The Indian startup ecosystem witnessed another dynamic week between August 25 and August 30, 2025, with 24 startups collectively raising $127.6 million. The activity included 4 growth-stage and 18 early-stage deals, while 2 startups kept their funding amounts undisclosed.
In comparison, last week’s numbers stood higher at $283.8 million across 16 deals, indicating a 55% week-on-week dip in total funding raised.
Growth-Stage Deals
Funding at the growth and late stage totaled $78.5 million, dominated by fintech startups:
- TransBnk secured $25 million Series B led by Bessemer Venture Partners.
- Kiwi bagged $24 million in Series B funding.
- Altum Credo, a housing finance company, raised ₹170 crore (~$19.5 million) from British International Investment.
- CredRight, an NBFC catering to nano and micro enterprises, raised $10 million.
Early-Stage Deals
On the early-stage front, 18 startups raised $42.3 million. Notable highlights include:
- WizCommerce (AI-native e-commerce sales platform) raised $8 million Series A from Peak XV Partners.
- Vutto, a used two-wheeler marketplace, secured $7 million Series A from RTP Global and Blume Ventures.
- Other players included Palmonas (jewellery), Enmovil (AI), Peeko (babycare quick-commerce), Matiks (math-based gaming) among others.
Startups like AKINNA (luxury handbags) and Samasta Foods (organic food brand) also raised funding but kept amounts undisclosed.
City-Wise Funding Activity
- Delhi-NCR dominated with 9 deals,
- Bengaluru followed with 5 deals,
- Other hubs included Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and more.
Sector-Wise Breakdown
- E-commerce startups led with 7 deals.
- Fintech was close behind with 5 deals.
- Other active sectors included AI, foodtech, and gaming.
Series-Wise Funding
- Seed rounds led the week with 6 deals,
- Series A accounted for 5 deals,
- Pre-seed and Series B followed.
Funding Trend
- Weekly funding dropped 55% to $127.6 million compared to $283.8 million last week.
- 8-week average stands at $185 million with ~23 deals/week.
Key Hirings & Leadership Moves
- Zypp Electric appointed Mukesh Singla as CFO.
- EaseMyTrip co-founder Prashant Pitti resigned as MD; Nishant Pitti takes over as Chairman & MD.
- Treebo Hotels elevated Hardin Goyal to Founding Partner & CCO.
- Varun Sridhar, CEO of Paytm Services, stepped down after 5 years.
Fund Launches
- Elevation Capital announced a $400M late-stage fund, Elevation Holdings, targeting IPO-ready startups.
Mergers & Acquisitions
- Uniphore acquired Orby AI and is set to acquire Autonom8 to strengthen its enterprise AI offerings.
- BeepKart, the Bengaluru-based used two-wheeler marketplace, announced shutdown after 5 years.
- FanCode (Dream Sports unit) to shut its sports merchandise business.
New Launches & Partnerships
- Euler Motors entered the commercial passenger EV segment.
- WinZO expanded into micro dramas and entered the US market.
- WoodenStreet partnered with Unicommerce to enhance e-commerce ops.
- PhonePe launched a new home insurance product.
- Unity Bank & BharatPe to roll out an EMI-driven credit card.
Financial Results This Week
- Wellbeing Nutrition posted ₹170 Cr revenue in FY25; retail share at 25%.
- Aye Finance profits halved in Q1 FY26 despite 21% revenue growth.
- Square Yards reported ₹378 Cr Q1 revenue, turning EBITDA positive.
- BigHaat surpassed ₹1,100 Cr revenue in FY25, turning profitable.
- PhysicsWallah reported ₹3,000 Cr revenue in FY25, slashing losses by 80%.
News Flash
- Groww received SEBI nod for IPO, estimated between $800M – $1B.
- A23 (Head Digital Works) filed the first legal challenge against Karnataka’s new gaming law.
- Yes Bank faces pressure from the RMG ban.
- BNP Paribas sold part of its Swiggy stake.
- Dream11 & Gameskraft chose not to challenge India’s new gaming regulations.
- Delhi Govt proposed a ₹200 Cr VC fund under its 2025 Startup Policy draft.
Summary
This week saw startup funding fall sharply to $127.6 million across 24 deals, compared to $283.8 million last week. While fintech dominated growth rounds, e-commerce startups led early-stage funding. Key shifts included new funds, acquisitions, IPO moves, leadership exits, and sectoral pivots — marking an eventful week for India’s startup ecosystem.
Disclaimer
StartupByDoc is an independent media platform covering startups, venture capital, and entrepreneurship in India. While we may receive partnerships or sponsorships from investors and businesses, our editorial coverage remains unbiased and independent. The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Readers are advised to conduct their own research before making business or investment decisions.