StartupTalky

Tag: #news

  • Govt Cracks Down on ULLU, ALTT & Others for Streaming ‘Explicit’ OTT Content

    According to reports, 25 over-the-top (OTT) platforms and websites—including ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, and Boomex—have been blocked by the Centre for allegedly containing pornographic, indecent, and vulgar content.

    OTT Crackdown: What Happened

    According to a Storyboard18 report, under the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the IT Rules of 2021, the government ordered intermediaries to ban or remove access to illegal content. Internet service providers (ISPs) are required by the July 23, 2025, ruling to prohibit 25 OTT platforms and websites that were discovered to be in violation of these regulations.

    Full List of Banned OTT Platforms

    Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks are among the other OTT platforms that have been banned due to repeated legal violations.

    Laws and Sections Violated

    These platforms allegedly broke the following laws, according to MIB: Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986; Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000; and Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

    ISPs have been instructed by the government to prevent the general people in India from accessing these websites. In order to help ISPs ensure complete compliance, the government has also informed the Department of Telecommunications’ Director (DS-II). The government’s ongoing attempts to control online content and uphold legal norms in the digital sphere are reflected in this action. The government has also emphasised that intermediaries will lose their legal immunity under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, if they do not immediately prevent access to or remove illegal content after being notified by the government.

    It also made reference to Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, which prohibits intermediaries from hosting or publishing content that is illegal, especially content that has an impact on India’s foreign relations, sovereignty, security, public order, or morality or that might amount to defamation, contempt of court, or incitement to crime.

    What This Means for India’s OTT Ecosystem?

    The move coincides with calls by the government to strengthen the laws now governing social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms in the nation. Following several warnings, the Centre prohibited 18 OTT platforms last year for releasing pornographic, indecent, and vulgar content, including Uncut Adda, Dreams Films, and Prime Play. The Centre is reportedly exploring new rules to reduce pornographic content on the internet, according to a story from a few months ago.

    During a Supreme Court hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by journalist and former Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar, who expressed worries over the unfettered spread of offensive content on OTT and social media platforms, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta made the statement.

    The government at the time stressed the need for more stringent regulation without imposing total control, emphasising that internet platforms have an obligation to respect social norms. After deeming the matter grave, the Supreme Court sent letters to prominent platforms, including Apple, Netflix, Amazon Prime, AltBalaji, Ullu, Google, and Meta.

  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 25 July 2025: Ammunic Raises $1.1M, Yali Capital Closes ₹893 Cr Deeptech Fund, Govt Bans 25 OTT Apps & More

    From Ammunic Systems raising $1.1 million to advance India’s defence-tech capabilities to Yali Capital closing its INR 893 crore maiden fund to fuel deeptech innovation, the day saw notable movements across venture capital and strategic sectors. On the business front, Swiggy reshuffled its board post-IPO, the government cracked down on OTT platforms, and Elevation Capital continued exiting its stake in Ixigo. Here’s your quick roundup of the top funding deals and key business news in India for 25th July 2025.

    Daily Indian Funding Digest – 25 July 2025

    Company / Fund Sector Amount Raised Lead Investor(s) Use of Funds
    Ammunic Systems Defence‑tech $1.1 million (approx ₹9.2 cr) India Accelerator & Finvolve Scale existing products, R&D, team building
    Yali Capital (fund) VC – Deeptech ₹893 crore Infosys, Qualcomm Ventures, Tata AIG, DPIIT FoF, Self‑Reliant India Fund, others Invest in early‑ and late‑stage deeptech startups (semiconductors, AI, robotics, genomics, aerospace)

    Ammunic Systems Secures $1.1 Million in Seed Round

    Defence-tech startup Ammunic Systems has raised $1.1 million in a seed round led by India Accelerator and Finvolve. The Bengaluru-based company develops advanced electronic fuzes, warhead systems and integrated munitions. The funding will go towards scaling production, expanding its R&D efforts and building a larger technical team. This investment aligns with India’s growing push for indigenous defence innovation.

    Yali Capital Closes INR 893 Crore Deeptech Fund

    Venture capital firm Yali Capital has announced the final close of its debut deeptech fund at INR 893 crore, surpassing its initial target. Backers include Infosys, Qualcomm Ventures, Tata AIG, and government-linked funds like the DPIIT Fund of Funds and Self-Reliant India Fund. The fund aims to invest across early and late-stage companies in semiconductors, AI, robotics, genomics, and aerospace. Yali has already made five investments and plans to support 8–10 deeptech startups in its first cycle.

    Key News Highlights for 25 July 2025

    Ohm Mobility (Ohm Daily) Shuts Down Operations

    EV‑financing and leasing startup Ohm Mobility, later rebranded as Ohm Daily, has announced that it is winding down operations after five years of attempts to build a scalable business model. Co‑founder and CEO Nikhil Nair confirmed on LinkedIn that despite multiple pivots—including data‑driven financial products for gig workers—the startup failed to gain sufficient traction. Ohm had raised approximately INR 5 crore from investors such as Antler India, Blume Ventures, Catalyst Fund, and angel backers.

    Swiggy Board Reshuffle: SoftBank and Accel Nominees Exit, Faraz Khalid Joins

    In its most recent board restructuring, Swiggy has seen the resignation of Sumer Juneja (SoftBank nominee) and Anand Daniel (Accel nominee) as nominee directors, effective 25 July 2025. They have been replaced by Faraz Khalid, CEO of UAE‑based e‑commerce firm Noon, joining as an independent non‑executive director for a five‑year term, pending shareholder approval. This move is part of a governance transition following Swiggy’s public listing.

    Government Bans 25 OTT Platforms, Including Ullu and ALTT for Explicit Content

    The Indian government, via the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, has ordered ISPs to block 25 OTT platforms—including Ullu, ALTT (ALTBalaji), Desiflix, Big Shots, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, and Gulab App—for allegedly streaming “obscene”, “vulgar” or pornographic content. Content flagged includes prolonged nudity and sexual visuals with minimal storyline, in breach of provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021. The ban follows earlier interventions by self‑regulatory bodies and child rights groups.

    Elevation Capital Sells INR 226 Crore Stake in Ixigo Parent (Le Travenues)

    Elevation Capital (formerly Saif Partners India) has divested 1.01 crore shares, worth approximately INR 226 crore in Le Travenues Technology Ltd, the parent company of Ixigo, reducing its stake from 9.04% to 6.45%. This marks the third such exit in recent months, following previous offloads worth INR 97.4 crore in June and INR 38.3 crore in May. The latest transactions were reportedly acquired by Schroder International Selection Fund, which now holds close to 5% of the company. The total exit proceeds now exceed INR 361 crore.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup and Key News: 24 July 2025
    From Netrasemi’s ₹107 crore raise to PhysicsWallah becoming the first edtech unicorn to receive SEBI’s nod, here’s your quick roundup of the top funding deals and key business news in India for 24th July 2025.
    StartupTalkyStartupTalky News

  • Ohm Mobility Shuts Down: EV Startup Ends Operations After Failed Pivot

    Ohm Mobility, a firm that provides EV financing and leasing, is now closing its doors, joining a growing list of startup closures. Despite many turning points along the way, the five-year-old startup was unable to scale, according to cofounder and CEO Nikhil Nair.

    Why Ohm Mobility Shut Down: Inside the Struggles of a Promising EV Fintech

    In a LinkedIn post, Nair stated that although the company was unable to develop a sustainable and scalable strategy, it gained firsthand knowledge of what works, what doesn’t, and why. After failing at a few business models, the company now has a thorough understanding of them.

    Nair created Ohm Mobility in 2020 to help EV fleet operators, manufacturers, and battery companies access finance by connecting them with banks and other financial institutions. In 2022, Nikhil Saigal, a former executive of Onfido, a provider of IT solutions, became the second cofounder and CBO of the firm.

    Ohm Mobility’s Journey

    The firm made it simpler for financial institutions to grant them loans by using data (IoT data) from EVs to comprehend and lower the financing risks. Notable investors include Antler India, Blume Ventures, and Catalyst Fund. A few angel investors helped Ohm Mobility raise about INR 5 Cr during its existence.

    Ohm Mobility’s Pivot to Daily Earners: A Last Attempt at Survival

    According to the cofounder’s statement regarding business pivots, Ohm Mobility recently changed its name to Ohm Daily in order to concentrate on offering financial products for daily earners, especially gig workers and professionals in the mobility industry (such as auto drivers).

    Since its founding, Ohm Mobility has not submitted its financial statements to MCA for any fiscal year. It’s noteworthy that this is not the only modern IT company to close this year. A lacklustre response from the market led media houses to report in June that Altigreen, a three-wheeler EV manufacturer, was on the verge of closing its doors owing to a lack of finance.

    In addition, BluSmart and Log9 also had turbulent declines in recent months. Due to their inability to scale and lack of investor interest, two early-stage firms, rapid commerce venture Blip and AI startup subtl.ai, have both recently ceased operations.

    Wider Pattern: Are Indian EV Startups Running Out of Charge?

    The auto industry in India is confronted with a transitional challenge: how to construct the future without halting the present. The majority of established manufacturers still operate ICE and EV programs concurrently, frequently sharing resources for engineering, validation, and procurement. It is now anticipated that these overlapping structures, which were intended for gradual development, will bring about revolutionary upheaval.

     An extremely disjointed execution chain is the end outcome. According to Vector’s research, more than 60% of Tier-1s are involved in over ten programs at the same time, spanning several OEMs, with no insight into volume projections or design maturity.

  • Google Takes CCI to Supreme Court Over INR 216.69 Cr Fine on Play Store Billing Policy

    The Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) antitrust verdict against Google over its Play Store policy was partially supported by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal’s (NCLAT) March ruling, which Google has challenged in the Supreme Court. “We have appealed the NCLAT’s recent ruling regarding the order from the CCI.

    “We’re still dedicated to helping the Indian app market expand for developers and users alike,” a Google representative told Moneycontrol. The NCLAT’s March ruling maintained a number of the CCI’s order’s main conclusions, although it lowered Google’s fine from INR 936.44 crore to INR 216.69 crore.

    Background: CCI’s Investigation Into Play Store Billing

    CCI opened an investigation into Google in November 2020 in response to complaints about the company’s requirement that in-app purchases and paid apps use the Play Store payment system. Developers were compelled by this scheme to pay a commission, typically 15–30%, and use Google’s own payment mechanism. Google was found guilty of abusing its Play Store dominance.

    Key Findings of CCI and NCLAT

    The watchdog also ordered the company to modify its app payment system and issued a cease-and-desist injunction in addition to the monetary penalty. The NCLAT confirmed CCI’s conclusion in its March 2025 ruling that Google forced app developers to adopt the Google Play Billing System (GPBS) for in-app purchases and paid app sales, thereby imposing unfair and discriminatory conditions on them.

    It also concurred with CCI’s finding that Google promoted its own payment app, Google Pay, over other UPI-based digital payment apps by abusing its control over the Android and Play Store ecosystems.

    Implications for Developers and Digital Payments

    In a March 2025 ruling, the appellate tribunal overturned the watchdog’s rulings limiting innovation and denying market access. It highlighted Google billing services having less than 1% of the UPI market share and the lack of proof of restrictions on technical advancement as justifications for rescinding the specific instruction.

    Remarkably, the NCLAT subsequently allegedly reversed a number of “ex-ante” (preventive) directives that the CCI had given Google, claiming that the order went beyond the CCI’s authority under the existing regulatory structure.

    Two months later, on May 1, the NCLAT reinstituted two directives that mandate Google to reveal its data rules and refrain from using its billing data to gain an unfair competitive edge. Dissatisfied with the appellate tribunal’s partial relief and the clarification’s subsequent setback, Google has now petitioned the SC to contest the order and wants a favourable ruling.

  • Kriti Sanon and Pep Brands’ HYPHEN Crosses INR 400 Crore in Just 2 Years, Setting a New Benchmark for Celebrity-Anchored, Operator-Led Skincare Brands in India

    The operator-led, celebrity-anchored skincare brand is rewriting the rules of the game.

    • Kriti Sanon & PEP Brands’ HYPHEN marks its second anniversary on a celebratory note, as it achieves an ARR of INR 400 crore gross in just 2 years.
    • The brand has successfully turned its first-time buyers into a 60% repeat rate.
    • It now serves over 19,000 pin codes, and its consumer base has grown 4X, from 1 million last year to 4 million this year alone.

    When most celebrity brands find it daunting to sustain beyond the initial launch buzz, HYPHEN has done the unthinkable by hitting the Annual Recurring Revenue of INR 400 crore gross within just two years of launch. Marking its second anniversary, the operator-led, celebrity-anchored brand has achieved a remarkable feat, adding INR 300 crore in gross over the past 12 months alone. After crossing INR 100 crore gross in its very first year, the brand has now tripled its growth in year two, reaching a total of INR 400 crore gross, a rare milestone in the Indian D2C beauty space.

    This isn’t just a moment for celebration for HYPHEN but a case study in building a sustainable, consumer-first brand in one of the most competitive categories in India. Founded by the company behind mCaffeine, Pep Brands, and actor-entrepreneur Kriti Sanon, HYPHEN stands at the unique intersection of operator-led execution and celebrity-backed influence. 

    “When we launched mCaffeine, there were 9,800 brands in India. By the time we started HYPHEN, that number had exploded to 71,000. Today’s landscape is cluttered, where you need more than just a good product. You need to understand the consumer, create a category and choose the correct sales channel, alongside a sharp product strategy with data-driven execution,” said Tarun Sharma, Co-founder & CEO, HYPHEN.

    HYPHEN scaled rapidly by following mCaffeine’s proven playbook, and the three Cs ideology: Consumer, Category and Channel. Further, it is rooted in a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, rigorous R&D and a 6 Ps approach – Proposition, Product, Packaging, Pricing, Platform and Promotions. The brand also leveraged Pep Brand’s already existing strong backend systems in e-commerce and quick-commerce and ready R&D infrastructure – making them very integral parts of its growth strategies.

    From the start, HYPHEN was built to be different. Born out of a market gap – the need to “hyphenate” the power of nature with the potency of science, it is a performance-first, concern-based skincare brand that co-creates with its consumers. Every formulation – right from ingredients to textures – is created based entirely on real consumer needs and feedback, not trend-chasing. Alongside this, the brand has always focused on category-first innovations. This has resulted in a product portfolio with over 4/5 average ratings across all platforms, and a 60% repeat purchase rate. The brand now serves over 19,000 pin codes, and its consumer base has grown 4X, from 1 million last year to 4 million this year alone.

    “Operations and supply chain have always been a challenge. However, we have adapted and evolved alongside the exponential love from our consumers. In fact, the goal was to cross 500 Cr in 2027, and with this milestone, we are definitely ahead of our targets. Looking forward, our focus is on driving steady growth and building a stronger presence in categories we are still nascent in like facewash. Sharma added.

    While celebrities often give a meaningful launch velocity and top-of-the-mind awareness, brands like HYPHEN have proved that when a celebrity’s personal brand aligns with consumer demand, it’s a recipe for a thriving business. Unlike traditional celebrity brands, Kriti Sanon plays a core executive role. She is deeply involved in product development, customer experience, feedback loops, and day-to-day operations. She speaks to 40-50 customers every month to understand their needs, preferences, and pain points, influencing product and brand decisions directly. She is not just the face but the backbone. 

    One of HYPHEN’s hero products, the lip balm, gained significant traction in the past year. This was not just because of clever marketing, but because Kriti’s personal use at major events like IIFA organically built belief among its consumers.

    Kriti Sanon, Co-founder & Chief Customer Officer (CCO), said, “The past two years have been nothing short of incredible. Building HYPHEN from scratch has been one of the most personal and fulfilling journeys of my life. Watching it grow from an idea into a brand that so many of the consumers now trust and love – still feels surreal. I am so grateful to every single person who has believed in us and has chosen to HYPHEN us in their lives! This is only the beginning, where we continue to hyphen skincare with innovation and grow alongside a community that makes it all so worth it. Happy 2 years to us!”

    HYPHEN’s success proves that star power can translate into long-term value but only when backed by solid fundamentals of strategy, execution and authenticity. It’s not hype; it’s hyphenated – where a strong operator, data-driven insight and brand aligning with the celebrity’s identity are non-negotiable.

    About HYPHEN

    HYPHEN, an operator-led, celebrity-anchored high-performance skincare brand that transcends the ordinary and redefines the essence of skincare, was co-founded by the brilliant team at PEP Brands, the parent company of mCaffeine, and celebrity entrepreneur Kriti Sanon. Recognising the need for an uncomplicated skincare regime, HYPHEN was born with the core purpose of providing simplified and realistic skincare solutions. It aims to make skincare journeys effortless, achievable, and affordable for everyone. By combining multiple benefits in a single multi-purpose product, this innovative Indian skincare brand seamlessly merges the power of nature with the potency of science. It is dedicated to shattering the complexities and challenges surrounding daily skincare rituals. It is available in 19000 pin codes.

    Celebrity Startups: Top Successful Business Ventures by Bollywood Stars
    From beauty brands to tech ventures, discover how Bollywood celebrities are building successful startups and turning fame into flourishing businesses beyond the big screen.
    StartupTalkySakshi Jadhav

  • GitHub Spark Ignites the Future: Build Apps with Just Your Ideas

    GitHub Spark is Microsoft’s most recent venture into AI-powered software development. This new platform has the potential to completely change the way people develop apps. Spark is a comprehensive tool that enables anyone to create intelligent, full-stack apps using natural language, visual aids, or conventional code.

    What Is GitHub Spark? Microsoft’s Next-Gen AI App Builder?

    It was formally launched under the reputable GitHub banner. Indeed, it is compatible with the current Copilot plan, GitHub configuration, and even Visual Studio Code. GitHub Spark streamlines contemporary web development. Manual server configuration, SDK installation, and AI model management are not required.

    Spark will scaffold out the user’s program, including both frontend and backend components, allowing the user to simply specify what he wants to create, such as a recipe app that can adjust to allergies or a budget tracker that integrates with Google Sheets.

    Key Features of GitHub Spark: Natural Language to Full-Stack Code

    Microsoft stated in a blog post that users’s apps run on an integrated, GitHub-hosted runtime and that it supports well-known frameworks like TypeScript and React. One can go from prototype to production more quickly than ever before thanks to built-in AI inference, one-click deployment, and instant previews. Leading AI models such as Claude Sonnet 4 power Spark’s internal workings, while more LLMs from OpenAI, Meta, DeepSeek, and xAI are optionally supported.

    This implies that Spark will produce completely functioning code if you can explain functionality in simple terms, such as “build me a restaurant finder that adapts to my cuisine preferences.” There is no need to wrangle API keys. Behind the scenes, Spark manages model selection, authentication, and deployment through the well-known GitHub interface.

    How GitHub Spark Works with Copilot and VS Code?

    Spark can be used by users who are not developers, but if they are, there is a lot of functionality available. While experienced developers can delve deeply into the code using the Spark editor, GitHub Codespaces, or VS Code, beginners can rely solely on drag-and-drop tools and simple English prompts.

    Additionally, GitHub Copilot integrates well, providing a coding agent for more complex processes, code completions, and suggestions. Spark is perfect for internal tools, personal side projects, and even full-fledged SaaS apps because of its dual-mode architecture.

    No Free Subscription

    The user will receive a monthly Spark message quota, unlimited manual edits, and support for many apps at once, depending on his GitHub Copilot plan. The runtime includes compute, storage, hosting, and AI inference.

    Users who choose to exceed the stated limits will soon have the option to pay as they go. Because of this, Spark is an AI-first development environment right out of the box, not merely an editor or a tool for prototyping. GitHub is already used by more than 150 million developers, and Spark is made to be at the heart of this ecosystem.

    It’s Microsoft’s response to the increasing need for scalable, intelligent app development free from steep learning curves and infrastructure issues.

  • Sundar Pichai Becomes Billionaire After 10 Years as Alphabet CEO

    Alphabet Inc. CEO Sundar Pichai has officially become a billionaire, which is an uncommon rise for a non-founder in the computer industry. Pichai’s current net worth of $1.1 billion, as determined by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, was solely derived from his work as a professional CEO rather than from founding equity.

    Sundar Pichai’s Billionaire Status: A Rare Tech Feat

    The milestone highlights the extent of Alphabet’s transition under Pichai’s leadership, as reported by Bloomberg this week. The company’s market worth has increased by more than $1 trillion in the last ten years, and since 2023, it has given stockholders a 120% return. Right now, Alphabet’s stock is at its highest point ever.

    The majority of tech billionaires, such as Jensen Huang of Nvidia and Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, amassed riches by owning sizable shares in the businesses they co-founded, but Pichai’s path was very different. According to Bloomberg, Pichai owns only 0.02% of Alphabet’s stock, which is worth about $440 million. His salary, cash bonuses, and share grants from his 20 years with the company have accounted for the majority of his wealth.

    From Madurai to Mountain View: Pichai’s Inspiring Journey

    Pichai’s ascent has long been hailed as a classic immigrant success story. He was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, and grew up in a small two-room flat. He joined Google in 2004 and oversaw some of the company’s most important products, such as Android, which currently powers the majority of smartphones worldwide, and Google Chrome, the most popular web browser in the world.

    After Google’s organisational reorganisation in 2015, Pichai was named CEO of both Google and Alphabet, the newly formed parent company. He has now been the company’s CEO for ten years, making him the longest-serving boss in its history. Alphabet has expanded under Pichai’s leadership from a firm with $75 billion in overall revenue in 2015 to one with divisions like YouTube and Google Cloud that generate a combined $110 billion in revenue annually.

    The business has branched out into areas that have come to define the innovation frontier in recent years, including hardware, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.

    Cash, Not Stock: The Uncommon Wealth Structure

    Pichai became a billionaire without starting the business, which is uncommon in Silicon Valley’s wealth hierarchy. Pichai’s wealth is disproportionately concentrated in cash earnings and deferred incentives, whereas CEOs typically own millions in stock options that vest over time.

    Reactions from the Tech World

    He differs from peers whose net worth is primarily trapped in company shares because of that structure. Social media instantly became buzzing with news of Pichai’s financial milestone, with industry experts and tech leaders highlighting the unusualness of his journey.

    In an uncommon public acknowledgement between two of the most well-known names in the world of technology, Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, wrote on X (previously Twitter) that Pichai’s ten-year tenure was “impressive.”

    Regarding his status as a billionaire, Pichai has refrained from making any public remarks. He has a history of avoiding personal praise in favour of concentrating on the company’s long-term goals, team, and goods. Nevertheless, the incident is noteworthy for its reflection on contemporary corporate leadership.

    Alphabet is stronger than ever after Pichai guided the firm through a number of challenging situations, such as antitrust investigations, employee activism, pandemic-related uncertainties, and a fiercely competitive AI arms race. Alphabet is one of the most valuable firms in the world, with a market capitalisation of well over $2 trillion.

    Alphabet had consistent growth in its cloud business earlier this year, ramped up its Gemini AI platform to compete with Microsoft-backed OpenAI, and inked a $2.1 billion deal to acquire cybersecurity startup Mandiant.

  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 24 July 2025: Netrasemi Raises ₹107 Cr, PhysicsWallah Gets SEBI IPO Nod, SuperK Secures ₹100 Cr & More

    From Netrasemi’s ₹107 crore raise to strengthen India’s edge-AI chip ambitions to PhysicsWallah becoming the first edtech unicorn to receive SEBI’s nod for a confidential IPO filing, the day was packed with headline-worthy developments across tech, logistics, and mental health sectors. On the funding front, SuperK, Eveez, Bharatsure, and Enlite secured major backing to scale their solutions. Here’s your quick roundup of the top funding deals and key business news in India for 24th July 2025.

    Daily Indian Startup Funding Digest – 24 July 2025

    Company Sector Funding Raised Round / Stage Lead Investors
    Bharatsure EV‑station insurtech ₹6 crore Seed / Pre-Series A Inflection Point Ventures, Capital A
    Netrasemi Edge AI semiconductors ₹107 crore Series A Zoho Corporation, Unicorn India Ventures
    SuperK FMCG (snacks) ₹100 crore Series B Binny Bansal, Mithun Sacheti
    Eveez Healthcare startup $5.4 million Series A Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
    Enlite Clean‑tech / energy ₹46 crore Series A Avaana Capital

    Bharatsure – ₹6 crore

    Bharatsure, an insurtech focused on EV‑refuelling station coverage, has secured ₹6 crore in early‑stage funding from Inflection Point Ventures and Capital A. The startup will partner with Battery Smart to launch insurance products tailored for EV‑charging infrastructure across India.

    Netrasemi – ₹107 crore

    Kerala‑based semiconductor innovator Netrasemi raised a substantial ₹107 crore in a Series A round led by Zoho Corporation and Unicorn India Ventures. The funds will be used to ramp up R&D, expand manufacturing and marketing, launch four advanced SoC variants, and grow its engineering team from around 83 to approximately 166. The chips, currently in tape‑out at TSMC’s 12 nm node, are designed for surveillance, industrial robotics and smart infrastructure, enabling efficient edge‑AI without relying on cloud connectivity. Founders include Jyothis Indirabhai, Sreejith Varma and Deepa Geetha.

    SuperK – ₹100 crore

    SuperK, a Mumbai‑based branded snack startup, has raised ₹100 crore in its latest round led by Binny Bansal (co‑founder of Flipkart) and Mithun Sacheti, aiming to scale product development and distribution nationwide.

    Eveez – $5.4 million

    Healthcare‑tech firm Eveez closed a $5.4 million Series A, led by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. The investment will drive expansion in maternity and newborn care services by enhancing digital health capabilities.

    Enlite – ₹46 crore

    Enlite, a tech‑driven clean‑energy startup, secured ₹46 crore in Series A funding led by Avaana Capital. The round will support the rollout of solutions in decentralised clean‑energy access and smart‑grid projects.

    Key News Highlights for 24 July 2025

    PhysicsWallah receives SEBI nod for IPO

    PhysicsWallah, the edtech unicorn led by Alakh Pandey, received SEBI’s approval on 24 July 2025 to file its IPO draft under the confidential pre-filing route. The company is expected to raise around ₹4,600 crore through a mix of fresh issue and offer for sale, making it the first Indian edtech startup to get such approval.

    Inc.LISSUN Acquires US‑Based Being Cares Inc

    Hyderabad‑based mental‑health player LISSUN announced the acquisition of California‑based Being Cares Inc., a mental‑wellness platform serving nearly 1 million users. The deal brings over 40 mapped conditions into LISSUN’s domain, including anxiety, ADHD and parenting stress. Founders Varun Gandhi and Abhishek Sharma will join LISSUN as Chief Product Officer and Chief Technology Officer respectively, as per the acquisition announcement.

    LEAP India Transforms Into Public Company

    KKR‑backed logistics and supply‑chain firm LEAP India has formally converted from a private to a public limited company, renaming itself “Leap India Limited”. The board has also added independent directors Harinarayanan Nair and Sanjiv Gupta, positioning the company for an upcoming IPO.

    Shadowfax Board Approves ₹2,000 crore IPO

    Logistics major Shadowfax has received board approval to raise ₹2,000 crore (~$232 million) via fresh equity issuance as part of its planned IPO. This follows the confidential filing of its DRHP targeting a range of ₹2,000–2,500 crore, with funds split equally between fresh shares and Offer for Sale.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup and Key News: 23 July 2025
    From Kluisz.ai securing $9.6 million in a standout AI seed round to the ED filing a FEMA case against Myntra, here’s your quick roundup of the top funding deals and key business news in India for 23rd July 2025.
    StartupTalkyStartupTalky News

  • BigBasket’s FY25 Revenue Drops Amid Quick Commerce Battle with Blinkit, Zepto

    Due to fierce competition in the market, BigBasket, a fast commerce platform supported by Tata Digital, witnessed a decline in yearly income in the fiscal year that ended in March 2025. BigBasket’s B2C division, Innovative Retail Concepts, had a 3% decline in turnover from INR 7,885 Cr in FY24 to INR 7,673 Cr in FY25, according to Tata Sons’ annual report.

    Revenue and Losses: BigBasket’s FY25 Financial Snapshot

    Additionally, their net loss rose 46% from INR 1,267 Cr to INR 1,851 Cr the year before. Supermarket Grocery Supplies, BigBasket’s B2B division, had a more dramatic 7% decline in revenue from INR 2,391.8 Cr in FY24 to INR 2,227 Cr in the year under review. Its net loss, however, decreased by 20.2% from INR 128.1 Cr in the prior fiscal year to INR 102.2 Cr in FY25.

    BigBasket was first established in 2011 as an Indian online grocery delivery service. Through its digital division, Tata Digital, the Tata Group purchased the majority of BigBasket in 2021. In order to meet the growing demand for quicker deliveries, BigBasket later changed its focus to quick commerce by developing BBNow, which aims to deliver groceries in urban areas in a matter of minutes.

    BB Now Faces Off Against Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart

    In the rapid commerce market, it is currently up against severe competition from companies like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. The network of dark stores is being rapidly expanded by the three fast commerce majors.

    Anish Srivastava, SVP of Blinkit, stated last week that he anticipates the number of rapid commerce dark establishments in the nation to increase to between 15,000 and 20,000 within the next two years. Older businesses, though, are vying for market share in this expanding industry.

    Even though Reliance hasn’t had much success in the market thus far, it still uses Reliance Retail locations and opens dark stores. Amazon and Flipkart, two of the biggest online retailers, are also testing their fast commerce services across the nation.

    Private Label Strategy: BigBasket’s Competitive Moat

    Bigbasket’s wide range of private label products may provide it a competitive advantage over the rapid commerce heavyweights. With over 40% of sales coming from private label products like Fresho, BB Royal, and Tasties, BigBasket has made these brands the cornerstone of its business.

    Essentials including staples, produce, meats, snacks, and even seasonal gifts are included in this line of in-house goods. Even with slotted delivery models, the platform has maintained a high client retention rate of over 50% thanks to this focus.

    With the belief that quality and brand recognition may outperform speed alone in India’s changing grocery battles, the company is also extending private labels into occasion-based and impulse-led items in an effort to open up new revenue streams.

  • UK and India Sign £6 Billion Free Trade Agreement After 3-Year Talks

    A trade deal worth an estimated £6 billion was signed by Keir Starmer and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. The UK prime minister hailed the momentous accord as a “historic day” for Britain and India.

    Following more than three years of negotiations, the trade agreement will significantly lower tariffs on automobiles and whisky sent by British companies to India in exchange for Britain opening up its labour market to Indian workers.

    The bilateral agreement, which will reduce the average tax on Indian imports from Britain from 15% to 3%, is regarded as one of the most beneficial of its kind to the UK economy. It is anticipated that the agreement will eventually increase bilateral trade between the two nations by £25.5 billion annually.

    Key Terms of the UK-India Trade Agreement

    The agreement, which was first announced in May, will reduce about 90% of all tariffs on UK-made goods transported to India, and within ten years, 85% of tariff lines will have no trade duties at all. UK-made whisky and gin import duties will be cut in half, to 75%, right away, and then reduced to 40% over the course of the following ten years.

    In a similar vein, British automakers will have their export duties reduced from 110% to 10% over the same time period. However, similar to the UK’s previous trade agreement with the US, quotas will be imposed to limit the quantity of cars eligible for the reduced tax. Starmer praised the agreement as potentially having “huge benefits to both of our countries” during a press conference held at Chequers, the prime minister’s opulent country home.

    He added, “The UK-India deal is now signed, sealed, and ready to be delivered.” “I’m really pleased and privileged to welcome you here today on what I consider to be a historic day for both of our countries and the delivery of the commitment that we made to each other,” he said.

    Labour Mobility and Payroll Tax Controversy

    However, political rivals have cautioned that a deal to eliminate employer national insurance for Indian employees in the UK and vice versa runs the risk of undercutting British employees and eroding any financial gains.

    The agreement will exempt British companies from paying payroll taxes on Indian employees who transfer within the UK, raising concerns that, in light of the April increase in UK national insurance, hiring Indian employees would be more desirable than hiring UK employees.

    Financial Sector Left Out of Trade Gains

    Although both nations committed to keep working to reduce economic barriers to the city’s linkages with the quickly expanding Indian economy, the accord has also come under fire for failing to make any headway in the UK’s world-class financial and professional services industries.

    “This isn’t just paving the way for economic partnership but also a blueprint for our shared prosperity,” Modi remarked as he stood next to Starmer. The agreement marked “the dawn of a new golden era in the relationship between these two vibrant nations,” according to Amarjit Singh, founder and CEO of the India Business Group.

    “This partnership goes beyond conventional ideas of trade in today’s more interconnected yet complex global landscape; it embodies a collaborative effort to shape a sustainable and prosperous future together,” he continued. “It is now the business community’s responsibility to take advantage of these opportunities and implement the framework in tangible ways.”