Startups

AI hardware startup Aina raises $5.5 mn to build next-generation interface

The startup, founded by a former Ultrahuman executive, is developing a context-aware computing interface as AI agents reshape how people interact with smartphones and computers

Mira Murati's startup Thinking Machines launches an open-weight AI model

Named Inkling, the open-weight model allows developers to download, run and customise its underlying systems; the 975-bn-parameter model is the first general-purpose AI release from Thinking Machines

AI coding startup Emergent hits $1.5 bn valuation in Series C round

Emergent has raised $130 million at a $1.5 billion valuation as rapid global adoption of its AI-powered software development platform drives strong revenue and user growth

First set of biotech startups picked for funding under ₹1 trillion R&D push

The selected startups include Fermbox Bio, Revelations Biotech, 4baseCare, Sea6 Energy and Telluris Biotech, the sources said

Ficci launches Family Office Forum to unlock $30 billion for startups

The industry body aims to connect family offices with India's startup ecosystem through a dedicated platform for deal flow, co-investment and policy engagement

Nilekani-backed Fundamentum launches third fund of ₹2,200 crore

Nilekani made his largest personal commitment to a venture firm as Fundamentum expanded its leadership team and reaffirmed its focus on backing Series B startups

Why OpenAI, Anthropic and Google are funding startups with AI credits

AI firms are spending millions on free credits as they compete to become the preferred platform for the next generation of startups

RDI fund's first cohort of startups aims to plug country's deep-tech gaps

The first five startups backed under the government's RDI fund will develop indigenous technologies in space, defence, healthcare, batteries and biotechnology through milestone-based financing

Sterlite Technologies raises ₹1,500 cr via QIP to fund next phase of growth

Broadband technology company Sterlite Technologies Ltd has raised Rs 1,500 crore through a qualified institutional placement to primarily de-leverage debt and pursue the next phase of growth, the company said on Monday. The company allotted 2.57 crore equity shares to qualified institutional buyers, aggregating to Rs 1,500 crore. Following the allotment, STL's paid-up equity share capital increased to Rs 102.78 crore, comprising 51.39 crore equity shares, the company said in a statement. The QIP saw participation from both domestic and global investors, including Motilal Oswal, Nomura, HSBC and Oxbow, among others. "STLhas raised Rs 1,500 crore through a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP). The entire process saw participation by reputed domestic and global investors including Motilal Oswal, Nomura, HSBC, Bank of India, Oxbow, Think Investments, Bandhan and Manulife, among others," the company said. The proceeds from the QIP will be primarily utilised to substantially de-leverag

India's U30 startups funds mostly deployed for product, expansion: Hurun

More than half of the capital raised by India's leading under-30 entrepreneurs is being deployed towards product development and market expansion, reflecting a growing focus on building sustainable businesses, according to a report released on Wednesday. "But what truly sets this generation apart is not the scale of capital they have raised, it is the discipline with which they are deploying it. Over 50 per cent of all funds raised are going directly into product development and market expansion," said Anas Rahman Junaid, founder and chief researcher at Hurun India. "These are founders who are not building for the next funding round; they are building for the next decade. In a world that often celebrates the raise, this cohort is quietly focused on the result," Junaid added. According to the report, funding deployed by companies on the Avendus Wealth-Hurun India U30 List 2026 is primarily directed towards growth and expansion, with product development accounting for 27 per cent of .

IIMA Ventures launches AI residency programme for student entrepreneurs

The month-long, fully funded programme has selected 43 students from more than 11,000 applicants to help transform AI-led startup ideas into validated ventures

Restrictive digital rules can slow startup formation, VC funding: Report

An Oxford Economics report says a restrictive digital regulatory regime could reduce startup formation by 20 per cent and venture capital investment by 25 per cent

India tech funding rises to $7.2 billion in H1 2026, but deal count shrinks

India's tech startups raised $7.2 billion in H1 2026, but deal volume dropped sharply as investors concentrated capital in fewer companies

UP govt's new startup policy to back deep-tech, women entrepreneurs

Uttar Pradesh is drafting a new startup policy with incentives for deep-tech ventures, women-led firms and innovation-driven entrepreneurship

Air taxi startups find healthcare as first launchpad ahead of wider rollout

Even before India's air taxi rules are finalised, hospitals and air ambulance operators are partnering with eVTOL startups to transform emergency care

Beyond Naukri, Info Edge's ₹41,300-crore startup portfolio shines

Since 2007, the company has made investments of ₹4,900 crore across 135 startups across sectors

Cybersecurity startup Mitigata raises $15 mn in Bessemer-led Series B round

Bessemer-led funding will help the company expand its AI-powered platform as enterprises grapple with rising cyberattacks and growing security risks

Info Edge invested in over 50 AI, deep-tech companies since 2020

Naukri parent has invested more than Rs 1,000 crore across over 50 AI and deep-tech startups since 2020, with its overall startup portfolio now valued at Rs 41,300 crore

Vetic raises $40 million to expand pet-healthcare network

The Bessemer-led funding will help the startup expand clinics and veterinary services, broaden insurance offerings and invest in technology

Policy needed to check foreign tech dominance, says People Group founder

The Shaadi.com founder says India must strengthen digital sovereignty, curb Big Tech dominance and create a policy environment that supports homegrown innovation