Essar-backed Blue Energy Motors has raised USD 30 million in a fresh funding round led by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath and Omnitex Industries, a major textile trading firm. The capital will be deployed to expand manufacturing capacity for both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electric heavy-duty trucks. Scaling Production Currently, Blue Energy Motors has the capacity to produce 10,000 trucks annually. With the new funding, production is expected to increase significantly to meet rising demand. The company claims to have sold approximately 1,000 vehicles, which have collectively clocked over 60 million kilometres on Indian roads. Driving Sustainable Freight Founder and…
Author: Aman Atulya
Indian deep-tech startup SpaceFields has raised $5 million (approximately ₹42 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round led by Globaz Technologies, with participation from Rockstud Capital, Venture Catalysts, Nithin Kamath’s Rainmatter, Burla Angel Network, Faad Capital, SIDBI, O2 Angels, and MeitY Startup Hub. Prior to this, the startup had secured $1.3 million in seed funding in 2024 from Jamwant Ventures, HVB 88 Angels, and other investors. The latest capital injection will enable SpaceFields to scale manufacturing, secure key regulatory certifications, and expand its engineering, operations, and business teams. Driving India’s Aerospace & Defence Innovation Founded in 2021 by Apurwa Masook,…
PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has announced the launch of CheckIn, a new premium value hotel collection aimed at reshaping India’s mid-market hospitality segment. India’s Largest Premium Value Collection Bringing together established brands like Townhouse Hotels, Clubhouse, Sunday Hotels, Belvilla, and Palette Hotels, CheckIn enters the market with over 1,300 hotels across India. This makes it the largest premium value chain in the country, targeting India’s rising middle class and aspirational travelers. CheckIn promises a consistent, professional, and reliable guest experience across all properties. Each hotel will be managed by trained staff and partner management companies to maintain uniform…
Odisha-based deep-tech startup Coratia Technologies has signed a ₹66 crore (approx. $7.5 million) contract with the Indian Navy to supply and maintain its indigenously developed Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs). The deal marks the Navy’s first large-scale induction of India-built UWROVs into active operations. Defence Tech Breakthrough Coratia’s flagship UWROV Jalasimha has already cleared Technology Readiness Level-9 – a NASA-based mission framework – following rigorous testing and certification, paving the way for its naval deployment. Alongside Jalasimha, the startup has also developed Jaladuta and Navya (an autonomous surface vehicle), equipped with AI-driven sonar mapping and real-time analytics. Designed with frugal…
Influencer marketing in India has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, but its foundations have long been questioned. Fake metrics, barter collaborations, and endless unfulfilled promises left both brands and creators dissatisfied. Stepping into this fragmented ecosystem, PairPinnacle positions itself as a smart connector built on trust, clarity, and measurable value. The Idea Behind PairPinnacle PairPinnacle was founded with the belief that genuine engagement is more important than vanity numbers. Traditional influencer marketing often sidelines nano and micro creators, despite their stronger audience connections. PairPinnacle flips this approach, ensuring that even creators with 1,000+ followers can access meaningful paid opportunities if…
Climate-tech startup Equilibrium has raised $3 million in its first funding round, with backing from Kalaari Capital, Avaana Capital, and Peak XV Partners. The funding comes as demand grows for carbon removal solutions that help businesses meet net-zero goals. What Equilibrium Does Founded in 2024 and based in Bengaluru, Equilibrium provides full-stack carbon removal solutions. Its projects include agroforestry, regenerative farming, mangrove planting, and biochar. These initiatives serve more than 60,000 farmers and coastal communities.The startup has a pipeline targeting over 20 million tonnes of CO₂ removal over the long term. Use of Funds & Growth Plan With the new…
Diagnostics major Metropolis Healthcare has announced the acquisition of Ambika Pathology Laboratory, a Kolhapur-based pathology chain, for ₹17 crore. The deal includes a deferred payment of ₹1.7 crore, structured under a business transfer agreement. Strengthening Regional Presence Ambika Pathology runs a central laboratory in Kolhapur along with 12 patient touchpoints, offering a broad portfolio of diagnostic tests. Nearly 75% of its revenue comes from walk-in B2C customers, reflecting its strong retail presence in the region. With this acquisition, Metropolis aims to transform Ambika into a mini reference lab, catering to Kolhapur and surrounding districts in western Maharashtra. The move is…
PayU, the payments and fintech arm of Prosus, has increased its stake in Mindgate Solutions to 70%, making it the company’s majority shareholder. Founders George Sam and Guhan Muthuswamy will retain a 30% minority stake and continue leading operations. Funding Snapshot Powering UPI’s Growth Mindgate processes 10 billion+ monthly transactions, representing over $1 trillion in annual payments. It has played a critical role in the rise of UPI, which recently crossed 20 billion monthly transactions, and provides infrastructure to banks and institutions across India, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the UK. Combined Strength Mindgate’s real-time issuing and payment platforms…
Gameskraft, one of India’s largest real-money gaming startups, has laid off 120 employees across departments as part of a restructuring drive following the government’s blanket ban on online money games. Layoffs and Support Package Impacted employees will receive severance pay, leave encashment, and extended health insurance until March 2026, with an option to convert policies into individual plans. Founder Prithvi Singh said the decision was driven by “external realities” rather than employee performance, promising support for affected staff during the transition. Scandal and Setback The restructuring comes as Gameskraft faces a fraud scandal involving former CFO Ramesh Prabhu, accused of…
Building materials platform Infra.Market is raising Rs 731.5 crore (approximately $83 million) in a fresh Series G funding round, led by Silverline Homes, with participation from Tiger Global, NK Squared, Accel India, Nexus Ventures, and Evolvence India. Funding Breakdown and Valuation Silverline Homes, controlled by Infra.Market founders Aaditya Sharda and Souvik Sengupta, is leading the round with Rs 250 crore. NK Squared and Tiger Global are contributing Rs 200 crore and Rs 176 crore, respectively, while Accel India and Evolvence India invest Rs 44 crore each and Nexus Ventures adds Rs 17.6 crore. The round values the company at $2.8…