India’s startup and corporate ecosystem witnessed significant developments on 16th October 2025. Quick-commerce, audio platforms, health tech, AI, and life sciences startups secured funding rounds to expand operations, enhance technology, and scale services. On the corporate front, French luxury retailer Galeries Lafayette announced its debut in Mumbai, while Goldman Sachs unveiled plans for further job cuts as AI-driven efficiency initiatives take shape.
Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 16th October 2025
| Company | Amount | Round | Lead investor(s) | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zepto | $450 Mn | Funding round | CalPERS | Quick-commerce / Grocery delivery |
| Kuku FM | $85 Mn | Funding round | Granite Asia and others | Audio / Podcast platform |
| Dashamlabs | INR 12 Cr | Seed round | Speciale Invest | Health tech / Lab diagnostics |
| FireAI | INR 4 Cr | Seed round | IPV | AI / Productivity tools |
| Graph AI | $3 Mn | Seed round | Bessemer Venture Partners | Life sciences / Pharmacovigilance AI |
Zepto raises $450 Mn led by CalPERS; plans IPO next year
Quick-commerce startup Zepto has raised $450 million in a funding round led by CalPERS, marking one of the largest investments in the Indian instant grocery delivery space. The startup plans to utilize the funding to expand operations across multiple cities, enhance technology infrastructure, and prepare for an initial public offering next year, reinforcing its position in India’s competitive quick-commerce market.
Kuku FM raises $85 Mn from Granite Asia and others
Audio platform Kuku FM raised $85 million from Granite Asia and other investors to strengthen its position in India’s rapidly growing podcast and audio content market. The funding will be used to expand content offerings, invest in technology and recommendation algorithms, and scale marketing operations. This round positions Kuku FM to capture a larger share of the Indian audio consumption audience.
Dashamlabs raises INR 12 Cr in seed round led by Speciale Invest
Healthcare technology startup Dashamlabs secured INR 12 Cr in a seed round led by Speciale Invest. The funding will accelerate the development of its lab diagnostics platform, expand operational capacity, and enhance technological capabilities. Dashamlabs aims to provide affordable and accurate diagnostic solutions, improving access to healthcare services while building scalable infrastructure for the Indian healthcare market.
FireAI raises INR 4 Cr in seed round led by IPV
AI startup FireAI raised INR 4 Cr in a seed round led by IPV to expand its suite of AI-powered productivity tools. The funding will support product development, enhance AI capabilities, and enable market expansion. FireAI aims to make workplace and personal productivity smarter, helping users automate repetitive tasks while improving decision-making efficiency through advanced AI applications.
Graph AI raises $3 Mn in seed round from Bessemer Venture Partners
Life sciences AI company Graph AI raised $3 million in a seed round led by Bessemer Venture Partners to scale its pharmacovigilance and drug safety platform. The funding will help accelerate product development, expand global reach, and onboard enterprise customers. Graph AI aims to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline drug monitoring, ensure patient safety, and improve compliance in the pharmaceutical industry.
Key Business News for 16th October 2025
Galeries Lafayette to Open First Luxury Store in Mumbai with Aditya Birla Group
French luxury department store Galeries Lafayette is set to debut in India with its first store in Mumbai, in partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL). Scheduled to open in early November, this flagship store will offer a curated selection of high-end fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. A second store is planned for Delhi, signaling Galeries Lafayette’s confidence in India’s growing luxury market. ABFRL, which already manages several international premium brands in India, aims to redefine the luxury retail experience by introducing a Parisian touch to Indian consumers.
Goldman Sachs Plans Further Job Cuts as AI Drives Cost Savings
Goldman Sachs has announced plans for another round of layoffs before the end of the year, as part of its “OneGS 3.0” strategy to enhance efficiency through artificial intelligence (AI). An internal memo indicated that the firm intends to “constrain headcount growth” and implement “limited reductions in roles across the firm.” Despite these cuts, the company expects its total headcount to rise slightly by year-end. The strategy focuses on integrating AI into areas such as vendor management, regulatory reporting, lending procedures, and client onboarding, aiming for greater speed and agility in operations.
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