Startup News
Slice Small Finance Bank Achieves Monthly Profitability, Sets Sights on IPO in 3-4 Years
Slice Small Finance Bank, formed by the Slice-NESFB merger, is now monthly profitable and targets an IPO in 3-4 years. This crucial step validates its hybrid fintech-traditional banking model, aiming to serve India's underserved while ensuring robust growth and financial inclusion, striving to become "India's most loved bank.
Home & Sleep Solutions Brand Wakefit Files for IPO, Aims to Raise ₹468 Crore Through Fresh Issue
Wakefit, the home & sleep solutions D2C brand, has filed its DRHP for an IPO. It plans to raise ₹468.2 crore via a fresh issue to fund expansion, including 118 new stores and marketing. The company reported ₹1,000+ crore income in FY24, significantly narrowing losses to ₹15.05 crore, showcasing strong growth and a path to profitability.
JSW One Platforms Targets IPO Within Two Years, Eyes Profitability This Fiscal
JSW One Platforms, JSW Group's B2B e-commerce arm, targets an IPO within 18-24 months. The company aims for break-even this fiscal year, building on its $1 billion unicorn valuation and ₹12,500 crore GMV in FY25. Focusing on steel/cement for MSMEs, JSW One offers a full-stack solution including fintech, eyeing expansion into other construction materials post-IPO.
India's Startup Ecosystem Secures Third Global Rank in Tech Funding Despite Investment Headwinds: Tracxn Report
Despite a global slowdown, India's tech startups secured $4.8B in H1 2025, ranking third worldwide. Tracxn's report shows resilience, with strong investor interest in transportation, retail, and enterprise tech. While funding dipped, M&A activity surged, highlighting a maturing ecosystem poised for long-term growth.
India's Leading Brands Achieve Record-Breaking $236.5 Billion in Combined Value: Brand Finance Report
Brand Finance reports India's top 100 companies' combined brand value hit $236.5 billion, a record. Tata Group leads at $31.6B, followed by Infosys. Adani is fastest-growing, while Taj Hotels remains the strongest. This signals India's growing economic influence and global brand recognition, driven by digital and industrial expansion.
Indian Digital Lenders Halt IPO Plans Amidst Shifting Market Dynamics
Digital lending startups in India are delaying IPOs due to muted growth and tighter regulations. Despite some profit gains, many are prioritizing balance sheet strength and compliance over immediate public listings. This shift reflects a cautious market demanding profitability and sustainable models, though the long-term potential for digital credit in India remains strong.
Bessemer Venture Partners Forecasts $1 Trillion Digital Opportunity in India, Touting Quick Commerce and D2C as Key Drivers
Bessemer Venture Partners predicts India's digital economy will hit $1 trillion, fueled by a "tailwind trifecta" of internet penetration, youth, and supportive policies. Quick commerce and D2C brands are key drivers, alongside a content revolution. This immense growth is expected to create five times more value than the last decade, solidifying India as a global digital powerhouse.
McKinsey's Global Chief: India Poised to Become a Unifying Force on the World Stage
McKinsey's Global Managing Partner, Bob Sternfels, asserts India is poised to be a global unifying force. He highlights its youthful population, advanced digital infrastructure, and neutral diplomatic stance as key differentiators. This unique combination positions India to foster international cooperation, contribute immense human capital, and drive innovation on a massive scale.
Why India's Central Bank is Proactively Stimulating the Economy
Why is the RBI cutting rates when the economy looks good? It's a strategic move to address hidden household debt, boost private investment, and secure sustained, inclusive growth amidst global uncertainties. With inflation benign, the central bank is proactively injecting liquidity to alleviate financial stress and ensure India's economic resilience.
Sahi, Fintech Startup by Former Swiggy CTO, Secures $10.5 Million Led by Accel and Elevation Capital
Sahi, founded by ex-Swiggy CTO Dale Vaz, secured $10.5M from Accel & Elevation Capital. The fintech startup offers AI-driven, automated stock trading tools for retail investors, planning new no-code strategy builders. This funding supports product innovation and expansion, leveraging India's evolving retail trading market and new SEBI algo-trading rules.
Darwinbox Fuels Employee Wealth Creation with Substantial ₹86 Crore ESOP Buyback
Darwinbox, an AI-powered HR tech unicorn, has completed its third ESOP buyback, worth ₹86 crore ($10 million), benefiting over 350 employees globally. This reflects their commitment to wealth creation for team members who help build value. The buyback follows a $140 million funding round and highlights Darwinbox's focus on AI innovation and global growth.
GoKwik Secures $13 Million to Propel AI-First Ecommerce and Global Ambitions
GoKwik, an AI-first e-commerce enabler, has secured $13 million in growth funding led by RTP Global, bringing total funding to $68 million. The capital will fuel international expansion and AI R&D for its commerce stack, which helps over 10,000 brands tackle cart abandonment and RTO. GoKwik's solutions aim to optimize the entire e-commerce journey for brands globally.