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Dineout Founders Ankit Mehrotra and Sahil Jain have secured $4.5 million in a Seed funding round, led by prominent global VC fund Nexus Venture Partners, for their latest venture, UK and India-based medical travel startup, The Medical Travel Company. Kriscore Capital, an early-stage venture firm, also joined in this funding round along with cricketers Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and KL Rahul, all co-founders of 4CAST, an athlete-led collective and investment group.

Together, they will bring their collective influence and experience of India’s healthcare system to support The Medical Travel Company in its goal: to initially target the UK and create reliable, seamless pathways for patients to access world-class treatment in India at considerably lower costs.  The funding will help The Medical Travel Company, which is based out of both UK and India, drive market expansion in the UK and scale operations across India.

As of June 2025, approximately 7.7 million people in the UK face long waits for elective procedures, particularly in orthopaedics, dental, IVF, gynaecology, ophthalmology and urology. With private care in the UK often unaffordable, medical tourism has surged — over 500,000 UK residents now travel abroad annually for faster, more affordable treatment.

However, the $100bn industry has historically struggled with fragmented services, opaque pricing, inconsistent quality standards, and poor aftercare, leaving patients and primary caregivers uncertain, stressed, and sometimes at risk.

The Medical Travel Company was founded by Sahil Jain and Ankit Mehrotra, the duo behind one of India’s most successful consumer-tech stories – Dineout, the restaurant-tech platform that redefined dining in India before its 2022 acquisition by Swiggy.

The serial entrepreneurs are solving for the critical gaps in medical travel by providing:

●       Trusted UK Medical Oversight: Your own UK doctor remains involved before, during, and after treatment.

●       World-Class Clinical Excellence: Treatment from internationally-trained doctors in globally accredited (JCI, NABH) hospitals.

●       Unprecedented Peace of Mind: An industry-first, 12-month post-surgery insurance policy valid back in the UK at a network of private hospitals

●       Seamless VIP Experience: A fully managed journey with in-house, personalised, all-inclusive after care and concierge logistics.

Sahil Jain, Co-Founder & CEO of The Medical Travel Company, comments: “Medical tourism is a broken industry: patients face fragmented care, hidden costs, and zero support when they return home. The Medical Travel Company ensures true continuity of care across borders: UK doctors overseeing your care from start to finish, all-inclusive rehab and aftercare in India, and post-treatment insurance in the UK. What begins in the UK is only the first chapter of a larger vision to transform cross-border healthcare access across the Western world. Because for us, it’s not medical tourism. It is healthcare certainty.”

“We’re not just disrupting medical tourism – we’re rebuilding it from the ground up. With our Dineout experience in scaling consumer trust across borders, we know how to turn a fragmented industry into a seamless experience. Today it’s 500,000 UK patients traveling abroad for care. Tomorrow, there will be millions globally accessing the world’s best treatment regardless of geography. We’re building the infrastructure for healthcare without borders,” added Ankit Mehrotra, Co-Founder, The Medical Travel Company.

Some prominent Angel investors like Sriharsha Majety (Co-founder, Swiggy), Abhishek Goyal (Founder of Tracxn), Dr.Ritesh Malik (Innov8), Manish Vij (Smile Group), Arjun Vaidya (Dr Vaidya’s and V3 Ventures) along with 1947 Rise Fund and Peercheque also participated in this round.

The funds will be used to scale The Medical Travel Company’s operations, enhance digital patient management systems, expand clinical partnerships across India, and accelerate market expansion. While initially focussed on the UK, The Medical Travel Company plans to expand its model to other geographies facing similar challenges — including the US, Canada, Australia and the rest of Europe — over the next three to four years.

Pratik Poddar, Partner at Nexus Venture Partners said: “The medical tourism market holds immense untapped value, and The Medical Travel Company’s full-stack model is the key to unlocking it. Having founded one of India’s most successful consumer-tech stories, Sahil, Ankit and their team are uniquely positioned to build trust and capture this opportunity. India has long been a leading medical frontier, with world-class practitioners and cutting-edge technology; it’s about time this excellence is made globally accessible.”

Nilesh Balakrishnan, Managing Partner, Kriscore Capital, said: “Ankit and Sahil have already proven their ability to build at scale, and with The Medical Travel Company they are addressing one of the most urgent healthcare gaps while showcasing India’s strengths on the global stage. Access to timely, affordable healthcare is becoming one of the defining challenges of our time, and The Medical Travel Company is setting a new standard for how this can be solved.”

Ben Stokes, founder of 4CAST and captain of the England Test team, said: “We are delighted to announce our investment in The Medical Travel Company. When we first started 4CAST in 2021 we wanted our collective of athletes to be able to partner with innovative businesses and great founders. We feel we have done so here and we are excited to back Ankit and Sahil and look forward to supporting their journey ahead with TMTC.”

K.L. Rahul, Co-founder, 4CAST, added “It is fantastic to announce this investment between 4CAST and The Medical Travel Company; we feel it is a perfect combination. Having grown up in India, I’ve witnessed the country’s development across many industries over the years. We are hugely excited about working alongside Ankit, Sahil and their team to help create new pathways for patients while ensuring proper support throughout the entire process.”

Wakefit Innovations, a Bengaluru-based home and sleep solutions company, has secured approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO). This marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards becoming a publicly listed entity.

IPO Structure and Stakeholder Participation

The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to INR 468.2 crore and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of 5.84 crore shares by existing shareholders. Prominent stakeholders participating in the OFS include co-founders Ankit Garg and Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, along with institutional investors such as Peak XV Partners, Verlinvest S.A., Investcorp funds, and others.

Utilisation of IPO Proceeds

Wakefit plans to utilise the funds raised through the fresh issue for several strategic initiatives:

• Store Expansion: Approximately INR 82 crore will be allocated to establish 117 new company-owned, company-operated (COCO) stores, enhancing Wakefit’s retail footprint across India.
• Marketing and Branding: INR 108.4 crore is designated for marketing and advertising efforts to bolster brand visibility and customer engagement.
• Capital Expenditure: INR 15.4 crore will be invested in acquiring new equipment and machinery to support production capabilities.
• Lease and Operational Costs: INR 145 crore is allocated for lease, sub-lease rent, and license fees for existing stores, ensuring operational stability.

The remaining funds will be directed towards general corporate purposes, providing flexibility for future growth opportunities.

Company Overview and Market Position

Founded in 2016, Wakefit Innovations has rapidly established itself as a leading direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand in India’s home and sleep solutions sector. The company offers a diverse range of products, including mattresses, furniture, and home décor, through both online and offline channels. Wakefit operates five manufacturing units across Bengaluru, Hosur, and Sonipat, equipped with advanced machinery to ensure high-quality production standards.

Financially, Wakefit reported a total income of INR 994.3 crore and a net loss of INR 8.8 crore for the first nine months of FY25. In FY24, the company achieved a total income of INR 1,017.3 crore, a significant improvement from INR 820 crore in FY23, while narrowing its net loss to INR 15.05 crore from INR 145.68 crore in the previous fiscal year.

The approval from SEBI positions Wakefit Innovations to tap into public markets, providing the company with the capital necessary to fuel its expansion plans and strengthen its market presence. The IPO is likely to draw strong investor interest, showing trust in Wakefit’s growth and the growing home and furniture market in India.

Lenskart Gets SEBI Nod for IPO, to Raise ₹2,150 Crore

Lenskart has received SEBI’s approval to launch its IPO, planning to raise ₹2,150 crore through a fresh issue of shares. The eyewear retailer aims for a November 2025 listing as it expands its store network, boosts technology, and strengthens its presence in the Indian eyewear market.

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesStartupTalky News

India’s list of billionaires is growing at a faster rate than ever. Especially Bengaluru is minting them much faster. According to the Hurun India Rich List 2025, 1,687 new individuals have joined the INR 1,000 crore (INR 10 billion) club this year. This is massive, and now the list of total billionaires has reached over 350. Bengaluru shines brightly in third place with the most billionaires after Mumbai and New Delhi. Silicon Valley of India boasts some notable names. And here’s the list. Learn more.

Why Bengaluru Is a Billionaire Magnet?

With the rise of Wipro, Infosys, and other tech firms, India has strengthened its position in the software and IT industry. Bengaluru became the centre of this software boom and is now known as India’s Silicon Valley.

• It’s home to some major tech companies and startups in India.
• It has become the playground for talented tech professionals from all over India.
• The city is attracting foreign investments, and companies like Apple are interested in expanding here, having opened an official store in Hebbal.
• The state government is investing significantly in the city to support its growth.
• All of these reasons make Bengaluru the go-to city for innovation, tech wealth, and prominent billionaires.

The Top Billionaires of Bengaluru (2025)

Here’s the Hurun India Rich List 2025. Here are Bengaluru’s wealthiest names along with their net worth:

• Azim Premji & Family – INR 2,21,250 crore (Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Chairman of Wipro, IT Services)
• Nithin Kamath & Family – INR 40,020 crore (Founder and CEO of Zerodha, Financial Services)
• Ranjan Pai – INR 34,700 crore (Doctor, Entrepreneur and Chairman of Manipal Group, Education & Healthcare)
• Raja Bagmane – INR 31,510 crore (Founder and Managing Director, Bagmane Developers, Real Estate)
• G. M. Rao & Family – INR 31,340 crore (Mechanical engineer, Industrialist and Founder Chairman GMR Group, Infrastructure & Construction)
• S. Gopalakrishnan & Family – INR 30,740 crore (Chairman of Axilor Ventures, Co-founder of Infosys, IT Services)
• N. R. Narayana Murthy & Family – INR 32,150 crore (Entrepreneur and Founder of Infosys, IT Services

If we sum up the total wealth of all these billionaires, it exceeds INR 3 lakh crore, demonstrating the significant evolution of the Bengaluru business ecosystem.

The Richest Person in Bengaluru

Apparently, Azim Premji is the richest person in Bengaluru. He is the founder of Wipro.

• Azim Premji’s total net worth is ₹2.21 lakh crore (Or INR 2,21,250 crore).
• Interestingly, his wealth increased sixfold in just one year.
• That’s the reason why Azim Premji is now in 8th place in India’s overall rich list.

From Cooking Oil to Global Tech Giant: Azim Premji’s Inspiring Story

• He started from an inherent cooking oil company founded by his father.
• And from there, he started his own company, Wipro, which is now one of India’s top IT and consulting companies.
• He is not just rich by wealth but also by heart. He maintains a simple lifestyle and gives a lot to charity (philanthropy).
• He works towards improving education, rural development, and skill training across India through the Azim Premji Foundation.

Nithin Kamath: The Unlikely Billionaire Who’s Shaking Up India’s Stock Market | Education | Family | Zerodha | Net Worth

Nithin Kamath is the founder and CEO of Zerodha and Rainmatter. Know about Nithin Kamath’s education, family, children, success story, net worth, etc. Learn more about him on Nithin Kamath Wikipedia.

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesMegha Rani

Australia is consistently among the world’s top study destinations — a powerful combination of high-quality universities, industry-linked curriculum, a multicultural student community and clear post-study pathways. Azent’s Priyanka Nishar (Founder & Managing Director) explains what sets Australia apart and the holistic experience it offers which makes Australia an excellent choice for graduate study.

1. What makes Australia a premier destination?

Several factors set Australia apart. Its universities regularly appear in global rankings and are renowned for research, teaching quality and international outlook — making degrees from Australia highly respected worldwide. Major research universities such as the University of Melbourne, ANU, UNSW, Monash and the University of Queensland feature in top global lists.

Beyond rankings, Australia offers:

• Strong industry connections and work-integrated learning (internships, industry projects and placements) that improve employability.
• Jobs and Skills Australia
• A safe, multicultural society and vibrant student life across cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
• Transparent student supports (counselling, career services) and regulated education standards overseen by government bodies.
• Work rights for student visa holders (limited working hours during study, with pathways after graduation to live and work temporarily).

2. What are some recommended courses and universities for graduate study?

Which course is “best” depends on your career goals, but in 2025 the highest-demand sectors and popular graduate programs include:

• Information Technology & Data Science (AI, cybersecurity, data analytics) — strong industry demand and many universities offer specialist master’s programs.
• Engineering & Built Environment (civil, electrical, software, environmental engineering).
• Health & Allied Health (nursing, public health, physiotherapy) — very strong demand across states.
• Business & Management (MBA, specialized management) — wide employer networks and internships.
• Research degrees (MPhil/PhD) for those pursuing academic or R&D careers.

For institutional reputation and research strength, consider the Group of Eight (research-intensive) and other top-ranked universities: University of Melbourne, ANU, UNSW Sydney, University of Sydney, Monash University, University of Queensland and others. Each has distinct strengths by faculty and subject area, so match your discipline to the university’s subject ranking and industry links. Degrees earned here are recognised worldwide, giving graduates an edge in competitive job markets back home or elsewhere abroad.

But academic ranking tells only part of the story. Students are drawn to Australia’s clear emphasis on practical, industry-linked education. Many master’s and professional programs incorporate internships, research partnerships and work-integrated learning, ensuring that graduates are not just well-read but also work-ready. This close connection to industry has been particularly beneficial in areas like IT, data science, healthcare and engineering — sectors where Australian employers face acute skill shortages and actively seek qualified professionals.

3. Briefly take us through the admissions process and fee structure?

The road to admission is straightforward but competitive. Most master’s programs require a relevant undergraduate degree with solid academic performance.

•⁠ Choose course & university: shortlist programs by curriculum, industry tie-ups, location and scholarships.

•⁠ Check entry requirements: most master’s programs ask for a relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and a competitive GPA; some professional programs require work experience (e.g., MBA).

•⁠ ⁠English proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL or PTE scores are commonly required; minimums vary by program.

•⁠ Documents: transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, references, portfolio (for creative courses) and any professional certificates.

•⁠ ⁠⁠The Genuine Student (GS) assessment must be cleared with the university, which includes successfully completing the university interview and meeting the financial requirements.

•⁠ Apply online via each university’s portal. If accepted, the university will issue an Offer Letter, and once you accept it, clear a genuine student assessment, and pay the deposit, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will be issued

Fee structure

International master’s tuition in Australia commonly ranges from ~AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year, depending on discipline and university; professional degrees (e.g., MBA, medicine, dentistry) can be higher. Living costs vary by city — Sydney and Melbourne are usually pricier than regional cities.

4. What are the visa and pre-arrival costs?

To obtain a student visa you’ll need proof of financial capacity. Recent government guidance requires applicants to show minimum savings (commonly quoted around A$29,710 as a baseline for living costs), though amounts and evidentiary requirements can change — confirm the latest Home Affairs guidance before applying. You must also purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay unless exempt.

5. Explain the work prospects in Australia?

Work opportunities, however, make Australia particularly appealing. International students are permitted to work part-time during their studies, traditionally capped at 48 hours per fortnight. This allows them to offset living expenses and gain local work experience. More importantly, after completing their degrees, graduates may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa, which allows them to live and work in Australia for a defined period. The duration depends on the qualification obtained and government policy settings, but it provides valuable time to gain international work experience and, in some cases, explore pathways to longer-term residence.

6. How can Azent help prospective students?

Azent has carved a niche for itself by going beyond traditional consultancy services, providing unwavering commitment to student success, through its innovative approach, and personalized services. We offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of students. At its state-of-the-art experience centres & virtual centres across India, students not only get end-to-end support with application, admissions, visas, loans, but can also experience college campuses through Virtual Reality

Additionally, with our Azent App students can build their profile, narrow down universities, get recommendations based on their profile, complete and track the applications and do much more. Prospective students can also avail Azent’s best-in-class training for IELTS at affordable costs.

Azent’s partnerships cover 1500+ Universities across the world to improve student recruitment and match them with the top talent that would thrive in their programs.

The world takes Elon Musk seriously. Everything he says and posts on the internet carries weight (especially when he talks about other businesses). And it’s proven again. Netflix is in $15 billion of trouble after Elon Musk’s boycott call on the platform ‘X’ (on October 3, 2025). He accuses Netflix of showing too much “woke” content (most certainly to children). He urged others to cancel their Netflix subscriptions as well. This move hit Netflix the hardest, with its stock price dropping 4.3% in just a day. So, what is happening now? Why is Netflix tigger people? And why is Elon boycotting Netflix? For all that, learn more. 

Why Is Elon Musk Boycotting Netflix?

Not just Elon, most of the internet is in with the #CancelNetflix hashtag. Everybody’s concern is that Netflix is showing too much “woke” content. It means that the shows on Netflix are heavily about gender identity, sexuality, or social justice, which some conservative people dislike.

• This has come to light mainly because of an old Netflix show called “Dead End: Paranormal Park.”
• The show is primarily about a teenage transgender character.
• Well, the show was banned in 2023 after airing two seasons.
• But after 2 years, clips of the show are resurfacing on social media.

Upon this, a conservative social media account called “Libs of TikTok” shared the clips slamming Netflix and accused it of promoting a “transgender woke agenda,” targeting children.

How Elon Musk Got Involved

The post from Libs of TikTok went viral and caught Elon Musk’s attention, and he responded:

• He cancelled his Netflix subscription.
• He posted on his ‘X’ account criticising Netflix’s content and the show’s creator.
• He is urging the internet to cancel their Netflix subscription.

The Creator Controversy

“Dead End: Paranormal Park” creator Hamish Steele posted on Bluesky about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk was killed in a shooting. Hamish Steele’s post was an alleged mockery of Kirk, calling him a Nazi.

The right-wing commentators slammed Steele for celebrating Kirk’s death. Elon Musk, on the other hand, was vocal about those claims, reposting them. He said Netflix employed someone who celebrated murder.

All of this drama made the backlash even stronger.

The Impact on Netflix

• Only after Musk joined the boycott call did the hashtag #CancelNetflix start trending.
• Netflix’s share price started dropping and continued to decline for three days.
• As a result, the company’s market value dropped by approximately $15.1 billion to $482.9 billion, which nearly wiped out $15 billion in just one day.
• Notably, this number is the sharpest stock decline since April 2025 for Netflix.

Background: Not the First Time

Netflix has been there in such controversies more than once now. In 2020, Netflix faced similar heat for its French film “Cuties.” The film was accused of sexualising young girls.

Netflix’s Response

Netflix has been quiet so far; no official statement has been made.

• On Musk’s boycott call.
• Or on the criticism aimed at Hamish Steele.

Elon Musk | founder of PayPal, Space X | CEO of Tesla Motors

Elon Musk is the most talked-about man in the world today. Know who is Elon Musk and his founded companies, Zip2 Corporation, Space x, PayPal and more.

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesPiyush Mishra

JSW One Platforms Ltd., India’s leading tech-first B2B e-commerce marketplace, today announced the successful closure of its latest funding round, raising INR 575 crore. The round, initiated in May 2025, witnessed participation from marquee investors including the State Bank of India (SBI), Principal Asset Management, One-Up,  International Conveyors Ltd. (ICL), Scarlett Ventures, and JSW Steel. 

The fresh capital will drive JSW One’s next phase of growth through accelerated investments in its proprietary technology platform, expansion of operations, and strengthening of its NBFC arm.  With a strong focus on MSME empowerment, the company plans to widen credit access, enhance underwriting capabilities, and design customised financial products for small businesses. It will also expand its distribution and logistics network across major industrial clusters, improving last-mile delivery, tailored fulfilment, and embedded financial services. 

Parth Jindal, Chairman, JSW One Platforms, said, “JSW One Platforms has become a key growth  driver in India’s industrial ecosystem. With this funding, we are privileged to welcome SBI as a  long-term partner while reaffirming our mission to empower MSMEs through tech-driven  solutions. Our growing NBFC arm will play a vital role in bridging the working capital gap for  MSMEs.” 

Gaurav Sachdeva, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JSW One Platforms, added, “At JSW One, we  are building a unified ecosystem that integrates supply, credit, and technology to simplify  procurement for MSMEs. SBI’s backing is a strong validation of our strategy to serve as an enabler  of India’s manufacturing-led growth.” 

The company delivered a 2.4x year-on-year growth in FY’25, recording a gross merchandise value  (GMV) of INR 12,567 crore. Looking ahead, it is projected to surpass INR 8,000 crore in GMV in H1  FY’26, sustaining a growth rate of over 50%. The company continues to expand its reach among MSMEs, strengthening its vision of becoming India’s most respected technology enterprise.