Page 10 - Start Ups
Gaming firms craft new strategies to cash in on gameplay, scale reach
At the heart of the monetisation game, companies are betting on two pillars: In-app purchases and revenue from advertising
 "Gaming firms craft new strategies to cash in on gameplay, scale reach")
Khetika bets big on clean-label food chain, looks to expand to 40 cities
The company has raised $18 million to expand tech-enabled farming platform that connects smallholders directly to consumers seeking chemical-free staples
 "Khetika bets big on clean-label food chain, looks to expand to 40 cities")
Clean-label food startup Khetika raises ₹154 crore for expansion
Clean-label food startup Khetika on Monday said it has raised USD 18 million, or about Rs 154 crore, from a clutch of investors for expansion.
 "Clean-label food startup Khetika raises ₹154 crore for expansion")
Zetwerk rides China+1 wave, eyes 80% revenue from global companies
Startup plans IPO in 12-18 months as global order book swells
 "Zetwerk rides China+1 wave, eyes 80% revenue from global companies")
Nykaa expects Q1FY26 consolidated net revenue to grow by around mid-20%
FSN E-Commerce projects Q1 FY26 revenue growth in the mid-20% range, led by strong performance in the beauty vertical, while fashion shows sequential improvement
 "Nykaa expects Q1FY26 consolidated net revenue to grow by around mid-20%")
Visioning expansion: IPO-bound Lenskart sets sights on AI glasses
The investment gives Lenskart access to Ajna's XR and AI tech as it plans to launch consumer-focused smart eyewear and raise $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation
 "Visioning expansion: IPO-bound Lenskart sets sights on AI glasses")
India launches initiative to identify top 100 deep-tech startups
The #100DesiDeepTechs initiative, in partnership with Startup India, MEITY Startup Hub, and IIT Madras, aims to identify and support India's top deep-tech startups, fostering policy dialogue
 "India launches initiative to identify top 100 deep-tech startups")
Oyo's DanCenter to add 250 premium vacation homes across India in FY26
Oyo's European brand DanCenter currently operates in 9 states and UTs and aims to expand into Telangana and the North-East, focusing on upscale and niche travel segments
 "Oyo's DanCenter to add 250 premium vacation homes across India in FY26")
Matter Motor Works hunts for new tech as rare earth stocks deplete
Matter Motor's COO, Arun Pratap Singh, discusses the company's approach to tackling supply disruptions caused by rare earth magnet shortages and its plans to explore alternative technologies
 "Matter Motor Works hunts for new tech as rare earth stocks deplete")
GobbleCube raises $3.5 million to expand AI tools for consumer brands
InfoEdge Ventures leads Pre-Series A round as GobbleCube targets growth in hyperlocal commerce with AI-driven solutions for top consumer brands
 "GobbleCube raises $3.5 million to expand AI tools for consumer brands")
Luma Fertility raises $4 mn in seed funding led by Peak XV's Surge
Luma Fertility, a Mumbai-based fertility health-tech startup, raises $4 million in seed funding to expand its services in Mumbai and beyond, with participation from Ameera Shah and Vijay Taparia
 "Luma Fertility raises $4 mn in seed funding led by Peak XV's Surge")
Gamezop expands to Bahrain, targets $6 million additional revenue
The Indian parent plans to invest $4 million to ramp up operations, hire local talent, and explore inorganic growth opportunities, including acquisitions
 "Gamezop expands to Bahrain, targets $6 million additional revenue")
Runs to returns: How Virat Kohli is building a robust portfolio
With over 13 startups in his portfolio, the cricketer's off-field innings is as strategic as his on-field game
 "Runs to returns: How Virat Kohli is building a robust portfolio")
RDI scheme a major boost for R&D and deep-tech in India: Industry
With a two-tiered financing structure, the new RDI fund will support deep-tech ventures through the ANRF and aims to attract global talent and long-term capital
 "RDI scheme a major boost for R&D and deep-tech in India: Industry")
Beauty unicorn Good Glamm Group struggles to pay staff amid cash crunch
The Mumbai-based company has delayed employee salaries while seeking new funding, as three board directors from major VCs recently departed
 "Beauty unicorn Good Glamm Group struggles to pay staff amid cash crunch")
Zango raises $4.8 mn to scale AI-native compliance tools, expand teams
Zango, which helps financial firms stay audit-ready with AI agents, will use its $4.8 million seed funding to grow teams in London and Bengaluru and build new product modules
 "Zango raises $4.8 mn to scale AI-native compliance tools, expand teams")
Swiggy unveils '99 Store' for budget-friendly meals in 175 cities
The new 99 Store offers single meals at ₹99 with optional free Eco Saver delivery and aims to cater to Gen Z consumers seeking low-cost, everyday food options
 "Swiggy unveils '99 Store' for budget-friendly meals in 175 cities")
Grammarly acquires startup Superhuman in AI productivity platform push
Superhuman, once an exclusive email tool boasting a long waitlist for new users, was last valued at $825 million in 2021, and currently has an annual revenue of about $35 million
 "Grammarly acquires startup Superhuman in AI productivity platform push")
AppsForBharat raises ₹175 crore Series C to scale Sri Mandir platform
AppsForBharat secures ₹175 crore in Series C funding to deepen digital temple services, expand into 20 towns, and enhance AI-driven devotional experiences
 "AppsForBharat raises ₹175 crore Series C to scale Sri Mandir platform")
Aukera raises $15 million to expand lab-grown diamond jewellery brand
With $15 million from Peak XV and others, Aukera plans to grow its lab-grown diamond brand as India's $350 mn market sees 15 per cent annual growth
 "Aukera raises $15 million to expand lab-grown diamond jewellery brand")
