MAM
GOQii launches health metaverse in partnership with Animoca Brands
Mumbai: Fitness technology company GOQii Inc on Tuesday announced that it has raised $10 million in an extended series C equity round of funding from Animoca Brands. GOQii will collaborate with the venture capital company and its ecosystem companies and projects to develop various offerings that leverage blockchain tokens and gamification in preventive healthcare.
GOQii’s metaverse ecosystem will be powered by a virtual token programme, the Token. Consumers will receive the virtual token, which powers the GOQii metaverse ecosystem that incentivises healthy behaviours and gamified fitness actions. These tokens can then be used to unlock products, services, purchase NFTs, participate in special events and game modes, and access curated and discounted health-focused goods, medical services, and insurance products, said the company in a statement.
“We are excited to onboard Animoca Brands to the GOQii journey,” GOQii founder and CEO Vishal Gondal commented. “Animoca Brands is one of the most prestigious names when it comes to gamification and blockchain. Web 3.0 is going to change the way companies interact with consumers. This investment from Animoca Brands and the close partnership will help GOQii bring best-of-class products to consumers and further keep them motivated to #betheforce in their journey of fitness.”
Animoca Brands is a global player in gamification and blockchain with an extensive portfolio of over 170 investments in NFT-related companies and decentralised projects contributing to building the open metaverse.
“Animoca Brands is delighted to invest in GOQii and support its mission to make people healthier,” Animoca Brands executive chairman and co-founder Yat Siu said. “GOQii has built a platform that leverages the power of gamification to make the preventive healthcare journey enjoyable for the masses, and we look forward to leveraging its synergies with OliveX and other companies in our portfolio.”
GOQii recently announced a $50 million series C round which included participation from investors including Sumeru Ventures, Modality (Digality), 9 Unicorns, Venture Catalysts, and others. The funding from Animoca Brands comes in the form of an extended series C fund raise. Its existing investors include Mitsui, funds managed by MegaDelta, DSG Consumer Partners, Galaxy Digital, Denlow Investment Trust, Edelweiss, Cheetah Mobile, and GWC, among others.
MAM
Google appoints Karan Dugal as Head of Quick Commerce, FoodTech and Gaming
Veteran digital leader steps up to drive AI-powered growth in high-velocity consumer sectors at Google.
MUMBAI: Google has served up a fresh leadership move that’s anything but slow Karan Dugal is now officially in the driver’s seat for some of the fastest-moving parts of the digital economy. The tech giant has elevated Karan Dugal to Head of Industry for Quick Commerce, FoodTech and Gaming, a strategic role that puts him at the helm of sectors defined by speed, convenience, and instant gratification. The appointment comes after nearly six years at Google, capping a 15-year career in the digital ecosystem that includes previous roles at InMobi and Meta, where he served as Client Solutions Manager for over three years.
In a LinkedIn post announcing the move, Dugal described it as “a thrilling new challenge” and spotlighted the explosive “instant gratification” economy. He pointed to ultra-fast delivery models in quick commerce, the booming food technology space, and the continued surge in gaming as key areas ripe for transformation.
Dugal emphasised that artificial intelligence will act as a powerful catalyst, accelerating consumer journeys across these ecosystems by enhancing user experiences, streamlining operations, and capturing shifting demand in digital-first categories. He expressed excitement about collaborating with teams in this “high-velocity landscape” and thanked Roma Datta Chobey and Preeti Lobana for their support during the transition.
The timing is spot-on. As platforms and brands pour resources into AI-led solutions, Google is sharpening its focus on consumer-driven verticals where speed and personalisation are winning formulas. From 10-minute grocery deliveries to seamless food ordering and immersive gaming sessions, these sectors are reshaping how Indians live, eat, and play.
With his deep experience in sales, marketing strategy, and digital growth, Dugal brings the perfect blend of insight and execution to help Google and its partners stay ahead in an always-on world. In an industry that never hits pause, his new role promises to keep the momentum firmly on fast-forward.
Whether it’s lightning-quick deliveries or next-level gaming thrills, expect plenty of smart moves ahead after all, when it comes to quick commerce and tech, Google just levelled up its own game.
