India’s startup ecosystem saw significant activity on 23rd September 2025, with Rocket, Zealthix, and other startups raising notable funding rounds. Key business updates include NPCI introducing EMI options on UPI, JioBlackRock launching its Flexi Cap Fund, and the rollout of Perplexity Comet AI Browser in India.
Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 23rd September 2025
| Company | Amount | Round | Lead investor(s) | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocket | $15 Mn | Seed | Salesforce Ventures | [Not specified, likely tech/enterprise] |
| Grest | INR 16 Cr | [Not specified, likely Seed] | Equentis Capital | Electronics re-commerce |
| Navo | INR 8 Cr | Seed | India Quotient | [Not specified, likely tech] |
| Zealthix | $1.1 Mn | Seed | Unicorn India Ventures | Health tech / SaaS |
| Paar Autonomy | INR 3.5 Cr | [Not specified, likely Series A] | Venture Catalysts | Autonomous vehicles / Mobility tech |
| Distil Networks | $77 Mn | Series A | Jungle Ventures, CE Ventures | Cybersecurity / AI |
| Blacksoil Capital | INR 210 Cr | Debt | [Not specified] | SME Lending / Fintech |
| Amwoodo | $4 Mn | [Not specified, likely Seed] | [Not specified] | Furniture / D2C |
Rocket raises $15 Mn in seed round led by Salesforce Ventures
Enterprise tech startup Rocket has raised $15 million in a seed funding round led by Salesforce Ventures. The investment will help the company enhance its product offerings, strengthen its technology platform, and expand its operations across new markets. Rocket plans to leverage the funding to accelerate growth, attract talent, and scale its enterprise solutions to serve a wider customer base.
Grest raises INR 16 Cr led by Equentis Capital
Electronics re-commerce startup Grest secured INR 16 Cr in funding led by Equentis Capital. The capital will be used to scale the company’s reverse logistics and re-commerce operations, improve inventory management, and enhance customer experience. The funding supports Grest’s mission to create a sustainable and efficient marketplace for pre-owned electronics.
Navo raises INR 8 Cr in seed round led by India Quotient
Tech startup Navo raised INR 8 Cr in a seed round led by India Quotient. The funds will be deployed to enhance its platform, develop new features, and expand market reach. Navo intends to use the investment to accelerate growth, build strategic partnerships, and strengthen its product offerings to address evolving customer needs.
Zealthix raises $1.1 Mn in seed round led by Unicorn India Ventures
Health tech startup Zealthix raised $1.1 million in a seed funding round led by Unicorn India Ventures. The investment will be used to expand the company’s digital health services, develop new healthcare solutions, and strengthen its technology infrastructure. Zealthix aims to improve accessibility and efficiency in healthcare delivery through its platform.
Paar Autonomy raises INR 3.5 Cr led by Venture Catalysts
Autonomous mobility startup Paar Autonomy has raised INR 3.5 Cr in funding led by Venture Catalysts. The company plans to use the funds to develop autonomous vehicle technologies, expand its operations, and strengthen its R&D capabilities. The investment will help Paar accelerate innovation and deploy solutions for urban mobility and industrial applications.
Distil raises $77 Mn in Series A led by Jungle and CE Ventures
Cybersecurity startup Distil raised $77 million in a Series A funding round led by Jungle Ventures and CE Ventures. The company will use the capital to scale its AI-driven cybersecurity platform, expand globally, and enhance product development. Distil aims to provide enterprises with advanced solutions to detect and prevent digital threats efficiently.
Blacksoil Capital raises INR 210 Cr debt in H1 2025 to expand SME lending
Financial services firm Blacksoil Capital raised INR 210 Cr in debt during the first half of 2025 to expand its SME lending operations. The funds will support the firm’s lending programs, enable greater credit access for small and medium businesses, and enhance risk management practices. Blacksoil aims to strengthen its presence in the SME lending market across India.
Amwoodo raises $4 Million
Furniture startup Amwoodo raised $4 million to scale its direct-to-consumer operations, enhance its online presence, and optimize supply chain management. The funding will help the company expand product lines, improve customer experience, and strengthen its position in the growing D2C furniture market.
Key Business News for 23rd September 2025
NPCI to introduce EMI option on UPI to boost digital lending
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is set to enable consumers to convert their UPI payments into Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs). This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility of digital credit, allowing users to make purchases via UPI and repay in manageable installments. Fintech companies are expected to integrate this feature, facilitating smoother credit access for consumers and small businesses. This move aligns with NPCI’s goal to increase UPI’s transaction volume and promote financial inclusion across India.
JioBlackRock Asset Management launches JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund
JioBlackRock Asset Management, a joint venture between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock, has introduced its first active equity fund—the JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund. This fund adopts a Systematic Active Equities (SAE) approach, combining big data analytics with human expertise to invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. The New Fund Offer (NFO) is open from September 23 to October 7, 2025, and aims to provide long-term capital appreciation for investors seeking diversified equity exposure in dynamic market conditions.
Perplexity Comet AI Browser rolls out in India for Windows and Mac users
Perplexity has launched its AI-powered Comet browser in India, initially available to Pro subscribers on Windows and macOS platforms. Built on the Chromium engine, Comet integrates an AI assistant that offers features like summarizing web pages, managing tabs, drafting emails, and automating tasks. The browser emphasizes user privacy, with encrypted storage of credentials and local data processing. While currently accessible to a limited user base, Perplexity plans to expand availability and features in the coming weeks.
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