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  • Ridev secures INR 1 cr deal on Shark Tank India 

    Ridev secures INR 1 cr deal on Shark Tank India 

    Electric mobility startup Ridev walked away with a big win on Shark Tank India, closing a deal that blended both equity and debt to fuel its next phase of growth.

    Founded by Manish Kumar Jain and Siddharth Jain, Ridev is building a two-wheeler EV leasing ecosystem focused on India’s rapidly growing gig workforce.

    Ridev’s pitch centred on a simple but pressing problem: gig workers often struggle with high upfront vehicle costs, poor documentation, and maintenance downtime. The startup addresses this by offering branded electric scooters on lease, supported by a growing fast-charging network.

    Since starting with just 10 vehicles in July 2024, Ridev has scaled to 1,400+ scooters by October 2025, with each vehicle generating about ₹9,900 in monthly revenue and a 60% renewal rate.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/truth-hair-secures-inr-2-5-cr-deal-on-shark-tank-india/

    The numbers also caught attention. In September 2025 alone, Ridev reported ₹82 lakh in net sales and ₹50 lakh in EBITDA, showing that the unit economics are starting to work at scale. The company currently operates 80 fast-charging stations, with each setup costing around ₹70,000, helping reduce downtime for riders.

    After discussions on the Tank, Kunal Bahl came on board with ₹1 crore for 3% equity, along with ₹5 crore in debt at 14.5% interest, valuing the company at ₹33.33 crore.

    The fresh capital will help the startup expand its fleet, strengthen operations, and double down on infrastructure as it builds a full-stack electric mobility platform for the gig economy.

  • GrowthPal Secures $2.6 Mn in Funding Led by Ideaspring Capital

    GrowthPal Secures $2.6 Mn in Funding Led by Ideaspring Capital

    Pune-based startup GrowthPal has raised $2.6 million in a fresh funding round led by Ideaspring Capital, with participation from a group of global angel investors.

    The funding comes as the company looks to scale its AI-powered platform that helps teams find and execute M&A deals more efficiently.

    Founded by Maneesh Bhandari, Shalu Mitruka, and Amaresh Shirsat, GrowthPal positions itself as an M&A copilot for corporate development teams.

    Instead of relying on slow, relationship-driven deal sourcing, the platform uses data and AI to help buyers move quickly from strategy to actual deal conversations.

    At a high level, GrowthPal starts by turning a buyer’s acquisition goals into a clear, structured mandate. From there, it scans signals across millions of companies globally, things like hiring trends, funding history, leadership changes, regulatory filings, and online activity.

    The outcome is a curated shortlist of acquisition targets that closely match the mandate, including off-market companies that aren’t actively looking to sell.

    According to the company, the platform has already supported over 42 completed M&A transactions and enabled more than 210 LOI-stage discussions across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Its customers range from large enterprises and mid-sized firms to startups and private equity-backed companies, particularly across IT services, SaaS, fintech, and software-led sectors.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/proptech-startup-truva-raises-9-million-in-fresh-funding/

    GrowthPal says the fresh capital will be used to strengthen product development and expand its presence across international markets. The company also plans to go deeper into the transaction lifecycle over time, adding capabilities around valuation reasoning and deal structuring.

    Behind the scenes, the platform blends agentic AI with a human-in-the-loop model, using AI to surface and score potential targets, while human analysts validate softer signals like founder intent before outreach begins. This hybrid approach, the founders believe, helps teams move faster without losing context or judgment.

  • Spacetech startup EtherealX secures $20.5 mn Series A funding

    Spacetech startup EtherealX secures $20.5 mn Series A funding

    Bengaluru-based spacetech startup Ethereal Exploration Guild, known as EtherealX, has raised $20.5 million in a Series A funding round co-led by TDK Ventures and BIG Capital.

    The round also saw participation from Accel, Prosus, YourNest Venture Capital, BlueHill Capital, Campus Fund, and Riceberg Ventures.

    The startup plans to use the fresh capital to develop its first fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle, Razor Crest Mk-1. The funding will support engine testing, vehicle integration, and infrastructure expansion as EtherealX prepares for upcoming technology demonstrations and future commercial launches.

    EtherealX was founded in 2022 by Manu J. Nair, Shubhayu Sardar, and Prashanth Sharma. The founding team brings experience across aerospace engineering, propulsion systems, and space missions. Since inception, the company has focused on building reusable launch systems designed and manufactured entirely in-house.

    Razor Crest Mk-1 is designed to place up to 24.8 tonnes into Low Earth Orbit in expendable mode and around 8 tonnes in a fully reusable configuration, with capabilities extending to GTO and trans-lunar missions.

    EtherealX has already developed two proprietary engines, the Pegasus upper-stage engine and the Stallion booster engine within a span of three and a half years.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/aule-space-raises-2-million-in-pre-seed-round-led-by-pi-ventures/

    The startup aims to lower launch costs to the $500–$1,000 per kilogram range by using full reusability and a proprietary Full Flow Segregated Cooling Cycle (FFSCC) engine architecture.

    It currently operates a large engine testing facility in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, and is setting up a 150-acre manufacturing and testing campus in Andhra Pradesh, expected to be operational by mid-2026.

    EtherealX has also signed collaboration agreements with IN-SPACe, ISRO, and several international space agencies and commercial satellite players.

    The company says it has secured launch MoUs worth $130 million with global customers and is targeting its first technology demonstration flight in late 2027, positioning itself as a long-term player in the global launch services market.

  • Proptech startup Truva raises $9 million in fresh funding

    Proptech startup Truva raises $9 million in fresh funding

    Mumbai-based proptech startup Truva has raised $9 million (around ₹78 crore) in a fresh funding round co-led by Stellaris Venture Partners and Orios Venture Partners, as it looks to expand beyond its home turf.

    Of the total capital raised, $7.3 million came through equity, while $1.7 million was raised as venture debt from Stride Ventures.

    The round also drew backing from a strong group of angel investors, including Myntra founder Mukesh Bansal, Livspace co-founder Ramakant Sharma, Aakrit Vaish, and Miten Sampat.

    Founded in 2023 by Puneet Arora, Monil Singhal, and Ankit Gupta, Truva is building what it calls a full-stack residential resale platform. Instead of just listing properties, the startup manages the entire journey, property discovery, due diligence, staging, renovation, financing support, paperwork, and final registration.

    Truva says it will use the funds to deepen its presence in Mumbai and enter new markets like Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru. A big chunk will also go into strengthening its real estate intelligence platform and supporting inventory-linked working capital, covering everything from home staging and legal checks to smoother transaction execution.

    One of Truva’s key differentiators is its in-house valuation engine, TruIQ, which uses over 1,000 data points, including historical transactions, floor plans, noise levels, and natural light, to offer unit-level pricing and liquidity insights. Buyers also get access to features like 3D tours, high-quality photos and videos, natural light scores, and noise ratings, along with a one-year quality assurance on homes purchased through the platform.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/mobility-startup-pumpumpum-raises-inr-18-cr-in-pre-series-a-funding/

    The traction so far has been encouraging. Truva currently operates across seven micro-markets in Mumbai, has acquired homes worth over ₹500 crore, and has already sold more than ₹300 crore worth of resale inventory to over 200 buyers and sellers. The company reports six-fold year-on-year growth and is aiming to cross ₹1,000 crore in annualised GMV over the next year.

    For the year ended March 2024, Truva reported ₹10.88 lakh in operating revenue and a loss of ₹10.30 lakh, reflecting its pre-scale phase. Its FY25 numbers are yet to be filed.

  • Aule Space raises $2 million in pre-seed round led by pi Ventures

    Aule Space raises $2 million in pre-seed round led by pi Ventures

    Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Aule Space has raised $2 million (around ₹18 crore) in a pre-seed funding round led by pi Ventures.

    The round also saw participation from angel investors including Eash Sundaram, Arvind Lakshmikumar, and others.

    Aule Space plans to use the capital to expand its engineering team, set up ground infrastructure for docking tests, and speed up the development of its first demonstration satellites, which are expected to launch next year.

    The startup has also been part of the Entrepreneurs First accelerator programme and is backed by the Transpose Platform.

    Founded in 2024 by Jay Panchal, Nithyaa Giri, and Hrishit Tambi, Aule Space is working on solving a common challenge in space operations, satellites that stop functioning not because of hardware failure, but because they run out of fuel.

    The company is developing autonomous “jetpack” satellites that can dock with ageing geostationary satellites in orbit and take over propulsion and station-keeping. This can extend a satellite’s operational life by up to six years and help operators avoid early retirement of high-value assets.

    Since most existing satellites were not designed for servicing, Aule Space is building AI-powered RPOD (Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking) systems along with a satellite-agnostic docking mechanism that can attach safely to non-cooperative spacecraft.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/good-farmer-food-concepts-raises-1-5-million-in-funding-led-by-creedcap/

    Its upcoming in-orbit demonstration missions will validate this docking technology and support future commercial deployments. Over time, the company aims to build a robotic workforce in space for satellite life extension, inspection, and retirement missions.

    Aule Space is targeting the geostationary satellite market, where assets are often retired early due to fuel limitations. The company is also exploring opportunities in space debris management and space security as part of its long-term roadmap.

  • Japam secures INR 1.5 cr investment on Shark Tank India

    Japam secures INR 1.5 cr investment on Shark Tank India

    Spiritual wearables brand Japam secured an investment of ₹1.5 crore on Shark Tank India, with Namita Thapar and Varun Alagh backing the company at a ₹150 crore valuation.

    Founded in December 2022 by Ritoban Chakraborty, Japam operates in the spiritual products segment, offering Rudraksha, energy stones, karungali products, and spiritual jewellery. The brand positions itself on authenticity and transparency, with a structured quality control process that includes multi-lab testing, batch test reports, spectroscopy, UV testing, and microscopic examination before products are scaled for manufacturing.

    Japam reported strong traction, with a community of 2.1 lakh followers on Instagram and a customer base of over 12 lakh users. As part of its trust-building initiatives, the company distributes 12,000–13,000 free Rudrakshas every month.

    On the financial front, Japam recorded ₹88 lakh in net sales in FY23, which grew to ₹12 crore in FY24 and further to ₹18 crore in FY25, with an EBITDA of ₹2.46 crore. The company operates with approximately 20% cost of goods sold, 80% gross margins, and 40–45% marketing spend.

    The brand currently manages a portfolio of over 250 SKUs, with Rudraksha contributing 40% of total revenue, while energy stones, karungali, and spiritual jewellery account for the remaining 60%. Japam is targeting ₹60 crore in revenue in FY26, with a projected 20% EBITDA margin.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/xstep-secures-inr-1-crore-deal-on-shark-tank-india/

    On the show, Chakraborty sought ₹1.5 crore for 1% equity. After negotiations, Namita Thapar and Varun Alagh closed the deal with an offer of ₹1.5 crore for 1% equity along with a 1% royalty until the investment is recovered.

    The company plans to use the fresh capital to strengthen brand presence, expand its product range, and scale manufacturing operations.

  • Truth & Hair secures INR 2.5 cr deal on Shark Tank India

    Truth & Hair secures INR 2.5 cr deal on Shark Tank India

    When Shailesh Singh and Saumya Alagh walked into the Shark Tank India arena with Truth & Hair, the conversation quickly moved beyond just shampoos and conditioners. The founders were clear, they weren’t chasing a crowded market, but building a focused hair styling and care brand, with their hair mascara leading the charge.

    The brand, which was launched in its current avatar in February 2024, positions itself around science-backed formulations and quick-fix styling solutions. The founders opened the pitch with a bold ask, ₹1 crore for 2.5% equity, valuing Truth & Hair at ₹40 crore.

    As the discussion unfolded, the sharks dug into the numbers. Truth & Hair reported ₹56 lakh in sales in FY24–25, and by the time of the pitch, had already touched ₹1.28 crore in year-to-date revenue. The growth caught attention, especially considering the brand operates with outsourced manufacturing and a lean two-member R&D team.

    The sharks also debated market focus. While the shampoo and conditioner segment is worth ₹8,500 crore, Truth & Hair is betting on the ₹600 crore hair styling market, where products like hair mascara offer differentiation and higher recall. This niche strategy sparked interest, particularly around scalability and brand storytelling.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/fb-startup-mypb-secures-inr-70-lakh-deal-on-shark-tank-india/

    Negotiations followed, and the valuation became the key point of contention. After back-and-forth discussions, the final deal landed at a very different place from where it started. Varun Alagh stepped in to close the deal, investing ₹2.5 crore for 25% equity, bringing Truth & Hair’s valuation down to ₹10 crore.

    With the funding, Truth & Hair plans to strengthen its product pipeline, invest more in R&D, and expand its presence across major online platforms.

  • xSTEP secures INR 1 crore deal on Shark Tank India

    xSTEP secures INR 1 crore deal on Shark Tank India

    xSTEP, a health-tech startup focused on paralysis and movement disorders, made a powerful impact on Shark Tank India when founder Dr. Parag Gad, a UCLA alumnus and neuroscientist, walked into the Tank.

    The startup’s flagship product, a non-invasive neuromodulation device, is designed to help patients with Spinal Cord Injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, and Multiple Sclerosis regain mobility, without surgery.

    The device, already approved by India’s CDSCO and previously granted FDA Breakthrough Designation in the U.S., demonstrated an impressive responder rate in mobility trials.

    Dr. Parag highlighted the device’s potential to transform the lives of the estimated 2.5 million children in India living with Cerebral Palsy.

    On the Tank, the Sharks were visibly moved by the live demonstration, with Kunal, Namita, and Vineeta especially impressed by the product’s clinical validation and its potential to scale in home care settings. After detailed discussions, the founders closed the deal at ₹1 crore for 10% equity, valuing xStep at ₹10 crore.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/vryse-secures-deal-on-shark-tank-india-with-anupam-mittal/

    The strategic investment also includes provisions for royalties until the Sharks recoup their investment, underscoring the long-term commitment to scaling this life-changing technology.

    With this backing, xStep is set to expand its reach across clinics and homes in India, making advanced neuromodulation therapy accessible to patients who previously had few options.

  • F&B startup MYPB secures INR 70 lakh deal on Shark Tank India

    F&B startup MYPB secures INR 70 lakh deal on Shark Tank India

    Peanut butter powder brand MYPB made waves on Shark Tank India when founder Pujan Jayantibhai Kachhadia pitched his health-focused alternative to traditional peanut butter.

    The startup, based in Amreli, Gujarat, a top groundnut-producing district, offers 100% peanut powder with 85–90% less fat, three times fewer calories, and double the protein of regular peanut butter.

    MYPB has grown rapidly since its launch in August 2023, recording ₹5.5 lakh in sales in its first year and leaping to ₹81 lakh in FY 2024-25, with ₹60 lakh already in revenue for the current year.

    Its cold-pressed “defatting technology” ensures nutrient-rich, mixable powder, which can be turned into a creamy spread or used in smoothies and baking.

    On the Tank, Pujan walked the Sharks through the 6-step production process, local sourcing advantages, and the brand’s tiered support model for distribution partners.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/emori-secures-inr-3-cr-investment-on-shark-tank-india-at-50-cr-valuation/

    The health-first positioning and strong early traction caught the attention of Varun Alagh, Namita Thapar, and Vineeta Singh, who joined forces to make a joint offer. After negotiations, the deal was sealed at ₹70 lakh for 15% equity, valuing MYPB at ₹4.67 crore.

    The investment will help MYPB scale its production, expand distribution across India, and further strengthen its presence in the health-conscious FMCG segment. With the Sharks backing the brand, MYPB is set to reach more fitness enthusiasts and home bakers looking for a nutritious peanut butter alternative.

  • Vryse secures deal on Shark Tank India with Anupam Mittal

    Vryse secures deal on Shark Tank India with Anupam Mittal

    AI optimisation startup Vryse made a strong impression on Shark Tank India, pitching a future-facing idea around what it calls “brand visibility for the AI era.”

    Founded by 21-year-old Ashish Kamathi, Vryse is built on a simple insight: as users move from Google searches to AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini, brands need new ways to show up in AI-generated answers.

    Ashish explained that traditional SEO is slowly losing relevance, and Vryse is positioning itself in the emerging space of AIO (AI Optimisation).

    The platform helps brands track how often they’re cited or recommended by AI models and improves their visibility by monitoring discussions across platforms like Reddit and Quora, sources that many AI models rely on.

    At the time of the pitch, Vryse had 22 paying clients, including D2C brands and B2B SaaS companies, with monthly plans ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹65,000. The startup was already profitable, which added weight to the pitch.

    Ashish came in asking for ₹40 lakh for 2% equity, valuing the company at ₹20 crore. While the Sharks were impressed by his clarity and technical depth, the discussion quickly turned to concerns around defensibility.

    Sharks questioned whether AI platforms might eventually filter out “seeded” content and whether large SEO agencies could easily replicate the model.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/pet-care-brand-nootie-bags-inr-1-cr-deal-on-shark-tank-india/

    Despite the skepticism, Anupam Mittal saw potential in Vryse’s first-mover advantage. He believed that as search behaviour shifts from Google to AI, someone needs to build the infrastructure for AI optimisation—and Vryse could be early in that race.

    After negotiations, the deal was sealed with Anupam Mittal investing ₹40 lakh for 10% equity, bringing Vryse’s final valuation to ₹4 crore, marking a strong vote of confidence in the startup’s early leadership in the emerging AI optimisation space.