Funding and acquisitions in Indian startup this week [Aug 25- Aug 30]

During the week, 24 Indian startups raised a total of $127.59 million, including 4 growth-stage and 18 early-stage deals, while 2 startups kept their funding undisclosed.

In comparison, the previous week saw 16 startups across early and growth stages secure around $283.83  million.

[Growth-stage deals]

Growth and late-stage funding this week totaled $78.5 million, entirely driven by fintech deals. The round was led by banking infrastructure platform Transbnk, which raised $25 million in its Series B from Bessemer Venture Partners, followed by Kiwi with a $24 million Series B. Housing finance company Altum Credo secured about $19.5 million (Rs 170 crore) from British International Investment, while CredRight, an NBFC focused on nano and micro enterprises, raised $10 million.

[Early-stage deals]

On the early-stage side, 18 startups raised a total of $42.34 million this week. AI-native sales and e-commerce platform WizCommerce led the pack with an $8 million Series A round led by Peak XV, while used two-wheeler marketplace Vutto secured $7 million in Series A funding from RTP Global and Blume Ventures. Other startups that raised funding include demi-fine jewellery brand Palmonas, AI startup Enmovil, babycare-focused quick commerce platform Peeko, and maths-based mobile gaming platform Matiks, among others.

Designer luxury leather handbag brand AKINNA and organic food products maker Samasta Foods also raised funding, though the amounts were not disclosed.

For a detailed funding breakdown, visit TheKredible.

[City and segment-wise deals]

In terms of the city-wise number of funding deals, Delhi-NCR-based startups led with 9 deals followed by Bengaluru with 5 deals. Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune and others also bagged deals.

Segment-wise, E-commerce startups are at the top spot with 7 deals. Fintech startups followed with 5 deals. AI, foodtech, Gaming and other startups also bagged deals this week.

[Series-wise deals]

During the week, Seed funding led with 6 deals followed by Series A grabbing 5 deals. Pre-seed, Series B and others also grabbed deals. 

Visit TheKredible to see series-wise deals along with amount breakup, and more insights.

[Week-on-week funding trend]

On a weekly basis, startup funding declined  55% to $127.59 as compared to around $283.83 million raised during the previous week.

The average funding in the last eight weeks stands at around $185.38 million with 23 deals per week.

[Key Hirings & Departures]

Zypp Electric, the tech-enabled EV rental platform, has appointed Mukesh Singla as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). EaseMyTrip co-founder Prashant Pitti has resigned as Managing Director, with the board appointing Nishant Pitti as Chairman and MD. Treebo Hospitality Ventures has elevated Hardin Goyal to Founding Partner after a decade at the firm. He will continue to serve as Chief Commercial Officer alongside his new role.

Varun Sridhar, chief executive officer of Paytm Services, a subsidiary of fintech major One 97 Communications, has resigned after a five-year tenure.

VisitTheKrediblefor more details

[Fund Launches]

Elevation Capital is set to launch a new $400 million fund, expanding beyond its traditional early-stage focus to back companies for the long term, including those it believes can create value in public markets.

[Mergers and Acquisitions]

Conversational automation platform Uniphore has acquired Orby AI and plans to acquire Autonom8. The deals bring top AI talent from DeepMind and Google, with Orby adding advanced research expertise and Autonom8 focusing on practical business applications to drive innovation in enterprise AI.

[Shutdowns]

Bengaluru-based used two-wheeler marketplace BeepKart has shut down after nearly five years. The move follows its Chennai exit and layoffs, with gradual wind-downs in Bengaluru. Despite plans to shift to an asset-light model, the company failed to sustain its business. 

FanCode, which is owned by Dream11 parent Dream Sports, is set to shut its online sports merchandise business

[New Launches and Partnerships]

▪️ Euler Motors expands into commercial passenger vehicle segment

▪️ WinZO forays into micro dramas, enters US after RMG ban

▪️ WoodenStreet partners with Unicommerce to strengthen ecommerce operations

▪️ PhonePe launches new home insurance offering

▪️ Unity Bank and BharatPe to launch EMI-driven credit card

[Financial result this week]

▪️ Wellbeing Nutrition claims Rs 170 Cr revenue in FY25; retail share at 25%

▪️ Aye Finance profit halves in Q1 FY26; revenue up 21%

▪️ Square Yards reports Rs 378 Cr revenue in Q1 FY26, turns EBITDA positive

▪️ BigHaat crosses Rs 1,100 Cr revenue in FY25; turns EBITDA profitable

▪️ Physicswallah revenue crosses Rs 3,000 Cr in FY25, cuts losses by 80%

[News flash this week]

▪️ Groww secures SEBI nod for IPO

▪️ A23 parent files first legal challenge to India’s new online gaming law

▪️ Blanket ban on RMG jolts payment processors; Yes Bank hit hardest

▪️ BNP Paribas aligns with Eternal, offloads Swiggy stake

▪️ Gameskraft, Dream11 not to pursue legal challenge against Govt's Gaming Bill

▪️ Delhi Govt proposes Rs 200 Cr VC fund under draft startup policy 2025

[Summary]

On a weekly basis, startup funding declined  55% to $127.59 as compared to around $283.83 million raised during the previous week.

A23 (Head Digital Works), the operator of rummy and poker platform A23, has become the first company to challenge Karnataka’s newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Law, 2025, by filing a petition before the High Court. This comes after Gameskraft and Dream11 decided not to contest the law, opting instead to align their businesses with the new regulations.

Digital investment platform Groww has received Sebi’s approval to launch its IPO, which is estimated to be in the range of $800 million to $1 billion, according to a Moneycontrol report.

WinZO, the social gaming and entertainment platform, is diversifying beyond real-money gaming with a push into micro-dramas and subscription-led services, as it adapts to the government’s blanket ban on RMG in India.