Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Chara Technologies, known for developing rare-earth-free electric motors and controllers, has raised ₹52 crore ($6 million) in a Series A funding round led by Arkam Ventures, with participation from Exfinity Venture Partners, Kalaari Capital, and IIMA Ventures. This follows Chara’s earlier $4.75 million pre-Series A round, also led by Exfinity. The company plans to utilise the new capital to set up a manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, launch advanced motor variants, and strengthen its in-house powertrain technologies. Founded in 2019 by Bhaktha Keshavachar, Mahalingam Koushik, and Ravi Prasad, Chara Technologies is pioneering the development of sustainable, magnet-free powertrain…
Author: Aman Atulya
“If water can give life, why can’t it heal too?” This simple question sparked the journey of Zvibee, founded by Akshay Kumar, a brand dedicated to making hydration purposeful in India. More than just a drink, Zvibee aims to provide functional infused water that supports digestion, reduces sugar cravings, aids weight management, and even helps combat fatty liver all naturally, without added sugar or calories. The journey wasn’t easy. After three failed startups, Akshay recognized a gap: people were not drinking flavoured water that could deliver high nutritional benefits and support overall health. Convincing gyms, bakeries, and shopping malls to…
In a major step toward expanding its global AI infrastructure, OpenAI has signed a letter of intent with Argentina’s Sur Energy to build a large-scale data center project valued at up to $25 billion. The initiative marks one of the biggest technology and energy infrastructure projects in Argentina’s history. According to the Argentine government, the proposed facility will have a capacity of up to 500 megawatts, supporting advanced artificial intelligence computing workloads. The project will operate under Argentina’s Régimen de Incentivo para Grandes Inversiones (RIGI) — a tax incentive scheme launched last year to attract high-value global investments. OpenAI CEO…
Mumbai-based fashion house FS Life, which owns brands like FableStreet and Pink Fort, has secured ₹50 crore in fresh funding to scale its offline presence. The round was led by Colossa Ventures and Rahul Garg (founder of IGNITE Growth LLP), with participation from existing investors Fireside Ventures and Mirabilis Investment Trust. With the new capital, FS Life aims to double its retail footprint in the next six months, expanding from five stores currently spread across Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi NCR. Over the longer term, the company intends to open 100+ stores across India over the next three years. The startup…
UK-based fintech company Tide has announced a significant investment of ₹6,000 crore (£500 million) in India over the next five years, starting in 2026. This move aims to bolster its presence in India’s rapidly growing small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. With this new investment, Tide expands its original commitment of ₹1,000 crore (£100 million) made in June 2021, a target it achieved ahead of schedule. The company plans to create over 800 new jobs in India within the next 12 months, increasing its workforce to approximately 2,300 employees. These roles will span product development, software engineering, marketing, member support,…
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been officially cleared to take up part-time senior advisory roles at Microsoft and Anthropic, with oversight from the UK’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) to ensure no conflict of interest with his prior government duties. Under the approved terms, Sunak will advise both companies on global economic trends, technology policy, and governance strategy but is barred from lobbying or influencing UK government matters for the next two years. ACOBA’s clearance comes with conditions ensuring transparency and integrity in his post-political career. At Microsoft, Sunak will focus on shaping long-term strategies around innovation,…
Auto components manufacturer Sona Comstar has signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Germany-based NEURA Robotics GmbH to jointly develop advanced robotics technologies, including industrial robots and humanoids, for both Indian and global markets. The collaboration aims to combine Sona Comstar’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities with NEURA Robotics’ expertise in cognitive robotics, creating a synergy to deliver cutting-edge solutions for industrial automation and intelligent robotics. “By combining Sona Comstar’s engineering and manufacturing expertise with NEURA’s pioneering cognitive robotics technologies, we are well-positioned to deliver world-class solutions for the global market,” said Vivek Vikram Singh, Managing Director and Group CEO…
India’s vibrant festive season long associated with indulgence, gifting, and grandeur is undergoing a meaningful transformation. A new report by early-stage venture capital firm Rukam Capital, titled “Aspirations of New India: How Consumers Select, Shop, and Shape Brand Connections”, reveals that 61% of Tier-I shoppers are turning to homegrown brands, marking a pivotal shift in how Indians celebrate, consume, and connect with brands. Conducted in collaboration with YouGov, the study draws insights from over 5,000 respondents across 18 states, spotlighting a growing alignment between consumer values and brand choices. The findings show that India’s festive economy is now being powered…
Mumbai-based Hunger Inc, the parent company of popular restaurant and confectionery brands including Bombay Sweet Shop, The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, Veronica’s, and Papa’s, has raised ₹215 crore (approximately $25 million) in a new funding round led by Lighthouse and DSG Consumer Partners. The round also included secondary exits for some early investors, including CP Gurnani and a few angel backers. The latest investment marks a significant milestone for the company, which had earlier raised $1.69 million in a seed round. The Godrej family office remains an existing investor in the company. Hunger Inc plans to deploy the fresh capital…
Global technology investor Prosus has announced plans to acquire a 10.10% stake in Indian online travel company ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Ltd) for ₹1,296 crore, marking one of the largest secondary investments in India’s travel-tech sector this year. The investment will be made through a preferential share issue at a price of ₹280 per share, representing a 10.2% discount from ixigo’s last closing price. Following the transaction, Prosus will also gain the right to appoint one director to ixigo’s board, strengthening its influence in the company’s long-term growth strategy. In a regulatory filing, ixigo stated that the capital infusion will…