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

GreenGrahi Raises $3.8 Million to Scale Sustainable Biotech Infrastructure

Biotech startup GreenGrahi has successfully raised $3.8 million in a seed round led by Avaana Capital, with support from Flowstate Ventures and other strategic investors. The company, which focuses on converting organic waste into sustainable insect-based protein and fertiliser, plans to use the funding to establish a full-scale processing facility capable of handling 150 tons of feedstock per day. 

Rimigo Secures $550K to Power AI-Driven Travel Planning Tools

AI travel-tech startup Rimigo, based in Bengaluru, has raised $550,000 in a pre-seed round from Reazon Capital, SGgrow, and other early-stage investors. Rimigo’s platform offers personalised international trip planning through conversational AI, targeting Indian travellers looking for simplified, intuitive vacation curation. 

Bachatt Bags $4 Million to Democratise Personal Finance Management

Bachatt, a rising fintech player, has secured $4 million in seed funding co-led by Lightspeed and Info Edge Ventures. Built to help users manage and optimise their savings, the platform combines automated budgeting with curated investment options. Bachatt intends to use the funds to enhance its mobile app, expand its user base, and hire across tech and product teams. 

A91 Partners Closes $665M Fund to Back India’s Growth-Stage Startups

Venture capital firm A91 Partners has announced the successful close of its third fund, totalling $665 million. The fund will focus on backing high-potential growth-stage companies in sectors such as healthcare, financial services, consumer brands, and SaaS. A91’s previous investments include firms like Sugar Cosmetics, Atomberg, and Exotel.

Kolkata-Based Advaita Interactive Gets Rs. 1.2 Cr Backing from Krafton

Mobile gaming startup Advaita Interactive, headquartered in Kolkata, has been selected under Krafton's India Gaming Incubator program, receiving rs. 1.2 crore in funding and technical mentorship. The investment will be directed towards game development, narrative design, and localisation aimed at Indian audiences. Advaita aims to leverage Krafton’s global expertise to craft immersive, culturally rooted mobile games.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• UGRO Capital is in advanced merger talks with a PE-backed NBFC to expand its lending footprint and consolidate market presence.
• Persistent Systems has approved the merger of its subsidiary Arrka Infosec to strengthen its cybersecurity offerings.
• Dentsu has emerged as the leading acquirer of advertising agencies in India since 2016, according to a COMvergence report.
• Ambuja Cements has completed the acquisition of a 46.66% stake in Orient Cement, deepening its reach in the cement sector.
• Goldman Sachs has acquired a majority stake in HR-tech firm PeopleStrong, signaling its growing interest in enterprise SaaS.

Other news 

• Hearzap, a hearing care startup, announced an Rs. 8 crore ESOP plan aimed at boosting team retention and doubling growth by FY28.
• US-based CX management firm Nextiva has launched a new hub in Bengaluru and plans to hire 150 professionals across tech and support roles.
• Public transport startup Tummoc has raised Rs. 13.5 crore in funding to scale its trip planning and booking solutions for daily commuters.
• Quick commerce startup Kiranapro has onboarded entrepreneur Arjun Vaidya as an investor and mentor to support its next phase of growth.