Binny Bansal’s Opptra, Noise Makes Global Debut, and Rapido Takes On Swiggy & Zomato

Flipkart’s Binny Bansal is back with Opptra, a bold bet on franchising consumer brands across Asia, while D2C brand Noise makes its global debut in the GCC. EV maker Simple Energy adds the sleek Simple OneS to its lineup, and Rapido quietly gears up to challenge Swiggy and Zomato in food delivery. Meanwhile, Bessemer doubles down on India with a fresh $350M fund to back the next wave of disruptive startups.

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

“Hum Kissi Se Kam Nahi”: D2C Startup Noise Enters GCC Region As Part Of Global Expansion Plans

Indian D2C brand Noise is stepping beyond its home turf, making a calculated entry into the GCC region as part of its global push.

Teaming up with Dubai-based Lime Concepts, Noise will now see its products on shelves at Virgin Mega Stores across the Gulf. For a homegrown brand, this marks a significant move into a competitive international market, signaling broader ambitions.

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“Chup Chaap Kaam Karte Raho”: Binny Bansal Launches Opptra To Help Consumer Brands Expand In Asia

Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal has quietly launched Opptra, a new franchising venture designed to help global consumer brands navigate Asia’s complex markets.

Rather than chasing the next big e-commerce wave, Opptra focuses on building a portfolio of category-specific franchises, tapping into local expertise to drive growth. In a region where scaling comes with cultural and logistical hurdles, Bansal’s move signals a more measured, long-term bet on Asia’s evolving consumer economy.

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“Ye Dumdaar Hai”: Simple Energy Expands EV Two-Wheeler Portfolio With Simple OneS

EV startup Simple Energy has added a new ride to its lineup with the launch of the Simple OneS, priced at INR 1.40 lakh.

Promising an impressive IDC range of 181 km, the OneS aims to appeal to urban commuters looking for longer-range electric options. As competition heats up in India’s EV two-wheeler space, Simple Energy’s latest move reflects its effort to stay in the game.

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“Kaante Ki Takkar”: Rapido To Take On Swiggy, Zomato In Food Delivery Segment

Rapido is gearing up to enter the food delivery battleground, taking aim at giants like Swiggy and Zomato.

The company has been in talks with restaurant owners, exploring ways to offer a more cost-effective alternative to high commission fees. Interestingly, Rapido is already quietly delivering for some restaurants—and even for Swiggy—hinting at a larger play in the making.

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“Picture Khatam Ho Gayi Dost”: Bessemer Closes Second India-Focussed Fund At $350 Mn

Bessemer Venture Partners has closed its second India-focused fund at $350 million, doubling down on early-stage bets across AI, fintech, SaaS, and more.

With partners Vishal Gupta and Anant Vidur Puri leading the charge, the firm is eyeing India's next wave of breakout startups. Having already backed over 80 companies in the country, Bessemer’s latest fund signals strong conviction in India’s evolving startup landscape.

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1. Sexual health startup Allo Health has raised INR 16 Cr to grow its clinic network and develop AI-powered treatment protocols. With over 200,000 patients treated so far, the company now aims to expand into mental health services as part of its hybrid care model.
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2. Upskilling platform Weskill has raised pre-seed funding at a valuation of INR 40 Cr to boost its AI-driven product offerings. The Bengaluru-based startup plans to deepen its focus on personalized learning experiences for professionals.
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3. Energy storage startup AmpereHour Energy has secured $5 million in fresh funding led by Avaana Capital to scale its climate-focused solutions. The round also saw participation from UC Impower and existing investors, marking a significant boost from its earlier $2.45 million raise.
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4. Neobanking startup Zolve has raised $251 million in a mix of equity and debt at a valuation of $800 million, according to Reuters. Founded by Raghunandan G, Zolve focuses on cross-border banking solutions for global citizens.
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