Author: Sarfraz Khan

Waste materials like fly ash and slag are turned into sustainable infrastructure solutions by Techhub.

Infra.Market, the B2B construction materials platform, has secured an additional $50 million from Mars Growth Capital, raising their total commitment to $150 million. This pre-IPO funding will accelerate Infra.Market's expansion across product categories and geographies, solidifying its market leadership. The capital infusion comes as the unicorn prepares for its anticipated ₹2,500 crore IPO.

India's top influencers are pivoting to entrepreneurship, launching D2C brands by leveraging their massive reach and audience trust. This "creatorpreneur" trend is reshaping the startup ecosystem, offering unique marketing advantages and attracting investor interest, despite operational challenges. It marks a new era where digital fame fuels tangible business success.

Steam-A tackles service anxiety, not just range.

Slice Small Finance Bank, formed by the Slice-NESFB merger, is now monthly profitable and targets an IPO in 3-4 years. This crucial step validates its hybrid fintech-traditional banking model, aiming to serve India's underserved while ensuring robust growth and financial inclusion, striving to become "India's most loved bank.

Legal AI that cuts document time by 58%

Wakefit, the home & sleep solutions D2C brand, has filed its DRHP for an IPO. It plans to raise ₹468.2 crore via a fresh issue to fund expansion, including 118 new stores and marketing. The company reported ₹1,000+ crore income in FY24, significantly narrowing losses to ₹15.05 crore, showcasing strong growth and a path to profitability.

JSW One Platforms, JSW Group's B2B e-commerce arm, targets an IPO within 18-24 months. The company aims for break-even this fiscal year, building on its $1 billion unicorn valuation and ₹12,500 crore GMV in FY25. Focusing on steel/cement for MSMEs, JSW One offers a full-stack solution including fintech, eyeing expansion into other construction materials post-IPO.

Despite a global slowdown, India's tech startups secured $4.8B in H1 2025, ranking third worldwide. Tracxn's report shows resilience, with strong investor interest in transportation, retail, and enterprise tech. While funding dipped, M&A activity surged, highlighting a maturing ecosystem poised for long-term growth.

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.

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 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.