ED’s Raids, Zepto Changes Legal Name, and Hindustan Unilever Legal Problem

MeitY Startup Hub shakes hands with Singapore’s SPF to fuel India’s deeptech dreams, while the ED crashes the party with raids linked to EaseMyTrip’s Nishant Pitti in the ongoing Mahadev betting saga. Meanwhile, Zepto quietly swaps its legal name as it inches closer to IPO limelight, and in a splashy courtroom drama, Mamaearth’s Honasa locks horns with Hindustan Unilever over a Lakmé ad.

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

“Hum Saath Saath Hai”: MeitY Startup Hub Partners SPF To Foster Deeptech Innovation

The MeitY Startup Hub has joined hands with Social Policy Foundation (SPF) to quietly strengthen India’s deeptech ecosystem.

The collaboration will span AI, emerging tech, and policy research—less about hype, more about groundwork. With over 1.61 lakh startups in the country, the move signals a subtle shift toward substance in the startup story.

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“Puri Daal Hi Kaali Hai”: Mahadev Betting Case As ED Conducts Raids At Premises Linked To EaseMyTrip’s Nishant Pitti

The Mahadev betting case just took a corporate turn as the ED raided locations tied to EaseMyTrip cofounder Nishant Pitti.

The money-laundering probe, already thick with political names, now brushes up against startup boardrooms. As the investigation deepens, the boundaries between business and the betting underworld seem increasingly blurred.

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“Maamla Legal Hai”: Honasa Sues Hindustan Unilever Over Lakme Ad

Honasa, the parent company of The Derma Co, has taken HUL to court over a Lakme ad that seems to throw shade—literally—at rival sunscreens.

The campaign’s “SPF Lie Detector Test” has been called out for being a bit too pointed, with the Delhi High Court noting it appears “disparaging.” As both sides prepare for the April 17 hearing, the sunscreen wars have officially gone legal.

Delhi High Court noting it appears “disparaging.” As both sides prepare for the April 17 hearing, the sunscreen wars have officially gone legal.

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“Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi”: Zepto Renames Its Registered Entity Ahead Of IPO

Zepto is shedding its old skin—Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd is now officially Zepto Pvt Ltd.

With regulatory nods in place and big names like Akhil Gupta joining the board, the IPO runway is being cleared. It’s a quiet rebranding, but the message is loud: Zepto is ready for the big league.

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1. Garuda Aerospace has secured fresh backing in its Series B round, soaring to a post-money valuation of $250 million. The drone startup plans to channel the funds into R&D and ramp up its manufacturing game.
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2. The startup, Magma, has raised $5 Mn in a Series A round led by Capria Ventures, with backing from Avinya Ventures and key angels like Sanjiv Rangrass. Existing investors General Catalyst, Accion Venture Lab, and WEH Ventures also doubled down.
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3. Peppermint has bagged Series A funding from JDSS, ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL, Indian Angel Network, and others. The startup will use the funds to scale operations across Europe, APAC, and Japan.
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4. Porter is reportedly eyeing a $100 Mn raise through a blend of primary and secondary sales. If sealed, the deal could nudge the logistics startup’s valuation to as high as $1.4 Bn.
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“Khao, Piyo, Ash Karo Mitro”: Patch Up Is Revolutionizing Vitamin Intake with Transdermal Innovation

Tired of swallowing pills? Patch Up, launched in 2024 by ex-INSEAD grad Radhika Rajpal in Gurugram, is flipping the supplement game with vitamin patches you wear, not pop.

Inspired by Europe's clean wellness culture, Radhika’s patches deliver nutrients straight through your skin—no additives, no digestion drama. After a buzzy Shark Tank India pitch and a ₹22 crore valuation, Patch Up’s mission is clear: stick it on, soak it in, stay well.

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