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Virgin Hyperloop To Transform Indian Transportation System!

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Sir Richard Branson led transportation startup Virgin Hyperloop, has signed a framework agreement with the Maharashtra Government to build a Hyperloop transport system between Mumbai and Pune. The high speed travel system will reduce the travel time between the two cities to 25 minutes from the current travel time of 3 hours.
The installation of this system, combined with an operational demonstration track would make India the first country to host a hyperloop system. India may also debut the high speed transport system before Middle East, Northern Europe or even the United States of America. However, it may take at least another 3 years to complete the test run and 6 more years to start commercial operations.
During the Magnetic Maharashtra event, Virgin Group Founder and Virgin Hyperloop One chairman, Sir Richard Branson announced the framework agreement in the presence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis. At present, Virgin Hyperloop has the capacity to travel up to 1,000 km per hour. However, according to reports, the current Hyperloop system is expected to function at 350 km per hour.
The route is likely to come up in parallel to the Mumbai Pune Expressway and will be built without any resettlement of residential areas. The project will begin after six months of assessment on the feasibility and durability. This initial period of six months will define details like route alignment, environmental impact and commercial viability of the project. Only after the initial study will the work on the construction of the Hyperloop begin.
The demonstration track will be constructed in two to three years and serve as a platform for testing, certifying, and regulating the system for commercial operations. The second phase will target to complete construction of the full Pune Mumbai route by 2025. With easier access to airport roads, the Hyperloop will be able to ferry across 150 million passengers. The result of this Hyperloop is to ensure the creation of a connection between nearly 72 million people across Maharashtra, Pune and Karnataka.

“The proposed Hyperloop transportation system will transform the transportation system and make Maharashtra a global pioneer in the space. The socioeconomic benefits of the project is $55 billion (Rs. 3,54,750 crore),” Branson said, claiming that the project will create thousands of jobs.

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Sweet Karam Coffee Secures $8 Million in Funding from Peak XV and Fireside Ventures

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Sweet Karam Coffee, a Chennai-based brand specializing in traditional South Indian snacks and sweets, has raised $8 million in Series A funding from Peak XV Partners and Fireside Ventures. Founded in 2015 by Anand Bharadwaj and Nalini Parthiban, the company offers products free from palm oil and preservatives, catering to customers across 32 countries.

This investment follows a previous $1.5 million funding from Fireside Ventures in October 2023, which supported offline expansion. The new funds will be used to enhance distribution through omnichannel networks, develop new products, and bolster technology-driven supply chain capabilities. 

 

Sweet Karam Coffee has grown its revenue four-fold over the past year and expects to grow another 2.5 times in the coming year.

The company has also appointed Nandhitha Indermohan, a former Unilever executive, as its Chief Operating Officer to boost operations. This strategic move positions Sweet Karam Coffee for further growth, leveraging the booming quick commerce sector and expanding its presence across India and globally.

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Foxconn’s India Arm Focuses on Apple Supply Chain Services, Rejigs Board

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Foxconn’s Indian subsidiary, Bharat FIH, is shifting its focus to servicing Apple’s supply chain, aligning with efforts to expand manufacturing in India and reduce dependence on China. The company has restructured its board and pivoted away from competing in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) space. It now aims to support Apple suppliers like Foxconn Hon Hai, Pegatron, and Wistron (now Tata Electronics) by leveraging its expertise in equipment servicing at facilities in Chennai and Bengaluru.

This strategic shift follows challenges such as reduced orders from Xiaomi and failure to qualify for India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Bharat FIH plans to utilize its infrastructure and workforce to regain momentum by focusing on Apple-related services.

Meanwhile, Foxconn is ramping up iPhone production in India, aiming to double output from 12 million units in 2024 to 25–30 million units by 2025. Supported by favorable government policies, the expansion will cater to both domestic demand and exports. 

Apple has also increased its manufacturing presence in India, achieving record exports of ₹1 lakh crore ($12 billion) in 2024 and exploring local production of other products like iPads and MacBooks.

This transformation highlights India’s growing role in Apple’s global supply chain as Foxconn and Bharat FIH strengthen their operations in the country.  

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Zepto Prepares for IPO with $250 Million Secondary Share Sale to Boost Domestic Investor Ownership

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Zepto Prepares for IPO with $250 Million Secondary Share Sale to Boost Domestic Investor Ownership

Zepto, the Bengaluru-based quick commerce startup, is preparing for its initial public offering (IPO) by facilitating a secondary share sale worth up to $250 million. This strategic move aims to increase Indian investor ownership from approximately 33% to nearly 50% before the anticipated public listing later this year or early next year.

Funding and Investor Details

The secondary sale will involve private equity firms, including Motilal Oswal Financial Services and Edelweiss Financial Services, allowing existing investors and employees to liquidate their shares. Although Zepto will not raise additional capital through this transaction, it is expected to execute the sale at a valuation of just over $5 billion, consistent with its last funding round in November 2024.

Objectives Behind the Sale

The primary goal of this secondary share sale is to enhance domestic ownership in Zepto, aligning with regulatory preferences and making the IPO more attractive to local institutional investors. Co-founders Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra currently hold about 20% of the company, and increasing Indian shareholder stakes is seen as a way to strengthen governance and influence over the company’s future direction.

Market Context

Zepto operates in India’s competitive grocery delivery market, facing challenges from established players like Amazon India, Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket. Founded in 2021 by Palicha and Vohra after they dropped out of Stanford University, Zepto has quickly gained traction in the quick commerce sector.

Conclusion

As Zepto approaches its IPO, this secondary share sale represents a crucial step in solidifying its position in the Indian market. By boosting domestic investor participation, Zepto aims to enhance its credibility and appeal as it prepares for a public listing amidst a wave of Indian startups entering the stock market.

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