Page 2 - Startup

India's tech startups raise $2.5 billion in Q1 2025, up 8.7% from 2024

Across different stages of investment, late-stage startups attracted the highest total funding of $1.8 billion in Q1 FY25, compared to $1.3 billion in Q4 FY24

Valueattics Reinsurance set to become India's first private reinsurer

So long GIC Re, a public-sector entity, was the only player in the field

Syneriq Global opens AI GCC in Hyderabad, aims for $150 million revenue

Additionally, the group launched a new AI platform, Zyrix, focused on driving innovation and advancing product engineering

Fashion-tech brand Virgio aims to invest $1 mn across 16 stores under plan

On the international front, the fashion-tech brand plans to open two stores in Dubai. It is currently scouting locations and aims to begin operations by the end of 2025

India's tech startup boom: Are policy tweaks needed to drive growth?

The success of UPI in India is a fascinating case study in the intersection of technology, policy, and socioeconomic factors

Swish secures $14 mn in Series A funding from Hara Global and Accel

This funding will support Swish's expansion across Bengaluru, with plans to extend its quick food delivery model to more pincodes in the coming month

Nespresso eyes store expansion in India, keen on B2B tie-ups with hotels

Nespresso makes coffee machines and coffee pods that are sold directly to consumers and businesses

Former Kissht founders launch debt resolution platform, secure $3.5 mn

Rezolv claims to simplify collections by centralising data and optimising workflows. It utilises AI analytics to improve recovery rates

Green Frontier Capital to invest Rs 100 cr in climate-tech firms this year

Founder Sandiip Bhammer says the climate tech-focused VC firm only invests in companies that address three 'D's: decarbonisation, digitisation, and disruption

Create an ecosystem for banks to offer equity support to startups: CS Setty

SBI Chairman C S Setty on Tuesday pitched for creating an "ecosystem" where banks can offer "equity support" to startups in the country. He said the government is also looking at a guarantee scheme where support for loans up to Rs 100 crore will be provided to the startups. "We need to work out an ecosystem where the equity support from the banking system is also available to the startups," Setty said, speaking at the annual NTLF event organized by tech industry lobby grouping Nasscom here. Banks are not allowed to offer equity support to startups at present, and can only offer debt support. Setty said the country's largest lender has been active on the debt support front when it comes to startups, pointing out that it lends directly to such enterprises or through dedicated funds. It also has seven dedicated branches across the country which offer dedicated banking support and loans to the start-up ecosystem, which is the third largest globally. Setty said the fledgling fintechs

A new orbit for India: Startups, innovation propel space ambitions

While Isro pioneered cost-effective space innovations, startups are taking efficiency to the next level

ZEISS India teams up with IISc to advance AI research in eyecare

This collaboration will propel improvements in eyecare solutions from India for the world, considering the rising prevalence of vision impairments worldwide

Funding squeeze hit brakes on startups' unicorn race in 2024: Tracxn

Time taken to become unicorn fell by half in four years till 2023; back to 2019 levels again

Ed-tech unicorn LEAD Group eyes IPO within 2-3 years: Smita Deorah

The GSV Ventures- and Westbridge Capital-backed firm became a unicorn in 2022 and is now valued at $1.14 billion. The company currently services more than 8K schools and plans to add 3-4K schools

Best of BS Opinion: A Carpe Diem moment for Indian policymakers

The rapid growth of AI, success of mobile phone manufacturing, the index for states' fiscal health and labour shortages all point to opportunities for policymakers

Several startups likely to go public in 2025 despite challenges: Report

Several high-quality startup firms are likely to go public in 2025 despite global challenges, and the funding environment is also likely to improve this year, according to a report by venture debt firm InnoVen Capital. It also said that 47 per cent of startup founders out of 100 who participated in the survey expect the pace of hiring to increase this year. "Of those who attempted to raise in 2024, 63 per cent had a favourable experience. 79 per cent of founders are optimistic that the funding environment will improve in 2025," the India Startup Outlook Report said. Ashish Sharma, Managing Partner at InnoVen Capital India, said the report will provide useful insights to all stakeholders that have a keen interest in the venture ecosystem. "While the macro is challenging, we expect several high-quality companies to go public in 2025," he added. Further, the report said startup founders continue to look at domestic IPO as the likely mode of exit, with 73 per cent of founders choosing

Razorpay marks 10 years, targets about $400 billion in TPV by 2030

The company's next target is focused on transforming the payment experience for more than 1 billion consumers

Astrome Tech raises $10 mn to accelerate wireless connectivity innovation

The company seeks to transform the communication landscape with advanced solutions for both ground and space-based networks

360 One WAM to acquire brokerage house B-K Securities for Rs 1,884 cr

360 One reported a net profit of Rs 276 crore for the third quarter of FY25, registering a 44 per cent year-on-year increase

Nagpur startup ErlySign develops 15-minute saliva test for oral cancer

With an estimated 1.5 lakh cases of oral cancer diagnosed annually in India and a high mortality rate due to late detection, ErlySign claims that its test has the potential to reduce healthcare burden