Startup News
India's Leading Brands Achieve Record-Breaking $236.5 Billion in Combined Value: Brand Finance Report
Brand Finance reports India's top 100 companies' combined brand value hit $236.5 billion, a record. Tata Group leads at $31.6B, followed by Infosys. Adani is fastest-growing, while Taj Hotels remains the strongest. This signals India's growing economic influence and global brand recognition, driven by digital and industrial expansion.
Indian Digital Lenders Halt IPO Plans Amidst Shifting Market Dynamics
Digital lending startups in India are delaying IPOs due to muted growth and tighter regulations. Despite some profit gains, many are prioritizing balance sheet strength and compliance over immediate public listings. This shift reflects a cautious market demanding profitability and sustainable models, though the long-term potential for digital credit in India remains strong.
Bessemer Venture Partners Forecasts $1 Trillion Digital Opportunity in India, Touting Quick Commerce and D2C as Key Drivers
Bessemer Venture Partners predicts India's digital economy will hit $1 trillion, fueled by a "tailwind trifecta" of internet penetration, youth, and supportive policies. Quick commerce and D2C brands are key drivers, alongside a content revolution. This immense growth is expected to create five times more value than the last decade, solidifying India as a global digital powerhouse.
McKinsey's Global Chief: India Poised to Become a Unifying Force on the World Stage
McKinsey's Global Managing Partner, Bob Sternfels, asserts India is poised to be a global unifying force. He highlights its youthful population, advanced digital infrastructure, and neutral diplomatic stance as key differentiators. This unique combination positions India to foster international cooperation, contribute immense human capital, and drive innovation on a massive scale.
Why India's Central Bank is Proactively Stimulating the Economy
Why is the RBI cutting rates when the economy looks good? It's a strategic move to address hidden household debt, boost private investment, and secure sustained, inclusive growth amidst global uncertainties. With inflation benign, the central bank is proactively injecting liquidity to alleviate financial stress and ensure India's economic resilience.
Sahi, Fintech Startup by Former Swiggy CTO, Secures $10.5 Million Led by Accel and Elevation Capital
Sahi, founded by ex-Swiggy CTO Dale Vaz, secured $10.5M from Accel & Elevation Capital. The fintech startup offers AI-driven, automated stock trading tools for retail investors, planning new no-code strategy builders. This funding supports product innovation and expansion, leveraging India's evolving retail trading market and new SEBI algo-trading rules.
Darwinbox Fuels Employee Wealth Creation with Substantial ₹86 Crore ESOP Buyback
Darwinbox, an AI-powered HR tech unicorn, has completed its third ESOP buyback, worth ₹86 crore ($10 million), benefiting over 350 employees globally. This reflects their commitment to wealth creation for team members who help build value. The buyback follows a $140 million funding round and highlights Darwinbox's focus on AI innovation and global growth.
GoKwik Secures $13 Million to Propel AI-First Ecommerce and Global Ambitions
GoKwik, an AI-first e-commerce enabler, has secured $13 million in growth funding led by RTP Global, bringing total funding to $68 million. The capital will fuel international expansion and AI R&D for its commerce stack, which helps over 10,000 brands tackle cart abandonment and RTO. GoKwik's solutions aim to optimize the entire e-commerce journey for brands globally.
SoftBank Shifts India Strategy: Eyes Buyout Deals to Fuel AI-Led IT & BPO Transformation
SoftBank is pivoting in India, aiming to acquire IT and BPO firms to inject them with AI. This marks a shift from its typical investment strategy, seeking direct control to drive AI integration and efficiency. This move aligns with Masayoshi Son's global AI vision, leveraging India's service sector to scale AI-powered solutions, despite the country's developing foundational AI model capabilities.
PayU India Achieves Significant Growth: Revenue Climbs 12% to ₹4,300 Crore in FY25
PayU India saw its revenue jump 12% to ₹4,300 crore in FY25, driven by a 14% rise in payment volumes across key sectors. Its payments business broke even in H2 FY25, a major milestone. With a new RBI payment aggregator license, PayU is set to expand further in India's booming digital payments market.
India's Economy Ignites: Business Activity Soars in June on Robust Demand and Historic Export Surge
India's economy soared in June! Business activity hit a 14-month high (PMI 61.0) due to strong domestic demand and record export orders, particularly in manufacturing. Hiring surged. Input cost inflation also eased, allowing stable pricing. This robust performance signals sustained growth for India's private sector.
Powering Growth: How Increased R&D Spending Fuels the Small Business Engine
This news report details how increased R&D investment by small businesses is vital for economic prosperity in New Delhi and beyond. It highlights benefits like competitive advantage, attracting talent & investment, and broader economic growth, urging more focus on innovation for a thriving SME sector.