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

India’s startup scene remains vibrant, with a fresh wave of funding, strategic deals, and tech-driven innovation shaping its momentum. This week’s developments span defence and aerospace, digital consumer brands, and payment platforms, reflecting the country’s expanding entrepreneurial ambitions and readiness for large-scale impact.

Raphe mPhibr Raises $100 Million to Accelerate Defence Manufacturing

Noida-based defence startup Raphe mPhibr has secured a significant $100 million funding round led by General Catalyst. The capital will be used to scale its autonomous systems and drone technologies, with a strong emphasis on strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Brihaspathi Technologies Secures $10 Million, Eyes IPO by FY27

Hyderabad’s Brihaspathi Technologies, a leader in surveillance and electronics systems, has raised $10 million from foreign institutional investors. The company is now charting a course towards an IPO by FY2027, using the funds to boost R&D and expand across Indian markets.

Titan Capital Backs Indian Snack House’s Pre-Seed Round

Newly launched D2C startup Indian Snack House has raised an undisclosed amount in its pre-seed round led by Titan Capital. Focused on blending nostalgic regional flavours with modern health-conscious snacking, the brand aims to ramp up production and build national visibility.

GIVA Receives Fresh Investment from Creaegis and Premji Invest

Bengaluru-based jewellery brand GIVA, known for its lab-grown diamond offerings, has raised new funding from Creaegis and Premji Invest. The capital will be channelled into product innovation, retail expansion, and strengthening its footprint in India’s evolving luxury market.

Skippi Ice Pops Raises $1.4 Million Following Shark Tank Popularity

Frozen treats startup Skippi, which gained popularity on Shark Tank India, has raised $1.4 million in a new round. With a portfolio built around natural, colourful ice pops, Skippi plans to expand nationwide by increasing production and distribution across both online and offline channels.

Fabheads Raises $10 Million to Scale Composite 3D Printing

Fabheads, a Chennai-based deeptech firm specialising in 3D printing of composite materials for aerospace and defence, has raised $10 million in fresh capital. The funding will enable the company to expand its team, enhance production capabilities, and broaden its industrial footprint.

Mergers and Acquisitions 

• ICICI Bank once proposed acquiring HDFC Ltd before the latter's eventual reverse merger, former chairman Deepak Parekh revealed.

• Meesho has streamlined its structure by merging its US-based entity with its Indian operations.

• The Kamath brothers have acquired a Rs. 250 crore stake in InCred Holdings, expanding their footprint in fintech.

• The Indian government has greenlit a Rs. 417 crore electronics manufacturing cluster in Uttar Pradesh to boost local production.

• Co-working firm Incuspaze has acquired Trios to strengthen its presence in Pune and expand its workspace network.

Other News 

• AbhiBus has partnered with CheckMyBus to offer Indian intercity bus routes to international travellers.

• A large Rs. 920 crore block deal involving PB Fintech has reignited investor interest in India's fintech space.

• MobiKwik shares jumped 15% following speculative activity and funding-related buzz.

• Airtel’s AI system has prevented 3.5 million fraud attempts in Delhi, showcasing its digital security capabilities.

• Rohit Jindal has been elevated to co-founder at MyGate, indicating a leadership shift ahead of new growth plans.

• PayU India reported a 12% increase in revenue in FY25, reaching $498 million, driven by surging digital payments.