Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (March 27, 2026)

YourStory brings you today’s headlines with the latest developments across sectors.

Pavestone invests $3M in Uncia to scale AI lending platform

Hyderabad-based VC firm Pavestone has invested $3 million (₹25 crore) in Uncia, an AI-powered lending solutions provider. Built without external funding initially, Uncia offers a cloud-first platform for loan origination, management, and supply chain finance. The company currently supports major Indian financial institutions and plans expansion into MENA and North America. It is also eyeing a future public listing. The investment will accelerate global growth and strengthen its AI-driven lending infrastructure, with early users already reporting improved underwriting and cost efficiencies.

InvoiceCloud to hire 150 professionals in Hyderabad by 2026

Digital payments firm InvoiceCloud plans to hire 150 technology and product professionals at its Hyderabad innovation hub through 2026. The expansion includes leadership roles and specialised talent across AI, engineering, and product management. The company has already added over 170 employees in India in the past year. With this move, InvoiceCloud aims to strengthen AI-led product innovation and automation capabilities, positioning its India GCC as a key global hub supporting customers across utilities, government, and insurance sectors.

Miko AI earns top safety certification from BDO

Consumer robotics firm Miko has received top safety certification from BDO after outperforming leading AI models including GPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok. Miko achieved a perfect 1.0 safety score in independent evaluations, excelling in handling harmful prompts. Designed specifically for children, its AI emphasizes safe and responsible interactions. The certification highlights growing concerns around AI safety and positions Miko as a leader in child-focused AI systems, with products already used in over 140 countries.

Powerplay launches AI workforce platform for construction sector

Construction tech startup Powerplay has launched India’s first AI workforce platform featuring domain-trained AI agents across estimation, procurement, and project management. Built on data from 85,000 projects, the platform delivers up to 60% productivity gains and reduces estimation timelines from weeks to minutes. Powerplay expects 500% revenue growth by FY2027. The system combines AI automation with human oversight, reflecting a broader shift toward “vertical AI” in construction, enabling smarter, faster project execution.

Google and ChangeX launch Udaan India Fund for community development

Google and ChangeX have launched the “Google Udaan India Fund” in Visakhapatnam to support grassroots initiatives. The program aims to activate up to 100 local organisations, focusing on digital literacy, workforce skilling, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. With funding of up to ₹14 lakh per project, the initiative will expand across Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia. Applications are open until April 30, with a focus on empowering community-led development and local innovation.