India’s startup industry is growing quickly, with companies expanding into new markets and following changing customer preferences. This week, the biggest updates came from quick commerce, Korean beauty and food products, and clean energy investments.
While companies are reporting strong growth and launching new products, they are also facing challenges like rising losses and growing health concerns. Here are the top startup stories making news.
Zepto Grows Fast as It Prepares for IPO, Flipkart Minutes Expands Across India
Quick commerce company Zepto has reported strong financial results for FY26. Its operating revenue more than doubled to ₹22,623.6 crore, showing that more Indians are using fast grocery delivery services.
However, the company is also spending heavily to grow its business. Zepto’s net loss increased by 26% to ₹5,905 crore, compared to ₹4,695.4 crore in FY25. Its total expenses also jumped 79% to ₹29,026.7 crore because of investments in warehouses, delivery operations, technology, and customer acquisition.
Even with these losses, Zepto is moving ahead with its plans to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company plans to raise ₹8,010 crore through a fresh issue of shares as it prepares to enter the stock market.
Another major player, Flipkart Minutes, is also expanding rapidly. The quick commerce platform has crossed 1,000 dark stores and now operates in more than 130 cities.
The company plans to increase its network to 1,500 stores in the coming months. A major part of its growth strategy is focused on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Around 90 of its operating cities are smaller towns, showing that Flipkart wants to reach customers beyond metro cities.
This growing focus on smaller cities shows that India’s quick commerce market is expanding across the country.
Health Experts Raise Concerns as Korean Products Become More Popular
As quick commerce platforms continue to grow, health experts are becoming worried about the increasing sale of unhealthy packaged foods.
According to a LocalCircles survey, nearly half of the packaged food available on quick commerce apps is ultra-processed or junk food. Experts believe that easy access to these products is contributing to rising obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, especially among young people.
Many parents are now asking online grocery platforms to introduce “RED labels” on unhealthy food products. They believe these warning labels will help customers make healthier food choices while shopping online.
At the same time, the popularity of Korean culture continues to influence Indian consumers.
Maggi has entered the Korean noodle segment by launching two new barbeque-flavoured Korean noodles. The new range includes BBQ Chicken, priced at ₹60, and BBQ Veg, priced at ₹55. Both products come in 90-gram packs and are currently available through Nestlé’s direct-to-consumer platform.
The launch shows how Indian food brands are adding Korean-inspired products to meet the growing demand among young consumers.
The Korean beauty trend is also getting stronger in India. Beauty retailer Nykaa has expanded its partnership with Amorepacific by introducing Illiyoon, a Korean skincare brand known for hydration and skin barrier care.
Nykaa has also launched two Korean haircare brands, Mise En Scène and RYO, giving Indian customers more premium K-beauty options.
GPS Renewables Raises ₹635 Crore to Expand Bioenergy Projects
India’s clean energy sector has also seen a major investment this week.
Bioenergy company GPS Renewables has raised ₹635 crore in a Series C funding round led by PixelSky Capital. The company will use the new funding to expand its bioenergy projects across the country.
At present, GPS Renewables has more than 30 operational projects and has plans for nearly 200 more projects in the future. The investment will help the company increase its renewable energy infrastructure and support India’s clean energy goals.
The latest developments show that India’s startup ecosystem is growing in many different sectors. Quick commerce companies are expanding into smaller cities, Korean food and beauty products are becoming more popular, and investors continue to support clean energy businesses.
As startups continue to grow, they will also need to focus on building profitable businesses, promoting healthier consumer choices, and supporting sustainable development.