduled to open on September 1st with 32 rooms, a restaurant, and a banquet hall.

Mandu: This lovely city is now known for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mandu’s history can be traced back to the Paramar era in the eighth century A.D. The resort is scheduled to open after renovation by October 1st with 23 rooms, a restaurant, a banquet hall and a lawn for weddings.

We have a nine-year track record of consistently expanding our portfolio and offering top-notch accommodation to visitors nationwide. We are focused on doubling our footprint by 2024 and will continue to invest in discovering the right partners for signing and opening brand-defining hotels.

We also have plans to launch TGI Hotels in other destinations like Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Wayanad, Munnar, Alleppey, Mysore, Goa, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Amritsar and Varanasi.

Surge in digital travel platforms usage; 57% Indians seek planned itineraries: report

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August 18, 2023

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Over 50% of travellers prefer pre-planned itineraries, according to the APAC Travel Confidence Index 2023 from online travel agency Booking.com, which shows how digital travel platforms have revolutionized travel planning. The APAC Travel Confidence Index 2023 highlights the rapid uptake of digital travel platforms, changing how Indians plan, book, and experience their journeys.

According to the survey, 57% of Indian travellers now prefer meticulously planned itineraries, including local excursions, restaurants, and attractions.

For 30% of people, making reservations for accommodation and transport in advance is essential, while the rest rely mostly on spontaneity.

According to the report, 42% of Indian travellers rely on digital travel platforms to make their reservations, demonstrating the importance of this trust. Notably, 40% of travellers look for platforms that enable a connected trip experience, integrating travel, lodging, activities, and services into an itinerary. According to the report, these experiences are in high demand because of their unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and immersive nature.

Before confirming, they take into account several factors. Beyond cost, essential elements include flexible cancellation policies and wide-ranging booking options. According to the report, platforms with lenient refund and cancellation policies are prioritized by about 40% of users.

According to the report, about 50% of respondents use online accommodation platforms to compare prices before making reservations. Nearly 40% choose platforms that offer various stay options, including hotels, resorts, hostels, and more.

Additionally, about 35% consider user reviews and experiences when choosing a platform. According to the report, loyalty programmes have a 24% impact on Indian travellers’ platform choices.

Booking.com and Milieu Insight conducted research with 8,800 respondents across 11 APAC countries and territories for the APAC Travel Confidence Index.

The study assessed variables such as travel willingness, spending intentions, trip frequency, and travel willingness within the current macroeconomic environment. It also delved into market-specific queries, sustainability perspectives, and travel considerations. A two-axis framework was used to establish rankings that showed levels of interest in sustainability and travel.

Naukri parent Info Edge to invest Rs 10-Cr in Zwayam Digital

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August 18, 2023

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Info Edge (India) Ltd, the parent company of Naukri.com, announced on Friday that it would invest Rs 10 crore in its wholly-owned subsidiary Zwayam Digital Pvt Ltd. According to a statement from Info Edge, the investment is being made to meet Zwayam’s requirement for working capital.

Zwayam, founded in 2015, is a SaaS-based company that offers solutions for sourcing and screening candidates. In June, Info Edge acquired the firm.

In the last fiscal year, Zwayam generated revenues of Rs 38.53 crore and net profits of Rs 2.55 crore.

“The Company has agreed to acquire 1,000,000-0.0001% Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (“CCDs”) having face value of Rs. 100/- each. Post this investment, Zwayam remains the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,” Info Edge said.

Provident Housing to invest Rs 2,000-Cr to develop five residential projects

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August 18, 2023

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Provident Housing Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Puravankara Group, plans to invest over Rs 2000 crore to develop a 5.8 mn sq ft residential project over the next four years, with a focus on sustainable living as it embarks on the next phase of growth.

The company expects to generate more than Rs 3800 crore in revenue from the proposed projects.

With an investment of over Rs 450 crore, the company will launch its first project, Provident Ecopolitan, in North Bengaluru’s Aerospace Park. More than 60% of the 956 apartments in the proposed project are lung spaces, with sizes ranging from 625 sq ft to 1,427 sq ft and 1, 2, and 3 BHK configurations.

Mallanna Sasalu, Chief Executive Officer of Provident Housing Limited, said, “We are excited with the response ahead of the launch of our newest project Provident Ecopolitan, proving that a combination of a great product and the brand name continues to attract homebuyers. We have so far received an astounding response to the expressions of interest (EoIs) opened to the market since receipt of RERA on 11th August. We strive to provide our potential residents with a lifestyle that meets luxury paired with a greener building philosophy. This project also allows its residents to access the city’s biggest tech parks, making it a viable location for all types of homebuyers. At Provident Housing, we are dedicated to providing world-class amenities and thoughtfully designed plans for our customers, and this project will serve as a forerunner in adopting sustainable living.”

The project promises a sustainable lifestyle for its residents and has been developed at the hub of manufacturing and aerospace research facilities. Other environmentally friendly features include rooftop rainwater harvesting and the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) STP process, which significantly lowers water demand and uses water-saving fixtures with aerators.

Provident Ecopolitan, which has sustainability at its core, will offer its owners a lush, green home with over 45 indigenous species of trees and the novel idea of “One Tree per family,” as well as an organic waste converter and solar photovoltaic cells for common area lighting.

This project will offer residents the convenience of shopping centres, a farmer’s market, an outdoor gym, a swimming pool, a nature trail, a bird-watching deck, a reflexology path, an amphitheatre with a stage, co-working spaces, TRX, a multipurpose court, a skating rink, and much more. It is located close to leading tech parks.

Provident Housing, founded in 2008, has residential developments in Bengaluru, Kochi, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Pune, among nine other cities. The company is currently working on 20 million sq ft of projects, of which 13.82 million square feet have already been finished, and 9.15 million square feet are still in progress. In addition, 7.97 million square feet will be used for upcoming launches.

Pidge builds first hybrid delivery partner network for a Digitally Inclusive Bharat

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August 17, 2023

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Pidge has connected businesses with over 50+ local delivery partners across all major cities.

National, August 17, 2023: Pidge, a leading logistics technology provider, has launched India’s first hybrid delivery partner network. With a mission to bring digital parity in a largely unorganised logistics sector, the Pidge Partner Network aims to create a digitally inclusive Bharat by leveraging the power of hybrid delivery partners.

To accomplish this, Pidge identified bleeding gaps that are not making businesses grow to their full potential. Whether it’s the challenge of improving the efficiency of internal delivery options or grappling with the unreliability of partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, the unit economics are broken. Unfortunately, there are no winners in the current delivery landscape. Pidge’s establishment of hybrid delivery partner networks nationwide is set to redefine the logistics landscape.

A “hybrid delivery partner network” is an interoperable platform incorporating diverse delivery partners. Pidge’s “logistics technology for all” will bring digital parity and, thus, increase the number of participants in the ecosystem. This will result in an increased fulfilment rate and reduced delivery costs. Consumer behaviour and expectations from at-home delivery are constantly evolving. Reliability and safety have become primary needs. By establishing hybrid delivery partner networks, businesses can be assured of reliability and cost-effectiveness while delivering an exceptional customer experience with each delivery.

Ratnesh Verma, Founder and CEO, Pidge, said, “Harnessing the power of interoperable hybrid networks will pave the way for digital parity in the Indian e-commerce ecosystem. Pidge’s accessible technology brings digital enablement to the unorganised layer. We are committed to removing the digital imbalance between those who ‘want’ delivery and those who ‘can’ deliver. Pidge Partner Networks will complement various government initiatives and help build an inclusive and more connected digital Bharat.”

More than 90% of the logistics sector in India remains unorganised. They lack access to easy and viable technology solutions and thus continue to be pressured by the middlemen. Uplifting them by making them digitally enabled will allow them to grow and reduce the layers of inefficiency in the ecosystem. These partners encompass local movers and couriers, manpower agencies, and crowd-sourced delivery riders. Pidge’s technology is bringing these digitally deprived segments to the forefront and enabling them with easy-to-use technology. If actual digitisation is spread wide across this layer, Pidge promises that no delivery will ever get unfulfilled.

Through its platform, Pidge offers an unparalleled range of delivery options, catering to each customer’s unique preferences and requirements. Whether it’s the need for immediate gratification with same-day delivery, the convenience of next-day delivery, or the flexibility of scheduled deliveries, Pidge’s systems can cater to all. By collaborating with a network of reliable delivery partners, Pidge aims to ensure swift and efficient services while maintaining its commitment to customer satisfaction.

Pidge powers businesses to tap into a vast network of delivery operators and has onboarded over 7 leading 3PL partners, including Shadowfax, Porter, LoadShare, Zomato, Dunzo, and Borzo, into the Pidge Partner Network. Pidge has connected businesses with over 50+ local delivery partners across cities, ensuring speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

By providing accessible and efficient delivery solutions, Pidge will enable businesses to enhance their delivery experience, generate greater revenue, and attain unparalleled economies of scale. Companies’ empowerment contributes to a virtuous cycle, fostering a robust and resilient economy that thrives on innovation, diversity, and fair competition. As the dream of better delivery experiences becomes a reality for businesses and consumers, the democratisation of last-mile logistics truly takes flight, ushering in a new era of digital literacy and economic prosperity.

About Pidge

Established in 2019 by Ratnesh Verma and Rushil Mohan, Pidge is dedicated to giving power to unorganised small and medium businesses to digitise, aggregate, and deliver through one logistics platform. Pidge aims to create interoperable hybrid micro-networks where companies can choose their delivery partners, be it 3PL or local delivery vendors, and democratise logistics access. With their seamless, low-code proprietary technology, they have already enabled 6 Mn deliveries and created a hybrid interoperable delivery network of more than 50k on fleet and 3PL delivery partners. Pidge inspires businesses to expand their horizons and create growth stories through smart technology. They call this idea “to break the barriersl”, which drives everything they do. More than 20 Industry Awards have recognised Pidge for its innovative technology, the most significant one being Silicon India’s Spotlight Award 2022.

To learn more, visit: https://pidge.in/

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