Author: Ashish Bisht

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the growing menace of illegal online betting platforms in India, now turning its attention to celebrity endorsements linked to these unlawful operations. According to a report by NDTV, former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina, along with Bollywood actors Sonu Sood and Urvashi Rautela, have been questioned in connection with their promotional involvement with banned betting websites such as 1xBet, FairPlay, Parimatch, and Lotus365. Celebrity Endorsements Under the Scanner The probe, which has been ongoing for several months, is now zeroing in on how these high-profile personalities may…

In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the financial services sector, InCred Money, the retail wealthtech investment distribution arm of the InCred Group, is set to enter the retail broking space through the acquisition of South Asian Stocks Limited (SASL)—a Delhi-based brokerage firm that operates under the brand name Stocko. This acquisition represents a significant milestone for InCred Group as it marks the company’s foray into equities and derivatives trading, adding to its already diversified portfolio of financial products and services. The proposed acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, following which Stocko will be rebranded as InCred Stocko.…

In a notable development ahead of its much-anticipated IPO, omnichannel eyewear giant Lenskart has received a significant valuation upgrade from a fund managed by US-based financial services major Fidelity Investments. According to recent reports, Fidelity has marked up Lenskart’s valuation by 21%, elevating it from the previous $5 billion to approximately $6.05 billion. This upward revision in valuation is a strong indicator of Lenskart’s growing market presence, robust financial performance, and positive investor sentiment ahead of its public offering. The revision is particularly significant as it comes from a crossover fund like Fidelity, which has a well-established reputation for investing…

Used-car marketplace unicorn Spinny has secured an additional $30 million (approximately INR 256 crore) in funding from WestBridge Capital, concluding its Series F funding round at a total of $170 million. This latest investment reaffirms investor confidence in the Gurugram-based startup despite a challenging funding landscape in India’s startup ecosystem. The new funding is a mix of primary and secondary deals, showcasing continued interest from institutional backers. The final tranche led by WestBridge follows Spinny’s initial Series F raise of $131 million in April 2025. That round was spearheaded by Accel Leaders Fund, a US-based venture firm, and also saw…

D2C jewellery brand GIVA has successfully raised INR 450 crore (approximately $53 million) in its latest Series C funding round, as revealed by recent regulatory filings accessed by Inc42. The investment round was led by Creaegis, with participation from other investors, reflecting strong market confidence in the brand’s vision and growth trajectory. The funding comes at a significant milestone for GIVA, valuing the startup at $374 million, marking a 47% increase from its previous valuation of $254 million during its last funding round in 2024. This rapid growth highlights GIVA’s rising prominence in India’s expanding digital-first jewellery market. Read Also…

Tonbo Imaging, a cutting-edge defence technology startup, is making significant strides in modernizing warfare by developing advanced imaging and autonomous systems aimed at minimizing human casualties on the battlefield. As the world moves toward automation and AI-driven combat, Tonbo Imaging is emerging as a key player in the global defence ecosystem. Driving Innovation in Battlefield Autonomy Headquartered in India, Tonbo Imaging specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced electro-optics and AI-powered imaging systems for defence and surveillance. The company’s focus on battlefield autonomy is rooted in its mission to reduce risks for soldiers by integrating technology that enhances situational awareness and…

India’s ride-hailing unicorn, Rapido, is making a bold move into the competitive online food delivery market with its newly launched platform, Ownly. Positioned as a zero-commission food delivery app, Ownly is aiming to disrupt the duopoly of Swiggy and Zomato by offering a more sustainable and affordable model for both restaurants and consumers. Ownly: A Game-Changer for Restaurants Unlike its established rivals, Ownly’s standout promise lies in its zero-commission policy. According to internal details accessed by Inc42, the platform is pitching this model aggressively to restaurant partners. Traditional food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy often charge restaurants commissions ranging…

Electric vehicle (EV) intelligence startup Vecmocon Technologies is making headlines with its latest funding round, raising INR 74 crore (approximately $8.7 million). The round is being led by Aavishkaar Capital, with continued support from existing investors Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF) and Blume Ventures. This fresh infusion of capital marks a significant milestone for the startup as it continues to scale its operations in India’s booming electric mobility space. Breakdown of the Funding Round According to regulatory filings, the funding includes both primary and secondary transactions. In the primary round, Vecmocon will raise INR 50.4 crore through the issuance of new…

India’s leading omnichannel eyewear brand, Lenskart, has officially taken a significant step toward its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO) by converting into a public limited company. In a move signaling its readiness to debut on the stock market, Lenskart has changed its corporate name from Lenskart Solutions Private Limited to Lenskart Solutions Limited. Corporate Conversion Clears Path for Stock Market Debut In an extraordinary board meeting held on May 30, Lenskart’s board of directors approved a special resolution to convert the company into a public entity. This regulatory step is essential for any private company aiming to list its shares…

Bengaluru-based wellness startup Biopeak has raised $3.5 million in a seed funding round, with strong backing from top-tier investors. The round was led by Prashanth Prakash of Accel Partners, and saw participation from prominent names in the Indian startup ecosystem, including Zerodha founders Nikhil and Nithin Kamath, and Claypond Capital, founded by Ranjan Pai. According to sources close to the development, the round is expected to close at $5 million, indicating growing investor confidence in Biopeak’s disruptive approach to wellness and healthcare. Read Also :- LoanTap Secures INR 74 Cr in Pre-Series C Funding to Boost Fintech Innovation and Expand…