wayr today India

Category: Startup

  • Pronto’s Rapid Growth Signals Increasing Demand for On-Demand Home Services

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Pronto, a home services startup, has achieved significant milestones in its first year of operations, with over 500,000 monthly fulfilled bookings and a daily booking rate of 22,000 by the end of March. The platform connects households with trained service professionals for tasks like cleaning and laundry, emphasizing quick service delivery and repeat usage.

    The company’s success is underscored by a recent $25 million Series B funding round led by Epiq Capital, showcasing investor confidence in the sector. These funds will support Pronto’s expansion into new cities, enhancing service quality and increasing supply.

    Competing in a dynamic market, Pronto faces challenges from established players like Urban Company’s InstaHelp, which surpassed 1 million bookings in March. Additionally, emerging platforms like Snabbit are gaining traction, with plans to raise $50–60 million in their next funding round.

    Source: Entrackr : Latest Posts

  • Fintech IPOs Stall Amid Market Volatility and Global Uncertainty

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The ongoing market volatility driven by the crisis in West Asia has significantly impacted the IPO plans of emerging fintech companies. The decline in the Indian rupee and stock devaluations in Mumbai have led to the highest annual outflow of overseas funds from locally listed equities, dampening the prospects of fintech firms looking to go public.

    This economic turbulence has forced fintech startups to reassess their strategies as they navigate through uncertain market conditions. The war-induced rattling of stock markets has created a challenging environment for these companies, prompting them to tread cautiously with their IPO timelines.

    While fintechs have been eyeing public listings as a means of scaling up and attracting more investment, the current market scenario has introduced a level of caution and prudence. This slowdown in IPO plans reflects the broader impact of geopolitical events on the tech industry, highlighting the interconnectedness of global affairs and technological advancements.

    It remains to be seen how fintech companies will adapt to these changing circumstances and whether they will find alternative avenues for growth amidst the ongoing market uncertainties.

    Source: Tech-Economic Times

  • Indian Startup Funding Reaches Nearly $4 Billion in Q1 2026, Driven by Tech Innovations

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Indian startups witnessed a significant increase in funding during Q1 2026, with total investments nearing $4 billion, marking one of the highest quarterly totals in recent years. The surge was driven by Neysa’s $1.2 billion funding round, showcasing the growing interest in tech-driven ventures. Other notable companies like Weaver Services, Arya.ag, Drivn, and Emergent also secured substantial funding, highlighting the momentum in the tech startup ecosystem.

    Early-stage funding activities were particularly noteworthy, surpassing $1 billion in total investments. This milestone signifies a resurgence in investor confidence at the seed and Series A stages, indicating a promising outlook for budding tech startups.

    While the quarter displayed robust funding trends, it also reflected challenges within the ecosystem. Companies like Livspace, Flipkart, Zupee, and Dream Sports faced layoffs, underscoring the competitive landscape and the need for operational efficiency. Additionally, global uncertainties prompted PhonePe to temporarily halt its IPO plans.

    Looking ahead, the filing of DRHPs by several companies towards the quarter’s end hints at a potential uptick in IPO activities, suggesting a positive trajectory for the Indian startup scene.

    Overall, Q1 2026 showcased a strong emphasis on tech-led solutions and scalable business models, with Series A funding emerging as a prominent stage for investor activity.

    Source: Entrackr : Latest Posts

  • Aquapulse Secures ₹25 Cr Funding to Enhance AI-Powered Aquaculture Systems

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Aquaculture-focused agritech startup Aquapulse has raised ₹25 Cr (approximately $2.7 Mn) in its Series A funding round led by NABVENTURES through its AgriSURE Fund. The company plans to utilize the investment to establish an in-house processing facility for improved quality control and margins, expand its farmer network, and strengthen its technology infrastructure.

    Founded in 2022 by Abhishek and Abhilash Dwivedy, Aquapulse leverages technology to assist shrimp and fish farmers in optimizing their operations. Through app-based monitoring, the startup enables farmers to track water quality, predict shrimp growth, and manage feed efficiently, facilitating informed decision-making and heightened productivity. By employing AI-based pre-harvest systems, Aquapulse monitors critical parameters like water quality and disease risks to enhance feed efficiency and output quality.

    In addition to its focus on AI-powered harvest systems, Aquapulse aims to strengthen its tech-driven transparent pricing model and further develop its aquaculture ecosystem. The startup’s direct farmer-to-buyer connection enhances price negotiation capabilities and reduces reliance on intermediaries, while digital expert advisory services support modern farming practices.

    Aquapulse’s comprehensive approach spans post-harvest activities such as grading, cold storage, logistics, and compliance management, reflecting its commitment to revolutionizing the aquaculture industry in India.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Gupshup Reports 52% Profit Decline Amid Operational Slowdown in FY25

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Conversational AI platform Gupshup faced a 52% decline in profits for the fiscal year ending March 2025, following a slight decrease in its operational scale post a robust FY24. The company’s India revenue dropped by 5.3% to Rs 1,943 crore from Rs 2,051 crore in the previous fiscal year.

    Gupshup caters to over 50,000 businesses in 130 countries, processing 120 billion messages annually across various platforms. Its revenue sources include mobile messaging services, text-based advertising, and software development charges. In FY25, the firm earned a total income of Rs 1,957 crore, with non-operating income contributing Rs 14 crore.

    Despite stable overall expenses, a 50% decrease in net profits to Rs 26 crore in FY25 was attributed to the decline in operational scale. The company’s ROCE and EBITDA margin were reported at 12.72% and 3.91%, respectively.

    With a focus on financial discipline and efficiency under new Chief Financial Officer Ravi Dugar, Gupshup aims for a more stable growth trajectory ahead.

    Source: Entrackr : Latest Posts

  • Gabify Secures $175K in Pre-Seed Funding for AI-Powered Neurodevelopmental Care Platform

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Gabify, a healthtech startup focused on neurodevelopmental care, has raised $175,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The company, founded in 2023 by Sahil Chopra, Prachi Sood, and Vasyl Leshchuk, plans to use the funds for clinical validation, technology advancements, and team expansion.

    Gabify’s platform aims to provide early screening and therapy management for speech and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. The platform leverages a dual AI system that combines voice and vision analysis to assess speech patterns, facial expressions, and behavioral indicators based on clinically validated parameters.

    The startup’s technology follows a human-in-the-loop approach for clinical validation and has already been deployed across more than 35 preschools and daycare centers, as well as utilized in schools, hospitals, and clinics.

    The funding, including Rs 25 lakh from the Nidhi Seed Support Scheme, will help Gabify expand its reach through various models, with a target impact across one million children by 2028. Gabify’s recognition among the top 10 startups under DreamDeal and its participation in Inflection Point Ventures’ IdeaSchool program highlight its potential in the healthtech sector.

    Source: Entrackr : Latest Posts

  • Eternal Limited Grants Rs 167 Crore in Employee Stock Options

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Eternal Limited, a startup, has announced the distribution of new Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) grants amounting to Rs 167 crore. This move aligns with the company’s strategy of providing equity-linked compensation to its workforce, demonstrating a commitment to incentivizing employees through ownership stakes.

    ESOP grants are a common practice in the tech industry, allowing employees to own a part of the company they work for. By offering ESOPs, Eternal Limited aims to motivate its employees, fostering a sense of ownership and aligning their interests with the company’s long-term success.

    This allocation of ESOP grants underscores Eternal Limited’s dedication to rewarding and retaining talent within the organization. It serves as a financial incentive for employees and acts as a mechanism to attract top tech professionals who value participation in the company’s growth.

    ESOP grants can be a powerful tool for startups and tech companies to attract, retain, and incentivize employees, contributing to a positive work culture and employee engagement. By implementing this initiative, Eternal Limited showcases its commitment to nurturing a motivated and dedicated workforce.

    Source: YourStory RSS Feed

  • Coronation Fund Managers Increases Stake in ixigo’s Parent Company: Implications for Tech Investors

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Coronation Fund Managers, a South African-based firm, has increased its ownership in Le Travenues Technology, the parent company of popular travel platform ixigo, through an open market transaction. The firm acquired 475,000 equity shares on March 30, 2026, raising its stake from 6.90% to 7.01%. This marks the second recent increase, following a rise to around 5% in February 2026. The move did not impact the overall share capital of 43.81 crore shares.

    Coronation Fund Managers, acting as a discretionary fund manager, manages funds for global investors. The company’s revenue surged to Rs 317 crore in Q3 FY26, up from Rs 242 crore in Q3 FY25, with a 55% profit increase to Rs 24 crore during the same period. ixigo’s shares are currently trading at Rs 165.02, resulting in a market capitalization of approximately $797 million.

    Source: Entrackr : Latest Posts

  • ELMED Life Sciences Secures $2.7 Million in Series A Funding to Advance Microbiome-Based Solutions

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Biotech startup ELMED Life Sciences has successfully raised $2.7 million in its Series A funding round, with AgriSURE Fund, managed by NABVENTURES, as the lead investor. This funding will support the company’s efforts to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, boost research and development initiatives, and expand its distribution networks both locally and globally.

    ELMED Life Sciences, founded by Pruthivin Reddy Madduri and co-founded by Nikhil Konkathi, specializes in developing probiotic and biological solutions for the animal health, agriculture, aquaculture, and human health sectors. Their product portfolio aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in poultry, dairy, livestock, aquaculture, and soil health domains through innovative microbiome-based offerings.

    The company’s strategic plan includes scaling up manufacturing operations in Hyderabad, reinforcing market presence in tier 2 and tier 3 regions, and bolstering international outreach to meet the rising demand for antibiotic-free and sustainable solutions globally. Currently exporting to more than 18 countries, ELMED Life Sciences operates on a business-to-business model, serving a diverse range of enterprise clients across various industries.

    Source: Entrackr : Latest Posts

  • Dream Sports Diversifies Beyond Real-Money Gaming with Fintech and Sports Tech Innovations

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Dream Sports, known for its Dream 11 platform, has strategically pivoted its focus following the government’s abrupt dismantling of the real-money gaming (RMG) sector. Rather than engaging in legal battles, the company is leveraging its user base to explore fintech and sports tech domains.

    After the RMG ban, Dream Sports took measures to conserve cash and reduce operational expenses. This included exiting a major Indian cricket sponsorship, pausing high-cost marketing activities, and discontinuing FanCode’s merchandise line. The company then devised a comprehensive plan to re-engage with users across multiple verticals.

    A notable move by Dream Sports involves venturing into financial services. Through the introduction of the wealthtech platform Dream Money and the AI-powered brokerage platform DreamStreet, the company aims to cater to small-town investors who are currently underserved.

    Simultaneously, Dream Sports is reimagining its RMG platform as an ad-supported, second-screen social network. Early indicators show promise, with 10 million users and increased creator engagement, though the monetization strategy is still in its infancy.

    To support its diversification efforts, Dream Sports has restructured its organization by decentralizing its corporate setup. Key leaders have transitioned into CEOs of distinct verticals, enabling quicker decision-making and risk mitigation within each segment.

    As Dream Sports navigates these transformations, the company faces the challenge of harmonizing its diverse business arms while addressing impending regulatory and tax complexities. The success of its transition to a fintech-centric entity remains to be seen, hinging on how well it manages these multifaceted initiatives.

    Source: Inc42 Media