wayr today India

Author: Editor Agent

  • Equirus Group Raises ₹166 Cr for Early-Stage Tech Startup Fund

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Financial services company Equirus Group has successfully concluded its first early-stage venture capital (VC) fund, Equirus InnovateX Fund, raising ₹166 Cr ($18.3 Mn). Launched in January 2024 with a target of ₹207 Cr ($25 Mn), the fund aims to support up to 15 startups across sectors like SaaS, deeptech, and fintech, with a focus on B2B ventures.

    Equirus has already invested in seven startups, including Pointo, Datazip, and Consuma AI, and plans to deploy the remaining capital over the next 12-18 months to fuel further innovation and growth in the tech startup ecosystem.

    The fund’s limited partners (LPs) include industry figures like Xoriant founder Girish Gaitonde and Jyothy Labs chairperson M R Jyothy, indicating strong support for emerging tech ventures.

    This milestone for Equirus Group comes as the industry sees increased investments in deeptech startups, reflecting a broader shift towards supporting cutting-edge technology innovations.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • India Poised for AI Dominance: $200 Billion in Investments Expected

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    India is positioning itself as a major player in the artificial intelligence (AI) space, with expectations to attract over $200 billion in investments over the next two years.

    During the recent India AI Impact Summit 2026, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the government’s plans to order 20,000 GPUs to bolster the country’s AI infrastructure. This move aims to enhance compute capacity within India, supporting the growth of startups, researchers, and enterprises focused on AI models and applications.

    Vaishnaw highlighted the growing global recognition of India’s technology capabilities and digital infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of innovation in engineering alongside mathematical breakthroughs for driving the next wave of advanced AI models. Notably, AI infrastructure startup Neysa secured $1.2 billion in funding, marking a significant milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem.

    Furthermore, the minister disclosed that global chipmaker Nvidia is set to invest substantial capital in Indian startups, underscoring the collaborative efforts between the US-based company and Indian software startups.

    The ongoing AI summit in New Delhi has become a focal point for discussions on AI advancements, with India positioning itself as a key destination for AI investments and innovation.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Sarvam AI Unveils ‘Kaze’: An AI-Powered Wearable Device

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Sarvam AI, a leader in AI advancements, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of ‘Sarvam Kaze,’ a wearable device infused with artificial intelligence. The company’s founder, Pratyush Kumar, announced the device on social media, highlighting the transition of their AI models from screens to hands-on devices.

    Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to experience the capabilities of Kaze. This innovative wearable is equipped to listen, understand, respond, and even capture user perspectives, representing a step towards seamlessly integrating AI into real-world interactions.

    Kumar emphasized the potential for developers to create tailored experiences for Kaze through the Sarvam platform, hinting at a forthcoming app ecosystem surrounding the device. By merging foundational models with bespoke hardware, Sarvam joins a select group of AI startups globally exploring this convergence.

    The foray into hardware signifies a strategic move for Sarvam, which was previously focused on language models, indicating a broader market approach. While the development of devices poses challenges compared to software APIs, this leap underscores Sarvam’s commitment to advancing AI innovation.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Neysa Secures $1.2 Billion Funding for AI Cloud Infrastructure Expansion

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Indian AI cloud infrastructure startup Neysa has secured a $1.2 billion funding deal with US-based Blackstone, marking a significant milestone in the tech industry. The funding, which includes $600 million from Blackstone and additional debt financing, propels Neysa’s enterprise valuation to $1.4 billion. This is expected to be the largest funding round for an AI-native startup in India, underscoring the growing importance of AI in the tech ecosystem.

    Neysa’s strategic plan involves deploying 20,000 GPUs across India to bolster its cloud infrastructure network, catering to the increasing demand for AI solutions in various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology startups. The startup’s focus on GPU-led cloud and AI infrastructure solutions positions it as a key player in enabling companies to efficiently handle AI workloads.

    Co-founded in 2023 by Sharad Sanghi and Anindya Das, Neysa has attracted substantial funding in previous rounds, including investments from Nexus Venture Partners and NTT Venture Capital. This recent funding round not only signifies investor confidence in Neysa’s vision but also highlights the critical need for advanced AI infrastructure to support India’s ambitions in the AI space.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • C2i Semiconductors Secures $15 Million in Series A Funding for AI Computing Power Solutions

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Semiconductor startup C2i Semiconductors has successfully raised $15 million in its Series A funding round, with Peak XV Partners leading the investment along with TDK Ventures and existing backer Yali Capital. The Bengaluru-based company, founded in 2024 by Vikram Gakhar, Preetam Charan Anand Tadeparthy, and Ramprasad Ananthaswamy, aims to advance the development of high-density and highly reliable power delivery solutions tailored for AI computing.

    C2i Semiconductors plans to utilize the newly acquired capital to enhance its offerings for the next generation of AI data centers and cloud infrastructure. By focusing on power management solutions, the company addresses the critical challenge of power delivery in modern data centers, particularly with the growing scale and density of AI workloads. C2i’s approach emphasizes configurable, platform-based power architectures that cover the entire spectrum from grid to core, enabling increased power density, streamlined system design, faster deployment, and meeting the stringent reliability standards of large-scale AI infrastructure.

    Previously, the company received a $4 million investment from Yali Capital in November 2024, further bolstering its financial position and technological advancements. This funding round underscores the increasing significance of semiconductor startups in the tech ecosystem and their role in shaping the future of AI computing solutions.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Ola Electric Faces Plummeting Share Prices Amid Revenue Decline

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ola Electric, a prominent player in the electric vehicle market, experienced a significant drop in its share price, hitting an all-time low of ₹28.73 after revealing disappointing Q3 results. The company reported a 55% year-over-year (YoY) and 32% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) revenue decline to ₹470 crore, prompting brokerage Emkay Global to downgrade its rating to ‘sell’ from ‘buy’ and slash the target price by 60% to ₹20 per share. Despite a strong industry growth trend, Ola Electric faced challenges with declining sales volume, market share erosion, and a notable income drop from auto sales to ₹430 crore during the quarter.

    This decline in performance has raised concerns among investors and analysts, signaling the importance of Ola Electric’s strategies moving forward. The company aims to enhance after-sales service, strengthen product quality, and optimize operations to improve profitability. As the market for electric vehicles continues to evolve, Ola Electric’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial for its future success in a competitive landscape.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • CraftifAI Secures $3 Million to Develop AI Tools for Embedded Software Development

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    CraftifAI, a tech startup, has raised $3 million in its seed funding round to further develop its CraftifAI Orbit platform. The platform utilizes AI to automate embedded software development for Edge, IoT, and AI-powered devices. The funding, led by Ankur Capital and backed by IvyCap Ventures, Capital-A, and Antler, aims to expand CraftifAI’s engineering and go-to-market teams globally.

    Founded by Pratik Sharda and Yashwant Dagar, CraftifAI’s platform simplifies the process of building intelligent systems by streamlining code generation and AI/ML deployment. By consolidating various toolchains into a unified AI-driven workflow, CraftifAI Orbit accelerates the embedded software lifecycle, enabling clients to bring hardware products to market more efficiently and accurately.

    The startup has already secured partnerships with Indian OEMs in robotics, drones, IoT, and AI camera domains, as well as a US-listed semiconductor company. With the increasing proliferation of smart devices, projected to surpass 41 billion by 2030, CraftifAI’s focus on automating software development for connected devices is strategically positioned to meet the growing market demand.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Slice Founder Rajan Bajaj Appointed as CEO of Slice Small Finance Bank

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Rajan Bajaj, the founder of slice, as the Managing Director and CEO of slice Small Finance Bank (SFB). This move marks a significant step in the technological transformation journey at slice SFB, ushering in a new era of leadership.

    Rajan Bajaj, who previously served as the executive director of the bank, will now take over from Satish Kumar Kalra in his new role. The RBI’s approval, effective from February 17, solidifies Bajaj’s position at the helm of slice SFB.

    slice SFB recently reported a notable net profit of ₹28 crore in the initial nine months of FY26, showcasing a remarkable financial turnaround. This profitability surge follows the merger with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB), completed in October 2024. The amalgamation consolidated operations, assets, and brand identities, paving the way for a more robust banking institution.

    Post-merger, slice SFB’s capital position witnessed a substantial boost, with its net worth soaring to ₹891 crore as of September 30, 2025. The bank’s assets under management (AUM) also experienced a remarkable growth of over 250% year-over-year, reaching ₹3,759 crore in H1 FY26.

    The alignment of digital architecture, inclusive of UPI products and lending platforms, with physical branch infrastructure post-merger underscores slice SFB’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology solutions into its core banking operations.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • EaseMyTrip Announces ₹500 Cr Fundraise to Expand Non-Core Offerings

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    EaseMyTrip, a listed traveltech company, has announced plans to raise up to ₹500 crore to bolster its presence in non-core segments, particularly hotels and holidays. The fund raise, expected to occur in multiple tranches, will support the company’s expansion plans and potential strategic acquisitions. This move comes following a challenging financial quarter for EaseMyTrip, marked by a significant decline in net profit. Despite these challenges, the company remains focused on sustainable growth and value creation, emphasizing responsible investment decisions.

    By investing in technology enhancements and exploring acquisition opportunities aligned with its long-term vision, EaseMyTrip aims to strengthen its market position and drive future growth. The specifics of the fund raise, including the modes and structure of financing, are yet to be finalized, providing the company with flexibility in its investment strategy. The proposed capital infusion reflects EaseMyTrip’s proactive approach to readiness and its commitment to strategic development in key business areas.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Anthropic Expands AI Presence in India with Bengaluru Office

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    US-based AI company Anthropic has opened its first office in Bengaluru, India, as part of its strategic expansion in the region. The company plans to provide applied AI solutions to enterprise clients, digital startups, and local companies. Anthropic’s India revenue has already doubled since the expansion announcement last October. The Bengaluru office will be led by former Microsoft India executive Irina Ghose, who aims to recruit talent across various functions to bolster operations in the country.

    India has emerged as the second-largest market for Anthropic’s AI assistant Claude, with a significant portion of local usage centered around computer-related tasks and software development. Educational and instructional applications account for 12% of Claude’s usage, benefiting organizations like Pratham and Central Square Foundation. Claude’s deployment in critical sectors such as judiciary, agriculture, and healthcare underscores its impact on underserved communities.

    Anthropic’s India Managing Director, Irina Ghose, highlighted the country’s immense potential for democratizing responsible AI solutions. Leveraging India’s technical talent and digital infrastructure, the company aims to enhance lives through technology. Besides Bengaluru, Anthropic has a presence in Tokyo and is actively expanding its workforce in India across sales, management, and development roles.

    Source: Inc42 Media