Startup news and updates: daily roundup (July 15, 2026)
YourStory presents the daily news roundup from the Indian startup ecosystem and beyond. Here's the roundup for Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Wednesday was a busy day as the government unveiled a Rs 1.27 lakh crore plan for the semiconductor industry while AI startup Emergent turned unicorn, YourStory brings you today’s headlines with the latest developments across sectors.
Featured news
Ather Energy secures Rs 1,200 Cr from Hero MotoCorp, IJF, and founders
Ather Energy has approved a preferential fundraise from Hero MotoCorp, the India-Japan Fund and its founders to support manufacturing expansion, product development, research and general corporate purposes.
Shunya Labs wants voice infrastructure to work the way Indians speak
Gurugram-based Shunya Labs is building CPU-first voice AI infrastructure designed for multilingual, accented, and code-switched speech, with enterprise deployments across banking, healthcare, telecom, and automotive.
Groww's net profit soars 94% in first quarter of FY27
The investment platform noted that its strong performance was supported by focus on product quality, user experience and trust, resulting in better user retention rates than the industry.
Funding news
AI startup Emergent turns unicorn with $130M Series C funding
Emergent said it will use the funds to hire talent across the United States and India, accelerate product development, and expand its go-to-market efforts.
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E3 Electric.Ai raises Rs 100 Cr in Series A round led by BluVenture
The startup said the fresh capital will be used to accelerate product innovation, strengthen the company’s research and development efforts, and expand its market presence across India ahead of the commercial launch of its first scooter, E3 TRION.
BiofuelCircle raises Rs 35 crore bridge funding
BiofuelCircle, a digital biomass and biofuels platform, has raised Rs 35 crore in bridge funding from existing investors led by Spectrum Impact, with participation from Better Capital, Karma Capital and others. The fresh capital will strengthen working capital and support the company's next phase of growth by expanding India's biomass supply chain.
Founded in 2020, BiofuelCircle connects farmers, biomass aggregators, transporters and industrial consumers through a technology platform that enables price discovery, logistics, quality assurance and trade facilitation. The company said the funding will also complement additional working capital financing to deepen its biomass aggregation network and support India's clean energy transition by improving reliable biomass availability for industries adopting cleaner fuels.
Anmasa secures Rs 30 crore seed funding
Hyperlocal fresh staples startup Anmasa has raised Rs 30 crore in a seed funding round led by Fireside Ventures, with participation from Blume Ventures, existing investors and select high-net-worth individuals. The company will use the capital to expand into new cities, establish additional manufacturing hubs, strengthen its technology infrastructure, hire senior talent and enhance product personalisation. Anmasa operates neighbourhood micro-manufacturing stores that prepare stone-ground flour, wood-pressed oils and freshly milled spices only after an order is placed, with deliveries promised within 90 minutes. The company said its stores function as production units, experience centres and fulfilment hubs, enabling customers to receive freshly prepared staples while preserving nutrition, flavour and quality.
Promom raises Rs 30 crore from Fireside Ventures
Maternal and baby care brand Promom has raised ₹30 crore in funding from Fireside Ventures to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its presence across India's maternal and baby care market. The company plans to use the investment to introduce new products and improve accessibility for mothers nationwide. Promom said it aims to bridge the gap between expensive international brands and inconsistent local alternatives by offering affordable, high-quality products designed in collaboration with mothers, doctors and lactation consultants. The company added that continuous customer feedback has helped refine its offerings and build trust among parents seeking reliable products across different stages of motherhood and infant care.
Hisabkitab raises seed funding to strengthen AI platform
Surat-based accounting software startup Hisabkitab has raised seed funding from angel investors and high-net-worth individuals to strengthen its AI-powered accounting platform for small and medium businesses. The company will invest in expanding its AI Intelligence Layer, customer acquisition, chartered accountant partner network and hiring across product and business functions.
Launched in January 2025, Hisabkitab has grown from a bootstrapped venture to serving more than 2,700 paying SMEs and startups, with over 30,000 sign-ups. The company said its monthly revenue has increased nearly six-fold over the past year, reflecting growing adoption of its cloud-native accounting platform.
Circle Health bags funding to expand US operations
AI-native care coordination platform Circle Health has raised funding from Enzia Ventures, Momentum Capital and other investors to expand its operations in the US senior care market.
The company will use the funding to strengthen its US sales team, expand its clinical workforce and accelerate development of its proprietary AI platform. Founded in 2022, Circle Health combines AI-driven workflow automation, clinical staff and a configurable technology platform to improve patient care coordination. Its platform automates clinical documentation, care gap analysis and patient monitoring while supporting billing compliance and quality assurance, helping healthcare providers improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes.
Other news
HPCL launches HP Navya composite LPG cylinder, partners with Instamart
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has launched HP Navya, its next-generation composite LPG cylinder, and partnered with Instamart to offer doorstep delivery through the quick commerce platform. The lightweight 10-kg cylinder is designed for modern households and features a translucent body that allows users to monitor gas levels easily.
HPCL said the corrosion-free cylinder is aimed at apartments, small families, students and working professionals seeking a convenient secondary LPG connection. The partnership combines HPCL's LPG distribution network with Instamart's delivery platform, enabling consumers to order cylinders digitally while improving accessibility, convenience and safety as demand grows for faster and more seamless household services.
Nasscom welcomes India-UK FTA, social security pact
Nasscom has welcomed the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a significant step towards expanding bilateral trade, digital innovation and investment. The industry body also hailed the conclusion of the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), which allows Indian professionals on short-term UK assignments to continue contributing to India's social security system for up to five years instead of paying into the UK's system. Nasscom said the move will improve the competitiveness of Indian technology professionals globally. It also highlighted the role of the Nasscom UK Forum, launched in 2025, in strengthening collaboration on digital trade, technology security and innovation between the two countries.
Zoho launches AI-powered learning management platform
Zoho has launched Zoho Classes 2.0, an AI-powered learning management system built in India for educational institutions worldwide. The platform will debut in India before expanding globally with region-specific capabilities. Zoho said it will offer the platform free of licensing costs to Central and State government schools, colleges and universities in India, while teachers with up to 100 students can also use it free of charge. Supporting all 22 scheduled Indian languages, the platform integrates teaching, assessments, student engagement and administration on a single AI-powered system. Private educational institutions can access the platform through subscription-based pricing.
Swiggy, FITPASS partner to promote healthier lifestyles
Swiggy has partnered with fitness platform FITPASS to encourage healthier lifestyles by linking nutritious food choices with fitness rewards. Under the collaboration, users who consistently choose healthier meals through Swiggy's EatRight initiative and perform well in the EatRight Streaks Challenge will receive access to FITPASS 360, an integrated wellness membership covering fitness, nutrition and holistic health services. Swiggy said the partnership builds on growing consumer demand for healthier food choices, with over five million monthly EatRight users on its platform. The company also noted increasing demand for protein-rich meals and healthier breakfast options, reflecting changing food habits among Indian consumers.
Venture Catalysts exits TruNativ with over 12x returns
Venture Catalysts has announced a full exit from nutrition and wellness brand TruNativ, delivering strong returns across two investment rounds. The venture capital firm said its 2021 investment generated a 12.73x return with an internal rate of return (IRR) of about 67%, while its 2024 follow-on investment returned 1.34x with an IRR of around 18%. Venture Catalysts first invested in TruNativ in June 2021 and completed its exit in June 2026. The firm said the investment reflected its confidence in India's growing health and wellness market, driven by rising consumer demand for preventive healthcare, clean-label nutrition and science-backed wellness products.
TCS opens AI engineering lab with NVIDIA in Bengaluru
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has launched the TCS Autonomous Engineering Lab Powered by NVIDIA at its Global Axis campus in Bengaluru to accelerate industrial AI adoption. The facility will serve as a physical AI hub for developing and testing AI-powered solutions across mobility and manufacturing using NVIDIA infrastructure. TCS said the lab will help enterprises move from pilot projects to large-scale deployment by enabling rapid prototyping and simulation before real-world implementation. The initiative will also support software-defined and autonomous enterprises by integrating artificial intelligence across engineering, manufacturing and operational processes through TCS' Industrial Autonomy and Engineering capabilities.
ESDS launches indigenous cybersecurity platforms
ESDS Software Solution Ltd has launched two enterprise-grade cybersecurity platforms—Swaraj Nandi, a Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution, and Swaraj Hansa, an AI-powered Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform. Built entirely in India, the platforms are designed to strengthen enterprise cybersecurity by managing privileged access, monitoring threats and automating security responses. ESDS said the launches complement its existing Swaraj portfolio, including Swaraj AIOPS, Swaraj Garuda and Swaraj Jatayoo, reinforcing its focus on building indigenous digital infrastructure. The company said the solutions aim to reduce reliance on imported technologies while helping Indian enterprises improve cyber resilience through locally developed, enterprise-ready security platforms.
Canva rolls out Canva Code 2.0 globally
Canva has announced the global rollout of Canva Code 2.0, expanding its AI-powered coding capabilities to enable users to create interactive apps, websites and digital experiences using simple text prompts. The latest version allows users to start projects from prompts, templates or HTML, while offering integrated tools for editing, collaboration and publishing from a single platform. Canva said the update is aimed at making software creation more accessible to non-technical users, much like its design platform simplified graphic design. The company added that the new capabilities combine creative control with AI-powered coding to help users build customised interactive experiences more easily.
Amazon India, TEXPROCIL partner to boost textile exports
Amazon India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) to help Indian cotton textile exporters expand through ecommerce. The partnership will offer awareness programmes, workshops and seller enablement initiatives to help exporters understand global demand and leverage Amazon's international marketplaces. TEXPROCIL will identify potential exporters, facilitate industry connections and extend educational resources, while Amazon will provide insights into cross-border ecommerce. The collaboration also aims to create offline seller communities and explore policy support with governments to strengthen India's cotton textile exports and enable more manufacturers to access global markets through digital commerce.
YatriKart plans 50 quick-stop stores in Delhi NCR
Convenience retail startup YatriKart has launched its first outlet in Delhi NCR and unveiled plans to open 50 Quick Stop stores across the region within the next 50 days. All stores will operate round-the-clock, targeting commuters and travellers at locations such as metro stations, railway stations, bus terminals, petrol pumps, hospitals and corporate hubs. The company also reaffirmed its long-term goal of establishing a network of 5,000 stores across India over the next five years. YatriKart said its technology-enabled retail model integrates location acquisition, warehousing, supply chain and store operations to enable rapid expansion while maintaining operational consistency.
IIM Bangalore, upGrad launch management programme
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), through IIMBx, has partnered with upGrad to launch the Certificate in General Management for Young Leaders, an 11-month blended programme for early-career professionals. Designed for those with one to five years of work experience, the course combines online learning with two campus immersion modules at IIM Bangalore.
Participants will also attend live industry sessions and faculty-led classes covering management, strategy, leadership and business decision-making. The programme aims to help working professionals strengthen managerial capabilities and prepare for leadership roles while continuing their full-time employment.
WEX opens Bengaluru technology centre
Global payments technology company WEX has inaugurated a new technology centre in Bengaluru to strengthen its global engineering capabilities. The facility will house teams working across software engineering, cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and enterprise technology. WEX said the centre will serve as a strategic hub supporting product development across its Mobility, Corporate Payments, and Health & Benefits businesses. The company added that Bengaluru's deep technology talent pool and mature engineering ecosystem make it a key location for expanding innovation capabilities and building specialised technical expertise to support its long-term global growth strategy.
mFilterIt launches AI-powered campaign platform
Digital ad verification and analytics company mFilterIt has launched mPulse, an Agentic AI Media Campaign Operating System designed to automate the planning, execution, optimisation and governance of digital advertising campaigns. The platform integrates campaign management across channels including Google, Meta, DV360 and OTT platforms from a single interface. Unlike conventional AI tools that automate individual tasks, mPulse uses agentic AI to continuously monitor and optimise campaigns with minimal human intervention. The company said the platform helps brands and agencies eliminate manual bottlenecks, enabling campaigns to run seamlessly while improving operational efficiency and campaign performance.
Visafir launches AI-enabled visa assistance platform
Visa facilitation startup Visafir has launched an AI-enabled platform aimed at simplifying visa documentation for Indian travellers, professionals and businesses. The platform combines artificial intelligence with expert human verification to help users prepare accurate and complete visa applications.
Founded in 2025, Visafir supports applications for more than 120 destinations through its AI-plus-human "Double-Lock" verification model. The platform offers AI-assisted form filling, document validation, destination-specific checklists, appointment scheduling, pre-submission reviews and end-to-end application management. The company said the solution is designed to improve transparency, reduce documentation errors and streamline the visa application process for outbound travellers.
AWE Funds appoints Saurabh Kumar to Investment Committee
Climate-focused investment firm AWE Funds has appointed energy transition expert Saurabh Kumar as a member of its Investment Committee. Kumar brings more than three decades of experience in clean energy, sustainability and public infrastructure. He most recently served as India Head of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and previously led Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), where he spearheaded programmes such as the UJALA LED scheme and the Street Light National Programme. AWE Funds said his experience across government, multilateral organisations and the clean energy ecosystem will strengthen its investment strategy in climate technologies and sustainable infrastructure.
Pickyourtrail partners ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank for EMI travel
Online travel platform Pickyourtrail has partnered with ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank to introduce zero-interest three-month EMI options on international holiday packages. The company said the initiative makes it the first personalised holiday platform in India to offer flexible payment options at this scale through partnerships with the country's two largest private sector banks. Eligible credit card holders can split the cost of customised international holidays into three equal monthly instalments while also availing instant discounts. Pickyourtrail has also partnered with Federal Bank, HSBC, Jupiter, Kotak Mahindra Bank and YES Bank to expand payment benefits for travellers.
Acer, Intel and Infinity Learn launch NEET-ready laptop
Acer and Intel have partnered with Infinity Learn to introduce what they describe as India's first NEET-ready laptop, ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test's transition to a computer-based format from 2027. The device combines Acer's Aspire laptops powered by Intel processors with Infinity Learn's AI-driven preparation platform. It comes preloaded with study material, AI mentor AINA, live and recorded classes, mock tests, performance analytics and a computer-based test simulation environment. The companies said the integrated ecosystem is designed to equip students with the digital skills and learning tools needed for future competitive examinations.
byteXL partners Rungta University for AI programmes
Higher education transformation company byteXL has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rungta International Skills University in Bhilai, marking its entry into Chhattisgarh. Under the partnership, the university will introduce a B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with specialisations in Agentic AI and Generative AI for incoming students. byteXL will also roll out its Career Acceleration Programme for second- and third-year engineering students to build industry-relevant technical and professional skills. The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with Microsoft and aims to improve students' employability in emerging AI-driven careers.
o9 Solutions names Krishnakumar Kulankara as COO
Enterprise software company o9 Solutions has appointed long-time executive Krishnakumar Kulankara as its Chief Operating Officer. Having spent more than a decade with the company, Kulankara will oversee cross-functional alignment and operational transformation to accelerate adoption of o9's AI-powered Enterprise Planning Experience (APEX) platform. He will also drive organisational efficiency across business functions while supporting enterprise-wide transformation for customers. The company said the appointment reflects its focus on strengthening execution capabilities as it scales its AI-driven planning and decision-making solutions for global enterprises.
Belarus hosts Indian students under exchange programme
The Government of Belarus, in collaboration with the Anandilal Podar Trust, has hosted 19 Indian students and two teachers under a fully funded seven-day cultural and educational exchange programme.
The programme, held from June 27 to July 3, is part of the India-Belarus Bilateral Education Initiative aimed at strengthening academic cooperation and cultural ties between the two countries. Sponsored entirely by the Government of Belarus and the Anandilal Podar Trust, the programme covered travel, accommodation and participation costs. Students experienced Belarus' education system, culture and innovation ecosystem while representing India's traditions and heritage as youth ambassadors.
Vimag Labs granted fifth patent
Vimag Labs has been granted its fifth patent in India. The patent, titled "A Robust Rotating Transformer Excited Synchronous Motor and Its Control," covers the foundational motor architecture of the company’s proprietary Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) platform. This latest grant brings the company’s intellectual property portfolio to five patents granted, ten in the pipeline, and fifteen trademarks filed — spanning motor architecture, software controls, power electronics, and application-specific implementations. The patent strengthens Vimag Labs’ competitive position as it scales commercial deployments. The company currently has active pilots under way with established two-wheeler and passenger car manufacturers, with expansion planned into light commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles, and high-power industrial systems.