Category: News

Hood, formerly a pseudonymous social networking platform, has rebranded and pivoted to KnotDating, an AI-driven matchmaking platform designed for professionals seeking meaningful relationships.

KnotDating leverages behavioral insights and human-assisted matchmaking to enhance compatibility between individuals. Unlike traditional matrimony platforms that rely on filters and preferences, KnotDating uses conversational AI to analyze human behavior and communication, fostering deeper connections.

The platform is currently invite-only, with plans to open to the public soon.

Jasveer Singh, co-founder & CEO of KnotDating, highlighted the platform’s unique approach:

“We’re not just another matrimony app—we’re building a space where compatibility grows through conversations. Our focus is on professionals who are serious about finding a partner and taking charge of their journey before involving their families.”

Before its transformation, Hood (previously Zorro) had raised $3.2 million from investors, including 3one4 Capital, 9Unicorn Ventures, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Ritesh Agarwal, Ashish Hemrajani, Kunal Shah, and Ashneer Grover.

Also Read: Koparo Raises $1.7 Million in Extended Pre Series A

Hood was initially launched by Jasveer Singh and Abhishek Asthana (widely known as Gabbbar Singh on social media) as an anonymous social networking platform. However, based on user feedback and market trends, the company saw a larger opportunity in helping people form deep and lasting relationships, leading to its strategic shift towards matchmaking.

With its innovative AI-powered approach, KnotDating aims to redefine modern matchmaking by prioritizing genuine conversations and compatibility over traditional filters.

Twiddles, a health-focused snacking brand co-founded by former cricket star Yuvraj Singh, is quickly gaining popularity in India’s growing premium snacking industry.

Launched just three months ago, the brand has already attracted thousands of customers and is set to cross ₹2 crore in monthly revenue in the next quarter.

It aims to reach ₹125 crore ($15 million) in annual revenue by the next financial year.

Started in partnership with Alfinity Studios, Twiddles is tapping into India’s increasing demand for healthier snacks.

The country’s premium snacking market is expected to more than double from ₹42,000 crore ($5 billion) in 2023 to ₹95,000 crore ($11.5 billion) by 2032.

“Balance is at the core of everything I do, whether on or off the field,” Singh said in a statement. “Twiddles embodies this philosophy by blending indulgence with health. After all, no one eats perfectly every day, and it’s okay to indulge—just mindfully.”

The brand has already gained over 20,000 unique customers, with an 8% website conversion rate—higher than the industry average. About 13% of buyers have returned for repeat purchases, showing strong customer interest.

Also Read : Roshni Nadar Becomes First Indian Woman to Feature in World’s Top 10 Richest List

Over 68% of Indian consumers now prefer healthier snacks, driving demand for protein-rich, clean-label products.

Twiddles is tapping into this trend with high-protein bites, spreads, and snacks. Its Almond Crumble Chocolate Spread has sold 10,000 jars, while 50,000 energy bites have been purchased online.

Despite competition from big brands, Twiddles is carving a niche with its “mindful indulgence” concept, backed by Yuvraj Singh’s fitness credibility.

 “Our initial momentum is a testament to the vast potential of India’s premium snacking segment,” said Rishi Dewan, co-founder of Alfinity Studios. “With Yuvraj Singh as a co-founder, we are combining credibility, innovation, and deep consumer insights to build a brand that resonates with modern snackers.”

The brand plans to expand its product range, partner with influencers, and strengthen its online and offline presence, positioning itself as a major player in the evolving snacking industry.

Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, has made history as the first Indian woman to enter the top 10 richest women in the world, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2025.

With an estimated net worth of ₹3.5 lakh crore, she now ranks fifth on the list. Her rise follows a significant stake transfer from her father, Shiv Nadar, who handed over 47% of his holdings in HCL Corporation and Vama Sundari Investments (Vama Delhi) to her.

This recognition places her among the most influential women in global business, alongside Alice Walton of Walmart, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers of L’Oréal, Julia Koch of Koch Industries, Jacqueline Mars of Mars Inc., MacKenzie Scott of Amazon, Miriam Adelson of Las Vegas Sands, Abigail Johnson of Fidelity Investments, Marilyn Simons of Renaissance Technologies, and Linda Stephens of Endeavor Energy Resources.

Also Read: Chargebee Acquires AI-First Customer Tracking Platform Trainn

Shiv Nadar’s stake transfer is part of a structured succession plan, granting Roshni Nadar Malhotra control over Vama Delhi’s 44.17% stake and HCL Corp’s 0.17% stake in HCL Technologies, along with significant voting rights in HCL Infosystems.

Since becoming Chairperson in July 2020, she has played a key role in steering the company’s strategic direction.

HCL Technologies currently generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue, ensuring a smooth leadership transition within one of India’s most prominent IT service firms.

Beyond business, Roshni Nadar Malhotra actively supports philanthropy through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, promoting quality education in India.

She also leads environmental efforts via The Habitats Trust. Under her leadership, HCL Technologies continues to grow while maintaining its social impact.

The Hurun Global Rich List 2025 also features top Indian billionaires, with Mukesh Ambani reclaiming Asia’s richest title and Gautam Adani ranking second in India. Dilip Shanghvi of Sun Pharmaceutical and Azim Premji of Wipro remain among the wealthiest. The list includes 3,442 billionaires worldwide, marking a 5% increase and a 13% rise in total wealth.

Subscription management software firm Chargebee has acquired AI-driven customer tracking platform Trainn, marking its second acquisition in just a month. The move underscores Chargebee’s push towards integrating AI into its offerings.

Last month, the Tiger Global-backed company also acquired Inai, a payment tracking and management software firm, as part of its AI expansion strategy.

Chargebee sees this acquisition as a strategic step towards enhancing customer experience in an increasingly AI-driven market.

“This presents an exciting opportunity for both Chargebee and Trainn to advance our shared vision of enabling customers in a rapidly evolving and innovation-driven market,” the company stated.

As part of the deal, Trainn’s 200 customers will now transition to Chargebee, bringing their expertise in AI-powered solutions.

Founded in 2020, Trainn had previously raised $700K (₹6 crore) in a seed round from Speciale Invest and others.

Also Read: American Footwear Brand Rockport Announces India Entry with Brandman Retail

Commenting on the evolving payments landscape, Chargebee CEO Krish Subramanian said,

“The payments market is diversifying with new payment methods, embedded payments, digital wallets, buy now and pay later options, real-time payments, and the use of AI to improve customer experience and drive new business. The burden of monitoring all the performance and details is on the customers’ infrastructure today”.

Chargebee, valued at $3.5 billion, secured $250 million in its Series H round in February 2022. Its key investors include Tiger Global, Peak XV, Insight Partners, Sapphire, and Steadview Capital.

American footwear brand Rockport is making its debut in the Indian market through a strategic partnership with Brandman Retail, a leading retail solutions provider.

The brand’s collection will be available across 19,000 pin codes through major e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart, Tata CLiQ Fashion, Tata CLiQ Luxury, Nykaa Fashion, Nykaa Men, Myntra, and Brandman’s official website, a press release confirmed on Wednesday.

Through this collaboration, Brandman Retail aims to capture 4–5% of the Indian footwearmarket, leveraging Rockport’s globally renowned craftsmanship and innovation.

“Rockport’s world-class craftsmanship and innovative footwear perfectly align with our mission to meet the growing demand for high-quality footwear in the region,” said Kashika Malhotra, Head of Business Development, of Brandman Retail. “We are delighted to bring a brand to South Asian consumers, an iconic brand that seamlessly combines performance, comfort, and exceptional design.”

Founded in 2021, Brandman Retail brings global footwear, apparel, and accessories brands to India, representing New Balance, Saucony, Rockport, G/FORE, and On.

It manages retail, licensing, and e-commerce, operating 12 exclusive stores, including 11 New Balance outlets, 2 Sneakrz stores, and a D2C platform.

Also Read: BYD To Setup Rs 85,000 Crore EV Factory Near Hyderabad

Established in 1971 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, by Saul L. Katz and Bruce R. Katz, Rockport is known for its premium footwear. Acquired by Authentic Brands Group in 2023, the brand continues expanding its global presence.

The debut collection is tailored for modern consumers seeking a balance of style and functionality, catering to diverse needs across work, leisure, and travel.

Beyond India, the partnership will also extend Rockport’s premium footwear range to Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, further strengthening its footprint in South Asia.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD is gearing up for a major expansion into India’s booming EV market.

The company is in advanced talks to set up its first manufacturing facility in the country, with Hyderabad, Telangana, emerging as the leading contender.

As per reports, BYD is considering an investment of ₹85,000 crore ($10 billion) in this mega project. The facility is expected to span 500 acres and will have the capacity to produce 600,000 EVs annually by 2032.

Additionally, the project includes a 20-gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery production unit, which will help reduce costs and make EVs more affordable in India’s price-sensitive market.

The Telangana government has proposed three potential sites for the plant, and BYD representatives are currently evaluating these locations. If finalized, this development could position Hyderabad as a major EV manufacturing hub.

Also Read: Kareena Kapoor backed Pluckk to raise ₹85 Crore from Euro Gulf Investment

BYD currently imports EVs from China, resulting in higher prices due to import duties. A local manufacturing unit will cut costs, boost sales, and enhance competitiveness in India.

The investment is set to create jobs and drive Hyderabad’s EV ecosystem, aligning with Telangana’s goal of becoming a major EV hub.

Globally, BYD has surpassed Tesla in revenue ($107B vs. $97.7B) and is pioneering innovations like a 1 MW flash charger that charges EVs in 5-8 minutes. With this move, BYD is solidifying its presence in India’s EV market, promoting affordable, locally made electric vehicles, and shaping the country’s clean mobility future.

To accelerate EV adoption, the Telangana government has introduced a new electric vehicle policy offering full exemption from road tax and registration fees for all EVs. This incentive will remain in effect until December 31, 2026, making EVs more accessible to consumers.