Tag: Indian Funding Roundup

  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 10 July 2025: Clean Fanatics, Arteria Raise Funds; ED Raids Probo & More

    On 10 July 2025, Clean Fanatics and Arteria Technologies raised major funding to grow their business. Partners Group announced an INR 1,950 crore deal to acquire a majority stake in Infinity Fincorp. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate raided Probo and seized assets.

    Here’s your quick roundup for funding and key business news for the day.

    Daily Indian Funding Digest – 10 July 2025

    Company Sector Round Amount Lead Investor(s) Use of Funds
    Clean Fanatics Home services platform Seed ₹17 crore (~ $2 m) Inflection Point Ventures + angels Team expansion, tech infrastructure, new verticals
    Arteria Technologies Supply‑chain SaaS & fintech Series B ₹100 crore (~ $11.7 m) ICICI Venture (IVen Amplifi Fund) AI‑product development, team hire, geographic expansion

    Clean Fanatics Raises $2 Million in Seed Round

    Bengaluru-based premium home services startup, Clean Fanatics, has raised $2 million in seed funding led by Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be used to strengthen the team, enhance technology infrastructure, and expand into new verticals like civil renovation. With over 2,500 homes serviced monthly and strong user ratings, the company is poised to scale operations quickly.

    Arteria Technologies Secures INR 100 Crore in Series B

    Arteria Technologies, a supply chain SaaS and embedded fintech platform, has raised INR 100 crore in Series B funding from ICICI Venture’s IVen Amplifi Fund. The company plans to use the funds for hiring, expanding AI-driven offerings, and growing its presence across geographies. Arteria serves 100+ enterprises and aims to digitise complex B2B supply chains with embedded financial tools.

    Key News Highlights for 10 July 2025

    ED Raids Probo, Freezes INR 284.5 crore in Assets

    The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Probo, an opinion-trading platform, seizing and freezing assets worth approximately INR 284.5 crore. The probe, invoking the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alleges that Probo operated as an illegal gambling platform rather than a skill-based venture. In response, Probo has stated it is fully cooperating with authorities and remains confident in its compliance.

    ED Books 29 Celebs Including Vijay Deverakonda & Prakash Raj in Betting-App Probe

    The Enforcement Directorate has filed a money-laundering case under PMLA against 29 celebrities, including Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, and Rana Daggubati, for allegedly promoting illegal betting applications. The action stems from FIRs registered by the Cyberabad police in Telangana.

    Partners Group to Acquire Majority Stake in Infinity Fincorp for INR 1,950 crore

    Swiss private equity firm Partners Group is set to acquire a majority stake in Mumbai‑based NBFC Infinity Fincorp for INR 1,950 crore. The deal comprises a primary infusion of INR 600 crore and the purchase of existing shares, including those held by Jungle Ventures and Indium IV (Mauritius) Holdings. The funds will be used to expand branches, improve technology, and enhance customer onboarding.

    Flipkart Ventures Unveils ‘Leap Ahead 4.0’ Accelerator

    Flipkart Ventures has launched the fourth edition of its accelerator, Leap Ahead 4.0, offering equity investments of up to $500,000 and structured mentorship from Flipkart leadership. The initiative targets early-stage startups working on innovations across India’s digital economy.

    Pocket FM Sues Kuku FM

    Audio content platform Pocket FM has initiated legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court against rival Kuku FM, alleging the latter copied five audio series. Pocket FM is seeking INR 85.7 crore in damages and a permanent injunction on the use of its content formats. Kuku FM has dismissed the case as a “motivated charge.”

    X CEO Linda Yaccarino Resigns

    Linda Yaccarino, who has served as CEO of X (formerly Twitter) since May 2023, announced her resignation on 9 July 2025. She leaves after two years at the helm, overseeing the platform during challenging times, including controversies and advertiser scrutiny.


    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. Here’s your quick roundup of the day’s key funding and business news.


  • 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

    Startup Sector Round Type Amount Raised Lead Investors
    Chai Bisket Regional Content & Media Seed Round $5 million InfoEdge Ventures, General Catalyst
    Enercomp Drone Tech Bridge Round ₹2 crore Bestvantage Investments (advisory)
    JEH Aerospace Aerospace Manufacturing Strategic Investment Undisclosed IndiGo Ventures
    Varthana NBFC / Edtech Lending Debt Funding ₹159 crore Various Lenders
    Green Aero Climate Tech & Aerospace Seed Round $1.6 million Pi Ventures
    Belong Fintech (NRI-focused) Seed Round $5 million Elevation Capital

    📰 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, 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.


  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 8 July 2025

    Here’s a quick look at the top 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.

    Daily Indian Funding Digest – 8 July 2025

    Company Funding Round Amount Raised Lead Investor(s) Purpose
    Linkrunner Pre-seed ₹5 crore Titan Capital, Samir Sood, 2AM VC Hiring, GTM strategy, product development
    Qoruz Pre-Series A $500,000 The Chennai Angels Scaling influencer marketing platform
    Monetize360 Strategic/Seed Not disclosed Abyro Capital Product development, global market expansion
    Sai Parenterals Equity Funding ₹50 crore Samarsh Capital, Vyom Partners, Blue Lotus Expansion, M&A, manufacturing ramp-up
    Credit Wise Capital Series A ₹200 crore Trident Growth Partners and others Lending growth, tech expansion, AUM scale-up

    Linkrunner Raises INR 5 Cr Pre-Seed Led by Titan Capital

    AI app analytics startup Linkrunner raised INR 5 crore in a pre-seed round led by Titan Capital, with Samir Sood and 2am VC also participating. Founded by Shreyans Sancheti and Darshil Rathod, the Bengaluru-based company will use the funds for hiring, product innovation, and market entry.

    Qoruz Secures $500K from The Chennai Angels

    Influencer marketing platform Qoruz raised $500,000 in a pre-Series A round led by The Chennai Angels. The Chennai startup, working with over 1,000 brands, will use the funds to grow its enterprise offerings and reach. It’s targeting $30M ARR by 2026.

    Monetize360 Gets Strategic Backing from Abyro Capital

    SaaS startup Monetize360 received an undisclosed investment from Abyro Capital. The firm’s platform helps enterprises manage complex pricing models with no-code tools. Funds will boost product development and global go-to-market efforts.

    Sai Parenterals Raises INR 50 Cr for Expansion

    Pharma company Sai Parenterals secured INR 50 crore in equity from Samarsh Capital, Vyom Partners, and Blue Lotus Capital. The capital will support global expansion, manufacturing scale-up, and acquisitions. MD Anil Karusala confirmed a focus on regulated markets.

    Credit Wise Capital Raises INR 00 Cr Led by Trident Growth Partners

    NBFC Credit Wise Capital raised INR 200 crore in its Series A round, led by Trident Growth Partners (INR 120 crore). Founded by Aalesh Avlani and Gurpreet Singh Sodhi, the firm plans to triple its AUM from INR 645 crore, grow lending in smaller towns, and enhance its tech stack.

    Key News Highlights for 8 July 2025

    IIT Madras Launches INR 200 Cr VC Fund

    IIT Madras has launched an INR 200 crore venture fund to back deeptech startups founded by its alumni, students, and faculty. The fund aims to support 100 startups annually, with a vision of one IPO per month by 2032.

    Adani Power Completes INR 4,000 Cr VIPL Acquisition

    Adani Power has finalised its INR 4,000 crore acquisition of Vidarbha Industries Power. The deal adds 600 MW to Adani’s capacity, now totalling 18,150 MW, and aligns with its goal of reaching 30,000+ MW by 2030.

    Capgemini to Acquire WNS for $3.3 Billion

    French IT major Capgemini is acquiring Indian BPM firm WNS for $3.3 billion. The deal, offering a 17% premium to WNS shareholders, boosts Capgemini’s AI-led BPM capabilities and adds $1.2 billion in annual revenue.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 7 July 2025
    Here’s your roundup for 7 July 2025: Khetika raises $18 million, BigBasket appoints a new CFO, and Jio-BlackRock collects ₹17,800 crore in its maiden mutual fund offer.


  • Daily Brief – 7 July 2025: Khetika Raises $18M, BigBasket Gets New CFO, Jio-BlackRock Breaks ₹17,800 Cr Barrier

    Big moves and big money marked 7 July 2025. Khetika raised $18 million, BigBasket welcomed a new CFO, and Jio-BlackRock collected INR 17,800 crore in its first mutual fund offer. Here’s a quick look at all the key updates from the day.

    Daily Indian Funding Digest – 7 July 2025

    Startup Sector Funding Amount Round Lead Investor(s)
    InPrime Finserv Fintech / NBFC ₹50 crore (US $6.02 M) Series A1 Pravega Ventures; existing: Z47, InfoEdge Ventures, Kettleborough VC
    WiseLife Healthtech / D2C ₹8 crore Seed/Pre‑Series A Rukam Capital
    Khetika Food / Clean‑label D2C US $18 million (₹153 cr) Series B Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office, Anicut Capital (with Incofin, others)
    Divine Hindu D2C / Spiritual lifestyle ₹1.56 crore Seed BeyondSeed, D2C Insider Super Angels, Signal Ventures
    AMAMA D2C Jewellery US $1 million (Early-stage) Mistry Ventures LLP

    InPrime Finserv raised INR 50 Crore in Series A1

    InPrime Finserv has raised INR 50 crore (~US $6.02 million) in a Series A1 round led by Pravega Ventures, with participation from Z47, InfoEdge Ventures, and Kettleborough VC.

    Founded in 2021 by Sneh Thakur, Manish Raj, and Rajat Singh, the company focuses on providing credit to underserved “informal prime” customers, micro‑entrepreneurs, small retailers, and farmers. It has already served 7,500+ households and disbursed nearly INR 100 crore in loans. The round will help expand its reach across Bharat, targeting 50 locations over the next year.

    WiseLife raised INR 8 Crore from Rukam Capital

    WiseLife, a D2C wellness brand, has raised INR 8 crore in a Seed/Pre‑Series A round led by Rukam Capital. The company offers eco‑friendly yoga mats and fitness accessories, gained prominence via Shark Tank India Season 3, and has achieved nearly INR 9 crore in FY24 revenue. The new funding will support scaling distribution and product innovation.

    Khetika secured  $18 Million in Series B

    Mumbai-based clean-label food brand Khetika has secured $18 million (approx INR 153 crore) in its Series B round. The round was co-led by Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office and Anicut Capital, with continued participation from Incofin India Progress Fund, Rajasthan Gum, and Shree Ram India Gums. Funds will drive brand building, new manufacturing, product launches, and expansion into markets such as Europe, the Middle East, and the US.

    Divine Hindu raised INR 1.56 Crore Seed round

    D2C spiritual-lifestyle brand founded by Aniruddha and Anurodh Singhai, Divine Hindu has raised INR 1.56 crore in a Seed round. Investors include BeyondSeed, D2C Insider Super Angels, and Signal Ventures. The brand offers lab-tested spiritual products—Rudraksha, puja kits, brass idols and intends to expand across Indian e‑commerce and internationally while building a community around Hindu traditions.

    AMAMA secured $1 Million in funding

    AMAMA, the Delhi-based handcrafted jewellery label founded by Nikita Gupta, has raised $1 million in funding from Mistry Ventures LLP. AMAMA blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. It plans to use the funds to scale operations, expand its design team, open four new stores (Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi NCR), and explore international expansion.

    Key News Highlights for 7 July 2025

    Jio‑BlackRock Raises INR 17,800 Crore in Maiden Mutual Fund Offer

    JioBlackRock Asset Management, the 50:50 JV between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock, has raised INR 17,800 crore (~$2.1 billion) via its debut NFO across three cash/debt schemes over a three-day window. The offer drew support from 90+ institutional and over 67,000 retail investors, catapulting the firm into the top 15 AMCs by debt AUM.

    Square Yards to Raise INR 2,000 Crore via IPO at ₹15.2 Billion Valuation

    Real estate platform Square Yards plans to raise INR 2,000 crore through an IPO, valuing the company at approximately $1.5-2 billion. First reported by Entrackr, the capital raise aims to drive product investments, geographic expansion, and strengthen its technology platform. (Note: Details first reported by Entrackr on 7 July 2025.)

    Incuspaze Acquires Real‑Estate Analytics Firm VSKOUT

    Workspace solutions provider Incuspaze has acquired VSKOUT, a SaaS platform for commercial real estate analytics, via a cash and equity-swap deal. The merger marries Incuspaze’s 50-location, 4 million sq ft footprint with VSKOUT’s data intelligence, aiming to enhance site selection for enterprises and GCCs.

    Bombay High Court Quashes INR 170 Crore GST Demand Against Go Digit

    The Bombay High Court has set aside an INR 170.29 crore GST demand (INR 154.8 crore in tax, INR 15.48 crore in penalties) previously issued to Go Digit General Insurance, ordering a fresh adjudication in line with GST Council guidance. The ruling is seen as significant for the broader insurance sector and carries no immediate financial impact.

    bigbasket Appoints Manish Bajoria as Chief Financial Officer

    Tata‑backed online grocer bigbasket has appointed Manish Bajoria as its new Chief Financial Officer. Bajoria brings over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at Amazon, Hindustan Unilever, and, most recently Vini Cosmetics, and begins his tenure during BigBasket’s expansion into quick-commerce and smaller cities.

    Eternal Appoints Aditya Mangla as Food Delivery CEO

    Eternal (formerly Zomato) has appointed Aditya Mangla as CEO of its food‑ordering and delivery business, succeeding Rakesh Ranjan. Mangla, who joined in March 2021, has previously led supply, product, and customer‑experience functions.


    Indian Startup Funding Updates for 2025 (Updated Weekly)
    Get weekly updates on Indian startup funding for 2025! StartupTalky is here to provide you with a clear and simple overview of the latest funding news.


  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 4 July 2025: Lenskart Bets on XR, NoPaperForms Goes Public, Swiggy Stake Sale

    India’s corporate and startup ecosystem witnessed a mix of strategic moves, regulatory updates, and investor activity on 4 July 2025. While no startup funding rounds were disclosed today, developments like NoPaperForms preparing for a public listing, Citigroup offloading Swiggy shares, and Lenskart backing deep-tech innovation kept the day eventful. Here are the top business and startup highlights.

    Info Edge‑backed NoPaperForms converts into a public company

    NoPaperForms Solutions Private Limited, backed by Info Edge and parent of Meritto, has officially converted into a public limited company. The board has approved renaming it to NoPaperForms Solutions Limited, paving the way for a potential INR 500–600 crore IPO by the end of 2025.

    Citigroup sells INR 12.2 crore worth of Swiggy shares to BNP Paribas

    Citigroup Global Markets sold 3.2 lakh Swiggy shares at INR 381 each in a block deal to BNP Paribas Financial Markets, totalling approximately INR 12.2 crore. The transaction occurred today via BSE’s bulk deal platform.

    Lenskart invests in Mumbai‑based AjnaLens to build smart glasses

    IPO‑bound Lenskart has made an undisclosed strategic investment in deep‑tech startup AjnaLens, headquartered in Mumbai. The partnership aims to co‑develop AI-powered smart glasses, leveraging Lenskart’s engineering prowess and AjnaLens’ XR expertise.

    BlackBuck subsidiary receives PPI licence from RBI

    TZF Logistics Solutions Pvt Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of BlackBuck, has been granted a Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) licence by the RBI. This licence enables TZF to issue digital wallets aimed at simplifying payments for logistics players.

    EaseMyTrip co‑founder Prashant Pitti pledges ₹95 crore in shares

    Prashant Pitti, co‑founder and executive director of EaseMyTrip, has pledged 9 crore shares (worth approximately INR 95 crore) to Motilal Oswal Financial Services, per a filing made on 26 June 2025. The pledge is intended for personal use.

    Yum! Brands to mediate merger of Devyani & Sapphire franchisees

    Parent company Yum! Brands is reportedly facilitating a proposed merger between its Indian franchisees, Devyani International and Sapphire Foods. The deal could involve a 1:3 share swap, consolidating KFC and Pizza Hut operations under Devyani to boost synergies amid slowing growth. Initial clarification from both firms indicates “no material event” at this stage.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 3 July 2025
    Meesho files for IPO, GobbleCube secures $3.5M, Microsoft cuts jobs, and more key startup and funding news from India on 3 July 2025.


  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 3 July 2025: Meesho Files for IPO, GobbleCube Raises $3.5 Mn & More

    On 3rd July 2025, multiple early-stage startups announced fresh funding, marking strong momentum in pre-Series A and seed rounds. Here’s a breakdown of today’s top funding deals and key business news in India.

    Company Amount Raised Funding Stage Key Investors Sector
    GobbleCube $3.5 million Pre-Series A Info Edge Ventures Food Tech / AI
    Luma Fertility $4 million Seed Peak XV Partners, Surge (Sequoia) FemTech / Fertility
    Fes Café Undisclosed Seed Aakash Anand, Wolfpack Labs QSR / F&B
    Maieutic Semiconductor $4.15 million Seed Speciale Invest, Micron Ventures, others Semiconductor
    FitFeast ₹5.5 crore Seed Lead Angels, LV Angel Fund, Chandigarh Angels Health & Wellness

    GobbleCube raises $3.5 million in Pre‑Series A

    GobbleCube, founded in 2022 by Manas Gupta, Srikumar Nair and Nitesh Jindal, is an AI‑powered “growth copilot” for consumer brands. It has raised $3.5 million in a Pre‑Series A, led by Info Edge Ventures, with continued support from Kae Capital. The company has already achieved $2 million ARR in just nine months, serving over 200 brands including Reckitt, Tata Consumer, Nivea & Johnson & Johnson. The funds will go towards enhancing AI capabilities and accelerating global expansion.

    Luma Fertility secures $4 million seed round

    Luma Fertility, a Mumbai‑based femtech provider founded by Neha K. Motwani (founder of Fitternity), has raised $4 million in a seed round led by Peak XV’s Surge, with participation from Ameera Shah (Metropolis Healthcare) and Vijay Taparia (B2V Ventures). Luma offers IVF, egg & embryo freezing, fertility assessments and more, using AI-powered tools. The capital will help Luma to expand in Mumbai followed by expansion in other cities.

    FES Café raises INR 3 crore in seed funding

    FES Café, a dessert-led, eggless café chain founded by Vidur Mayor, has secured INR 3 crore in a seed round, led by Aakash Anand (Bella Vita Organic) and Wolfpack Labs. The Gurugram-based chain aims to launch in Delhi this July and expand to 100+ locations by FY 2027.

    Maieutic Semiconductor raises $4.15 million in seed round

    Bengaluru-based deep‑tech startup founded by Gireesh Rajendran, Ashish Lachhwani, Rakesh Kumar and Krishna Sankar, Maieutic Semiconductor has raised $4.15 million in seed funding, co-led by Endiya Partners and Exfinity Venture Partners. The round will strengthen their development of a generative‑AI copilot for analogue chip design, accelerate time-to-market, expand engineering headcount and enhance platform capabilities.

    FitFeast raises INR 5.5 crore in seed funding

    Gurugram-based protein-focused brand founded by Aditya Poddar, FitFeast, has secured INR 5.5 crore ($642K) in a seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures, with backing from cricketers Shane Watson and Axar Patel, and other investors including Raghav Singhal and Santosh Govindaraju. The funds will support the expansion of D2C operations, digital marketing and new product development.

    Key News Highlights for 3 July 2025

    Meesho confidentially files DRHP to raise $500 million(INR 4,250 crore)

    Bengaluru-based e‑commerce unicorn Meesho has confidentially submitted its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) to SEBI, seeking to raise INR 4,250 crore (approximately $497–500 million) via a primary share issue. The company, backed by Prosus, Elevation Capital, WestBridge, SoftBank, and Peak XV, aims to list by September-October 2025.

    MobiKwik secures SEBI nod to operate as stockbroker

    Payment‑wallet firm MobiKwik (One MobiKwik Systems Ltd.) has received SEBI approval for its subsidiary MobiKwik Securities Broking Pvt Ltd, allowing it to function as a registered stockbroker and clearing member for equity trades. The registration was granted on 1 July 2025, and MobiKwik’s shares rose ~2.5% on NSE after the announcement.

    Banga family to sell 2.1% stake in Nykaa (INR 1,200 crore / $150 million)

    Early Nykaa backers Harindarpal and Indra Banga plan a block deal to offload 2.1% of shares, amounting to roughly 60 million shares, at INR 200 per share (a 5–5.5% discount). The deal is valued at approximately INR 1,200 crore ($150 million).

    WEH Ventures exits Smallcase, returns entire 2017 Fund I

    VC firm WEH Ventures has fully exited its investment in fintech platform Smallcase, recouping INR 20 crore from its first fund and delivering an impressive 38% IRR. This marks a full return of capital and highlights a strong outcome from its early-stage investment strategy.

    Microsoft to slash 9,000 jobs (4% of workforce) amid AI pivot

    US tech giant Microsoft is set to reduce its global staff by approximately 9,000 roles, representing under 4% of its 228,000-strong workforce. These cuts span sales, engineering, Xbox and other divisions as the company streamlines management and reinforces its artificial intelligence strategy. Senior sales management is being replaced with more technical “solutions engineers”. Despite the layoffs, Q4 revenue reached $70 billion, with net income near $26 billion, driven by strong Azure cloud performance.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 2 July 2025
    Here’s a roundup of 2nd July’s top startup updates- CIMware raises $2.3M, IORA bags INR 8.5 Cr, Swiggy shuts Minis, Meesho open-sources AI tools & more.


  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 2 July 2025: CIMware Raises $2.3 Mn, Swiggy Shuts Minis & More

    Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top updates from the Indian startup ecosystem. This includes funding activity dated 2 July 2025 and key business developments across tech, fintech, and policy.

    Daily Indian Startup Funding Digest – 2 July 2025

    Company Funding Amount Type Lead Investor
    IORA Ecological Solutions ₹8.5 crore (~$1 million) Carbon-backed debt Caspian Impact Investments
    CIMware $2.3 million (~₹20 crore) Pre-Series A (equity) Transition VC

    IORA Ecological Solutions Raised INR 8.5 Crore from Caspian Impact Investments

    IORA Ecological Solutions has raised INR 8.5 crore in debt funding from Caspian Impact Investments, backed by the company’s future carbon credit earnings. This marks one of India’s first such carbon-credit-based debt deals. The funding will support the expansion of IORA’s MegCare project in Meghalaya, which helps 80,000 small farmers adopt agroforestry practices. IORA, founded in 2009 by Swapan Mehra, is also working with the Rabo Foundation and Rabobank’s ACORN platform to enable the carbon finance structure.

    CIMware Raised $2.3 Million in Pre-Series A from Transition VC

    CIMware, a startup building sustainable hardware for data centres, has secured $2.3 million in a Pre-Series A round led by Transition VC. The company’s core product, the Composable Infrastructure Module (CIM), combines compute, storage, and networking in a single rack unit and is designed for AI and high-performance workloads. The funds will be used to scale production, expand the R&D team, and support operations. CIMware was founded by Rajiv Ganth, a former executive at Intel, EMC, and CloudSimple, and plans to deploy the first batch of units in India by late 2025.

    Key News Highlights for 2 July 2025

    Meesho Open‑sources BharatMLStack Components

    Meesho has open‑sourced key parts of its in‑house machine‑learning infrastructure, known as BharatMLStack, starting with its online feature store. These tools, previously used internally to support large‑scale ML workloads, are now available for broader use, helping Indian and global tech teams accelerate their AI efforts.

    Swiggy to Shut Down Minis by 10 August

    Swiggy has informed sellers that it will discontinue its “Minis” storefront platform by 10 August 2025. Launched in late 2022, Minis allowed small businesses to run commission‑free e‑stores via Swiggy. The decision reflects Swiggy’s move to streamline operations and focus on its core food‑delivery and quick‑commerce business.

    Kissht Converts to Public Entity, Begins IPO Journey

    Fintech startup Kissht has officially converted into a public limited company, marking its first formal step towards a potential IPO. The resolution to change its corporate structure was passed by shareholders on 17 June 2025, laying the groundwork for a public listing.

    Government Allows Cab Aggregators to Surge‑Price Up to 2×

    Under the new Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved dynamic pricing of up to twice the base fare during peak hours for platforms like Uber, Ola and Rapido. Non‑peak fares must remain at least 50 % of base. The change also mandates a cancellation fee and ensures drivers receive 80 % of fares per ride.

    Infosys Advocates Work‑Life Balance After Murthy’s 70‑Hour Push

    Following co‑founder Narayana Murthy’s comments endorsing a 70‑hour workweek, Infosys has launched an internal campaign encouraging employees to limit overtime. The firm is monitoring remote‑work hours, sending personalised reminders, and reinforcing the importance of health and well‑being.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 1 July 2025
    Here’s a quick look at the top startup funding deals and key business updates from across India and the global tech world.


  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 1 July 2025: Shadowfax Files IPO, Bambrew Bags ₹90 Crore & More

    Here’s a quick look at the top startup funding deals and key business updates from across India and the global tech world. From fresh investments to IPO filings and major policy shifts, we bring you everything important that happened today.

    Daily Indian Startup Funding Digest – 1 July 2025

    Company Round & Amount Lead Investor(s) Sector
    Astrophel Aerospace Pre‑seed – ₹6.84 Cr (~$800k) Angel consortium Space‑tech launch vehicles
    Garaaz Seed – ₹4.55 Cr (~$530k) GVFL Automotive parts e‑commerce
    Bambrew Strategic – ₹90 Cr (~$10.3m) Ashok Goel, Enrission India Capital Sustainable packaging
    AppsForBharat (Sri Mandir) Series C – ₹175 Cr ($20m) Susquehanna Asia VC et al. Devotional‑tech
    Loopworm Pre‑Series A – $3.25 m WaterBridge Ventures, Enrission India Capital Insect‑derived proteins
    Lamark Biotech Pre‑Series A – ₹6.5 Cr IAN Group (incl. BioAngels et al.) Thermostable biologics
    Zango AI Seed – $4.8 m Nexus Venture Partners et al. AI‑based reg‑tech
    Eeki Series A – $7 m Sixth Sense Ventures Agritech (pesticide‑free cultivation)
    FincFriends Debt – $11.5 m Undisclosed lenders Fintech/NBFC digital lending

    Astrophel Aerospace raised INR 6.84 crore in pre-seed funding

    The Pune-based space-tech startup, Astrophel Aerospace, secured INR 6.84 crore in a pre-seed round from angel investors. Astrophel is developing a reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle and aims to bring down the cost of satellite launches. The startup has already fired a semi-cryogenic engine and is working with ISRO under an MoU.

    Garaaz raised INR 4.55 crore in a seed round led by GVFL

    Jaipur-based Garaaz, an auto-tech platform enabling the discovery and delivery of genuine spare parts, raised INR 4.55 crore in a seed round led by GVFL. The funds will be used to scale technology, expand logistics, and strengthen its marketplace serving workshops and distributors.

    Bambrew secured INR 90 crore in strategic funding

    Sustainable packaging startup Bambrew, based in Bengaluru, raised INR 90 crore from Ashok Goel and Enrission India Capital. The company manufactures biodegradable packaging using bamboo, bagasse, and seaweed, and plans to expand into international markets and build new manufacturing capacity.

    AppsForBharat (Sri Mandir) raised INR 175 crore in the Series C round

    The parent company of devotional-tech platform Sri Mandir raised INR 175 crore in a Series C round led by Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital, with participation from Peak XV, Elevation Capital, and Fundamentum. The app offers virtual pujas, prasad delivery, and has seen over 4 crore installs.

    Loopworm raised $3.25 million in pre-Series A funding

    Biomanufacturing startup Loopworm, which uses insects like silkworms to produce functional proteins for diagnostics and animal nutrition, raised $3.25 million in a pre-Series A round co-led by WaterBridge Ventures and Enrission India Capital.

    Lamark Biotech raised INR 6.5 crore in a pre-Series A round

    Ahmedabad-based Lamark Biotech develops thermostable biologics that do not require cold-chain transport. The INR 6.5 crore round was led by IAN Group, BioAngels, and several prominent angel investors and will help advance the firm’s proprietary formulations for insulin and antibodies.

    Zango AI raised $4.8 million in a seed round

    Zango AI, an AI-native reg-tech startup with operations in Bengaluru and San Francisco, raised $4.8 million in a seed round led by Nexus Venture Partners. The company is building LLM-powered tools to help financial institutions manage compliance, risk, and governance more effectively.

    Eeki raised $7 million in Series A funding

    Agritech company Eeki, which builds hydroponic farms for pesticide-free vegetables, raised $7 million from Sixth Sense Ventures. It operates a franchise-led model and supplies produce to retailers, aiming to scale sustainable farming across India.

    FincFriends raised $11.5 million in debt funding

    FincFriends NBFI Ltd., the lending arm of fintech platform RupeeRedee, secured $11.5 million in debt from undisclosed institutional lenders. The Gurugram-based company plans to use the funds to expand its short-term digital loan offerings targeting underserved borrowers.

    Key News Highlights for 1 July 2025

    Flipkart-backed Shadowfax files confidential DRHP

    Flipkart‑backed hyperlocal logistics provider, Shadowfax Technologies, has submitted a confidential Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) to SEBI, seeking to raise INR 2,000–2,500 crore through a mix of fresh issuance and an offer-for-sale by existing investors such as Flipkart, Eight Roads Ventures, TPG and NGP Capital.

    GIC secures CCI approval to buy stake in IPO-bound Groww

    Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, through its Viggo Investment subsidiary, has received Competition Commission of India (CCI) consent to acquire a 2.14% stake in Bengaluru‑based fintech firm Groww, ahead of its anticipated IPO.

    Rapido pilots ‘Ownly’ food delivery app in Bengaluru

    Rapido is launching a pilot of its Ownly food delivery app in Bengaluru’s Koramangala, HSR Layout and Sarjapur within the next 8-10 days, targeting a 10-city rollout by July 2026. Ownly will offer zero or lower commissions (8–15%), with a flat, three-tier delivery fee structure, intended to be more restaurant-friendly and competitive versus Swiggy and Zomato.

    Amazon deploys one millionth robot and launches DeepFleet AI

    Amazon Robotics has deployed its one millionth warehouse robot, now nearing parity with its human workforce. Concurrently, it launched DeepFleet, a generative‑AI foundation model (built on AWS/SageMaker) that coordinates its robotic fleet, improving travel-time efficiency by 10%, expediting delivery, cutting costs, and reducing congestion. The company has also upskilled over 700,000 employees since 2019 to work alongside automation.

    Meta mandates SEBI verification for investment ads from 31 July

    Meta has announced that from 31 July 2025, all securities and investment‑related advertisements on Facebook and Instagram targeting Indian users must display verified SEBI registration details. This measure aims to curb fraudulent “finfluencers”. Ads from unverified entities will undergo a two‑day review process.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 30 June 2025
    Indian startups raised major funding on 30 June 2025. Highlights include Jumbotail’s unicorn milestone, Infra.Market’s $150M debt round, and Torrent Pharma’s ₹25,689 Cr deal to acquire JB Pharma.


  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 30 June 2025: Infra.Market Bags $150M, Jumbotail Turns Unicorn, Torrent Pharma Strikes ₹25,689 Cr Deal

    Indian startups raised fresh funding across various sectors on 30 June 2025. From large growth rounds to early-stage deals, the day saw strong investor interest in infra-tech, agri-tech, AI, and more. Here’s a quick look at the companies that secured funding.

    Daily Indian Startup Funding Digest – 30 June 2025

    Startup Amount Raised Funding Round Lead Investor(s) Sector
    Infra.Market $150 million Debt Mars Growth Capital & Liquidity Group InfraTech
    Eggoz $20 million Series C Omnivore, NABVENTURES, others AgriTech (Eggs)
    Aukera $15 million Series A Peak XV Partners Lab-Grown Diamonds
    Jumbotail $120 million Series D Invus, Nexus Venture Partners B2B E-commerce
    Blostem ₹4 crore Seed AC Ventures B2B fintech infra

    Infra.Market Raises $150 Million in Debt from Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group

    B2B construction solutions platform, Infra.Market has secured $150 million in debt financing. The funding came through a partnership between Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group, aimed at fuelling Infra.Market’s expansion into global markets and supporting its working capital needs. The company, already a unicorn, continues to be a key player in India’s infrastructure tech space.

    Eggoz Nutrition Closes $20 Million Series C Round

    Brand offering farm-fresh eggs with a tech-integrated supply chain, Eggoz Nutrition raised $20 million in its Series C round. The round was co-led by Omnivore and NABVENTURES, with participation from existing backers Avaana Capital, Bellerive Capital, and others. Eggoz aims to expand its footprint across India and enhance cold-chain logistics.

    Aukera Secures $15 Million in Series A Funding Led by Peak XV Partners

    Aukera, a lab-grown diamond brand targeting global luxury buyers, raised $15 million in a Series A round led by Peak XV Partners. The funds will be utilised to strengthen product innovation, grow global brand presence, and build direct-to-consumer channels. This marks a significant boost for India’s emerging sustainable luxury sector.

    Jumbotail Becomes Unicorn After $120 Million Series D Round

    B2B e-commerce platform Jumbotail has entered the unicorn club following a $120 million Series D funding round. The round was led by Invus, with continued participation from Nexus Venture Partners, Kalaari Capital, Arkam Ventures, and others. Jumbotail enables grocery and FMCG supply for kirana stores across India.

    Blostem Raises INR 4 Cr in Seed Round Led by AC Ventures

    Blostem, a B2B fintech infra startup for fixed deposit distribution, raised INR 4 crore in seed funding. The round was led by AC Ventures, with participation from Mobikwik and Kapil Bharti of Delhivery. The startup enables digital FDs via a single API and plans to expand its savings product offerings.

    Key News Highlights – 30 June 2025

    MobiKwik Appoints Saurabh Dwivedi as CTO, Dhruv Wadhera as SVP

    Fintech firm MobiKwik has announced two key leadership changes.

    • Saurabh Dwivedi has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
    • Dhruv Wadhera has been elevated to Senior Vice President (SVP), Marketing and Growth.

    These appointments aim to strengthen MobiKwik’s tech and marketing leadership as it prepares for further growth in the digital finance space.

    Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal Plans Regional Aviation Venture with LAT Aerospace

    Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal is reportedly venturing into regional aviation in partnership with LAT Aerospace. The new airline is said to focus on improving air connectivity in underserved Indian regions. This is a separate initiative by Goyal and not linked directly to Zomato.

    Torrent Pharma to Acquire Controlling Stake in JB Pharma at INR 25,689 Crore Valuation

    Torrent Pharmaceuticals will acquire a controlling stake in JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd (JB Pharma). The deal values JB Pharma at ₹25,689 crore, and the stake will be bought from KKR & Co. This acquisition marks one of the biggest deals in India’s pharmaceutical sector this year.

    Starlink (SpaceX) and Amazon’s Project Kuiper have signed their first satellite broadband agreements with Indian entities. This marks a major step ahead of the Indian government’s expected satellite spectrum allocation. These early agreements will help both companies begin the groundwork for satellite internet rollout in India.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 27 June 2025
    Here’s a quick look at the latest startup fundings and key news highlights from across India on 27 June 2025.


  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 27 June 2025: ZILO, Agilitas Raise Funds; Wakefit IPO Progress in Focus

    Here’s a quick look at the latest startup fundings and key news highlights from across India on 27 June 2025.

    Daily Indian Startup Funding Digest – 27 June 2025

    Company Investment Investors Use of Funds
    ZILO $4.5 million Info Edge Ventures (lead), Chiratae Ventures Enhance supply‑chain, scale beyond Mumbai, expand inventory to ~100,000 styles
    Agilitas ₹40 crore ($4.8 million) – tranche 1 Virat Kohli (personal investment) Build sports manufacturing & retail vertical, include Kohli’s One8 brand, deepen Kohli’s involvement

    ZILO Raises $4.5 Million to Scale 60-Minute Fashion Delivery

    Quick fashion delivery startup ZILO has raised $4.5 million in seed funding led by Info Edge Ventures and Chiratae Ventures. Founded by Padmakumar Pal and Bhavik Jhaveri, the Mumbai-based company aims to expand beyond the city, enhance its hybrid supply chain, and scale its catalogue to nearly 100,000 styles. The platform promises 60-minute delivery and partners with over 250 fashion brands.

    Virat Kohli Invests INR 40 Crore in Agilitas, Joins as Strategic Partner

    Cricketer Virat Kohli has invested INR 40 crore in Bengaluru-based Agilitas, founded by ex-Puma MD Abhishek Ganguly. The investment marks the first tranche of Kohli’s involvement, with plans to integrate his brand One8 and take on a strategic role. Agilitas aims to build a fully integrated sports retail and manufacturing platform and has previously acquired Mochiko Shoes and Lotto India rights.


    Virat Kohli Teams Up with Agilitas in a Game-Changing Deal
    Indian Premier League winner Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has partnered with sports goods manufacturer Agilitas after his contract with Puma was over. A media house cited sources indicating that Kohli is thought to have contributed INR 40 crore to the initial instalment. Notably, Abhishek Ganguly, the former head


    Key News Highlights – 27 June 2025

    Flipkart Launches New Seller Success Programme

    Flipkart has rolled out its New Seller Success Programme, offering first-time sellers 60 days of complimentary onboarding support, covering cataloguing, order fulfilment and pricing tools. The initiative, launched earlier this year, already shows promising results in empowering small and regional merchants to better navigate and grow on its platform.

    Wakefit Files DRHP, Narrows FY24 Losses Dramatically

    D2C furniture and mattress brand Wakefit has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) for an IPO aimed at INR 468.2 crore, combining a fresh issue and offer-for-sale. In FY24, the company narrowed its loss sharply to INR 15 crore, down from ₹145.7 crore, while revenues grew 21.9% to ₹986.4 crore.

    Pine Labs Chief Earns ₹9.5 Crore & Gets 2.3 Crore ESOPs Ahead of IPO

    Fintech firm Pine Labs CEO Amrish Rau received ₹9.5 crore in total compensation for FY25, including salary, bonuses and ESOP gains, along with 2.3 crore ESOPs, as outlined in its DRHP. The company, which aims to raise around INR 2,600 crore in its upcoming IPO, will use proceeds for international expansion, tech development and debt reduction.


    Jio BlackRock Broking Secures SEBI Nod; JFS Shares Jump ~4%

    Jio BlackRock Broking, the JV between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock, has received SEBI approval to begin operations as a stockbroker and clearing member in India. The licence complements its existing asset management and advisory units, and the news prompted a 4–5% rise in Jio Financial’s stock.

    JSW Paints to Acquire 74.76% Stake in Akzo Nobel India for INR 8,986 Crore

    JSW Paints has signed definitive agreements to acquire a 74.76% stake in Akzo Nobel India (maker of Dulux) for up to INR 8,986 crore, valuing the business at INR 12,000 crore. The deal, awaiting CCI approval and followed by an open offer, elevates JSW to the fourth-largest player in India’s ₹80–90 thousand crore paints market.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 26 June 2025
    On 26 June 2025, Indian startups raised big funds. Raphe mPhibr got $100 million, Wiom $40 million, and ShopOS $20 million. At the same time, Pine Labs filed for an IPO and Net1 exited MobiKwik with a loss. The day saw strong investor interest and key shifts in the startup space.