Startup news and updates: daily roundup (August 26, 2026)
YourStory presents the daily news roundup from the Indian startup ecosystem and beyond. Here's the roundup for Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
From Girl Rising’s battle against gender stereotypes using cricket to AssessPrep’s data-driven revolution in the classroom, YourStory brings you today’s headlines with the latest developments across sectors.
Featured stories
Girl Rising’s RISE Premier League is using cricket to challenge gender stereotypes
On August 11, 2026, around 300 people gathered at the Government Higher Secondary School, Bhadi, in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, for something the village had never seen before—a cricket match in which girls and boys played together on the same team, as equals.
It was the opening match of the RISE Premier League (RPL) organised by non-profit Girl Rising as part of its flagship RISE education programme. The league features four mixed-gender teams and eight matches, and ends on October 10.
How AssessPrep is turning test scores into data schools can use
A test score tells a school how a student performed, but not necessarily where their understanding is strong or weak. AssessPrep, an assessment platform, tags every question to a topic and curriculum standard, allowing schools to see where an individual student or an entire class is falling short.
The platform, headquartered in Gurugram with operations in Jaipur, helps schools create, deliver, grade, and analyse tests, primarily for international curricula such as IB, Cambridge IGCSE, and Advanced Placement. It works with more than 800 schools, with an AI-first approach designed to save teachers time while giving schools more detailed data on student learning.
Latest news
Anaptyss bets on AI to drive value-led growth in BFSI
Anaptyss, the US-headquartered digital technology company with a significant presence in India, sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a key growth driver as it adds complementary capabilities to its existing portfolio of solutions.
Founded in 2021, Anaptyss has a strong focus on the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector, providing domain-led managed services to the industry. The company is now leveraging AI to expand its offerings and tap into new growth opportunities.
More than half of GCCs signal increased hiring in FY27: Report
The hiring outlook among global capability centres (GCCs) in India remains positive for FY27, although the focus is shifting towards hiring quality professionals rather than pursuing volume-led growth, according to a report.
The annual GCC survey by Taggd, in partnership with CII, titled From Intent to Predictable Scale: The Future of GCCs in India, found that 52% of GCCs plan to expand their workforce in FY27, up from 47% in the previous fiscal year.
Funding news
Emerald AI raises $150M at $1.05B valuation
Emerald AI, a US startup developing software that allows AI data centres to adjust their electricity consumption according to grid conditions, has raised $150 million in an oversubscribed Series A round at a valuation of $1.05 billion.
The financing was co-led by Energize Capital, an investment firm focused on the energy transition, and DCVC, a deeptech venture capital firm. The round also included strategic and financial investors such as NVIDIA, Samsung Ventures, Siemens, Aramco Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, GE Vernova, RWE, and JERA Ventures.
Ringg AI raises $10M in Series A led by Peak XV Partners
Bengaluru-headquartered voice artificial intelligence (AI) startup Ringg AI has raised $10 million as an extension to its Series A funding round, led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Arkam Ventures and Capital 2b. The startup had earlier this year raised $5.5 million as part of its Series A round.
The startup, which is also backed by Kunal Shah, was founded in October 2023 by Siddharth Shankar Tripathi (formerly with Groww and Flipkart), Utkarsh Shukla (ex-Blinkit and Atlan), and Kali CV (ex-Flipkart).
Scooby’s Club raises $250,000 to expand dog care network
Bengaluru-based dog care company Scooby’s Club has raised $250,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by TDV Partners. Founded in 2025, the company operates neighbourhood dog daycare, boarding and spa facilities, combining free-roam spaces with canine behaviour-led care.
The funding will support the opening of two additional Bengaluru properties over the next 6 to 12 months, alongside hiring and training canine coaches. Scooby’s Club plans to eventually build a network of 100 properties across major Indian cities. The company said its facilities include temperament-based grouping, climate-controlled indoor spaces, personalised care and 24-hour CCTV access for pet owners.
Cüraa raises Rs 40 Cr in Series A funding
Kitchen and lifestyle brand Cüraa has raised Rs 40 crore in a Series A funding round led by 3one4 Capital, with continued participation from Kae Capital, Lumikai and Better Capital. The company will use the funding to expand its pre-cook and cooking product portfolio, strengthen warehousing and supply chains, expand across D2C, marketplaces and quick commerce, and hire senior leadership.
Founded by Chef Sanjyot Keer and Neeraj Kumawat, Cüraa has served more than 3 lakh households since launching in September 2024. The company says its monthly net revenue has grown 25-fold since launch, with an average product rating above 4.5 and an NPS exceeding 70.
Other news
Chola Foundation provides flood relief to 1,250 Assam families
The Chola Foundation, in partnership with Smile Foundation, has provided flood relief across 10 affected regions in Assam, supporting more than 1,250 families. The intervention focused on essential and hygiene needs, with dry rations, hygiene kits and other supplies distributed to affected households, particularly women, children, elderly people and people with disabilities.
The relief effort was coordinated with local authorities and community leaders to identify affected communities. Chola employees in Assam also volunteered in the distribution of supplies, following safety guidelines issued by district authorities.
Octave opens Hyderabad technology centre with plans to hire 2,000 engineers
Octave Intelligence has inaugurated a 2 lakh sq ft Technology and Innovation Centre in Hyderabad, with plans to scale its engineering workforce to 2,000 in the coming years. The centre will support Octave's global operations across software engineering, AI, data, cloud and product development. It also houses an Experience Centre showcasing the company's industrial intelligence and AI solutions.
The facility is located in HITEC City and will develop technologies for customers across asset-intensive industries, including energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, utilities and transportation. Octave serves around 4,500 customers across 180 countries, including more than 60% of the Global Fortune 500.
Qure.ai appoints Mihir Bhanushali to lead global health expansion
Qure.ai has appointed Mihir Bhanushali as Executive Vice President, Global Health, to lead its expansion across low- and middle-income countries. Bhanushali joins from Freshworks, where he was Senior Director, Global Sales, and has previously held leadership roles at Rippling and Whatfix.
He will oversee growth across Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Latin America, covering infectious disease programmes and frontline care delivery. Qure.ai's AI solutions are deployed across more than 107 countries and 5,200 sites. The company is also expanding beyond screening and diagnosis through Aira, its AI doctor and clinical co-pilot for frontline healthcare.
Vodafone Business, Tech Mahindra partner on UK digital transformation
Vodafone Business has partnered with Tech Mahindra to develop digital transformation solutions for UK enterprises. The collaboration combines Vodafone Business' enterprise connectivity and digital infrastructure with Tech Mahindra's expertise in AI, systems integration, digital engineering and managed services.
The companies will explore industry-specific solutions using AI, automation, private 5G, IoT, cloud and data to modernise operations, improve resilience and support new business models. The agreement includes executive engagement, co-innovation and joint go-to-market activities, with both companies identifying opportunities to address customer requirements and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Quest Global joins Babcock engineering services framework
Quest Global Engineering Services has been appointed to Babcock International’s Engineering Services Framework under a five-year agreement, expanding an existing collaboration between the two companies that began in 2023. The engagement covers Babcock programmes across Nuclear, Marine, Aviation, Land and Mission Systems. The agreement is part of Babcock’s strategy to build closer, long-term partnerships with key suppliers.
Quest Global will draw on its multidisciplinary engineering capabilities, outcome-focused delivery model and international experience across complex programmes. The partnership is expected to create opportunities to support initiatives focused on scale, operational performance, affordability and long-term resilience. Quest Global will work with Babcock and its wider ecosystem on projects spanning multiple domains and geographies, strengthening the scope of its engagement with the international defence company.
Foresight Law Offices launches DPDP compliance desk
Foresight Law Offices has launched a dedicated Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Desk and an interactive DPDP Readiness Assessment Tool to help organisations prepare for India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The initiative comes as businesses review their data practices ahead of the framework’s rollout. The DPDP Desk brings together the firm’s expertise across privacy, technology, cybersecurity, regulatory and corporate advisory.
Its services cover DPDP readiness, privacy and data governance frameworks, consent mechanisms, data principal rights, third-party data processing arrangements, data security and breach response. It also supports organisational policies and documentation while tracking regulatory developments. The interactive assessment tool provides organisations with an initial structured view of key considerations under the DPDP framework, helping them identify areas requiring attention as they prepare for compliance.
Client Associates appoints Siddharth Pardesi as chief business officer
Multi-family office and private wealth management firm Client Associates has appointed Siddharth Pardesi as Managing Partner and Chief Business Officer – HNI. Based in Mumbai, Pardesi will lead the company’s high-net-worth individual business as the firm builds on its position in wealth management. Pardesi brings more than two decades of experience across consumer banking, wealth management, investment products and advisory, as well as branch sales and distribution.
During his career, he has held senior roles at organisations including HSBC, BNP Paribas Sharekhan, Standard Chartered Bank and IndusInd Bank. His appointment is expected to strengthen Client Associates’ HNI business as it continues to engage with high-net-worth clients and expand its wealth management operations.
Embark named Major Contender in Everest Group assessment
Embark, an integrated service provider for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, has been named a Major Contender in Everest Group’s 2026 PEAK Matrix Assessment of GCC Setup Capabilities in India. The assessment evaluates providers on their ability to help enterprises establish GCCs, based on Everest Group’s annual Request for Information process, provider briefings and client reference interviews.
The recognition highlights Embark’s focus on GCC setup and enablement. Its model combines consulting, talent solutions, workspaces and enabling services to support companies establishing GCCs in India. Everest Group’s assessment also highlighted Embark’s Workforce Ramp Planning Toolkit and GCC Incubation-to-Scale playbook. These capabilities provide clients with a structured approach to achieving operational readiness and scaling their GCC centres.
Manish Dalal appointed NEN president
The National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) has appointed Manish Dalal as President as it expands its efforts to enable entrepreneurs and businesses across India. Dalal brings more than 25 years of experience in general management, business development and international expansion across AI, SaaS and cloud businesses in the US and APAC markets. He joins NEN after holding senior leadership roles at technology companies including Motorola, Yahoo, Verisign, Endurance and Nextiva.
As President, Dalal will lead NEN’s entrepreneurship portfolio, covering programmes such as Wadhwani Ignite, Wadhwani Liftoff, Wadhwani Accelerate and WadhwaniEntrepreneur.ai. His responsibilities will also include Wadhwani FPO Entrepreneurship and Wadhwani SHG Micropreneurship. He will lead Wadhwani Government AI Platforms, which uses AI to support government programmes and improve livelihoods.
CureMeAbroad receives medical travel certification
CureMeAbroad, the medical tourism discovery and patient-navigation platform operated by Luxora Health Care Experiences, has received Medical Travel Facilitator Certification from Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). The certification strengthens the platform’s focus on safety, transparency and quality across the international patient journey. CureMeAbroad is now among a select group of medical travel facilitators globally certified under GHA’s programme for organisations that coordinate international patients with healthcare providers.
Unlike hospital accreditation, the certification evaluates organisations operating between patients and healthcare providers. It assesses leadership and accountability, patient services, risk management, business ethics, cultural and language support, staff training, financial and marketing transparency, and data protection. The certification comes as international patients increasingly rely on facilitators to navigate healthcare systems, compare treatment options and coordinate travel and post-treatment requirements.
Tribe Kombucha partners with Wow! Momo
Mountaintribe Foods, the maker of homegrown probiotic beverage Tribe Kombucha, has entered into a distribution partnership with Wow! Momo, one of India’s largest quick-service restaurant chains. Under the partnership, Tribe Kombucha will be made available across Wow! Momo’s network of more than 900 stores in over 100 cities across India. The company is scaling its distribution network as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
Blackbaud opens second Hyderabad office
Blackbaud, a provider of AI-powered solutions for social impact, has opened its second office in Hyderabad as it expands its operations in India. Located in the Financial District, the new facility is expected to support customers, product development initiatives and global operations while providing capacity for the company’s next phase of growth in India. Blackbaud expects its India workforce to continue expanding as it invests in future-ready talent and capabilities, including AI and cloud technologies.
Its existing HITEC City office houses Product Management, Enterprise Technology, Data Engineering and Research and Development teams. The new office will primarily support Blackbaud’s expanding Customer Operations organisation. Together, the two Hyderabad offices will support technology, customer and business functions, reinforcing India’s role as a collaborative delivery and support hub within Blackbaud’s global operating model.
Cashfree Payments launches AI agent Relay
Cashfree Payments has launched Relay, an AI-powered Super Agent designed to automate payment operations for small and medium-sized businesses and startups. Relay, which has been in beta with merchants since May 2026, is now available to all Cashfree merchants. According to Cashfree, seven in 10 Indian SMBs handle payment operations entirely manually, while most of the remainder use tools covering only a single channel or workflow.
Relay can execute tasks including retrying failed payments, following up on abandoned carts, confirming cash-on-delivery orders before dispatch, managing failed subscriptions and filing disputes ahead of deadlines. Cashfree said an average SMB spends 60 hours a week on payment operations, while Relay aims to reduce this to less than 45 minutes. The platform operates entirely on Cashfree infrastructure, with merchant transaction data not sent to external AI providers.
Fynd expands digital commerce platform for Woodland
AI-native retail technology company Fynd is powering the next phase of omnichannel growth for outdoor footwear and apparel brand Woodland by extending its unified Order Management System (OMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS) across Woodland’s 171 stores and central warehouse operations. The integration is designed to improve inventory visibility, fulfilment agility and digital commerce operations. Woodland has integrated its store network and central warehouse operations on Fynd’s platform, creating a unified ecosystem across channels.
Fynd’s OMS enables omnichannel fulfilment and real-time inventory synchronisation across marketplaces including Myntra, AJIO, Flipkart, Nykaa, Nykaa Fashion and Tata Cliq. The connected platform integrates stores, warehouse, ERP, POS systems and digital channels. During peak sales periods, Woodland’s stores fulfil up to 2,500 orders daily, while the warehouse processes up to 2,000, creating a combined peak load of 4,500 orders.
Coverfox appoints Shikha Gupta as Chief Strategy Officer
Technology-led insurance distribution platform Coverfox has appointed Shikha Gupta as Chief Strategy Officer, effective July 1, 2026. Gupta will work with the leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen corporate partnerships and support Coverfox’s expansion across Bharat. She brings more than 18 years of experience spanning global finance, investing, financial services and portfolio leadership. Her areas of expertise include corporate strategy, capital allocation, mergers and acquisitions, governance and financial services.
Before joining Coverfox, Gupta served as Investment Director at Elevar Equity, where she evaluated investment opportunities across financial services, MSME lending, consumer businesses and insurance. Her appointment comes as Coverfox focuses on strategic growth and broader expansion. Gupta’s experience across investing and financial services is expected to support the company’s corporate partnerships and strategic initiatives.
Aziro launches enterprise AI agent platform Aziron
Aziro has launched Aziron, an enterprise agent execution platform designed to help organisations move beyond AI-generated answers and complete governed work. The platform brings agents, workflows, documents, models and enterprise tools together within a single governed environment. Aziron includes purpose-built modules for technical and business teams. Pulse focuses on engineering workflow automation, Atlas provides local-first code intelligence, Signal supports AIOps and incident reasoning, Canvas enables data apps and dashboards, while Harness provides model routing and cost control.
The platform is designed around governance, traceability and auditability. Aziron is now available as a self-hosted platform for on-premises deployment or customer-managed cloud environments. It also supports local models for private deployments, enabling organisations to retain greater control over their enterprise AI environments and data while using agents to execute business and technical workflows.
Matrix Geo Solutions completes 314-km highway survey
Geospatial technology and engineering consultancy Matrix Geo Solutions has completed a highway survey covering approximately 314 km across five road sections under LOT-2/HARYANA/Package-1. RITES Limited awarded the project on behalf of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The assignment formed part of consultancy services for preparing a Detailed Project Report for economic corridors, inter-corridor and feeder routes aimed at improving freight movement efficiency in India. Matrix Geo Solutions was responsible for mapping physical, utility and land-related characteristics across the identified highway sections.
(This article will be updated with the latest news throughout the day.)