Author: PIS Team
India’s healthcare innovation story is entering a new chapter, and Immuneel Therapeutics is positioning itself at the center of it. The Bengaluru-based cell and gene therapy company, founded and backed by biotech pioneer Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, has raised over INR 100 crore in its Series B funding round. While startup funding announcements often focus on valuations and investor interest, Immuneel’s latest milestone is significant for a much bigger reason: it highlights India’s growing ambition to become a serious player in some of the world’s most advanced cancer treatments. At a time when healthcare systems across the globe are searching for more effective ways to…
Why Mental Wellbeing, Mindful Leadership, and Emotional Resilience Are No Longer Optional We are living through one of the most transformative periods in the history of work. Every day, organizations are navigating technological disruption, shifting workforce expectations, economic uncertainty, and an increasingly complex business environment. While companies continue investing heavily in innovation, automation, and digital transformation, I believe there is another factor that will ultimately determine long-term success: people. For years, leadership was measured largely by performance metrics, strategic thinking, and business outcomes. Those factors remain important, but the definition of effective leadership is evolving. Today, a leader’s ability to manage uncertainty, support their teams, and foster emotional wellbeing has…
Bollywood actor Sanya Malhotra is stepping beyond the world of cinema and into the rapidly growing wellness sector with the launch of Bree Matcha, a lifestyle and functional beverage brand focused on bringing premium Japanese matcha to Indian consumers. Known for her acclaimed performances in films such as Dangal, Panga, and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Malhotra has built a reputation for embracing fitness, mindful living, and holistic well-being. Her latest venture reflects that personal passion while marking a significant move into entrepreneurship. As Indian consumers increasingly seek healthier lifestyle choices and functional food products, Bree Matcha enters the market at a time when…
In a move that blends entertainment, style, and luxury, renowned television producer and content creator Ekta Kapoor has officially joined Ekatra Jewels as a brand collaborator. The partnership marks Kapoor’s entry into the fine jewellery space and reflects the growing trend of celebrities taking on more meaningful roles within brands rather than serving as traditional endorsers. Known for shaping some of India’s most iconic television narratives, Kapoor has built a powerful personal brand over the years—one associated with glamour, creativity, and a deep understanding of what resonates with audiences. Her association with Ekatra Jewels now brings that influence into the premium jewellery segment, creating a collaboration that goes beyond visibility…
Mumbai-based lifestyle and fashion accessories brand Zouk is reportedly set to raise around ₹60 crore in a pre-Series C funding round, according to media reports. The round is expected to be led by existing investors Stellaris Venture Partners and Aavishkaar Capital, with participation from Sharrp Ventures, Harsh Mariwala’s investment office, and investor Mihir Gadani. The fundraising comes at a time when investor interest in strong consumer-facing brands remains resilient, particularly those that have successfully built a distinctive identity in India’s increasingly competitive direct-to-consumer (D2C) ecosystem. Existing Investors Double Down on Zouk’s Growth Journey One of the most notable aspects of the reported funding round is the continued support from…
Actor Digangana Suryavanshi is expanding her journey beyond entertainment with the launch of Healthy Naari, a women’s wellness brand dedicated to creating safer, gentler, and more skin-friendly menstrual care products. The venture marks a significant step into purpose-led entrepreneurship, reflecting a growing trend of public figures building businesses around meaningful social and health-focused causes. With increasing awareness around menstrual health, hygiene, and ingredient transparency, Healthy Naari enters the market with a clear mission: to offer women products that prioritize comfort, safety, and overall well-being during their menstrual cycle. A Brand Focused on Comfort and Conscious Care Healthy Naari is built on the belief…
India’s beauty and wellness industry continues to attract investor attention as consumers increasingly seek science-backed skincare, personalized treatments, and premium wellness experiences. In a significant development for the sector, Gurugram-based Korean skin solutions clinic KorinMi has raised ₹10 crore from Lotus Herbals Pvt Ltd’s Innovation Fund, a dedicated investment vehicle with a corpus of USD 50 million focused on supporting early-stage beauty and wellness startups in India. The funding marks a major milestone for the young skincare venture and highlights growing confidence in businesses that successfully blend clinical expertise, global beauty trends, and localized consumer solutions. Fresh Capital to Accelerate Growth The latest investment provides KorinMi with a strong foundation to…
Aparna Mudi on Leadership, Burnout, Reinvention, and the Future of Work For years, professional success was defined by productivity, promotions, performance, and stability. Employees were encouraged to work harder, stay available longer, and constantly prove their value. Hustle culture became aspirational, and being “busy” slowly turned into an identity. But somewhere between endless meetings, deadlines, targets, and nonstop notifications, work stopped feeling human for many people. Today, even highly skilled professionals are emotionally exhausted. Teams are more digitally connected than ever, yet employees often feel disconnected from their workplaces, their leaders, and sometimes even themselves. Burnout has become normalised. Quiet quitting…
India’s healthy food and packaged grocery market is evolving rapidly, with consumers becoming increasingly conscious about where their food comes from and how it is produced. In a significant development in the sector, Wingreens Farms has acquired sustainable food brand Safe Harvest through a share swap deal. The acquisition comes shortly after Wingreens secured ₹120 crore in a Series D funding round led by renowned investor Ashish Kacholia, with participation from Alchemy Fund. The strategic acquisition marks another milestone in Wingreens Farms’ growth journey as the company expands its footprint in the better-for-you food category while strengthening its commitment to sustainable sourcing and farmer-driven supply chains. Wingreens Farms Expands…
India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem is entering a new phase of growth, and global AI companies are racing to strengthen their presence in the country. In a major development, Anthropic – the AI company behind Claude – has appointed former Microsoft executive Sangeeta Bavi as Head of Sales for Digital Natives and Startups in India. The move highlights Anthropic’s growing focus on India’s rapidly expanding startup and mid-market ecosystem, where businesses are increasingly integrating AI into products, operations, and customer experiences. With nearly a decade of experience at Microsoft, Sangeeta Bavi brings deep expertise in startup ecosystems, enterprise AI adoption, and technology partnerships – making her one of the most strategic hires for Anthropic’s India…