Renowned former South African cricketer AB De Villiers has made a significant investment in Bangalore-based direct-to-consumer (D2C) nutrition startup Supply6. The exact amount of the investment remains undisclosed.

Joining Forces as Brand Ambassador

In addition to his financial investment, AB De Villiers has also taken on the role of brand ambassador for Supply6. This partnership brings together De Villiers’ athletic prowess and the startup’s commitment to providing essential nutrients, aiming to inspire healthier living among consumers.

Founding and Vision of Supply6

Supply6, founded in January 2019 by Vaibhav Bhandari and Rahul Jacob, is a health food and convenience brand focused on promoting nutritious living. The startup’s mission is to make essential nutrients accessible and convenient for a healthier lifestyle.

Statements from AB De Villiers and Supply6 Founders

Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, AB De Villiers said, “The brand’s rapid expansion is impressive, and I am eager to support its mission of promoting healthier lifestyles.”

Co-founder Rahul Jacob added, “AB De Villiers is an excellent fit for our brand due to his dynamic approach to both his career and health, which perfectly aligns with our vision. We are confident that this collaboration will enhance our connection with our audience. His esteemed reputation in the sports world mirrors the trust and quality we aim to provide with our products.”

• How do you think AB De Villiers’ involvement will impact Supply6’s brand visibility and growth?
• What are your thoughts on athletes investing in health and nutrition startups?
• Do you believe this partnership will inspire more people to adopt healthier lifestyles?
• Share your views on the future of the health food industry in India.

Bengaluru-based startup POP has secured $2.4 million in seed funding, led by India Quotient and prominent angel investors, to revolutionize UPI transactions and enhance user rewards.

Game-Changer in UPI Transactions

In an exciting development for fintech enthusiasts, POP has received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP). With strategic partnerships with Yes Bank and Juspay, POP is poised to offer a groundbreaking UPI payment service via its POPclub app, rewarding users with POPcoins—a unique shopping currency—on every transaction.

Unveiling POPcoins: The Future of Rewards

POPcoins set a new standard in UPI rewards by offering a 2% cashback on every transaction, providing consistent and attractive benefits compared to other UPI apps. Users can redeem POPcoins to shop across a vast array of products from over 200 top direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands within the POPclub app, including beauty, personal care, electronics, fashion, and home goods.

Driving the Future of Digital Payments

Founder Bhargav Errangi envisions POP as the ultimate platform for payments and shopping tailored to digitally savvy young Indians. “Our mission is to deliver innovative app experiences that align with the evolving interests of our users,” Errangi remarked. By positioning POPcoins as the go-to shopping currency, POP aims to resonate with the modern preferences of Indian consumers.

Strategic Vision and Expansion

Madhukar, General Partner at India Quotient, highlighted the strategic importance of POP’s solution for D2C and consumer brands. “We’re excited to support Bhargav and the team in addressing the critical challenges of customer acquisition and retention, enabling brands to retain customers at a fraction of current costs,” he stated.

Since its launch in early May 2023, POP has successfully integrated over 200 brands and engaged more than four million customers through its POPcoins rewards system. The company’s ambitious goal is to expand its network to over 500 brands and attract 10 million customers by the end of the year, showcasing its rapid growth and market potential.

A New Era in UPI Payments and Rewards

With its innovative approach and robust support from investors, POP is set to redefine the landscape of UPI transactions, making digital payments more rewarding and enjoyable for users. Stay tuned as POP continues to revolutionize the fintech industry, offering unparalleled value and convenience to its growing user base.

What are your views in this UPI revolution?

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) personal care brand 82°E, co-founded by Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone, is set to raise Rs 50 crore (approximately $6 million) in an extension of its seed round. This latest injection of capital marks the first round of investment for the company this year, fueling anticipation and excitement in the beauty and skincare industry.

Special Resolution Passed for New Investment

The board of 82°E has approved a special resolution to issue 50,00,000 Series Seed 2 CCPS at an issue price of Rs 100 each, according to regulatory filings from the Registrar of Companies (RoC). KA Enterprises LLP, an investment entity owned by Padukone and her family, is expected to participate, with other investors likely joining as well. The funds will be used for expansion, growth, and general corporate purposes.

Previous Funding and Ownership

This new funding round follows a successful seed round in December 2022, where 82°E raised $7.5 million from DSG Partner, IDEO Ventures, and Padukone’s family office. According to TheKredible, Padukone and her family office currently hold a 59.6% stake in the company, while actor Ranveer Singh owns 5.32%.

Rapid Growth and Financial Performance

Launched in 2022 by Deepika Padukone and Jigar Shah, 82°E offers a comprehensive range of skincare products for both men and women, including cleansers, face masks, moisturizers, and sunscreens. The brand has shown significant growth in a short period, with its revenue from operations reaching Rs 22.82 crore between March 2023 and December 2023. For comparison, the company’s operating income was Rs 11 crore in FY23. Despite its rapid revenue growth, the company reported an EBITDA loss of Rs 25.1 crore during the same period.

Competitive Landscape

82°E competes with established brands like Plum, mCaffeine, Wow Skin Science, and publicly listed Mamaearth. With its strong celebrity backing and innovative product range, 82°E is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the competitive D2C personal care market.