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Category: e-commerce

  • Amazon rakes in $187.8 billion in Q4-Because breaking records is a habit

    Amazon rakes in $187.8 billion in Q4-Because breaking records is a habit

    MUMBAI: Jeff Bezos may be off enjoying space tourism, but Amazon is still launching financial rockets. The retail and tech giant didn’t just end 2024 on a high note—it dropped a financial mixtape that went platinum. With a blockbuster fourth quarter, Amazon smashed expectations, delivering record-breaking revenue, sky-high profits, and a holiday shopping season that made Santa look like an amateur.

    Amazon reported net sales of $187.8 billion in Q4, marking a 10 per cent year-over-year (YoY) increase, with north America leading the charge at $115.6 billion. Meanwhile, AWS, Amazon’s cloud computing juggernaut, flexed its muscle with a 19 per cent YoY jump, raking in $28.8 billion.

    Profits weren’t just strong—they were Amazon-strong. Operating income skyrocketed to $21.2 billion, up from $13.2 billion in Q4 2023, while net income nearly doubled to $20.0 billion-or $1.86 per diluted share. Amazon’s international segment pulled off an impressive turnaround, swinging from a $400 million loss last year to a $1.3 billion profit.

    For the full year, Amazon’s revenue soared to $638 billion, an 11 per cent increase from 2023, with AWS contributing $107.6 billion. North America’s sales hit $387.5 billion, while international revenue climbed to $142.9 billion. Operating income more than doubled to $68.6 billion, cementing Amazon’s digital dominance.

    Amazon’s free cash flow swelled to $38.2 billion, up from $36.8 billion last year, while operating cash flow leapt 36 per cent to $115.9 billion. The company stepped up investments, pumping $82.9 billion into fulfillment, technology, and AWS infrastructure.

    Meanwhile, advertising revenue proved a bright spot, growing 18 per cent YoY to $17.3 billion-a clear sign that Amazon’s ad business is going toe-to-toe with industry giants. At the same time, third-party seller services surged 9 per cent to $47.5 billion, highlighting Amazon’s commitment to its marketplace model.

    Reflecting on the company’s record-breaking year, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy remarked, “2024 was a transformational year for Amazon, with innovation at the core of our growth. From AWS advancements to Prime’s fastest-ever deliveries, we are building for the future.”

    Looking ahead, Amazon projects Q1 2025 net sales between $151 billion and $155.5 billion, signaling 5-9 per cent growth, despite a $2.1 billion currency headwind. Operating income is expected to land between $14 billion and $18 billion, as the company strikes a balance between profitability and reinvestment.

    With Amazon delivering results like a Prime package on express shipping, 2025 is already shaping up to be another blockbuster year.

  • Deepinder Goyal’s Zomato levels up to its final form: Eternal Ltd.

    Deepinder Goyal’s Zomato levels up to its final form: Eternal Ltd.

    MUMBAI: It’s official! Zomato, the brand that revolutionised food delivery in India, is stepping into a new era under the corporate name Eternal Ltd. Founder & CEO Deepinder Goyal has revealed this strategic transformation, marking a significant shift in the company’s vision beyond food delivery and into a broader, more enduring business ecosystem.

    Why the change? Well, when you’ve built a brand that’s synonymous with convenience, innovation, and sheer hustle, the next step is to future-proof it. Eternal Ltd. isn’t just a name—it’s a mindset. It represents a company that is built to last, a powerhouse that goes beyond Zomato’s food delivery dominance to encompass Blinkit, District, and Hyperpure.

    Revealing the motivation behind the rebrand, Goyal shared that Eternal isn’t about claiming invincibility—it’s about acknowledging the journey, the challenges, and the constant evolution required to stay relevant. “True permanence isn’t built on bold claims. It is forged in self-doubt, hunger, and the relentless pursuit of being better than yesterday,” he wrote in his letter to shareholders. Talk about poetic business moves!

    Beyond food, this marks the birth of a new age conglomerate. This shift signifies a larger play— Our beloved Zomato is no longer just about food. Eternal Ltd. will house four key businesses:

    .  Zomato (Food delivery and dining services)

    .   Blinkit (Quick-commerce champion)

    .   District (A yet-to-be-revealed exciting venture)

    .   Hyperpure (B2B food supply for restaurants)

    The company has already received Board approval for the name change, and once shareholders give the green light, Zomato Ltd. will officially become Eternal Ltd. The stock ticker will change from ZOMATO to ETERNAL, and the corporate website will transition from zomato.com to eternal.com.

    Seventeen years ago, Goyal started Zomato—then Foodiebay—by simply uploading restaurant menus online. Fast forward to today, and the company has become India’s first tech startup to enter the BSE Sensex, creating significant wealth for employees, investors, and shareholders alike. The journey from a menu aggregator to a top-30 listed Indian company has been nothing short of legendary.

    Eternal Ltd. aims to be bigger, bolder, and broader in its impact. With Blinkit’s meteoric rise in quick-commerce, the food-tech giant is looking at new growth engines that will keep it relevant for decades to come. This isn’t just a name change-it’s a statement of intent.

    For customers, nothing changes-Zomato will remain your favourite go-to for food cravings. But as a company, Eternal Ltd. is setting its sights on an even grander future, one where it plays a bigger role in shaping India’s digital commerce landscape.

    Final bite – A food delivery empire turning into a multi-industry conglomerate? That’s one eternal glow-up! Now, the only question that remains-what’s next on the menu?

  • Nu Republic-Blinkit team up to deliver love-infused tech this Valentine’s

    Nu Republic-Blinkit team up to deliver love-infused tech this Valentine’s

    MUMBAI: Forget roses and chocolates—this Valentine’s Day, Nu Republic® and Blinkit are turning up the volume on love with an exclusive collection of tech gifts that fuse high performance with bold style. The leading lifestyle technology brand has joined hands with India’s fastest quick-commerce platform to make last-minute gifting as seamless as a bluetooth connection.

    Why settle for the usual when you can gift cutting-edge sound wrapped in sleek, romantic designs? Nu Republic’s latest Valentine’s Day lineup introduces the Pop Love Wireless Speaker and Epic X3 Wireless Earbuds Love Edition—both drenched in a striking red that screams passion. Designed to elevate both aesthetics and performance, these devices ensure that lovebirds can groove to their favorite tunes with premium sound quality.

    Key Highlights of the Collection:

    . Pop Love wireless speaker: A 6W RMS output powerhouse featuring Nu Republic’s signature X-Bass® technology, Bluetooth v5.3, and an impressive 14-hour playtime—because love (and playlists) should never run out.

    .  Epic X3 wireless earbuds love edition: Engineered with ENC technology for crystal-clear calls, X-Bass® for deep sound, and a 48-hour battery life—perfect for those who like their music (and relationships) long-lasting.

    .  Blinkit exclusive: Quick, last-minute gifting made effortless with instant doorstep delivery—because love shouldn’t have to wait!

    In an era where speed is everything, Nu Republic and Blinkit are making premium wear-tech gifts more accessible than ever. This collaboration guarantees that procrastinators (or spontaneous romantics) can still impress their special someone with top-notch gadgets, delivered in minutes.

    “We are thrilled to collaborate with Blinkit to introduce this exclusive Valentine’s Day collection,” said Nu Republic founder Ujjwal Sarin. “At Nu Republic, we believe in fusing technology with self-expression, and this collection embodies that ethos—bold, powerful, and designed for those who seek innovation in every aspect of life.”

    Echoing the excitement, Blinkit category and revenue lead, Anish Shrivastava stated, “At Blinkit, we are always looking for ways to bring joy and convenience to our customers. This partnership with Nu Republic is a perfect fit, combining fast delivery with stylish and thoughtful gifting options to make this Valentine’s Day truly special.”

    The Nu Republic Valentine’s Day Collection is available exclusively on Blinkit, ensuring instant access to these must-have gifts.

    .  Pop Love wireless speaker – Rs 699

    .  Epic X3 wireless earbuds – Rs 699

    This Valentine’s Day, ditch the clichés—because love sounds better with music! 

  • Colab Cloud Platforms to invest Rs 10 Crore in sports and fitness e-com marketplace

    Colab Cloud Platforms to invest Rs 10 Crore in sports and fitness e-com marketplace

    MUMBAI:  Colab Cloud Platforms Ltd (CCPL) has announced a strategic investment of up to Rs 10 crore to launch a dedicated e-commerce platform for sports and fitness products. The initiative aims to capitalise on India’s growing fitness culture and rising demand for high-quality sports goods.

    The new marketplace will offer a wide range of products, including sports equipment, apparel, accessories, and related items, catering to professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and beginners alike. Advanced technologies, such as AI-driven product recommendations and data analytics, will enhance user experiences and ensure a seamless shopping journey.

    CCPL  MD Puneet Singh: “India’s sports and fitness market is expected to double in value to $58 billion by 2030, driven by a fitness-focused culture and higher discretionary spending. Online shopping is becoming the preferred channel due to its convenience, wider product selection, and competitive pricing.”

    The platform will also provide opportunities for Indian manufacturers, startups, and brands to showcase their products, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the sports and fitness sector.

    CCPL  is known for delivering technology-driven solutions across various industries, leveraging India’s technological talent to drive growth and enhance user experiences

  • Click, cart, buy: The digital shopping tsunami sweeping India

    Click, cart, buy: The digital shopping tsunami sweeping India

    MUMBAI: Remember the days of long checkout queues, last-minute cash crunches, and the dreaded ‘No change, sir’ at the cashier? Well, those relics of the past are fast disappearing. The Ipsos Shopper Insights study, “Clicking into the Future – Trends Driving India’s Online Shopping Surge”, proves that e-commerce and q-commerce are not just trends—they are full-scale revolutions reshaping the Indian shopping experience.

    And here’s the billion-dollar question: how does this online shopping surge compare to traditional retail? Brace yourself—while India’s total retail market is valued at $1.3 trillion, e-commerce and q-commerce together make up $100 billion, a fraction of the pie but growing at an unstoppable pace. With a mix of primary and secondary research, the study highlights ten key trends that will determine the winners and losers in this digital shopping sprint.

    Who’s clicking more?

    Move over, men! Online shopping is no longer their exclusive playground. The report finds that 53 per cent of online shoppers are male, while 47 per cent are female, proving that shopping carts are now evenly divided. And it’s not just Gen Z making impulse purchases—Gen X shoppers (19 per cent) are getting in on the action, while millennials (23 per cent) and Gen Z (30 per cent) continue their love affair with online retail.

    India’s digital shopping boom expands beyond big cities. E-commerce is no longer an exclusive club for city dwellers. The study finds that 45 per cent of internet users live in rural India, and 20-25 per cent hail from small towns and non-metro areas. In fact, 2 in 10 shoppers from these regions are clicking their way through digital aisles, proving that online retail has bulldozed past geographical barriers.

    And what’s in their carts? Urban shoppers stack up on groceries, but tier 2 and 3 town shoppers are all about fashion statements—because who says small-town swagger isn’t a thing? A big shoutout to Jio for spreading free 4G like wildfire, ensuring that buffering is no longer an excuse for not indulging in retail therapy.

    Convenience wins over discounts—Yes, really! Deals are great, but 68 per cent of consumers say speed and convenience are now the primary reasons for shopping online. Discounts remain important, with 61 per cent still swayed by offers, but convenience has taken the lead. Gen X shoppers (75 per cent) and women (73 per cent) prioritise ease over price cuts, while men remain equally influenced by both convenience (64 per cent) and discounts (64 per cent).

    Ipsos India country service line leader, market strategy & understanding & lead shopper insights Archana Gupta said, “We are witnessing an unprecedented shopper traffic towards online shopping, across demographics and length and breadth of the country, across big towns, small towns with e-commerce, getting a further impetus through q-commerce, highlighting a heightened emphasis on convenience and speed. There is also the increasing emerging trend among online shoppers of choosing alternate brands, in the absence of preferred brands, bringing the focus on building consumer loyalty, re-stocking and replenishments and analysing consumer choices during peak hours of browsing.”

    Shoppers are increasingly impatient, with 31 per cent finding online shopping faster than visiting a store. This trend is strongest among Gen X (41 per cent), who appreciate not having to leave their sofas to get what they need. And if your favourite item is out of stock? Too bad! Stockouts are seen as lost opportunities, making real-time availability and pop-up deals crucial for conversion.

    The 24/7 shopping culture is here to stay. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores, online shopping never sleeps. 31 per cent of consumers love the ability to shop anytime, anywhere, with Gen X (39 per cent) leading this trend. Q-commerce platforms and food delivery apps have taken this a step further, fulfilling orders at midnight and beyond, ensuring consumers get their cravings met on demand.

    Impulse buying is now a lifestyle. 66 per cent of q-commerce users shop at least once a week or more frequently, leading to changing stock-up behaviours. Smaller SKUs and instant availability are now key as shoppers opt for quick replenishments instead of bulk purchases.

    Forget window shopping—today’s consumers read before they buy. 54 per cent of shoppers always check reviews, while 40 per cent do so sometimes. Without the ability to touch and feel products, reviews and influencer recommendations have become the new trust signals, guiding purchasing decisions.

    Brand Loyalty? Not So Much

    With so many choices at their fingertips, consumers are brand-hopping more than ever. 60 per cent of apparel shoppers and 55 per cent of grocery shoppers say they will switch brands if their preferred one is unavailable. To stay relevant, brands need to ensure seamless availability and work harder on loyalty strategies.

    Why browse a cluttered marketplace when you can shop on a niche platform? 60 per cent of consumers use q-commerce sites like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, with most using multiple platforms. Brands must ensure they have a clean, clutter-free presence across all platforms, with AI-powered recommendations to capture customer attention.

    The ease of online shopping comes with a catch—48 per cent of consumers admit they have no idea how much they are spending online. With digital payments removing the psychological barrier of handing over cash, budgeting tools are now more critical than ever.

    “The online shopping landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for marketers. Shoppers are highly impatient, switching brands and looking for instant gratification. The online channel provides wider reach, overcoming the hurdles posed for physical distribution through traditional channels,” said Ipsos Shopper Insights research director Shruti Patodia. As brands navigate this fast-changing landscape, staying ahead of emerging trends will be the key to winning consumers’ hearts—and carts.

  • Zomato revenue hits Rs 5,657 million in Q3 while PAT shrinks to Rs 59 million

    Zomato revenue hits Rs 5,657 million in Q3 while PAT shrinks to Rs 59 million

    MUMBAI: Zomato, the poster child of India’s food-tech revolution, has released its Q3 FY25 results, revealing a fascinating mix of growth and persistent challenges. Founded by Deepinder Goyal, a man who turned his restaurant review dream into a billion-dollar reality, Zomato’s journey from a niche startup to a household name is nothing short of inspiring. Today, the company boasts a market valuation of over Rs 50,000 crore, but the path has been far from smooth.

    In a bid to outpace competitors like Swiggy and Zepto, Zomato has aggressively expanded its portfolio. From acquiring Blinkit, which revolutionised its quick commerce game, to launching ‘Zomato District,’ an experimental dining experience platform, the company is firing on all cylinders. However, this rapid growth hasn’t come without its challenges. The acquisition spree and investments in new verticals have added significant strain to its financials. And let’s not forget the Rs 803.4 crore GST-related setback from Maharashtra —talk about an unexpected delivery charge!

    With consolidated revenue hitting Rs 5,657 million, up from Rs 3,507 million a year ago, the numbers tell a story of resilience and reinvention. But as profitability continues to slip through its grasp, the burning question remains: can Zomato strike the elusive balance between growth and financial sustainability? Or is it simply running faster on a treadmill of rising costs? Buckle up, because this food-tech giant’s journey is far from over.

    Consolidated Results

    In Q3 FY25, Zomato’s consolidated revenue from operations surged by 54 per cent year-over-year to Rs 5,405 million, with additional income of Rs 252 million pushing total income to Rs 5,657 million. While these numbers showcase growth, they come with a hefty price tag—rising costs that seem as persistent as your favourite food app’s notifications.

    Employee benefits expenses climbed to Rs 689 million, which makes one wonder: are delivery executives being given gold-plated scooters? Advertising and sales promotion costs held steady at Rs 421 million, showing Zomato’s relentless pursuit of eyeballs and appetites. Meanwhile, delivery-related charges hit a whopping Rs 1,450 million—proof that staying ahead in the food-tech race isn’t a cheap sport.

    But here’s where the humour fades. Despite revenue growth, Zomato’s profit before tax tumbled to Rs 124 million, a notable dip from Rs 237 million in the previous quarter. The consolidated profit after tax (PAT) followed suit, shrinking to Rs 59 million, down from Rs 176 million last quarter. Even EBITDA, the trusty metric of operational health, showed only marginal improvement. Is this growth, or are we just running on a treadmill of expenses?

    Adding spice to the financial mix, Zomato’s segment performance revealed contrasting flavours: Hyperpure, its B2B vertical, grew a sizzling 94.5 per cent YoY, while Quick Commerce revenue rocketed 117 per cent YoY, contributing Rs 1,399 million to the top line. But profitability? It’s still playing hard to get—a romance worthy of a Netflix drama.

    So, what’s the takeaway here? Is Zomato on a path to future dominance, or is it stuck in a never-ending balancing act between growth and margin woes? Investors, grab your popcorn, because this plot just keeps thickening!

    Standalone Results

    The standalone results painted a slightly brighter picture—a rare dessert in a financial menu filled with rising costs. Revenue from operations for Q3 FY25 climbed to Rs 2,226 crore, up from Rs 1,782 crore in the same period last year. Including Rs 311 crore in other income, total income reached Rs 2,537 crore, offering some much-needed cheer to investors. Who doesn’t love a surprise topping?

    But let’s not pop the champagne just yet. Employee benefits expenses rose to Rs 333 crore—are we paying delivery riders in Bitcoin now? Meanwhile, delivery-related costs surged to Rs 941 crore, showing that keeping up with a booming market comes at a steep price. Despite these headwinds, Zomato managed to serve up a standalone profit before tax of Rs 574 crore, a healthy increase from Rs 385 crore in Q3 FY24. The standalone PAT came in at Rs 494 crore, proving that even amidst turbulence, there’s room for optimism.

    So, can Zomato keep delivering these sweet surprises, or are rising costs about to steal dessert off the table? Investors, stay tuned!

    Operational Highlights

    1.  Segment Growth:

    .  Food delivery revenue grew by 21.6 per cent YoY to Rs 2,072 million.

    .  Hyperpure, Zomato’s B2B vertical, surged by 94.5 per cent YoY to Rs 1,671 million.

    .  Quick commerce, a new darling, contributed Rs 1,399 million, up from Rs 644 million last year.

    2. Acquisitions: Zomato’s acquisition spree continues to bear fruit. The recent addition of Wasteland Entertainment Private Limited (WEPL) and Orbgen Technologies Private Limited (OTPL) underscores its focus on diversification.

    3. Regulatory Challenges: The company faced a GST-related setback, with demands totalling Rs 420 crore from Maharashtra and West Bengal authorities. While management remains optimistic, these disputes add another layer of complexity to its financial landscape.

    Zomato’s results reflect the growing pains of a company caught between scaling operations and achieving profitability. While the rapid growth in Hyperpure and Quick Commerce shows plenty of promise, the company’s ballooning costs and pesky regulatory hurdles resemble hurdles in a marathon where the finish line keeps moving.

    So, what’s the final verdict? Is Zomato writing the next big food-tech success story, or is it cooking up a recipe for endless spending? As India’s food-tech landscape becomes more cutthroat, the stakes for Zomato couldn’t be higher. The question isn’t just whether they can deliver food on time but whether they can finally deliver profits to investors. One thing’s for sure: this is a journey worth watching—and it’s bound to be as spicy as a midnight biryani craving!

    Key Financial Highlights

    . Consolidated Revenue: Rs 5,405 million for Q3 FY25; Rs 14,410 million for nine months.

    .  Standalone Revenue: Rs 2,226 million for Q3 FY25; Rs 6,425 million for nine months.

    .  PAT (Consolidated): Rs 59 million for Q3 FY25; Rs 488 million for nine months.

    .  EBITDA Margin: Improved slightly but remains constrained by rising costs.

    .  Segment Growth: Hyperpure surged by 94.5 per cent YoY, Quick Commerce up by 117 per cent YoY.

  • Hari V Krishnan to step down as CEO of PropertyGuru group

    Hari V Krishnan to step down as CEO of PropertyGuru group

    MUMBAI: In a significant leadership announcement, Hari V. Krishnan has decided to step down as CEO of the Singapore-based PropertyGuru group after nearly a decade of remarkable growth and innovation.

    Reflecting on his tenure, Hari highlighted key milestones such as achieving market leadership across regions, expanding into Vietnam, forming a transformative partnership in Malaysia, and leading the company’s public listing on the NYSE.

    Hari’s leadership also saw the incubation of new businesses and solutions, multiple funding rounds, and the recent strategic partnership with EQT Group wherein the Swedish  alternative investment firm acquired it at a valuation of $1.1 billion and delisted it from the NYSE. He will transition into the role of senior advisor to the board once a new CEO is in place.

    PropertyGuru announced that Lewis Ng will take over as CEO in March. With a robust background at global firms such as Seek, TripAdvisor, and Apple, along with prior experience at PropertyGuru, Lewis is poised to lead the company into its next growth phase. Trevor Mather will join as chairman, bringing extensive experience from AutoTrader and Thoughtworks, alongside new board members Janice Leow and Ed Williams.

    Hari expressed gratitude to stakeholders, reflecting on his journey of empowering communities to thrive and expressing confidence in the company’s future under new leadership.

    Prior to heading the PropertyGuru group,  Hari was a well-known executive in India as  Linkedin vice president & MD, Asia Pacific & Japan before that  country manager for India. He began his career wih Ciso as a product manage/ customer support engineer based in San Jose, moving onto assignments with Yahoo India, travelguru, Myspace, and then Linkedin. He is a mentor and investor in several startops.

     

  • FHRAI raises concerns over Zomato & Swiggy’s private label business

    FHRAI raises concerns over Zomato & Swiggy’s private label business

    MUMBAI: This was bound to happen. Especially with the quick commerce guys evolving from delivery to making their own food products (call them private labels)  and delivering them. This is ruining the appetite of  hoteliers and restaurant owners.  

    And they are voicing their irritation through their representative body – The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the world’s third-largest hospitality association which has voiced strong objections to Zomato and Swiggy’s entry into the private label food delivery business.

    The association has alleged unfair competition, misuse of restaurant data, and potential food safety risks, citing the platforms’ market dominance as detrimental to the businesses they were initially designed to support.
    FHRAI has announced its intention to meet with the ministry of commerce to push for regulatory action to ensure fair practices in the food service sector.

    The association’s concerns center on the alleged misuse of proprietary restaurant data by Zomato and Swiggy. This data, encompassing customer preferences, sales trends, and order histories, is reportedly being used to create personalised deals and develop private label products.

    FHRAI vice-president Pradeep Shetty  highlighted the ethical and legal implications of these practices. “These platforms were originally designed as neutral marketplaces to connect consumers with restaurants. However, by introducing and promoting their own food products, they are exploiting sensitive data to compete directly with the restaurants they serve. This creates an uneven playing field and jeopardises the livelihoods of small and medium-sized businesses,” said Shetty.

    He further emphasised that restaurants lack access to the same data, making it even harder for them to compete in an already challenging market.

    Another significant issue raised by  the FHRAI is the lack of transparency surrounding food safety standards for these private label products. While restaurants are subject to stringent safety regulations, the same standards may not be enforced for products sold by the platforms. This lack of accountability, FHRAI argues, could undermine consumer trust and damage the reputation of the restaurant industry.

    Originally established to connect restaurants with customers, Zomato and Swiggy have expanded their operations into the quick commerce space by creating private label food products. This move has raised fears of monopolistic practices, as the platforms now control not just the distribution but also the creation and sale of food.

    The association warned that without clear regulations, these developments could harm competition and consumer choice in the food service market.

    FHRAI is advocating for enforceable guidelines to:
    * Protect restaurant data from misuse.
    * Ensure private label food products meet the same safety and quality standards as restaurant food.
    * Maintain transparency and fairness in the food service industry.

    “We urge regulators to take swift action to address these issues. A transparent and competitive environment is essential for the survival and growth of all stakeholders, including restaurants, delivery platforms, and consumers,” Shetty stated.

    Will the regulators do something to restore the FHRAI’s appetite?

  • Swiggy partners with Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters for Snacc app

    Swiggy partners with Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters for Snacc app

    MUMBAI:  Swiggy wants coffeeholics to swig more than a cuppa. At home. India’s leading on-demand convenience platform has announced a strategic partnership with Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters for its newly launched Snacc app.

    Snacc  provides a wide variety of high-quality food, offering quick discovery, seamless checkout, and fast delivery. It features breakfast staples, baked goods, healthy food options, snacks, and beverages, catering to diverse consumer needs.

    Through this collaboration, customers can now enjoy a selection of Blue Tokai’s premium coffees, including Americano, Cappuccino, Flat White, Iced Americano, Latte, and Vietnamese Iced Coffee, and have it delivered to their doorstep in just 15 minutes.

    Snacc business head Satheesh Raman said: “Swiggy has been committed to delivering high-quality food since 2014, and with the launch of Snacc we aim to further simplify life for consumers with quick, convenient food solutions. We are excited to partner with Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to bring exceptional coffee to our users. This partnership is just the beginning, and we’ll continue to seek out brands that share our commitment to quality.”

    Blue Tokai co-founder & COO Shivam Shahi added, “We’re passionate about delivering high-quality coffee with speed and convenience. This partnership with the Snacc  app will allow us to offer our coffee to a new generation of customers who value both quality and fast delivery.”

    The Snacc app is designed to offer unmatched convenience, particularly for young working professionals looking for high-quality food options, whether at home or in the office. It is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store.

    (The picture for this story has been generated using Microsoft Designer. No copyright infringement is intended nor is there any intention to hurt any brand’s sentiment. It is being just as a visual support for the story.)

  • Health tech firm Consint.AI raises Rs 5 crore seed investment

    Health tech firm Consint.AI raises Rs 5 crore seed investment

    MUMBAI: GenAI-driven healthcare Insurance fraud and risk management company Consint.AI has raised Rs 5 crore in a seed round led by Equanimity Ventures and Seafund. The capital raised will be deployed to scale operations through expanded sales outreach and accelerate the development of the genAI feature suite for the health AI platform.

    This includes enhancing fraud detection, optimising claims processing, and delivering personalised clinical care. Funding raised in the current round will also support team expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and R&D efforts to help it grow in the health tech solutions market.

    Says Seafund managing partner Manoj Agarwal:  “Our focus on emerging tech like GenAI, deep tech, IoT and sustainability has been the guiding force when it comes to backing unique and innovative startups. Consint.AI’s laser sharp focus on solving the problem of healthcare insurance claims processing and fraud detection improving performance of insurance and healthcare institutions is a multi-billion dollar problem to solve and we believe that we have the necessary expertise and network to help the company grow and reach its ambitions.”
     
    Adds Consint founder & CEO Ashish Chaturvedi:  “This current market traction and milestones highlight the transformative potential of generative AI in reshaping healthcare as we know it. At Consint.AI, we are pioneering genAI-driven platforms like CIPHR.ai and Risk.ai to solve complex challenges in healthcare transactions and personalised care. Our focus remains on advancing our genAI capabilities to drive innovation, deliver impactful solutions, and empower businesses globally to achieve seamless operations and value-based care. This funding accelerates our mission to lead the charge in AI-powered healthcare transformation”

    Founded in 2020 by Ashish Chaturvedi and later joined by Swadeep Singh as a co-founder, Consint.AI aims to optimise healthcare claims transactions, making them affordable and efficient with cutting-edge platforms like Risk.ai, engineered to optimise insurance transactions and mitigate fraud, and CIPHR.ai which is designed to enhance critical patient management and streamline claims generation. By harnessing advanced genAI solutions, the company helps businesses across emerging markets and the US to drive value-based care, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.

    In the past 12 months, Consint.AI has expanded  in India, the middle east, and Africa. The company recently launched CIPHR.ai, an AI-driven platform tailored for hospitals, built upon custom gen AI models for  care personalisation in critical patient management. CIPHR.ai provides intelligence at the point of care and generates claims transactions. It is targeted at emerging health markets and the US Accountable Care Organisation (ACO) sector.

    In the past two quarters, the company has achieved significant growth, securing Rs 10 plus crore in signed contracts. This includes multiple multi-year agreements with leading insurance providers and hospital systems. Consint.AI  plans to continue expanding Risk.ai to drive transactions in the emerging InsurTech markets, with a focus on product enhancements and accelerated sales efforts. Additionally, it aims to strategically penetrate the US market by establishing a strong product-market fit for its CIPHR.ai provider platform, leveraging its generative AI solutions to meet the specific needs of healthcare providers ACOs. 

    Consint.AI is focused on the $600 billion healthcare transaction market and with a projected 4x YoY business growth, the company is strategically expanding its Risk.ai product across private and public insurance markets in the APAC and MEA regions.