Startup Roundup: Ecosystem, Mergers, Acquisitions and Funding News this week

This week, India’s startup ecosystem moved steadily as policy support, funding activity and regulatory action shaped the narrative. From deep-tech reforms and venture raises to IPO filings, mobility developments and compliance scrutiny, the updates pointed to a market balancing growth with increasing discipline.

Startup World: What’s New

India’s startup ecosystem recorded a steady but eventful week, shaped by policy adjustments, funding activity, regulatory actions and incremental movement towards public markets. Developments across deep-tech, fintech, consumer platforms and mobility reflected a sector that is maturing, while also facing closer scrutiny from regulators and policymakers.

On the policy side, the Centre announced revised norms for deep-tech startups, extending the eligibility window to 20 years and doubling the turnover threshold. The move is intended to better align policy support with the longer development cycles typical of sectors such as semiconductors, space technology and advanced manufacturing. Separately, the Ministry of Electronics and IT said more than 300 startups are currently being supported under the SAMRIDH programme, with Rs. 93.75 crore disbursed so far, underscoring continued government backing for early-stage innovation.

Deep-tech and capital-intensive technologies remained in focus among investors. Unicorn India Ventures closed its third fund at Rs. 1,200 crore, with a mandate to invest in semiconductors, spacetech and AI infrastructure. Golden Sparrow Ventures also announced the first close of its second fund at $20 million, signalling sustained interest in early-stage technology-led ventures despite longer gestation periods.

In the consumer and mobility space, Union Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, described as the country’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform. The announcement came as drivers affiliated with Uber, Ola and Rapido called for a nationwide strike on February 7, highlighting ongoing tensions around earnings, commissions and working conditions in the app-based mobility sector.

Fintech continued to see both momentum and oversight. Turtlemint Fintech Solutions filed a confidential draft red herring prospectus with SEBI, adding to the pipeline of digital-first companies exploring public listings. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny remained prominent, with the RBI imposing a FEMA compounding penalty on Paytm, and Pine Labs facing a Rs. 37.33 crore GST demand linked to a FY20 case involving Qwikcilver.

Funding activity extended beyond technology infrastructure into consumer brands, with clean-label food company The Whole Truth closing a $51 million funding round led by Sofina and Sauce.vc, pointing to continued investor appetite for differentiated consumer plays amid a selective funding environment.

Overall, the week highlighted familiar themes for India’s startup ecosystem: policy support tailored to long-term innovation, steady capital deployment in strategic sectors, and increasing regulatory and compliance oversight. As the market continues to shift away from rapid expansion towards more disciplined growth, startups and investors alike appear to be adjusting to a landscape defined as much by accountability as by opportunity.

Funding News

OneARVO raises Rs. 12.3 million in pre-seed funding

Deep-tech startup OneARVO raised Rs. 12.3 million in a pre-seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures to develop technology-led industrial solutions.

The Stack raises Rs. 5.5 crore in pre-seed round

Science-first supplements startup The Stack raised Rs. 5.5 crore in pre-seed funding to build evidence-backed nutrition products for Indian consumers.

TakeTwo secures pre-seed funding at Rs. 100 crore valuation

AI-driven film studio TakeTwo secured pre-seed funding at a valuation of around Rs. 100 crore to scale AI-led content creation for films and media.

Good Monk raises Rs. 33 crore in pre-Series A round

Consumer food brand Good Monk raised Rs. 33 crore in a pre-Series A round at a valuation of Rs. 175 crore.

Dr. Doodley raises $3.3 million in pre-Series A funding

Pet healthcare startup Dr. Doodley raised $3.3 million in a pre-Series A round led by V3 Ventures.

ZILO raises $15.3 million in funding led by Peak XV

Fashion quick-commerce startup ZILO raised $15.3 million in a funding round led by Peak XV to expand its operations.

Material Depot raises $10 million

Home interiors startup Material Depot secured $10 million to scale its omnichannel platform.

Fibr AI raises $5.7 million in seed round

AI startup Fibr AI raised $5.7 million in a seed round led by Accel.

Chini Kum raises Rs.1 crore

Beverage startup Chini Kum raised Rs. 1 crore and launched zero-sugar, prebiotic and low-calorie beverage products.

Varaha raises $45 million in Series B round

Climate-tech company Varaha raised $45 million in a Series B round to scale its carbon removal projects.

Loop AI raises $14 million in Series A funding

Enterprise AI platform Loop AI raised $14 million in a Series A round.

Gamepoint raises pre-Series A funding

Sports-tech startup Gamepoint raised a pre-Series A round to expand its technology platform.