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

India’s startup and business landscape saw a flurry of activity this week, from fresh funding rounds and leadership reshuffles to policy shifts and global investments. With sectors spanning fintech, edtech, recommerce, and sustainable hospitality, these updates highlight the dynamism driving innovation and shaping the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Samaaro Secures $500,000 in Pre-Series A Round

Event marketing platform Samaaro has raised $500,000 in a pre-Series A round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The Bengaluru-based startup, which helps businesses host scalable and interactive virtual events, will use the funds to strengthen its product suite and accelerate customer acquisition. With a growing focus on digital-first engagement tools, Samaaro plans to expand its reach across global markets while building deeper integrations to serve corporates, institutions, and event organisers more effectively.

Grest Raises Rs. 16 Crore to Boost Recommerce Growth

Recommerce player Grest has secured Rs. 16 crore funding, with Rs. 7 crore led by Equentis. The startup aims to accelerate its tech-driven platform for refurbished goods, tapping into India’s expanding circular economy. Grest plans to utilise the capital to enhance logistics, expand its seller network, and refine AI-led quality checks. The recommerce sector is witnessing rising demand, driven by affordability-conscious consumers and sustainability goals, positioning Grest as a strong contender in India’s resale ecosystem.

Gullak Bags $7.5 Million to Expand Gold Savings App

Gold savings app Gullak has raised $7.5 million in a funding round led by Chiratae Ventures, with participation from other investors. The fintech startup helps individuals automate gold savings through micro-investments, blending digital ease with traditional wealth-building. The fresh capital will go towards scaling user acquisition, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing technology. Gullak’s rise reflects India’s enduring appetite for gold, now reshaped by digital-first savings models targeting young, tech-savvy investors across urban and semi-urban markets.

Rocket Raises $15 Million in Seed Round

Logistics tech startup Rocket has secured $15 million in a seed round led by Salesforce Ventures. The fresh funding will be used to expand its product development and accelerate market penetration. Rocket is focused on digitising freight operations with AI-driven tools, enabling efficiency for shippers and carriers. With logistics modernisation gaining momentum in India, Rocket’s early traction has attracted investor confidence in its ability to address supply chain challenges with scalable, tech-driven solutions.

Mergers and acquisitions:

1. Food delivery platform Swiggy has exited its investment in bike-taxi startup Rapido, cashing out with a 2.5X return. The stake has been acquired by Prosus and WestBridge Capital, who remain bullish on Rapido’s growth trajectory in mobility and hyperlocal delivery. 
2. Travel platform EaseMyTrip has increased its stake in Eco Hotels by 7.7%, deepening its presence in the sustainable hospitality space. 

Other News:

1. Shares of Sun Pharma fell 5% after US President Donald Trump imposed a 100% tariff on branded pharmaceutical imports. 
2. Direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand Licious has announced it will fully pass on GST rate cut benefits to customers across packaged food products. 
3. The government-backed startup accelerator WaveX has launched new incubators aimed at gaming and extended reality (XR) ventures. 
4. UK-based banking giant NatWest has announced plans to invest in Indian startups as part of its strategy to strengthen its global talent footprint. 
5. Test prep giant Allen has appointed Rakesh Ranjan, former CEO of Zomato, to lead Allen Online, its digital-first business.
6. Edtech unicorn Unacademy has elevated co-founder Sumit Jain as CEO of its test preparation business.
7. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new rules for authentication of digital payments, aimed at enhancing consumer protection. The updated framework mandates stronger verification mechanisms for recurring and high-value transactions.