Brands
Wider frames, bolder memories-Fujifilm’s instax Wide Evo launched!
MUMBAI: Fujifilm India is bringing a new era of instant photography with the launch of its high-end hybrid instant camera, instax Wide Evo. Unveiled by film star and brand ambassador Kartik Aaryan, this latest addition to the instax series promises creativity on a grand scale. Set to hit stores from 20 February at an sticker price of Rs 47,999, the Wide Evo comes in a premium edition combo pack with 20 wide shots. Pre-bookings kick off on 4 February via Instax.in and select retail outlets, with early buyers receiving a complimentary designer film worth Rs 1,299.
The instax Wide Evo builds on the success of the instax mini Evo, offering a Wide format film for twice the image size. It allows users to preview shots on an Lcd screen before printing and can also function as a smartphone printer. Equipped with ten lens effects and ten film effects—including magenta, monochrome, light leak, and colour gradient—the camera enables up to 100 creative shooting combinations. The new degree control feature, introduced for the first time in the instax series, allows precise adjustments to light intensity and colour gradation across 100 levels, making every shot a masterpiece.
The camera sports a sleek black and metallic finish, offering a luxurious, analogue-inspired design with intuitive dials and a manual Print Crank for a hands-on photography experience. Additionally, it introduces the Wide Angle Mode for capturing broader scenes and a Film Style feature to enhance printed shots.
Expressing his excitement, Kartik Aaryan stated, ‘The instax Wide Evo blends nostalgia with modern innovation. Its creative freedom, vintage charm, and dynamic shooting effects make it an essential companion for capturing life’s best moments.’
Fujifilm India managing director Koji Wada, highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation: ‘With the launch of instax Wide Evo, we continue our mission to bring joy to instant photography. This hybrid model embodies cutting-edge features while staying true to the classic appeal of the instax experience.’
Fujifilm is also introducing the Wide format film Brushed Metallic, featuring a metallic-like texture, at an sticker price of Rs 1,299.
Brands
Home Essentials raises Rs 70 Cr in pre-series B round
360 One Asset leads funding as D2C brand scales stores and supply chain
GURGAON: Home Essentials, a fast-rising direct-to-consumer brand in India’s home and kitchen space, has secured Rs 70 crore in a pre-series B funding round led by 360 One Asset, with participation from existing backer India Quotient.
The fresh capital is set to fuel the company’s next phase of growth, with a clear focus on offline expansion, supply chain muscle, and sharper product innovation. Over the next three years, the brand plans to scale revenue to Rs 500 crore and reach five million Indian households.
Founded in 2024 by brothers Tanishq Jain and Divyam Jain in Gwalior, Home Essentials has moved swiftly from small-town start-up to national contender. Built on a simple but compelling idea that Indian homes deserve products that are practical, pleasing to the eye, and fairly priced, the company has carved out a niche between high-end luxury labels and no-name utility goods.
From airtight storage solutions to ergonomic loose furniture, its design-first approach has struck a chord with a young, aspirational consumer base. In under two years, the brand has served more than a million customers while maintaining strong unit economics and a clear path to profitability.
Offline retail now forms a key part of the growth blueprint. The company plans to operate 20 stores across India by the end of the year, strengthening its omnichannel presence and bringing its tactile, experiential format to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
360 One Asset senior fund manager Sumit Jain said, the brand is reshaping a highly fragmented category with products that combine aesthetics and function. He noted that the founders have demonstrated disciplined execution and capital efficiency while building a business that resonates with modern Indian households.
India Quotient partner Madhukar Sinha, added that the firm backed Home Essentials early after identifying a clear gap in the market for thoughtfully designed yet affordable home utilities. He said the new funding would help the company expand its catalogue and broaden its national reach.
For Home Essentials co-founder and CEO Tanishq Jain, the mission is straightforward but ambitious. He said the company aims to become the go-to destination for well-designed home and kitchen essentials, with experiential stores reinforcing what began as a strong online play.
Co-founder and chief marketing officer Divyam Jain, emphasised that winning in India’s D2C space requires more than sharp branding. A deep understanding of consumer aspiration, tight supply chain control, and operational efficiency are just as vital, he said, describing 360 ONE Asset and India Quotient as partners in building a high-performance organisation.
In a category long defined by cluttered shelves and uneven quality, Home Essentials is betting that good design, fair pricing, and disciplined execution can turn everyday living into a more polished affair.
