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  • Neural Defend Raises $600K Pre-Seed Funding Led by IPV

    Neural Defend Raises $600K Pre-Seed Funding Led by IPV

    Cybersecurity startup Neural Defend has secured over $600,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), with participation from MIT SBXI, Techstars, and Soonicorn Ventures.

    The funding will support the enhancement of Neural Defend’s agentic AI capabilities for real-time, multimodal deepfake detection, alongside further R&D and product development efforts, the company stated in a press release.

    Founded in 2024 by Piyush Verma, Sivashankar Selvarajan, and Sumit Singh, Neural Defend is focused on tackling the growing risks of AI-generated digital deception.

    By leveraging proprietary AI models, the startup offers scalable and resilient cybersecurity solutions for businesses and governments.

    Piyush Verma, CEO of Neural Defend, highlighted the company’s mission:
    “As AI-generated fraud becomes more advanced, businesses, banks, and government agencies need solutions that can stay ahead. Neural Defend’s AI is built for real-time security, ensuring that deepfake fraud can’t succeed in a world where digital trust is everything.”

    Also Read: Rangsons Aerospace raises ₹300 crore in funding led by ValueQuest Investment Advisors

    Unlike traditional methods, Neural Defend’s technology detects deepfakes across multiple formats, including video, images, audio, and real-time streams, ensuring robust fraud prevention.

    The company is working with global enterprises, fintech firms, and financial institutions to validate and expand its solutions, particularly in video verification and KYC use cases.

    In response to the growing threat of AI-generated fraud, the company has launched pilot projects in New York and Singapore.

  • Rangsons Aerospace raises ₹300 crore in funding led by ValueQuest Investment Advisors

    Rangsons Aerospace raises ₹300 crore in funding led by ValueQuest Investment Advisors

    Rangsons Aerospace, founded by Pavan Ranga, has raised ₹300 crore ($36.5 million) in a funding round led by ValueQuest Investment Advisors, with Anand Rathi Advisors serving as the financial advisor.

    The company specializes in aerospace, defense, and homeland security solutions.

    The newly raised capital will be used to develop advanced products for commercial and military aviation markets globally, while also driving expansion into new business areas through strategic acquisitions.

    Also Read : Sachin Tendulkar and Salman Khan Among Investors as Purple Style Labs Raises ₹102 Crore

    A part of the Mysore-based NR Group, Rangsons Aerospace operates three facilities across Bangalore and Mysore.

    Its product lineup includes satellite communication systems, airborne thermal management, and fluid distribution solutions.

    As a Tier I supplier, Rangsons Aerospace partners with global aerospace giants such as Boeing, GE, and Honeywell.

    It also provides critical systems to major Indian organizations, including ISRO, the Indian Navy, and HAL.

    This investment will enable Rangsons Aerospace to strengthen its global footprint and continue innovating in the aerospace and defense sector.

  • EasyRugs Secures Deal on Shark Tank India Season 4

    EasyRugs Secures Deal on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Delhi-based home furnishings brand EasyRugs, known for introducing India’s first washable rugs, appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4, Episode 48.

    Founded by Samrath Singh Nagpal and Harnaam Kaur, the startup blends style, durability, and cultural aesthetics into hand-washable rugs designed to withstand spills and stains.

    During their pitch, the founders sought ₹35 lakh for 5% equity, valuing the company at ₹7 crore.

    To demonstrate their product’s unique feature, they spilled coffee and ketchup on the rugs and effortlessly wiped them clean.

    Samarth highlighted that the rug market in India ranges from Rs 234 million to Rs 2000 crores, and since launching in September 2023, EasyRugs has recorded Rs 83 lakhs in lifetime sales.

    However, Anupam Mittal opted out, citing concerns over scalability and a missed opportunity in effectively highlighting the hand-washable feature. Namita Thapar also declined, advising them to scale their business before seeking investment.

    Peyush Bansal suggested that instead of diversifying, the founders should focus solely on the rug segment and build a Rs 50-100 crore business, but he felt it was still too early to invest.

    Also Read :

    Whale Wearables Secures INR 30 Lakhs Deal on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Whale Wearables Secures INR 30 Lakhs Deal on Shark Tank India Season 4

    Aman Gupta then critiqued the branding, comparing EasyRugs to Jaipur Rugs, a premium and well-established competitor. He pointed out that the brand name has a casual feel and lacks the strong brand identity needed to stand out.

    While he acknowledged that the product was high-quality, he felt the brand name didn’t do justice to it.

    Seeking reassurance, Harnam asked Aman for his opinion. He suggested a brand name change, to which Samarth agreed to explore the idea.

    Meanwhile, Vineeta Singh showed interest in investing, prompting Aman to request a private discussion with her.

    After deliberation, the Sharks returned with an offer of Rs 35 lakhs for 5% equity, along with a 5% royalty until Rs 52.5 lakhs is recovered.

    Following further discussions, Samarth agreed to rebrand, and Vineeta offered to brainstorm potential new names for the company. Ultimately, Harnam and Samarth accepted the deal.

  • Sachin Tendulkar and Salman Khan Among Investors as Purple Style Labs Raises ₹102 Crore

    Sachin Tendulkar and Salman Khan Among Investors as Purple Style Labs Raises ₹102 Crore

    Mumbai-based Purple Style Labs (PSL), the parent company of Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop (PPUS), has raised ₹102 crore (approximately $12 million) in a fresh funding round from over eighty investors as it prepares for an initial public offering (IPO) in 2026.

    According to regulatory filings sourced from the Registrar of Companies (RoC), PSL’s board approved a special resolution to issue 2,040 preference shares at ₹5,00,000 each, raising ₹102 crore over the past three months.

    Key investors include Minerva Ventures Fund (₹10 crore), Cordelia Family Trust (₹5 crore), S Four Capital (₹6 crore), and Sopariwala Exports (₹5 crore), along with 77 individual backers, including Sachin Tendulkar, Salman Khan, Surya Kumar Yadav, and Shraddha Kapoor.

    The funds will be used for general corporate purposes and working capital requirements. Following this allotment, PSL’s valuation is expected to reach $400 million.

    Founded in 2015 by Abhishek Agarwal, Purple Style Labs has positioned itself as a luxury fashion platform, operating Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop and The Stylist.

    Since acquiring PPUS in 2018, the company has expanded to 15 experience centers across major Indian cities and London.

    Also Read: AmpereHour Energy Secures $5 Million in Funding

    The company recorded a 36% year-on-year growth, with revenue climbing to ₹508 crore in the last fiscal year from ₹372 crore in FY23.

    However, losses widened by 20 percent, reaching ₹45.6 crore due to aggressive expansion efforts.

    With an IPO planned for 2026, PSL is targeting $200 million in gross sales for the upcoming year. The latest funding will help strengthen its market presence and support further expansion in the luxury fashion sector.

  • AmpereHour Energy Secures $5 Million in Funding

    AmpereHour Energy Secures $5 Million in Funding

    Mumbai-based energy storage startup AmpereHour Energy has raised $5 million (₹43.6 crore) in a funding round led by climate-focused fund Avaana Capital, with participation from UC Impower and existing angel investors.

    This latest infusion of capital follows its previous $2.45 million raise from AngelList and others.

    The company plans to utilize the funds to scale its manufacturing and software capabilities, accelerate research and development, and enhance its product portfolio, aiming to strengthen its position in the growing energy storage sector.

    Founded in 2017 by Ayush Misra, Rahul Shelke, Harshal Thakur, and Neehar Jathar, AmpereHour Energy specializes in stationary battery energy storage solutions, helping businesses and power grids efficiently store and manage electricity.

    Its proprietary Elina energy management software plays a critical role in optimizing battery performance for renewable energy integration, backup power, and grid stability.

    The startup has already made significant strides in the industry, securing major clients like Amazon, Siemens, Coca-Cola, and Indigrid.

    With deployments across more than 50 locations, AmpereHour is currently commissioning 50 megawatt-hours (MWh) of power storage capacity and has ambitious plans to scale up to 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) within the next 18 months, backed by existing contracted capacity.

    Also Read: Weskill Secures Funding at ₹40 Crore Valuation

    Beyond India, AmpereHour Energy is actively expanding its global footprint.

    The company has ongoing projects in Oman and Nigeria, while ventures in Belgium and the UAE are currently in the commissioning phase, reflecting its growing international presence in the clean energy sector.

    With rising demand for sustainable and efficient power storage solutions, AmpereHour Energy is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure and grid resilience.

  • Upskilling Platform Weskill Secures Funding at ₹40 Crore Valuation

    Upskilling Platform Weskill Secures Funding at ₹40 Crore Valuation

    Upskilling platform Weskill has secured an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed funding round, valuing the company at ₹40 crore.

    The investment comes from high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and strategic investors.

    The funding is aiming to fuel the platform’s expansion and enhance its AI-driven learning ecosystem.

    Established in November 2023 by Prashant Prakash Dubey, Weskill addresses the growing disparity between traditional education and industry demands.

    By leveraging artificial intelligence, the platform offers personalized career counseling and training modules, ensuring learners acquire relevant skills for today’s job market.

    To provide high-quality experiential learning, Weskill has partnered with esteemed institutions such as EICT, IIT Guwahati, and various multinational corporations.

    These collaborations enable the platform to deliver industry-relevant training to undergraduates and early-stage professionals, preparing them for success in corporate environments.

    Also Read: Edtech Startup Dreamtime Learning Secures Funding from Gruhas

    Beyond upskilling programs, Weskill has developed an AI-based career counseling and mock interview platform, reportedly benefiting over 170,000 students in their career advancement.

    The company is committed to transforming education by empowering students and shaping a workforce equipped with in-demand skills.

    Looking ahead, Weskill plans to upskill and guide over 600,000 students across India in the next two years.

    The focus will remain on AI integration, innovative learning methodologies, and strategic industry partnerships to broaden its impact.

  • Edtech Startup Dreamtime Learning Secures Funding from Nikhil Kamath’s Gruhas

    Edtech Startup Dreamtime Learning Secures Funding from Nikhil Kamath’s Gruhas

    Edtech startup Dreamtime Learning has secured an undisclosed amount in a pre-Series A funding round from Gruhas, the investment firm co-founded by Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai.

    This investment aims to bolster Dreamtime Learning’s expansion of its micro-school model in metropolitan areas and to scale its global online school, which currently serves learners in over 40 countries.

    Founded by renowned educator Lina Ashar, who previously established Billabong High and Kangaroo Kids, Dreamtime Learning focuses on integrating technology into education.

    The company emphasizes critical thinking and adaptability over traditional rote learning methods.

    Ashar expressed that this investment validates their mission to revolutionize education, stating that with Gruhas’s backing, they are poised to scale their impact and reshape education for a rapidly evolving world.

    This funding comes at a time when India’s edtech sector is experiencing significant growth. Valued at $7.5 billion in 2024, the industry is projected to reach $29 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8%.

    This surge is driven by rising aspirations, digital expansion, and a shift toward online learning.

    Also Read: Ambitio Raises $2 Million in Seed Round Led by BLinC Invest

    Gruhas’s investment in Dreamtime Learning adds to Nikhil Kamath’s growing portfolio in education and technology startups.

    The Zerodha co-founder has been actively investing in early-stage companies through various vehicles, including Gruhas and WTFund.

    Last month, WTFund announced its second cohort of nine startups, including Bengaluru-based BYTES, which develops AI-powered safety systems for two-wheelers.

    Dreamtime Learning’s innovative approach and recent funding position it well to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities within India’s rapidly expanding edtech landscape.

  • India’s Startup Count Surpasses 1.61 Lakh Mark as of January 2025: Govt

    India’s Startup Count Surpasses 1.61 Lakh Mark as of January 2025: Govt

    India’s startup count has experienced remarkable growth, with over 1,61,150 startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of January 31, 2025.

    This surge underscores the country’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

    Launched on January 16, 2016, the Startup India initiative aims to build a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation and encourages investments.

    The initiative has been instrumental in propelling India’s startup landscape, transforming it into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic ecosystems.

    Maharashtra leads the states with 28,511 recognized startups, reflecting its vibrant entrepreneurial culture.

    Karnataka follows with 16,954 startups, bolstered by cities like Bengaluru, renowned as India’s Silicon Valley.

    The national capital, Delhi, is home to 16,356 startups, while Uttar Pradesh hosts 15,360, showcasing significant growth in these regions.

    This rapid expansion is not just limited to metropolitan areas. Approximately 48% of these startups have emerged from tier-II and tier-III cities, indicating a widespread entrepreneurial spirit across the nation.

    Notably, 73,151 recognized startups include at least one woman director, highlighting the increasing role of women in entrepreneurship.

    Also Read: Startup Mahakumbh 2025: World’s Largest Startup Event Scheduled for April 3-5

    The impact of this growth extends to job creation, with recognized startups generating over 17.28 lakh direct jobs as of December 31, 2024.

    The IT services sector leads with 2.10 lakh jobs, followed by healthcare and lifesciences (1.51 lakh) and professional and commercial services (96,474).

    The government’s vision to establish at least one startup in every district is nearing realization, with startups present in over 750 districts.

    However, challenges remain in ensuring grassroots-level implementation and support. For instance, the union territory of Lakshadweep has only three recognized startups, all from a single district, indicating room for growth in certain regions.

    The Startup India initiative continues to evolve, aiming to make India a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. With sustained support and strategic policies, the country is poised to further enhance its startup ecosystem, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation.

  • Ambitio Raises $2 Million in Seed Round Led by BLinC Invest

    Ambitio Raises $2 Million in Seed Round Led by BLinC Invest

    Bengaluru-based edtech startup Ambitio has successfully secured $2 million in seed funding, with BLinC Invest leading the round.

    The funding round also saw participation from Ritu Bapna and other investors.

    Prior to this, the company had raised $187K from First Cheque and additional backers as part of the same round.

    The newly acquired capital will be directed toward enhancing technological capabilities, refining the student experience, and expanding distribution channels, the company stated in a press release.

    Founded in 2022 by Dirghayu Kaushik and Vikrant Shivalik, Ambitio is an AI-powered platform that simplifies the university admissions process.

    Also Read: Felicity Games Raises $3M Seed Funding Led by 3one4 Capital

    By integrating insights from past applicants with expertise from alumni, the platform delivers a tailored and highly personalized experience for students.

    Ambitio utilizes an extensive database of over 10 million data points to provide intelligent recommendations and connects students with admission specialists for personalized guidance.

    The platform is exclusively designed to assist students in securing admissions to prestigious institutions worldwide.

    Ambitio’s proprietary matching algorithm, trained on over 50,000 university programs, helps students find institutions that fit their academic and career goals.

    The company claims its approach increases admission chances to top universities like Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and Oxford by more than five times.

  • Felicity Games Raises $3M Seed Funding Led by 3one4 Capital

    Felicity Games Raises $3M Seed Funding Led by 3one4 Capital

    Mobile game publisher Felicity Games has raised $3 million (approximately Rs 25.8 crore) in a seed funding round led by 3one4 Capital, with participation from T-Accelerate Capital, MIXI Global Investments, and existing investors DeVC and Visceral Capital.

    This follows a $700,000 pre-seed funding round in December 2023.

    The fresh capital will be used to enhance its publishing infrastructure and strengthen partnerships with Indian game studios, the company said in a press release.

    Also Read: Banana Club Expands to Mumbai with 10th Store at R City Mall

    Founded in 2023 by Anurag Choudhary, Felicity Games focuses on launching and scaling global gaming successes by leveraging data-driven development and a robust publishing infrastructure.

    “We are building the next generation of global gaming successes from India. By tapping into India’s studio ecosystem and top global talent in UA, Monetization, and Live Ops, we’re accelerating learning and innovation. This fundraise fuels our mission to double down on innovation, partnerships, and growth,” said Anurag Choudhary.

    In 2024, the company partnered with over 10 Indian studios to test and scale multiple games, strengthening its position in the competitive gaming market.

    It has surpassed $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) and 1 million downloads across its top titles, Seek & Find and Nova Solitaire.