Arata, a leading hair care brand in India, has successfully raised $4 million in a new funding round led by Unilever Ventures, the venture capital arm of Unilever. This funding round also saw participation from L’Oréal’s corporate venture capital fund, BOLD, and existing investor Skywalker Family Office.

Purpose of the Funding

Arata plans to utilize the newly acquired funds to:

• Invest in research and development for innovative hair care solutions.
• Expand its consumer research efforts to better understand market needs.
• Strengthen its distribution channels across various platforms, including its own website, quick-commerce platforms, and major e-commerce marketplaces.

Co-founders Dhruv Bhasin and Dhruv Madhok expressed their enthusiasm for the funding, stating, “This funding will allow us to continue our mission of building India’s most beloved hair beauty brand.”

Strategic Insights

Pawan Chaturvedi, Partner & Head-Asia at Unilever Ventures, highlighted the potential for growth within Arata, stating, “With a strong innovation pipeline and a solid foundation, Arata is poised for significant growth in the coming years, and we are thrilled to be a part of this journey.” This investment underscores the increasing interest from major consumer goods companies in the Indian beauty and personal care market.

Market Context

Founded in 2018, Arata has emerged as a key player in India’s personal care segment, specializing in solutions tailored for various hair types. The brand addresses diverse needs including:

• Hair growth
• Dandruff treatment
• Styling
• Maintenance for straight, wavy, and curly hair

Arata’s products are crafted with advanced ingredients specifically designed for Indian hair types 1, 2, and 3.

Competitive Landscape

In a rapidly growing market that includes established competitors like WOW Skin Science, Pilgrim, and Mamaearth, Arata’s focus on innovation and consumer-centric solutions positions it well for success. The direct-to-consumer (D2C) model allows Arata to engage directly with its customer base while maintaining control over branding and customer experience.

Growth Metrics

Arata currently serves over 1.5 million customers annually and has achieved an impressive annual revenue run rate (ARR) of ₹72 crore, marking a threefold growth over the past year. Approximately 30% of its total sales come from its D2C website, while the remaining 70% are driven by other channels such as:

• Quick-commerce platforms like Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart
• E-commerce marketplaces including Amazon, Nykaa, and Flipkart

Conclusion

The $4 million funding secured by Arata represents a significant milestone in its journey to become a leading player in India’s hair care industry. With strong backing from prominent investors and a clear strategy focused on innovation and consumer engagement, Arata is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for effective hair care solutions. As it continues to expand its product offerings and distribution channels, Arata aims to solidify its status as a go-to brand for Indian consumers seeking high-quality hair care products.

Aakash Chaudhry, a prominent figure in Indian education technology, has launched a new venture called Sparkl Edventure, marking his return to the edtech landscape just two months after re-entering entrepreneurship. The company has successfully secured $4 million in a seed funding round, with participation from notable investors such as Deepinder Goyal of Zomato and Nithin Kamath of Zerodha’s Rainmatter fund.

Focus and Offerings

Sparkl Edventure is dedicated to providing personalized online tutoring for students in grades 6 to 12, specifically catering to those pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge curriculums. The platform offers a range of subjects including:

• Mathematics
• Science
• Languages
• Business Studies

This targeted approach aims to meet the unique needs of students navigating international educational pathways, ensuring that they receive tailored support.

Aakash Chaudhry’s Background

This new venture marks Chaudhry’s return to the edtech space after the sale of his previous company, Aakash Educational Services Ltd (AESL), to Byju’s in 2020 for an impressive $950 million. Despite the sale, Chaudhry retains an 11% stake in AESL. He is joined at Sparkl by the founders of Meritnation, another edtech company previously acquired by AESL, which enhances the venture’s credibility and expertise.

Shift from Offline to Online

Unlike AESL, which focused on offline test preparation with physical centers across India, Sparkl Edventure operates entirely online. This shift reflects a growing trend towards digital learning platforms that cater to an increasingly tech-savvy student population.

Market Potential

Sparkl Edventure is targeting the $900 million K12 market in India for IB and Cambridge curriculums. This segment presents a significant global opportunity valued at approximately $2 billion, with additional potential in the expanding SAT/ACT admission counseling market.

Unique Selling Proposition

Sparkl aims to differentiate itself by offering personalized learning experiences and focusing on mental well-being for students. This holistic approach positions the platform to carve out a niche in the competitive education landscape.

Strategic Vision

Chaudhry’s vision for Sparkl includes not only academic excellence but also addressing the emotional and social well-being of students. The platform plans to integrate monthly interactions with well-being coaches, focusing on mental health and overall growth. This commitment to student welfare is increasingly relevant in today’s educational environment, where stress and peer pressure are significant challenges.

Conclusion

Aakash Chaudhry’s launch of Sparkl Edventure represents a strategic comeback in the edtech sector, leveraging his experience and investor backing to create a platform tailored for modern learners. With its focus on personalized education and mental well-being, Sparkl is poised to make a meaningful impact on students pursuing international curriculums. As it navigates the competitive landscape, this venture could redefine how personalized online tutoring is delivered in India and beyond.

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Baaz Bikes (Elec torq Technologies Private Limited) to establish a network of electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping stations across North and Northwest Delhi. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the region by providing convenient and accessible charging infrastructure for EV users, particularly those involved in the gig economy.

Key Highlights

• Strategic Partnership: Tata Power-DDL will allocate dedicated space within its grid substations for Baaz Bikes to set up and operate battery swapping stations. This integration leverages Tata Power-DDL’s existing infrastructure to enhance the EV ecosystem in Delhi.
• Focus on Gig Economy: The partnership is designed to benefit gig workers, such as delivery personnel and ride-hailing drivers, by providing them with access to a reliable and efficient charging infrastructure. This initiative aims to improve their earnings and livelihoods by minimizing downtime associated with charging.
• Combating Power Theft: The initiative is expected to reduce power theft and promote the formalization of the shared e-mobility sector, contributing to a more organized and sustainable transportation framework.
• Initial Deployment: Baaz Bikes will initially establish three battery swapping stations at strategic locations within Tata Power-DDL’s grid substations, specifically at Rohini Grid-5, Rohini Grid-23, and Rohini Grid-28.

Benefits of Battery Swapping

The introduction of battery swapping technology offers several advantages for EV users:

• Faster Charging: Battery swapping provides a significantly quicker charging solution compared to traditional charging methods, allowing users to get back on the road without long wait times.
• Increased Convenience: EV users can quickly swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones, minimizing downtime and enhancing their overall experience.
• Reduced Vehicle Downtime: By facilitating rapid battery exchanges, battery swapping helps lower operational costs for EV users, making electric mobility more economically viable.

Impact on the EV Ecosystem

This partnership between Tata Power-DDL and Baaz Bikes represents a significant step towards building a robust EV ecosystem in Delhi. By combining Tata Power-DDL’s energy infrastructure with Baaz Bikes’ advanced battery-swapping technology, the collaboration aims to promote commercial gig electric two-wheeler mobility in the region.

Broader Implications

As India pushes towards sustainable transportation solutions, initiatives like this are crucial for increasing EV adoption. The partnership aligns with government efforts to enhance electric mobility infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions across urban areas.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Tata Power-DDL and Baaz Bikes is a proactive approach to fostering electric vehicle adoption in Delhi. By establishing battery swapping stations, they are not only enhancing convenience for users but also contributing to the growth of sustainable transportation solutions. As this initiative unfolds, it will be essential to monitor its impact on both the gig economy and the broader EV landscape in India.