Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (July 3, 2025)

From WOL3D’s mission to make 3D printing mainstream with toys, training, and tech, to the evolving landscape of EV financing in India’s gig economy, YourStory brings you today’s headlines with the latest developments across sectors.

Features stories

The EV financing challenge haunting India’s green mobility transition

India's booming gig economy is leaning into electric vehicles (EVs) for last-mile delivery, but financing remains a major bottleneck. Most gig workers lack credit histories or bank accounts, making them ineligible for traditional loans. As a result, EV fleet operators rent vehicles to workers, while NBFCs and startups like Revfin, Vidyut, and Mufin Green bridge financing gaps.

However, high interest rates, lack of second-hand EV markets, battery warranty issues, and poor OEM after-sales support make EVs risky assets to finance. Fleet operators also face funding hurdles due to weak financials. Read more.

WOL3D is making 3D printing accessible to everyone

WOL3D, India’s first listed 3D printing company, is democratising 3D printing with affordable products, training programs, and nationwide experience centres. Founded in 2016, the Mumbai-based startup now sells over 1,200 printers monthly, offering a full ecosystem—from hardware and consumables to prototyping and education.

WOL3D’s clientele includes DRDO, ISRO, Reliance, and over 7,000 schools. It has raised Rs 25 crore via IPO and reported Rs 48 crore in revenue and Rs 5.5 crore profit in FY25. The company is now expanding internationally and launching a 3D-printed toy line, Vinglits, priced from Rs 99 to Rs 2,499. Read more.

Breaking barriers: A transwoman’s fight for space in the Indian classroom

N. Jency, a transwoman from rural Tiruttani, has made history as Tamil Nadu’s first trans Assistant Professor of English at Loyola College, Chennai.

Her journey from childhood discrimination to academic excellence showcases the transformative power of education. Despite facing ridicule and isolation, Jency found refuge in books and consistently topped her class. Read more.

Her struggle with English led this Meghalaya woman to start a school

Genavafa Behphat, driven by her struggle with English and poor-quality education, founded Dew Drop Academy in 2019 in Nongshken, Meghalaya, to offer rural children the opportunities she never had.

After facing language barriers in Shillong and being ridiculed at work, Behphat taught herself English and gained confidence through various roles, including social work.

Determined to improve educational access, she started weekend English classes and later founded her own school in a forested area with just 15 students. Read more.

Zimaxx is ‘humanising safety’ with AI, apps, and a 24/7 command centre

Founded in 2022 by Onkar Sonalker, Mumbai-based Zimaxx is creating a “humanised safety” ecosystem through AI-powered apps, trackers, and a 24/7 command centre.

Its two main platforms—Dial 4567 for personal safety and Captain India for pets—offer features like journey tracking, SOS alerts with live audio-video capture, and lost-and-found support via QR tags. Read more.

Latest news

Zoho Corp acquires Asimov Robotics, expands R&D footprint

Zoho Corporation, the parent company of Zoho and ManageEngine, has acquired Kochi-based deeptech startup Asimov Robotics. 

Founded in 2012, Asimov Robotics develops robotic solutions for industries to handle hazardous and repetitive tasks. Following the acquisition, Asimov Robotics and its employees will continue their R&D work from Zoho’s campus in Kottarakkara, Kerala, with guidance and mentorship from Zoho’s in-house team, Zoho Corporation said in a statement. Read more.

Meesho pre-files DRHP with SEBI; aims to raise $500M in fresh issue

Softbank-backed Meesho has confidentially filed its DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus) with market regulator SEBI as it aims to raise $500 million in fresh funds, two sources aware of the matter told YourStory.

The Bengaluru-based company will also have a secondary portion where some investors might divest their stake. According to primary discussions, Founders Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal aren't selling anything in the initial public offering, sources said.

The low-cost ecommerce startup has also reorganised its board amid its public debut plans, sources confirmed to YourStory. Read more.

Funding

Maieutic Semiconductor raises $4.15M

Maieutic Semiconductor, a deeptech startup focused on analog integrated circuit (IC) design, has raised $4.15 million in a seed funding round co-led by Endiya Partners and Exfinity Venture Partners.

The company plans to use the capital to scale its engineering team, accelerate product development, and says it is on an "aggressive hiring trajectory" to bring its platform to market. "Semiconductor design has remained largely untouched by modern productivity enhancements," said Gireesh Rajendran, Co-founder and CEO of Maieutic. Read more.

GobbleCube raises $3.5M to scale AI-powered growth platform

AI growth platform GobbleCube has raised $3.5 million in a pre-Series A round led by InfoEdge Ventures, with Kae Capital also participating.

Founded by former Blinkit executives Manas Gupta, Srikumar Nair, and Nitesh Jindal, the startup crossed $2 million in ARR in nine months and supports over 200 brands, including Reckitt and Tata Consumer.

GobbleCube enables brands to identify revenue leaks and unlock hyperlocal opportunities through its AI engine.

Luma Fertility raises $4M to redefine fertility care in India

Luma Fertility, founded by Fitternity’s Neha K Motwani, has secured $4 million in seed funding led by Peak XV’s Surge, with investors including Ameera Shah and Vijay Taparia.

The Mumbai-based startup offers patient-centric fertility care via a full-stack clinic with in-house labs and tech integration.

FitFeast raises Rs 5.5 Cr from IPV, onboards Shane Watson as investor

Protein-focused F&B startup FitFeast has raised Rs 5.5 crore in a seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures. Cricketer Shane Watson joins as investor and brand partner, alongside Axar Patel. The funds will be used to scale D2C operations, marketing, leadership, and new product development.

Founded by Aditya Poddar, FitFeast recently gained national visibility after appearing on Shark Tank India and claimed over Rs 50 lakh in monthly revenue.

IORA raises Rs 8.5 Cr to expand carbon removal programme

IORA Ecological Solutions has raised Rs 8.5 crore in debt funding from Caspian Debt to scale its MegCare agroforestry initiative in Meghalaya. The programme aims to restore 150,000 hectares, sequester 25 million tonnes of CO₂, and benefit 80,000 smallholder farmers.

The deal was facilitated by Rabo Foundation and Rabobank’s ACORN platform.

Other news

ParkMate rebrands to Blyp, targets urban mobility

Smart parking startup ParkMate has rebranded as Blyp to reflect its broader ambition of becoming a full-stack mobility intelligence platform. The transition marks a shift from parking solutions to smart urban navigation and infrastructure integration.

The rebrand includes a new logo, app experience, and roadmap focused on predictive analytics, EV integration, and city-level partnerships.

WEH Ventures exits Smallcase, returns full Fund I capital

WEH Ventures has exited its early investment in Smallcase, delivering a full capital return on its Rs 20 crore Fund I with a 38% IRR. The firm backed Smallcase in 2018, when the startup had only one broker partner and limited assets.

Over six years, Smallcase scaled nearly 100X in AUM and 80X in revenue, now serving close to 10% of India’s demat account holders.

WEH invested across all rounds from Seed to Series C, fully exiting in Series D.

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