BigBasket Dives Into Electronics, WAAYU Joins ONDC’s Network, Wondrlab Expands Its Reach and more

BigBasket dives into electronics with lightning-fast iPhone 16 deliveries, while WAAYU joins ONDC’s zero-commission revolution in food delivery. Stockal makes waves with its first acquisition, Acru, aiming to enhance cross-border investments as DPDP prepares to redefine data consent, and Nykaa accelerates its delivery game with same-day and next-day options.

Shivalik Investment Fund raises Rs 75 Cr for real estate ventures, Wondrlab expands its reach by acquiring influencer platform Opa, and PayU introduces a biometric authentication solution for secure card payments.

Grab your simmering cup of StartupChai and unwind with our hand-brewed memes.

What Matters

“Waah, Kya Scene Hai”: As Competition Swells, BigBasket Joins Electronics Bandwagon With iPhone 16 Delivery In Just 10 Mins

BigBasket is set to offer 10-minute deliveries of the iPhone 16 in Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai starting September 20, in partnership with Croma. This strategic pivot into electronics delivery signals the company’s ambition to diversify and capitalize on its quick-commerce infrastructure.

With competitors like Blinkit and Swiggy also expanding into non-grocery items, the quick delivery landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, reshaping consumer expectations and market dynamics.

Read more here

“Mera Hi Jalwa”: Food Delivery Platform WAAYU Joins ONDC In Zero-Commission Model Push

WAAYU, the zero-commission food delivery platform backed by Suniel Shetty, has joined the ONDC network, aiming to disrupt the food delivery landscape.

By partnering with the government-backed initiative, WAAYU hopes to enhance its outreach while offering a more affordable alternative for both consumers and restaurants. ONDC is expanding its reach across sectors like fintech and mobility.

Read more here

“Hum Saath Saath Hai”: Stockal Marks Maiden Acquisition With Acru To Push Its Cross-Border Investment Play

Stockal’s first acquisition of Acru is a strategic move to bolster its cross-border investment game, enabling Indian investors to access over 6,000 global securities while welcoming NRIs and foreign investors into India’s markets.

The company aims to channel INR 500-1,000 Cr of new investment into India over the next year, marking a significant push towards bridging global financial markets.

Read more here

“Savdhaan Rahe, Satark Rahe”: Nearing Public Consultation, DPDP May Offer Consent Framework For Firms Instead Of Exact Rules

As the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act nears public consultation, it may offer companies a flexible consent framework instead of rigid rules, allowing them to develop their own verification systems using government-issued IDs.

While schools and colleges might be exempt from obtaining parental consent for children’s data, ed-tech firms won't likely receive the same leeway. This nuanced approach highlights the challenge of balancing data privacy with operational flexibility, especially for platforms interacting with under-18 users.

Read more here

“Vaada Raha Mera Doston”: Nykaa ramps up same-day and next-day delivery

Nykaa is doubling down on speedy deliveries, with over 65% of orders in top cities now fulfilled by the next day, according to CEO Falguni Nayar at the company’s 12th AGM.

Expanding this initiative to over 110 cities, Nykaa ensures 60% of orders are delivered within a day, catering to regions that make up two-thirds of its order volume. This push for faster fulfillment reflects Nykaa’s strategy to stay ahead in the competitive beauty e-commerce market.

Read more here

“Yahan Ke Hum Sikandar”: Shivalik Investment Fund raises Rs 75 Cr in first close of inaugural fund

Shivalik Investment Fund, backed by the Ahmedabad-based Shivalik Group, has secured Rs 75 Cr in the first close of its debut fund, drawing strong interest from high-net-worth individuals and family offices.

The fund aims to invest in residential and commercial projects, as well as strategic plotting in Ahmedabad’s high-growth areas. With this move, Shivalik is poised to capitalize on the city’s booming real estate market and expand its footprint in key sectors.

Read more here

“Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai”: Wondrlab acquires influencer marketing platform, Opa

Wondrlab has bolstered its influencer marketing arsenal with the acquisition of Opa, expanding its reach and enhancing its capabilities in this sector.

With plans to ramp up acquisitions and invest in tech, the agency aims to streamline operations and adapt to the surging demand for influencer-driven campaigns. As brands increasingly turn to influencers for authentic engagement, Wondrlab’s strategic move comes at a crucial time.

Read more here

“Ab Hogi Kraanti”: PayU Unveils Industry-First Biometric Authentication Solution for Card Payments

PayU’s new biometric authentication solution, Flash Pay, is set to revolutionize card payments with its device-based technology that uses fingerprints or facial recognition for swift and secure transactions.

Eliminating the need for traditional OTPs, it enables payments to be completed in under 10 seconds, enhancing both convenience and security.

Read more here

1. Kapiva, the D2C Ayurveda brand, is eyeing INR 330 Cr in funding to scale its reach, with investors like Fireside Ventures and 3one4 Capital potentially joining in. Known for its ayurvedic nutrition products, the Bengaluru-based startup has already raised $41.1 Mn to date.

   Read more here

2. NowPurchase has raised $6 Mn in equity and debt, led by Info Edge Ventures, to enhance its tech-driven procurement solutions for metal manufacturers. The funds will support its expansion into Punjab, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, tapping into the growing manufacturing sector.

   Read more here

3. EaseMyTrip has invested Rs 60 crore for a 30% stake in The Wellness Co, aiming to bolster its presence in the health and wellness tourism sector. This funding will drive the luxury wellness clinic's expansion across major urban areas in India and internationally.

   Read more here

4. Livspace achieved over Rs 1,200 Cr in revenue for FY24, with losses reduced by 46%. Despite a slight dip in growth rate to 20.86% from the previous year's 85%, the company continues to scale in the home interior and renovation market.

   Read more here

5. AI-driven recruitment platform Vahan.ai has secured $10 million in Series B funding led by Khosla Ventures, with contributions from Y Combinator, Gaingels, and Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma. The fresh capital will support its growth in the blue-collar workforce recruitment sector.

   Read more here

6. Bookmybai has secured Rs 2 crore in a pre-Series A round led by Inflection Point Ventures, aiming to expand to new locations and onboard 50,000 additional housemaids. This funding will enhance the company's network and service efficiency in domestic help services.

   Read more here