Investors are flocking back to the vibrant Indian startup scene, defying a recent drought and pouring capital into a dynamic mix of ventures. The recent funding rounds showcase the nation's flourishing innovation ecosystem.

The TICE Startup Funding Index is your one-stop shop for navigating this exciting landscape. Our comprehensive coverage tracks the latest funding updates across the Indian startup scene. Whether you're an investor seeking tomorrow's unicorns, an entrepreneur yearning for inspiration, or a curious observer with your finger on the pulse of progress, the TICE Funding Index empowers you with invaluable insights.

This week's TICE Funding News Index brings exciting news from the Indian startup scene! From healthcare and education to artificial intelligence and wealth management, innovation is on the rise. Keep reading for the full scoop on these deals and more!

CollegeDekho dials up its future with a fresh $9 million from existing investors, fueling its mission to guide students through test prep, college selection, and applications. This round adds to their $90 million war chest, solidifying their place in the education technology space.

iVP Semi Gears Up for Growth with $5 Mn Pre-Series A Funding

iVP Semi makes its grand entrance into India, securing $5 million to establish a presence, scale operations, and build cutting-edge facilities. Chip design centers, a production test facility, and aggressive marketing plans are all on the horizon for this fabless semiconductor startup. With ambitions to generate $70 million to $100 million in revenue within the next few years, iVP Semi is a chip to watch!

Infra.Market Builds on $50 Mn Equity Infusion with Rs 150 Crore Debt Funding Spree

Infra.Market, the construction materials supplier on a roll, secures an additional Rs 150 crore in debt financing over two months. This follows their recent $50 million equity infusion, showcasing strong investor confidence. Yubi leads the charge with Rs 80 crore, alongside contributions from Raymond Limited, IKF Home Finance, and Samunnati Financial.

UptimeAI Scores $14 Million in Series A Funding to Level Up AI-Powered IT Operations

UptimeAI, the provider on a mission to revolutionize IT operations with AI, nabs $14 million in a Series A funding round. Led by Axis Capital and Sequoia Capital India, this investment bolsters their war chest to $18.5 million. With this fresh fuel, UptimeAI will accelerate product development, expand globally, and forge strategic partnerships to solidify its dominance in the IT operations space.

SkinInspired Gets Glowing with $1.5 Mn Seed Round Led by Unilever Ventures

Skincare brand SkinInspired gets a healthy dose of funding with a $1.5 million seed round led by Unilever Ventures. Founded in 2022, SkinInspired offers a range of refillable products catering to various skin types. This investment will fuel their research and development, marketing efforts, and go-to-market strategy, allowing them to continue to develop innovative skincare solutions.

Perpetuity Capital Drives EV Adoption with Rs 7 Crore Funding

Perpetuity Capital, the EV financing startup empowering drivers with electric vehicle ownership, raises Rs 7 crore through non-convertible debentures. This funding will be used to enhance lending capabilities and propel EV adoption, with a particular focus on eastern states.

Namma Yatri Rides High with $11 Million Funding Round

Community-led mobility app Namma Yatri zooms ahead with a stellar $11 million pre-Series A funding round led by Blume Ventures and Antler. Google and other investors join the party, fueling their vision for a fully digitized public transportation system. This investment will accelerate their technological advancements and pave the way for a seamless and integrated public transport experience.

Frendy Secures Rs 2 Crore Debt Funding to Expand Grocery Reach

Frendy, the tech-enabled grocery chain, secures Rs 2 crore in debt funding to bolster its central inventory. This latest round brings their total funding to Rs 42 crore. The fresh capital will be used to expand their network of Frendy Marts and Micro Kiranas in tier III towns of Gujarat, with an ambitious goal of doubling sales within the next year. Their innovative approach of incorporating fast food, beverages, bakery items, and children's entertainment into their marts is proving to be a recipe for success!

Startup Funding News July 9-11, 2024

Startup Funding Index July 3- July 8, 2024

Revolutionizing AI Development: Gen-AI Startup Simplismart Secures $7 Million in Funding Led by Accel

Bengaluru-based generative AI startup Simplismart has raised $7 million in a funding round led by Accel. This investment will empower businesses to build production-grade AI systems without writing a single line of code. Simplismart aims to democratize AI development and deployment, marking a significant milestone in their mission.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's Immuneel Therapeutics Secures Rs 100 Crore in Expanded Series A Funding

Immuneel Therapeutics, a biotech startup founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, has secured Rs 100 crore ($12 million) in an expanded Series A funding round. The company is focused on developing innovative cell and gene therapies for cancer patients, specifically chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. This funding will fuel Immuneel's growth and propel its mission to revolutionize cancer treatment.

Wealthtech Startup Dezerv Rockets to $207 Million Valuation with $32 Million Series B Funding

Wealthtech startup Dezerv has secured $32 million in Series B funding, propelling its valuation to a staggering $207 million. Dezerv offers personalized portfolio management services to high-net-worth individuals and businesses, leveraging its expertise to deliver exceptional returns. This funding will fuel Dezerv's expansion plans and commitment to revolutionizing wealth management.

Edtech Unicorn PhysicsWallah Eyes $150 Million Funding at a $2.8 Billion Valuation

Edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah is in talks to raise $150 million at a valuation of $2.8 billion. The company has reported a phenomenal 10x growth in operating revenue and projects continued strong performance. This funding round will solidify PhysicsWallah's position as a major player in the edtech landscape.

Healthtech Startup Focuses on You: Watch Your Health

Watch Your Health secures $5 million in Series A funding to personalize health recommendations and improve customer engagement for insurers and pharmaceutical companies.

Ripplr Strengthens Supply Chain Tech Platform

Tech distribution and logistics platform Ripplr raises $40 million in Series B funding to bolster its platform, tackle complexities in the FMCG distribution ecosystem, and expand geographically.

Lobb Logistics Gears Up for AI-Powered Expansion

Bengaluru-based logistics firm Lobb secures $2.9 million to integrate AI technology, broaden operations to over 50 locations, and achieve a projected revenue of Rs 500 crore in two years.

Pepul Bridges the Gap Between Social Media and Shopping

Social commerce platform Pepul secures $3.5 million in seed funding to expand product offerings, enhance its technology infrastructure, and accelerate growth, making online shopping more accessible through social media.

Startup Funding Index - July 1-5, 2024

The first week of July witnessed a flurry of funding activity across diverse sectors in India, reflecting a cautiously optimistic sentiment from investors. From lifestyle brands to e-mobility pioneers, several startups secured crucial capital to fuel their growth journeys.

Comet Raises $5 Million in Series A Round 

Comet, a lifestyle sneaker brand, has successfully secured $5 million in its Series A funding round. The round was led by Elevation Capital, with participation from Nexus Ventures, AngelList India, and AL Trust. This investment values Comet at a pre-money valuation of ₹1.2 billion. The funds will be used to expand operations, enhance market presence, and improve customer experience. Comet plans to invest in technology, production facilities, marketing, and operational efficiency. Competing with major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Redtape, Comet has carved a niche with its retro-styled sneakers and slip-on sandals. Founded by Utkarsh Gupta, Dishant Daryani, and Ankur Tripathi, Comet aims to establish itself as a prominent player in the lifestyle footwear segment.

Bike Bazaar Secures Rs 25 Crore Debt from MAS Financial 

Bike Bazaar, a financing platform for two-wheeler purchases, has secured Rs 25 crore (approximately $3 million) in debt from MAS Financial. The company issued 2,500 non-convertible debentures (NCDs) at an issue price of Rs 1,00,000 each, with a tenure of 30 months and an interest rate of 10.70% per annum. This debt investment adds to the $80 million Bike Bazaar has raised from investors to date, including a $30 million round from Women's World Banking Asset Management (WAM) in February last year. Bike Bazaar facilitates loans for over 300,000 vehicles and operates a marketplace for buying and selling two-wheelers, including used and electric models, making it a significant player in the Indian automotive finance industry.

Dice Raises $5 Million from Dallas Venture Capital India Fund 

Dice, an enterprise spend management startup, has raised $5 million from the Dallas Venture Capital India Fund. This investment underscores the potential of Dice's innovative solution, which streamlines and optimizes corporate spending. The funds will enhance Dice's technology, expand its customer base, and strengthen its market position. With this backing, Dice is poised to revolutionize corporate expense management, promoting efficiency, transparency, and cost savings.

Matter Raises $35 Million in Series B Round 

Matter Motor, an e-bike manufacturer, has secured $35 million in the first tranche of its ongoing Series B funding round, led by US-based venture capital firm Helena. Other investors, including Capital 2B, Japan Airlines & Translink Innovation Fund, SB Invest, and various institutional investors and family offices, participated in the round. The company aims to raise a total of $70 million in this Series B round, valuing it at Rs 1,690 crore ($204 million). The funds will accelerate innovations in electric motorbikes, scale up manufacturing, supply chain, marketing, and retail operations. With 40,000 pre-bookings for its AERA electric motorbike, Matter Motor is poised for significant growth in the e-mobility sector.

OYO Raises $50 Million from InCred at $2.38 Billion Valuation 

OYO, a leading hospitality unicorn, has secured $50 million from InCred Wealth and Investment, valuing the company at $2.38 billion. This funding round marks a significant milestone for OYO, which achieved an annual net profit of ₹100 crore in FY24. Despite a valuation haircut of over 70% from its peak, OYO remains a prominent player in the hospitality industry with a strong presence in India and globally. The fresh capital is expected to support OYO's efforts to strengthen its market position and drive future growth.

Amocare Raises Rs 3 Crore in Pre-Seed Round 

Amocare, a natural wellness brand, has secured Rs 3 crore (approximately $400,000) in pre-seed funding from a mix of domestic and international investors, including FAAD Network and AngelBay Holdings. The company plans to use this capital to expand its business operations, develop new wellness products in the intimate care sector, and increase customer awareness. Amocare aims to provide natural and effective solutions for personal care, and this funding will support its mission to promote holistic well-being.

Arya.ag Raises $29 Million at $325 Million Valuation 

Agritech startup Arya.ag has secured $29.2 million from previous backers, including Asia Impact and Quona Capital through Quona Blue Earth and Accion Quona, at a valuation of $325 million. The Noida-based company issued 53,695 compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at an issue price of Rs 45,137, raising a total of Rs 134.46 crore. Arya.ag reported a profit in FY23, with its gross scale growing 49.48% year-on-year to Rs 290 crore and profits increasing 11 times to Rs 7.58 crore. Competing with DeHaat, Ninjacart, and Bijak, Arya.ag plans to use the funding to fuel its growth and expansion in the agritech sector.

Wify Secures Funding from Mount Judi Ventures and Capria Ventures

Wify, a home maintenance and repair services startup, has successfully raised Rs 25 crore ($3 million) in a funding round led by Mount Judi Ventures and Capria Ventures. This round also saw participation from Blume Founders Fund and other existing investors. The funds will be used to expand Wify's value-added services, explore new categories, build capacity, and enhance its software and technology. Wify's goal is to become the top brand for upgrading, repairing, and maintaining urban homes. Currently, the startup boasts a network of over 3,000 technicians across 100 cities in India and has partnerships with more than 100 brands, including IKEA, Amazon, Godrej, and Hettich. This funding will help Wify strengthen its position in the home maintenance and repair services market.

Caution Raises Rs 6.5 Crore from Antler and 8i Ventures

Cautio, a startup specializing in safety and security solutions, has secured Rs 6.5 crore ($780,000) in funding from Antler and 8i Ventures, along with contributions from AU Small Finance Bank, early customers, and angel investors. The funding will be used to deploy advanced safety solutions across India, improve driver conduct and accountability, reduce revenue loss, and expand its API-first strategy. Cautio aims to tackle safety issues in the mobility and transportation sector and is currently serving institutions, mobility and logistics companies, with several pilot projects in progress nationwide. Founded by Ankit Acharya, a former senior executive at Namma Yatri, and Pranjal Nadhani, a former senior engineer at Dream11 and Urban Company, Cautio is dedicated to enhancing safety and security in the Indian transportation industry.

Pivot Robots Secures Funding from NuVentures

Pivot Robots, a robotics startup, has secured an undisclosed amount of funding from NuVentures, with additional participation from Y Combinator and a US-based fund. The company intends to use the funds to expand its team in areas such as motion planning and computer vision, test more robots, and establish an office space. With a current focus on the US market, Pivot Robots plans to assist manufacturers in automating labor-intensive tasks and aims to expand to large manufacturing hubs like India within the next two years. Founded by Carnegie Mellon University graduates Siddharth Girdhar and Vignesh Rajmohan, who possess expertise in AI and robotics, Pivot Robots is set to revolutionize the manufacturing industry with its cutting-edge solutions. NuVentures, led by Venk Krishnan and known for its successful investments in companies like Mu Sigma, Acko, and RagaAI, adds this investment to its impressive portfolio, marking a significant milestone in Pivot Robots' growth journey.

Supplement Startup Supply6 Secures Investment from AB De Villiers

Supply6, a supplement startup, has announced that AB de Villiers, the renowned former South African cricketer, has joined the company as both a brand ambassador and investor. This partnership aligns perfectly with Supply6's mission to promote healthier lifestyles, leveraging de Villiers' dynamic approach to health and fitness. Supply6 offers a comprehensive range of health supplements, including its flagship product, Supply6 360, which addresses common deficiencies in Vitamin D, B12, and gut health. Additionally, they provide targeted solutions for specific health concerns such as skin wellness and energy enhancement. This collaboration is expected to significantly boost the company's growth and reputation in the health and wellness industry.

Purplle Group Secures Rs 1,000 Crore Funding Led by ADIA Subsidiary

Purplle Group, a leading beauty and wellness company, has raised Rs 1,000 crore in funding led by a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). The capital will be used to expand the company's offline presence, enhance technology and data capabilities, and improve profitability. Additionally, Purplle Group has introduced an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) liquidity program, offering Rs 50 crore in liquidity to its employees. This funding will help accelerate Purplle Group's growth trajectory, as the company has already achieved operational profitability and a four-fold increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) over the past three years. The company's investor base includes prominent names such as Kedaara, Premji Invest, Sequoia Capital India, and Goldman Sachs.

The future looks bright, fueled by the vibrant ecosystem of funded startups from tech titans in the making to healthcare revolutions. This funding frenzy is more than just a cash injection; it's a springboard for groundbreaking ideas that will redefine industries and shape the world to come. So, keep your eyes peeled – the future is about to take a thrilling leap forward.

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