Startups, Mergers, Acquisitions and Funding Round-up this week

This week saw significant developments in the startup landscape, with several companies securing major funding to boost their growth. While mergers and acquisitions were relatively few, investors have continued to show strong confidence in emerging sectors like agritech, industrial robotics, and beauty tech. Here’s a roundup of the latest funding and acquisition news.

Arya.ag Secures $30 Mn Debt Facility

Agritech company Arya.ag has secured a $30 million debt facility to further enhance its technology and logistics infrastructure. The funding aims to strengthen its platform for managing the storage and transportation of agricultural commodities.

Kotak Alt Marks First Close Of Its Life Sciences Fund At Rs. 250 Cr

Kotak Alternatives has marked the first close of its life sciences fund with Rs. 250 crore in commitments. The fund focuses on investments in biotech, healthcare, and related sectors.

Industrial Robotics Startup Ati Motors Raises $20 Mn in Series B Round

Ati Motors, a leader in industrial robotics, has raised $20 million in its Series B funding round. The company plans to use the funds to scale its operations and enhance its product offerings.

Deconstruct Raises Rs. 65 Cr from L’Oréal’s VC Fund BOLD and Others

Deconstruct, a beauty tech startup, has raised Rs. 65 crore from L’Oréal’s VC fund BOLD and other investors. The funds will be used to expand its platform for personalized beauty and wellness products.

Nazara Raises Rs. 495 Cr from Arpit Khandelwal and Mithun Sacheti-led Axana Estates

Nazara Technologies, a leading gaming company, has raised Rs. 495 crore from Axana Estates, led by Arpit Khandelwal and Mithun Sacheti. The investment will fuel the company's expansion and acquisitions.

Mergers and Acquisitions

- Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has acquired a 90.5% stake in Minimalist, a skincare brand, for a valuation of Rs. 2,955 crore.

- Hatsun Agro has acquired the dairy startup Milk Mantra, backed by Eight Road Ventures, for Rs. 233 crore.

Other News

- Edtech company Scaler is expected to reach Rs. 400 crore in revenue in FY24, while cutting its losses by 58% from the previous year.

- Ultrahuman has seen a 15x growth in its income, reaching Rs. 107 crore over the past two fiscal years.

- Specialty coffee brand Blue Tokai has reported Rs. 216 crore in revenue for FY24, along with an improved EBITDA margin.

- Paytm's revenue reached Rs. 1,828 crore in Q3 FY25, with a reported loss of Rs 208 crore.

- Zomato posted Rs. 5,405 crore in revenue and Rs. 59 crore in profit for Q3 FY25.