Author: Aman Atulya
Bengaluru, July 2025 — In a significant move to strengthen international innovation ties, the Government of Karnataka and the State of Berlin have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to promote collaboration in startups, AI, fintech, life sciences, and digital technologies. The agreement, signed under Karnataka’s Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) framework, aims to create a bridge between Bengaluru and Berlin — two of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs. The partnership will enable: Karnataka IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge and Berlin’s Mayor & Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey, led the signing in Bengaluru. Minister Kharge emphasized that this…
Mumbai, July 2025 — JSW Ventures, the venture capital arm of the JSW Group, is preparing to raise ₹450 crore for its third investment fund, targeting early-stage startups across India’s high-growth sectors including consumer tech, healthcare, agri-tech, fintech, and sustainability. This comes on the heels of full deployment of its ₹300 crore second fund, which was backed by key institutional investors like SIDBI, NABARD, and the Ranjan Pai Family Office. JSW Ventures now plans to focus on domestic LPs for Fund III, reinforcing confidence in India’s local VC ecosystem. Strong Portfolio and Track Record JSW’s maiden fund, launched in 2016…
Mumbai, July 2025 — India’s fastest-growing quick-commerce startup, Zepto, is set to raise $450–500 million in a fresh funding round, pushing its valuation to a staggering $7 billion, according to reports from Moneycontrol. This marks a sharp 40% jump from Zepto’s previous valuation of $5 billion during its 2023 fundraise. Backed by Top Global VCs The round will reportedly be led by existing investors General Catalyst and Avenir Growth, with participation from other current backers on a pro-rata basis. The company is also engaging with new global funds to complete the round. Founded in 2021 by Stanford dropouts Aadit Palicha…
Chennai, July 2025 — In a bold move to strengthen India’s deeptech startup ecosystem, IIT Madras has announced plans to launch a ₹200 crore venture capital fund, aimed at backing early-stage ventures in emerging technologies. Unveiled at the Sangam 2025 innovation summit in Bengaluru, the proposed fund will operate as an independent venture entity—structured with full regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and due diligence processes. The initiative is backed by IIT Madras alumni and aims to fuel innovation across AI, robotics, semiconductors, sustainability tech, and other deep science domains. “This is not just capital—it’s commitment,” said Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of…
Bengaluru, July 2025 — Digital lending platform InPrime Finserv has raised ₹50 crore in its Series A1 funding round led by Pravega Ventures, with participation from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), Kalaari Capital, and Chona Family Office. The fresh capital will be used to expand operations, enhance underwriting models, and grow its presence across India’s underserved Tier 2–4 markets. Founded in 2022, InPrime Finserv is building a credit engine specifically tailored for India’s emerging middle class and informal economy. With a proprietary tech stack and hybrid model, the company offers unsecured business loans and income-generating credit products to first-time borrowers often…
New Delhi, June 2025 — Fashion-forward jewellery brand AMAMA has raised $1 million in funding from Mistry Ventures, marking a pivotal moment in its journey toward becoming a global voice for Indian craftsmanship. This is the second institutional investment for the brand, following earlier backing from She Capital Trust. Craft Meets Capital Founded in 2019 by Nikita Gupta, AMAMA is known for blending traditional Indian techniques with modern design sensibilities. With this fresh round of funding, the brand plans to: A Brand Rooted in Storytelling and Craft AMAMA draws deep inspiration from Indian heritage — particularly heirloom pieces passed down…