Author: Team CEO VINE

  • DotMe Raises $150,000 Funding to Expand Creator Monetization Tools

    DotMe Raises $150,000 Funding to Expand Creator Monetization Tools

    DotMe, a link-in-bio platform catering to content creators, has raised $150,000 in a funding round led by strategic investor and former Jimmy’s Cocktails co-founder, Mirza L. Baig.

    This latest investment values the startup at $1.25 million.

    The capital infusion will support DotMe in upgrading its platform, streamlining monetization for creators, and strengthening collaborations between influencers and brands.

    The company’s mission is to simplify content monetization while providing brands with enhanced tools to connect and engage with their target audiences.

    Founded by Harsh Vijaykumar, Ajay Ghanti, Pranay Jain, and Akshay ND, DotMe offers a comprehensive suite of creator-centric tools.

    It goes beyond standard link-in-bio services by integrating influencer discovery and facilitating brand partnerships. The platform enables creators to monetize their content efficiently while fostering real-time audience engagement.

    Also Read : Swarovski Expands Presence in India with New Wonderlux Store in New Delhi

    Currently, DotMe holds over 100,000 unique monthly users and has evolved into a vibrant community hub. It is widely used by renowned collectives like Sunburn Union, popular digital personalities such as Justin Joy (Hyperfitx), DJs like Almost Human, and well-known venues including FLO and Chin Lungs.

    Industry projections indicate that the global creator economy will expand from $127.65 billion in 2023 to an estimated $528.39 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 22.5%.

    Meanwhile, India’s digital content creation sector is expected to reach $4.40 billion by 2030, driven by a rapidly growing ecosystem of over 100 million creators.

  • Swarovski Expands Presence in India with New Wonderlux Store in New Delhi

    Swarovski Expands Presence in India with New Wonderlux Store in New Delhi

    Global luxury brand Swarovski, renowned for its precision-cut crystals, has expanded its footprint in India with the launch of its second-largest store in the country at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi.

    The announcement was made by Tanveer Kaur, Distribution and Real Estate Manager – South Asia at Swarovski, through a LinkedIn post, where she shared images of the newly opened store.

    The New Delhi store is designed in Swarovski’s signature Wonderlux purple theme, featuring distinctive octagonal displays along its perimeter.

    Each display elegantly showcases an array of crystal accessories, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, reflecting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and luxury.

    Swarovski’s largest store in India was inaugurated in December 2024 at Ambience Mall, Gurugram.

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    Deciml Raises $3 Million in Seed Funding Led by Jainam Broking

     The Gurugram store introduced the Wonderlux Yellow Format, offering an immersive and premium retail experience. Both stores signify Swarovski’s strategy to enhance its presence in India’s growing luxury market.

    Founded in 1895 in Austria by Daniel Swarovski, the brand has been at the forefront of crystal artistry, jewelry, and luxury accessories.

     Today, Swarovski operates in over 150 countries with a network of more than 2,400 boutiques globally, as per its official website. The company entered India in 2000 with a production unit in Pune, further strengthening its supply chain and regional presence.

    The brand extends beyond crystal jewelry, incorporating Swarovski Created Diamonds, zirconia, accessories, and home décor, making it a leader in design, craftsmanship, and innovation.

     Additionally, its sister companies, Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives) contribute to the Swarovski Group’s diverse portfolio.

    Swarovski is deeply invested in sustainability, diversity, and self-expression.

    The brand incorporates circular innovation into its production and actively supports philanthropic initiatives through the Swarovski Foundation, promoting environmental and social change globally.

  • The House Party by Savar Secures 1 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India Season 4

    The House Party by Savar Secures 1 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Gurugram-based The House Party by Savar, a luxury food catering company, made an impressive pitch on Shark Tank India Season 4, Episode 41.

    Founded by Kumar Savar Malhotra and Tanisha Malhotra, the company specializes in high-end catering for weddings, birthdays, and private events, offering gourmet meals made from 100% fresh and organic ingredients.

    With a proven track record of catering over 3,000 events, the founders sought an investment of ₹50 lakh for 1.25% equity, valuing their business at ₹40 crore.

    They emphasized their commitment to quality, premium service, and sustainability-driven practices.

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    Ivory Secures ₹50 Lakh Deal from Namita Thapar on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Ivory Secures ₹50 Lakh Deal from Namita Thapar on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Beyond its premium catering services, The House Party by Savar has also launched NumYum, a curated snack box brand.

     Their innovative approach includes a massive 750-item customizable menu with a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring portion-based serving to reduce food waste.

    During negotiations, Ritesh Agarwal recognized the brand’s potential and structured a compelling deal—₹50 lakh for 5% equity, along with an additional ₹50 lakh debt at 8% interest for three years, valuing the company at ₹10 crore.

    The founders accepted the offer, securing both funding and strategic mentorship from Ritesh Agarwal to scale their venture further.

  • Levi’s Names Diljit Dosanjh as Global Brand Ambassador

    Levi’s Names Diljit Dosanjh as Global Brand Ambassador

    American denim giant Levi’s has onboarded Indian singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh as its latest global brand ambassador, making him the first Punjabi artist to represent the iconic label.

    “We are thrilled to announce Diljit Dosanjh as the newest face of Levi’s®,” shared Amisha Jain, Managing Director of Levi Strauss & Co. for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa, in a LinkedIn post on Monday.

    “This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter as we continue to stay at the center of culture, teaming up with global icons who inspire and break boundaries,” Jain added.

    With this partnership, Levi’s aims to leverage Dosanjh’s cross-border popularity to drive the growth of its denim range.

    The singer will endorse the brand’s menswear collection, featuring new loose and relaxed fits that align with his signature fashion sense.

    Sharing his excitement, Dosanjh stated, “I’ve always admired Levi’s for the way it blends heritage with modern style. Denim is more than just clothing to me—it’s a statement. Partnering with Levi’s feels like the perfect fit.”

    Amisha Jain further emphasized, “Diljit Dosanjh perfectly embodies the progressive spirit of Levi’s. His phenomenal journey aligns with our brand’s spirit of empowering self-expression through music, fashion, and culture. Together, we’re set to create something truly iconic.”

    Following the massive success of Dosanjh’s ‘Dil-Luminati Tour’ merchandise, Levi’s anticipates this collaboration will further boost global sales of its denim range.

    Also Read: Deciml Raises $3 Million in Seed Funding

    In 2021, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone became Levi’s global brand ambassador, marking the first time a female celebrity represented the brand in India.

    Founded in 1853, Levi Strauss & Co. is renowned for its Levi’s denim jeans. Its portfolio includes brands such as Dockers, Signature, Denizen, and Beyond Yoga.

    Currently, Levi’s operates in more than 110 countries, distributing products through chain retailers, department stores, e-commerce platforms, and over 3,200 dedicated stores and shop-in-shops worldwide.

    Levi’s entered the Indian market in 1994 by establishing a wholly owned subsidiary, Levi Strauss India Ltd. Today, it boasts over 400 store locations across the country, according to SaaS platform Agenty.

  • Deciml Raises $3 Million in Seed Funding Led by Jainam Broking

    Deciml Raises $3 Million in Seed Funding Led by Jainam Broking

    Round-up investing platform Deciml has raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by Jainam Broking, marking the latter’s first foray into startup investment.

    The Pune-based company had previously secured $1 million from investors including MyAsiaVC, Gaurav Munjal, Ritesh Malik, Raunak Munot, and Mukund Jha.

    With the newly acquired funds, Deciml plans to enhance its product offerings, expand its user base, and strengthen its team to accelerate growth.

    Founded in 2020 by Satyajeet Kunjeer, Deciml aims to simplify investing by automatically rounding up users’ daily transactions to the nearest ₹10 and investing the spare change into mutual funds.

    The platform enables young Indians to invest effortlessly without requiring major behavioral shifts, integrating wealth creation seamlessly into their lifestyle.

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    Arva Health founders

    Arva Health raises $1 million in pre-seed funding

    “The Deciml journey is at a crucial crossroads right now. We took the time to adapt our product to user needs, and now we want to focus all our efforts and energies on scaling rapidly. At such a juncture, we truly couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful investor and partner than Jainam. They have not only validated our vision but are also fueling and shaping it,” said Satyajeet Kunjeer, founder of Deciml.

    The fintech market is poised for rapid expansion, with research estimating its size to reach $145.09 billion in 2025 and grow to $550.21 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 30.55%.

    Deciml currently has 3 lakh active users and approximately 3.5 lakh app downloads, registering a revenue of ₹7.2 lakh in FY25.

    The company primarily competes with Jar in the spare change investment space and aims to further establish its presence in India’s booming fintech sector.

  • Ivory Secures ₹50 Lakh Deal from Namita Thapar on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Ivory Secures ₹50 Lakh Deal from Namita Thapar on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Mumbai-based startup Ivory made a compelling pitch on Shark Tank India Season 4, Episode 41, showcasing its innovative approach to cognitive wellness.

    Founded in 2022 by Issac M. John and Rahul Krishnan, Ivory aims to transform the aging experience by enhancing brain health.

    The platform specializes in the early detection of neurodegenerative risks and offers personalized solutions through neuroscience-backed assessments, interactive games, and tailored recommendations.

    The founders sought ₹50 lakh in exchange for 1.25% equity, valuing the company at ₹40 crore.

    During their presentation, the founders demonstrated the app’s functionality, explaining how users begin with a cognitive assessment before accessing its paid services.

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    Beautywise Secures ₹3 Crore Deal from on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Beautywise Secures ₹3 Crore Deal from on Shark Tank India Season 4

    The app, which is FDA-registered and developed with input from doctors and neuroscientists, provides a structured approach to maintaining and improving brain function.

     Ultimately, Namita Thapar recognized the potential of Ivory and secured a deal of ₹50 lakh for 5% equity, revising the startup’s valuation to ₹10 crore.

    With this investment, Ivory is set to expand its reach and further establish itself as a leader in the cognitive wellness industry.

  • Beautywise Secures ₹3 Crore Deal from on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Beautywise Secures ₹3 Crore Deal from on Shark Tank India Season 4

    The latest episode of Shark Tank India Season 4 featured an exciting pitch from Shreyansh and Anousha Chauhan, the founders of Beautywise, a brand specializing in advanced beauty and health-focused supplements.

    With a vision to enhance skin, hair, and overall well-being through scientifically backed nutritional formulations, the entrepreneurs presented a strong case for their brand’s potential.

    The founders initially sought an investment of ₹1 crore for 1.5% equity, valuing their company at ₹66.67 crore.

    Vineeta Singh acknowledged the rising demand for supplements in India and praised Beautywise for capitalizing on this trend.

    The founders reiterated their commitment to science-backed formulations, ensuring noticeable results in the personal care sector.

    When discussing financials, they shared that they had started with ₹50 lakh in sales in FY22 and projected revenue of ₹14.5 crore by FY25.

    However, Namita Thapar raised concerns about Beautywise’s weight loss claims, questioning their scientific validity.

    In response, the founders cited a study involving 60 participants who experienced weight loss through regular supplement use, assuring the Sharks that their formulations adhered to clinical research and regulatory standards.

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    CoGrad Secures Deal on Shark Tank India Season 4

    CoGrad Secures Deal on Shark Tank India Season 4

    As the discussions progressed, multiple Sharks expressed interest. Ritesh Agarwal offered ₹1 crore for 2.38% equity, slightly increasing the equity share compared to the founders’ initial proposal.

    Recognizing the brand’s potential, Kunal Shah made a higher bid of ₹2.15 crore for 5% equity.

    Meanwhile, Aman Gupta, known for successfully scaling consumer brands, saw immense promise in Beautywise and proposed investing ₹1 crore for a 3% equity stake.

    Confident in their valuation, the founders countered with ₹3 crore for 6% equity. They explored the possibility of a joint investment, but Aman Gupta insisted on investing independently, stating, “Main akele karunga” (I will do it alone).

    After careful deliberation, the founders accepted Aman’s offer, securing a deal of ₹3 crore for 6% equity at a valuation of ₹50 crore, leveraging his expertise in consumer branding.

  • Arva Health raises $1 million in pre-seed funding

    Arva Health raises $1 million in pre-seed funding

    Bengaluru-based fertility care startup Arva Health has raised $1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by All In Capital, with participation from iSeed, Bharath Founders Fund, and Galaxy.

    The funding will support the launch of Arva’s tech-enabled fertility clinics, starting with its flagship center in Whitefield, Bengaluru. The company aims to establish clinics in ten cities, including Mumbai and Delhi, by 2027.

    Arva also plans to introduce men’s fertility services and build a digital platform to offer continuous fertility support.

    Founded in 2022 by Dipalie Bajaj and Nidhi Panchmal, Arva provides at-home fertility testing, including specialized tests for women with PCOS and thyroid conditions.

    It offers clinically-backed AMH testing to assess egg reserve levels and gain deeper insights into female fertility health.

    The new Bengaluru clinic will offer fertility testing, consultations, egg freezing, and IVF treatments in a modern, judgment-free environment.

    “We are not in the business of diagnosing infertility but in the business of helping people have babies. By improving access and experience, we can dramatically improve outcomes for millions of people,” said Dipalie Bajaj, co-founder and CEO of Arva Health.

    Since its launch last year, Arva claims to have assisted over 4,000 women in understanding their fertility, built a community of 40,000 members, and achieved 60% month-over-month growth.

  • CredResolve Raises $1.1 Million in Seed Funding Led by UNLEASH Capital Partners

    CredResolve Raises $1.1 Million in Seed Funding Led by UNLEASH Capital Partners

    Gurugram-based AI-powered collections platform CredResolve has raised $1.1 million in a seed funding round led by UNLEASH Capital Partners, with participation from CDM Capital.

    The fresh capital will be utilized to expand its partnerships to over 25 financial institutions, enhance its AI-driven technology, and strengthen its market presence across multiple cities, the company announced in a press release.

    This funding follows CredResolve’s earlier angel round in February 2024, where it raised $33.6K from PedalStart, Tujala Goud, and other investors.

    Founded in August 2023 by Balaji Koustubha, G Prashant Kumar, and Vijay Kumar, CredResolve is an AI-powered platform designed to optimize the debt resolution process in India.

    The company integrates technology with regulatory compliance to help financial institutions improve recovery rates, streamline operations, and enhance borrower engagement.

    CredResolve leverages AI to streamline debt recovery, automate workflows, enhance borrower communication, and ensure RBI compliance, improving efficiency in India’s financial sector.

    The company currently serves over 20 lenders, including banks, fintech firms, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).

    In India’s debt recovery ecosystem, CredResolve competes with startups such as CredGenics, DPDZero, Spocto, and Skit.AI.

  • Ola Electric Lays Off Over 1,000 Employees Amid Rising Losses

    Ola Electric Lays Off Over 1,000 Employees Amid Rising Losses

    Ola Electric Mobility, backed by SoftBank Group Corporation, is reportedly laying off more than 1,000 employees and contract workers in its second round of job cuts within five months.

    The move comes as the company grapples with mounting losses and intensifies its cost-cutting efforts.

    According to reports, the latest layoffs are taking place across multiple departments, including procurement, fulfillment, customer relations, and charging infrastructure.

    The company is also automating parts of its customer relations operations, which has resulted in the elimination of several front-end roles.

     Additionally, Ola Electric is letting go of showroom, service center, and warehouse staff as part of a revised logistics and delivery strategy.

    In November 2024, Ola Electric had laid off around 500 employees in a similar cost-cutting measure.

    The current layoffs account for over 25% of the company’s total workforce, which stood at approximately 4,000 at the end of March 2024.

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    Contract workers, who are not included in the company’s public workforce disclosures, are also affected by the downsizing.

    Ola Electric, which went public in August 2024, has faced a series of challenges, including increased losses and regulatory scrutiny.

    The company reported a 50% rise in losses for the December quarter (Q3). Additionally, shares of Ola Electric have plummeted more than 60% from their peak following its IPO debut.

    Despite the financial setbacks, Ola Electric reported selling over 25,000 units of its electric scooters in February 2025, securing a 28% market share.

    However, data from the government’s VAHAN portal indicated that only one out of three Ola Electric scooters sold last month was officially registered.

    The company has attributed the dip in vehicle registrations to ongoing renegotiations with two key vendors aimed at reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiencies.

    A spokesperson for Ola Electric confirmed the restructuring efforts, stating,

    “We have restructured and automated our front-end operations, delivering improved margins, reduced costs, and enhanced customer experience while eliminating redundant roles for better productivity.”

    However, the company has not officially disclosed the exact number of employees impacted in this round of layoffs.