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

This week, India's startup ecosystem saw progress not only in funding and acquisitions but also in policy support, personal entrepreneurial stories, and strategic partnerships. With initiatives like Delhi's Rs. 200 crore startup fund and new AI-focused accelerator programmes, the focus is clearly shifting toward long-term impact, innovation, and homegrown resilience.

Bhaobhao Receives Rs. 1.6 Crore in Seed Capital to Expand Pet Services

Bhaobhao, a growing pet care startup, has secured angel funding of approximately Rs. 1.6 crore. The funds are expected to help the brand strengthen its product offerings and improve its logistics and delivery channels. As more urban pet parents look for reliable, quality-focused services tailored to animal wellbeing, Bhaobhao aims to position itself as a holistic solution in India's booming pet economy.

Enmovil Raises Rs. 50 Crore to Scale Logistics Intelligence Platform

Hyderabad-based Enmovil has closed a Rs. 50 crore Series A round led by Sorin Investments. Known for its AI-powered logistics and fleet optimisation tools, the startup plans to use this capital to enhance its data analytics systems, expand its client base across industries, and improve last-mile efficiency. The investment comes at a time when demand for intelligent supply chain solutions is rising rapidly in India’s post-pandemic economy.

Anmasa Collects Rs. 9.1 Crore in Pre-Seed to Fuel Grocery Tech Growth

Anmasa, a direct-to-consumer grocery startup rooted in responsible sourcing and community-led commerce, has raised Rs. 9.1 crore in pre-seed funding. This capital will be directed towards building robust backend operations, developing procurement chains with local producers, and introducing hyperlocal delivery models. The brand is attempting to create a modern grocery ecosystem that’s transparent, affordable, and scalable beyond Tier 1 cities.

Vaave Gets Rs. 6.6 Crore to Digitise Alumni Networks Across Institutions

Vaave, a Hyderabad-based platform focused on alumni engagement for educational institutions, has secured Rs. 6.6 crore in a funding round aimed at product and market expansion. The startup offers tools that help schools, colleges, and universities strengthen alumni relations through events, networking platforms, and career development resources. With the fresh infusion, Vaave aims to target more academic institutions and upgrade its technological infrastructure.

Kiwi Secures Rs. 200 Crore to Build India's Next-Gen Credit Infrastructure

Fintech startup Kiwi has raised Rs. 200 crore in a round led by Vertex Ventures, along with participation from existing investors. Specialising in virtual credit cards, Kiwi aims to provide safer, more accessible digital payment tools. The funding will accelerate its partnerships with banking institutions, strengthen product development, and expand its user base among younger, tech-savvy Indian consumers.

TransBnk Raises Rs. 208 Crore to Modernise Corporate Banking

Mumbai-based fintech firm TransBnk has raised Rs. 208 crore in fresh funding to address the significant technology gap in India's corporate banking sector. The startup plans to build a comprehensive platform that automates and streamlines banking operations for enterprises, helping them access real-time settlement, compliance solutions, and credit lines. With this round, TransBnk is poised to become a key player in upgrading legacy financial infrastructure across Indian enterprises.

Mergers and acquisitions

• Yes Bank receives RBI approval for SMBC's stake acquisition, boosting investor confidence in the private lender’s strategic roadmap.
• Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospitals is set to merge with its parent entity, streamlining operations under Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care for unified eye care services.
• Adani Group explores acquiring a majority stake in Shree Digvijay Cement, signalling continued expansion in the infrastructure and materials sector.
• Imagicaaworld acquires Malpani Parks in Ahmedabad, securing land to develop what could become India’s largest waterpark.
• SquadStack.ai and STAGE enter into a strategic partnership to enhance AI-powered customer support, strengthening digital content experience delivery.

Other News 

• The Delhi government has rolled out a Rs. 200 crore startup fund to position the city as a leading centre for entrepreneurship and early-stage innovation.
• A skincare venture, born from a mother’s search for solutions to her son’s eczema, has now emerged as India’s third-largest brand in the category.
• In a strategic move aligned with its domestic manufacturing goals, boAt has partnered with chipmaker HRDWyr to promote the deeper integration of Indian-made technology.
• To empower upcoming entrepreneurs, HCLTech, Pearson, and MeitY Startup Hub have jointly launched ‘ARISE For You’, a platform focused on mentoring and innovation.