BRAND MANAGERS
Be Clinical raises Rs 21 crore in seed round led by Sauce
The investment was led by Sauce and included participation from V3 Ventures and angel investors. The capital will fuel product innovation and expand the brand's clinical skincare range. Be Clinical focuses on clinically tested formulations for Indian skin concerns. The company aims to make science-backed skincare more accessible to consumers.
D2C skincare brand Asaya raises Rs 88 crore funding at Rs 400 crore valuation
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) skincare brand Asaya has raised Rs 88 crore at a post-money valuation of Rs 400 crore from RPSG Capital and other investors. The company will use nearly 20% of the capital for research and development, with the rest going towards product expansion, distribution and hiring.
Inside FMCG's leadership shake-up: The boardroom churn behind HUL, GCPL, Britannia, Dabur, Colgate
Indian FMCG companies are experiencing significant leadership changes across major firms. Several top executives have transitioned, impacting company strategies and market positions. These changes occur during a period of uneven consumer demand and rising competition. Companies are adapting to evolving consumer preferences and increasing input costs. New leaders aim to drive growth and navigate a dynamic business landscape.
Freedom Oils maker Gemini Edibles & Fats India files DRHP with Sebi for IPO
Gemini Edibles & Fats India, maker of Freedom Oils, filed IPO papers with Sebi for an entirely offer-for-sale issue of up to 4.12 crore shares. Promoters and investors will sell stakes, while the company earns no proceeds. Revenue rose to Rs 12,650 crore in FY26, supported by strong branded oil growth.
Apollo Global reveals data breach after hackers target financial firms
The New York-based firm was among dozens of prominent US financial institutions and other businesses that were recently targeted by ransom-seeking hackers who use phone calls to compromise their victims, Reuters reported earlier this month.
India-designed mobile phones likely in 10-14 months under MPMS; no place for copycats: Ashwini Vaishnaw
New indigenously designed mobile phones with Indian IP rights will launch in 10-14 months. The government will strictly screen brands, preventing "copycats" from benefiting. Companies must prove ownership of design intellectual property rights for scheme eligibility. The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme aims to boost domestic brands and production. This initiative seeks to establish technological sovereignty and capture greater economic value.
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One of a Kind Awards: Recognising startups that put customers at the centre
At the One of a Kind Awards - for early stage startups, presented by The Economic Times and Cashfree Payments, the Customer Experience Delight Award recognised an early-stage, internet-first startup that built strong customer relationships through engagement, retention, responsiveness and service excellence.

One of a Kind Awards: An ode to startups creating categories of their own
At the One of a Kind Awards - for early stage startups, presented by The Economic Times and Cashfree Payments, the Category Creator Award recognised early-stage, internet-first startups that created, disrupted and owned categories—setting the bar high for others to see and feel inspired by.

One of a Kind Awards: Honouring the resourcefulness of bootstrapped champions
At the One of a Kind Awards - for early stage startups, presented by The Economic Times and Cashfree Payments, the Bootstrapped Champion Award recognised an early-stage, internet-first startup that achieved significant traction while remaining largely self-funded.

One of a Kind Awards: Celebrating the startups that earned the people’s vote
At the One of a Kind Awards - for early stage startups, presented by The Economic Times and Cashfree Payments, the People’s Choice Award recognised the early-stage, internet-first startup that earned the trust, loyalty and enthusiasm of the wider startup ecosystem through public participation.

One of a Kind Awards: Celebrating the GTM strategies driving early growth
At the One of a Kind Awards - for early stage startups, presented by The Economic Times and Cashfree Payments, the GTM Excellence Award recognised an early-stage, internet-first startup that built a clear path from product innovation to customer adoption, distribution and sustained growth.

MINISO enters quick commerce with 90+ products on Instamart, including Harry Potter, Hello Kitty
With the launch of its quick commerce initiative in India alongside Swiggy Instamart, MINISO introduces over ninety lifestyle items, featuring well-loved franchise merchandise. This partnership enhances Instamart's inventory, providing more than just essential goods. MINISO is focused on reaching a diverse customer base with expedited digital delivery services and has plans to broaden its product selection and geographic reach in the upcoming months.

Mobile phone makers with turnover of Rs 10,000 cr in FY26 eligible for MPMS: Govt
The government’s Rs 62,500-crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) will cover mobile phone makers and electronics manufacturing services firms meeting specified turnover and Indian ownership criteria.

Whirlpool India to revive brand, sets sights on premium play: MD Narasimhan Eswar
Whirlpool India says it will operate independently despite its US parent retaining a 39.7% stake. The company plans to expand its premium portfolio, strengthen refrigerators and washing machines, and grow its air-conditioner business. Six senior executives have invested their savings in the company’s shares. Whirlpool also plans ₹245 crore investment in a new production line as it targets top-three positions across segments.

Niva Bupa, Acko General Insurance barred from opening places of biz for 6 months
Niva Bupa's allowable expense for FY25 was Rs 2,403.75 crore, while its actual expenses stood at Rs 2,652.12 crore, exceeding the limit by Rs 248.37 crore, according to the regulator's order. Irdai has prescribed limits to ensure insurers control management and operating costs so that a reasonable portion of premiums collected from policyholders is available for providing insurance cover and settling claims.

Small towns emerge big growth driver for connected TV in India
Connected TV households in India now number sixty-two to sixty-five million viewers. Growth is significantly higher in smaller towns and rural areas across India. This expansion is not replacing linear television but complementing its viewership. Prime time viewership is emerging strongly on both CTV and linear platforms. Household-level measurement and frequency management are key challenges for advertisers.

smallcase Technologies expands under CASE Platforms; Zerodha CASE to be new name for mutual fund business
Fintech firm smallcase Technologies has introduced CASE Platforms as its new corporate identity. This new identity will unify its diverse portfolio of investment products and platform businesses. The mutual fund business, a joint venture with Zerodha, will now be known as Zerodha CASE Mutual Fund. CASE Platforms aims to help individual investors access the right financial products and tools.

D2C watch brand Bruno Milano raises Rs 7.5 crore led by Sauce VC
D2C watch brand Bruno Milano has raised Rs 7.5 crore in a funding round led by Sauce VC to expand its business and launch new products. Founded in 2024, the Noida-based startup sells watches priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 through ecommerce and quick commerce platforms.

Urban Company, Unicommerce expand partnership to Saudi Arabia, UAE
Urban Company's Middle East division has partnered with Unicommerce to streamline its e-commerce operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The online platform will leverage Unicommerce's Uniware technology to manage inventory and fulfillment for its at-home services, ensuring real-time visibility and efficient order routing for service professionals.

Brands unwrap premium gifting packs on quick commerce for festive season
Brands are launching festive, event-specific products on quick commerce platforms as shoppers increasingly turn to rapid delivery for gifting. From rakhis and premium chocolates to jewellery, beauty products and traditional wear, brands are tailoring offerings to specific occasions and micro-markets. D2C brands are also reporting a sharp rise in festive demand.

Wipro Consumer Care to acquire 60% stake in Dermatouch for Rs 387.5 crore
Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting will acquire a 60% stake in premium skincare brand Dermatouch at an enterprise value of ₹387.5 crore, marking its entry into digital-first brands. The remaining 40% will be acquired over three years. Dermatouch, founded by Anish Nagpal and Amit Purswani, reported ₹131 crore revenue in FY26.

Colgate India appoints Bombay Shaving Company to handle Palmolive’s D2C business
Colgate-Palmolive India is joining forces with Bombay Shaving Company to enhance its personal care division. This partnership will tap into Bombay Shaving Company's robust digital capabilities, focusing on direct-to-consumer strategies and e-commerce expansion. Since purchasing a minority share in 2018, Colgate-Palmolive India has entrusted Bombay Shaving Company with online advertising and consumer relations, while maintaining control over traditional retail brand management.

Crompton banking on premiumisation, new categories to drive growth: MD Promeet Ghosh
Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals is expanding its total addressable market significantly. The company aims to nearly double its revenue within the next five years. New product categories like solar rooftops and water purifiers are key growth drivers. Crompton is also focusing on building its Butterfly kitchen appliances brand nationally. The company is investing in innovation to develop smart and connected products.

Pepper gives CMOs a way to prove and improve their brand's standing in AI search
In today’s fast-evolving landscape, chief marketing officers are navigating the complexities of AI search challenges while actively searching for effective solutions. Pepper's GEO platform emerges as a critical tool, enabling brands to assess their AI search performance on a daily basis. By offering competitive comparisons across essential metrics and streamlining repetitive marketing tasks, it empowers teams to implement strategies with greater consistency and efficiency.

Colgate-Palmolive shares fall over 2% after Investor Day. What Goldman Sachs and other brokerages are saying
Colgate-Palmolive shares slipped after the company’s Investor Day 2026, as investors weighed higher brand investments against its long-term growth and profitability strategy. While Goldman Sachs retained a Neutral view, Motilal Oswal and Nuvama maintained Buy ratings, citing volume recovery, premiumisation and category expansion as key growth drivers.

Colgate may get costlier as input inflation returns
Colgate-Palmolive India may increase product prices further due to rising commodity costs. The company is protecting vulnerable consumers with existing grammage additions. Premium products are driving growth at six times the market rate. Rural markets are supporting volume growth through increased availability and awareness.

Spirits giant Suntory bets on Oaksmith, Jim Beam to crack India’s whisky market by 2030
Suntory Global Spirits targets India as its third-largest market by revenue by 2030. The company plans to sell locally made whiskies and imported brands. Oaksmith whisky will target mass and mid-premium segments in India. Japanese and American whiskies will capture premium consumers in the market. Suntory will focus on scaling its whiskey business to achieve its ambitions.

Hyatt-owner Juniper Hotels to double portfolio to 4,000 rooms, earmarks ₹1,930 crore
Juniper Hotels plans to double its luxury hotel portfolio to 4,000 keys. This expansion will occur over the next four years with significant investment. The company is developing five new greenfield projects across India. These developments include hotels and a commercial asset in key markets. Juniper Hotels will continue partnering with global operators for property management.

These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of up to 25%
Market breadth is important, especially at this point of time. It is a better indicator of both underlying sentiment and what is likely in store for the market in the coming days. So, watch it carefully rather than the movement of the Nifty or Sensex, especially at the start and end of each session.
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