Tag: Anupam Mittal

  • ReFit Global raises Rs two crore funding at Rs 200 crore valuation on Shark Tank Season 3

    ReFit Global raises Rs two crore funding at Rs 200 crore valuation on Shark Tank Season 3

    Mumbai: ReFit Global, a rapidly growing Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Refurbished marketplace, has successfully secured Rs two crore funding at Rs 200 crore valuation from leading entrepreneurs and investors during their appearance on Shark Tank India Season 3. The investment round was spearheaded by Shaadi.com – People Group CEO Anupam Mittal, SUGAR Cosmetics CEO & co-founder Vineeta Singh, CarDekho Group and InsuranceDekho co-founder & CEO Amit Jain. This strategic investment marks a significant leap forward in ReFit Global’s expansion journey.

    The acquired funds will be used to scale operations, broaden market outreach, and fortify the company’s technological infrastructure. Additionally, ReFit Global aims to enhance its web presence and overall customer experience, reinforcing its position as a leader in the refurbished marketplace.

    One of the largest liquidation partners of major online platforms and collaborator with major e-commerce platforms and smartphone brands, the bootstrapped company achieved 100x YoY growth, securing Rs 200 crores in FY 2022-2023.

    Speaking about the fundraising, ReFit Global CEO & co-founder Saket Saurav stated, “We’re truly excited to be sharing such a prestigious entrepreneurial platform with seasoned business leaders and visionaries. Recognizing the unique strengths each shark brings, our efforts has always been on expertise rather than just financial valuation. Our primary focus was to create a dynamic alliance with a diverse group of accomplished sharks, each contributing their distinctive insights and expertise. With this opportunity, we are aiming to bring in a clearer vision and market positioning for ReFit”.

    ReFit Global founder & CEO Avneet Singh stated, “We are pleased to have received funding from Shark Tank India, which validates our commitment to transforming the refurbished smartphone industry through innovation and research. The investment will be deployed to drive further advancements and introduce a diverse range of refreshed products to the market.”

    Beyond being a successful startup with a network of over 50,000 retailers across 100 odd cities, ReFit Global distinguishes itself as an environmental steward within the re-commerce industry. The company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing e-waste positions it as an eco-conscious player. Apart from financial success, ReFit Global actively contributes to positive environmental impact through excellent service, diverse sourcing methods, and a solid warranty promise. With these strengths, the company is driven to achieve its target of becoming a Rs 1,000 crore profitable enterprise within the next few years.

     

  • Anupam Mittal grants lakhs in DreamDeal S2 to young entrepreneurs nationwide

    Anupam Mittal grants lakhs in DreamDeal S2 to young entrepreneurs nationwide

    Mumbai: With a mission to uplift India’s youth and democratise entrepreneurship Super Shark, Anupam Mittal, the visionary behind Shaadi.com, introduced Season 2 of his unique DreamDeal initiative in 2023. The initiative is a one-of-a-kind ground-breaking move, where Mittal invites aspiring entrepreneurs to present their business ideas in a 30-second Instagram reel. He has now selected five extraordinary talents from across India to receive micro-grants in over 2 lakhs without any equity in their business and mentorship from Mittal himself. This path-breaking move has also positioned Mittal as the first investor in India to harness the power of social media to find entrepreneurial potential from across the country.

    Season 2 of DreamDeal saw over 1000 entries from across diverse sectors like FMCG, D2C, B2B, home farming, pharma, sustainable products, FnB and many others. Following this, a meticulous evaluation process was initiated based on the novelty, creativity and potential impact of the idea pitched, alongside engagement metrics including the number of likes on Instagram. From the pool of entries, the top 12 best ideas were carefully selected, of which the following emerged as winners:

    First position

    Gaikar Omkar Rajaram who envisions transforming the energy landscape with a groundbreaking gravity-powered energy system that generates continuous electricity through a cyclic process of circular pulleys and strategic underground holes. He plans to use the grant money to scale the system’s reach and elevate clean energy availability by bringing his game-changing technology to homes and industries, reducing carbon footprints one cycle at a time.

    Second position

    1) Jaisal Sandeep Shah & Cyrus Setna are 13-year-olds from Grade 8 of Dhirubhai Ambani International School, have worked on ‘The Transhifter Pro Academia,’ which seeks to assist prospective students and parents to the gates of their dream institution and help them choose the right board of education. The academy will provide advice about securing admission to Mumbai’s prestigious schools, including the availability of past papers of entrance exams, interview questions, etc – all under one roof. They will use the grant money to rent space for the academy.

    2) Shashank Srivastava is the co-founder of Plantera Banana Fiber Pvt Ltd. The company develops bio-leather from banana fiber, a renewable and biodegradable biomaterial that can reduce the environmental impact of leather production and consumption. The company designs and produces various types of leather products, such as bags, wallets, shoes, and accessories, using different materials like canvas, paper, and wood. His goal is to combine his creativity and technical expertise to shape a more sustainable and ethical future with banana fiber biomaterials.

    Third position

    1) Nikunj Walia’s Wrestlefanent is an engagement platform for wrestling fans and Indian wrestlers. Through this platform, the fans can showcase their passion for the sport through competitions, celebrity meets, online engagement, events, gaming, and much more, while Indian wrestlers get an opportunity to display their in-ring talent. He plans to use the grant money in marketing and attracting sponsorship interests for the first edition of its large-scale event, Wrestleverse. The event will be a massive expansion step for the company.

    2) Nagaland-based Ididaule Ngia’s Nagahaat is a re-use/renew brand that will give a second life to textile waste by turning it into beautiful household items or accessories. This, in turn, will help reduce land and air pollution. She will use the grant money for marketing and sales of the products.

    Talking about the initiative, People Group founder & CEO Anupam Mittal said, “Our country is home to rich talent, and I am delighted to support, encourage and nurture their creative potential. This season, too, we encountered brilliant ideas that gave a glimpse of India’s entrepreneurial spirit and the potential of each individual. What amazed me was that this included talents as young as 13 year-old-school students! I hope the grants and mentorship the winners receive will help boost their confidence, chart meaningful career paths and establish themselves as stalwarts in the business realm.”

    A ‘Super Shark’ of Shark Tank India, Anupam has consistently expressed a strong commitment to helping young Indian entrepreneurs explore diverse business opportunities. The launching of DreamDeal is an extension of this commitment. A testament to this is brothers Dhaval (20 years) and Jayesh Prakashbhai (22 years) who went on to be a part of Shark Tank India S2 and walked away with the season’s second all-shark deal.

  • Shisen Fox: Star-studded affair elevates eyewear elegance

    Shisen Fox: Star-studded affair elevates eyewear elegance

    Mumbai: Shisen Fox is a new-age premium unisex eyewear brand engineered with Japanese precision. Skillfully crafted for Indian face shapes, it is a great choice for modern, digital, and active lifestyles. They pay special attention to configuring prescription eyeglasses, making it very comfortable for users to adjust and avoid any discomfort. Shisen Fox’s vision is to change eyecare solutions for its users for the better.

    Originating from the artisanal workshops of Japan, Shisen Fox is poised to be the discerning choice for those who seek unparalleled craftsmanship, timeless designs, and a level of comfort that transcends expectations.

    Already reaching heights in the luxury eyewear industry, Shisen Fox has garnered the admiration of notable personalities. Renowned faces like Imtiyaz Ali, Anupam Mittal, Sujata Biswas, Anoop Singh Thakur, Shahwar Ali, Harmilan Bains, and Masoom Minawala not only patronage the brand but actively elevate the brand’s identity to new heights. They have influenced many to experience the unmatched luxury and style that Shisen Fox has to offer. With celebrities at the forefront of its endorsement, the brand is set to become synonymous with a lifestyle that values the epitome of fashion, sophistication, and exclusivity. The brand’s collection boasts classic, timeless designs that transcend fleeting trends. Its commitment to enduring style ensures that each pair of eyewear is a statement piece, embodying sophistication, and refinement.

    Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, the frames showcase the precision and dedication that define the brand’s commitment to excellence. The ergonomic designs ensure a perfect fit, allowing wearers to enjoy both style and ease, making Shisen Fox an ideal choice for those who appreciate luxury without compromising on comfort.

  • Shark Tank India mein sabse important kya?

    Shark Tank India mein sabse important kya?

    Mumbai: In a hilarious turn of events, the seasoned Sharks found themselves caught in a lively debate over who truly reigns supreme in the entrepreneurial waters. Surprisingly, the contenders were not budding business tycoons but the unsung heroes of the set—the iconic door, the plush seating area, and the prestigious podium—all vying for the spotlight in their own unique ways.

    Amidst laughter and the sweet banter, these set elements boldly declared, “We are the stars here!” The Sharks responded with a proposal that left everyone in stitches—”why not turn this backstage showdown into a venture by auctioning off these scene-stealers?”

    Get ready to witness these Sharks in the tank! As they are not just investing in groundbreaking pitches but are selling the elements of the stage for success!

     

     

    The panel of season three includes – CarDekho Group – InsuranceDekho.com CEO & co-founder Amit Jain, Shaadi.com – People Group founder & CEO Anupam Mittal, SUGAR Cosmetics co-founder & CEO Vineeta Singh, Lenskart CEO & co-founder Peyush Bansal,

    Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd executive director Namita Thapar, boat co-founder & CMO Aman Gupta, Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal, Inshorts co-founder & CEO, Azhar Iqubal, OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal, Edelweiss MF MD & CEO Radhika Gupta, ACKO founder and CEO Varun Dua, UpGrad co-founder and chairperson Ronnie Screwvala.

    Watch Shark Tank India 3 from 22 January on Sony LIV!

  • Edelweiss Mutual Fund’s Radhika Gupta joins Shark Tank India 3 as judge

    Edelweiss Mutual Fund’s Radhika Gupta joins Shark Tank India 3 as judge

    Mumbai: The newest addition to the Shark Tank India 3 judging panel, Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund is the perfect blend of elegance and ambition. Sharing inspiring thoughts from her simple observations of day-to-day life, Radhika is ready to collaborate with India’s one of the most loved shows – Shark Tank India for Season 3. Celebrating Radhika’s unapologetic self and fierce approach we bring instances that had all of us thinking.

    Lauding the elegance of the most beautiful piece of clothing, a saree, Radhika supports Indian traditional attire and promotes Indian handloom and artisans. She brings her conversation into her attire by donning a beautiful peach saree with the Indian Rupee and investment symbol drawn all over it. She combined her feminine side to her finance background with the brilliance of fashion and styling, sending a powerful statement that women can reach great heights, generate substantial wealth, and bring about positive change in the world.

    Radhika was drawn by the unparalleled popularity and the influence Shark Tank India has on the new-age entrepreneurs. She wants to educate the people of India about the importance of investing and mutual funds by bringing her years of experience in analyzing Indian companies to this national stage. Radhika wants to encourage the undiscovered potential of the youth across cities to build businesses of 5 cr to 100 cr and more. Through this new season, our newest shark, Radhika, is pumped and excited to back its unique and thoughtful business.

    All set to stream on Sony LIV from the 22 January, the lineup of sharks this year includes Aman Gupta (boAt co-founder and CMO), Amit Jain (CarDekho, and InsuranceDekho CEO and co-founder), Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com – People Group founder and CEO), Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals ED), Vineeta Singh ( SUGAR Cosmetics co-founder and CEO), Peyush Bansal ( Lenskart.com founder and CEO), Ritesh Agarwal ( OYO Rooms founder and CEO), Deepinder Goyal (Zomato founder and CEO), Ronnie Screwvala (Upgrad co-founder and chairperson), and Azhar Iqubal (Inshorts co-founder and CEO). The show is hosted by comedian – Rahul Dua.

    Watch Shark Tank India 3 from 22 January on Sony LIV!

  • Shisen Fox unveils Japanese handcrafted collection

    Shisen Fox unveils Japanese handcrafted collection

    Mumbai: Shisen Fox, the newest player in the premium unisex eyewear arena, announces its entry with the launch of Japanese handcrafted collection. This collection, a seamless blend of innovation and style, is poised to redefine the eyewear landscape.

    Featuring 22 distinct styles in seven alluring shades, Shisen Fox introduces a captivating range that reflects its commitment to setting new benchmarks in the eyewear industry. The brand unveils a fresh line every 15 days, staying at the forefront of innovation and fashion-forward design.

    Shisen Fox has already caught the eye of prominent personalities such as Anupam Mittal, Sujata Biswas (founder of Suta), and Influencer Masoom Minawala, who have been spotted adorned in Shisen Fox eyewear. Their endorsement is a testament to the brand’s allure and style quotient.

    Founded by Samarjeet Singh and Salim Memon, Shisen Fox draws inspiration from Japanese culture and craftsmanship. Both founders, with a background steeped in design and fashion, bring a wealth of experience to the brand, dedicated to creating eyewear that is original, well-made, and futuristic.

    The latest eyeglasses collection from Shisen Fox is a celebration of minimalism, offering wearers an opportunity to express their personal style through understated yet striking designs. Each pair is meticulously crafted for both comfort and style, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

    Shisen Fox founders Samarjeet Singh and Salim Memon expressed, “At Shisen Fox, our vision is to redefine the essence and future of eyewear by embracing minimalism. Our latest collection reflects our dedication to creating timeless pieces that effortlessly blend style and functionality, allowing our customers to make a subtle yet profound statement.”

    Shisen Fox’s commitment to innovation is reflected in their strategy of releasing a new line of eyeglasses every 15 days. This ensures customers have access to the latest trends and designs, establishing the brand as a trailblazer in the eyewear industry.

    Beyond eyeglasses, Shisen Fox aims to inspire individuality, empowering wearers to express their unique personality effortlessly through their eyewear.

  • Shaadi.com expands new Pune office marks multi-city growth

    Shaadi.com expands new Pune office marks multi-city growth

    Mumbai: Shaadi.com, India’s no-one matchmaking platform announces the opening of its new office in Pune, from August 2023. This significant step heralds a fresh chapter for the company, setting the stage for a broader nationwide presence. With Maharashtra being one of the important markets for Shaadi.com, this move will fortify its presence in the state. The new office is located at Meridian Plaza on the well-connected Senapati Bapat road, which is a cultural epicentre due to its proximity to the Chaturshringi Temple. The new office spans approximately 5,000 sq. ft. and is poised to accommodate a dedicated sales team of over 70 professionals. As a special gesture, this facility also welcomes individuals to visit the premises and personally meet the company’s highest-rated advisors to discuss their prospective marriage needs.

    People Group founder & CEO Anupam Mittal, expressed, “With the opening of our Pune office we aim to further strengthen our foothold in the Western region. It’s a growing market with an incredibly young talent pool. Our office is designed keeping in  mind an inclusive work atmosphere which will not only enhance efficiency but also help us match our vision of creating a positive experience for our newly inducted team.”

    This strategic move by Shaadi.com underscores its commitment to expanding its reach across various cities in India. With a steadfast focus on customer satisfaction and aligned with its progressive business objectives, Shaadi.com aims to cater to its thriving customer base in the country.  This expansion initiative will effectively address the dynamic requirements of its clients while further enhancing its extensive business activities. With recently opened offices in Mumbai (Andheri), Chennai, Kolkata and now Pune, the company has plans to further expand in the South market as well. With offices in Hyderabad and Coimbatore in the pipeline, the move would also see Shaadi.com bolster its workforce by 30 per cent by the end of the financial year.

    We hold the firm belief that this fresh establishment will empower us to extend meticulous and efficient service to our valued customers, further amplifying our regional presence.

     

  • Seekho raises Rs 3.75 crore in seed round led by We Founder Circle

    Seekho raises Rs 3.75 crore in seed round led by We Founder Circle

    Mumbai:  Investment platform We Founder Circle (WFC), led by a global community of founders and strategic angels, has led a seed round worth Rs 3.75 crore in an edutainment startup, Seekho. Many strategic angels have banded together to propel the start-up to new heights.

    Seekho said that it aims to define an entirely new category of edutainment content by combining educational content with entertaining byte-sized videos, building a “Netflix for Learning.” Seekho plans to use the investment to expand into new languages and expand their already diverse premium content library.

    The current round witnessed participation from We Founder Circle and SucSEED Innovation Fund, along with Toppr co-founder Hemanth Goteti and other executives.

    IITK alumni Rohit Choudhary, Keertay Agarwal, and Yash Banwani founded the company in 2020. The startup is already backed by PointOne Capital, 3one4 Capital, First Cheque, Callapina Capital and entrepreneurs including Anupam Mittal (People Group), Gaurav Munjal (Unacademy), Ramakant Sharma (Livspace), Zishaan Hayath (Toppr), Dinesh Goel (Aasaanjobs), Alok Mittal (IAN), Miten Sampat (CRED), Aakrit Vaish (Haptik), Harsh Shah (Fynd) and Harpreet Singh (Cocubes).

    We Founder Circle co-founder Gaurav VK Singhvi said, “At We Founder Circle, we are pleased to have invested in Seekho since they have demonstrated the will and smart ideas required to run a start-up. The start-up has the potential to revolutionise the education system and benefit society in a great way. We pledge our mentorship and support to Seekho, and we intend to cover all aspects of their development, including business strategy, product development, community building, and connecting with potential business mentors.”

    Seekho founder and CEO Rohit Choudhary added, “At Seekho, we are thrilled to have WFC and SucSEED as strategic investment partners, especially at this time when we are seeing really promising early results from the launch of Seekho PLUS subscriptions. With such strategic angels on board, we intend to scale up quickly and reach one lakh paying subscribers in the next six months.”

  • Virtual marketplace Truebil raises Rs 3.2 crore from Kae Capital, Mittal

    Virtual marketplace Truebil raises Rs 3.2 crore from Kae Capital, Mittal

    MUMBAI: Truebil, a Mumbai-based start-up in the pre-owned cars virtual marketplace has raised Rs 3.18 crore ($500,000) in its first round of funding from Kae Capital and angel investor Anupam Mittal, who is the founder and CEO of People Group.

     

    With the investment, the company plans to develop a robust technology to enhance the end user-experience and further expand to other cities in the country.

     

    Founded in March 2015, Truebil is an outcome of the integration of seven minds; Suraj Kalwani (CEO), Ravi Chirania (operations), Shubh Bansal (marketing), Rakesh Raman (product), Ritesh Pandey (technology), Shanu Vivek (marketing) and Himanshu Singhal (operations).

     

    The founders together hold an experience of having worked with companies like Housing.com, Fab.com and Fusion Charts etc. Their new venture, Truebil aims to make pre-owned vehicle buying and selling experience more rewarding and uncomplicated while ensuring absolute transparency to the buyers. Truebil provides a one stop solution for buying and selling of used automobiles by offering free inspection and valuation, quick sell guarantee, free vehicle buying consulting, smooth paper transfer, loan assistance, insurance support and car spa to all the purchases made through the online portal.

     

    Truebil co-founder and chief of marketing & growth Bansal said, “The fundamental problems in buying a pre-owned car are the delayed processes and the hassle. With Truebil’s unique model, we are confident of bringing about a revolution in the used car market in the country and making the buying process a gratifying experience for the consumers. We have received encouraging response from the users since the website’s launch in Mumbai and plan to use the current funding for innovating on the products side to give them a seamless experience.”

    Kae Capital investment director Navin Honagudi added, “Truebil lists verified cars, which solves for trust while making a purchase decision. The team has strong experience in scaling marketplace and the vision with Truebil is to buy a used car at the click of a button.”

     

    “The world is moving to full-stack solutions unlike the Indian pre-owned cars market which has not seen innovation since decades. I think Truebil and its team are poised to crack that,” said Mittal.

  • News Corp backed PropTiger acquires Makaan.com

    News Corp backed PropTiger acquires Makaan.com

    MUMBAI: With an aim to ramp up its presence in India’s secondary property market, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp-backed real estate portal PropTiger has acquired rival Makaan.com for an undisclosed amount.

     

    PropTiger’s parent firm Elara Technologies has entered into a transaction with Makaan.com. Both portals will run separately.

     

    “Our parent firm Elara has acquired Makaan.com, which will keep operating as a separate portal. No fresh funds were raised for this acquisition,” PropTiger.com co-founder Dhruv Agarwala told PTI.

     

    The acquisition creates a comprehensive online real-estate platform, which will offer end-to-end services to home buyers, real estate developers, property brokers, banks and private equity investors. Since 2011, around 12,000 homes worth $1.2 billion have been purchased through PropTiger’s platform.

     

    The Noida-based firm, which was founded in February 2011, has eight offices in the country with employee strength of around 500. In November last year, News Corp had acquired 25 per cent stake in PropTiger for $30 million as part of its strategy to expand presence in digital media.

     

    Earlier this month, PropTiger also acquired the Bangalore-based digital interaction design company Out of Box Interaction (OoBI), which specialises in displaying real estate projects in an immersive way.

     

    Entrepreneur and investor Anupam Mittal, whose other digital ventures include Shaadi.com and Mauj Mobile, founded Makaan.com within People Group.