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Foodtech Innovation Returns as Investors Back Smart Kitchens

Tech Is Transforming Food Businesses Foodtech investment is slowly returning — especially in AI-powered kitchen automation, robotics and supply-chain intelligence platforms. These startups help restaurants optimise: ✔ order forecasting✔ kitchen workflows✔ food wastage✔ delivery timelines Cloud Kitchens Evolve to Profit-First Cloud kitchens are no longer chasing expansion speed. Instead, operators are focusing on efficiency, data …

India’s Functional Food and Nutraceutical Market Moves Into the Mainstream

India’s Functional Food and Nutraceutical Market Moves Into the Mainstream

India’s functional food and nutraceutical market is undergoing a structural shift, transitioning from a niche wellness segment into a mainstream pillar of the country’s food and nutrition economy. Driven by rising awareness of preventive health, daily wellness, and performance nutrition, the category is increasingly influencing everyday consumption habits rather than remaining limited to supplements or …

Quick Commerce & D2C Brands Shine in LinkedIn Startup Awards

A Clear Consumer Trend LinkedIn’s Top Startups 2025 list for Bengaluru shows D2C and quick-commerce brands leading the rankings — highlighting strong demand for digital-first consumer experiences. This reflects changing retail behaviour — where customers expect speed, convenience and direct engagement with brands. Food & Beverage Brands Benefit Most D2C food brands are leveraging: ✔ …

Resilience Grows in Indian Startup Market Despite Challenges

A Sign of Stability India recorded fewer startup closures in 2025, compared to the previous year — signalling improving resilience and financial discipline among founders. However, the closure of known brands like Dunzo reinforces the importance of sustainable growth. What It Means for Food & D2C Founders Capital-intensive, high burn-rate models are becoming riskier. Instead, …

Indian Startup Ecosystem Enters IPO Maturity Stage

The Public Markets Are Opening Up More than 20 Indian startups are reportedly planning IPOs, signaling growing ecosystem maturity and investor confidence. While most candidates are in tech and fintech, the move benefits the broader startup ecosystem — including consumer & D2C brands. Why It Matters for Food Startups Public listings: ✔ create valuation benchmarks✔ …

Clean-Label Brand WickedGud Expands After Fresh Investment

Funding Fuel for a Health-First Brand Clean-label D2C brand WickedGud has raised ₹20 crore to expand its range of junk-free packaged foods — appealing to India’s rapidly growing health-oriented consumer base. The brand focuses on everyday foods made without refined flour or artificial preservatives, targeting consumers seeking guilt-free alternatives. The Rise of Better-For-You Food Brands …

Celebrity Investment Trend Grows as Kriti Sanon Backs Supply6

A Strategic Celebrity Partnership Bengaluru-based Supply6, a fast-growing nutrition and wellness startup, has announced that actor Kriti Sanon is joining the brand as both investor and ambassador. The move strengthens Supply6’s brand image in the crowded functional nutrition market, especially among millennial and Gen-Z buyers. Riding the Health & Wellness Wave Supply6 offers convenience-driven nutrition …

Investor Confidence Returns as Indian Startups Raise Over $1B

Funding Momentum Strengthens Again Indian startups secured over $1 billion in funding during December, marking a 6% year-on-year increase. After years of subdued investor sentiment, this signals a clear revival across the startup ecosystem. The funding cuts across sectors including consumer goods, fintech, SaaS and foodtech, showing renewed confidence among venture capital and institutional investors. …

Indian QSR Brand Wow! Momo Secures Fresh Funding for Expansion

Wow! Momo Secures Major Investment Homegrown QSR giant Wow! Momo has raised ₹75 crore in fresh funding, led by veteran investor Madhusudan Kela along with participation from institutional backers. The latest investment strengthens the company’s position as one of India’s fastest-growing food chains. Founded in Kolkata, the brand has built a strong presence with three …