Last week, Zepto grabbed headlines again, but this time for reasons that could shape its future. First, it raised INR 400 Cr from Motilal Oswal, and second, it finally revised the app’s free delivery terms in line with rivals Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart.

To novice eyes, the two developments may seem fathoms apart — one being a routine fundraising, the other just an app tweak. But both are strategic — polishing the optics and strengthening fundamentals before the IPO.

Motilal Oswal’s increase in stake boosts Indian institutional ownership, signalling local investors’ confidence, which could act as a pivotal psychological anchor for retail investors during its IPO.

On the other hand, the app update fixes a reputational sore point around dark patterns, which have long been criticised and risked carrying negative sentiments into the public market.

Notwithstanding this, here’s an irony you might have zoomed past —the startup synonymous with speed, either for delivering groceries or raising funds, is snailing its way to the D-Street.

Now, before we answer this, let’s steal a glance at the top news stories from our newsroom this week:

Defence In The Age Of AI: India’s defence tech startups aren’t sitting on the sidelines — they’re busy building the tools that could shape the future of national security. However, with the global AI military market set to more than double to $35 Bn by 2030, is India ready to grab its moment?
BharatPe Beyond Lending: BharatPe has swung into the green, posting INR 6 Cr profit (excluding ESOP costs) in FY24. The credit goes largely to its thriving merchant lending arm. But can BharatPe grow into a full-fledged fintech powerhouse, or will it remain a digital lender dressed up as one?
Inside Nykaa’s Q1 Vanity Box: The beauty ecommerce giant is rolling in profits,........

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