Category: News

Mumbai-based startup NOTO, known for its healthy ice cream offerings, has raised ₹21 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Equentis Angel Fund. 

This round follows the company’s ₹15 crore fundraise in February this year and saw participation from notable investors including IPV, JITO, Signal Ventures, and others. 

The fresh capital will be used to scale production, expand distribution, launch offline stores, and build strategic partnerships to strengthen the brand’s footprint across key markets. 

Also Read: BeastLife Raises ₹1.9 Crore from Cricketer Rinku Singh

NOTO Ice Cream Co-Founder & CEO, Varun Sheth said,” This funding fuels our expansion into Tier I and Tier II cities…” 

Founded in 2019 by Varun Sheth and Ashni Shah, NOTO offers a range of low-calorie, no-sugar, and vegan ice creams and desserts, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking indulgent yet nutritious treats. 

NOTO is backed by prominent investors such as Zerodha’s Rainmatter, White Whale Partners, WEH Ventures, Snapdeal co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, and Bollywood actor John Abraham. 

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh has invested ₹1.9 crore in sports nutrition brand BeastLife, valuing the company at ₹120 crore.

The cricketer’s backing goes beyond financial support, as he also aims to use his platform to raise awareness about clean and effective supplements within the athlete community.

BeastLife, founded in 2024 by fitness influencer Gaurav Taneja and entrepreneur Raj Vikram Gupta, operates as a digital-first platform offering a range of sports nutrition and bodybuilding supplements.

From protein powders and BCAAs to a unique roti protein mix, the brand caters to modern fitness needs with an emphasis on scientific formulation and ingredient integrity.

“BeastLife stands for something bigger than just supplements,” said Rinku Singh. “It’s about creating the finest products with top-quality ingredients, backed by science and integrity. What really drew me in was the brand’s vision to make world-class sports nutrition accessible in India. That’s something I believe in deeply and am proud to support.”

The brand had previously raised $479,000 in an angel round and boasts notable backers including Varun Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth, who holds a 30% equity stake. Taneja retains a 40% stake, Gupta 15%, with the remaining 15% allocated to the ESOP pool.

Also Read : At-home wellness brand Cura Care raises Rs 5 crore in pre-seed round

Despite being a relatively young player in the market, BeastLife has shown strong traction—achieving ₹50 crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) within a year, while reporting positive EBITDA.

The company is currently tracking an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of ₹80 crore, with performance marketing spend kept at a lean 15%.

BeastLife competes with established industry giants like MuscleBlaze, Optimum Nutrition, GNC, and The Whole Truth, but positions itself uniquely with a focus on “Ultrasorb Tech”, clean formulations, and a community-driven brand ethos.

Cura Care has raised ₹5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Zeropearl VC, with additional backing from friends, family, and notable angel investors, including Shripad Nadkarni and the late Rohan Mirchandani.

The fresh capital will be used to fine-tune its product-market fit and elevate the customer experience by delivering high-quality, at-home wellness services, the company shared in a press release.

Launched in January 2025, Cura Care was founded by Abhinav Kumar, Chinmay Mittal, and Paminder Singh with a vision to transform oral hygiene in India.

With over 120 crore Indians affected by poor oral health, the startup is working to make oral wellness an integral part of everyday self-care.

Also Read: SportsSkill Raises Pre-Seed Funding led by Waimea Bay Investments

The startup offers premium at-home dental services, including teeth cleaning, scaling, polishing, and whitening, all carried out by DCI-certified dentists using customized portable dental units.

The model ensures a focus on safety, hygiene, and convenience, creating a seamless and trusted experience for customers in the comfort of their homes.

Since its inception, the brand has already served over 1,000 customers through direct home visits and oral wellness camps. The company has achieved an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of over 90% and an average customer rating of 4.87, showcasing strong early traction and customer satisfaction.

Pune-based sports technology startup SportsSkill has raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed funding round led by Waimea Bay Investments.

The fresh capital will be used to expand into international markets by the second half of the year and deliver a unique, tech-driven training experience to athletes worldwide.

Founded in 2021 by Chetan Desai and Abhinav Sinha, SportsSkill is reimagining athletic training through state-of-the-art, gamified training centers designed for athletes at all levels.

These centers combine fitness with interactive, game-like experiences—making workouts more engaging, competitive, and effective.

At the core of its offering is an AI-powered training app that provides athletes with valuable insights and personalized coaching to boost performance and track progress. By merging physical training with smart digital tools, SportsSkill aims to make elite-level training accessible both in India and globally.

Also Read: Optimized Electrotech Raises $6 Million in Series A Funding Round

The startup is actively working with schools across India to bring advanced training tools to young athletes. By introducing AI-backed sports solutions into educational settings, SportsSkill hopes to shape the future of sports in India from the grassroots level.

Looking ahead, the company plans to broaden its platform by adding more sports, increasing its appeal to a wider range of athletes.

By late 2025, SportsSkill will transition to a B2B2C model, collaborating with sports organizations, educational institutions, and businesses to offer customized training solutions and forge strategic partnerships.

Deep-tech company Optimized Electrotech, which specializes in imaging surveillance technology, has secured $6 million in a Series A funding round.

The round was co-led by Blume Ventures and Mela Ventures, with participation from 9Unicorns and existing investors like Rajiv Dadlani Group and Venture Catalysts.

This follows an earlier $4.5 million raised from its existing investors.

The funds will be used to develop next-generation AI imaging payloads, high-speed space-based surveillance solutions, and to expand into global markets.

Founded in 2017 by Sandeep Shah and Dharin Shah, Optimized Electrotech focuses on delivering AI-driven imaging solutions for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and other critical strategic applications.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Invests in D2C Luggage Brand Uppercase

The company develops advanced electro-optic systems that enhance defense, space, border security, and aerospace operations. By integrating onboard analytics, their solutions provide real-time intelligence, improving situational awareness in high-stakes environments.

“Driven by strong government policies and an increasing focus on indigenous capabilities, it’s important to build critical mass within this window of opportunity. This funding round is a testament to the confidence our investors have in our vision. We are committed to leveraging this capital to further enhance our technological capabilities, expand our footprint, and contribute meaningfully to India’s strategic and security objectives,” said Sandeep Shah, founder & MD Optimized Electrotech.

Optimized Electrotech’s products are used by governments, defence services, paramilitary forces, and large corporations, helping them respond quickly to security threats, such as unauthorized drone attacks.

Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah has made an undisclosed investment in the Mumbai-based direct-to-consumer luggage brand Uppercase.

Bumrah, who has been the brand ambassador for Uppercase since its inception, will also co-create a new product line that includes luggage, backpacks, and gym bags designed specifically for sportspersons.

A portion of the profits from these products will be shared with Bumrah, according to a press release from the company.

Sharing his motivation, Bumrah said,

 “I have always admired uppercase’s ethos of creating environmentally friendly bags from recycled materials — a mission that strongly resonates with both my wife and me. By choosing to invest in uppercase, I feel proud to be part of a movement that aligns with my values and aspirations for a more sustainable planet.”

Founded in 2021 by Sudip Ghose, Uday Sodhi, Arnob Mondal, Dheeraj Goyal and Nidhi Rajora, Uppercase offers a wide range of eco-friendly travel products.

The collection includes backpacks, trolley bags, duffle bags and shoulder bags, all crafted from recycled materials using sustainable manufacturing practices.

The company recently raised $9 million in a Series B funding round led by Accel. It currently sells its products at 1,600 retail points across India and plans to expand to 4,000, aiming to capture a significant share of India’s ₹10,000 crore backpack market.

Also Read: Delhivery CEO Sahil Barua Resigns from Swiggy’s Board of Directors

Uppercase has witnessed strong growth, with revenue from operations jumping to ₹62.2 crore in FY24 from ₹10.7 crore in FY23.

Most recently, global footwear brand Skechers announced the signing of Bumrah as part of its expanding roster of cricket athletes. His increasing association with lifestyle and performance-driven brands highlights his growing influence beyond the pitch.

Swiggy has announced that Sahil Barua, co-founder and CEO of logistics firm Delhivery, has stepped down from his position as an independent director on its board. The resignation took effect at the end of business hours on April 11, 2025, as stated in a regulatory filing.

Barua, who joined Swiggy’s board two years ago, cited increasing responsibilities at Delhivery as the primary reason behind his decision.

In his resignation letter, he mentioned that he is unable to dedicate the “time and attention” required for the role, although he confirmed that there were no other material reasons for his departure.

His exit comes at a time when Swiggy is preparing for its much-anticipated public listing. Barua recently led Delhivery through the strategic acquisition of Ecom Express, valued at ₹1,400 crore, further elevating his operational focus at the logistics giant.

Also Read : Virat Kohli Exits Puma Signs Up with Agilitas as Investor and Ambassador

Anand Kripalu, Chairperson of the Swiggy Board, acknowledged Barua’s contribution, saying,

“Sahil was one of the first independent members of Swiggy’s board, and has played a meaningful role in the company’s journey as we’ve scaled and transitioned into the public markets. We’re grateful for his support over the past two years, and wish him continued success.”

Expressing his gratitude, Barua shared

“I’d like to thank Swiggy for inviting me to serve as part of the Board. Swiggy is one of the great Indian internet companies, with outstanding founders and management. I look forward to cheering for Harsha and the Swiggy team as a user and well-wisher,”

Barua will continue to lead Delhivery, one of India’s largest logistics and supply chain players, and remains an influential figure in the startup ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Swiggy has been actively strengthening its core offerings.

The company recently introduced “MaxxSaver” on its Instamart platform, offering additional discounts for users with cart values above ₹999, without affecting its 10-minute delivery promise. Swiggy BLCK members will also enjoy added perks under this new feature.

Cricket superstar Virat Kohli has officially concluded his long-term association with German sportswear brand Puma, bringing an end to an eight-year deal that began in 2017 and was valued at ₹110 crore.

The decision marks a new chapter in Kohli’s brand journey as he prepares to align with Agilitas, a growing Indian athleisure startup.

Despite being offered a ₹300 crore extension by Puma, Kohli has reportedly chosen to invest in Agilitas, which was launched in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, former Managing Director of Puma India and Southeast Asia.

Kohli is expected to not only become the face of Agilitas but also take a significant equity stake in the company.

Also Read: Nikhil Kamath Backs GreenLine Mobility with $20 Million as Part of its $275 Million Round

This move is also set to reshape the future of Kohli’s lifestyle label One8. Previously developed in collaboration with Puma, One8 will now be relaunched independently under Agilitas.

Plans include a refreshed brand identity, broader apparel and footwear collections, and exclusive retail outlets in international markets including Dubai, London, and New York.

Agilitas has already gained industry attention by raising ₹100 crore from Nexus Venture Partners and acquiring licensing rights for Italian brand Lotto in India, Australia, and South Africa. The company aims to position itself as a competitive player in the global sportswear space.

In a statement, Puma wrote, “We wish Virat the best for his future endeavours. It was a wonderful association spanning years of outstanding campaigns and path-breaking collaborations. Puma will continue to invest in the next generation of athletes and India’s sporting ecosystem.”

Kohli has also cleared promotional posts from his Instagram profile, hinting at a fresh branding direction.

While an official confirmation from Kohli or Agilitas is still awaited, announcements are expected during the ongoing IPL 2025 season.

GreenLine Mobility Solutions, part of the Essar Group and a pioneer in LNG and electric truck operations, has raised $275 million in equity funding to ramp up its clean mobility efforts across India.

The capital will be used to roll out over 10,000 low-emission trucks and establish 100 LNG refuelling stations and EV charging points, marking a significant push toward decarbonising India’s heavy transport sector.

Among the key backers is Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, who has contributed $20 million to the round.

“The logistics industry needs to evolve – faster, cleaner, and smarter… Backing GreenLine is a bet on that future, where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. More companies need to take the leap, adopt green tech, and rethink how we move goods at scale. This shift is happening – with or without you,” said Nikhil Kamath.

GreenLine is currently operating a dual model, with LNG-powered trucks catering to long-distance hauls and EVs handling short-range transport. Its subsidiary, Ultra Gas and Energy, is building a national network of LNG refuelling stations to support these operations.

Also Read: OpenAI Sues Elon Musk Over Takeover Bid

With the goal of cutting 1 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year, GreenLine aims to tackle the transport sector’s sizable carbon footprint, which accounts for nearly 15% of India’s total emissions.

The company claims its LNG fleet can cut carbon dioxide output by up to 30% and currently operates over 650 trucks across sectors like FMCG, e-commerce, mining, cement, oil & gas, and chemicals—helping its clients meet their sustainability targets.

The clash between tech titans Sam Altman and Elon Musk has intensified, with OpenAI rejecting a $97.4 billion acquisition offer from Musk and filing a lawsuit against him.

OpenAI has accused Musk of running a “malicious campaign” to disrupt the company’s operations. This includes public criticism to Musk’s 200 million followers on X, legal threats, and what OpenAI calls a “sham bid” to buy the company—all of which it claims are attempts to slow down OpenAI’s progress and benefit Musk’s competing AI company, xAI, founded in 2023.

Originally co-founded by Musk and Altman in 2015 as a non-profit, OpenAI later transitioned to a capped-profit model to secure up to $40 billion in funding, which it says is crucial to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Musk opposed this shift and earlier filed a lawsuit, claiming the company had strayed from its original mission to serve humanity.

Also Read: Australian Cricketer Glenn Maxwell Invests in Drive FITT

Altman reportedly responded to Musk’s unsolicited offer with a firm “no thank you,” reaffirming that OpenAI is not for sale. In its counterclaims, OpenAI is asking the court to bar Musk from further interference and to hold him accountable for damages already caused.

The company believes Musk is trying to gain control of its AI advancements and deliberately hinder its development for personal gain.

Musk’s legal team has yet to comment on the latest filing. With a jury trial scheduled for spring 2026, the outcome of this legal battle could significantly influence the future direction of artificial intelligence.