Expansions, layoffs, funding, leadership moves, and policy shifts — with our take on what it means for hiring in India, today and over the next five years.
Honasa Consumer, the parent company behind Mamaearth and other direct-to-consumer personal care brands, posted a 119% jump in net profit for the first quarter of FY27, alongside a 27% rise in revenue. The company reported broad-based growth across its entire product portfolio. This strong financial performance puts Honasa among the faster-growing consumer brands in India's competitive FMCG and D2C landscape.
Chennai-based Veranda Learning posted a sharp rise in quarterly profit, with growth driven by its commerce education and government exam preparation verticals. The company achieved simultaneous revenue and profit expansion while keeping costs in check, signalling strong operational momentum heading into FY27.
A Pune-based startup has been supplying the Indian Air Force with its domestically developed counter-drone system since 2022, offering both a rifle-mounted and backpack-portable version. The product signals a maturing indigenous defence-tech ecosystem in India, moving beyond imports for critical security hardware. This reflects a broader push under Make in India to develop sovereign capability in emerging threat domains.
REIO Systems, a Chennai-based deep-tech startup, has created a software-defined radio platform operating across the 7–24 GHz frequency range — spectrum central to next-generation 6G networks. The platform is designed for research institutions exploring 6G, companies building defence electronics, and drone manufacturers. This positions the firm at the intersection of three fast-growing technical domains in India.
Brainbees Solutions, the parent company of kids' omnichannel retailer FirstCry, reduced its Q1 FY27 net loss by 34% to Rs 44 crore while growing overall revenue 13% year-on-year. The India-specific business was the standout performer, recording 18% growth — the best in seven quarters. The results indicate the company is gradually closing the gap between its revenues and costs, a positive signal for operational stability.
MumbaiSemi, a startup originating from IIT Bombay, has developed a single radio frequency chip capable of receiving signals from NavIC — India's own satellite navigation system — alongside GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou. The chip positions India as a potential contributor to global navigation hardware, not just a consumer of it. This represents a meaningful step in India's ambition to build indigenous semiconductor and deep-tech capabilities.
Nexactly AI Solutions, incubated at IIT Roorkee's innovation hub, has developed an EEG-based rehabilitation platform aimed at stroke patients. The startup is now seeking investment by pitching on Shark Tank India, bringing visibility to India's emerging neurotechnology and medtech space. The venture sits at the intersection of AI, biomedical engineering, and clinical rehabilitation.
A Roorkee-based firm called Seismic Hazard and Risk Investigations is developing sensor-based early warning systems designed to detect earthquakes and alert people within the critical seconds before shaking intensifies. The company represents a rare homegrown push into disaster-tech hardware in India, a space largely dominated by foreign suppliers. This signals a nascent but growing segment within India's deep-tech and safety infrastructure ecosystem.
Bengaluru-based Kusho AI, founded in 2023, has developed AI agents capable of automatically generating, executing, and repairing software tests without human intervention. The startup targets engineering teams looking to reduce the time and headcount traditionally devoted to manual quality assurance. This positions Kusho AI among a growing cohort of Indian startups applying generative AI directly to core software development workflows.
Sudhir Sitapati has abruptly stepped down as CEO of Godrej Consumer Products, just days after the board had approved a five-year extension to his tenure. The chairperson has acknowledged that the board was not forewarned about his exit plans, signalling an unexpected breakdown in communication at the top. Former CFO Aasif Malbari has been appointed as his replacement.
Apollo Hospitals posted a strong Q1FY27 performance, with net profit climbing 34% and revenues growing 21%, driven by higher volumes in complex specialty treatments and a thriving pharmacy business. The results comfortably exceeded analyst expectations, signalling robust operational momentum across the hospital network. This kind of sustained top-line and bottom-line growth typically precedes capacity expansion and fresh recruitment cycles.
N Chandrasekaran has stepped down from his position as chairman of Tata Sons, with his departure coming just over a week before the conglomerate's annual general meeting. The move reportedly caught key stakeholders, including Noel Tata and several Tata Trusts trustees, by surprise. Chandrasekaran had reportedly sought a third term but the bid did not succeed.