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Walmart To Buy Controlling Stakes In Flipkart By Next Week

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Walmart Buy Controlling Stakes In Flipkart,Walmart Buy Stakes Flipkart By Next Week,Startup Stories,Best Motivational Stories,Inspiring Stories 2018,2018 Latest Business News,Walmart Business News,Walmart Flipkart Business Deal,India Biggest Ecommerce Startup,Startup Funding News

America’s biggest retail firm Walmart Inc., may buy close to a 51% stake in India’s biggest ecommerce startup Flipkart by the end of next week. Reuters reported, according to two sources close to the matter, Walmart could acquire controlling stakes in Flipkart as early as next week.

The investment talks met a snag when SoftBank was reportedly not ready to sell its shares in the Indian ecommerce firm to Walmart. Currently, the Japan based venture firm owns about one fifth of Flipkart through its Vision Fund. However, sources report the stalemate ended but it is still unclear if SoftBank agreed to sell some of its shares in Flipkart. Sources also revealed, Walmart offered to buy SoftBank shares at a valuation of $12 billion, a price the Japanese tech investor considered to be low. MoneyControl reported Walmart may retain Flipkart’s management team including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kalyan Krishnamurthy. This investment could increase Flipkart’s valuation to about $20 billion, up from $12 billion last year.

India has become ground zero for the ecommerce ecosystem with big global players looking to invest in Indian firms and break into the market. Amazon India has also gone into overdrive in an attempt to emerge as the biggest shareholder of the Indian ecommerce industry which is expected to reach a market capitalization of $ 28 billion by 2020. Flipkart, on the other hand, envisioned as the ‘Amazon of India’ has raised over $6 billion in funding rounds so far and owns India’s largest online fashion retailers Myntra and Jabong.

According to a report by Morgan Stanley, India had up to 60 million online shoppers in 2016, which makes up to only 14% of the internet user base in the country. However, by 2026, these numbers are expected to rise to over 50%. Experts suggest, in the long run, this deal between Walmart and Flipkart could be a win for both the companies. Flipkart could also be the best available option for Walmart to access India’s growing retail market, while Flipkart could leverage Walmart’s enormous funds to battle Amazon. Amazon and Walmart have been bitter competitors in America for over two decades. It will be interesting to see, to say the least, who wins this battle and who wins the war in the Indian ecommerce battleground.

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Phab Raises $2M Seed Funding to Expand Healthy Snacking Brand

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PHAB

Phab, the D2C healthy snacking brand co-founded by Ankit Chona of ice cream brand Hocco and his wife Gayatri Chona, has raised $2 million (around ₹17 crore) in a seed funding round led by OTP Ventures, with participation from Capri Global, Sim&San law firm, and angel investors.

Founded in 2018, phab offers protein bars and healthy milkshakes, leveraging Ankit’s decade-long food industry experience and Gayatri’s expertise as a certified nutritionist. The brand has sold over 2 million units and sells through e-commerce and quick commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Zepto, and Blinkit.

Despite a 12% dip in operating revenue to ₹5 crore in FY24, phab trimmed its net loss by nearly 3% to ₹6.8 crore, showing improved efficiency.

The new funds will be used to expand the team, invest in production capacity, and grow phab’s presence across digital, quick commerce, and offline channels. The brand competes with Yoga Bar, Beyond Snack, and The Whole Truth in India’s growing $68 billion healthy snacking market. OTP Ventures’ founding partner Suhail Sameer praised phab’s bold, differentiated approach and the founders’ vision, signaling strong investor confidence in the brand’s growth potential.

 

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GlobalBees CEO Nitin Agarwal Steps Down; Anuj Jain Appointed as Successor

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GlobalBee

Nitin Agarwal, cofounder and CEO of GlobalBees-the e-commerce roll-up subsidiary of FirstCry-has resigned, effective April 24, 2025, citing personal reasons. Agarwal, who helped GlobalBees achieve unicorn status within months of its 2021 founding, will support the company’s transition until May 23, 2025.

Anuj Jain, a FirstCry veteran with over 23 years of experience and a background at ITC and L’Oréal, will take over as CEO from April 25, 2025. Jain previously led FirstCry’s pre-school segment and served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Brainbees Solutions.

Agarwal’s departure follows several recent leadership changes within the FirstCry group. GlobalBees, which invests in D2C brands across various sectors, contributed ₹1,209 crore to FirstCry’s FY24 revenue, highlighting its strategic significance. With Jain’s appointment, the company aims to continue its strong growth in the D2C space.

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Swiggy Unveils Pyng: AI App Linking Users to Verified Pros

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Swiggy - StartupStories

Swiggy has launched Pyng, a new app aimed at connecting consumers with verified professionals across over 100 specializations, including yoga instructors, financial advisors, tutors, and event planners. Currently live in Bengaluru, Pyng uses AI to match users with trusted experts and offers a money-back guarantee for unsatisfactory services.

The app also provides professionals with tools to manage bookings, track payments, and schedule services efficiently. This marks Swiggy’s entry into the professional services marketplace, expanding beyond its core food delivery and quick commerce businesses. Pyng is available on both iOS and Android, with plans for a nationwide rollout.

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