Mergers, Acquisitions and Funding Round-up this week: August 19 to August 26

This week, the Indian start-ups managed to raise around $144.46 million in funding. These deals include 5 growth-stage along with 13 early-stage deals while 3 early-stage startups maintained secrecy regarding the details. Comparatively, this week saw lesser participation of bands than the previous week where the start-ups had raised $432 million in funding.

Livepure raises INR 233 Cr from multiple investors 

The Delhi NCR-based, Livpure has secured a total of Rs 233 crore from from London-based asset management firm M&G Investments and Ncubate Capital Partner. The water purifier company is likely to use the funds for category expansion.

Hangyo Ice Creams raises $25 million

The ice cream brand, Hangyo has raised $25 million from private equity firm Faering Capital. The investment is seen as a direction toward the brands' strong growth trajectory and bolsters the market potential. 

Uppercase secures $9 Million

Uppercase, popular as the innovative and sustainable luggage brand has raised $9 Million from Accel, a global venture capital firm. The funding was raised in a Series B round that is likely to support the brand with business expansion and work towards expanding the customer base.

Zoff gets Rs. 40 crore in funding

Zoff, a spices brand has secured Rs. 40 crore in funding from JM Financial Private Equity through JM Financial India Growth Fund III. As per the brand, the capital will be used to launch new products, seasoning kits, and new segments.

HouseEazy gets $4 million from multiple investors  

The online marketplace for pre-owned homes, HouseEazy has raised $4 million in Series A funding led by Chiratae Ventures Fund, with participation from Veena Jindal, Antler Innovation Fund, and IA Growth Opportunities Fund. While Chiratae Ventures has invested Rs. 29.62 crore, Antler Innovation Fund has invested Rs. 2.86 crore. 

Ben & Gaws raises $3 million

Ben & Gaws Private Limited has raised $3 million in the pre-Series A round led by Physis Capital. The company which also runs the the manufacturing tech startup Fabrication Bazar, is looking forward to enhancing the tech platform by supporting the growing scale in the Indian regions.

Bluestone raises Rs. 900 crore from multiple investors

Bluestone, an omnichannel jewellery retailer has raised $107.2 million, approximately, Rs. 900 crores in a pre-IPO funding round. The investors are Peak XV Partners, Prosus, Steadview Capital, Think Investments, and Pratithi Investments. Bluestone is planning to use the funds for its business operations. 

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Nazara Technologies has bought the UK-based Fusebox Games, a gaming studio for Rs. 235 crore.
• Zomato is likely to expand its operations by acquiring Paytm’s movies and ticketing business.
• Zappfresh, the online retailer of fresh fish and meat, has acquired Bonsaro, a Mumbai-based company that is popular for the online delivery of poultry, goat, and seafood.

Other updates:

• The spiritual travel start-up 'My Tirth India is closing operations due to a lack of funds.
• Zomato has decided to shut down the Intercity offering 'Legends' with immediate effect.
• Zerodha has introduced the 'Privacy Mode' feature to help users hide the real-time changes in P&L statements.