Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (August 20, 2026)

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

Featured news

Shiprocket extends listing gains as Goldman Sachs raises stake

Shiprocket shares continued their upward rally on Thursday, after Goldman Sachs picked up over 40 lakh shares of the Gurugram-based ecommerce enablement company in a bulk deal on debut day.

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How a caregiving crisis at home led Priyanka Rastogi to build EzyHelpers

After struggling to find dependable help for her mother-in-law, Priyanka Rastogi saw an opportunity to address a larger gap in home care. Five years on, EzyHelpers has trained and placed more than 2,000 domestic helpers.

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Funding news

Quick commerce babycare platform Peeko raises Rs 67.4 Cr in Series A

Bengaluru-headquartered babycare platform Peeko has raised Rs 67.4 crore in a Series A round of funding led by Chiratae Ventures, with participation from existing investor Stellaris Venture Partners and prominent angel investors. Peeko will use the funds towards business expansion, technology development, and hiring as it looks to deepen its presence in Bengaluru and expand into newer cities. The startup previously raised $3.2 million in a seed round of funding led by Stellaris Venture Partners in 2025.

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Zaydn raises $681K to scale sneaker business

Homegrown sneaker brand Zaydn has raised $681,000 in a seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures, with participation from BeyondSeed and private investors. The company plans to use the capital to scale inventory and production capacity, strengthen working capital and expand performance marketing. Zaydn will also accelerate its presence across direct-to-consumer channels and marketplaces including Myntra, Amazon and Nykaa.

The funding will support new product development, brand building, technology and team expansion. Zaydn aims to bridge the gap between aspirational sneaker designs and accessible pricing for India’s Gen-Z consumers. Its in-house manufacturing capabilities provide greater control over product quality, development and launch timelines. The company is positioned around trend-led, expressive sneakers offered at mass-premium price points.

Digidukan raises Rs 2 Cr in angel funding

B2B quick-commerce platform Digidukan, which caters to construction-material retailers, has raised Rs 2 crore in angel funding from Vinay Gupta and Shubham Gupta, directors at United Plywood Group. The company is using technology to introduce a 60-minute delivery model for construction procurement, allowing retailers to order materials on demand rather than maintaining excess inventory or relying on fragmented supplier networks.

The capital will be used to strengthen technology and product capabilities, expand into additional categories and support higher order volumes. Digidukan also plans to deepen its presence in Tier II and III markets. Founded by Lakshya Agarwal and Kshitij S. Rungta, the company aims to use demand and purchasing data to help retailers predict what to stock and when.

Tross raises pre-seed round for healthcare AI infrastructure

Healthcare infrastructure startup Tross has raised its pre-seed funding round led by All In Capital, with participation from DeVC. The company is building an API and data layer that enables AI companies to connect with and operate across electronic health records, payer portals and other legacy healthcare systems in the US.

Tross will use the capital to accelerate product development, expand its engineering team and add more EHR and payer integrations. Its platform supports automation across patient communication, referrals, appointment scheduling, claims, prior authorisations, data extraction and other healthcare workflows.

The company works with healthcare AI companies serving the US market and expects to enable more than 200,000 patient interactions in 2026. Tross aims to simplify integration with complex legacy healthcare software.

Other news

Urban Company partners with Unicommerce in Middle East

Urban Company’s Middle East arm has partnered with ecommerce enablement SaaS company Unicommerce to manage its e-commerce operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. As Urban Company expands its regional footprint, it will use Unicommerce’s Uniware platform to manage inventory and fulfillment for its at-home services ecosystem. The platform will provide real-time inventory visibility and intelligently route orders for service kits and consumables to service professionals.

The partnership builds on an existing relationship between the two companies in India, where Urban Company already uses Unicommerce technology for ecommerce operations. Uniware will serve as a central supply-chain platform, helping Urban Company improve stock accuracy, accelerate replenishment and coordinate fulfilment across locations as it expands its presence in the Middle East.

Ather scooters to be available through CSD from September

Electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy has received approval to commence sales through the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) portal, making its scooters available to eligible Armed Forces personnel. Sales through the platform are expected to begin from September 2026. Eight variants across Ather’s 450 and Rizta model ranges have been listed on the CSD platform, excluding the Ather 450 Apex. Ather is among the first two electric two-wheeler manufacturers in India to have its products listed through CSD.

Eligible personnel will be able to purchase the 450 and Rizta ranges with special discounts from Ather. These discounts will be available in addition to the GST benefits applicable to CSD purchases, providing an additional price advantage for Armed Forces personnel buying Ather electric scooters.

Logistics tech company Fleetx.ai acquires management system provider Pando.ai

AI-native fleet and logistics technology company Fleetx.ai has acquired transportation management system provider Pando.ai for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will give customers access to a unified AI-native platform covering the journey from fleet visibility to freight execution. Fleetx.ai plans to layer its artificial intelligence capabilities onto Pando.ai’s platform, with AI agents working across the technology stack.

Pando.ai will continue operating as a distinct brand with its existing identity. Fleetx.ai has evolved over the past nine years from a fleet visibility platform into an AI intelligence layer serving industries including logistics, construction, energy, retail and manufacturing. The combined platform is expected to replace fragmented operational systems with an integrated technology environment designed to improve visibility, execution and automation across physical operations.

Dubai Chambers signs MoUs with NASSCOM and FKCCI

Dubai Chambers has signed two memoranda of understanding with NASSCOM and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) during a high-level visit to Bengaluru. The agreements seek to strengthen cooperation in Agentic AI while promoting trade, investment and business expansion between Dubai and India. A delegation led by Dubai Chambers President and CEO Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah held eight meetings with Indian business organisations and multinational companies.

The MoU with NASSCOM establishes a framework for collaboration in agentic AI and deeptech, including market access for Indian companies seeking to expand into Dubai. It also covers knowledge sharing, business delegations, B2B meetings and innovation initiatives. The partnership supports Dubai’s wider objective of accelerating private-sector adoption of Agentic AI and strengthening its position in advanced technologies.

T-Hub, Japan’s OKI select eight Indian deeptech startups

T-Hub and Japan’s Oki Electric Industry (OKI) have partnered on a programme aimed at helping Indian startups enter global markets, validate technologies and explore commercial opportunities in Japan. The initiative attracted more than 150 applications from deeptech startups across India, of which eight were shortlisted following a multi-stage evaluation. The programme, conducted through T-Hub’s PACE solution accelerator, focuses on water infrastructure and logistics and supply chain.

The selected startups will work directly with OKI’s business and technical teams, receiving mentorship on product-market fit for Japanese industrial use cases. They will also explore pilot projects and co-development opportunities. The collaboration comes as India and Japan seek to expand technology and industrial partnerships ahead of the India-Japan Year of Shared Horizons 2027, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations.

TrueFoundry launches open-source agent platform TrueForge

Enterprise AI infrastructure company TrueFoundry has launched TrueForge, an open-source agent harness designed to help enterprises build, deploy, debug and govern production AI agents without vendor lock-in. The platform allows enterprises to use different models and MCP servers while potentially reducing agent operating costs by up to 50%.

TrueForge routes model calls and MCP interactions through TrueFoundry’s AI Gateway, enabling budget controls, rate limits, guardrails and policy enforcement. Teams can run the platform on their own infrastructure and use their own models, MCP servers and API keys. It supports OpenAI, Anthropic and more than 20 additional models, alongside 40-plus built-in tools. TrueFoundry is also introducing a hosted, pay-per-use version for organisations that do not want to manage infrastructure themselves.

Palo Alto Networks launches Frontier AI Critical Defense Program

Palo Alto Networks has launched the Frontier AI Critical Defense Program to protect critical infrastructure from AI-driven cyber threats. The initiative brings together leaders across operational technology, healthcare, commercial software and open-source communities to deploy proactive virtual patches that can neutralise vulnerabilities at the network level before attackers exploit them.

Palo Alto Networks said its use of Frontier AI models recently uncovered more than 14,000 previously unknown vulnerabilities in open-source software, highlighting the potential for AI to accelerate cyberattacks. The programme expands existing collaborations with organisations including IBM, Red Hat, Microsoft, Siemens and Idaho National Laboratory, while adding partners such as Anthropic, OpenAI and Mitsubishi. Its Frontier Virtual Patching technology aims to provide rapid network-level protection while keeping sensitive vulnerability information away from attackers.

Harness introduces AI-powered security capabilities

AI software delivery platform company Harness has introduced a set of security capabilities designed to help organisations identify, prioritise and fix vulnerabilities faster. The offerings include AI SAST, agentic triage and remediation, a dedicated Zero-Day Agent and virtual patching. Its AI SAST combines deterministic scanning with an AI layer to reduce false positives while identifying complex vulnerabilities.

The Triage Agent automatically prioritises scanner findings based on exploitability, while the Remediation Agent generates and validates fixes and opens pull requests for developer review. The Zero-Day Agent continuously monitors newly disclosed zero-day vulnerabilities, identifies affected pipelines and generates validated fixes. Harness’ Virtual Patching capability provides immediate protection when vulnerabilities are discovered during testing, allowing production environments to be shielded while permanent code fixes are developed and reviewed.

Hexnode launches Context Layer for Agentic AI

Enterprise software company Hexnode, the enterprise division of Mitsogo, has launched Hexnode Context Layer, an intelligence layer designed to power Agentic AI for endpoint management through its Genie AI conversational interface.

The Context Layer uses live information from Hexnode’s Unified Endpoint Management platform to translate natural-language requests into relevant device-management workflows. It acts as an orchestration and governance layer between Genie AI and Hexnode UEM, automatically routing administrator requests to the appropriate specialised agent. The system can coordinate workflows covering policy creation, application deployment, device actions and status tracking. Consequential actions remain subject to administrator approval.

By using live fleet context, Hexnode aims to simplify endpoint management and enable IT administrators to manage devices through a conversational interface rather than manually selecting individual workflows.

Workday launches AI Research team and PhD fellowship

Enterprise AI platform Workday has announced the launch of Workday AI Research, a dedicated technical research team focused on developing reliable, trustworthy and efficient artificial intelligence for enterprise applications. The team’s research covers areas including persistent agent memory, explainability, multi-agent orchestration, reward optimisation, recommendation systems and adaptive resource control.

Workday said its researchers have produced work accepted by leading conferences including ICML, ICLR, ACM Web Conference and ACL. To strengthen ties with academia, the company is also launching the Workday AI Research PhD Fellowship. Selected doctoral students will receive $50,000 annually in research funding through an unrestricted university grant, along with mentorship from Workday researchers and early access to relevant career opportunities. The initiative aims to advance enterprise AI research and contribute findings to the wider research community.

Nutanix, ChronoScale partner on enterprise AI infrastructure

Hybrid cloud company Nutanix and accelerated-compute platform ChronoScale Holdings have entered into a strategic partnership to deliver enterprise-ready AI infrastructure and accelerate adoption of AI services globally. The partnership combines Nutanix’s portfolio of agentic AI solutions with ChronoScale’s accelerated computing, enterprise AI foundry and outcome-focused delivery model.

ChronoScale plans to use Nutanix software within its AI infrastructure platform to provide accelerated compute and AI services. The technology is expected to support customer onboarding, tenant management, service automation, virtualised infrastructure and managed Kubernetes environments.

The companies also plan to maintain demonstration and proof-of-concept environments for customer evaluations. The partnership aims to help enterprises overcome the complexity of assembling AI infrastructure themselves while supporting broader adoption of agentic AI solutions and services.

KPIT, Vietsol sign MoU for mobility software

KPIT Technologies and Vietnam-based engineering and mobility solutions company Vietsol have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on advanced mobility software and engineering services across Southeast Asia. The partnership will cover markets including Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, with opportunities to support selected global programmes. KPIT will bring its three decades of mobility software expertise, OEM relationships and technology accelerators, while Vietsol will contribute regional presence, engineering talent and delivery capabilities.

The companies aim to help customers accelerate product development, improve engineering efficiency and develop differentiated mobility experiences. The agreement also strengthens KPIT’s presence in Vietnam following the launch of its Hanoi technology centre and university partnerships. Both companies will jointly engage customers, pursue market opportunities and deliver engineering programmes for OEMs and mobility ecosystem players.

ISME unveils international internship mobility model

International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bengaluru, has announced an International Advisory Council and a new mobility model aimed at reducing the cost barrier for Indian management students seeking overseas exposure. Instead of traditional exchange semesters, the model will place students directly into paid internships with international companies. ISME is exploring funding mechanisms with German partners inspired by France’s VIE programme, under which the French government reimburses part of international placement costs.

The institute is developing an internship pipeline with Germany’s THWS Business School and plans to submit a reciprocal exchange proposal. ISME aims to host its first cohort of German students in Bengaluru as early as next summer while sending Indian students to Germany. Its International Advisory Council includes academic and industry representatives from Europe, the US and UK.

MetaGO opens first physical metabolic care centre

Doctor-led metabolic health platform MetaGO, founded by the team behind Ketto, has launched its first physical care centre in Mumbai. The centre expands MetaGO’s digital-first model by allowing members to meet doctors, undergo diagnostics and consult health coaches in person, alongside existing online consultations, medicine delivery and WhatsApp-based coaching.

The company plans to open additional centres, including one in Bengaluru, by the end of 2026. MetaGO’s care model begins with a metabolic assessment and blood test, followed by a digital or in-clinic consultation and ongoing coaching. Members also receive monthly doctor reviews and quarterly blood tests. The Mumbai facility offers access to endocrinologists, diabetologists, cardiologists and internal medicine specialists, alongside health coaches, giving members the option to combine physical consultations with MetaGO’s digital healthcare services.

BIMTECH inaugurates Centre of Excellence on AI

Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has inaugurated a Centre of Excellence on Artificial Intelligence, strengthening its focus on AI, experiential learning, innovation and technology-led education. As part of the initiative, participants underwent structured training covering AI fundamentals, the generative AI ecosystem, Google AI Studio, Google Antigravity, Google Cloud resources and live project development and deployment.

The programme provided hands-on exposure to AI tools and modern development workflows, enabling participants to move ideas from concepts to working solutions. Participants explored applications across MedTech, FinTech, EdTech and open innovation, identifying real-world challenges where AI could create impact. BIMTECH said the centre will support workshops, hackathons, research, industry collaboration and student-led projects, strengthening the link between classroom learning, emerging technologies and practical innovation.

R for Rabbit launches 10-product BioMimic range

Baby and kids’ products brand R for Rabbit has launched BioMimic, a 10-product care range based on the principles of biomimicry. The company said the products were developed by studying natural mechanisms of children’s skin and hair and translating those principles into everyday care.

The portfolio includes Aqua Cream, Shampoo, Body Lotion, Bathing Bar, Head-to-Toe Wash, Face Cream, Diaper Rash Cream, Powder, Toothpaste and Chest Rub. The products span skincare, bathing, oral care and grooming, with each designed around a specific biological or natural mechanism.

R for Rabbit said the approach focuses on how the body naturally protects, hydrates and cleanses itself. The BioMimic range is positioned as a science-led kids’ care framework and is described as paraben-free, sulphate-free and pH-balanced.

360 ONE appoints Abhishek Bhalotia as Chief Growth & People Officer

Wealth and asset management firm 360 ONE has appointed Abhishek Bhalotia as Chief Growth & People Officer. Bhalotia will lead the company’s growth, business development and revenue practice management, alongside its people agenda. He will shape the business development strategy across 360 ONE’s Wealth, Asset Management and Capital businesses, covering UHNW, HNW and NRI clients as well as institutional mandates and international markets. He will also oversee talent management, hiring and learning and development across the group, with a focus on senior leadership development.

Bhalotia will additionally serve as the organisation’s Culture Custodian as 360 ONE expands and integrates recent acquisitions. He brings more than three decades of experience with the Kotak Group and most recently served as National Business Head for Kotak Bank’s flagship Private Banking business.

CarePay launches Lumi AI patient engagement platform

Healthcare technology platform CarePay has launched Lumi, an AI-powered patient engagement platform designed for dermatology, aesthetic, hair restoration and dental clinics. Lumi enables patients to conduct personalised AI assessments for skin, hair and smile-related concerns before consultations. Its AI Skin Analysis evaluates more than nine visible parameters, including acne, pigmentation, pores and dark circles. The AI Hair Analysis assesses more than six parameters, while Smile Analysis evaluates more than seven dental aesthetics indicators.

CarePay said its skin-analysis models have been trained on more than four million data points covering diverse skin tones and conditions. Lumi can be integrated into clinic websites and apps, accessed through QR codes, embedded in digital campaigns and shared via WhatsApp. The platform aims to convert patient interest into meaningful conversations and consultation bookings.

CoverSure launches insurance gift cards

Insurance platform CoverSure has entered the corporate, social and personal gifting segment with the launch of Insurance Gift Cards, designed to create a new route for insurance adoption. The cards are co-branded with Oxymoney, an RBI-licensed Prepaid Payment Instrument issuer. Under the model, recipients receive stored value that can be used towards insurance coverage suited to their individual needs. The approach gives the recipient control over which insurance product to choose and when to purchase it, rather than requiring the giver to select the coverage.

CoverSure is targeting Rs 100 crore in insurance gifting value over the next 12 months and aims to reach one million families through the initiative. The company is positioning insurance gifting as a scalable additional distribution channel for protection products rather than as a one-time campaign.