Latest news with #Veeba
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
After Wakefit, Verlinvest lines up Purplle and Veeba for IPOs
One down, at least two more to go. After Verlinvest SA's portfolio company Wakefit Innovations Ltd filed for an IPO last week, the Belgium-based investment firm is queuing up beauty products platform Purplle and condiments maker Veeba for the public markets. At least two more consumer startups from the investment firm's India portfolio could go public over the next two years, said Arjun Anand, executive director at Verlinvest. Wakefit, which sells mattresses, beds, sofas, and home furnishings, filed for a ₹468.2 crore initial public offering last week. Verlinvest is now preparing some of its mature investments, including Purplle and Veeba, for a public market debut, Anand told Mint, adding that both these companies have crossed ₹1,000 crore in annual revenue. Veeba and Purplle have not yet filed their financials for 2024-25. While Wakefit is in an advanced stage of going public, Veeba and Purplle are likely to consider a listing over the next two years, Anand added. 'That's how the flywheel works," said Anand. 'Four to five mature companies will exit, three to four new ones will enter, and we will double down on the rest, just like we did with Blue Tokai." Verlinvest invested a second tranche of $9 million in Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters this month, after putting in $20-21 million last year in the cafe and coffee brand. Mint reported in January that the firm was planning to participate in a fresh investment round in pet care brand Heads Up For Tails. Verlinvest's other investments in India include yoghurt brand Epigamia and fertility services chain Ferty9. It previously also backed edtech platform Byju's. As part of its plan to add 2-3 brands to its India portfolio every year, Verlinvest is actively scouting segments such as healthcare services, food and beverage, beauty, and experiential lifestyle for fresh investments, according to Anand. Purplle, founded in 2012, has raised more than $500 million. In October, the beauty products retailer announced closing its Series F funding round at ₹1,500 crore (about $175,000), led by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. In July last year, Purplle said it had raised ₹1,000 crore in a funding round led by an arm of ADIA at a valuation of $1.25 billion. Its other investors include Blume Ventures, billionaire Azim Premji's Premji Invest, and Sharrp Ventures. Veeba, also founded in 2012, sells sauces, dips, and other condiments. According to market research platform Tracxn, Veeba has raised $58.3 million from investors including Verlinvest, DSG Consumer Partners, and Saama Capital, and is currently valued at about ₹1,860 crore (about $217 million). Purplle declined to comment on its IPO plans. Veeba didn't immediately reply to Mint's email. Verlinvest's flywheel Founded in 1995 by the family promoters of Belgium's AB InBev, the world's largest beer company, Verlinvest invests in consumer companies across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Unlike most private equity or venture capital funds, Verlinvest does not raise capital in cycles or return capital to limited partners, who are investors in PE and VC funds. Instead, it invests permanent capital from its founding shareholders and recycles gains from successful share sales into new investments. 'Our structure gives us flexibility on timelines. We are not bound by fund life," Anand said. 'We can keep putting more capital into a company over time, and exit when the market is ready." Verlinvest's approach 'gives founders breathing room to build products and expand distribution networks genuinely, rather than chasing quick returns", said Roma Priya, founder of Burgeon Law, which counts both established and emerging businesses among its clients. 'That aligns well with India's consumer brand landscape, where long-term development often wins over fast scale." India's public market has recently seen a pipeline of consumer-facing companies joining the IPO queue, following in the footsteps FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd (Nykaa) and Honasa Consumer (Mamaearth), both beauty products retailers, and electric scooter maker Ather Energy. Eyewear retailer Lenskart, online meat seller Licious, electronics and wearables maker boAt, and stock-broking platform Groww are also planning to ride the resurgence in India's IPO market. 'India had the highest number of IPOs in the Asia-Pacific region recently, and over 90 companies have already filed to go public," said Priya. 'For global investors, this signals better exit opportunities driven by improved market sentiment, regulatory support, and a maturing base of Indian retail and institutional investors." Per Wakefit's IPO filing, Verlinvest plans to offload about 10.19 million shares purchased at ₹82.67 apiece, signalling a lucrative investment exit for the firm. Earlier this year, Verlinvest sold its remaining 12% stake in Sula Vineyards Ltd, which made its public market debut in December 2022, and trimmed its holding in Purplle from 17% to 10% through a secondary transaction involving the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). 'Sula returned over 4-5x on our investment, and Purplle also delivered extremely high returns," said Anand. 'Because the exits did well, we are in a strong position to reinvest and scale up."
Economic Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Rs 200 crore man shares the 'lesson of a lifetime' he received from Shah Rukh Khan
An Encounter That Transcended Fame The Moment That Defined True Nobility Lessons That Outlast the Lights Looking Ahead: The Star Shines On Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is not only known for his iconic performances in Indian cinema but also for the graciousness and warmth he extends off-camera. His humility has often left a lasting impression on those who have had the privilege to work with him. One such individual is Viraj Bahl, the entrepreneur behind Veeba and a former judge on Shark Tank India. He recently recounted his unforgettable experience of shooting a commercial with the legendary actor, calling it a deeply transformative moment in his professional a podcast discussion, Viraj described how just a few days working alongside Shah Rukh Khan felt like a masterclass in leadership, kindness, and humility. What struck him the most wasn't Khan's stardom but the way he treated people around him—with genuine attentiveness. From learning the names of crew members to personally greeting everyone with warmth, Shah Rukh's conduct set a powerful example. Though Viraj doubted whether the actor even remembered him afterward, the impression Khan left behind was shared a poignant moment from the set that further cemented his respect for Shah Rukh. Typically, brand ambassadors commit only a set number of hours for promotional shoots. During their advertisement shoot, the allotted time had passed, and the director was ready to call it a day despite some parts being left unfinished. Hesitant but hopeful, Viraj approached the superstar to explain the situation. To his surprise, Shah Rukh gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and agreed to continue the shoot without hesitation. That gesture—calm, compassionate, and unforced—left a profound emotional impact on Viraj took from those few days went far beyond a successful shoot. It was an education in character. He realized how important it is to honor others with respect, regardless of one's status. While he humbly accepted that he may never achieve the monumental success that Shah Rukh has, he hoped to mirror at least a fraction of the actor's grace and grounded nature. That, for him, would be true Shah Rukh Khan continues to dominate the big screen. His upcoming projects include King, where he will share the screen with his daughter Suhana Khan, and the much-anticipated Tiger vs Pathaan , co-starring Salman Khan. But beyond the cinematic buzz, stories like Viraj's continue to reveal the depth of a man whose greatness lies just as much in his humility as in his fame.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rs 200 crore man shares the 'lesson of a lifetime' he received from Shah Rukh Khan
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is not only known for his iconic performances in Indian cinema but also for the graciousness and warmth he extends off-camera. His humility has often left a lasting impression on those who have had the privilege to work with him. One such individual is Viraj Bahl, the entrepreneur behind Veeba and a former judge on Shark Tank India. He recently recounted his unforgettable experience of shooting a commercial with the legendary actor, calling it a deeply transformative moment in his professional journey. An Encounter That Transcended Fame During a podcast discussion, Viraj described how just a few days working alongside Shah Rukh Khan felt like a masterclass in leadership, kindness, and humility. What struck him the most wasn't Khan's stardom but the way he treated people around him—with genuine attentiveness. From learning the names of crew members to personally greeting everyone with warmth, Shah Rukh's conduct set a powerful example. Though Viraj doubted whether the actor even remembered him afterward, the impression Khan left behind was indelible. The Moment That Defined True Nobility Viraj shared a poignant moment from the set that further cemented his respect for Shah Rukh. Typically, brand ambassadors commit only a set number of hours for promotional shoots. During their advertisement shoot, the allotted time had passed, and the director was ready to call it a day despite some parts being left unfinished. Hesitant but hopeful, Viraj approached the superstar to explain the situation. To his surprise, Shah Rukh gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and agreed to continue the shoot without hesitation. That gesture—calm, compassionate, and unforced—left a profound emotional impact on Viraj. Lessons That Outlast the Lights What Viraj took from those few days went far beyond a successful shoot. It was an education in character. He realized how important it is to honor others with respect, regardless of one's status. While he humbly accepted that he may never achieve the monumental success that Shah Rukh has, he hoped to mirror at least a fraction of the actor's grace and grounded nature. That, for him, would be true success. Looking Ahead: The Star Shines On Professionally, Shah Rukh Khan continues to dominate the big screen. His upcoming projects include King, where he will share the screen with his daughter Suhana Khan, and the much-anticipated Tiger vs Pathaan , co-starring Salman Khan. But beyond the cinematic buzz, stories like Viraj's continue to reveal the depth of a man whose greatness lies just as much in his humility as in his fame.
News18
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Shark Tank India's Viraj Bahl Recalls Shooting With Shah Rukh Khan: 'When He Comes On Set...'
Last Updated: Shark Tank's Viraj Bahl, founder of Veeba, shares how Shah Rukh Khan's humility on an ad shoot left him deeply inspired. Shah Rukh Khan has long been admired for his charm and professionalism, but what truly sets him apart, according to Veeba founder and Shark Tank India judge Viraj Bahl, is his unmatched humility. Bahl recently opened up about his experience shooting an advertisement with the Jawan actor during a podcast, and it left a lasting impression on him. 'I got to work with the legend Shah Rukh Khan for 2-3 days and I got lessons for a lifetime. I don't even know if he remembers who I am now, but I was a fan going in and coming out a 100x fan. He teaches you the success that he's seen with the humility that he has. When he comes on the set, he will know my name, my team's name. He will come and hug us." Sharing more from that unforgettable shoot, Bahl recalled a moment when the shoot time was technically over, but SRK went the extra mile without hesitation. 'He is a legend. So the director listens to what SRK says. Every brand ambassador gives you eight hours for a particular shoot, and our ad shoot had not finished. But the director said wrap and I was like, we were still left, but he said that SRK's time was up. He asked me to go and speak with him and I was literally shaking, but then I went and told him some bit was left to shoot, and he just kept his hand on my shoulder and said we shall continue shooting. That calmed me so much." The entrepreneur was not only impressed by SRK's work ethic but was also moved by his grounded nature. 'He was loving, caring, and giving in every sense of the word. I can't tell you how much I have learned in those three days about how to respect people. I don't expect to see the success he has seen in his lifetime, but even if I do half of that and have half the humility that he has, I will consider myself victorious." On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan will be next seen in the much-anticipated action thriller, King. It will mark the big-screen debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan. Moreover, the father-daughter duo will be sharing the screen for the first time ever. The film also features a star-studded cast including Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma. First Published:
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Shark Tank India's Viraj Bahl recalls shooting ad with Shah Rukh Khan: ‘He was loving, caring, giving in every sense of the word'
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's humility has often been praised by those who've worked with him. Recently, Veeba founder Viraj Bahl echoed similar sentiments while recalling his experience shooting an advertisement with the Jawan actor. Viraj, who also appeared as a judge on Shark Tank India, shared that he learned 'lessons of a lifetime' from Shah Ruk. Talking about SRK in a podcast, Viraj said, 'I got to work with the legend Shah Rukh Khan for 2-3 days and I got lessons for a lifetime. I don't even know if he remembers who I am now, but I was a fan going in and coming out a 100x fan. He teaches you the success that he's seen with the humility that he has. When he comes on the set, he will know my name, my team's name. He will come and hug us.' Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan replaced Armaan Kohli in Deewana, says Guddu Dhanoa: 'He didn't even know, I had already signed him' Viraj Bahl, the founder of Veeba Foods : I got to work with the legend Shah Rukh Khan for 2-3 days & I got lessons for a lifetime, I was a fan going in & coming out a 100x fan, he teaches you the success that he's seen with the humility that he has. He also shares some incidents — Aamir Khan (@AAMIRSRKs45) May 24, 2025 Viraj Bahl also recalled an incident and said, 'He is a legend. So the director listens to what SRK says. Every brand ambassador gives you eight hours for a particular shoot, and our ad shoot had not finished. But the director said wrap and I was like, we were still left, but he said that SRK's time was up. He asked me to go an speak with him and I was literally shaking, but then I went and told him some bit was left to shoot, and he just kept his hand on my shoulder and said we shall continue shooting. That calmed me so much.' 'He was loving, caring, and giving in every sense of the word. I can't tell you how much I have learned in those three days about how to respect people. I don't expect to see the success he has seen in his lifetime, but even if I do half of that and have half the humility that he has, I will consider myself victorious.' Viraj added. On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan will be next seen in King along with his daughter Suhana Khan. He also has Tiger vs Pathaan, with Salman Khan, in the pipeline.
