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  • UKHI Raises Rs 10.5 Cr Seed Round Led by Venture Catalysts

    UKHI Raises Rs 10.5 Cr Seed Round Led by Venture Catalysts

    Faridabad-based sustainable materials startup UKHI has raised ₹10.5 crore in a seed funding round led by Venture Catalysts, with participation from 100 Unicorns, 888 VC, and strategic industrial partner DCG Pack.

    The fresh capital will be deployed to scale production of EcoGran™, UKHI’s flagship compostable biopolymer, strengthen formulation and process-related IP, and deepen partnerships across the packaging value chain.

    Founded in 2019 by Vishal Vivek, Priyanka Chauhan, and Sandeep Kumar Tyagi, UKHI is an IP-led material science company focused on replacing petroleum-based plastics with high-performance, compostable alternatives derived from agricultural residues and lignocellulosic biomass.

    Within six months of commercialization, UKHI claims to have built a commercially viable biopolymer platform, achieved early market adoption across India’s packaging ecosystem, and generated revenues from large anchor clients. The company has sold over 2 lakh kg of biopolymer material to early customers and recorded a 90%+ trial-to-commercial conversion rate, indicating strong product-market fit.

    UKHI plans to replace up to 24 lakh kg of single-use plastic over the next 12 months. Its patent-pending technology is designed to be scalable, cost-effective, and drop-in compatible with existing plastic manufacturing infrastructure, enabling adoption without major capex changes.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/etherealx-raises-20-5-mn-in-series-a-funding/

    The company operates a dual business model, licensing its EcoGran technology to manufacturers while also offering turnkey packaging solutions through its sister venture, Murth. It has partnered with DCGpac, India’s largest B2B packaging platform, and signed MoUs with IIT Guwahati and the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) to advance R&D and deploy compostable solutions.

    As of 2025, UKHI reports a monthly production capacity of 140 tonnes, with plans to scale significantly by 2030. The startup has been incubated by IIT Mandi Catalyst, NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore), and supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), and has previously been featured in Forbes’ Top 100 Startups to Watch.

  • The Binge Town Secures Rs 2 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India

    The Binge Town Secures Rs 2 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India

    Private celebration venue platform The Binge Town stepped into the Shark Tank India with founders Soumay , Sanketh , Yash , Chetan , and Bishnu , pitching a high-margin, “hospitality-first” alternative to traditional banquet halls, designed specifically for intimate group celebrations.

    At its core, The Binge Town is all about democratizing luxury celebrations. By converting urban spaces into private mini-theatres, the startup allows users to book exclusive venues for birthdays, anniversaries, and romantic dates. Unlike public cinemas or restaurants, every booking comes with “celebration-locked” features including customizable LED décor, Sony 5.1 surround sound, gourmet F&B menus, and professional photography “reel” captures.

    In the Tank, the founders asked for ₹2 crore for 2% equity, valuing the company at ₹100 crore.

    The founders explained that the business is built on a highly profitable bootstrapped model. Having started with just ₹60 lakhs in 2022, operational income ₹3 crores from internal profits back into the business. Their unit economics are fueled by high-margin add-ons; while the entry price for a venue is affordable, most customers opt for premium decoration and food packages, pushing the average ticket size significantly higher.

    The Binge Town currently operates 64 private theatres across  in 7 major cities and has already crossed the milestone of 100,000 bookings. Their revenue growth has been aggressive, jumping from ₹5.7 crores in FY24 to a projected ₹27+ crores in FY26 with a steady 11% Profit Before Tax (PBT).

    https://app.ceotrail.com/meat-marinade-brand-kilrr-bags-rs-1-cr-investment-on-shark-tank-india/

    The product is managed via a tech-enabled booking platform where users can customize every detail of their event in real-time. Key use cases range from romantic proposals and 2-seater “couple dates” to 20-seater family birthday parties.

    They closed a deal with Varun Alagh for ₹1 crore for 2.5% equity plus ₹1 crore debt at 15% interest, valuing the company at ₹40 crore.

    Before Shark Tank, The Binge Town was entirely bootstrapped and profitable since day one. The fresh capital and Varun Alagh’s expertise will be used to scale to 200+ venues by the end of 2026, focusing heavily on FOFO (Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated) expansion into Tier II and Tier III markets.

  • Panda’s Box Secures Investment on Shark Tank India at Rs 10 Cr Valuation

    Panda’s Box Secures Investment on Shark Tank India at Rs 10 Cr Valuation

    Kids-focused cultural learning brand Panda’s Box featured on Shark Tank India, where founders Rajat Mendiratta and Sukriti Mendiratta shared how they are building a content-led brand that blends Indian culture, storytelling, and interactive learning for young children.

    During the pitch, the founders shared that Panda’s Box was founded in April 2022 as a cultural education company with a strong focus on children in the 0–2 years age group. The brand operates across categories such as plush toys, puzzles, sound boxes, sound books, and décor, with a clear emphasis on sensory and interactive learning rather than passive consumption.

    The founders highlighted that Panda’s Box currently offers 40+ SKUs, with its key differentiator being interactive plush toys paired with audio-led content. Each product includes up to 30 minutes of storytelling and mantras, supported by a dedicated mantras library hosted on the brand’s website. The content spans stories, mantras, and cultural audio, reinforcing Panda’s Box’s education-first positioning.

    At launch, the brand introduced Baby Krishna, Baby Ganesha, and Baby Hanuman plushies handmade, India-made divine toys priced at ₹799 (small), ₹999 (medium), and ₹1,599 (large). The founders also shared that the company has expanded into publishing with the recent launch of “My First Book of Mantras.”

    On the business front, the founders presented a strong growth trajectory. Revenue stood at ₹53 lakh in FY 22–23, grew sharply to ₹2.93 crore in FY 23–24, and reached ₹8.77 crore in FY 24–25, with year-to-date sales of ₹8 crore. Looking ahead, Panda’s Box is projecting ₹14 crore in revenue for FY 25–26.

    Profitability trends were also discussed during the pitch. EBITDA improved from ₹9 lakh in FY 22–23 to ₹13 lakh in FY 23–24, and further to ₹55 lakh in FY 24–25. While the brand currently reports YTD EBITDA of -₹49 lakh, the founders shared that they expect to reach EBITDA breakeven in FY 25-26.

    In terms of distribution, Panda’s Box operates a diversified channel mix. About 33% of sales come from its own website, 37% from quick commerce platforms, 25% from Amazon, and the remaining 5% from other channels. The founders noted a 15% repeat rate YTD on the brand’s website (12% in FY 24–25), while Amazon listings maintain strong 4.5–4.6 star ratings. Channel-wise, the brand recorded 100% growth on its website in FY 24–25, with 40% YTD growth, and 30% YTD growth on Amazon.

    Panda’s Box is currently bootstrapped. On the show, the founders shared that they are seeking ₹80 lakh for 2% equity, which puts the company’s valuation at ₹40 crore.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/upi-voucher-platform-cotopay-secured-rs-75-lakh-deal-on-shark-tank-india/

    During the pitch, a deal was eventually closed with Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar, who invested ₹1.2 crore for 12% equity, along with a 2% royalty until the ₹1.2 crore amount is recovered. This deal values the company at ₹10 crore.

    The founders also highlighted a key team milestone, sharing that October 2024 marked Rajat joining the business full-time, signaling deeper founder involvement as Panda’s Box enters its next phase of growth.

  • Semiconductor AI Startup ThirdAI Raises $3 Mn Seed Funding

    Semiconductor AI Startup ThirdAI Raises $3 Mn Seed Funding

    Causal AI–driven semiconductor intelligence startup ThirdAI has raised $3 million in a seed funding round co-led by Endiya Partners and Capria Ventures.

    The funding comes as global chipmakers and fabrication facilities increasingly turn to advanced AI systems to curb downtime and improve manufacturing efficiency.

    The India–US–based startup plans to channel the newly raised capital toward strengthening its core technology, hiring across engineering and commercial teams, and accelerating customer deployments in key semiconductor hubs worldwide.

    ThirdAI is also focused on deepening integrations with semiconductor equipment suppliers and large fabrication plants.

    Established in 2024 by Vivek Vishwakarma and Sainyam Galhotra, ThirdAI operates in a niche but mission-critical segment of the semiconductor value chain automated root cause analysis and troubleshooting. In chip fabrication facilities, identifying the source of equipment or process failures is often a manual, time-intensive task, leading to prolonged production interruptions.

    ThirdAI addresses this challenge through a causal AI–based platform that analyses vast volumes of heterogeneous data, including machine logs, sensor readings, imagery, and operational records. By uncovering cause-and-effect relationships rather than simple correlations, the system enables faster and more reliable diagnosis of manufacturing issues.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/etherealx-raises-20-5-mn-in-series-a-funding/

    The company says its AI-powered copilot has delivered measurable gains during pilot and live deployments, significantly cutting the time required to identify faults while improving diagnostic accuracy over traditional human-led approaches. These improvements can translate into substantial cost savings, as semiconductor fab downtime can run into millions of dollars per hour.

    Positioned as a deeptech automation company, ThirdAI aims to become a foundational intelligence layer for modern semiconductor fabs, where explainable and trustworthy AI is increasingly critical. With fresh backing from Endiya Partners and Capria Ventures, the startup is now looking to scale its operations and establish a stronger foothold in the global semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

  • UPI Voucher Platform CotoPay Secured Rs 75 Lakh Deal on Shark Tank India 

    UPI Voucher Platform CotoPay Secured Rs 75 Lakh Deal on Shark Tank India 

    UPI-based voucher platform CotoPay stepped into the Shark Tank India with founders Aviral Gupta (CEO), Vidit Sidana (CBO), and Syed Uzair Ahmed (CTO), pitching a smarter way for businesses to control how digital money gets spent using India’s existing UPI rails.

    At its core, CotoPay is all about bringing control and transparency to vouchers. Instead of handing out prepaid balances with little visibility, companies can issue UPI-linked vouchers that come with clear rules where the money can be spent, how long it’s valid, and full traceability of every transaction.

    The founders explained that unlike traditional voucher systems, the money issued through CotoPay doesn’t immediately leave the company’s account. Funds stay within the company ecosystem until the voucher is actually redeemed. Employees or users simply scan a QR code and pay via UPI, while businesses retain full oversight on categories, usage, and spend behavior.

    CotoPay kicked off closed user group testing in December 2025 and currently has five pilot users. The startup has already tied up with five banking partners and is initially focusing on SMEs and fleet operators. Its revenue model is straightforward, earning a 0.5% to 0.7% commission on the monthly transaction value processed through the platform.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/ai-music-platform-soundverse-ai-bags-rs-1-35-cr-deal-on-shark-tank-india/

    The product is available via web, iOS, and Android, with key use cases ranging from corporate expense management to loyalty-driven spending programs.

    In the Tank, the founders asked for ₹50 lakh for 1% equity, valuing the company at a Rs 50 crore valuation. After discussions, Anupam Mittal and Kunal Bahl came together to seal the deal Rs 75 lakh for 2% equity, plus 1% advisory equity, valuing CotoPay at ₹37.5 crore.

    Before Shark Tank, CotoPay had already raised Rs 2.94 crore in 2024, with investors collectively holding 17.8% of the company. Among the founders, Aviral Gupta owns 45%, Vidit Sidana holds 35%, and Syed Uzair Ahmed has 20%.

  • EtherealX Raises $20.5 Mn in Series A Funding

    EtherealX Raises $20.5 Mn in Series A Funding

    Bengaluru-based spacetech startup Ethereal Exploration Guild (EtherealX) has raised $20.5 million (₹183.4 crore) in a Series A funding round led by existing investor BIG Capital, with participation from TDK Ventures, Accel, Prosus (via MIH Ventures One B.V.), YourNest Venture Capital, BlueHill Capital, Campus Fund, Riceberg Ventures, and Kicksky Lab.

    According to regulatory filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), EtherealX’s board approved the issuance of 9,763 Series A preference shares at an issue price of ₹1,87,920 per share to raise ₹183.4 crore. The company has already received ₹87.4 crore ($9.7 million), with the remaining funds expected to be infused shortly.

    BIG Capital is leading the round with an investment of ₹53.7 crore ($6 million), followed by TDK Ventures with ₹44.7 crore ($5 million).

    YourNest Venture Capital and BlueHill Capital are each investing ₹26.85 crore ($3 million), while the balance is being infused by Campus Fund, Accel, Prosus, Riceberg Ventures, and Kicksky Lab.

    With this round, EtherealX’s post-money valuation has surged nearly sixfold to ₹720 crore (around $80–80.5 million), compared to a valuation of ₹120 crore when it raised $5 million in seed funding in August 2024 from YourNest, BIG Capital, and other investors.

    Founded in 2022 by Manu J. Nair, Shubhayu Sardar, and Prashanth Sharma, EtherealX is focused on building what it claims will be the world’s first fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle, Razor Crest Mk-1. Designed for absolute reusability, the rocket aims to recover both the booster and upper stage, significantly reducing launch costs to an estimated $500–$1,000 per kilogram. In expendable mode, Razor Crest Mk-1 can carry up to 24.8 metric tonnes to low Earth orbit, while in fully reusable configuration it is expected to deliver around 8 tonnes, with capabilities extending to geostationary transfer and trans-lunar injection orbits.

    Following the Series A allotment, BIG Capital will emerge as the largest external shareholder with a 12.11% stake, followed closely by YourNest Venture Capital at 11.64%. Campus Fund will hold 10.25%, BlueHill Capital 8.38%, and TDK Ventures 6.21%, while Accel and Prosus will each own 0.62% of the company. The founding team, Manu J. Nair (CEO), Shubhayu Sardar (COO), and Prashanth Sharma (CTO), will each retain a 13.04% stake in the company.

    The startup is developing two proprietary liquid rocket engines in-house: Stallion, a 1.2-meganewton booster engine using a gas-generator cycle, and Pegasus, an 80-kilonewton upper-stage engine featuring a Full Flow Segregated Cooling Cycle. Proceeds from the Series A round will be used to accelerate the development and testing of these engines and the Razor Crest Mk-1 vehicle.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/global-healthx-surpasses-15-mn-in-healthcare-investments-introduces-new-startup-cohort/

    On the financial front, EtherealX remained in the pre-revenue stage for the fiscal year ended March 2025 and did not report any operating revenue. However, it recorded ₹1.1 crore in non-operating income during FY25, primarily from mutual fund gains and a government grant. The company reported a net loss of ₹4.2 crore during the same period.

    EtherealX currently operates a test site in Tamil Nadu and is establishing a 150-acre manufacturing campus in Andhra Pradesh, which is expected to be operational by mid-2026. The company has also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth $130 million with global customers, including Japan’s SpaceBD and Taiwan’s TASA.

    The funding comes amid heightened investor interest in India’s spacetech ecosystem. Over the past year, several Indian spacetech startups have raised significant capital, including Digantara ($50 million), CoreEL Technologies ($30 million), and Agnikul ($17 million). Other notable startups in the sector include Inspecity, Manastu Space, Sisir Radar, OrbitAid, Pixxel, Ulook, and Akashalabdhi, reflecting the growing momentum in the country’s private space industry.

  • Showroom B2B Raises Rs 150 Crore in Series A Funding

    Showroom B2B Raises Rs 150 Crore in Series A Funding

    Gurugram-based fashion supply chain platform Showroom B2B has raised ₹150 crore (approximately $17 million) in a Series A funding round led by Cactus Partners. The round comprises a mix of equity and debt financing.

    The round also saw Zephyr Peacock come on board as a new investor, alongside continued participation from existing investors including Jungle Ventures, Accion Venture Lab, and NBD Ventures, all of whom committed fresh capital.

    The fresh capital will be deployed to expand its technology-led supply chain infrastructure, strengthen enterprise partnerships, and scale its manufacturing and sourcing capabilities across India. The company also plans to enhance its platform to manage increasingly complex sourcing requirements from large-format and institutional retail customers.

    Founded in 2020 by Abhishek Dua and Shubham Gupta, Showroom B2B (registered as 3Fate Technologies Pvt. Ltd.) operates as a tech-enabled apparel sourcing and manufacturing platform. It offers an integrated design-to-delivery model for organised retailers, apparel brands, and buying houses in India and overseas.

    In October 2023, Showroom B2B secured $6.5 million in pre-Series A funding, with Jungle Ventures leading the round and Accion Venture Lab along with other investors coming on board.

    The platform operates across categories including denim, knits, woven apparel, and kidswear. It follows a “phygital” model, combining digital tools with physical infrastructure. Its experience stores in Tier II and III cities allow retailers to inspect apparel samples before placing bulk orders.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/ai-music-platform-soundverse-ai-bags-rs-1-35-cr-deal-on-shark-tank-india/

    On the technology front, Showroom B2B leverages AI-powered tools for demand forecasting, intelligent supplier matching based on compliance standards, and real-time production tracking. The company also manages end-to-end logistics, from sourcing and quality assurance to doorstep delivery, and offers a “Pay Later” credit facility to help small businesses manage working capital.

    For the financial year ending March 31, 2025, Showroom B2B reported revenue of $11.8 million (₹99.8 crore). Prior to this round, the company had raised approximately $8.01 million from investors including Jungle Ventures, Accion Venture Lab, and Alteria Capital.

  • Global HealthX Surpasses $15 Mn in Healthcare Investments, Introduces New Startup Cohort 

    Global HealthX Surpasses $15 Mn in Healthcare Investments, Introduces New Startup Cohort 

    Healthcare and life sciences innovation platform Global HealthX (GHX) has surpassed $15 million in cumulative investments across healthcare startups and studio-built ventures over the past two years. 

    The Hyderabad-based organisation operates under the Global University Foundation (GUF) and focuses on building scalable solutions at the intersection of healthcare, life sciences, and technology.

    Global HealthX follows an integrated model that combines a venture studio, strategic investments, and market-access partnerships. Through this approach, the platform aims to address long-standing challenges in India’s healthcare system, particularly around access, affordability, and continuity of care.

    Led by Dr. Ravindranath Kancherla, founder of Global Hospitals and chairman of Laurus Labs, Global HealthX functions as the innovation and R&D arm of the Global Institute for Research & Innovation (GIRI).

    The organisation works closely with clinicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs to translate research into commercially viable healthcare solutions.

    The latest GHX cohort features five startups working across diverse healthcare segments. These include TapHealth in AI-led chronic care, Wellytics in emergency response systems, Monitra Health in cardiac monitoring, Merry Health in genomics-driven precision medicine, and Avika, which focuses on VR-based mental health therapy.

    Typically, GHX invests $250,000 to $500,000 per startup, with the ability to participate in follow-on rounds from pre-seed to Series A and beyond, depending on a company’s scale and impact potential.

    Over the next year, the platform plans to deploy an additional $8–10 million in 2026, backing around 10 new startups across healthcare and life sciences.

    Beyond investments, GHX actively supports founders through venture building and acceleration. Its venture studio co-creates companies from the research stage, while its accelerator programme helps both Indian and global startups localise, validate, and scale within the Indian healthcare market.

  • Wellness Startup WellWith Raises Rs 1.25 Cr in Seed Funding

    Wellness Startup WellWith Raises Rs 1.25 Cr in Seed Funding

    WellWith, a wellness startup focused on sea buckthorn based health solutions, has raised ₹1.25 crore in a seed funding round led by BeyondSeed, with participation from Winner Ventures.

    The newly raised capital will be used to advance structured clinical research and strengthen the company’s sourcing, processing, and logistics infrastructure in Ladakh, according to a company statement.

    Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Noida, WellWith was co-founded by Udit Chawla, Rohit Bhavsar, and Nikhil Pratap Singh.

    The startup positions itself as India’s original sea buckthorn wellness brand, blending traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific extraction techniques.

    It uses CO₂ supercritical extraction to preserve the nutritional integrity of sea buckthorn berries, seeds, and leaves.

    WellWith’s product portfolio spans dietary supplements, targeted wellness formulations, and personal care products. These include sea buckthorn berry oil capsules, gummies, leaf tea, and condition-specific offerings for immunity, digestion, weight management, diabetes care, skin, and hair health.

    The company operates a pan-India direct-selling model and places a strong emphasis on community-led growth. Through initiatives such as Studentpreneur and Mompreneur programs, WellWith aims to generate livelihoods and promote grassroots entrepreneurship.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/digital-striker-raises-1-million-in-funding-from-foxhog-ventures/

    WellWith said it has recorded steady revenue growth, supported by repeat customers and strong organic demand. For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, the startup reported revenue of ₹9.29 crore.

    Going forward, the company plans to invest in clinical studies to validate the efficacy and safety of its formulations, while deepening long-term engagement with Himalayan communities by building a scalable and ethical supply chain in the region.

  • Ananya Birla Steps Into Cinema With New Production House Birla Studios

    Ananya Birla Steps Into Cinema With New Production House Birla Studios

    Business leader Ananya Birla has entered the Indian film industry with the launch of Birla Studios, a production banner that will focus on commercially driven films anchored in strong storytelling and cultural depth.

    The newly formed studio will develop projects across genres and languages, with an emphasis on narratives that resonate emotionally while appealing to wide audiences. Birla Studios plans to work with both established and first-time filmmakers, placing particular importance on fresh creative voices and original ideas.

    Speaking about the venture, Birla highlighted the enduring influence of cinema as a cultural force, noting that films have the ability to create meaningful connections and leave a lasting impact. She said the studio’s goal is to build a slate of films that combine entertainment with substance, while remaining relevant to contemporary audiences.

    Birla Studios will produce films in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Gujarati and Malayalam, alongside select English-language projects. The banner aims to create content that travels across regions, blending local storytelling with universal themes.

    https://app.ceotrail.com/enterprise-agentic-ai-startup-vibrium-raises-1-mn-in-seed-funding/

    The launch marks a new chapter in Birla’s entrepreneurial journey. She currently heads Svatantra Microfin, one of the country’s largest microfinance institutions, and expanded into the beauty and lifestyle space with the launch of Contraband and Lovetc under Birla Cosmetics in 2025. She also holds board-level positions within several companies of the Aditya Birla Group and serves on its top strategic council.

    Beyond business, Birla has built a parallel career in music, earning international recognition for her English-language releases. With Birla Studios, she now turns her attention to film production, with the studio expected to unveil its first set of projects later this year.