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Mayank Bidawatka, the former co-founder of Koo, has raised $4 million in seed funding for his new venture, Billion Hearts Software Technologies Pvt Ltd. 

The funding round was led by Blume Ventures, with participation from General Catalyst and Athera Venture Partners. In addition to this, the key investors in the round include Karthik Reddy, Partner at Blume Ventures, Neeraj Arora, Managing Director at General Catalyst and ex-CBO of WhatsApp, and Rutvik Doshi, Partner at Athera Venture Partners. 

Founded in August 2024, Billion Hearts is currently developing a digital consumer product aimed at global markets. The product is focused on offering deep-tech solutions for a smartphone-related use case. Although details remain under wraps, the company plans to launch a beta version in the coming months, and thousands of users have already signed up for early access.

This funding round follows a previous angel investment of approximately $250K from notable startup founders who have previously built companies like redBus, Ola, InMobi, Flipkart, and Myntra.

Bidawatka's previous venture, Koo, which was a homegrown alternative to Twitter, now known as X, shut down in July 2024 after its acquisition talks with media company DailyHunt fell through. 

Prior to his involvement with Koo, Bidawatka co-founded other successful companies such as Goodbox in 2015 and Media Ant in 2012. He was also part of the founding team of the online bus ticketing platform redBus, which he helped launch in 2007.

Former Koo Co-Founder Mayank Bidawatka raises $4 million for Billion Hearts

Beverage startup Paper Boat witnessed an uptick in its sales to Rs 585 crore in FY 24 from Rs 504 crore in FY 23, Entrackr reported.

The Hector Beverages-owned company's operating scale grew by 16 percent year-on-year growth in FY 24. The maker of 'Aamras' drink improved its bottom line by cutting its losses by 48 percent in the same period, the report added.

Paper Boat, launched by former Coca-Cola executives Neeraj Kakkar and Niraj Biyani, mentioned that the trade (manufactured by their parties) formed 52 percent of the operating revenue which increased by 16 percent to Rs 304.3 crore in FY 24 from Rs 261.8 crore in FY 23. However, its own manufactured products accounted for the remaining 48 percent of the operating revenue. The income also grew 15.7 percent to Rs 278 crore in FY 24.

On the expense side, Paper Boat's cost of material is dominated by accounting for 63 percent of the expense. It increased to Rs 404 crore in FY 24 from Rs 380 crore in FY 23. The advertising expenses stood at Rs 171 crore and employee benefit expenses grew by 22 percent to Rs 66.70 crore. The Benagluru-based firm's total expenses increased 7.2 percent to Rs 642 crore in FY 24.

The 11-year-old company reduced its losses by 48 percent to Rs 47 crore in FY 24.

The firm reported cash and bank balance of Rs 168 crore along with current assets of Rs 305 crore in FY 24.

Paper Boat sees 16% YoY growth in sales to Rs 585 crore in FY24: Report

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has issued an ex parte injunction in favour of Britannia Industries, in a trademark infringement case against Desi Bites Snack. The court has restrained Desi Bites from using the trademark 'GOOD DAY', which Britannia has held since 1986, for products like soan papdi and papad. 

Britannia, the renowned FMCG company, argued that its 'GOOD DAY' brand has become synonymous with quality in the bakery and confectionery sector, having gained substantial goodwill and recognition in the Indian market over the years. With annual sales exceeding Rs 16,000 crore and a presence in 4.2 million retail outlets across India, Britannia’s legal team contended that Desi Bites’ use of the identical mark was a deliberate attempt to exploit the goodwill associated with the brand.

The company claimed that Desi Bites’ use of the 'GOOD DAY' mark amounted to both trademark infringement and passing off, which could confuse consumers and falsely suggest an association or endorsement by Britannia. They argued that the defendant's actions would harm the brand’s image, and that monetary compensation alone would not adequately address the damage to its trademark.

Desi Bites, despite being served legal notices, did not appear in court, leaving the matter to be decided based on Britannia’s submissions. Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the case, acknowledged the extensive goodwill associated with Britannia’s trademark and observed that the use of an identical mark by Desi Bites could mislead consumers and cause irreparable harm to Britannia’s brand.

The court granted Britannia an ex parte ad interim injunction, directing that Desi Bites and its associates cease using the 'GOOD DAY' mark or any similar variations. Additionally, the court ordered the removal of infringing products from e-commerce platforms and clarified that Desi Bites could continue to sell their products, provided they refrain from using the 'GOOD DAY' trademark.

The ruling reinforces the importance of protecting established trademarks and underscores the potential harm of unauthorized use of well-known brand names in the market.

Delhi HC rules in favour of Britannia in trademark infringement case

When it comes to energy and drive, Powerhouse Ranveer Singh is in a league of his own. And now, the actor is channelling that same energy into his latest venture as the co-founder of SuperYou, a protein food and supplements brand powered by fermented yeast protein technology.

The brand's first offering, protein wafer bars, come in four flavours, chocolate, choco-peanut butter, strawberry crème, and cheese variant. These wafer bars combine 10g protein with the indulgence of chocolate, and no added sugar, making them both nutritious and enjoyable. With SuperYou's launch of protein wafer bars, the brand is breaking new ground in making protein accessible and enjoyable to audiences beyond the gym goers. 

SuperYou, was co-founded within Think9 Consumer, a venture builder firm focusing on transforming powerful consumer ideas into authentic, profitable and experience-led, digital-native brands and platforms. Looking ahead, SuperYou plans to expand its range with more products, solidifying its role as a leader in the protein foods and supplements space.

"I've been a fitness enthusiast my entire life and wanted to convert this passion into something larger that I can share with everyone. I truly believe that protein is an essential macronutrient for everybody and with our busy lifestyle, we struggle to get the required quantity. That's exactly why I wanted to create something that is an extension of my own beliefs and enable protein consumption in simple and affordable yet effective ways for Indian Consumers," co-founder Ranveer Singh said.

Ranveer Singh has teamed up with Nikunj Biyani, co-founder of SuperYou. With more than a decade of experience in building and shaping both global and Indian legacy FMCG brands across diverse categories such as snacks, dairy, and beverages, Nikunj brings exceptional expertise.

"SuperYou is on a mission to fuel India's protein game, with a planned investment of Rs 40-50 crore over the next 18-24 months. This push is all about bringing more accessible, innovative protein options to the market, with a bold target of hitting Rs 500 crore in revenue over the next five years. SuperYou isn’t just thinking big—it’s aiming to set new standards and make protein-powered living a way of life across the country," Nikunj Biyani added.

SuperYou will be available on its website and on all major delivery platforms such as Amazon, Fipkart, Zepto, Blinkit and Instamart; including select modem trade stores such as Reliance Fresh, Smart Bazaar, Fresh Pik, Noble Plus, Wellness Forever, Relay, Vendiman and more across 10 cities.

Ranveer Singh follows wife Deepika Padukone to become a celeb-founder, launches SuperYou

Nvidia has officially surpassed Apple to become the world’s most valuable company, marking a significant shift in the tech industry as artificial intelligence continues to drive market growth. On Tuesday, Nvidia's market capitalization reached $3.43 trillion, edging ahead of Apple’s $3.4 trillion valuation. The company’s stock has surged nearly 200% this year alone, with shares closing at $139.91 before dipping slightly in after-hours trading.

Nvidia's rise to the top has been fueled by its central role in powering AI technologies. As the leading supplier of graphics processing units (GPUs), which are critical for running AI models, Nvidia has seen explosive growth, with revenue doubling for five consecutive quarters. Its GPUs are key to the infrastructure that supports AI operations, including models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, making Nvidia an indispensable player in the AI sector.

In 2023, Nvidia emerged as the go-to source for AI hardware, solidifying its position as a major beneficiary of the AI boom. The company became only the third to ever reach a $3 trillion market cap, joining Apple and Microsoft in this exclusive club. Although Nvidia briefly overtook Apple as the top company by market value in June, it now holds a definitive lead.

Apple, which was the first company to achieve $1 trillion and $2 trillion market caps, has also entered the AI race but has faced challenges in fully capitalizing on the trend. The tech giant has introduced its own AI features, such as Apple Intelligence, which aims to offer a more personalized and private AI experience for iPhone users. However, Apple has struggled with a slower AI rollout and has secured fewer chips for its AI-driven products compared to its competitors like Nvidia and Microsoft.

Microsoft, now the world’s third-largest company with a $3.1 trillion market cap, has also been a major Nvidia customer, investing heavily in AI infrastructure. The company’s collaboration with Nvidia has been pivotal in powering its AI ventures, further strengthening Nvidia’s dominant position in the sector.

Nvidia’s market triumph came just days after it surpassed Intel, another tech giant, to secure a place in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The chipmaker will join the blue-chip index this Friday, reflecting its growing influence in the semiconductor industry and its role in shaping the future of AI. As Nvidia continues to lead in the AI space, the company’s rapid ascent underscores the shifting landscape of tech dominance, where AI and semiconductor innovation are now the driving forces behind market value.

Nvidia overtakes Apple to become world’s most valuable company amid AI boom

Aditya Birla Finance and Glas Trust Company have filed applications before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Bengaluru, seeking the removal of the Resolution Professional (RP) handling the insolvency proceedings of Byju’s parent company, Think and Learn, Bar & Bench reported. The applications were filed on Monday, and the NCLT bench, comprising Judicial Member K. Biswal and Technical Member Manoj Kumar Dubey, has scheduled the pleas for hearing next week.

The matter was raised for urgent hearing, with Senior Advocate Uday Holla, representing Glas Trust, arguing that the RP’s decision to classify only one creditor as a financial creditor had led to a skewed Committee of Creditors (CoC) composition. According to Holla, this resulted in the CoC being dominated by a single creditor, who now holds 100% of the voting rights in the ongoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). 

The CoC typically includes financial creditors who have voting rights in decisions related to the company’s resolution. Operational creditors, such as suppliers and service providers, do not have a vote in the CoC. Holla added that Glas Trust had obtained a stay from the Karnataka High Court on October 25, halting the CoC meetings, and urged the NCLT to expedite the hearing of the case.

Senior Advocate Promod Nair, representing Aditya Birla Finance, also voiced concerns over the RP’s classification, asserting that his client should be recognized as a financial creditor rather than an operational one. Nair further pointed out that the Karnataka High Court had instructed the NCLT to resolve the dispute within two weeks.

Advocates Ahaan Mohan and Aiyshwarya Mahadev of AMM & Associates assisted Nair, while Advocate Tejas Shetty of Khaitan & Co represented Glas Trust. Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, representing the suspended management of Think and Learn, requested a copy of the applications filed by the creditors.

This legal development follows a significant ruling from the Supreme Court on October 23, which allowed Glas Trust’s appeal challenging a decision by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) that had stalled the insolvency proceedings. The Supreme Court’s judgment set aside the NCLAT order, which had upheld a settlement between Byju Raveendran and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and had initially led to the insolvency proceedings being triggered in July. The case has now been remitted back to the NCLT for further proceedings.

Aditya Birla Finance and Glas Trust seek removal of resolution professional in Byju’s insolvency case

Dell Laptops is the most desired brand of 2024 for fourth consecutive year, reveals TRA’s Brand Desire Report. As per the report, Dell Laptops led the list of 1000 brands in the top 5 most desired brands of 2024, followed by Apple iPhone, which rose three ranks this year. 

Titan Watches was ranked 3 while Sony Televisions took a leap to 4, from its previous rank of 11. LIC continued its rise within the BFSI category, moving up eight positions to 5. The year’s ranking also saw automobile brands Honda Motorcycles jumped thirty-two ranks and Maruti Suzuki made progress with climbing twenty-six ranks, to break into the top 10.

"In the ever-evolving landscape of consumer preferences, adaptability is paramount. At TRA Research, we recognize the subtle shifts in aspirations and desires that continuously reshape the market. The Most Desired Brands Report is our endeavour to capture these dynamic trends with precision. Through meticulous analysis of consumer sentiment, we curate an extensive list of India’s top 1000 most desired brands, a reflection of today’s consumer pulse. This report not only highlights current market attitude but also serves as a valuable guide for businesses, enabling them to craft products and experiences that align deeply with consumer expectations," stated N. Chandramouli, CEO, TRA Research.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/bombay-hc-grants-interim-relief-to-skechers-in-trademark-infringement-case-46561.htm">Bombay HC grants interim relief to Skechers in trademark infringement case</a>

Overall, FMCG dominated as the top super-category with 155 brands represented, followed by Food & Beverage with 119 brands, Automobile with 106 brands and Personal Accessories with 72 brands. Together, these super-categories accounted for over half (52.3%) of the entire list. The categories showing the highest consumer interest featuring the highest number of brands featuring in the report were Air Conditioners (19), Mobile Phones (18), Televisions (17), SUV – Brand (15), Four-Wheeler Manufacturer (13), Motorcycle Brand-Light (13) and Skincare (13). These seven categories totalled 108 brands, over 10% of the 1000 brands listed in the report showing the categories with highest competition.

The report also noted the debut of over 341 new brands among the top 1000. However, Tata Safari was the only new brand that made it into the top 100.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/cred-expands-into-insurance-leveraging-cred-garage-to-offer-motor-policies-46539.htm">Cred expands into insurance, leveraging Cred Garage to offer motor policies</a>

Among the then largest rank advancements are, Philips – Food Processor (+687 ranks), Bella Vita – Deo/Perfume (+680 ranks), Arun - Ice Creams (+677 ranks), Tissot – Premium Watches (+674 ranks), Renault – Four-Wheeler Manufacturer (+661 ranks), Tesla – Electric Car (+653 ranks), Aaj Tak – Hindi News (+604 ranks) and Mac – Premium Cosmetics (+603 ranks). 

Meanwhile, the ten biggest rank falls of 2024 are Reliance Mall (-731 ranks), Dabur Red – Ayurvedic Toothpaste (-687 ranks), Patanjali Pachak Hing Goli – Ayurvedic Digestive (-674 ranks), Godrej – Diversified Consumer Electronics (-659 ranks), Kotak Mahindra – Mutual Funds (-618 ranks), Dabur Real – Packaged Fruit Juice (-595 ranks), Pediasure – Kids’ Nutritional Supplement (-569 ranks), Britannia – Bread (-561 ranks), Dr. Ortho – Ayurvedic Pain Relief Oil (-537 ranks) and Colgate – Toothbrushes (-527 ranks).

Dell Laptops continues to be the most desirable brand for fourth year, reveals TRA's Most Desired Brands Report 2024

Bharti Airtel's net profit for Q2 FY25 soared 167 per cent to Rs 3,593 crore, up from Rs 1,341 crore in the same quarter last year, fueled by robust performances in its India and Africa operations. However, this impressive growth fell short of analysts' expectations, which had estimated a net profit of Rs 4,398 crore, according to a Bloomberg poll. 

According to a CNBC TV18 poll, Bharti Airtel was expected to post Q2 profit at Rs 4,336 crore and revenue was estimated at Rs 40,835 crore.

The company's sales and marketing expenses increases 6.14 per cent Q-o-Q to Rs 2,882 crore in Q2 FY25 from Rs 2,715 in last quarter of the same financial year. 

Additionally, the India revenue of Bharti Airtel increased by 16.9 per cent year-on-year to Rs 31,561 crore, driven by a strong 18.5 per cent growth in the mobile services segment. This growth was supported by tariff hikes and a rise in smartphone penetration. The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the India mobile segment climbed to Rs 233, up from Rs 203 a year earlier, reflecting the company’s continued efforts to optimize its customer mix and enhance its premium offerings.

When it comes to the segment wise revenue, digital TV services contributed Rs 758 crore to the overall revenue of the company in Q2 of FY25, witnessing an decrease of 2.38 per cent from Rs 777 crore in last quarter of same financial year. The company reported a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue from operations, reaching Rs 41,473 crore for the July-September quarter. Meanwhile, the homes business reported a 17.3 per cent revenue increase, driven by the addition of 583,000 new customers, bringing its customer base to 8.6 million. 




Bharti Airtel's marketing expense increases 6% quarterly; net profit soars 167% to Rs 3593 crore

The world’s biggest brands have missed out on $3.5 trillion in brand value creation as the top 100 best brands have lost at least $200 billion dollars in revenue over the past 12 months alone, reveals a report by Interbrand. 

However, the cumulative value of the world’s most valuable brands has increased 3.4x since the year 2000 from $988B to $3.4T. Gonzalo Brujó, Global CEO, Interbrand said, “If these brands had been treated and managed as strategic growth assets, then this table could be worth as much as $6.9T. The growth we see hides a staggering missed opportunity.” 

Nvidia, Pandora, Range Rover and Jordan are the new entrants in the list. While Jordan is the first personality brand to make it to the list. 

Auto brands dominating the market

As per the report, 14 of the top 100 brands of 2024 are from automotive sector. Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are ranked in the top 10 list with ranks 6, 8 and 10 respectively. Tesla, Honda, Hyundai, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan, Ferrari, Kia and Range Rover are amongst the other brand in the list of top 100. 

Interestingly, Tesla with rank 12 has been one of brands this year’s with largest decline in brand value as it saw a negative growth of 9%. Meanwhile, Kia, Hyundai and Toyota achieved double digit growth. 

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/ad-revenue-of-private-radio-channels-decreased-to-rs-428-45-crore-in-q1fy25-44675.htm">Ad revenue of private radio channels decreased to Rs 428.45 crore in Q1FY25</a>

Apple being the 'Apple of Eyes'

Undoubtedly, Apple remains the most valuable brand. However, its brand value has dropped for the first time in over two decades. The brand has spotted a negative growth of 3% in brand value. Commenting on Apple, Greg Silverman, Global Director of Brand Economics, Interbrand said, “While others rushed into AI, Apple took a more deliberate path to ensure its AI releases matched its values. This slower-moving act of leadership has put long-term trust ahead of short-term revenue gains. Following these brand moves, Apple’s stock has moved up 20% YTD and we anticipate that Apple’s value will increase in the 2025 rankings.” 

Luxury brand remains in demand

The report suggested that the brand value of luxury brands continued an upward trajectory, that is 7% up from 6.5% last year. This means that luxury brands are extending relevance by creating new consumer experiences and expanded digital touchpoints, demonstrating powerful creativity that taps into the human condition. 

For instance, Ferrari captured this year’s spot as the top-rising brand with 21% brand value growth. Louis Vuitton jumped three places, from rank 14 to 11. 

Additionally, with Hermès and Prada became two of the biggest luxury brand risers this year, seeing brand value growth of 15% and 14% respectively. 

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/exclusive-broadcasters-and-dpos-clash-as-trai-receives-mixed-feedback-44646.htm">EXCLUSIVE: Broadcasters and DPOs clash as TRAI receives mixed feedback</a>

Notedly, this year Uber and LG re-entered to the list of top 100 brands with ranks 78 and 97, respectively. 

“With more and more businesses focusing on quick scale-up and faster short-term growth, there is an ever-increasing stake that the investor community now has in businesses around the world. They run the show now, with businesses becoming mere instruments and asset classes in the quest for alpha. This has changed the fundamental nature of businesses and brands with greater focus on short term marketing and cost efficiencies. This is a myopic view, and more often than not, limits real and sustained value growth for businesses and brands. Performance marketing tools, capabilities and systems have fundamentally evolved over the past quarter of a century. As these tools shift, so too do the pressures and expectations placed on brand and marketing leaders,” Ashish Mishra, CEO, Interbrand India and South Asia said.

Top brands misses out $3.5 trillion on brand value; automotive sector dominates the market, reveals Interbrand report

Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care Limited posted a marginal decline in profit to Rs 675.02 crore in the fourth quarter of FY24 driven by the "impact of one-time tax-related items both in the base period and current period".

The advertising and sales promotion expenses increased to Rs 568 crore between April and June FY24 from Rs 426 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal year.

The femcare and healthcare company had posted a profit of Rs 676.14 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

	
<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/fevicol-maker-pidilite-industries-net-profit-rises-21-to-rs-571-crore-in-q1-fy25-39012.htm">Fevicol-maker Pidilite Industries net profit rises 21% to Rs 571 crore in Q1 FY25</a>


The company's revenue from operation stood at Rs 4205.70 crore in Q4FY24. Last fiscal in the same period, the company reported Rs 3917.90 crore in revenue from operation. P&G Hygiene and Health Care reported sales of Rs 4,192 crore, up 7% versus a year ago owing to innovation, premiumization, and driving category growth in the feminine hygiene category. 

The company said its business has continued to grow driven by products like Vicks and Whisper-related products. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/marico-expects-digital-first-portfolio-to-close-fy25-at-rs-600-crore-q1-fy25-ad-spends-at-rs-240-crore-38837.htm">Marico expects digital-first portfolio to close FY25 at Rs 600 crore; Q1 FY25 ad spends at Rs 240 crore</a>


“Even in a challenging operating environment, we delivered a balanced growth this year, while continuing to drive category growth through innovations that delight our consumers. These results are a testament to our teams’ execution of the integrated growth strategy, which we remain committed to – a focused product portfolio of daily use categories where performance drives brand choice, superiority (of product performance, packaging, brand communication, retail execution and consumer and customer value), productivity, constructive disruption, and an agile and accountable organization – all aimed at delivering sustainable, balanced growth and value creation," V Kumar, Managing Director, Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care Ltd.

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