Chennai-based NBFC Dugar Finance has raised $5 million (approximately Rs 45 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round led by HegdInvst, a Category II AIF focused on growth equity. The company had earlier raised $18 million in debt from Symbiotics and Indian banks, along with $3 million via Green Basket Bond, reflecting strong access to capital across equity and debt. Capital to strengthen tech, underwriting, and risk systems The fresh funds will be deployed across key areas including technology infrastructure, analytics-led underwriting, centralised risk systems, and senior leadership hiring. The focus is on building a more robust and scalable lending…
Author: Aman Atulya
Fandom platform Fanon has raised $1 million (approximately Rs 8.3 crore) in a pre-seed funding round co-led by Kalaari Capital and Gruhas. The fresh capital will be used to scale its user base to 1 million+ users, build monetisation avenues for creators, and expand teams across product, marketing, and technology. Building a unified platform for fan-created storytelling Founded in 2024 by Jatin Nayak, Nesar Rao, and Arvindmani Satyanarayan, Fanon enables users to create, explore, and share alternate storylines across movies, TV shows, anime, games, and books. The platform combines fanfiction, comics, videos, and discussions into a single discovery ecosystem tailored…
B2B Manufacturing Platform Eyes Listing Amid Improving Financials Zetwerk has filed draft papers for an initial public offering through the confidential route, according to reports. The company is looking to raise up to ₹4,200 crore (around $450 million) via the proposed issue. Separately, Zetwerk is also exploring a ₹500 crore pre-IPO funding round at a valuation of nearly $3 billion, signalling strong investor interest ahead of its public market debut. Business Model and Financial Performance Founded in 2018, Zetwerk operates a contract manufacturing platform serving industries such as consumer electronics, aerospace, and industrials across global markets. The company connects buyers…
Embedded systems startup Bacancy Systems has raised Rs 40 crore in a Series A funding round led by Sabre Partners and Greenstone Capital, with both investors acquiring minority stakes through primary investments. The fresh capital will be used to expand manufacturing capacity, accelerate product development, and strengthen research and development. Building IP-led solutions for EV and railway sectors Founded in 2021 by Binal Patel, along with Krunal Patel and Hardik Sheth, Bacancy focuses on embedded electronics and power systems for electric vehicles and railway applications. The company builds IP-led products across hardware, firmware, and cloud technologies, targeting critical infrastructure segments.…
Fraud intelligence startup Sign3 has raised $1.5 million (approximately Rs 12.5 crore) in a funding round led by Cedar Hill Capital, marking the fund’s third investment and second in AI-led enterprise technology. The round also saw participation from Smile Group and angel investors including Rajesh Sawhney (GSF), Dinesh Agarwal (IndiaMART), Anup Agarwal (Kiwi), and Vinay Bagri (Niyo). Building an AI-native fraud intelligence platform Founded in 2022, Sign3 develops an AI-native customer intelligence platform focused on real-time fraud prevention and risk management. Its proprietary system leverages device intelligence, behavioural biometrics, and alternative data signals to generate actionable risk insights for financial…
Agritech startup Cropcoin has raised Rs 12 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Unicorn India Ventures, with participation from Climate Angels. The Gurugram-based company had previously raised $300K in 2024 and $169K in a seed round. The fresh capital will be used to expand operations from 10 districts to all 66 districts across Bihar and Jharkhand. Converting agricultural waste into sustainable inputs Founded in 2022 by Pankaj Pandey and Ehtesham Farooqui, Cropcoin focuses on agricultural waste management and soil health. The startup converts animal waste into organic fertilisers and bio-stimulants, enabling poultry and dairy farms to improve…
Quick commerce startup Epik has raised $1 million (approximately Rs 8.3 crore) in a pre-seed funding round led by Info Edge Ventures, with participation from angel investors. The Bengaluru-based company will use the fresh capital to build its fulfillment infrastructure, expand its product catalogue, and strengthen its demo operations network across cities. Building a ‘try and buy’ experience for electronics Founded by Gotama Gowda, Varun Chopra, and Harsha Reddy, Epik operates a ‘try and buy’ model, where trained experts deliver products to customers’ homes within 60 minutes for live demonstrations. The platform allows users to physically compare multiple products before…
Info Edge has committed Rs 250 crore to a deeptech-focused investment fund, reinforcing its strategy to back emerging technology startups in India. The move highlights the company’s increasing focus on AI, deeptech, and innovation-led ventures, as the ecosystem sees rising investor interest in advanced technologies. Strengthening presence in early and growth-stage investments The capital commitment will enable Info Edge to participate in high-potential deeptech startups, supporting innovation across sectors such as artificial intelligence, enterprise tech, and next-generation platforms. The company has historically backed category-defining startups and continues to expand its footprint in venture investing. Partial exit from ShopKirana signals portfolio…
Biocon has appointed Shreehas Tambe as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective April 1, 2026. He will become the first CEO of the integrated Biocon entity, leading a unified platform across biosimilars and generics. The company also announced the appointment of Kedar Upadhye as Chief Financial Officer, strengthening its leadership team during a key phase of structural transition. Integration Strategy to Build Global Biopharma Scale The leadership changes come as Biocon completes the full integration of Biocon Biologics as a wholly owned subsidiary, simplifying its corporate structure. The move is aimed at creating a globally competitive, scaled biopharma enterprise.…
Equipment solutions provider MTandT Rentals has raised Rs 100 crore from ValueQuest S.C.A.L.E. Fund II, marking its first institutional or private equity funding round. The Chennai-based company had previously raised Rs 62 crore from early-stage investors and family offices. The fresh capital will be used to support its next phase of growth and expansion across India. Building equipment solutions for infrastructure and industrial sectors Led by Rakesh Modi, MTandT Rentals provides aerial work platforms and ground protection access solutions for infrastructure, construction, and industrial projects. Its portfolio includes boom lifts, scissor lifts, spider lifts, and PortaDeck composite mats, along with…