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Myntra To Leverage Kirana Stores For Deliveries
Myntra, the Flipkart owned fashion ecommerce startup, is leveraging neighborhood kirana stores for last minute deliveries. In an attempt to bolster its presence in the Indian market, Myntra has been aggressively scaling its network of kirana stores. The move might help the company reduce the delivery time by 25%.
According to the company the 2,000 kirana stores and other small shops, working under the Mensa Network scheme, are responsible for the delivery of one in every five orders. Chief People Officer and Head of New Initiatives, Manpreet Ratia, speaking about the MENSA scheme said, “We are aiming to do (sic) 70% deliveries through MENSA. We have invested majorly in technology to enable and further, scale MENSA to the next level.” Around 23% of Myntra’s nonsale deliveries are completed by these corner stores. However, the volume of deliveries goes up significantly during sales season, like the Big Billion Days.
Launched in April this year, 40% of the stores that are a part of the Mensa Network are family run grocery stores, while the rest are various service providers such as mobile repair shops, recharge shops and stationery stores, among others. Further, to boost its delivery services, the ecommerce startup also launched ‘Project Mass’ with the aim of assisting its delivery staff to start their own businesses and shops and add to the Mensa Network. These businesses will also be provided with a seed investment of Rs. 40,000 each.
According to Ratia, Project Mass is aimed at helping employees who have had a long association with Myntra and now want to go on the entrepreneurial path. “These people will act as brand ambassadors for MENSA and attract shops in their vicinity to join the network,” he further added. Over 370 delivery associates have opted for Project Mass so far and 250 of these stores have already started operations. Founded by Mukesh Bansal along with Ashutosh Lawania and Vineet Saxena in 2007, the company crossed $ 1 billion in annual Gross Marketing Value in 2016 to become a unicorn company.
OpenAI’s introduction of trusted contact safeguards for potential self-harm cases reflects a major evolution in AI responsibility.
Beyond Moderation
AI safety is shifting from simply blocking harmful content to actively supporting user wellbeing through:
- early risk detection
- human-centered intervention
- stronger emotional safety frameworks
This positions AI as more than an information tool—it becomes part of broader digital support systems.
Key Industry Impact
Trusted contact models could influence future safety standards across:
- AI assistants
- mental health platforms
- social media
- digital health services
The Bigger Challenge
While promising, success depends on balancing:
- privacy
- consent
- ethical intervention
- user trust
Final Take
This move signals that the future of AI safety may rely not just on preventing harmful responses, but on building more responsible, human-connected support systems.
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
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