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

India’s startup ecosystem witnessed a dynamic week marked by major funding rounds, strategic acquisitions, and emerging innovations across sectors. From interior design tech and astrology apps to healthtech and logistics, startups continued to scale rapidly, while global and domestic players pursued key mergers and policy-backed growth initiatives. Here's a quick snapshot of the most significant developments.

Flipspaces Secures Nearly Rs. 300 Crore to Expand Tech-Driven Interior Solutions

Mumbai-based interior design startup Flipspaces has raised approximately Rs. 300 crore in a funding round led by Iron Pillar, with participation from Prudent Investment Managers and Synergy Capital Partners. 

Vaya Raises $1.5 Million to Digitise Astrology Services

Delhi-based astrology startup Vaya has secured $1.5 million in a funding round co-led by Accel and Arkam Ventures. The platform combines AI with human astrologers to provide personalised consultations. 

Porter Becomes India's Newest Unicorn with Rs. 1,700 Crore Funding

On-demand logistics startup Porter has reportedly become India's newest unicorn after raising Rs. 1,700 crore in a Series F funding round led by Kedaara Capital and Wellington Management. 

High Time Foods Raises $1.2 Million for Shelf-Stable Plant-Based Proteins

Bengaluru-based foodtech startup High Time Foods has raised $1.2 million in a funding round led by Avaana Capital. The company focuses on creating affordable, high-protein, shelf-stable plant-based foods that do not require refrigeration.

PB Fintech's New Hospital Venture Raises Over Rs. 1,850 Crore

PB Healthcare Services, a new venture by PB Fintech, has raised over Rs. 1,850 crore in a seed funding round led by General Catalyst. The capital will be used to set up four to five hospitals in and around New Delhi by 2027 and invest in product development and technology innovation. 

Feline Spirits Secures Rs. 5.2 Crore to Expand Craft Alcoholic Beverages

Homegrown craft alcoholic beverage startup Feline Spirits has raised Rs. 5.2 crore in a funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will support portfolio expansion and entry into new geographies.

Mergers and acquisitions

• WonderFi’s co-founders’ new venture XTAO will go public via a reverse merger with Adrianna Ventures on the TSX Venture Exchange.
• Nazara Technologies has received NCLT approval to acquire sports-entertainment firm Smaaash, strengthening its position in interactive gaming.
• BrowserStack has acquired Combinator-backed startup Requestly to enhance its developer toolkit with advanced network debugging capabilities.
• OpenAI is acquiring AI coding assistant Windsurf in a landmark $3 billion deal to bolster its offerings in software development automation.

Other news

• Flipkart is developing a new internal startup under VP Ashish Vijayvergiya to explore future-facing retail technologies.
• A Pune-based startup, IntegriMedical, has launched a needle-free injection platform aimed at transforming pain-free healthcare delivery.
• Former Flipkart CTO Peeyush Ranjan has joined Meraki Labs as a partner, a deep-tech initiative by Mukesh Bansal.
• Stellantis plans to introduce a Chinese electric vehicle startup in India to expand its sustainable mobility offerings.
• DPIIT has partnered with Hafele to promote startup-driven manufacturing by offering infrastructure and mentorship support.