TICE Funding Index: A Billion-Dollar Boost to AI, Jewellery, and More!

This week, the startup ecosystem saw an influx of fresh capital, with innovations spanning across AI, eldercare, clean energy, and personalized beauty solutions. These investments aren’t just driving growth—they’re shaping the future of multiple industries.

TICE Funding Index presents what’s changing in the startup landscape, and the trends that will impact the future of businesses in India and beyond.

Top Insights from This Week’s Startup Fundings:

1. AI and Automation on the Rise – From service intelligence platforms to sales automation tools, AI continues to attract major investments. The growing demand for automated solutions in complex environments is pushing AI startups to the forefront of innovation.

2. Sustainability as a Key Investment Theme – Clean energy and sustainable food production are drawing serious investor interest. The focus on fighting climate change through green technology and promoting healthier, natural alternatives like millet-based snacks is becoming a major trend.

3. Tech-Driven Eldercare – The eldercare sector is witnessing a transformation, with startups leveraging technology to provide personalized care solutions for seniors. Investors are betting big on startups that are addressing the growing needs of India’s aging population.

4. Offline Expansion for Online Brands – Several digital-first companies are now shifting gears towards offline expansion to tap into Tier II and III cities. This reflects a larger trend of blending digital dominance with physical presence to capture underserved markets.

5. Global Reach is a Priority – Startups are increasingly focusing on scaling their operations beyond India’s borders. Whether it’s targeting markets in Asia, Africa, or Latin America, global expansion has become a strategic goal for many companies receiving funding.

6. Revenue-Driven Growth – Investors are looking beyond flashy valuations and are focusing more on startups that demonstrate sustainable, revenue-driven growth. Profitability and revenue growth are becoming key performance indicators for securing funding rounds.

7. The Rise of Deep-Tech and Semiconductor Startups – Deep-tech startups in fields like semiconductors are attracting attention as India’s tech ecosystem diversifies. Startups focusing on advanced technologies like Gallium Nitride chips are positioning themselves for global impact.

8. Personalized Solutions and Data-Driven Insights – Startups are increasingly using big data and analytics to offer personalized products and services. This trend is especially evident in sectors like beauty and wellness, where customer preferences are driving product innovation.

Top Startup Fundings of the Week:

Let’s now take a closer look at the top fundings that made headlines this week:

Detailed Breakdown of the Top Fundings:

1. GIVA Jewellery:
   GIVA Jewellery closed an extended Series B round at Rs 255 crore, backed by Premji Invest and other key investors. With offline expansion and lab-grown diamonds as its focus, the jewellery brand is set to broaden its product offerings while consolidating market dominance.

2. Purplle:
   Purplle extended its Series F round with Rs 500 crore from major investors, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. The beauty and personal care unicorn is now focusing on expanding into underserved markets and leveraging data to offer personalized beauty products.

3. Troo Good:
   Troo Good raised $9 million to scale its infrastructure and expand its product innovation. The millet-based snack brand aims to capitalize on the growing trend of healthy food alternatives in India, while remaining profitable in its journey.

4. Neuron7.ai:
   Neuron7.ai raised $44 million in its Series B round, with plans to scale its AI-driven service intelligence platform. The startup is revolutionizing complex service environments and has its eyes set on rapid growth in India and beyond.

5. Primus Senior Living:
   With $20 million in seed funding, Primus is building a tech-driven eldercare ecosystem that offers healthcare, wellness, and social engagement services. This startup is redefining how India approaches eldercare, creating intergenerational communities where seniors can thrive.

6. Sistema.bio:
   Sistema.bio raised $15 million to accelerate its international expansion. The biogas tech startup is helping farmers convert animal waste into clean energy, contributing to both food security and climate action.

7. Everstage:
   Everstage’s $30 million Series B round is aimed at boosting its sales performance management platform. With a focus on customer experience and product innovation, the company is enabling businesses to optimize their sales operations.

8. Suraasa:
   Suraasa secured $6 million to address the global teacher shortage. By equipping teachers with global-standard skills, Suraasa is helping educators find world-class opportunities, fostering the future of education across borders.

9. Budy.bot:
   Budy.bot raised $4.2 million to develop its AI platform for automating sales and marketing software stacks. The startup is simplifying enterprise operations and helping companies optimize their sales processes.

10. AGNIT Semiconductors:
    AGNIT raised $3.5 million to scale production of Gallium Nitride chips, which are faster and more energy-efficient than traditional silicon chips. The company is entering new markets such as consumer electronics and electric vehicles, making a mark in the semiconductor space.

This week’s startup fundings reveal key trends such as the rise of AI and automation, the focus on sustainability, and the growing interest in eldercare solutions. As these startups leverage fresh investments to expand and innovate, they are not only transforming their industries but are also setting the stage for a more sustainable and tech-driven future. Stay tuned for more updates on the next wave of startup fundings and innovations.