VerSe Fires Employees, Swiggy’s Giveth & Taketh, and Tonbo Imaging’s IPO Dreams

Josh and DailyHunt’s parent VerSe trims 350 roles to chase AI dreams, while PhonePe’s Pincode quietly adds a ₹9 “handling fee” to your cart. Swiggy giveth and taketh: student discounts roll out in 200+ cities even as the rain surcharge waiver pours out of its premium plans. Meanwhile, Tonbo Imaging sets its sights on a ₹1,000 Cr IPO, readying for a public debut with military precision. Besides, there’s also Startup Spotlight to savor.

Grab your simmering cup of StartupChai.in and unwind with our hand-brewed memes.

“Arthik Stithi Theek Na Hai Mhari”: Dailyhunt parent VerSe Innovation to lay off 350 amid broader restructuring

Josh and DailyHunt’s parent, VerSe Innovation, just handed pink slips to 350 employees in a “realignment” move to go all-in on AI and automation.

The company says it’s trimming manual work and doubling down on efficient growth—both organic and via M&As. But here's the twist, this comes right after Deloitte flagged some not-so-great financial control issues in VerSe’s FY24 audit.

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“Ye Toh Utsav Ki Baat Hui”: After Zomato Gold, Swiggy One Drops Rain Surcharge Waiver For Users

First Zomato Gold, now Swiggy One—your premium food delivery perks just got a little soggier.

Both platforms have ditched the rain surcharge waiver, meaning even loyal, paying members will now feel the drizzle in their wallets. So next time it pours, expect your biryani to arrive with a side of extra fees.

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“Waah Kya Scene Hai”: Swiggy Piloting Student Rewards Initiative In 200+ Cities

Swiggy is back on campus—this time with a student rewards initiative across 2,000 colleges in 200+ cities.

From discounted Swiggy One memberships to exclusive offers, all you need is a verified college email to unlock the perks. By July 2025, they're eyeing 4,500 campuses—so your next lecture break might just come with fries.

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“Sapne Dekhe Bade Bade”: Tonbo Imaging To File DRHP By August For INR 1,000 Cr IPO

Tonbo Imaging is zooming into the IPO lane, aiming to raise up to ₹1,000 Cr by filing its DRHP with SEBI by August.

The defence tech firm, known for its cutting-edge imaging systems, is looking to make a sharp market debut. Looks like India’s startup IPO season is heating up—with night vision.

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“Ab Aayega Maza”: PhonePe’s Pincode Begins Charging Handling Fee

PhonePe’s Pincode has quietly introduced a flat ₹9 handling fee on all orders, stepping back from its earlier “no hidden charges” promise.

The fee applies regardless of order size, signaling a shift in strategy for the quick commerce platform. For users, it’s a reminder that even convenience now comes at a steady cost.

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1. Just a month after its launch, home services startup Pronto has bagged $2 Mn in seed funding from Bain Capital Ventures. With fresh funds in hand, it’s gearing up to open 10 new hubs and scale across Gurugram in the next 90 days.
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2. Nobel Hygiene has secured ₹170 Cr ($20 Mn) from Neo Asset Management to boost its adult diaper market game. The Mumbai-based firm plans to invest in flagship brands and deepen its distribution network nationwide.
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“Ab Hogi Kranti, Jai Mahakaal”: Cinnamon Kitchen Is Redefining Desserts

From battling PCOS to baking a business, Priyasha Saluja’s The Cinnamon Kitchen is redefining dessert—minus the guilt.

Her clean-label, plant-based bakery wowed Shark Tank India with a vegan fudge pitch that bagged a ₹60L deal from Aman Gupta. With celebs munching and revenue soaring to ₹6 Cr, this Delhi-based kitchen is cooking up a healthier indulgence revolution.

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