From big-tech bets and cross-border capital to coffee chains, classrooms, and consumer brands scaling up, today’s news captures the many ways India’s business landscape is evolving.
Whether it’s Flipkart doubling down on AI, Japanese capital backing healthcare skilling, or homegrown companies sharpening their expansion playbooks, YourStory brings you a quick snapshot of the stories shaping the day.
Featured stories
How Sawariya Group built a $230M distribution engine for India’s fragmented consumer economy
Founded in 1990, Sawariya Group is a leading distribution and brand management company. It advises brands on what to stock, where to stock it, and how to localise supply.
From a single kirana shop opened in 1990 in North Maharashtra, the Sawariya Group has evolved into a $230-million distribution and brand management enterprise, working across categories such as FMCG, beauty, lifestyle, luggage, and luxury perfumery.
Sawariya advises brands on what to stock, where to stock it, and how to localise supply. Read more here
Brewing for profitability: Inside Third Wave Coffee’s FY2026 playbook
With 200 stores across India, Third Wave is now gearing up to add another 100 cafes in FY2026. Its expansion strategy is anchored in unit economics, backend readiness, a calibrated city-by-city expansion plan, and strengthening of its retail portfolio through easy-to-brew coffee bags, signature blends, brewing equipment, and curated merchandise.
The brand is currently growing at 45% year-on-year.
While Third Wave’s origins lie in Bengaluru’s urban neighbourhoods and its initial expansion focused on premium localities across Tier I cities, the company is now firmly focused on Tier-II expansion. Cities such as Mysore, Chandigarh, Mohali, Mangalore, and Ahmedabad are already part of the network, with more to follow in FY2026. Read more here
150 Years of Vande Mataram: Why India is still debating the freedom song
As “Vande Mataram” turns 150, the freedom anthem is once again at the centre of public debate. Drawing on a recent conversation with Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, this article traces the song’s origins and why it still provokes both pride and discomfort.
In the minister’s narrative, the power of “Vande Mataram” is inseparable from martyrdom. He invoked the image of freedom fighters approaching the gallows, calling the song their final words. The point was not to build a list of names, but to underline what the phrase came to represent, a willingness to pay the highest price. Read more here
Funding news
Virohan raises $7.5M led by Japan’s Mynavi Corporation
Virohan, a healthcare education company, on Friday raised Rs 65 crore ($7.5 million) as part of its ongoing Series B funding round, as investors increase bets on India’s widening shortage of skilled healthcare workers.
The round was led by Japan’s Mynavi Corporation, with participation from existing backers Blume Ventures, Bharat Inclusive Technologies Seed Fund, and Rebright Partners. Read more here
StockGro raises $13M from BITKRAFT Ventures in Series B1 funding round
StockGro has raised $13 million from BITKRAFT Ventures as part of its Series B1 funding round, the startup said on Friday, adding to the capital the investment education and advisory platform has attracted in recent months.
Earlier this month, StockGro had raised Rs 150 crore from stock market investor Mukul Agrawal in a Series B round structured as a convertible investment, with the company’s valuation to be determined based on future performance. Read more here
Alimento Agro Foods raises Rs 52 Cr in Series A funding round led by IvyCap Ventures
Alimento Agro Foods Pvt Ltd has raised Rs 52 crore in a Series A funding round led by IvyCap Ventures.
The company plans to use the capital to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen distribution across India, and invest in product development for its brands, MOM Meal of the Moment and Gimi Gimi.
According to the company, the funding will support scaling operations and widening market reach for both brands as they compete in increasingly crowded food categories. Read more here
Other news
Suvit rebrands as Vyapar TaxOne to build unified AI Platform
Suvit has officially rebranded as Vyapar TaxOne, following its integration into the Vyapar ecosystem. The new identity reflects a strategic shift toward building a unified, AI-led operating platform for India’s tax professionals, enabling simpler compliance, streamlined workflows, and better collaboration with MSMEs.
Under Vyapar TaxOne, the platform brings deeper automation across GST, accounting data, and compliance, along with enhanced scalability and control for multi-client CA firms. The rebrand aligns with Vyapar’s broader vision of creating a connected digital ecosystem for MSMEs and tax professionals.
Stanbik Agro Limited gets listed on BSE SME Platform
Stanbik Agro Limited, headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is the 682nd company to get listed on the BSE SME Platform. Stanbik Agro is engaged in the business of contract farming, wholesaling and supplying of agricultural commodities.
The company operates across three key business verticals viz., contract farming, modern retailing, and B2B business.
The company said it will utilise the proceeds from the IPO for the expansion of the company’s retail network through new retail outlets, payment of brokerage charges and security deposits.
Spice Lounge Food Works Ltd expands technology capabilities with acquisition of Singapore-Based Prisha Infotech
Spice Lounge Food Works Limited, a fast-growing multi-format food service company with a strong presence across South India, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of 100% stake in Singapore based Prisha Infotech, for a total consideration of $1,50,000, marking a strategic expansion into technology-enabled solutions for the food service and hospitality ecosystem.
The acquisition aligns with Spice Lounge Food Works Limited’s long-term strategy of expansion, diversification and global presence. The integration of Prisha Infotech’s software development and programming capabilities will strengthen the company’s digital foundation and enable access to international markets through Singapore.
HMI Learning partners with Germany’s Klett Group to elevate early education in India
HMI Learning Private Limited, which operates the preschool and daycare brand Happy Minds International, has received a strategic investment from Germany-based Klett Kita and Schule, a subsidiary of the Klett Group. The investment will be made in phases over the next two to three years.
HMI Learning was founded in 2012 and began operations with a single centre. According to the company, the funding will be used to support its expansion plans and to invest in curriculum development, teacher training, and operational systems. The investment implies a valuation of around Rs 250 crore ($30 million).
For Klett Group, the investment marks its entry into the Indian education sector, with a focus on early childhood education. The company said it sees long-term potential in India’s preschool and daycare segment, driven by rising urbanisation and increasing demand for organised early learning services.
HMI Learning partners with Germany’s Klett Group
GABIT acquires Näck to build the world’s first fully integrated longevity ecosystem
GABIT, a health and wellness technology company, has acquired Näck, a nutrition-focused supplements brand. The acquisition brings Näck under GABIT’s broader platform, which combines health tracking, coaching, and nutrition offerings.
Founded in 2022 by Gaurav Gupta and Arpana Shahi, GABIT operates in the longevity and preventive health space. The company offers a smart ring for tracking health metrics, along with personalised coaching supported by AI. With the addition of Näck, GABIT plans to integrate nutrition products into its existing ecosystem.
Näck is positioned as a science-led supplements brand focused on clean-label formulations. Following the acquisition, its products will be aligned with GABIT’s data-driven health programs, allowing users to combine tracking, guidance, and nutritional support within a single platform.
GABIT said the acquisition is part of its strategy to expand across multiple aspects of preventive health, including fitness, sleep, stress, and nutrition.
