Author: Ashish Bisht

Chennai-based coliving startup Truliv has entered into a strategic equity partnership with Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd (BCCL), the media conglomerate that owns The Times Group. The investment pegs Truliv’s valuation at INR 356.5 crore, signaling strong investor confidence in India’s evolving alternative housing and hospitality market. Founded in 2019 by entrepreneurs Rathod and Rohit Reddy, Truliv started as a provider of modern, managed coliving spaces targeted primarily at young professionals and students. Over time, the company has broadened its portfolio to include holiday homes and alternative hospitality solutions, positioning itself as a key player in India’s emerging “lifestyle living”…

DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations, a BSE SME-listed dronetech company, has once again postponed the release of its financial results for the second half of fiscal year 2025 (H2 FY25). Initially scheduled for submission on May 27, the board meeting to consider and approve the financials has now been deferred to July 11—marking the third consecutive rescheduling. In a regulatory filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), DroneAcharya stated that the latest delay is due to ongoing audit challenges. The company cited “resource constraints” and “extended internal review procedures” as the primary reasons behind the delay in finalizing its audited financial statements.…

In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in India, Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn is set to begin iPhone enclosure production in Tamil Nadu. The company is reportedly constructing a new facility within the ESR Industrial Park in Oragadam, a rapidly growing industrial hub in the southern state. According to industry sources, Foxconn’s new unit will be dedicated to manufacturing metal enclosures for Apple iPhones, marking a significant expansion of its operations in India. This unit will be located close to Foxconn’s upcoming display module assembly plant, which is also in an advanced stage of development in the same…

Bengaluru-based non-banking financial company (NBFC) Techfino has successfully raised INR 65 Cr (approximately $7.5 million) in its latest funding round. The investment was led by Stellaris Venture Partners and Saison Capital, with participation aimed at propelling the NBFC’s growth across India’s Tier II and Tier III cities. Expansion Plans and Technology Enhancement With the newly secured capital, Techfino aims to scale its branch network, strengthen its internally developed technology platform, and streamline operations to serve more customers efficiently. The funding will also be used to enhance underwriting capabilities and reduce turnaround times (TAT) through deeper automation and data integration. Techfino’s…

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…