Explore top STARTUP-STORIES Updates !!
STARTUP-STORIES
Byju’s Founder Clarifies Use of $1.2 Billion Loan for Business Expansion
In a recent disclosure to the US Bankruptcy Court, Byju Raveendran, founder of the troubled edtech giant Byju’s, has defended the use of the company’s $1.2 billion term loan obtained from US lenders. ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Spry Therapeutics Secures $15M to Transform Physical Therapy Market with SaaS Solutions
Spry Therapeutics, a Pune-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) company focused on physical healthcare centers, has secured $15 million in a funding round led by Flourish Ventures. Existing investors, in...
STARTUP-STORIES
Nayan Tech Secures $2 Million to Revolutionize Road Safety with AI and IoT Solutions
Nayan Tech, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven startup focused on road safety and traffic monitoring, has raised $2 million in a funding round led by Beenext. Other participants in the round inclu...
STARTUP-STORIES
Mstack Secures $40 Million to Revolutionize Specialty Chemicals Market
Specialty chemical startup Mstack has successfully raised $40 million (approximately Rs 335 crore) in a funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Alpha Wave Global. The round also included ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Bengaluru-based Furnishka Secures ₹27 Crore in Pre-Series A Funding to Revolutionize Indian Furniture Market
Bengaluru-based furniture retailer Furnishka has successfully closed its pre-Series A funding round, securing ₹27 crore. This round was led by India Quotient and saw participation from prominent inves...
STARTUP-STORIES
First Coffee Secures $1.2M in Funding Led by Beenext: Expanding India’s Specialty Coffee Scene
First Coffee, a grab-and-go specialty coffee brand, has successfully raised $1.2 million in a funding round led by Beenext, a venture fund focused on South Asia and India. The round saw participation ...
STARTUP-STORIES
CoRover AI Secures $4 Million in Series A Funding to Expand AI-Powered Conversational Solutions
Bengaluru-based CoRover AI, the creator of BharatGPT, has raised $4 million in a Series A funding round led by Venture Catalysts, alongside participation from several other investors including CanBank...
STARTUP-STORIES
Tuco Intelligent Raises $2 Million in Seed Funding to Revolutionize Kids’ Personal Care Market
Tuco Intelligent, a rising star in the kids’ personal care industry, has secured $2 million in seed funding in a round led by Fireside Ventures and Whiteboard Capital. This funding will help the brand...
STARTUP-STORIES
Health-tech Startup Qure.AI Secures $65 Million in Series D Funding to Revolutionize Healthcare with AI-Powered Disease Detection
Indian health-tech startup Qure.AI has raised an impressive $65 million in its Series D funding round, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and 360 ONE Asset Management. The funds will be used to fuel t...
STARTUP-STORIES
Pepsales Secures $1.1 Million in Funding to Revolutionize B2B SaaS Demos with AI-Powered Platform
Pepsales, a cutting-edge software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed for sales teams, has successfully raised $1.1 million in its latest funding round. The round was led by the renowned venture cap...
STARTUP-STORIES
M2P Fintech Nears Unicorn Status with $80 Million Funding Round Led by Helios Investment Partners
M2P Fintech, a leading software services provider for banks, is on the verge of closing a new funding round, raising approximately $80 million through a combination of primary and secondary transactio...
STARTUP-STORIES
Aye Finance to Raise ₹250 Crore in Funding Round Led by ABC Impact
Gurugram-based non-banking finance company, Aye Finance, is gearing up for its latest funding round, which is set to raise ₹250 crore. This round is led by ABC Impact, a Singapore-based impact investm...
STARTUP-STORIES
z21 Ventures Raises $20M in First Close of Second Fund to Support Early-Stage Startups
Early-stage investment firm z21 Ventures has raised $20 million in the first close of its $40 million second fund, with WestBridge Capital as the anchor investor. The firm, which supports technology s...
STARTUP-STORIES
Vahan Secures $10 Million to Expand AI Recruitment for Blue-Collar Workforce
Recruitment platform Vahan has raised $10 million in a funding round led by existing investor Khosla Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator, Gaingels, and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. T...
STARTUP-STORIES
NowPurchase Raises $6M to Expand SaaS Marketplace for Metal Manufacturers
Kolkata-based NowPurchase, a SaaS-enabled marketplace for metal manufacturers, has raised $6 million in a funding round led by existing investor Info Edge Ventures. The round, a mix of equity and debt...
STARTUP-STORIES
Kaleidofin Secures $13.8M Funding to Strengthen Financial Services for India’s Rural Economy
Financial services provider Kaleidofin has raised $13.8 million (Rs 115.5 crore) in a funding round led by Rabo Partnerships, a subsidiary of Rabobank Group focused on financial inclusion and rural de...
STARTUP-STORIES
Women-Focused Health Startup Newmi Care Secures $1.5 Million Seed Funding, Eyes Expansion
Newmi Care, a women-focused health and wellness startup, has successfully raised $1.5 million (Rs 12.6 crore) in seed funding. The round was led by Sprout Venture Partners, with participation from a f...
STARTUP-STORIES
Flexiloans Raises ₹290 Crore in Equity Funding to Fuel Growth in Digital Lending
Mumbai-based digital lending startup Flexiloans has secured ₹290 crore (approximately $35 million) in an equity funding round, marking another significant step in its expansion. The funding round was ...
STARTUP-STORIES
InMobi Secures $100M Debt Financing from MARS Growth Capital Ahead of Planned Public Listing
In a strategic move to fuel its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, InMobi, a SoftBank-backed adtech leader, has raised $100 million in debt financing. The funding was secured from MARS Growth ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Gurugram-based Wealthtech Startup Centricity Raises $20M in Seed Funding
In a significant move within India's wealthtech landscape, Centricity, a Gurugram-based startup, has successfully raised $20 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Lightspeed India Part...
STARTUP-STORIES
Nestasia Secures $8.35 Million to Expand Offline Stores and Launch New Categories
Home decor and lifestyle brand Nestasia has raised $8.35 million in a funding round led by Susquehanna Asia VC, Stellaris Venture Partners, and other angel investors. The capital will be used to fuel ...
STARTUP-STORIES
AppsForBharat Raises $18 Million to Expand Devotional Platform Sri Mandir
AppsForBharat, the parent company of the devotion platform Sri Mandir, has secured $18 million in a funding round led by Fundamentum, with participation from Susquehanna Asia VC and existing investors...
STARTUP-STORIES
Clean Electric Raises $6 Million to Revolutionize EV Battery Technology
Pune-based startup Clean Electric, known for developing fast-charging battery technology, has secured $6 million in a funding round co-led by Info Edge Ventures, Pi Ventures, and Kalaari Capital, with...
STARTUP-STORIES
PhysicsWallah Nears $150 Million Funding Round, Valuation Set to Soar to $2.8 Billion
PhysicsWallah is on the verge of a major funding boost, as the Noida-based edtech unicorn is finalizing a $150 million funding round led by Asian hedge fund Hornbill Orchid. The deal is expected to el...
STARTUP-STORIES
Hangyo Ice Cream Secures ₹211 Crore Investment from Faering Capital to Fuel Growth
Mangaluru-based Hangyo Ice Cream has successfully raised approximately ₹211 crore from private equity firm Faering Capital. This significant funding injection will empower Hangyo to enhance its produc...
STARTUP-STORIES
Delhi NCR Auto and Taxi Drivers Strike for Two Days to Protest Against Ola and Uber
On Thursday morning, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced significant transportation disruptions as auto and taxi drivers began a two-day strike. The strike, organized by the Delhi ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Former Tech Mahindra Executive Jagdish Mitra Launches Humanize: A Generative AI SaaS Startup
Jagdish Mitra, the former head of Tech Mahindra India, launched Humanize, a groundbreaking SaaS startup harnessing generative AI and low code/no code (LCNC) technologies. This venture marks Mitra’s bo...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zomato Acquires Paytm’s Movie Ticketing and Events Business for ₹2,048 Crore in All-Cash Deal
In a strategic move to diversify beyond food delivery, Zomato has announced its acquisition of Paytm’s movie ticketing and events business for ₹2,048 crore in an all-cash deal. This acquisition marks ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Bluestone Raises Rs 900 Crore, Doubling Valuation Ahead of IPO
Jewellery retailer Bluestone has successfully closed a significant Rs 900-crore financing round, catapulting its valuation to $970 million (approximately Rs 8,100 crore). This latest round marks a piv...
STARTUP-STORIES
Titan Capital Secures Rs 200 Crore Fund to Boost Support for Portfolio Startups
Titan Capital, the seed-stage investment firm co-founded by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, has successfully raised Rs 200 crore for its latest initiative, the Titan Capital Winners Fund. This marks the ...
STARTUP-STORIES
TransBnk Lands $4 Million in Funding from 8i Ventures to Accelerate Global Expansion
Mumbai-based fintech startup TransBnk has successfully raised $4 million (approximately ₹34 crore) in its latest funding round, marking a significant milestone for the company. The round, spearheaded ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Mobikwik Reports Strong FY24 Performance with Rs 14 Crore Profit
Mobikwik, the Gurugram-based fintech firm, has reported a remarkable financial turnaround for FY24, posting a net profit of Rs 14 crore. This is a significant rebound from the Rs 80.6 crore loss repor...
STARTUP-STORIES
Luggage brand Uppercase Secures $9 Million from Accel, Achieves $60 Million Valuation
Venture capital powerhouse Accel has made a significant move in the consumer retail space by investing $9 million in Uppercase, a new-age luggage maker. This investment nearly doubles Uppercase's valu...
STARTUP-STORIES
Volt VC Unveils New Fund to Support Early-Stage Startups in India
On Wednesday, Volt VC, an emerging micro venture capital firm based in Ahmedabad, made headlines with the official launch of its inaugural fund. Named Volt VC Fund-1, the new initiative is set to sign...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ankur Capital Secures ₹1,200 Crore Target for Third Fund with Strong Support from British International Investment and MacArthur Foundation
Ankur Capital, a prominent early-stage venture investor specializing in agritech, climate solutions, and deeptech, has successfully garnered new capital commitments from its long-standing partners, Br...
STARTUP-STORIES
FlexiLoans Secures INR 75 Crore in Debt Funding from JM Financials, Bolstering SME Lending
FlexiLoans, a prominent fintech startup specializing in loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has successfully secured INR 75 crore (approximately $9 million) in debt funding from JM Financia...
STARTUP-STORIES
Lenskart Seeks Top D2C Entrepreneurs to Innovate and Build Next-Gen Eyewear Brands
India’s leading eyewear retailer, Lenskart, is on the hunt for three dynamic entrepreneurs to join the company as Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR). This new initiative aims to develop the next generat...
STARTUP-STORIES
Texas Instruments Secures $1.6 Billion for New Facilities: A Major Boost for U.S. Semiconductor Production
On Friday, Texas Instruments (TI) announced a significant boost to its manufacturing capabilities with a $1.6 billion funding award from the U.S. Commerce Department. This investment, part of the US C...
STARTUP-STORIES
Bernstein Forecasts Paytm's Profitability by 2027, Suggests Acquisition by Banks or Corporates as Key to Upside
In a recent analysis, Bernstein has set an ambitious target price of Rs 600 per share for Paytm, forecasting that the fintech giant will achieve profitability by the fiscal year 2026-27. However, the ...
STARTUP-STORIES
luxury men’s brand Halden Secures ₹5 Crore in Seed Funding for Expansion and Innovation
Mumbai-based luxury men’s brand Halden has achieved a significant milestone by raising ₹5 crore in a seed funding round, with Prajay Advisors leading the investment. This substantial capital injection...
STARTUP-STORIES
Krutrim's Bold Vision: AI Chip Launch by 2026 Revealed by Bhavish Aggarwal
In a groundbreaking announcement at the Ola Sankalp 2024 event, Bhavish Aggarwal, co-founder and CEO of Ola Cabs, unveiled the ambitious roadmap for Krutrim, the innovative AI startup he founded. Krut...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ola's Rebranding to Ola Consumer Marks Major Service Expansion
In a bold move marking a new chapter, Ola, India’s prominent mobility platform, has officially rebranded from Ola Cabs to Ola Consumer. The announcement, made by CEO Bhavish Aggarwal during the compan...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ecom Express Submits Rs 2,600-Crore IPO Filing to SEBI
Logistics giant Ecom Express has revealed its plans to raise nearly Rs 2,600 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The company has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Secu...
STARTUP-STORIES
Lightspeed Venture Partners to Lead $150 Million Funding Round for PhysicsWallah
Lightspeed Venture Partners is preparing to lead a significant $150 million funding round for PhysicsWallah, the edtech platform founded by Alakh Pandey. This deal comes at a challenging time for Indi...
STARTUP-STORIES
BabyOrgano Secures Rs 6 Crore Seed Funding to Fuel Growth and Expansion
BabyOrgano, a prominent name in children’s personal care, has successfully closed its seed funding round, raising Rs 6 crore. This round was led by Sauce Consumer Fund III and saw continued support fr...
STARTUP-STORIES
Google Expands AI Overviews in Search to Six New Countries, Including India
Google has announced a major expansion of its AI Overviews in Search feature, rolling it out to six new countries, including India. The update, which will be gradually introduced over the coming weeks...
STARTUP-STORIES
Oyo Acquires Paris-Based Checkmyguest in Rs 230 Crore Deal
Hospitality unicorn Oyo has announced a significant expansion with the acquisition of Checkmyguest, a Paris-based platform specializing in managing rental properties, including homestays and luxury ap...
STARTUP-STORIES
Loginext Solutions Sells Assets to US Entity for $250K After $50 Million Funding
Loginext Solutions, a logistics software-as-a-service (SaaS) startup supported by Tiger Global and Steadview Capital, has entered liquidation, selling its assets to Delaware-based Stellation Inc for j...
STARTUP-STORIES
Optiemus Infracom Aims to Raise Rs 400 Crore for Manufacturing Expansion and New Product Lines
Optiemus Infracom, a leading player in the wearables and telecom equipment sector, is set to make a major move in its expansion strategy. The company plans to raise approximately Rs 400 crore through ...
STARTUP-STORIES
AI firm Fractal Launches Vaidya.ai, India’s First Advanced Medical LLM
Fractal, a leading AI firm, has launched Vaidya.ai, India's first multimodal medical language model (LLM) designed to assist users with diagnosis, treatment, and medical advice. This groundbreaking AI...
STARTUP-STORIES
Syfe Secures $27 Million in Funding to Boost Growth and Innovation
Syfe, a leading investment platform based in Singapore, has successfully raised $27 million in equity funding from a notable group of existing investors. This latest funding round saw participation fr...
STARTUP-STORIES
Aris Infra Plans ₹600 Crore IPO: Draft Papers Filed with SEBI
Mumbai, India — Aris Infra, a cutting-edge platform for construction material procurement, has submitted a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), a...
STARTUP-STORIES
Flexiloans Aims to Raise $35 Million in New Equity Round to Boost Valuation
Flexiloans, a prominent digital lending platform for small businesses, is in advanced discussions with global and domestic investors to secure approximately ₹300 crore ($35 million) in a new equity ro...
STARTUP-STORIES
Six Sense Mobility Secures ₹6 Crore in Seed Funding to Accelerate Smart Mobility Innovations
Six Sense Mobility, a pioneering deep-tech smart mobility company, has successfully raised ₹6 crore in a seed funding round led by Piper Serica VC, an angel investment firm based in Mumbai. This lates...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zepto Set to Raise $310 Million, Valuation Soars to $5 Billion Amidst Quick-Commerce Surge
Zepto, the rapidly growing quick-commerce firm, is gearing up for a major funding boost as it seeks to raise an additional $310 million, propelling its valuation to an impressive $5 billion. This mark...
STARTUP-STORIES
Reliance-Disney Merger: Companies Propose Regional Channel Sales to Secure CCI Approval While Defending Cricket Rights
In a bid to secure faster antitrust approval for their monumental $8.5 billion merger, Reliance and Walt Disney are offering to divest several TV channels. However, they are resisting any changes to t...
STARTUP-STORIES
Fashor Secures $5 Million Funding to Revolutionize Indian Ethnic Wear Market
Fashor, the innovative ethnic wear brand, has just announced a significant boost to its growth ambitions with a $5 million funding round led by early-stage venture capital firm Blume Ventures. This ne...
STARTUP-STORIES
Vayana Secures $20.5 Million in Series D Funding to Transform Trade Finance
Vayana, a leading trade finance platform, has successfully raised $20.5 million in a Series D funding round, led by the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Asia Rising Fund. This significant in...
STARTUP-STORIES
Beco Secures $10 Million Funding from Tanglin Venture Partners for Expansion in Home and Personal Care Market
In a notable development for the eco-friendly consumer goods sector, Beco, a Mumbai-based home and personal care brand, has successfully raised $10 million in its latest funding round. Led by Tanglin ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Honasa Consumer’s BBlunt Achieves Rs 100 Crore ARR Milestone, Reflecting 4X Growth Since Acquisition
Honasa Consumer, the powerhouse behind the popular beauty and personal care brand Mamaearth, has announced a significant achievement for its hair care segment. BBlunt, acquired in February 2022, has s...
STARTUP-STORIES
EyeROV Secures Rs 10 Crore Funding to Propel Global Expansion and Advance Marine Robotics
EyeROV, a pioneering developer of underwater drones, has successfully raised Rs 10 crore (approximately $1.2 million) in a funding round led by Unicorn India Ventures. This substantial investment mark...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ather Energy Enters Unicorn Club with $71 Million Investment from NIIF
Electric scooter manufacturer Ather Energy has reached a significant milestone, joining the elite unicorn club following a substantial funding boost. The company has secured Rs 600 crore ($71 million)...
STARTUP-STORIES
Skydo secures $5 Million in Funding from Elevation Capital to Accelerate Cross-Border Payment Solutions
In a major boost for the cross-border payment landscape, Skydo, the innovative startup dedicated to streamlining international transactions, has successfully raised $5 million in its latest equity rou...
STARTUP-STORIES
Healthcare and Tech Startups 4baseCare Secures $6 Million to Advance Personalized Cancer Care
4baseCare, a pioneering healthcare startup, has successfully raised $6 million (approximately Rs 50 crore) in a funding round led by Yali Capital. This capital injection will be used to enhance the co...
STARTUP-STORIES
Metadome.ai Raises $6.5 Million to Revolutionize Extended Reality Experiences
Metadome.ai, an innovative startup in the extended reality (XR) space, has successfully raised $6.5 million in a recent funding round. The investment was led by Siana Capital and Chiratae Ventures, wi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Kazam EV Tech Secures $8 Million in Funding to Boost Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions
Kazam EV Tech, a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has successfully raised $8 million in a recent funding round. The round was led by Vertex Ventures, with participation from existin...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ritesh Agarwal Invests Rs 830 Crore in OYO's Latest Funding Round
Ritesh Agarwal's Major InvestmentRitesh Agarwal, Founder of OYO, has significantly bolstered the company's finances by investing Rs 830 crore through his Singapore-based entity, Patient Capital. This ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Neo Group Raises Rs 400 Crore in Equity Funding from MUFG Bank and Euclidean Capital
In a landmark move for India's wealth management industry, Neo Group has successfully raised Rs 400 crore (approximately $47 million) in a fresh equity funding round. This significant investment was s...
STARTUP-STORIES
Infinyte.Club Raises $3.6 Million to Empower Startup Employees with Wealth Management Tools
Bengaluru-based Infinyte.Club, a pioneering wealth creation and management platform tailored for tech and startup employees, has successfully secured $3.6 million in a funding round led by Elevation C...
STARTUP-STORIES
Truva Raises $3 Million in Stellaris Venture Partners-Led Funding Round
Truva, a cutting-edge real estate technology platform, has successfully raised $3 million in a funding round led by Stellaris Venture Partners. The round also saw participation from notable angel inve...
STARTUP-STORIES
Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki Passes Away After Battle with Cancer
Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has passed away after a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer. Her husband, Dennis Troper, shared the heartbreaking news, prompting an outpouring of tribute...
STARTUP-STORIES
India and Maldives Partner to Launch UPI Payment Service
India and Maldives have taken a significant step in enhancing their bilateral relations by signing an agreement to introduce the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Maldives. The Memorandum of Und...
STARTUP-STORIES
DevRev Secures $100.8 Million in Series A Funding, Enters AI Unicorn Club
DevRev, a customer relationship software firm, has secured $100.8 million in a Series A funding round, propelling its valuation to $1.15 billion and marking its entry into the prestigious unicorn club...
STARTUP-STORIES
Apple's Satellite Partner Globalstar Eyes Entry into India's Nascent Satcom Market
Globalstar Inc., the US-based satellite operator providing emergency SOS services for Apple’s iPhones, is set to enter India’s burgeoning satellite communication (satcom) market. The company, which po...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zoomcar Targets 100 Fulfillment Centers by December-End
Zoomcar, the leading self-drive car-sharing platform, has taken a significant step in its expansion by launching its first fulfillment centre in Chennai. This marks the beginning of a major growth pha...
STARTUP-STORIES
Google Cloud Proposes Startup Hub and Centre of Excellence in Madhya Pradesh: CM Mohan Yadav
In a significant development, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Thursday that Google Cloud has proposed establishing a startup hub and centre of excellence in the state. This prop...
STARTUP-STORIES
Namma Yatri Rolls Out Lifetime Zero-Commission Cab Service on ONDC in Delhi NCR
MovingTech, the innovative company behind the Namma Yatri app, has made a significant move in the transportation sector with the launch of its new zero-commission cab service under the “Yatri” brand i...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ola Electric Shares Surge 18.6% After Stock Market Debut
Ola Electric, led by Bhavish Aggarwal, has made waves in the stock market today as its shares soared by 18.6% on the BSE, trading at Rs 90.17 in afternoon trade. This sharp rise follows the company's ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Plotch Becomes First AI-Driven Platform to Surpass 10 Million Transactions on ONDC Network
Plotch, a key player in the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) ecosystem, has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 10 million cumulative transactions through its network infrastructure. ...
STARTUP-STORIES
80% of Online Shoppers Are Mass Consumers from Tier 2 and 3 Towns : Meesho Report
In a recent report by Meesho, the landscape of Indian e-commerce is undergoing a significant transformation. Mass consumers, who generally make lower-priced purchases, now constitute about 80% of the ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Talent curation platform FlexiBees Secures Pre-Series A Funding to Expand Tech and Market Presence
FlexiBees, a dynamic talent curation platform, has successfully raised an undisclosed amount in Pre-Series A funding, led by Inflection Point Ventures. This funding round also saw participation from n...
STARTUP-STORIES
Specialty Chemical Startup Scimplify Secures $9.5 Million in Series A Funding
In a significant boost to the specialty chemical manufacturing sector, Bengaluru-based startup Scimplify has raised an impressive $9.5 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Omnivor...
STARTUP-STORIES
RBI Hikes UPI Limit for Tax Payments to Rs 5 Lakh from Rs 1 Lakh
In a significant move to simplify tax payments for millions of Indians, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed increasing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction limit for tax payments ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ola Explores Quick Commerce Again with Plans to Establish Own Dark Stores
As Ola Electric gears up for its highly anticipated listing later this week, founder Bhavish Aggarwal is not just resting on his laurels. Aggarwal is actively invigorating Ola's core ride-hailing busi...
STARTUP-STORIES
ONDC Expands Spiritual Services with Vama.app Partnership
The government-backed ecommerce platform, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), is broadening its range of services by integrating spiritual offerings through Vama.app. This move will enable users...
STARTUP-STORIES
Kindlife Raises $8M in Series A Funding to Expand K-Beauty Market in India
Beauty and cosmetics startup Kindlife has secured $8 million (over INR 67 crore) in a Series A funding round co-led by JB-Dooeun TK Fund and MIXI Global Investments. The round also saw participation f...
STARTUP-STORIES
SigTuple Raises Rs 33 Crore in Extended Series C Funding to Revolutionize Digital Microscopy with AI
Medtech startup SigTuple, specializing in AI-powered digital microscopy solutions, has secured Rs 33 crore ($4 million) in an extended Series C funding round led by Sidbi Venture Capital, with partici...
STARTUP-STORIES
Hyperbots Secures $2 Million Seed Funding to Revolutionize Finance and Accounting with AI
Hyperbots, an innovative startup specializing in AI-driven finance and accounting solutions, has raised $2 million in a seed funding round led by Kalaari Capital. The round also saw participation from...
STARTUP-STORIES
Fintech Startup IppoPay Secures Strategic Investment from CaratLane founder Mithun Sacheti
Fintech startup IppoPay has raised an undisclosed amount from Mithun Sacheti, founder of CaratLane, and Siddhartha Sacheti, CEO of Jaipur Gems. This investment aims to enhance IppoPay’s customer exper...
STARTUP-STORIES
EtherealX Secures $5 Million in Funding to Revolutionize Space Launch Vehicles
Bengaluru-based space technology startup EtherealX has raised $5 million in a funding round led by YourNest, an early-stage venture capital firm. This round also saw participation from BIG Global Inve...
STARTUP-STORIES
Punch Raises $7 Million in Seed Funding to Revolutionize Stock Trading Platform
Stock-broking platform Punch has successfully raised $7 million in seed funding. The investment round was led by Stellaris Venture Partners, Susquehanna Asia VC, Prime Venture Partners, and Innoven Ca...
STARTUP-STORIES
FirstCry's IPO Attracts Major Investors, Secures Rs 1,885.80 Crore in Anchor Portion
FirstCry, the renowned omnichannel kidswear brand operated by Brainbees Solutions, has successfully closed the anchor portion of its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO). The company has a...
STARTUP-STORIES
Juleo Raises $2.5 Million to Revolutionize the Dating Scene
Dating app Juleo, designed to tackle the matchmaking crisis, has successfully raised $2.5 million in a funding round. Prominent investors in this round include Livspace founder Ramakant Sharma, Cred f...
STARTUP-STORIES
Neobank Jupiter Boosts Employee Engagement with $4.9 Million Equity Share Allotment
Neobanking innovator Jupiter has recently made headlines with its substantial expansion of its employee stock option plan (ESOP). In a strategic move aimed at bolstering employee engagement and owners...
STARTUP-STORIES
SaaS Giant Postman Faces 30-40% Valuation Cut in Latest Secondary Deals
In a surprising turn of events, SaaS platform Postman, once valued at $5.6 billion (INR 46,925 crore), has recently engaged in secondary deals at a significant 30-40% discount from its peak valuation....
STARTUP-STORIES
Agrizy Raises $9.8 Million to Revolutionize Agri-Processing and Expand Services
Agritech startup Agrizy has successfully raised $9.8 million (approximately Rs 82 crore) in a funding round co-led by Accion and Omnivore. The round also saw participation from Capria Ventures, Thai W...
STARTUP-STORIES
India's space tech sector raised $126 million in 2023, up 7% from 2022, driven by early-stage investments and government support
India’s space technology sector is on an impressive upward trajectory, receiving $126 million in funding in 2023, a 7% increase from the $118 million raised in 2022, and a remarkable 235% rise from th...
STARTUP-STORIES
ShareChat Secures $16 Million in Additional Debt Financing Amid Workforce Reduction
Vernacular social media platform ShareChat has bolstered its financial resources by securing an additional $16 million through convertible debentures, bringing the total size of its recent debt round ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Essar Group-Backed Black Box Raises Rs 410 Crore to Expand Global Data Centre Infrastructure Services
In a strategic move poised to reshape the landscape of data centre infrastructure services, Black Box, an Essar Group-backed IT systems integrator, has successfully raised Rs 410 crore through a prefe...
STARTUP-STORIES
Delhivery Launches Shared Dark Stores for Rapid Local Deliveries
New-age logistics giant Delhivery is set to revolutionize the direct-to-consumer (D2C) market with the launch of a network of shared dark stores, or micro warehouses. These facilities are designed to ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Bike Bazaar Secures INR 25 Cr Debt Financing from MAS Financial
In a significant development for the online two-wheeler marketplace and financing platform, Bike Bazaar has successfully raised a debt of INR 25 Cr (approximately $3 Mn) from financial services compan...
STARTUP-STORIES
Comet Raises $5 Million in Series A Funding, Led by Elevation Capital
In a significant development for the Indian direct-to-consumer (D2C) sneaker market, Bengaluru-based startup Comet has successfully raised INR 42 Cr (approximately $5 million) in Series A funding. Thi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Wify Raises Rs 25 Crore in Funding to Revolutionize Home Improvement Sector
Wify, a cutting-edge technology-enabled construction and home improvement platform, has successfully raised Rs 25 crore in a funding round spearheaded by Mount Judi Ventures, with significant particip...
STARTUP-STORIES
Purplle Secures ₹1,000 Crore in Funding, Signaling a Revival for Indian Startups
In a significant boost for the Indian startup ecosystem, beauty retailer Purplle has closed a ₹1,000 crore ($120 million) financing round. This round was led by Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund, ADIA, along...
STARTUP-STORIES
Visual Telematics Startup Cautio Secures ₹6.5 Crore in Pre-Seed Funding Round
Visual telematics startup Cautio has made headlines by raising ₹6.5 crore in a pre-seed funding round. This significant funding round was led by prominent investors Antler, 8i Ventures, and AU Small F...
STARTUP-STORIES
Pivot Robots Secures Funding from NuVentures to Revolutionize Industrial Automation
US-based artificial intelligence (AI) startup Pivot Robots has successfully raised an undisclosed amount of funding from early-stage venture fund NuVentures. This investment will support the startup's...
STARTUP-STORIES
UPI Transactions See Slight Dip To 13.89 Bn in June 2024 but Maintain Strong Year-on-Year Growth
Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transactions experienced a slight dip in June 2024, with a 1% decrease in volume and a 2% decrease in value compared to May 2024. According to data shared by the Nation...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zomato Faces Tax Demand of Rs 9.5 Crore from Karnataka Authorities
In a recent regulatory filing, listed food delivery and quick commerce major Zomato disclosed that it has received a tax demand, along with interest and penalty, amounting to Rs 9.5 crore from the Kar...
STARTUP-STORIES
PayU's LazyPay Expands Quick Commerce Partnership with Blinkit Addition
In a significant move towards enhancing digital payment solutions, Naspers-backed fintech firm PayU’s credit service, LazyPay, has announced a strategic partnership with quick commerce app Blinkit. Th...
STARTUP-STORIES
Urban Company Achieves Profit in April-June Quarter, Sets Sights on IPO in 2025
Record Revenue and Profitability Highlight Growth for Urban CompanyGurugram-based home services platform Urban Company has reported a significant achievement in its financial performance for the April...
STARTUP-STORIES
Nodwin Gaming to Acquire German Esports Agency Freaks 4U Gaming in Rs 271 crore Deal
Strategic Acquisition to Strengthen Nodwin's Global PresenceNodwin Gaming, the esports and events arm of Nazara Technologies, has announced a significant acquisition of the German esports and gaming m...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ola Electric to Invest $100 Million in Gigafactory for Lithium-Ion Battery Cells
IPO-Bound Ola Electric Gears Up for Local Battery Cell ProductionOla Electric, on the brink of its initial public offering (IPO), has announced a significant investment of $100 million (approximately ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Two Brothers Organic Farms Secures Rs 58.2 Crore Investment from Nithin Kamath's Rainmatter
Two Brothers Organic Farms, a pioneering agritech startup, has successfully secured Rs 58.2 crore in an equity funding round. The round was led by Nithin Kamath’s Rainmatter Foundation, co-founder of ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Autocracy Machinery Secures Rs 6 Crore in Pre-Series A Funding Led by VC Grid
Hyderabad-based Manufacturer Eyes Global Expansion with New InvestmentAutocracy Machinery, a pioneering manufacturer of trenching, turf, and construction machinery, has successfully raised Rs 6 crore ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Finnest Acquires Majority Stake in Kitchens@ with $160 Million Investment
London-Based Private Equity Firm Takes Commanding Share in Cloud Kitchen InnovatorIn a significant development for the food tech industry, London-based private equity firm Finnest has acquired a major...
STARTUP-STORIES
Smartworks Secures INR 168 Crore in Funding from Key Investors Including Keppel Ltd
Co-working platform Smartworks has announced a significant fundraising achievement, securing INR 168 crore (USD 20.24 million) from a diverse group of investors. The funding round saw participation fr...
STARTUP-STORIES
Aris Infra Plans IPO to Raise Rs 600-700 Crore, Backed by High-Profile Investors
Mumbai-based Aris Infra, a technology-driven construction material procurement platform, is set to raise Rs 600-700 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The company, founded in February 202...
STARTUP-STORIES
Fabless Semiconductor Startup Morphing Machines Secures $2.76 Million in Seed Funding
Morphing Machines, a cutting-edge fabless semiconductor startup, has successfully raised $2.76 million in its seed funding round. This round was led by Speciale Invest, a venture capital firm speciali...
STARTUP-STORIES
Matter Motors Secures Rs 82 Crore in Funding from High-Profile Investors
Electric motorcycle manufacturer Matter Motors has successfully raised Rs 82 crore in a recent funding round, attracting investments from prominent global players, including Japan Airlines & TransLink...
STARTUP-STORIES
Novavente Secures $3 Million in Funding Led by Highbrow Securities, Plans Global Expansion and IPO
Sales consulting firm Novavente has secured $3 million (approximately Rs 25 crore) in a fresh round of equity funding. The investment was led by Mumbai-based investment bank Highbrow Securities. The f...
STARTUP-STORIES
Rocketlane Raises $24 Million to Propel AI Roadmap and Expand Global Reach
Chennai-based B2B software-as-a-service (SaaS) startup Rocketlane has secured $24 million (approximately Rs 200 crore) in a funding round co-led by 8VC, Matrix Partners India, and Nexus Venture Partne...
STARTUP-STORIES
Sid’s Farm Raises $10 Million in Funding to Expand Presence in Bengaluru and Hyderabad
Hyderabad-based direct-to-consumer dairy brand Sid’s Farm has successfully raised $10 million (approximately Rs 83 crore) in a funding round led by Mumbai-based venture fund Omnivore and the family of...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zyod Secures $18 Million in Funding to Accelerate Global Expansion and Tech Innovation
In a major boost to its growth plans, B2B fashion marketplace Zyod has raised $18 million in a mix of equity and debt funding. The funding round was spearheaded by venture firm RTP Global, with debt c...
STARTUP-STORIES
Lxme Secures $1.2 Million Seed Funding to Empower Women in Financial Planning
In a significant development for women-centric financial services, Lxme, a financial platform exclusively for women, has raised $1.2 million in seed funding. The funding round was led by Kalaari Capit...
STARTUP-STORIES
Cloudphysician Secures $10.5 Million in Funding to Expand AI Healthcare Solutions
Cloudphysician, a leading online healthcare and technology solutions provider, has raised $10.5 million (approximately Rs 87.7 crore) in a funding round led by Peak XV Partners. The round also saw par...
STARTUP-STORIES
Swiggy Reports 24% Revenue Growth in 2023; Quick Commerce Gains Boosted, Says Prosus
In a significant update, Prosus, the largest shareholder in Swiggy, announced robust financial performance for the food and grocery delivery giant for the calendar year 2023. According to Prosus' annu...
STARTUP-STORIES
Bluestone Secures Rs 100 Crore Debt Investment from Neo Markets Amidst Pre-IPO Ambitions
Bluestone, the Bengaluru-based omnichannel retailer specializing in jewelry, has successfully raised Rs 100 crore (approximately $12 million) in debt funding from Neo Markets. This marks the third sig...
STARTUP-STORIES
Paytm Partners with Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Wego to Expand Online Travel Services
One 97 Communications (OCL), the parent company of fintech giant Paytm, has announced strategic partnerships with global travel aggregators Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Wego to bolster its presence...
STARTUP-STORIES
Prosus Writes Off $493 Million Stake in Byju's Amid Legal and Financial Turmoil
Dutch-listed technology investment firm Prosus has written off its 9.6% stake in beleaguered edtech firm Byju's. In its annual report, Prosus stated that the group decided to write off the fair value ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Meta Rolls Out AI Assistant in India for Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) horizons by rolling out its AI assistant in India. This strategic move allows users across popular Meta platforms—Fa...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ather Energy Cofounder Swapnil Jain Champions Indian Electric Two-Wheelers as Global Leaders
Nagpur, India - In a bold declaration at the 'Meet Rizta' event, Ather Energy cofounder Swapnil Jain asserted that Indian electric two-wheelers surpass their global counterparts in both design and tec...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zepto Secures $665 Million in Funding, Doubling Valuation to $3.6 Billion
Bengaluru, India, In a major boost to India's quick commerce sector, Zepto has raised $665 million in a funding round, doubling its valuation to $3.6 billion. This development strengthens Zepto's pos...
STARTUP-STORIES
Neobank Jupiter's NBFC arm secures Rs 20 crore funding from Peak XV Partners, Matrix Partners, and other investors
Bengaluru-based Amica Finance Pvt Ltd, the NBFC arm of consumer-focused neo-banking startup Jupiter, has secured Rs 20 crore in its first equity funding round. The round was spearheaded by Peak XV Par...
STARTUP-STORIES
Revenue Automation Startup MeetRecord Secures $2.7 Million in Pre-Series A Funding
Bengaluru, June 23, 2024 - MeetRecord, a revenue automation startup based in Bengaluru, has successfully raised $2.7 million in a pre-series A funding round. The investment was led by Singapore-based ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Eume Secures Rs 15 Crore Funding to Fuel Growth and Innovation in Premium Luggage Market
Eume, the premium luggage and accessories brand, has successfully raised Rs 15 crore in its latest funding round led by prominent investor Ashish Kacholia. The funds will be instrumental in optimizing...
STARTUP-STORIES
Quidich Innovation Labs Secures Funding to Revolutionize Sports Broadcasting Technology
Sports broadcasting technology startup Quidich Innovation Labs has raised an undisclosed amount in a funding round led by Centre Court Capital, a venture capital firm focused on sports tech and gaming...
STARTUP-STORIES
OrbitShift Secures $7 Million Seed Funding to Revolutionize Sales Intelligence with AI
Artificial intelligence-powered sales-intelligence startup OrbitShift has successfully raised $7 million in a seed-funding round led by Peak XV Partners' Surge scale-up programme and Stellaris Venture...
STARTUP-STORIES
Specialty Chemicals Platform Distil Raises $3.1 Million in Seed Funding Round
Specialty chemicals platform Distil has secured $3.1 million in a seed funding round led by Jungle Ventures and India Quotient, with additional participation from other investors and industry operator...
STARTUP-STORIES
Go Zero Secures $1.5 Million in Funding to Expand Operations and Launch New Flavors
Mumbai, June 19, 2024** – Ice cream maker Go Zero has successfully raised $1.5 million in funding from existing investors DSG Consumer Partners, Saama Capital, and V3 Investors. This new injection of ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Supermoney Raises $3.4 Million in Series A Funding to Fuel Growth and Innovation in SME Digital Lending
Supermoney, a digital lending platform focused on providing working capital solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has successfully raised $3.4 million (INR 28.6 Crores) in a Series A...
STARTUP-STORIES
8X Ventures Announces First Close of Second Deeptech Fund at Rs 200 Crore
Early-stage venture capital firm 8X Ventures has announced the first close of its second India-focused deeptech fund at Rs 200 crore, including an additional Rs 100 crore as a green shoe option. This ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Fintech Startup POP Secures $2.4 Million in Seed Funding, Gains NPCI Approval for UPI Payments
Bengaluru-based fintech startup POP has successfully raised $2.4 million in a seed funding round led by India Quotient, with participation from prominent angel investors. The startup also announced it...
STARTUP-STORIES
Aditya Birla Group’s TMRW House of Brands Invests Rs 125 Crore in Men’s Wear Brand Wrogn
Mumbai, June 19, 2024 ,TMRW House of Brands, an ecommerce rollup venture owned by the Aditya Birla Group, has announced a significant investment of Rs 125 crore in Wrogn, the men's wear brand co-found...
STARTUP-STORIES
AI Search Startup Genspark Secures $60 Million in Seed Funding to Challenge Google's Dominance
Genspark, an innovative artificial intelligence search startup founded by former Baidu executives, has successfully raised $60 million in an oversized seed funding round. The funding was led by Singap...
STARTUP-STORIES
The Pant Project Secures $4.25 Million in Maiden Funding Round Led by Sorin Investments
The Pant Project, a fashion brand specializing in custom-made and ready-to-wear pants, has successfully raised $4.25 million in its first funding round. The round was led by Sorin Investments, an earl...
STARTUP-STORIES
Alyve Health Secures $5.5 Million to Enhance Platform and Expand Operations
Mumbai, India Health tech startup Alyve Health has announced raising $5.5 million from investors to drive initiatives in platform enhancement, talent acquisition, and operational expansion. This fundi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Generative AI Startup Ayna Raises $1.5 Million Led by Inflexor Ventures to Revolutionize Product Photography
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) startup Ayna, specializing in product photography, has successfully raised $1.5 million in a funding round led by Inflexor Ventures. The Bengaluru-based company...
STARTUP-STORIES
Maxim AI Secures $3 Million Funding Round Led by Elevation Capital to Enhance AI Application Evaluation Platform
San Francisco-based Maxim AI, a cutting-edge platform dedicated to helping developers evaluate and monitor their artificial intelligence applications, has successfully raised $3 million in a funding r...
STARTUP-STORIES
GreyLabs AI Secures $1.5 Million in Funding to Revolutionize Financial Institution Analytics
Mumbai-based GreyLabs AI, a speech analytics platform designed for financial institutions, has successfully raised $1.5 million in a funding round led by Matrix Partners India. The funding round also ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Z21 Ventures Fully Deploys First Fund, Plans $40 Million Second Fund
California-based early-stage investment firm Z21 Ventures, which supports startups in India and those founded by Indian-origin entrepreneurs in the US, has fully deployed its initial $5 million fund. ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Prosperr.io Secures $1.55 Million Pre-Seed Funding to Revolutionize AI-Powered Tax Solutions
Prosperr.io, a startup specializing in artificial intelligence-enabled income tax solutions, has announced the successful closure of its $1.55-million pre-seed round. The funding was led by Silicon Va...
STARTUP-STORIES
Oyo in Advanced Talks to Raise Rs 1,000 Crore, Eyes Significant Growth and Expansion
Hospitality startup Oyo is on the verge of securing around Rs 1,000 crore ($120 million) in debt funding from the family offices of top Indian corporate executives and stock market experts, according ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Games24x7 Reports Robust Growth in FY23 Despite Rising Expenses and Tax Challenges
Real money gaming (RMG) firm Games24x7 has reported impressive financial growth for the fiscal year ending March 2023. The company's operating revenue surged by over 70% to reach Rs 1,988 crore, compa...
STARTUP-STORIES
Centre Approves ₹50 Lakh Grants for Seven Startups in Technical Textiles Sector
In a significant move to drive innovation in the textiles sector, the Centre has approved grants of ₹50 lakh each for seven startups under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). This initiati...
STARTUP-STORIES
Amazon Invests $230 Million in AI Startups through AWS Credits
Amazon has announced a significant investment of $230 million in the form of Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits to support artificial intelligence (AI) startups. This initiative is part of a broader st...
STARTUP-STORIES
South Park Commons Expands to Bengaluru, Collaborates with Flipkart Co-founder Binny Bansal
South Park Commons (SPC), a renowned community of founders and engineers that operates an early-stage venture fund, has launched its first international outpost in Bengaluru. This marks SPC's expansio...
STARTUP-STORIES
Renee Cosmetics Raises Rs 100 Crore in Series B Funding, Aiming to Expand Product Portfolio and Strengthen Omnichannel Presence
Mumbai, June 15, 2024 — New-age beauty brand Renee Cosmetics has successfully raised Rs 100 crore in its Series B funding round, led by existing investors Evolvence India and Edelweiss Group. This lat...
STARTUP-STORIES
360 One WAM Acquires ET Money for $44 Million, Expands into Wealth Tech for the Masses
In a strategic move poised to reshape India's wealth management landscape, 360 One WAM, the nation’s largest wealth manager focused on ultra-high-net-worth individuals, has announced the acquisition o...
STARTUP-STORIES
Jupiter Secures RBI's Prepaid Payments Instrument Licence, Set to Revolutionize Digital Wallet Services
Bengaluru, June 12, 2024 — In a significant development for the neobanking sector, Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners-backed startup Jupiter has obtained a prepaid payments instrument (PPI) licence fro...
STARTUP-STORIES
Skye Air Takes Flight with $4 Million Funding to Revolutionize Last-Mile Delivery
Gurugram, India - Drone delivery leader Skye Air has soared to new heights with a successful $4 million funding round. This investment, led by Mount Judi Ventures alongside prominent names like Chirat...
STARTUP-STORIES
Finsall Secures Rs 15 Crore in Bridge Funding to Fuel Growth in Insurance Premium Financing
Bengaluru, Karnataka - Insurtech startup Finsall has secured Rs 15 crore in a bridge funding round, led by Unicorn India Ventures and SEA Fund. This fresh injection of capital will propel Finsall's mi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Foxtale Raises $18 Million in Funding Round Led by Panthera Growth Partners
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) skincare firm Foxtale has successfully raised $18 million (Rs 150 crore) in a funding round led by Singapore-based Panthera Growth Partners. This round also saw participation ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Purplle Secures $100M Funding Led by ADIA Amid Rising Beauty Market Demand
Mumbai-based beauty retailer Purplle has successfully raised $100 million in a funding round led by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign fund ADIA, valuing the company at approximately $1.2-1.3 billion. This marks a...
STARTUP-STORIES
Battery Smart Raises $65 Million to Accelerate EV Infrastructure in India
Battery-swapping services provider Battery Smart has secured $65 million (Rs 543 crore) in a funding round led by South African private equity firm LeapFrog Investments, achieving a valuation of $340 ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ola Electric Secures SEBI Nod for India's First EV Startup IPO
Ola Electric has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its initial public offering (IPO), marking a significant milestone as the first electric vehicle (EV) star...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zomato Infuses Rs 300 Crore into Quick Commerce Business Blinkit Amid Intensifying Competition
Gurgaon-based food delivery giant Zomato has injected fresh capital of Rs 300 crore into its quick commerce business Blinkit, according to a recent regulatory filing with the Registrar of Companies (R...
STARTUP-STORIES
Clean Motion's Indian Arm Raises $1 Million in Seed Funding
Clean Motion, a Swedish electric vehicle (EV) maker, has announced that its Indian subsidiary has secured $1 million in seed funding from India Accelerator-backed micro venture capital (VC) firm Finvo...
STARTUP-STORIES
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Pledges to Propel India’s Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing
New Delhi, June 10, 2024 – Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday reaffirmed the Indian government's commitment to advancing its tech-driven agenda, focusing on cementing India's leadership in sem...
STARTUP-STORIES
Deepika Padukone’s D2C Personal Care Brand 82°E to Raise Rs 50 Crore
Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone's direct-to-consumer (D2C) personal care startup, 82°E, is set to raise Rs 50 crore (approximately $6 million) from both new and existing investors. According to a reg...
STARTUP-STORIES
Kissflow Restructures Workforce, Lays Off 11% of Employees Amid Global SaaS Slowdown
Chennai-based workflow automation software provider Kissflow has announced a significant organizational restructuring, resulting in the layoff of approximately 45 employees, representing 11% of its wo...
STARTUP-STORIES
Arthan Finance Secures Rs 50 Crore in Series B Funding to Fuel Expansion and Technological Advancements
Arthan Finance, a non-banking financial company (NBFC) specializing in loans for self-employed nano and micro entrepreneurs, has successfully raised Rs 50 crore in Series B funding. This funding round...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ixigo IPO Oversubscribed by Retail Investors Within Hours of Launch
Le Travenues Technology, the parent company of online travel platform Ixigo, witnessed an overwhelming response to its initial public offering (IPO) from retail subscribers, with oversubscriptions rea...
STARTUP-STORIES
Fintech Firm One97 Communications Announces Layoffs Amid RBI Ban on Paytm Payments Bank
In a recent development, One97 Communications, the owner of the Paytm brand, has initiated layoffs affecting an undisclosed number of employees. The company is offering outplacement support to ensure ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Hocco Raises Rs 100 Crore to Expand Manufacturing and Penetrate New Markets
Ahmedabad-based new-age ice cream brand Hocco has successfully raised Rs 100 crore ($12 million) in a funding round led by its promoter group, the Chona family, and existing investor Sauce VC. The rou...
STARTUP-STORIES
Hero MotoCorp Invests Rs 124 Crore in Ather Energy, Strengthens Stake in Electric Scooter Market
In a strategic move to consolidate its position in the burgeoning electric vehicle market, two-wheeler giant Hero MotoCorp has invested Rs 124 crore into Ather Energy. This investment has increased He...
STARTUP-STORIES
Prosus' 10% Stake in Byju's Deemed Worthless by HSBC Amid Cash Crunch and Legal Battles
In a significant development, Dutch-listed technology investment firm Prosus' nearly 10% stake in Indian edtech giant Byju's has been deemed worthless by HSBC. This assessment reflects the deepening c...
STARTUP-STORIES
Maino.ai Secures $1.8 Million in Funding to Expand and Innovate Digital Marketing Solutions
Digital marketing technology platform Maino.ai announced on Thursday that it has successfully raised $1.8 million (about Rs 15 crore) in a funding round led by India Quotient Advisers LLP. The investm...
STARTUP-STORIES
Nvidia's Market Value Surpasses $3 Trillion Amidst Soaring Demand for AI Chips
Nvidia's stock price has more than doubled this year, following a spectacular tripling in 2023, positioning it as the third most valuable company in the S&P 500. On Wednesday, Nvidia's stock rose agai...
STARTUP-STORIES
BIGGUYS Secures $2 Million Investment from NRIs to Expand Across South India
BIGGUYS, India's fastest-growing homegrown chicken QSR chain, has secured a significant investment of $2 million (over Rs. 16.62 crore). This investment, a mix of equity and other instruments, comes e...
STARTUP-STORIES
Fibe Secures $90 Million Funding Despite Challenging Market, Aims for Growth
Fibe, a Pune-based consumer lending platform previously known as EarlySalary, has secured $90 million in a fresh round of funding. This achievement comes amidst a tough market for fintech startups off...
STARTUP-STORIES
Absolute Sports, a Nazara Subsidiary, Acquires SoapCentral for $1.4 Million
Absolute Sports, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, a prominent media and gaming company listed on the stock exchange, has announced the acquisition of SoapCentral.com for $1.4 million (approximatel...
STARTUP-STORIES
ixigo Gears Up for IPO Next Week, Aims to Fuel Growth and Tech Investments
Online travel aggregator ixigo's parent company, Le Travenues Technology, is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) next week. Here's a breakdown of the key details and strategic implications...
STARTUP-STORIES
Cisco launches $1 Billion AI Fund, Announces Initial Investments
Tech giant Cisco has announced a significant move in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by launching a dedicated $1 billion investment fund. This strategic initiative positions Cisco as a major...
STARTUP-STORIES
InsuranceDekho to Acquire Majority Stake in Credit Card Distributor BankSathi
InsuranceDekho, a leading insurance marketplace, is poised to acquire a majority stake in BankSathi, a credit card and personal loan distributor. This strategic move signifies InsuranceDekho's expansi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Digital astrology consulting platform Astrotalk Raises $9.4 Million in Ongoing Funding Round
Noida-based digital astrology consulting platform, Astrotalk, has successfully raised $9.4 million in an ongoing funding round. This infusion comes from existing investor Left Lane Capital and new inv...
STARTUP-STORIES
Deep Tech Startups Eye Dedicated Policy Boost in Upcoming Budget
The Indian government is considering a dedicated policy for deep tech startups in the upcoming budget, aiming to fuel innovation and economic growth. Here's a breakdown of the key points:Policy Propos...
STARTUP-STORIES
PB Fintech Allots 4.83 Million New Shares Under Employee Stock Option Plan
PB Fintech, the parent company of PolicyBazaar and Paisabazaar, has made a significant move by allotting 4,830,740 new shares under its Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP). This development was official...
STARTUP-STORIES
Country Delight Secures $9 million Funding from Alteria Capital, Poised for Unicorn Status
In a significant milestone underscoring its rapid growth and market presence, dairy brand Country Delight has successfully raised Rs 76 crore ($9 million) through a strategic combination of debt and e...
STARTUP-STORIES
Oxyzo Reports Impressive FY24 Results Operating Revenue Surges by 59% to Reach Rs 903 Crore, Net Profit Stands at Rs 290 Crore
Oxyzo Financial Services, the B2B lending arm of the unicorn OfBusiness, has emerged as a significant player in its own right. Here's a breakdown of key financials and strategic insights:Financial Per...
STARTUP-STORIES
Infra.Market Secures $20 Million for Subsidiary RDC Concrete, Focuses on Growth and Sustainability
Infra.Market, a leading construction materials provider, has announced a successful funding round for its subsidiary RDC Concrete. Here's a breakdown of the key details and strategic implications:RDC ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Adani One Superapp Achieves Rs 750 Crore in Gross Sales for FY24
The Adani Group's superapp, Adani One, has achieved initial success in its first year of operation. Here's a breakdown of key points and future plans:Growth and User Base:GMV (Gross Merchandise Value)...
STARTUP-STORIES
Reliance Retail Launches ONDC Pilot Through Fynd Platform
Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), India's retail giant, is dipping its toes into the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) through a pilot program. This move signifies a po...
STARTUP-STORIES
Technosport Secures $25 Million Investment Boost from A91 Partners for Sports Apparel Expansion
Bengaluru-headquartered Techno Sportswear has secured $25 million (about Rs 208 crore) from investment fund A91 Partners, marking its first fundraising round. The company, known for its Technosport br...
STARTUP-STORIES
Avendus Raises $350 Million for Late-Stage Startups with New Future Leaders Fund III
Avendus, a prominent Indian financial services firm, has launched its third Future Leaders Fund (FLF) with a target corpus of $350 million (INR 3,000 Cr). This fund aims to invest in high-growth, late...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ola migrates IT workload from AWS and Azure to Krutrim Cloud, offering free services to developers.
Ride-hailing giant Ola is making a significant shift by migrating its IT workload from cloud giants Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure to its own cloud platform, Krutrim. However, experts b...
STARTUP-STORIES
Vegapay Secures $5.5 Million to Streamline Credit Card and Lending Processes
Vegapay, a business-to-business (B2B)-focused fintech startup, has successfully raised $5.5 million in an equity funding round led by Elevation Capital, with existing investor Eximius Ventures also pa...
STARTUP-STORIES
Razorpay Unveils Q-Zap A New Solution for Accelerating Offline Billing
Razorpay, a leading digital payments company in India, has launched a revolutionary new service called Q-Zap. This innovative solution aims to transform the way offline payments are processed, enhanci...
STARTUP-STORIES
Bluestone Poised to Achieve Unicorn Status in Pre-IPO Funding Round
Omnichannel jewellery retailer Bluestone is soaring towards a major milestone. They are in talks to raise a staggering $100 million in a pre-IPO round, potentially valuing the company over $1 billion ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Cloover Secures $114 Million to Empower Smaller Renewable Energy Installers
Cloover, a rising star in the German climate tech scene, has secured a significant $114 million in seed funding. This investment, led by Lowercarbon Capital, empowers smaller renewable energy installe...
STARTUP-STORIES
Turno Raises $6 million in Latest Funding Round to Drive Expansion
Bengaluru-based commercial electric vehicle (EV) distribution and financing startup, Turno, has successfully raised $6 million from both new and existing investors. This funding round comes after a 15...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zypp Electric Gears Up for Growth with $15 Million Fundraise and International Expansion Plans
Zypp Electric, a leading electric vehicle (EV) fleet management company in India, has secured $15 million in fresh funding led by Japanese energy giant Eneos Corporation. This investment fuels Zypp's ...
STARTUP-STORIES
CCI Extends AI Impact Study Bidding Deadline to June 18
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has extended the deadline for submitting bids to conduct a market study on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on competition. This move signifies the ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Sauce VC Ups Investment Game with Rs 250 Crore Fund for Early-Stage Consumer Brands
Consumer-focused venture capital firm Sauce VC is raising its game with a new Rs 250 crore fund, targeting early-stage consumer brands in India. This marks their third fund and signifies their growing...
STARTUP-STORIES
IIT Madras Launches First-Ever Sports Tech Incubator in India
IIT Madras, a premier Indian institute of technology, is making a significant stride in bridging the gap between technology and sports. They are launching India's first-ever sports tech incubator to n...
STARTUP-STORIES
Nazara Technologies’ Q4 net profit dropped 98% to INR 18 Lakh, with significant impairments and a 17% revenue decline
Nazara Technologies, a leading Indian gaming and esports company, reported a significant decline in profitability for the fourth quarter of FY24 (January-March 2024). Here's a breakdown of the key poi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Urban Company Employees Cash In: Rs 203 Crore Esop Buyback Fuels Growth
Urban Company, the leading at-home services platform in India, announced its largest employee stock ownership plan (Esop) secondary sale program worth Rs 203 crore (around $25 million). This move high...
STARTUP-STORIES
Bengaluru Startup Developing Silicon Alternatives for Chips to Scale Up Production
NoPo Nanotechnologies, a Bengaluru-based company, is making waves in the nanotechnology space with its development of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). This advanced material has the potential ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Navi Finserv Secures Rs 150 Crore Through NCDs, Raising Questions About IPO Plans
Sachin Bansal's Navi Finserv has raised Rs 150 crore through non-convertible debentures (NCDs) from individual investors. This development comes amidst Navi's previous attempts at securing larger fund...
STARTUP-STORIES
Finvolve Raises Rs 100 Crore in First Fund Closing Aims to Be B2B Angel Investment Powerhouse
Finvolve, a Mumbai-based angel investment firm, has successfully closed its first two funds, reaching a total corpus of Rs 100 crore. This marks a significant development in India's angel investment l...
STARTUP-STORIES
Byju's Faces Financial Penalties Over Missing $533 Million: A Legal Tussle Heats Up
Think & Learn Pvt, the parent company of Indian education technology giant Byju's, is embroiled in a legal battle concerning $533 million in missing funds. A US judge has imposed financial penalties o...
STARTUP-STORIES
Delhivery Shares Plunge 10% Following INR 69 Cr Loss in Q4
Delhivery's Q4 FY24 results were a mixed bag, causing their stock price to dip significantly. Here's a breakdown of the key points:Financials:Loss Narrowed YoY: Delhivery reported a net loss of ₹96.2 ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Caret Capital Launches Caret360 Accelerator: Empowering Early-Stage Startups
Caret Capital, a venture capital firm focused on sustainability, has announced the launch of Caret360 Accelerator. This program aims to empower early-stage startups with the resources and guidance the...
STARTUP-STORIES
IVY Growth Associates Launches Rs 250 Crore Venture Capital Fund Named Arigato Capital
IVY Growth Associates, a leading micro venture capital firm, is branching out with the launch of Arigato Capital. This new fund signifies IVY's commitment to nurturing innovation across diverse sector...
STARTUP-STORIES
Upstox Enters Insurance Distribution through Partnership with HDFC Life
Upstox, the Ratan Tata-backed fintech platform, is expanding its reach beyond stocks and mutual funds. The company has announced a strategic partnership with HDFC Life, a leading insurance provider, t...
STARTUP-STORIES
Flipkart Unveils Flipkart IRIS: A New Insights Platform for Brands
Flipkart, a leading Indian e-commerce platform, has launched Flipkart IRIS (Insights and Research Intelligence System). This innovative platform aims to revolutionize how brands understand and engage ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Government Asserts FAME-II Guidelines Were Clear, Claims Companies Defaulted Knowingly
The Indian government is taking a stricter stance on the alleged misuse of subsidies under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-II) scheme. Here's a quick breakdow...
STARTUP-STORIES
Nikhil Kamath and Manyavar Family Office to Join A91 Partners in Rare Rabbit’s ₹500 Crore Funding Round
New-age men's fashion brand Rare Rabbit is making waves in the industry with its impressive growth and strategic funding round. The Bengaluru-based company is poised to become a major player in the pr...
STARTUP-STORIES
Chief Economic Advisor Urges AI Education and Enhanced Healthcare for Youth to Secure India's Economic Future
Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Finance Ministry, has emphasized the critical need for India to prepare its youth for the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Here's...
STARTUP-STORIES
Snapdeal Founder Urges Government to Ramp Up Financial Backing for Startups Amidst Economic Growth
Calls for increased government support for Indian startups have emerged amidst concerns about a funding slowdown in the ecosystem. Here's a breakdown of the key points raised by industry leaders:Need ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Go Digit IPO Soars with Over 9x Subscription, Led by Institutional Investors
Go Digit General Insurance, a Bengaluru-based insurtech startup, has witnessed a strong showing in its initial public offering (IPO). Here's a breakdown of the key details and investor interest:Subscr...
STARTUP-STORIES
Delhivery Boosts ESOP Pool: Adds 75,000 More Stock Options for Employees
Delhivery, a leading Indian logistics company, has made significant announcements regarding employee incentives, a new business venture, and financial results. Here's a breakdown of the key developmen...
STARTUP-STORIES
OYO Prepares for IPO Relaunch with Refinancing Plans Nearing Completion
SoftBank-backed hospitality tech giant OYO is gearing up for a renewed push towards its initial public offering (IPO). Here's a breakdown of the key developments:IPO Relaunch and Refinancing:OYO is re...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ola Cabs' CFO Kartik Gupta exits amid restructuring following CEO's departure
Ola Cabs, India's leading ride-hailing platform, is undergoing a leadership shakeup and strategic shift. Here's a breakdown of the key developments:CFO Departure and Restructuring:Kartik Gupta, Ola Ca...
STARTUP-STORIES
"Late-Stage Startup Funding Skyrockets Triplefold in April"
Indian startup funding trends show contrasting patterns in different stages, according to data from Tracxn. Here's a breakdown of the key findings and expert insights:Late-Stage Funding Surge:Late-sta...
STARTUP-STORIES
Infurnia Secures $1.2 Million in Angel Funding to Boost Design Software and Market Reach
Infurnia, a Bengaluru-based design software startup, has secured fresh funding to fuel its growth ambitions. Here's a breakdown of the key details and industry context:Funding Details:Infurnia raised ...
STARTUP-STORIES
SoftBank Eyes Indian Data Centers and Robotics for AI Push
SoftBank, the Japanese investment giant, is setting its sights on India's growing potential in artificial intelligence (AI). Here's a breakdown of their investment strategy and target sectors:Focus on...
STARTUP-STORIES
Flipkart Mulling Reverse Flip to India With IPO on the Horizon
E-commerce giant Flipkart is considering a move that could significantly impact the Indian startup landscape: returning its domicile to India. Here's a breakdown of the key factors and potential impli...
STARTUP-STORIES
Government to Launch Unified Portal for Digital Public Goods (DPGs)
The Indian government is taking a significant step towards simplifying access to its digital services by creating a unified portal for Digital Public Goods (DPGs). Here's a breakdown of the key aspect...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zomato Streamlines Audit Process: Subsidiaries' Auditor Resigns to Facilitate Deloitte Appointment
Zomato, the leading Indian food delivery platform, announced a change in its subsidiaries' audit process. Here's a breakdown of the key details:Auditor Resignation:Batliboi & Associates, the current s...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ola Group to Migrate from Microsoft Azure to Krutrim Cloud After LinkedIn Post Removal
In a significant move, the Ola Group, encompassing ride-hailing giant Ola Cabs and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Ola Electric, is severing ties with Microsoft Azure cloud services. Here's a break...
STARTUP-STORIES
Hanooman: India's Own GenAI Platform Now Available in 98 Languages
India has taken a significant step towards making AI technology more accessible with the launch of Hanooman, a "largest multilingual and affordable GenAI platform." Here's a breakdown of the key featu...
STARTUP-STORIES
Accel's Prashanth Prakash: 90% of Indian Retail Market to Stay Offline
The Indian retail landscape is witnessing a significant shift, with direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands exploring strategic expansion beyond their online roots. Here's a breakdown of the key trends:Domina...
STARTUP-STORIES
Aditya Birla Finance and Others Possibly Utilize Paytm's Loan Guarantees
Paytm, the leading Indian fintech company, is facing challenges in its lending business. Here's a breakdown of the key issues:Loan Guarantee Invocation: Aditya Birla Finance (ABFL), a key Paytm lendin...
STARTUP-STORIES
Shiprocket Expands Beyond Shipping: Targeting Growth in Marketing, Sourcing & Seller Services
Shiprocket, a leading e-commerce enablement startup, is embarking on a strategic expansion beyond its core shipping services. This move aims to capture a larger share of the online seller value chain ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Elon Musk's AI Startup X.AI Nears $18 Billion Valuation in Funding Round
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence (AI) venture, X.AI Corp., is reportedly on the verge of closing a significant funding round. Here's a breakdown of the key details:Potential Valuation:X.AI is poise...
STARTUP-STORIES
Adobe Sensei GenAI strives to empower businesses to provide outstanding customer experiences.
In today's experience-driven economy, customer experience (CX) is a key differentiator for businesses. Adobe is at the forefront of innovation with Adobe Sensei GenAI, a new generative AI technology d...
STARTUP-STORIES
Mindgrove Unveils India's First Homegrown Microcontroller Chip
A momentous occasion for India's technological independence is on the horizon. Mindgrove Technologies, an IIT-Madras incubated startup, has successfully developed and received its first indigenously d...
STARTUP-STORIES
QUE Eyewear Partners with Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for Brand Launch and Growth
QUE, a rising star in the eyewear industry, has announced a strategic collaboration with renowned Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan. This partnership marks a significant moment for QUE as they prepare f...
STARTUP-STORIES
Superplum Secures $15 Million to Transform India's Fresh Fruit Market
Superplum, a leading agritech startup focused on premium fresh fruits, has secured a significant investment of $15 million in its Series A funding round. This capital injection will fuel the company'...
STARTUP-STORIES
Paytm Stock Dips Following COO Bhavesh Gupta's Resignation
Shares of One 97 Communications Ltd. (Paytm), the company behind the popular fintech platform, opened lower on Monday following the news of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President Bhavesh Gupta's ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zaggle Block Deal: 22.27 lakh shares, worth ₹67.3 crore, changed hands at ₹302 apiece in block deals
Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd. (ZPOSL), a B2B SaaS fintech company, recently witnessed a block deal involving 22.27 lakh shares (1.8% of equity) worth over ₹67.3 crore. While the specific buyers a...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu Emphasizes Value of Staying Private Despite FY23 Growth
Sridhar Vembu, the visionary CEO of Zoho Corporation, a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions, recently sparked a conversation on social media regarding the advantages of remaining a priv...
STARTUP-STORIES
From Humble Beginnings to Shark Tank Success: Ankush Barjata's Deeva Revolutionizes Saree Industry
Ankush Barjata's story is an inspiring tale of perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. This young man from a small village in Himachal Pradesh has carved a niche for himself in the online saree indus...
STARTUP-STORIES
Tata Technologies Q4 Profit Drops 27.4% YoY, Revenue Grows Marginally
Tata Technologies (Tata Tech), a leading engineering solutions company, reported a decline in net profit for the January-March quarter of FY24. Here's a breakdown of the key financial highlights:Profi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Plotline Secures $2.6 Million Seed Funding to Personalize App Experiences for Consumer Brands
Plotline, a rising enterprise tech startup, has secured $2.6 million in seed funding from prominent venture capital firm Elevation Capital. This investment fuels Plotline's mission to revolutionize us...
STARTUP-STORIES
Healthtech Unicorn Innovaccer in Funding Talks with Kaiser Permanente for $200-$250 Million
Innovaccer, a leading healthtech unicorn, is reportedly engaged in negotiations with Kaiser Permanente, a major US health insurance and healthcare provider. These discussions center around a potential...
STARTUP-STORIES
Wipro Wins Multi-Million Dollar Deal to Transform Nokia's Digital Workplace Services with AI-Powered Support
Wipro Limited, a leading global information technology services company, has secured a significant multi-million dollar deal with Nokia to revolutionize the telecommunications giant's employee service...
STARTUP-STORIES
Dexif Secures $4 Million to Democratize Fixed-Income Investments in India
Dexif, a fintech startup led by former Blinkit executive Deepank Bhandari, has secured $4 million in seed funding from existing investor RTP Global. This fresh capital injection will fuel Dexif's miss...
STARTUP-STORIES
Kogo AI Unveils Kogo OS: A Platform to Build Universal AI Agents
Bengaluru-based startup Kogo AI is poised to revolutionize the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape with the launch of its highly anticipated platform, Kogo OS. This innovative solution leverages la...
STARTUP-STORIES
Groww Obtains Payment Aggregator License, Expands Financial Services Portfolio
Fintech unicorn Groww has secured a significant milestone with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granting its bill payments platform, Groww Pay Services, a payment aggregator (PA) license. This authoriz...
STARTUP-STORIES
"BluSmart, Supported by BlackSoil, Achieves INR 500 Cr ARR in FY24, Targets 10,000 EV Fleet by 2024"
BluSmart, a ride-hailing service focusing exclusively on electric vehicles (EVs), is revving its engine for growth. The company recently announced a significant increase in revenue, solidifying its po...
STARTUP-STORIES
PharmEasy Secures INR 1804 Cr in Down Round Led by Manipal Group Chairman's Family Office
PharmEasy, India's leading online pharmacy platform, has raised INR 1,804 crore ($216.2 million) in a down round of funding. This development comes just over a month after the Competition Commission o...
STARTUP-STORIES
Assert AI Secures $4 Million in Funding, Democratizes Access to AI-powered Video Analytics
Assert AI, a leading enterprise technology startup specializing in computer vision solutions, has successfully secured $4 million in Series A funding. This investment round was co-led by prominent fig...
STARTUP-STORIES
CII Unveils Corporate Governance Charter for Startups, Emphasizes Transparency and Growth
In a move designed to strengthen India's burgeoning startup ecosystem, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has launched a comprehensive Corporate Governance Charter for Startups. This initiativ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Yes Bank Rides Paytm Partnership Wave, UPI Transactions Surge 50%
Yes Bank, a leading Indian private sector bank, is experiencing a significant boost in its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions following its collaboration with fintech giant Paytm. This stra...
STARTUP-STORIES
Wibmo, Owned by PayU, Gears Up for Growth with Payment Gateway Solutions and Strategic Initiatives
Wibmo, a leading online payments processor owned by PayU, is making significant strides in the digital payments landscape. As per a recent report by ET, Wibmo is actively developing a comprehensive pa...
STARTUP-STORIES
Capria Ventures Closes India Opportunity Fund at Rs 153 Crore, Announces Successful Exit from Awign
Capria Ventures, a leading early-stage investment firm, has successfully concluded fundraising for its India Opportunity Fund, securing a total of Rs 153 crore (approximately $19 million). This achiev...
STARTUP-STORIES
Swiggy Gets Shareholder Nod for $1.25 Billion IPO, Gears Up for Public Listing
Swiggy, the leading Indian food and grocery delivery platform based in Bengaluru, has received a crucial green light from its shareholders for a much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO). This mo...
STARTUP-STORIES
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Eyes Media Platforms for E-commerce Expansion
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a government-backed initiative aiming to democratize e-commerce in India, is exploring new avenues for growth. According to a report by Moneycontrol, ONDC...
STARTUP-STORIES
KARBAN Envirotech Secures $1.07 Million to Revolutionize Airflow Appliances
KARBAN Envirotech, a rising star in the energy-efficient appliance sector, has successfully secured $1.07 million (INR 8.93 crore) in a seed funding round. This investment, co-led by prominent venture...
STARTUP-STORIES
PhonePe Doubles Down on Diversification, Investing Over Rs 800 Crore in Subsidiaries
PhonePe, the leading player in India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) market, is making significant strides towards becoming a comprehensive financial services platform. According to a report by The...
STARTUP-STORIES
Allen NExT Faces Challenges After Layoffs and Student Dissatisfaction
Allen Career Institute, a leading name in exam coaching, has encountered difficulties with its postgraduate medical test preparation wing, Allen NExT. The institute reportedly laid off 60-70 employees...
STARTUP-STORIES
Indian VC Investment Doubles in Q1 2024, Bucking Global Downturn
Venture capital (VC) investment in India displayed remarkable resilience in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, according to a new report by KPMG Private Enterprise Venture Pulse. This stands in stark con...
STARTUP-STORIES
The Derma Co by Mamaearth's Parent Company Achieves Rs 500 Crore ARR in Active Ingredient Skincare
Honasa Consumer, the powerhouse behind the popular beauty brand Mamaearth, has announced a significant milestone for its subsidiary, The Derma Co. This active ingredient-focused skincare brand has ach...
STARTUP-STORIES
Dhruva Space Secures $9.4 Million to Fuel Spacecraft Manufacturing and Expansion
Dhruva Space, a prominent player in India's spacetech sector, has successfully secured $9.4 million (Rs 78 crore) in funding. This latest round, comprising a mix of equity and debt, will significantly...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zomato Faces Fresh Tax Demand of Rs 11.82 Crore, Expects No Financial Impact
Zomato, the leading Indian food delivery company, has been hit with another tax demand. This time, the company faces a demand and penalty order totalling Rs 11.82 crore related to Goods and Services T...
STARTUP-STORIES
RupeeRedee's NBFC Arm FincFriends Secures $7.8 Mn in Funding Round
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India - FincFriends, the NBFC arm of digital lending platform RupeeRedee, has secured $7.8 million in a strategic funding round. This mixed debt and equity round was led by InC...
STARTUP-STORIES
Clientell Secures $2.5 Million to Empower Sales Teams with AI-powered Revenue Operations
Clientell, a Bengaluru-based AI startup, has secured $2.5 million in seed funding to revolutionize revenue operations for businesses. This round, led by Blume Ventures, highlights the growing interest...
STARTUP-STORIES
Electric Mobility Industry Needs to Move Beyond Subsidies, Says Exponent Energy CEO
The Indian electric vehicle (EV) industry is at a crossroads, with a key player calling for a shift away from reliance on government subsidies. This article explores the evolving landscape of electric...
STARTUP-STORIES
NIIF Invests $200 Million to Boost Digital Infrastructure Leader Ibus
The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has announced a significant investment of $200 million (around Rs 1,660 crore) in Ibus Network and Infrastructure, a leading player in the digita...
STARTUP-STORIES
Cornerstone Ventures Raises $200 Million for B2B Enterprise Tech Startups in India
Cornerstone Ventures, a leading venture capital (VC) firm focused on B2B (business-to-business) enterprise technology investments in India, has announced the launch of its second fund. This new fund b...
STARTUP-STORIES
Synapses Launches: $125 Million Fund Backs Climate & Health Tech Innovation
Synapses, a new venture capital firm co-founded by IIT alumni Ruchira Shukla and Karthik Chandrasekar, has entered the scene with a focus on climate tech and health tech startups. This $125 million (a...
STARTUP-STORIES
Sprinto Secures $20 Million to Fuel Growth in Risk & Compliance Automation
Sprinto, a leading risk and compliance automation platform, has secured $20 million in an equity funding round led by Accel. This fresh infusion of capital will empower Sprinto to accelerate its growt...
STARTUP-STORIES
Neha Dhupia Invests in Eco-Friendly Dinnerware Brand BlackCarrot, Joining Bollywood's Startup Investment Spree
Popular Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia has joined the growing list of celebrities venturing into the investment world. Dhupia has acquired an equity stake in BlackCarrot, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) din...
STARTUP-STORIES
Planys Secures $5 Million Funding to Revolutionize Underwater Infrastructure Inspection
Indian deeptech startup Planys Technologies has secured INR 43 Crore (approximately $5 million) in funding to accelerate its mission of revolutionizing infrastructure inspections. This investment will...
STARTUP-STORIES
Filter Capital Raises ₹800 Crore for Growth-Stage Tech Investments in India
Filter Capital, a Mumbai-based investment firm, has successfully closed its first fund, Filter Capital India Fund I, at ₹800 crore (approximately $100 million). This marks a significant milestone for ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Nivara Home Finance Secures $10 Million to Fuel Growth in Affordable Housing
Bengaluru, Nivara Home Finance, a leading player in affordable housing finance, has secured $10 million (INR 82.4 crore) in a funding round led by Baring Private Equity India. This fresh infusion of ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Tribe Capital appoints Vishesh Khurana, Shiprocket's co-founder, to lead its $250 million India Fund
Bengaluru, Silicon Valley venture capital giant Tribe Capital is making a strategic move to solidify its presence in the booming Indian startup ecosystem. The firm, known for its investments in innov...
STARTUP-STORIES
Luminance Secures $40 Million to Fuel AI-Powered Contract Automation
Cambridge, England, April 3, 2024 – Legal technology leader Luminance has announced securing $40 million in a Series B funding round. This investment, led by Santa Monica venture firm March Capital, w...
STARTUP-STORIES
Arch0 Raises $1.25 Million in Pre-Seed Funding Round Led by Leo Capital to Revolutionize Cloud Security
In a significant move towards bolstering cloud security solutions, Arch0, a burgeoning startup, has successfully raised $1.25 million in a pre-seed funding round spearheaded by the esteemed early-stag...
STARTUP-STORIES
The Fresh Press Juices Up Growth with Funding from Nikhil Kamath's Gruhas Collective
Fresh-pressed juice company The Fresh Press has secured an undisclosed amount of equity funding from Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund (GCCF) led by investor Nikhil Kamath. This investment will fuel the...
STARTUP-STORIES
Scrut Automation Secures $10 Million to Fuel Growth in GRC Platform
Scrut Automation, a leading governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) platform provider, has secured $10 million in fresh funding from its existing investors. This investment empowers Scrut to enhance it...
STARTUP-STORIES
Assembly Secures $2.1 Million Funding to Expand Travel Lifestyle Products
Indian travel and lifestyle startup Assembly has successfully secured $2.1 million (INR 17.4 Cr) in a funding round. This investment, led by Prath Ventures, will fuel Assembly's growth plans and solid...
STARTUP-STORIES
Indian Startups Facing Tax Implications for Reverse Flipping, Says Union Minister Piyush Goyal
In a recent development, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal addressed concerns regarding Indian startups contemplating reverse flipping, emphasizing the tax implications associated with such moves.A...
STARTUP-STORIES
Bounce, An Electric Vehicle Startup, Experiences A Sales Surge Of Over 500% In FY23, Reaching INR 91 Cr
Bounce, the Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer, reported a positive step towards profitability in its latest financial results. The company's net loss for the financial year 2022-23 (FY...
STARTUP-STORIES
Veranda Learning Secures Rs 425 Crore Debt Funding to Fuel Education Sector Expansion
Chennai, India: Veranda Learning, a prominent education company headquartered in Chennai, has secured Rs 425 crore in debt funding through non-convertible debentures (NCDs) issued to BPEA Credit, an a...
STARTUP-STORIES
Ambit Finvest Secures Rs 690 Crore Funding for MSME Loan Growth in India
Bengaluru, India: Non-banking lender Ambit Finvest has secured Rs 690 crore in fresh funding to fuel its expansion plans in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) loan segment.Investment Led b...
STARTUP-STORIES
SydeLabs Secures $2.5M Seed Funding Led by RTP Global for AI Security Solutions Amid Rising Cyber Threats
Bengaluru, India: SydeLabs, a recently launched AI security and risk management startup, has secured $2.5 million in seed funding. This round was led by venture capital firm RTP Global, with participa...
STARTUP-STORIES
It Is Unlikely That Chaudhry Will Return To Lead Aakash Institute, Which Is Now Owned By Byju's.
Bengaluru, India: BYJU'S-owned Aakash Institute appears to be taking a new direction in its leadership. Recent reports suggest that Aakash Chaudhry, co-founder of Aakash, will not be returning as CEO....
STARTUP-STORIES
Interior Design-Tech Venture Flipspaces Achieves Profitability at EBITDA Level with 2X YoY Growth in India & US this Fiscal
Bengaluru, India: Flipspaces, a leading interior design-tech venture, has reached a significant milestone by achieving profitability at an overall EBITDA level. This accomplishment marks a major step ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zoomcar partners with other companies to get more cars for their service
Bengaluru, India: Car-sharing platform Zoomcar is revamping its strategy to address a key challenge: attracting more car owners to list their vehicles on the platform. This move comes amidst the compa...
STARTUP-STORIES
Alteria Capital Raises $195 Million for Third Venture Debt Fund, Introduces Shorter-Duration Scheme
Mumbai, India: Venture debt firm Alteria Capital has successfully closed its third fund at Rs 1,550 crore (approximately $195 million). This new fund aims to provide financial solutions for growth-sta...
STARTUP-STORIES
SuperK Secures $6 Million to Revolutionize Grocery Shopping in Small Towns of India
Bengaluru, India – SuperK, a pioneering tech-enabled grocery retail chain for small towns in India, has secured $6 million (INR 50 Cr) in a Series A funding round. This crucial investment, led by prom...
STARTUP-STORIES
Real Estate Management Platform Aeria Secures $1.8M Funding Led by Kalaari Capital
Bengaluru, Aeria, a rising star in the coworking space, has secured $1.8 million in a funding round led by prominent venture capital firm Kalaari Capital. Foundamental, AC Ventures, and AL Trust, alo...
STARTUP-STORIES
Indian Startup Investment Declines Amid Paytm and Byju's Setbacks
India's once-booming startup scene is facing a harsh reality check. After a record year in 2021, funding has plummeted in 2024, raising concerns about the future of this critical economic driver.A Slo...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zerodha Founders and Others Invest $10 Million in Subko Coffee, NKSquared Leads Funding Round
Mumbai's homegrown coffee brand, Subko Coffee Roasters, has secured a piping hot $10 million (INR 85.10 Cr) in Series B funding, signaling a strong brew for the company's future. This funding round co...
STARTUP-STORIES
Fintech startup Yenmo secures $500,000 in funding round led by Y Combinator
In a groundbreaking development in the fintech industry, Yenmo, a platform revolutionizing lending against mutual funds, has successfully raised $500,000 in a seed funding round led by renowned US-bas...
STARTUP-STORIES
Cashfree launches risk management and fraud prevention tool RiskShield
Cashfree Payments, a leading payment gateway for online merchants, has introduced a powerful new tool in the fight against online fraud - RiskShield. This real-time risk management solution promises t...
STARTUP-STORIES
Pocket FM Secures New Funding Round, Projected Valuation Soars to $1.2 Billion
Bengaluru-based audio streaming platform Pocket FM is inching closer to a monumental achievement – joining the coveted unicorn club! According to industry insiders, the company is in advanced talks wi...
STARTUP-STORIES
India to host SCO Startup Forum 5.0 in January 2025
New Delhi, India - March 21, 2024 - India is poised to take the lead in fostering regional startup collaboration as it gears up to host the fifth meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)...
STARTUP-STORIES
BNZ Green: A Blockchain Pioneer in Climate Solutions secured $100,000 in funding
BNZ Green, a leading company leveraging blockchain technology to tackle climate change, has secured $100,000 in funding. This investment fuels their mission to create a more sustainable future by expa...
STARTUP-STORIES
How One Startup Recycles 220 Million Li-ion Batteries for Electric Cars, Solar Chargers, and More
Established in 2020, BatX Energies is a leading Indian startup addressing the growing challenge of Li-ion battery waste. Their journey began in 2017 when Vikrant Singh and Utkarsh Singh, engineering s...
STARTUP-STORIES
Haryana Startup Hygenco to Build India's First Green Hydrogen Plant
India is taking a significant step towards a cleaner energy future with Haryana-based Hygenco's announcement to construct and operate the country's first green hydrogen plant in Hisar, Maharashtra. Th...
STARTUP-STORIES
PUDI: A Trailblazing Lucknow Startup Revolutionizing Shelf-Life Extension
PUDI's remarkable journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and a unwavering commitment to innovation. Their focus on customer satisfaction, environmental responsibility, and fostering a supportiv...
STARTUP-STORIES
Govt plans to facilitate investments into startups through Startup Registry
A Unified Platform for Seamless CollaborationThe Bharat Startup Ecosystem Registry goes beyond simply being a database. It's designed to be a dynamic hub where all stakeholders within the startup ecos...
STARTUP-STORIES
Indian Startup Founded by IIT Graduates Generates Rs 200 Crore Revenue, Powers Homes with Zero Electricity
SolarSquare, a leading residential solar brand founded by IIT Bombay graduates Neeraj Jain and Shreya Mishra along with Pune University graduate Nikhil Nahar, is illuminating the homes of thousands ac...
STARTUP-STORIES
UPI Payment Now Available for Indians in Nepal
Indian tourists and residents in Nepal can now rejoice! The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India's ubiquitous digital payment system, is now live in Nepal. This landmark development follows a colla...
STARTUP-STORIES
Cybersecurity startup Axonius raises $200 million from returning investors
Amidst a cautious funding environment for late-stage startups, Axonius, a leading cybersecurity company, has secured $200 million in fresh funding. This news highlights the continued demand for robust...
STARTUP-STORIES
BonV Aero Secures INR 6 Crore in Funding Led by Inflection Point Ventures
BonV Aero, the Indian pioneer in electric aerial logistics drones, has successfully secured INR 6 crore (US$728,000) in a funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). This strategic investmen...
STARTUP-STORIES
817 Startups Enroll For Karnataka’s Elevate 2023
A booming surge in innovation marks Karnataka's startup ecosystem as a staggering 817 startups enroll in the state government's Elevate 2023 initiative, a 46% increase from 2022. This record-breaking ...
STARTUP-STORIES
Founders Resist Valuation Cuts As Funding Drought Drags On
In a recent annual State of Startups survey, a significant revelation emerged about the mindset of Indian startup founders amidst the ongoing funding challenges. The survey, conducted among 80 of Indi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Indian Wearables Brand Noise Valued at $420 Million After $10 Million Funding from Bose
Gurgaon, India: In a landmark deal, Indian wearables brand Noise has secured $10 million in funding from US audio giant Bose Corporation, propelling its valuation to a staggering $420 million. This ma...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zomato offers to acquire Shiprocket for $2 billion: report
In a move that could shake up the Indian e-commerce landscape, food delivery giant Zomato has reportedly offered to acquire logistics startup Shiprocket for a staggering $2 billion, according to Bloom...
STARTUP-STORIES
Battery recycling startup Batx raises $5 million in funding from zephyr peacock, lets venture news
Bengaluru-based lithium battery recycling startup, BatX Energies, has revved its engine with a green light for the future. Securing $5 million in a pre-Series A funding round, led by Zephyr Peacock wi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Nila Spaces launches proptech accelerator programme
National Stock Exchange-listed company Nila Spaces has launched the VisionX Program, a dedicated accelerator program for early-stage startups in the industry. This ambitious initiative, coupled with a...
CEO STORIES, STARTUP-STORIES
Agritech Startup Vegrow Secures $46 Million Funding From GIC and Others
Vegrow, the Bengaluru-based B2B fruit marketplace, has secured a fresh round of funding to fuel its growth ambitions. In a strategic move, the company secured an undisclosed amount in a Series C fundi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Men’s fashion brand Snitch raises ₹110cr to expand offline presence
Bengaluru-based D2C fashion brand Snitch has woven a stylish success story, securing a hefty ₹110 crore in a Series A funding round co-led by SWC Global and IvyCap Ventures. This fresh capital injecti...
STARTUP-STORIES
Zomato sees an opportunity in catering business to Expand into Large-Order Services
Zomato is expanding its reach beyond food delivery by eyeing a slice of the catering business and exploring new non-food offerings for its loyalty program, Zomato Gold. The company's Chief Executive f...
CEO STORIES, STARTUP-STORIES
Nat Habit Raises $10.2 Million in Series B Funding Led by Bertelsmann
Nat Habit, a rising star in the D2C beauty and wellness space, has secured $10.2 million in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India and other investors. This significant investment marks a t...
STARTUP-STORIES
D2C Hair Extensions Startup Secures $2.75 Million to Expand Salon Network
HairOriginals, a leading Indian startup specializing in direct-to-consumer (D2C) hair extensions and DIY wigs, has secured a significant funding boost of $2.75 million. This fresh capital injection wi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Instamojo Records Flat Operational Revenue of Rs 46 Crore in FY23 Amid Core Payment Business Closure
In a strategic shift from its roots as a fintech startup, Instamojo, backed by Mastercard and Times Internet, has successfully transitioned into a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) tech platform. Despite refra...
STARTUP-STORIES
Gameskraft Defies Tax Challenges, Achieves Remarkable 14% Profit Surge, Crossing INR 1,000 Cr Milestone in FY23
In a remarkable feat, gaming startup Gameskraft has defied the recent challenges faced by the real money gaming industry and recorded a 14.2% increase in its consolidated net profit for FY23, reaching...
STARTUP-STORIES
Water management startup DigitalPaani secures $1.2 million in funding from Elemental Excelerator
DigitalPaani, a water management startup founded by father-daughter duo Mansi Jain and Rajesh Jain, has secured $1.2 million in funding. The round was led by Elemental Excelerator and included partici...
CEO STORIES, STARTUP-STORIES
Airblack Raises $4 Million to Beautify its Makeup Learning Platform and Empower Aspiring Artists
Airblack, the online platform revolutionizing makeup and beauty learning, has secured $4 million (approximately INR 33 crores) in its Pre-Series B funding round. This significant investment, led by th...
STARTUP-STORIES
Navadhan Secures $5 Million to Boost Financial Inclusion for Underserved Households and Businesses
Mumbai-based rural-focused fintech startup Navadhan has successfully secured $5 million (INR 41.7 Cr) in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Prime Venture Partners. This significant investment marks a...
STARTUP-STORIES
THE SLEEP COMPANY RAISES $22M SERIES C FUNDING
The Sleep Company, a startup aiming to dethrone traditional mattress giants with its innovative approach to sleep solutions, has just secured a hefty $22 million (Rs 184 crore) in Series C funding. Th...
STARTUP-STORIES
Fintech startup ZestMoney to shut down, to lay off remaining 130 employees
The once-promising BNPL firm ZestMoney has met its tragic end, announcing its closure and laying off its remaining 130 employees. This marks a stark downfall for a company that once held the potential...
STARTUP-STORIES
Neobank Digivriddhi Raises $6 Million to Serve India's Dairy Farmers
Digivriddhi Technologies, a Bengaluru-based neobank catering to dairy farmers and microenterprises, has secured INR 50 crore ($6 million) in Series A funding. The round was led by Omidyar Network Indi...
STARTUP-STORIES
Biryani By Kilo Secures $9 Mn From Alpha Wave Ventures, Vevek Ventures, Others
Cloud kitchen firm Biryani By Kilo (BBK) has secured $9 million (INR 72 crore) in its Series C funding round led by Alpha Wave Ventures. Other investors in the round include Vevek Ventures, DSP HMK Ho...
STARTUP-STORIES
Car services startup Park+ expects to turn profitable in March 2024
Car Care Services Startup Park+ Expects to Turn Profitable in Early 2024Park+, a car care services startup, is expecting to turn profitable by the January-March 2024 quarter and close the current fisc...
CEO STORIES, STARTUP-STORIES
Giva Jewellery Shines Bright with Rs 200 Crore Funding Round Led by Premji Invest
Giva Jewellery raises Rs 200 crore in a Series B funding round led by Premji Invest.The company aims to expand its omnichannel presence and establish a pan-India reach.Giva's focus on fine silver jewe...
STARTUP-STORIES
ShipGlobal Raises $2.5 Million in Funding from InfoEdge Ventures to Empower Indian SMEs in Global Trade
ShipGlobal raises $2.5 million in funding led by InfoEdge Ventures.The company aims to expand its product offerings and broaden its customer base.ShipGlobal's comprehensive logistics solutions cater t...
STARTUP-STORIES
Tally Solutions Launches Account Aggregator Services to Enhance Financial Access for MSMEs
Tally Solutions: India's trusted compliance expert for 30 years. A tech and innovation firm, committed to SMB business management software.Introducing TallyEdge, their in-house startup, designed for b...
CEO STORIES, STARTUP-STORIES
Flatheads: Momoe Founders Conquer Fintech, Now Take on Rs 8,000 Cr Footwear Market
Ganesh Balakrishnan, a seasoned entrepreneur with a remarkable track record in building successful businesses, has embarked on a new venture – Flatheads, an innovative Indian startup that has garnered...
CEO STORIES, STARTUP-STORIES
Neuralink, Elon Musk's Brain Implant Startup, Stealthily Secures $43 Million in Additional Funding
In a move that further bolsters its ambitious endeavors in the realm of brain-computer interfaces, Neuralink, the brain implant startup founded by Elon Musk, has quietly secured an additional $43 mill...
STARTUP-STORIES
Scapia Secures $23 Million in Series A Funding to Revolutionize Travel Fintech
Elevating Travel ExperiencesIn a significant boost to the travel fintech sector, Scapia, a rapidly rising startup, has garnered $23 million in its Series A funding round. The round was spearheaded by ...
CEO STORIES, STARTUP-STORIES
From Humble Beginnings to India's Fastest Unicorn: The Swiggy Saga
In the bustling world of India's tech startup ecosystem, Swiggy stands as a beacon of innovation and customer-centricity. From its humble beginnings in 2014 as a small delivery startup, Swiggy has tra...
CEO STORIES, STARTUP-STORIES
AstroSuccess: Unveiling the Journey of Achieving 4X Profit Growth in Astrology Startup
In the realm of startups, where innovation and disruption are the cornerstones of success, Astrotalk stands as a beacon of growth and profitability. Founded in 2015, Astrotalk has emerged as a leading...