Mila Beaute Fuels Growth with Dollar2.16M Pre-Series A Raise Backed by Rukam Capital

8th, April, 2025: Mila Beauté, a homegrown Indian skin-friendly color cosmetics brand, has raised $2.16 million (approximately ₹18 crores) in its Pre-Series A funding round led by Rukam Capital. This investment values the company at ₹303 crore and marks a significant step forward in its journey to build a vertically integrated, Made-in-India beauty brand.

The freshly infused capital will primarily be deployed towards expansion and research & development. Mila Beauté aims to strengthen its core business in the color cosmetics segment while also investing in new product development, scaling operations, and deepening its market presence. A significant portion of the funds will go into upgrading its manufacturing capabilities, focusing on maintaining high product quality with minimal external dependencies.

Founded with a vision to create a truly Indian beauty brand, Mila Beauté has taken a distinctive approach by keeping its operations vertically integrated and minimising reliance on imports. This has not only ensured superior control over product quality but also aligned well with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Founders Saahil Nayar, Sachin Chadha and Keshav Chadha, Mila Beauté, said, “Our focus has always been on creating a beauty brand that’s not just trend-driven but deeply rooted in data and consumer insight. Today’s Indian consumers are discerning, and we believe they deserve products that are both high-quality and homegrown. Partnering with Rukam Capital gives us the strategic backing to scale faster, whether it’s investing in our own manufacturing, developing innovative skin friendly products, or strengthening our brand presence. Most importantly, it allows us to stay closely connected to our consumers while ensuring we never compromise on quality or our vision.”

Archana Jahagirdar Rukam Capital said, “ The Indian beauty and cosmetics industry is at a fascinating juncture, with consumers increasingly seeking products tailored to the evolving needs of the modern audience. Mila Beauté stands out with its research-driven approach, prioritizing skincare and superior quality, set to redefine the beauty experience in the years ahead. The company’s vision, the founder’s leadership, and its commitment to innovation make it a compelling opportunity for us at Rukam Capital to support this dynamic segment. We are thrilled to be part of Mila Beauté’s growth journey and to contribute to its exciting future.”

Currently clocking annual revenues of $7.23 million, Mila Beauté is targeting a 2x growth in the next 12–18 months. The team remains focused on operational excellence and brand building without any immediate plans for acquisitions or leadership changes. With this funding, Mila Beauté is well-positioned to accelerate its expansion and continue developing high-quality, innovative Indian skin friendly color cosmetic products for the Indian market.

HRX Rolls Out ‘Carbonics’, Blending High-Tech Design with Everyday Running Needs

Mumbai, 8th April, 2025– HRX, India’s leading homegrown fitness brand co-owned by Hrithik Roshan and Exceed Entertainment, is excited to announce the launch of HRX Carbonics. This innovative running shoe is specifically designed to empower beginner and mid-distance runners by offering superior performance and comfort at an affordable price.

HRX Carbonics redefines running efficiency with its groundbreaking S-curve carbon-fiber plate, meticulously designed to enhance energy transfer from heel strike to toe-off. This advanced technology works seamlessly with a lightweight and responsive EVA midsole, delivering superior cushioning and shock absorption to minimize impact stress while maintaining agility. The breathable and flexible knitted upper naturally conforms to foot movements, ensuring a secure yet adaptable fit for lasting comfort.

Engineered for both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, HRX Carbonics combines speed, durability, and affordability. The enhanced arch support promotes stability across various running styles, while the padded collar provides essential ankle support. With its innovative spring-like propulsion system, the shoe optimizes forward momentum, reducing foot fatigue and enabling runners to sustain peak performance effortlessly.

“HRX has always focused on pushing boundaries and making performance-driven gear accessible to everyone. With HRX Carbonics, we are introducing advanced running technology to everyday runners, ensuring they receive optimal support, comfort, and efficiency in their stride.,” said Ajay Singh, Business and Marketing Head, HRX.

Lions Club Elects Gampa Nageshwar Rao as District Governor; Launches Ambitious Blood Drive and Student Program

Hyderabad, April 8, 2025 – Gampa Nageshwar Rao, a prominent youth empowerment advocate, has been elected as the Governor of Lions District 320H of the International Association of Lions Clubs during the annual convention held at Saketh, Secunderabad, on Monday. Rao won with a decisive majority, securing 143 out of 146 positive mandates. Ashok Swain was elected as the Second Vice District Governor, receiving 121 votes.

In a press release issued today, Gampa Nageshwar Rao expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the upcoming year. In his acceptance speech, Rao announced the theme for the year: “Be The Best.” He encouraged the 1,000-plus attendees to always strive for excellence and give their best in everything they do.

Rao also shared several key initiatives for his tenure. One of his top priorities is the mobilization of 5,000 units of blood through various donation camps across the region. He emphasized the critical need for blood donations, especially during the summer months, and highlighted the importance of voluntary donations, particularly from individuals with rare blood types.

In a significant move, Rao revealed that the Lions Quest program, a social and emotional learning initiative developed by the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), will be expanded to 5000 government school students in the state during the 2025-2026 Lions year. The program aims to equip young people with essential life skills, foster resilience, and prevent risky behaviors. Additionally, personality development classes and training sessions will be conducted in the selected schools.

Rao also announced several other ambitious initiatives for the year, including raising awareness about cyber frauds and taking a strong stance against online betting. With the support of 2,100 Lions members, the district will launch programs to educate the public, particularly youth, about the risks of online gambling and the growing issue of cyber fraud.

Along with these initiatives, Rao emphasized that his administration would continue to prioritize causes such as promoting eye health and raising awareness about drug abuse.

Rao introduced his leadership team for the year: Muthsala Kamalakar will serve as the District Cabinet Secretary, SPY Reddy as Cabinet Treasurer, and J. Jagan Mohan Reddy as District Advisor. He also announced the formation of a new 50-member cabinet to assist in the administration of the district.

Lion Babu Rao, the International Director, graced the event as the Chief Guest and called for unity and coordination within the Lions fraternity to achieve service excellence.

In a remote address via Zoom, Telangana State Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TSANB) Director Sandeep Shandilya emphasized the harmful effects of drug consumption and urged Lions to raise awareness among youth regarding the dangers of drugs and their long-term impact on their lives.

Mumbai-Based Steris Healthcare Plans Aggressive Expansion, Targets IPO by FY 2026-27

Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd, a Mumbai-headquartered pharmaceutical leader with operations in Navi Mumbai, has announced a ₹50 crore multi-pronged growth strategy, including a major expansion into South India, a doubling of production capacity, and plans to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in FY 2026-27. The company, which recently crossed ₹100 crore in annual sales, aims to solidify its national presence and enhance its ability to deliver innovative, affordable healthcare solutions.

 As part of its strategic expansion, Steris Healthcare will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South India, targeting key markets in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad (Telangana), and Bengaluru (Karnataka). This move is designed to streamline supply chains and strengthen the company’s reach in high-demand regions. The new plant will double Steris’ production capacity by 100%, adding (XX) units to its existing infrastructure, enabling the company to meet growing domestic and international demand while adhering to stringent quality standards.

 In addition to scaling operations, Steris Healthcare will launch new medications and healthcare products aimed at addressing critical therapeutic needs. This initiative reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and bridging gaps in medical care. The expansion is also expected to generate 800 new jobs across manufacturing, R&D, sales, and logistics, fostering economic growth in South India.

 Mr. Jeevan Kasara, Director & CEO of Steris Healthcare, shared his vision for the company’s future: “This ₹50 crore expansion and our upcoming IPO in FY 2026-27 mark a defining chapter in Steris’ journey. By deepening our roots in South India and investing in cutting-edge therapies, we are poised to serve millions more patients while creating long-term value for our stakeholders. Our focus remains on making healthcare accessible without compromising on innovation.”

 Ms. Renuka Kasara, Director of Steris Healthcare, added: “Crossing ₹100 crore in sales this year is a testament to our team’s dedication and the trust healthcare providers have placed in us. As we embark on this expansion phase, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality while expanding our product portfolio to serve diverse medical needs across India.”

 The proposed IPO, slated for FY 2026-27, will support Steris’ growth objectives, including infrastructure development, R&D advancements, and market diversification. The company is collaborating with financial advisors to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and to align with investor expectations for a successful public listing.

DaveAI Strengthens Growth Trajectory with New Funding from IP Ventures and SucSEED Indovation

Bangalore, India, 08 April, 2025: DaveAI, a patented cutting-edge AI conversation experience cloud, announced a growth investment round led by Inflection Point Ventures and SucSEED Indovation Fund. This growth investment round had a strategic mix of equity and debt with participation from Soonicorn Ventures, Yes Bank and Mr.Mohan Kumar, Founder at Crestere Technologies LLP. Funds will be used for developing technology leadership, expanding its partner ecosystem, and fast-track global market penetration.

Founded by Sriram P H, Dr. Ananth G, and Ashok in 2016, DaveAI’s platform GRYD, aids enterprises in industries such as automobile, BFSI and retail to personalize user journeys and drive revenue outcomes. The company’s suite of AI-powered solutions can be integrated across web, mobile, kiosk, or messaging platforms, helping businesses enhance both engagement and conversion. DaveAI’s architecture enables enterprises to create their own foundational enterprise models while remaining independent of vendors and cloud services, adapting to the rapidly evolving generative AI ecosystem.

“DaveAI will use this investment to build its proprietary domain-specific Small Language Models focused on industries like Automobile, aiming for a leadership position in AI software for the industry and scaling into new markets such as North America,” said Sriram PH, CEO & Co-Founder, DaveAI.

“To make a major impact in AI from India and the world, we have to invest in some fundamental technology and domain expertise. We are in line towards making this happen with this pre-series A investment round,” said Dr. Ananth G, CTO & Co-Founder, DaveAI.

The investment from IPV and SucSEED comes at a time when the demand for Generative & Conversational AI solutions is accelerating globally.

Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says “Companies today face one similar problem on the customer service end, i.e. delivering a personalized and engaging customer interaction at a large scale. DaveAI is solving that using advanced AI-powered virtual avatars and conversational intelligence to transform customer engagement across industries to improve customer service experience. At IPV we believe and support them in their journey to redefine the AI-driven customer engagement market.”

“DaveAI is transforming the way enterprises engage customers using AI-driven virtual avatars and conversational intelligence, addressing a total addressable market exceeding USD 1 trillion. Their ability to personalize sales experiences and drive tangible revenue outcomes makes them a compelling investment.” said Vikrant Varshney, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, SucSEED Indovation Fund. “We have seen them grow over the years, looking at previous investments with them and with strong market validation, a scalable SaaS model, and a seasoned founding team, SucSEED sees immense potential in DaveAI’s growth trajectory.”

ENGYNE Enters Indian Market, Redefining Affordable Fashion with Global Craftsmanship

Mumbai, 08 April 2025: ENGYNE, a premium menswear brand, is all set to launch in India, redefining affordability in luxury fashion. Founded by Gnanaprakash, Karthikeyan K., Karthikeyan P., Ramesh Kumar, and Dinesh D., the brand brings global design sensibilities and craftsmanship to Indian consumers. The founders, who have been associated with global giants like Diesel and Guess in the past, witnessed a missing link i.e., premium-quality menswear at accessible prices, inspiring them to birth ENGYNE.

Headquartered in Bangalore, ENGYNE will debut its Spring-Summer 2025 collection featuring meticulously designed wardrobe essentials. The collection is crafted using premium Supima cottons and Supima blend yarns, ensuring exceptional softness, durability, and comfort. It features a range of premium textures including mis-jersey, micro-pique, interlock, jacquard, and cross-loop French terry—each chosen for its unique feel and performance. Enhanced with state-of-the-art printing techniques and refined embroidery, the garments are designed to deliver international aesthetics and quality.

With a Digital First & D2C (direct-to-consumer) model, ENGYNE ensures complete control over quality and pricing. The collection will be available exclusively on the brand’s official website, with a mobile app launching for Android and iOS shortly after.

As the brand prepares to disrupt the Indian menswear market, the team is driven by a mission to make premium quality more accessible. Director Karthikeyan K. emphasizes this vision and shared “ENGYNE is not just about fashion; it’s about redefining expectations. Premium quality should be a choice, not a privilege.” With a focus on craftsmanship and affordability, the brand aims to fill a long-standing gap in the industry.

Beyond offering premium designs, ENGYNE is committed to delivering exceptional quality control through its vertically integrated manufacturing facility. Director Dinesh D. highlights this competitive advantage, “Having our own vertically integrated manufacturing facility gives us a unique advantage. We control every step—from fabric selection to final stitching—allowing us to deliver luxury craftsmanship at a fraction of the price. Every ENGYNE garment undergoes the same quality checks as pieces costing three times as much.” By maintaining this level of precision, the brand ensures that each product meets the highest standards.

ENGYNE plans to capture the attention of urban millennials and style-conscious professionals through partnerships with influencers and dynamic social media initiatives. Setting itself apart from disposable/ fast fashion trends, the company focuses on creating enduring styles that undergo rigorous wear testing, delivering lasting quality to buyers.

The brand’s roadmap includes diversifying its collection with shirts, chinos, jackets, and denim within the next SEASON. ENGYNE also sees potential in shipping beyond borders, showcasing Indian craftsmanship worldwide while staying true to its founding principles of exceptional quality at reasonable prices.