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

Here’s a quick look at what’s buzzing across India’s startup world today. From new funding in drones and AI to major acquisitions and strategic tie-ups, this roundup brings together the energy, ambition, and fast-paced growth that continue to define the ecosystem.

Zuppa Secures $15 Million to Advance Drone Systems

Chennai-based drone tech company Zuppa has raised $15 million to bolster its work in micro unmanned aerial vehicles. The startup aims to strengthen its R&D pipeline, grow its production capabilities, and serve larger defence and industrial markets with improved autonomous drone solutions.

FreshToHome in Talks to Raise $50 Million for Middle East Expansion

Online meat and seafood delivery platform FreshToHome is looking to secure up to $50 million in new funding. The company plans to channel the investment into expanding its footprint in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while improving logistics and cold chain efficiency.

Dial4242 Raises ₹9 Crore to Scale Ambulance Network

Emergency medical service provider Dial4242 has raised Rs 9 crore in a pre-Series A round led by the Indian Angel Network. With this funding, the Mumbai-based startup will expand its on-demand ambulance fleet and enhance its mobile platform to improve accessibility and response times nationwide.

Culture Circle Attracts Strategic Investment from OYO’s Founder

Culture Circle, a platform promoting cultural content and community-led experiences, has received strategic funding from OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal. The startup intends to utilise the investment to expand its creative ecosystem.

Navana AI Lands ₹7 Crore to Build Vernacular Voice Tech

Voice AI company Navana AI has secured Rs 7 crore in a funding round led by Antler India. The Bengaluru-based firm develops voice technology tailored for Indian languages. It plans to scale its team and enhance product functionality to serve regional users across sectors like banking and customer support.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Private equity firm ChrysCapital is set to acquire a controlling 90% stake in Theobroma, marking a significant move into India’s premium bakery segment with a Rs 2,410 crore deal.

• Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast has joined forces with Indian battery recycling startup BATX Energies to collaborate on green battery solutions and circular energy models.

• Global investment giants Advent and TPG are reportedly vying for a stake in Hero Group’s semiconductor arm, underlining rising investor appetite in India’s chip sector.

• Godrej Properties has acquired a 50-acre plot in Raipur, signalling its intent to expand its real estate footprint in central India with a major residential development.

• Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) is considering a fresh $1.1 billion investment in Yes Bank, aiming to deepen its involvement in the Indian financial services market.

Other News

• The Assistive Tech Foundation has become the first organisation in India to receive seed support under the Startup India initiative’s accessibility stream, aimed at nurturing tech solutions for people with disabilities.

• A new analysis shows explosive growth in India’s deeptech startup ecosystem, with the sector scaling over 20 times in recent years, highlighting rising investor confidence in cutting-edge innovation.

• India has climbed to third place worldwide in tech startup investments, just behind the US and UK, showcasing its emergence as a key hub for digital entrepreneurship.

• A new framework launched by the Startup Policy Forum, CNPC, is designed to guide Indian startups planning to go public, offering strategic and regulatory backing during their IPO journey.

• AI venture CodeParrot, once backed by Y Combinator, has shut down its operations, citing a mismatch between market expectations and product traction despite early funding.