Herukh Shahani

LAIQA Wellness, a femtech firm based in Gurugram, acquired Rs 15 crore from IvyCap Ventures Advisors Private Limited. The company's tech-based solutions, which center on point-of-care assessments, AI-driven suggestions that combine current science and Ayurveda, and personalized hormonal health tracking. The app's unique algorithm helps users manage these shifts for increased productivity, better energy levels, and general wellness. It does this by objectively scoring health factors and providing cycle-synced actionable insights. LAIQA, a new approach to women's wellness, was founded in August 2023 by Monica Bindra, Harmeet Bindra, and Meenakshi Singh. The organization addresses hormonal imbalances through cycle-synced, individualized care. Its products address a broad spectrum of illnesses caused by hormonal imbalances, including PCOS, thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, sleep disorders, and other problems related to lifestyle. #laiqa #femtech #healthcare #india #startup

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AstroTalk is redefining the spiritual-tech landscape with incredible growth in FY24. The Noida-based platform reported a 2.3x increase in revenue, reaching ₹651 crore, while profits surged nearly 12x to ₹99.99 crore. This exponential rise showcases AstroTalk’s ability to scale rapidly while maintaining strong profitability. What’s Driving This #Transformation? Expanding Market Reach: AstroTalk’s revenue in India doubled to ₹529 crore, while international revenue jumped 4.2x to ₹121 crore. The demand for digital astrology services has gone global, breaking cultural barriers and tapping into a new wave of spirituality seekers. #AI-Powered User Experience: The integration of AI has been pivotal in delivering personalized, accurate astrology consultations. By analyzing user behavior, AI helps tailor predictions, improving satisfaction and increasing user retention. This shift to data-driven insights is fueling industry growth, making astrology more accessible and reliable than ever. Mobile App Convenience: AstroTalk’s mobile app is a game-changer, providing users with a seamless and intuitive experience. The app’s features, like instant chat consultations and 24/7 availability, have transformed how people access spiritual guidance. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about creating a platform that meets the evolving expectations of today’s digital users. Strategic Investments and Scalability: AstroTalk’s significant spending on advertising (₹162 crore, up 116%) and professional services (₹319 crore, 60% of total costs) shows a strategic push for brand visibility and operational efficiency. With a Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 40.16% and an EBITDA margin of 19.42%, the platform scales efficiently, spending just ₹0.82 to earn ₹1 of revenue. Shifting Consumer Trends: The increasing demand for instant, personalized guidance reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior. Today’s users seek quick answers and digital-first solutions, and AstroTalk is perfectly positioned to meet these needs. This trend is adding more fuel to the spiritual-tech industry, driving innovation and attracting new players. Changing the Landscape of Spiritual-Tech AstroTalk isn’t just riding the wave—it’s shaping it. By combining traditional astrology with advanced AI and mobile-first strategies, it’s setting a new standard for the industry. This blend of tech and tradition is creating a sustainable model for growth, proving that spiritual services can thrive in the digital age. Investors are taking note, and with the broader spiritual-tech space already attracting over $60 million in funding, it’s clear that this is just the beginning. AstroTalk’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation in transforming industries. It’s time to watch this space closely—because the future of spirituality is digital. #AstrologyTech #SpiritualTech #AIInnovation #MobileApps #GrowthStory #AstroTalk #IndustryTrends #ScalingUp

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Kenko Health: From Skyrocketing Growth to Sudden Shutdown Kenko Health’s story was one many startups dream of—rapid growth, big-name investors, and a solution that promised to transform healthcare access. But in a flash, they’ve gone from a company with ₹85 crore in revenue to shutting down operations. What happened? Well, picture this: You’re climbing Everest. You’ve got a great climbing team, amazing resources, and you’ve trained hard. You have got a good chunk of international trainers who have been helping you get there and the local sherpas who are going to provide you with all the necessary equipment to reach the summit. The summit is in sight, but then the sherpas wants the climbing team to be mostly domestic leading to distress among the international trainers who have been helping you reach there. They can't turn their backs now and go back since they are equally invested in making the summit happen. Local Sherpas= Domestic regulator who gives out the coveted Insurance License (summit) International Trainers/ Team Members= Foreign Investors Kenko grew revenue 17x in one year, rising from ₹5 crore in FY22 to ₹85 crore in FY23. Impressive, right? Yet, despite their successes, they stumbled on a critical hurdle: securing an insurance license from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI). We all saw the potential. With Lightrock, Peak XV Partners (Sequoia Capital), BEENEXT backing Kenko, the startup seemed destined for greatness. But behind the scenes, things weren’t as perfect. Kenko’s quasi-insurance model worked brilliantly at first, providing affordable subscription health plans. But when it came to the regulatory complexities of acquiring that golden insurance license, things fell apart. They had the customers, the revenue, and the drive, but when the insurance goal became unreachable, the air thinned out. They even had investors lined up for a $27m Series B round—money that would have given them the capital cushion to survive. But then, to receive the insurance license, there were problems. The regulator wanted domestic investors to lead the charge. This, of course, caused a massive restructuring headache. Suddenly, the founders were caught between a rock and a hard place—international VCs on one side, domestic regulatory requirements on the other. And then, the final nail in the coffin—Kenko ran out of money. Even though the founders personally infused ₹9cr to keep the ship afloat, it wasn’t enough. By early 2024, employees weren’t getting paid, debts were mounting, and Kenko’s shutdown was all but inevitable. But this isn’t just about Kenko. It’s a case study on how regulatory hurdles can undo even the most promising companies in the startup ecosystem. Could this have been avoided? #kenko #insurtech #fintech #india #startups ------------------------------- 💡 I write interesting posts every week about my thoughts on the startup ecosystem, AI & disruptive technologies. Do follow Sabhareesh M for more!

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As per Inc42 Media - Indian Tech Startup Funding Report Q1 2024 India's startup ecosystem saw a decline of 33% YoY in Q1 2024, registering a 7-year low of $2 Bn in overall funding. However, fintech and ecommerce startups continue to attract investors, with fintech securing $460 Mn in 31 deals and ecommerce raising $336 Mn in 50 deals. Enterprise tech startups also had a good quarter, raising $305 Mn across 28 deals. Curious about the most funded startup hubs in Q1 2024? Check out the report from Inc42 Media. #startupfunding #fintech #ecommerce #enterprisetech #Inc42Media #fundraising #healthtech #healthcare #hospitals

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Some key takeaways from a recent report by Inc42 Media on #Healthtech as a sector :- ➡ Healthtech startups secured over $7 Bn in funding from 2014 to 2024. ➡ Indian startups raised over $150 Bn during this period, with Healthtech contributing just around ~4.5%. ➡ Online pharmacies led the funding charts with $1.7 Bn, followed by fitness, wellness, and telemedicine sub-sectors with a total of $1.2 Bn. ➡ The Indian healthtech sector boasts only eight unicorns, including Tata 1mg, Innovaccer, PharmEasy, and Pristyn Care. ➡ None of these unicorns have emerged since 2022, Tata 1mg being the most recent. ➡ Post-pandemic, funding saw a 19% CAGR decline annually from 2022 to 2024, leading to closures of many startups. ➡ Experts attribute this funding challenge to the trust-based nature of India's healthcare sector, dominance of established players, and the high capital requirements with uncertain returns. 4point0 Health Ventures #Healthtech #StartupFunding #IndianStartups #HealthcareTechnology #FundingTrends

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Healthtech startup Confido Health has secured $3 Mn (around INR 25.5 Cr) in its seed funding round led by Together Fund👇 The startup plans to use the fresh capital to improve its AI tech stack and broaden its reach across specialties such as surgery, orthopedics, dental and pediatrics. Besides, it also plans to scale up growth by fostering enterprise partnerships. Founded in 2022, by Chetan Reddy and Vichar Shroff, Confido Health assists healthcare providers in minimising administrative tasks using AI-driven automation. #news #healthtech #startup

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In the rapidly expanding Indian startup ecosystem, maintaining a balance between innovation and affordability is crucial. This article provides insights into how startups can use strategic prioritization, open-source technologies, and iterative development approaches to their advantage. Learn about the role of government schemes like Startup India in supporting sustainable growth. #Innovation #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #IndianStartups https://lnkd.in/g3g3JivZ

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Swiggy’s IPO: 5,500 Employees to Gain from ₹8,960 Crore ESOP Pool—A New Milestone in India’s Startup Wealth Creation As Swiggy prepares to go public, it’s not just another IPO—it’s a transformative moment in employee wealth creation in India’s startup landscape. With its highly inclusive and lucrative ESOP policy, Swiggy is setting new standards and turning heads across the industry. Here’s what makes Swiggy’s ESOPs stand out: 1️⃣ Inclusive Ownership for All Employees: Swiggy’s ESOP structure is unique in that it includes employees across levels and even former employees. This means that even those who have moved on from Swiggy still retain their vested shares—a rare move in a sector where stock options are often limited to a select few. 2️⃣ Fair and Balanced Vesting: Unlike the back-loaded vesting schedules common among competitors like Zomato, Swiggy’s ESOPs vest evenly at 25% each year. This ensures that every year counts toward an employee’s wealth-building journey and encourages deeper commitment. 3️⃣ Huge Wealth Creation Potential: With around 230 million ESOPs valued at over ₹8,960 crore (approx. $1.06 billion), Swiggy’s IPO stands as one of India’s largest employee wealth events. Thousands of employees are on the cusp of life-changing gains. 4️⃣ Fast Liquidity: In a significant move, Swiggy obtained a rare exemption from SEBI, allowing employees to sell shares just one month after the IPO. This provides nearly immediate liquidity, empowering employees to use their newfound wealth to invest in their dreams—whether it’s launching startups, buying property, or paying off debts. This IPO isn’t just about raising funds; it’s a testament to Swiggy’s commitment to creating lasting value for its people. A New Era for Employee Wealth? Is this the beginning of a new wave of employee wealth creation in Indian startups? Or is Swiggy an exception in an industry where ESOPs are usually more exclusive? Either way, this IPO could mark a turning point in how startups think about employee ownership and wealth.

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At Queo Health, we're revolutionizing healthcare management in India. Here's our journey: The Problem: Millions of Indians struggle with fragmented health information, leading to uninformed decisions and compromised care. Our Solution: A comprehensive mobile app that integrates health records, medications, and more into a unified platform. Technical Challenges Overcome: 1.Developed a robust Queo Health API for complex health data processing 2.Implemented Client-Side Field Level Encryption for top-notch security 3.Refined our LabReport pipeline through five generations Market Potential: We're targeting over 75 million users with chronic health issues and health-conscious individuals in India. Exciting News: The Queo Health app is now live on the Google Play Store!, Download now and take control of your health journey in India: https://lnkd.in/eK2b65HE Future plan: 1. QueoConnect: An aggregator platform that will connect users with local healthcare services, including diagnostics, pharmacies, and healthcare products. This marketplace will also venture into consumer genomics, setting the stage for personalized medicine. 2. QueoScribe: In the future, we aim to develop an AI-powered clinical note transcription service in local language. This tool will revolutionize doctor-patient interactions by providing real-time, accurate documentation of consultations. Funding: We're raising funds to scale our product and drive further innovation in health tech. I'm attending the Sifted Summit today and tomorrow. If you're interested in discussing Queo Health, our vision for the future of healthcare, or potential collaborations, I'd be delighted to connect. Let's work together towards a healthier, more informed India! #QueoHealth #HealthTech #DigitalHealthcare #StartupIndia #SiftedSummit #HealthAppIndia #FundingAnnouncement #MobileHealth #PreventiveCare #DataDrivenHealthcare #VCs #investors #digitalindia

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From a Father’s Concern to a $500M Valuation: HealthKart’s Incredible Journey What began in 2011 as a bold vision by IIT Delhi grads Prashant Tandon and Sameer Maheshwari to organize India’s fragmented healthcare market has blossomed into a $500M powerhouse redefining health and fitness. 🚀 HealthKart, now the largest health and nutrition platform in India, boasts 25,000+ products, 100+ stores, and 10M+ customers served across 40+ cities. The journey took a personal turn when Sameer wondered why his children, aged 7 and 13, shared the same generic nutrition drink. Enter Gritzo, HealthKart’s personalized child nutrition brand tackling India’s protein deficiency head-on, now growing 20% month-on-month with 50,000+ happy customers. This year, HealthKart hit another milestone, raising $153M in secondary funding led by ChrysCapital and Motilal Oswal Alternates, bringing its valuation to $500M.💸 Backed by years of research, innovation, and a relentless focus on consumer needs, HealthKart isn’t just selling products—it’s changing lives. From personalized nutrition for kids to empowering athletes and fitness enthusiasts, HealthKart is proving that passion + data = impact. 🌟 Which part of HealthKart’s journey inspires you the most? Let’s discuss! 👇

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#ahmedabadstartups here’s something that will be a great add on to your journey.

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https://lnkd.in/gj5Qi6Jt Top Indian Startups: Driving Growth in E-Com, Health Tech, and Fintech The Financial Year 2023-24 has crowned Indian startups as undisputed champions. Among the thirty-six startups that disclosed their financials, twenty-six not only survived but thrived, collectively amassing a staggering INR 3,633 crore in profits. #StartupWorldCup #StartupLife #EntrepreneurJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #Businesses #BusinessNews

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🌿✨ Embracing AYUSH: Empowering Health Naturally! 🌟 Did you know? Recent data from the survey on AYUSH conducted by National Sample Survey Office, India reveals that 50% of Indians used AYUSH healthcare system in the last year! 🔹 AYUSH system of medicines refers to the use of one or more of the system(s) of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy 🔹 95% of rural and 96% of urban folks are aware of AYUSH traditions. 🔹 85% of rural and 86% of urban households practice Medicinal Plants/Home Remedies/Local Health Traditions. 🔹 Nearly half of rural (46%) and over half of urban (53%) individuals used AYUSH in the last year for health benefits. We at SaveIN work with several leading alternate medicine providers like Dr Batra’s Healthcare Jiva Ayurveda Madhavbaug Homeocare International among others, and are witnessing tremendous demand for alternate therapies, especially for chronic diseases and lifestyle disorders. Let's continue to explore the power of traditional wisdom in promoting holistic wellness alongside adopting the latest in healthcare! 🌱💪 #AYUSH #HolisticHealth #WellnessJourney #TraditionalMedicine #Healthcare #Lifestyle

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🚀 Startup Realities: Mentorship or Monetization? 🤔 At Fahdu India, we've faced a deluge of 'mentorship' offers lately—each one more inventive than the last. Proposals roll in requesting substantial equity, sales royalties, even commissions on fundraising, all without a dime of investment. Sounds less like guidance and more like a stakeout! Is this the new normal for ambitious, non-pedigreed startups striving to grow while bootstrapped? Are genuine mentors for growth-stage startups a myth, especially for those outside the typical 'elite' founder circles? Let's discuss: Are these terms of 'mentorship' becoming a predatory practice in our ecosystem? Have you faced similar experiences? Share your stories. #StartupChallenges #EquityForAdvice #BootstrappedRealities

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growX ventures Unveils Fund II: A Boost for Healthtech & DeepTech 🚀 Nikita Saha writes ✍️, growX ventures launch Fund II with a corpus of INR 400 Cr to #empower B2B and DeepTech #startups in sectors like healthtech, spacetech, and fintech. With plans to back 20–24 #startups, Fund II will offer cheques of up to INR 10 Cr for seed-stage and INR 20–30 Cr for Series B.💡 GrowX’s portfolio includes Pixxel, Bellatrix Aerospace, and more, spotlighting #innovation in AI, genomics, and #cybersecurity. The first close is expected this year. 🔗Read More - https://lnkd.in/d4e69Yv3   🌐Stay Informed with our Latest Stories – https://lnkd.in/gMUPB2Zp Pixxel, Locus, Progcap, Aereo, Bellatrix Aerospace, Wiom, CynLr, Stashfin, RACE Energy #GrowXVentures #DeepTech #Healthtech #Innovation #StartupsIndia #TechInvestment #B2B

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Streetz Hyperlocal Pvt Ltd had a brief but a very eventful journey. Loads of people supported us which we are really proud of. Thank you ! 🙏🏻 💡I'll like to share our KEY LEARNINGS here for fellow entrepreneurs who're just starting out💡 In 8 months of launch Streetz had 20K+ downloads, 15K Signups and 8000+ users had transacted on the platform with an AOV of Rs 700+. Streetz boasted an impressive repeat rate of 22% where 10% of the users had ordered more than 3 times. In just 8 months Streetz crossed Rs 70L in GMV of business done on the platform. Streetz grew by 100X in just 13 weeks of launch acquiring customers at below Rs 250 CAC. 🚀🚀 BUT, 1. Healthy Cash flow is the most crucial aspect of an early stage startup. Being frugal is always good. 🤑 2. With discounts you can drive customer orders but you can only ensure loyalty by being consistent in your promises to customers. 🌞 3. India is a very price sensitive market and the price is more important then convenience for a large part of India, a general Indian customer mostly makes purchases rationally, evaluating many options. 🎈 4. Switching costs for customers are very low in today's Hyper competitive market. 🙌🏻 5. Product assortment on a marketplace is P0. The last thing you'll want is a customer dropping because of unavailability of a particular product. 🔑 6. Yes, customers are tolerant if tech/App is average as long as you meet the promises you make as a brand.💟 7. Historic data doesn't always show the right picture for future projections as there are too many variables at play at any given time and unless all external+internal variables are accounted for. 🎦 8. The startup world moves very fast and the agility of founder and team to changing circumstances is a very important asset. 🌊 9. There's nothing wrong in building slowly and steadily as long as your loyal user base is growing consistently and cash is depleting at a lower rate compared to increasing revenues. ❤️ 10. As a founder and team accept the fact that there are going to be many mistakes. Just don't repeat the same mistake twice.❌ 11. Your team is a reflection of you and as a founder it's very important to lead by example and be a coach rather than use the dictator approach in leadership.⛷️ 12. The most important thing which can make you and break you is your attitude. Daily dose of positive thinking really helps.💯 13. When you're a startup due to constraints and uncertainty there would be many dark days. The light of Hope should always shine. 🌄 14. You really need to build a self sustainable, profitable and achievable business plan. Think long-term.✌🏻 15. Know when to fold. You will get different signals from different stakeholders eventually all would colide at same frequency towards the end.🤐 I loved the past 1 year of Streetz journey and I wish All the very best to all the hustlers out there. Signing Off 💜, Monish Shah Founder & CEO Streetz Hyperlocal Pvt Ltd #startup #vc #tech

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Exciting News: Queo Health App Launches in India! 🚀🇮🇳 We're thrilled to announce that the Queo Health app is now live on the Google Play Store, revolutionizing healthcare management for millions of Indians! Important Note: The Queo Health app is currently available only for users in India. You can access and install the app exclusively if you're located and a resident in India. Tired of juggling paper records and struggling to keep track of your health journey? 🇮🇳 Made in India, for India, Queo Health is set to revolutionize how we manage our health. Say goodbye to scattered paper records and fragmented healthcare information and hello to Queo Health – your all-in-one health companion that's set to transform the way India manages wellness! 🔥 Download now and take control of your health journey: https://lnkd.in/eK2b65HE Queo Health isn't just another health app – it's your personal health companion, designed to empower you with comprehensive, real-time health information at your fingertips. Key Features: ✅ Unified Health Records: Say goodbye to scattered medical files! Seamlessly integrate all your health records, lab results, and prescriptions in one secure place. ✅ Comprehensive Health Tracking: Easily log medications, symptoms, and vital signs to get a complete picture of your health.  ✅ Smart Reminders: Never miss an appointment or medication dose again with our intelligent reminder system. ✅ Interactive Data Visualization: Understand your health trends with intuitive graphs and dashboards to help in optimal decision making ✅ Support Ecosystem:  ✅ Secure Data Sharing: Safely show your health information with healthcare providers when needed. 🔒 Your data, your control: We use state-of-the-art encryption to ensure your health information stays private and secure. Queo Health is more than an app – it's a healthcare revolution in your pocket. We're empowering millions of Indians to make informed decisions about their health, bridging the gap between fragmented health data and proactive wellness management. With Niyaz Yoosuf and Ahad Anzar 🌟 Be part of the health tech revolution! Download Queo Health today and join thousands of Indians who are taking charge of their well-being. Share this post and spread the word! Let's build a healthier India together, one app at a time. 💪🇮🇳 Download now and start your journey to better health: https://lnkd.in/eK2b65HE As we embark on this journey to transform healthcare in India, we're excited to announce that we're raising in funding to fuel our growth and bring even more innovative features to you. Interested investors, let's build a healthier India together!" #QueoHealth #DigitalHealthcare #HealthTech #MadeInIndia #TakeChargeOfYourHealth #startupindia #digitalindia #informeddecisions #investorsindia #VC #productlaunch #apprelease

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