Health & Beauty

BeatO closes $33 Million in funding led by Lightrock;

Published

4 years ago

November 20, 2022

BeatO closes $33 Million in funding led by Lightrock; Healthquad and Flipkart join the round

BeatO is a specialist diabetes care provider with programs that have demonstrated significant outcomes in large scale clinical studies

● The fresh funding will be used to scale BeatO’s platform, continue to invest in its product and technology, and to strengthen the reach of its evidence-based care programs

● The company has grown 3X in the last year and is rapidly emerging as a market leader to disrupt the diabetes care ecosystem in India.

BeatO, a comprehensive digital care platform for controlling and reversing Diabetes, founded by Gautam Chopra, Yash Sehgal and Kunal Kinalekar, has raised $33 Million in Series B funding led by Lightrock with participation from HealthQuad, Flipkart and existing investors.

India will soon overtake China to become the diabetes capital of the world, with more than 200 Mn Indians at risk from Diabetes. What aggravates this problem even further is that a large part of this population is diagnosed late when there is already a high severity of the condition.

With a broken ecosystem and lack of specialists who can treat the condition, especially in Tier 2 cities and beyond where a large part of our population lives, a vast majority are left with limited or no access to continuous diabetes care. This results in 80% of the diabetic population living with uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Additionally, unlike developed markets, most expenses for a person with diabetes in India are out of their own pocket, and there are hardly any insurance products that even cover them for hospitalization.

BeatO is plugging this important gap in the ecosystem by providing an affordable, comprehensive and patient-centric digital solution to millions of people with diabetes who have limited access to good quality and continuous care. BeatO is expanding the diabetes care market; with over 70% of their users coming from Tier 2 cities and beyond, and 55% of their users never having used a blood glucose monitoring device previously. Currently serving more than 15 lakh members, the company has grown 3X in the last one year and is poised to become the market leader to disrupt the diabetes care ecosystem in India. In its mission to ensure affordability and access to specialist care, BeatO has also started to forge strategic partnerships with major ecosystem players from the Insurance and Pharmaceutical sectors to drive large-scale impact across the country.

BeatO’s real-world evidence-based studies have been published in global forums such as the prestigious American Diabetes Association (ADA), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and at the Advanced Technologies and Treatment for Diabetes (ATTD). These are globally amongst the largest population-based studies and highlight BeatO’s ability to drive robust clinical outcomes for hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, weight reduction and positive perception to digital diabetes care across different cohorts of age groups, gender and nature of diabetes. The results demonstrate that on average a BeatO user witnesses 1.8% point drop in their eHbA1c over a 90 day period.

Commenting on the new funding, Gautam Chopra, Co-Founder & CEO – BeatO said, “With our digital first solution, BeatO is well positioned to lay the new standards of how care will be delivered in the future to millions of Indians. We are pleased to have a fantastic set of partners joining us on the journey who deeply resonate with our vision and bring solid capabilities to help us achieve our goal.”

Tejasvi Ravi, who leads healthcare investments at Lightrock added, “BeatO is on an ambitious mission to re-design how diabetes is cared for in India. They are a world-class team that have demonstrated the ability to deliver consistent, high-quality and empathetic care resulting in clinical outcomes that are outstanding.”

The fresh funds will be utilized to expand BeatO’s diabetes care programs pan-India, invest in strengthening their leadership team and to further invest in BeatO’s product and technology. BeatO will also continue to build the evidence base for its care programs, setting the standard of care globally for diabetes. BeatO aims to serve over 10 million patients by 2025, becoming India’s largest Diabetes Care Company.

Ajay Mahipal, Director, HealthQuad said “BeatO’s full-stack integrated platform approach focused on diabetes care solves for accessibility, affordability and quality issues. Device-first engagement with clinical outcome backed Care Program solution aims to sustainably manage diabetes for the patients. BeatO is providing care across the continuum of monitoring, control and reversal. We remain committed to partnering with innovation-first firms providing access to quality care.”

Speaking on the investment, Ravi Iyer, Senior Vice President and Head – Corporate Development, Flipkart, said, “Through this investment in BeatO, Flipkart ventures is committed to supporting a business that is building next-generation innovations and evolving the digital health ecosystem. BeatO, with its holistic, differentiated and affordable digital care solution, is well placed to address the rising diabetes epidemic in India.”

The Company’s existing marquee investors include Orios Venture Partners, Leo Capital, W Health Ventures, Blume Ventures and others.

* * *

About BeatO

BeatO is a digital app-based platform that provides clinically proven, comprehensive diabetes care programs to prevent, control & reverse diabetes under the guidance of experts. The results of these programs have been published by top institutions such as the American Diabetes Association ADA) & Advanced Technologies and Treatment for Diabetes (ATTD). BeatO’s ecosystem includes its innovative smartphone-connected glucometers that work in unison with the BeatO app to provide personalized insights and 24X7 access to an experienced team of medical experts – health coaches, nutritionists and top doctors. BeatO also provides a complete one-stop solution for all daily diabetes essentials such as medicines, lab tests, diabetes friendly foods & products.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.beatoapp.com/

About Lightrock

Lightrock is a global private equity platform that seeks to achieve financial as well as societal and environmental returns by investing in businesses that contribute positively to humankind and the planet. Lightrock has invested in more than 60 high-growth companies that pursue scalable and tech-driven business models around the key impact themes of people, planet, and business productivity. Lightrock is backed by the Princely House of Liechtenstein and LGT, the international private banking and asset management group.

About HealthQuad:

HealthQuad is India’s leading digital health focused venture capital fund with assets under management of USD 200 Mn across two funds. HealthQuad’s focus is to nurture innovative models which radically improve healthcare access and affordability leveraging technology. The platform offers a distinctive blend of clinical, operating and investing experience along with access to a rich healthcare ecosystem across multiple geographies which helps in superior value creation for portfolio companies.

Health & Beauty

Future of Fragrance: How AI, Genetics & Smart Technology Are Changing Perfume

Published

1 day ago

May 26, 2026

Jiya Jaitly

AI-powered personalised fragrance technology and luxury perfumes.

The history of fragrance is a journey from the divine to the designer. It began in the ancient world as a sacred bridge to the gods, where resins like frankincense were burned per fumum (through smoke) in Egyptian temples to appease deities. This mystical ritual evolved into a scientific craft during the Middle Ages, as Islamic polymaths like Avicenna perfected steam distillation, transmuting heavy oils into the ethereal floral waters we recognise today.

By the 19th century, perfumery had transcended mere imitation, embracing laboratory-created molecules to evoke abstract emotions rather than simply replicate single blooms—a paradigm shift crystallised by creations such as Jicky. The 20th century then elevated fragrance into the realm of fashion, where icons like Chanel No. 5 became synonymous with identity and allure.

Fragrance invariably projects differently on each individual, compelling one to discover a scent that harmonises with one’s unique chemistry. We have all savoured that fleeting, exquisite trail as someone passes by—yet pondered why the same allure eludes us, even when donning that very fragrance. Emerging technologies now bridge this disparity with refined precision.

The Genetic Blueprint: Your Olfactory DNA

This bridge commences deep within your double helix. We all bear a unique genetic map of roughly 400 olfactory receptors, ensuring no two people inhabit precisely the same “scented” world. What wafts as a fresh citrus grove to one might provoke a “metallic” or “soapy” response in another.

By sequencing polymorphisms in your genetic code, these services delineate the architecture of your olfactory inheritance. They reveal heightened sensitivity akin to a “supertaster” for rare musks, or a predisposition to deem certain avant-garde synthetics irredeemably “soapy” or “foul.”

The Goal: To eradicate the “hit or miss” vagaries of perfume purchasing by aligning ingredients with your singular biological receptors.

Pulse-Point Intelligence

A micro-thin, haptic patch equips you for high-stakes environments. It monitors your body’s “chemical weather”—sensing microscopic rises in skin conductance and subtle shortenings of breath. Before stress’s physical weight descends, the device orchestrates a “Scent-Intervention.”

Pulse points—wrists, neck, behind the ears—emit amplified heat from proximate blood flow, accelerating fragrance diffusion for superior projection and evolution. The patch tracks skin temperature, heart rate, and stress levels, modulating scent release in real time—intensifying or softening the composition dynamically.

The Goal: To render fragrance adaptive rather than static: not merely something applied, but an emanation that evolves with one’s physiological and emotional state. In essence, less “this is my perfume” and more “this is how I am right now.”

Artificial intelligence, unsurprisingly, stands central to this metamorphosis. By dissecting behavioural data, purchase patterns, and emotional responses, these systems forge deeply personalised scent recommendations. In some instances, they venture further—generating bespoke compositions calibrated to an individual’s psychological profile. The outcome is hyper-personalisation that feels indulgent yet quietly disquieting, effacing the boundary between self-expression and subtle behavioural influence.

Trend	Technology	Impact
Personalization	AI & Machine Learning	Shift from “Brand ID” to “Genetic ID.”
Functionalism	Neuroscience/EEG	Scent used as a mental health & performance tool.
Sustainability	Precision Fermentation	Lab-grown alternatives to rare/illegal naturals.
Digitalization	Biosensors & E-noses	Scent becomes a programmable feature of your home/body.

As epochs have unfurled, so too has the alchemy of scent—from communal rituals to bespoke elixirs—ushering us towards an era where artificial intelligence curates fragrances as intimately as a fingerprint. Yet this relentless march risks severing us from perfumery’s storied tapestry; scents, after all, are vessels of memory, evoking raw human emotions through visceral, unreplicable recollections that no algorithm can forge. In chasing the singular “perfect” accord, we may forfeit the serendipitous discoveries and collective memories that once bound us in aromatic communion. One must ponder: amidst such ingenuity, will the thrill of the unexpected—history’s capricious gift—survive?

Health & Beauty

Baby Forest Introduces Khilta Mukhra Baby Face Cream for Soft, Nourished & Healthy-Looking Skin

Published

2 days ago

May 25, 2026

Neha Tyagi

Baby Forest, India’s leading luxury Ayurvedic baby care brand, expands its skincare portfolio with the launch of Khilta Mukhra Baby Face Cream — a gentle, nourishing formulation thoughtfully created for a baby’s delicate facial skin.

Inspired by the wisdom of Ayurveda and enriched with nature’s finest ingredients, the cream is designed to deeply moisturize while helping maintain soft, supple, and healthy-looking skin. Formulated with the goodness of shea butter, saffron, and almond oil, Khilta Mukhra provides intense hydration and comfort to delicate skin prone to dryness.

Its rich yet lightweight texture glides on smoothly and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft, pampered, and nourished without any greasy residue. Crafted especially for babies, the formulation is free from harsh chemicals and irritants, making it gentle and safe for everyday use.

With its blend of Ayurvedic ingredients and luxurious texture, Khilta Mukhra Baby Face Cream reflects Baby Forest’s commitment to creating toxin-free, nature-powered solutions for modern parenting.

Price: INR 895/-

Availability: Available online at Baby Forest website

Health & Beauty

Best Foods for Easy Digestion: A Complete Guide for a Healthy Gut

Published

2 months ago

April 3, 2026

Neha Tyagi

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, digestive issues such as bloating, acidity, constipation, and indigestion have become increasingly common. Poor eating habits, stress, and lack of physical activity often disrupt the body’s natural digestive process. The good news is that the right food choices can significantly improve digestion and restore gut health.

Why Digestion Matters

A healthy digestive system is essential for overall well-being. It ensures that your body absorbs nutrients efficiently, supports a strong immune system, and maintains optimal energy levels. When digestion is compromised, it can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and long-term health issues.

Top Foods for Easy Digestion

1. Yogurt (Curd)

Rich in probiotics, yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that help balance gut flora. It improves digestion and helps alleviate issues such as bloating and diarrhea. Including a bowl of fresh curd in your daily meals can make a noticeable difference.

2. Bananas

Bananas are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. They are packed with fiber and natural sugars that help regulate bowel movements and provide instant energy.

3. Rice (Especially White Rice)

Simple and low in fiber, white rice is easy on the digestive system. It is often recommended during digestive discomfort because it doesn’t strain the stomach.

4. Ginger

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. It helps reduce nausea, improves digestion, and relieves bloating. Adding ginger tea or fresh ginger to meals can be highly beneficial.

5. Papaya

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain that aids digestion by breaking down proteins. It is especially helpful for people suffering from constipation or slow digestion.

6. Oats

Oats are rich in soluble fiber, which helps regulate digestion and supports gut health. They are light yet nutritious, making them a great option for breakfast.

7. Boiled Vegetables

Vegetables like carrots, spinach, and zucchini become easier to digest when cooked. Boiling or steaming softens the fiber, making it gentler on the stomach.

8. Buttermilk (Chaas)

A traditional Indian remedy, buttermilk is cooling and aids digestion. It contains probiotics and helps soothe the stomach, especially after heavy meals.

Foods to Avoid for Better Digestion

To maintain a healthy gut, it’s equally important to limit foods that can irritate the digestive system:

Deep-fried and oily foods
Processed and packaged snacks
Excess sugar and artificial sweeteners
Carbonated drinks
Spicy and overly rich foods

Simple Tips to Improve Digestion

Eat slowly and chew food properly.
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Avoid overeating
Maintain regular meal timings.
Include physical activity like walking or yoga.

Final Thoughts

Good digestion is the foundation of good health. By incorporating simple, wholesome foods into your daily diet and making mindful lifestyle choices, you can prevent most digestive issues naturally. Remember, your gut reflects your overall health—take care of it, and your body will thank you.