DeHaat Honest Farms Raises ₹35 Cr for Expansion

DeHaat Honest Farms, the consumer-facing arm of the agritech giant DeHaat, has successfully closed a ₹35 crore pre-Series A funding round. The investment was spearheaded by OTP Ventures, with significant contributions from Sadev Capital and Maiuni Ventures. This capital infusion is earmarked to fuel the brand's ambitious plans for geographic expansion, bolster awareness for its pesticide-free product line, and drive the development of new offerings within the rapidly growing Indian consumer food market.

The strategic injection of funds comes as DeHaat Honest Farms aims to solidify its position in the premium food segment. Leveraging DeHaat's extensive network of over 13 million farmers, the brand offers a diverse portfolio exceeding 100 products, ranging from essential staples to specialized superfoods. Its current distribution spans over 3,000 retail outlets across more than 120 cities, complemented by a strong presence on quick commerce and e-commerce platforms, reflecting the evolving purchasing habits of Indian consumers.

In a notable leadership transition, Adarsh J Srivastava, a co-founder of the parent company DeHaat, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of DeHaat Honest Farms. His leadership is expected to guide the company through its next phase of growth, focusing on operational efficiency and market penetration in the competitive food retail sector. The company's commitment to pesticide-free produce aligns with a broader consumer trend towards healthier and more sustainably sourced food options, a segment experiencing robust year-on-year growth in India.

Beyond the significant funding announcement, the Indian business arena saw other key developments. PhysicsWallah experienced a notable surge in its stock value, climbing 9.5% following positive analyst sentiment from JPMorgan and JM Financial. These upgrades were issued after the company reported a 24.4% year-on-year increase in operating revenue to ₹1,054 crore for Q1 FY27, alongside a narrowed net loss and a positive EBITDA of ₹52 crore. The edtech firm anticipates achieving group-level profitability by Q3 FY27.

Ola Electric is making a strategic pivot by venturing into battery energy storage solutions. The company unveiled three new products: Ola Shakti 2 for residential use, Shakti Rack for commercial applications, and Mahashakti for large-scale utility projects. This diversification leverages their expertise in battery technology, aiming to capture a share of the expanding energy storage market, which is critical for renewable energy integration and grid stability.

In regulatory news, Parle Agro faced a setback as the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended its operating license due to the discovery of expired products at a warehouse. This action is part of a wider state-wide initiative to enforce food safety standards. Meanwhile, Hindustan Unilever's acquired skincare brand, Minimalist, demonstrated strong financial performance, nearing ₹700 crore in total income for FY26, with revenue from operations growing 36% to ₹690.2 crore. The brand also achieved profitability, swinging to a net profit of ₹25.9 crore.