Start Ups

Unicorn startups' headcount declines 6.7k in a year: PrivateCircle Research

Mumbai unicorns saw a net decrease of 7,024 employees. Pune and Hyderabad too recorded a decrease in their overall workforce numbers

Namma Yatri's eyes to transform mobility space with zero-commission model

Till date, Namma Yatri said it has generated over Rs 1,100 crore in driver earnings, improving their financial stability and livelihoods

AI firm Databricks raising $10 bn Series J Investment at $62 bn valuation

Funding led by new investor Thrive Capital. Company expects to cross $3 bn in revenue run rate and achieve positive free cash flow in fourth quarter

Kaapi Machines: Using digital tech to deliver a perfect cup of coffee

The firm's IoT-enabled machines are installed in offices and public places, including at Microsoft, Facebook, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and the iconic Deccan Queen train

Yotta Data seeks $500 mn private credit to invest in data centres

The company will likely go for a bilateral deal to be finalized in early 2025, they said, adding the terms are not finalized yet and bank credit is also an option

Flipkart-backed super.money plans credit and wealth management push

Fintech has become sixth-largest UPI app, processing over 78 million transactions in November

Exotel accelerates AI-led innovations to redefine customer experience

Exotel's expansion into high-growth markets like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the USA is driving new revenue streams and the company said it is poised for strong growth in FY25

Chennai-based startup Space Kidz eyes lunar leap with all-women line-up

Space Kidz may become first Indian private firm to crash-land on the moon's surface

SolarSquare raises $40 million in series B funding from Lightspeed

Company plans to use the funding to expand its operations, hire talent, and for brand building

B2B robotics startup Haber raises $44 mn in funding from Creaegis, BEENEXT

Haber plans to use the capital primarily to scale its operations internationally, with a particular focus on the Americas, where demand for AI-driven industrial automation solutions is rising rapidly

Food delivery aggregator Swiggy launches invite only membership, One BLCK

Available by invitation only, Swiggy One BLCK is offered at a launch price of Rs 299 for a three-month plan

As startups expand spacetech innovations for data, funds remain a concern

Spacetech startups are leveraging small satellites, cost-effective launch solutions, and the use of AI to introduce affordable technology that has a wide range of applications

Startup reimagines bank lockers with high-tech vaults in gated communities

Aurm, a Bengaluru-based firm brings technology equipped lockers to gated societies, offering 24/7 access, military-grade security, and even insurance coverage

Mintifi raises $180 mn in Series E from TVG, Prosus, and Premji Invest

The company works with over 300 brands in India, including Asian Paints, Varun Beverages, Parle Products, Honda, and Shree Cement, among others

Startup contribution to economy projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030

India's startup ecosystem, valued at over $349 billion, ranks third globally in unicorn count as of May 2024

Lenskart plans to build largest eyewear manufacturing facility in Telangana

The Gurugram-based eyewear firm has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Telangana government to establish the facility at Fab City

Rekha Jhunjhunwala-backed IKS Health sets IPO price band at Rs 1,265-1,329

With the IPO, the company aims to provide an opportunity for investors to participate in one of the fastest-growing niches in the US healthcare sector

Uttar Pradesh: Over half of state's registered startups led by women

Moreover, UP has planned to develop India's first artificial intelligence city in Lucknow, and set up an exclusive fund for the emerging technology to boost the AI ecosystem and foster AI startups

Fintech major PhonePe eyes replicating UPI success via diversification

At present, the overall user base of PhonePe is over 500 million. Of these, its merchant base is over 40 million

Flush with funds, qcom firms Swiggy, Zepto, Blinkit focus on expansion

While announcing its September quarter results, management at Swiggy said its growth strategy for Instamart is based on hyperlocal expansion