Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 9 July 2025: Zepto Eyes $500M Raise, Starlink Gets India Nod & More

Startups led the way on 9 July 2025, with Zepto reportedly raising $500 million and fresh funding going to Chai Bisket, Belong, and Green Aero. On the corporate front, Apple named Sabih Khan as its new COO, and Starlink received final approval to launch services in India. Here’s your quick roundup of the day’s key funding and business news.

Daily Indian Funding Digest – 9 July 2025

📰 Funding News Breakdown

Chai Bisket Raises $5 Million in Pre-Series A

Hyderabad-based regional content platform Chai Bisket has secured $5 million in a Pre-Series A round led by InfoEdge Ventures and General Catalyst. The funding will be used to expand content IPs, grow its Telugu OTT offerings, and explore other vernacular markets.

Enercomp Secures INR 2 Crore in Bridge Round

Drone-tech startup Enercomp Solutions Pvt. Ltd., based in Ahmedabad, has raised INR 2 crore in a bridge round. The round was advised and facilitated by Bestvantage Investments, aimed at accelerating its drone fleet development and software capabilities.

Varthana Raises INR 159 Crore in Debt

Bengaluru-based NBFC Varthana, which finances affordable private schools, has secured INR 159 crore through debt funding from multiple financial institutions. The funds will support expansion into Tier 3 and 4 markets and further product innovation.

Green Aero Raises $1.6 Million in Seed Round

Climate-tech startup Green Aero, which develops energy-efficient solutions for aerospace and defence, has raised $1.6 million in a seed round led by Pi Ventures. The funding will be used to advance R&D and bolster the engineering team.

Belong Raises $5 Million to Serve NRI Users

Fintech startup Belong, focusing on financial services for non-resident Indians, has raised $5 million in a seed round led by Elevation Capital. The funds will go towards product development, regulatory compliance, and expanding customer acquisition globally.

JEH Aerospace Bags Strategic Investment from IndiGo Ventures

JEH Aerospace, specialising in precision aerospace manufacturing, has received a strategic investment from IndiGo Ventures. While the investment amount remains undisclosed, the funds will be used to scale up JEH’s domestic manufacturing of high-precision aerostructures and further India’s aerospace capabilities.

🗞️ Key News Highlights for 9 July 2025

Zepto Raising $500 Million at $7 Billion Valuation

According to a Moneycontrol report, quick-commerce unicorn Zepto is planning to raise $500 million at a $7 billion valuation. The round is expected to include both existing and new investors, significantly strengthening its competitive position in the instant grocery delivery space.

BlackBuck Receives INR 28.55 Lakh Tax Demand; Plans Name Change

Logistics platform BlackBuck (Zinka Logistics Solutions) has received a tax demand of INR 28.55 lakh for FY 2017–18 due to non-dedication of TDS, according to a notice from the Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax, Bengaluru, dated 7 July 2025. The company plans to appeal and does not expect any significant financial impact. It is also seeking regulatory approval to change its legal name to BlackBuck Limited to align with its brand identity.

U.S. Court Holds Byju Raveendran in Civil Contempt of Bankruptcy Orders

A U.S. bankruptcy court in Delaware has found Byju Raveendran, founder and CEO of BYJU’s, in civil contempt for repeatedly failing to comply with court orders related to BYJU’s U.S. unit, Byju’s Alpha. The court has imposed a $10,000 per day fine, effective from 1 July 2025, until he brings himself into full compliance.

Starlink Gets Final Regulatory Approval in India

Starlink, the satellite-internet arm of SpaceX, has received final regulatory approval from the Indian Government, having secured both the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) licence and the GMPCS licence from the telecom and space authorities. This clears the way for its commercial rollout in India.

Apple Appoints Sabih Khan, Indian-Origin, as New COO

Apple has officially confirmed that Sabih Khan, originally from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, and currently its Senior Vice‑President of Operations, will become the company’s new Chief Operating Officer later this month. He succeeds Jeff Williams, who will continue overseeing Apple Watch, design and health initiatives until his retirement later this year. Khan has been at Apple since 1995 and is credited with diversifying global supply chains and advancing sustainability efforts.

Goldman Sachs Appoints Former UK PM Rishi Sunak as Senior Adviser

Global investment bank Goldman Sachs has announced the appointment of former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a Senior Adviser, effective from 8 July 2025. Sunak, who previously worked at Goldman Sachs in London in the early 2000s, will provide strategic advice on global macroeconomic and geopolitical matters.

Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 8 July 2025

Here’s a quick look at the top startup funding deals and key business developments in India on 8 July 2025. From early-stage capital raises to major acquisitions and policy moves, here’s everything you need to know.

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