Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (June 13, 2025)

From IPO-bound Groww reporting a threefold jump in net profit to Rs 1,819 crore in FY25 to used-car marketplace Spinny raising $30 million in primary funding from WestBridge Capital, YourStory brings today’s headlines that highlight significant developments across industries.

Feature stories

This startup’s portable ECG device can detect cardiac issues

The World Heart Federation reports that cardiovascular diseases account for 26% of deaths in India, where timely access to diagnostics and interventions is a huge challenge. Dehradun-based medical technology startup Sunfox Technologies aims to address this critical issue with a portable ECG device that can diagnose cardiac abnormalities and give risk alerts in a matter of minutes. 

Founded in 2016, Sunfox Technologies focuses on developing accessible and affordable healthcare solutions, with a core specialisation in portable ECG devices that diagnose cardiac abnormalities. Read more.

How Sanya Malhotra found her 'Zenergy’ with Bree Matcha

For years, actor Sanya Malhotra began her mornings with a cup of coffee, a ritual that offered comfort and reflection. But even a single cup would leave her feeling jittery and drained once the caffeine wore off. But it was part of a ritual, one filled with quiet moments of writing and mindfulness. It wasn’t just about the coffee; it was about the peace it offered.

When she decided to take a break from coffee, she explored matcha as an alternative. Matcha is a premium green tea finely ground into a vibrant powder. Unlike traditional teas that are steeped, matcha is whisked directly into hot water to create a smooth, frothy drink. It is rooted in the Japanese tea ceremony where preparing, serving, and sipping matcha is as significant as the drink itself. Read more.

Latest news

IPO-bound Groww reports 3X jump in FY25 profit, raises $200M at $7B valuation

Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of the investment platform Groww, reported a nearly threefold increase in net profit to Rs 1,819 crore in FY25. In comparison, revenue soared 31% year-on-year to Rs 4,056 crore, according to a document seen by YourStory.

The document, citing an ROC (Registrar of Companies) filing, stated that the IPO-bound firm has also closed a Series F funding round, raising $200 million at a valuation of $7 billion. The round saw participation from new investor GIC (Singapore) and existing backer ICONIQ Capital. Read more.

Artha India Ventures to make final close for growth fund as commitments cross Rs 400 Cr

Artha India Ventures, which has backed companies including OYO and Purplle, is set to announce the final close of Artha Select Fund. The fund has received commitments for Rs 400 crore, Artha’s director Anirudh A Damani told YourStory. 

According to Damani, the firm is currently in discussions with a few family offices to close a Rs 50 crore commitment and is expected to raise between Rs 400-450 crore for the fund’s final close. The Artha Select Fund (ASF) will make follow-on investments in the portfolio from its flagship fund, Artha Ventures Fund I, and will participate in Series B and Series C rounds, writing cheques of $2.5 million in each round. Read more.

OpenAI partners with Mattel to infuse AI across toy brands Barbie, Hot Wheels

OpenAI has entered into a partnership with Mattel Inc to integrate generative-AI capabilities into the toymaker’s portfolio and digital experiences, the companies said on Friday. Under the agreement, OpenAI will provide its AI models and tools to help the brand develop new ways for consumers to interact with brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price. 

The joint effort is intended to power connected toys, personalised content, and other immersive experiences while maintaining the safety standards required for children’s products. Read more.

Funding news

Spinny raises $30M from WestBridge as part of its Series F round

Used car marketplace Spinny has raised $30 million in primary capital from investment firm WestBridge Capital, a source aware of the matter told YourStory.

The firm raised the new round of funding at a “flattish” valuation, the source said. Entrackr had reported that the company’s valuation remained between $1.5-$1.7 billion. This new influx of funds brings Spinny’s Series F funding round to a total of about $170 million. Read more.

Pehle Jaisa raises $300,000 to scale rural waste-to-wealth model

Pehle Jaisa, a rural-focused startup turning waste into opportunity, has raised $300,000 in a pre-Series A funding from Pantnagar Capital and Climate Angels to expand its decentralised waste management model across Indian villages.

Founded by Pankaj Pandey and Ehtesham Farooqui, along with Shabih Abbas, Sumit Suman, Wasim Akhtar, and Mantosh Kumar, the startup aims to build self-reliant villages that produce their own gas, electricity, and fertilisers. In just over a year, Pehle Jaisa has sold more than 2,000 MT of value-added fertilisers, generating Rs 2.5 crore in FY25 alone, after launching with 500 MT in FY’24. Starting with soil conditioners and bio-stimulants, the company is developing organic fertilisers customized to regional crop and soil needs.

Other news

Flipkart partners with WE Hub to boost ecommerce among women entrepreneurs

Flipkart, in collaboration with WE Hub, a Government of Telangana initiative, conducted a dedicated workshop in Hyderabad aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to scale their businesses through ecommerce.

Attended by over 100 women entrepreneurs, the workshop focused on critical aspects such as product listing, pricing strategies, and platform-specific insights to help participants effectively access national markets via Flipkart’s marketplace.

This initiative aligns with the broader mission of Flipkart Samarth, launched in 2019, which supports MSMEs, artisans, and underserved communities by providing inclusive access to digital commerce and enhancing income opportunities.

Also Read

Bihar launches ambitious initiative to support 10,000 startups from the state

TiE’s 2025 student summit to equip youth with real-world startup insights

TiE Delhi-NCR will host the inaugural Student Entrepreneurship Summit 2025 on June 20 at Amity University, Noida. The event will convene over 400 high school and college students from 50+ institutions across India for a day of entrepreneurial learning through keynote talks, panel discussions, masterclasses, and startup showcases.

Aimed at equipping young participants with real-world insights, the summit will focus on critical thinking, communication, and leadership. Featured sessions will include live pitches from student-led ventures, fostering exposure to investor feedback and practical storytelling.

Garuda Aerospace launches Thalambur drone facility and nationwide centres of excellence

Garuda Aerospace has launched a 35,000 sq ft agri-drone indigenisation facility in Thalambur, near Chennai, to strengthen domestic design and manufacturing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, the facility will focus on producing seven UAS subsystems and 33 key components, contributing to the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Complementing this, Garuda Aerospace announced the establishment of 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in collaboration with educational institutions and industry partners to drive drone-related research, innovation, and skill development across India. A train-the-trainer programme was also launched to upskill professionals in drone operations.

Stashfin appoints Ranjan Agarwal as SVP

Stashfin, a financial services platform, has appointed Ranjan Agarwal as senior vice president of strategic alliances. In this role, Agarwal will lead the company’s fintech partnership efforts with banks, NBFCs, and other financial institutions to support the expansion of its digital lending products.

He brings over 20 years of experience in banking and fintech, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and National Business Manager at AU Small Finance Bank.

(This article will be updated with the latest news throughout the day.)