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

Alongside capital inflows, key mergers and strategic policy developments are contributing to the evolving landscape of defence innovation, artificial intelligence, and public market readiness. Here's what is happening in the start-up world. 

Loopworm Raises $3.25M to Scale Insect-Driven Biotechnology

Bengaluru-based biotechnology firm Loopworm has secured $3.25 million in a pre-Series A funding round. The startup specialises in converting food and agri-waste into high-value protein and biomaterials using insects. With this new capital, Loopworm plans to expand its production capabilities, deepen R&D, and explore applications in sustainable animal nutrition and bio-based alternatives.

Luma Bags $4M to Make Fertility Care More Accessible

Fertility-focused health startup Luma, headquartered in Mumbai, has raised $4 million in seed funding. The round was led by Peak XV Partners through its Surge accelerator. Luma is building an integrated care platform aimed at simplifying fertility treatments and diagnostics in India. The fresh funds will go towards clinic expansion, tech development, and patient education initiatives.

Defence-Tech Venture by NIT-Rourkela Alumnus Secures ₹17 Cr

A defence technology startup founded by an NIT-Rourkela alumnus has attracted ₹17 crore in fresh investment. The company is working on building indigenous solutions in surveillance, tactical communication, and real-time battlefield systems. This funding is expected to accelerate the firm’s product testing, prototype development, and deployment for military-grade use.

Maieutic Labs Raises $4.1M to Build Advanced Deeptech Systems

Deeptech venture Maieutic Labs has raised $4.1 million in a seed round to develop AI-driven intelligent systems. The company focuses on creating foundational technology across robotics, computational intelligence, and human–machine interfaces. With this round, Maieutic aims to strengthen its engineering team and build out infrastructure for long-term R&D.

Lamark Biotech Raises ₹65 Cr to Expand Global Biopharma Footprint

Hyderabad-based Lamark Biotech, a biotechnology startup developing advanced enzyme solutions, has raised ₹65 crore in funding. Known for its research-intensive approach to enzyme production for pharma and nutraceutical use, Lamark intends to use the funds to increase manufacturing scale, invest in global certifications, and drive product innovation.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has invested in Agilitas Sports, purchasing a 1.94% stake, while Abhishek Sharma has also joined the startup’s investor lineup.
  
  
• Alembic Pharmaceuticals has acquired the American company Utility Therapeutics in a $12 million deal to expand its antibiotic product range globally.
  
  
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise has finalised its acquisition of Juniper Networks, significantly increasing its strength in the enterprise networking sector.
  
  
• The central government has approved military procurement projects totalling ₹1.05 lakh crore, aiming to boost defence readiness and support domestic production.

Other News

• Mamatha Venkatesh has been named the new head of Startup India under DPIIT, bringing renewed leadership to the country’s flagship entrepreneurship mission.
  
  
• As stock markets rally, a number of Indian startups are preparing to go public, encouraged by favourable investor sentiment and IPO momentum.
  
  
• The Startup Policy Forum has rolled out the 100DesiDeepTechs programme to discover and support homegrown deeptech ventures with transformative potential.
  
  
• GTT Data has unveiled GAIN, a platform designed to provide guidance, funding pathways, and infrastructure to strengthen India’s AI startup ecosystem.
  
  
• Through the Global Startup Bridge, MeitY is helping Indian deeptech startups scale internationally by facilitating global partnerships and visibility.