The Rise of Innovative Startups: A Look at POP and Nuvie
June 18, 2025, 5:50 am
In the bustling landscape of Indian startups, two companies are making waves: POP and Nuvie. Both are carving out unique niches in their respective markets, fueled by fresh funding and innovative ideas. They represent the pulse of a new era in consumer engagement and health-conscious eating.
At its core, POP is a rewards-first platform. It combines UPI payments, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) marketplace, and a co-branded RuPay credit card into a single, seamless ecosystem. Imagine a world where every transaction not only serves a purpose but also rewards you. That’s the vision behind POPcoins, the platform’s unique rewards currency. Users earn POPcoins through various activities—be it UPI payments, in-app shopping, or using the RuPay credit card. These coins can be redeemed at a growing network of partner merchants, turning everyday spending into a rewarding experience.
Since launching its UPI platform in June 2024, POP has seen impressive growth. The startup reports over six lakh daily UPI transactions and one million monthly active users. It’s a testament to the demand for a more engaging payment experience. The partnership with Razorpay is a strategic move to deepen POP’s loyalty-focused offerings and expand its merchant partnerships. In a crowded D2C market, businesses need more than just payment solutions; they need a way to build lasting relationships with customers. POP aims to bridge that gap.
Razorpay’s investment signals a broader trend in the fintech space. As companies seek to enhance customer engagement, loyalty programs are becoming essential. The collaboration with POP aligns with Razorpay’s vision to empower merchants through innovative solutions. This partnership is not just about financial transactions; it’s about creating a loyalty-first ecosystem that drives growth.
Nuvie’s founders, Prashant Paliwal and Hem Narayan, are on a mission to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable. Their product lineup includes innovative offerings like protein-infused cold coffee, or "Proffee," and healthier versions of traditional snacks. The startup has already made a mark, generating over INR 10 lakh in monthly revenue within its first month of launch. With plans to close the year with an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of INR 10 crore, Nuvie is poised for rapid growth.
The funding will primarily support product development and brand-building initiatives. As health consciousness rises among consumers, Nuvie is strategically positioned to capture this growing market. The founders believe that the key to success lies in making nutritious foods delicious and convenient. This approach sets Nuvie apart in a landscape where innovation in food tech is often lacking.
Investors are taking notice. The participation of notable figures from the startup ecosystem, including Mukesh Bansal and Ayyappan R, underscores the potential of Nuvie’s vision. They see a gap in the market for tasty, healthy options, and Nuvie is ready to fill it. The startup’s commitment to creating better-for-you products resonates with a generation increasingly focused on health and wellness.
As these startups grow, they will likely inspire others to innovate. The fintech and food tech sectors are ripe for disruption, and the success of POP and Nuvie could pave the way for more entrepreneurial ventures.
In a world where consumers are looking for more than just products, these companies are stepping up. They are creating experiences that resonate with today’s values—convenience, health, and engagement. The future looks bright for startups that can harness these trends and deliver meaningful solutions.
In conclusion, the rise of POP and Nuvie is a reflection of a broader shift in consumer behavior. As the landscape evolves, these startups are not just participants; they are leaders, shaping the future of their industries. The journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.
POP: Revolutionizing Digital Payments
Bengaluru-based fintech startup POP has just secured a significant investment of USD 30 million from Razorpay. This funding is not just a financial boost; it’s a strategic leap into the future of digital payments and commerce. Founded in 2023 by Bhargav Errangi, a former Flipkart executive, POP is on a mission to reshape how consumers interact with money and rewards.At its core, POP is a rewards-first platform. It combines UPI payments, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) marketplace, and a co-branded RuPay credit card into a single, seamless ecosystem. Imagine a world where every transaction not only serves a purpose but also rewards you. That’s the vision behind POPcoins, the platform’s unique rewards currency. Users earn POPcoins through various activities—be it UPI payments, in-app shopping, or using the RuPay credit card. These coins can be redeemed at a growing network of partner merchants, turning everyday spending into a rewarding experience.
Since launching its UPI platform in June 2024, POP has seen impressive growth. The startup reports over six lakh daily UPI transactions and one million monthly active users. It’s a testament to the demand for a more engaging payment experience. The partnership with Razorpay is a strategic move to deepen POP’s loyalty-focused offerings and expand its merchant partnerships. In a crowded D2C market, businesses need more than just payment solutions; they need a way to build lasting relationships with customers. POP aims to bridge that gap.
Razorpay’s investment signals a broader trend in the fintech space. As companies seek to enhance customer engagement, loyalty programs are becoming essential. The collaboration with POP aligns with Razorpay’s vision to empower merchants through innovative solutions. This partnership is not just about financial transactions; it’s about creating a loyalty-first ecosystem that drives growth.
Nuvie: A New Era of Healthy Eating
On a different front, Nuvie is making strides in the food and beverage sector. This Bengaluru-based startup recently raised USD 450,000 in pre-seed funding, led by PedalStart. Nuvie is not just another health food brand; it’s a pioneer in creating guilt-free indulgences. The company aims to redefine snacking with protein-rich products that cater to the modern consumer’s desire for health without sacrificing taste.Nuvie’s founders, Prashant Paliwal and Hem Narayan, are on a mission to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable. Their product lineup includes innovative offerings like protein-infused cold coffee, or "Proffee," and healthier versions of traditional snacks. The startup has already made a mark, generating over INR 10 lakh in monthly revenue within its first month of launch. With plans to close the year with an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of INR 10 crore, Nuvie is poised for rapid growth.
The funding will primarily support product development and brand-building initiatives. As health consciousness rises among consumers, Nuvie is strategically positioned to capture this growing market. The founders believe that the key to success lies in making nutritious foods delicious and convenient. This approach sets Nuvie apart in a landscape where innovation in food tech is often lacking.
Investors are taking notice. The participation of notable figures from the startup ecosystem, including Mukesh Bansal and Ayyappan R, underscores the potential of Nuvie’s vision. They see a gap in the market for tasty, healthy options, and Nuvie is ready to fill it. The startup’s commitment to creating better-for-you products resonates with a generation increasingly focused on health and wellness.
The Bigger Picture
Both POP and Nuvie exemplify the dynamic nature of the Indian startup ecosystem. They are not just chasing profits; they are driven by purpose. POP is redefining how consumers engage with payments, while Nuvie is transforming the way people think about healthy eating.As these startups grow, they will likely inspire others to innovate. The fintech and food tech sectors are ripe for disruption, and the success of POP and Nuvie could pave the way for more entrepreneurial ventures.
In a world where consumers are looking for more than just products, these companies are stepping up. They are creating experiences that resonate with today’s values—convenience, health, and engagement. The future looks bright for startups that can harness these trends and deliver meaningful solutions.
In conclusion, the rise of POP and Nuvie is a reflection of a broader shift in consumer behavior. As the landscape evolves, these startups are not just participants; they are leaders, shaping the future of their industries. The journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.