Topic
venture capital
Zepto IPO: Can 10-Minute Delivery Sustain Profitability Under Public-Market Scrutiny?
Zepto has filed its draft red herring prospectus for an IPO of up to Rs 80,100 million, revealing revenues of Rs 22,623 crore for FY26 but pre-tax losses of Rs 6,468 crore. The company leads peers on order density per dark store, yet faces declining average order values and negative operating cash flow.
Technology Malaysia's AI Agent-Powered Messaging Platform Respond.io Raises $62.5M, Targets Acquisitions
Respond.io, a Malaysian AI-powered customer conversation management platform, has raised $62.5M in Series B funding led by Camber Partners. The company has grown to $35M in annual recurring revenue with 169% year-over-year growth and a 30% profit margin. It plans to use the capital for hiring, organic growth, and acquisitions in North America and Europe.
Sarvam AI joins unicorn club with $234 million funding, eyes enterprise AI
India-based AI startup Sarvam has raised $234 million in a funding round led by HCLTech and Bessemer Venture Partners, propelling its valuation to $1.5 billion. The company plans to expand compute infrastructure, hire AI talent, and build an AI-assisted coding platform, while its enterprise AI offerings for voice, document, and agentic AI see growing adoption.
Technology Sarvam AI Raises $234M Led by HCLTech, Becomes India's Newest Unicorn
Sarvam, a Bengaluru-based AI startup, raised $234 million at a $1.5 billion valuation, led by HCLTech, becoming India's newest AI unicorn. The funding supports sovereign AI development with models tailored for Indian languages, deployed across banking, insurance, government, and defense.
Technology The 'Together Tech' Wave: Why In-Person Experiences Could Be 2026's Startup Bet
TechCrunch's Equity podcast explores the 'together tech' wave, where startups like Board (in-person games) and Cyberdeck (DIY computers) are attracting venture capital. The trend is seen as a genuine gravitation toward human connection, not just backlash against AI. Other headlines include Anthropic's IPO filing, Alphabet's $80B AI raise, and raises by Mike Schroepfer and Impulse.
Technology Defense Tech, AI, and Fundraising Take Center Stage at StrictlyVC Los Angeles
StrictlyVC Los Angeles on June 18 at The Aerospace Corporation Campus will feature sessions on defense technology, artificial intelligence, and venture capital. Speakers include Mach Industries founder Ethan Thornton, Founders Fund's Delian Asparouhov, Shinkei Systems' Saif Khawaja, and M13 co-founder Carter Reum. The event offers executives curated access to insights from builders and investors shaping next-generation technology.
Technology Focused Energy Raises $240M Series A for Laser-Powered Fusion, One of Largest Early-Stage Rounds
Focused Energy, a Germany-based fusion startup, announced an oversubscribed $240 million Series A round, one of the largest early-stage rounds for a fusion power company. The company is developing a laser-powered inertial confinement reactor inspired by the National Ignition Facility, with plans to build its first demonstration system at a decommissioned nuclear plant in Germany. RWE was the main investor.
Technology Startups Building In-Person Games and DIY Computers to Counter Phone Addiction
TechCrunch's Equity podcast explores a growing wave of startups focused on getting users off their phones, including Brynn Putnam's Board for in-person games and viral Cyberdeck DIY computers. The trend is framed as a human-centric counterbalance to the massive AI fundraising boom.
Technology Former DOGE Members Launch AI Startup Special with a16z Funding
Former Department of Government Efficiency members Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Fox have launched a startup called Special, aiming to bring an AI-powered operating system to critical American industries. The venture has secured funding from a16z led by Marc Andreessen, along with other high-profile investors. Their first vertical is senior care under FigureHealth.
Technology Jedify Secures $24M to Enhance AI Contextual Understanding
Jedify, a New York-based startup, has raised $24 million in a Series A funding round to enhance AI agents with contextual understanding of businesses. The funding, led by Norwest, will support product development and expansion efforts.
Business Evotrex Secures $30M to Launch Hybrid RVs
Evotrex, a startup backed by Anker, has raised $30 million in a Series A funding round to develop its hybrid RVs. The company plans to produce 1,000 units annually, leveraging its unique hybrid system to stand out in the competitive RV market.
India Quotient's Gagan Goyal to Exit Amid VC Leadership Shifts
Gagan Goyal, a general partner at India Quotient, is set to leave the firm, marking another leadership change in India's venture capital sector. His exit follows the firm's largest fund closure and the promotion of new partners.
Technology Proliferate: Building the Future of Engineering OS
Proliferate, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is developing an operating system for modern engineering. With a focus on AI and automation, the company aims to revolutionize supply chain and logistics technology.
Commodities Kpler Secures $1bn Investment for Strategic Growth
Kpler, a leader in maritime analytics, has secured over $1bn from Sixth Street to enhance its market position and product offerings. This investment supports Kpler's expansion into new markets and strengthens its role in global trade intelligence.
Anveshan Secures ₹150 Crore to Target ₹1,000 Crore Revenue
Anveshan, a clean-label food brand, has raised ₹150 crore in a Series B funding round led by Vertex Ventures and IFC. The company aims to achieve ₹1,000 crore in revenue within the next 2-3 years by expanding its manufacturing and distribution capabilities.