wayr today India

Tag: Inc42 Media

  • Government Cracks Down on Five OTT Platforms for Streaming Obscene Content

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has taken action against five Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for allegedly streaming obscene content, citing violations of obscenity laws. The banned platforms include MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu. This move follows previous bans on platforms like Ullu and ALTT for similar reasons.

    Under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media, Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the government has the authority to block online service providers failing to comply with legal obligations regarding harmful content. By enforcing these regulations, intermediaries lose their liability exemption for third-party content.

    This isn’t the first time the government has cracked down on OTT platforms. In the past, the MIB blocked 25 platforms for streaming obscene and vulgar content, including graphic sexual innuendos and pornographic material.

    By regulating OTT platforms, the government aims to fill the gap in content oversight compared to traditional media. This ongoing scrutiny underscores the importance of adhering to content guidelines in the digital realm.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Robotics Startup Armatrix Secures $2.1M Funding for Industrial Automation Expansion

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Armatrix, a robotics startup focused on industrial automation, has successfully raised $2.1 million in its pre-seed funding round. The round was led by pi Ventures, with additional contributions from Inuka Capital, Boundless Ventures, Boost VC, Turbostart, and gradCapital. The company, known for developing robotic arms tailored for inspection and maintenance tasks in hazardous environments within industries like aviation, oil and gas, shipbuilding, and defense, aims to utilize the capital to advance product development and prepare for the upcoming pilot launch of its innovative robotic solutions.

    By focusing on the creation of snake-like flexible robotic arm technology, Armatrix seeks to revolutionize industrial maintenance practices, shifting from reactive and high-cost models to proactive, zero-downtime standards. Armatrix’s CEO and co-founder, Vishrant Dave, highlighted the significance of this funding in scaling operations from proof-of-concept to early adoption stages, demonstrating the platform’s capabilities across various inspection and operational fields.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Pulse Secures $4 Million to Revolutionize Medical Equipment Manufacturing

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Medical equipment startup Pulse has announced securing $4 million in seed funding, with investors including 3one4 Capital, Incubate Fund Asia, and Stride Ventures, as well as notable angel investors.

    The Bengaluru-based company, founded in 2025 by Anshul Sharma and Nishant Goel, aims to transform the medical equipment manufacturing landscape. Pulse’s approach involves partnering with MSMEs to produce affordable, high-quality medical products while focusing on design, compliance, and regulatory standards.

    The raised capital will enable Pulse to establish an R&D hub, accelerate product development, navigate regulatory processes, and enhance its distribution network both locally and in key export markets. Pulse plans to initially cater to mid-tier hospitals in India, offering critical care and renal care products.

    This funding signifies a milestone for Pulse as it strives to create a full-stack, asset-light medical equipment brand that prioritizes accessibility and compliance. With a focus on collaboration and efficiency, Pulse is poised to make an impact in the healthcare industry.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • India Unveils Homegrown AI Solutions at Impact Summit

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    India recently showcased its growing influence in the global AI landscape at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where domestic startups revealed indigenous AI models and innovative hardware, signaling the rise of a layered Indian AI stack.

    The country’s initiatives emphasized the integration of foundational models with public digital infrastructure. Sarvam AI unveiled two native AI models and a multilingual chatbot named Indus, while BharatGen introduced Param 2, a 17-Bn parameter model trained extensively on Indian data. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on foreign technology.

    Key discussions focused on ‘inference efficiency,’ with BharatGen and Sarvam AI highlighting models built on the mixture-of-expert (MoE) architecture. By prioritizing smart deployment over excessive spending, India aims to democratize AI access at a lower cost than global hyperscalers.

    The summit also featured vertical AI solutions for sectors like education and healthcare. Tech Mahindra’s Hindi-first LLM targets education, while Fractal’s Vaidya 2.0 addresses healthcare needs with practical, deployable solutions tailored to India’s requirements.

    While these advancements are promising, questions remain regarding model openness, valuation disparities, and the competitiveness of local players in the global market. Success will depend on factors like transparency, multilingual accuracy, and overall reliability.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Kris@Work Secures $3 Million to Expand AI-Powered SaaS Platform

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    AI-powered SaaS startup Kris@Work has secured $3 million in its recent seed funding round, with Info Edge Ventures leading the investment alongside JN Capital and Growth Advisory. Founded by former Sprinklr senior executives Arun Singh and Ramakrishna Mallya, Kris@Work offers an AI-based platform tailored for go-to-market (GTM) teams across various sectors, including technology, financial services, telecom, and real estate.

    The platform aims to streamline GTM operations by integrating sales, marketing, revenue, and growth functions, eliminating the need for multiple SaaS tools. Kris@Work’s approach leverages agentic AI and contextual intelligence to enhance lead enrichment processes and facilitate data-driven decision-making within enterprises.

    With plans to expand in the US market, intensify research and development, and bolster its talent pool, Kris@Work is poised for significant growth and innovation. The startup’s vision includes developing additional products such as success companion, service companion, and support companion to cater to diverse phases of the sales and customer engagement lifecycle.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Practo’s Expansion and WhatsApp’s Data Sharing Compliance with CCI

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Healthtech startup Practo is preparing for its initial public offering (IPO) with a significant pre-IPO fundraising round exceeding $100 million. The company’s projected EBITDA profitability in fiscal year 2025 and successful pilot in the United States are driving investor interest, potentially valuing Practo at $700 million. The upcoming IPO aims to leverage Practo’s fiscal discipline and focus on high-margin sustainability, fueled by global expansion initiatives.

    Practo is aggressively scaling its software-as-a-service (SaaS) model globally, with its US operations already serving over 200,000 doctors and generating a $75 million gross merchandise value (GMV) run rate. Simultaneously, Practo is diversifying into physical infrastructure by establishing 40 co-branded dermatology clinics in India. These strategic moves position Practo as a strong player in the healthtech sector, with plans to tap into the public market soon.

    Meanwhile, social media giant Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has committed to implementing a consent-based data-sharing framework for WhatsApp in compliance with the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) directives by March 16. This development follows a legal battle dating back to 2024, where CCI found WhatsApp guilty of abusing its dominant position in India’s messaging market.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Xflow Secures $16.6 Million Funding, Obtains Full Cross-Border Payments License

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Bengaluru-based startup Xflow has successfully raised $16.6 million in a Series A funding round led by General Catalyst, with participation from Square Peg, Stripe, Lightspeed, and Moore Capital. PayPal Ventures has also joined as a new investor, valuing the company at $85 million. This funding will enable Xflow to expand its cross-border payments solutions.

    Notably, Xflow has obtained full approval for the Payment Aggregator Cross Border (PA-CB) license, allowing it to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions for both exports and imports. This milestone opens the door for Indian businesses to efficiently send money abroad and receive international payments.

    Xflow’s revenue growth has been significant, with a reported 10x increase in the first nine months of FY26 compared to the previous year. Currently serving around 15,000 businesses, including SaaS firms, IT services exporters, and global capability centers, Xflow focuses on high-value B2B transactions, differentiating itself from traditional banks.

    The startup’s strategic partnerships with global banks and fintech companies have positioned it as a key player in the cross-border payments ecosystem, catering to businesses of varying sizes and transaction volumes. With plans to further enhance its services and expand its clientele, Xflow is poised to drive greater efficiency and convenience in international transactions.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Capillary Technologies Expands Loyalty Offerings with Mastercard’s SessionM Acquisition

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Listed SaaS company Capillary Technologies has announced its acquisition of Mastercard’s customer loyalty and rewards business, SessionM, in a $20 million all-cash deal. This acquisition marks Capillary’s fifth since 2021, showcasing the company’s strategic focus on expansion and strengthening its presence in North and Latin American markets.

    Capillary’s CEO stated that the acquisition will enhance the company’s loyalty capabilities and position it as a global leader in AI-native loyalty technology solutions. By integrating SessionM’s expertise and clientele, Capillary aims to provide a comprehensive offering to enterprises across various industries.

    With plans to finalize the deal within six months, Capillary’s acquisition strategy highlights its commitment to growth and innovation in the loyalty space. This acquisition not only expands Capillary’s global footprint but also signifies a significant step towards consolidating its position in the tech industry.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Bewakoof Founder Prabhkiran Singh Steps Down: Implications for D2C Startup Acquisitions

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    D2C fashion brand Bewakoof has undergone a leadership transition as founder and CEO Prabhkiran Singh announced his decision to step down from his position after nearly 14 years. The move comes following Bewakoof’s acquisition by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd’s TMRW in February 2023. Singh’s departure, aimed at focusing on personal goals like health and family, marks a significant shift for the brand.

    Founded as a D2C startup, Bewakoof has evolved to encompass both online and offline retail channels. Singh’s upcoming exit, scheduled for the end of March, underscores the brand’s readiness for a new phase, supported by a robust leadership team and the backing of TMRW and the Aditya Birla Group.

    Bewakoof caters to millennial and Gen Z consumers with a range of products, including clothing, accessories, notebooks, and backpacks. The brand’s D2C platform has amassed over 10 million users on its mobile app, reflecting its growing popularity and market presence.

    In late 2022, ABFRL’s TMRW acquired a majority stake in Bewakoof for ₹200 Cr, with the transaction completed in February 2023. This strategic move aimed to leverage TMRW’s resources for scaling Bewakoof’s operations and expanding its offline footprint, aligning with TMRW’s broader portfolio strategy targeting digital-first fashion and lifestyle brands.

    As TMRW continues to strengthen its position in the market, the recent revenue growth and operational performance signal a positive trajectory for the conglomerate’s investments in D2C ventures.

    Source: Inc42 Media

  • Livspace Navigates Leadership Transitions as Startup Evolves

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Recent developments at home decor startup Livspace have seen significant leadership changes, with the departure of Chief Business Officer-India Lalit Mittal, following the exits of co-founder Saurabh Jain and CFO Saurabh Agarwal in recent months.

    Mittal’s resignation, announced over a month ago, marks the end of his 6-year tenure, during which he played a key role in driving a 4x business growth. The company views these transitions as a natural evolution within a high-growth organization.

    Mittal, who held various roles at Livspace including CEO of Livspace Select, is leaving the company to pursue his entrepreneurial journey, coinciding with a period of change for the startup. Jain’s exit to pursue personal interests and Agarwal’s departure earlier emphasize a significant shift in Livspace’s leadership landscape.

    With Livspace also undergoing recent workforce reductions, the startup appears to be navigating a phase of restructuring and transformation. As the company recalibrates its leadership team, industry observers are keen to see how Livspace adapts to these changes and continues its growth trajectory in the competitive home decor market.

    Source: Inc42 Media