Business

30 Startups Raise Over $355 Million in Funding This Week, Marking a 335% Increase

Published

11 months ago

March 10, 2025

This week, over 30 startups successfully raised more than $355 million, comprising three growth-stage and 20 early-stage investments. This represents an impressive increase of at least 355% compared to the previous week, where 21 startups raised approximately $105.87 million.

Leading the funding round was HR tech platform DarwinBox, which secured $140 million in its Series D round, led by Partners Group and KKR, with participation from Gravity Holdings.

In the edtech sector, Leap Finance obtained a $100 million debt facility from London’s HSBC Bank as part of its ASEAN Growth Fund. This follows a $65 million Series E equity round led by Apis Partners last month, bringing its total fundraising to over $400 million.

Insurtech company InsuranceDekho raised $70 million, co-led by Beams Fintech Fund, Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), and the insurer BNP Paribas Cardif, through its insurtech fund managed by the European investment giant Eurazeo.

Additionally, 20 early-stage startups attracted $45.02 million in funding, with notable contributions from revenue AI platform MaxIQ and enterprise tech startup Beacon.li.

Bengaluru emerged as the frontrunner, leading with 12 deals, followed by regions like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. Domestic startups amassed nearly ₹13,800 crore ($1.65 billion) in February, marking a 19.5% increase from approximately ₹11,460 crore ($1.38 billion) in January. The median valuation of these startups in February 2025 was recorded at ₹61,216 crore ($83.2 billion).

Throughout the 2024-25 financial year, Indian startups collectively raised ₹21,062 crore ($25.4 billion) across around 2,200 funding rounds.

Moreover, the Indian tech startup ecosystem now ranks second globally, next to the US, in total funding raised by companies founded by women, accumulating $26 billion in this sector so far. India is home to more than 7,000 active women-led startups, which constitute 7.5% of all active startups in the country.

Business

India May Buy More Oil From Venezuela Instead of Russia

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : The United States has told India that it can soon resume buying oil from Venezuela.The suggestion is part of a U.S. effort to reduce India’s dependence on Russian crude oil.

This pitch comes as India plans to cut Russian oil imports by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the coming months. Under the Trump administration, the United States had imposed a 25 % tariff on countries that bought Venezuelan oil, including India.

Now, the U.S. wants India to resume Venezuelan oil purchases to help diversify India’s energy sources. The United States is also trying to reshape energy ties with India as part of broader diplomatic engagement.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said she agreed with India on energy cooperation in a recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi said both sides agreed to deepen their partnership and expand cooperation in all areas.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Recently, Venezuela opened its oil sector to private investment to attract foreign capital and boost production.

India was one of the major buyers of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022. But India is now seeking alternative suppliers as part of its energy strategy.

Business

Chicken Prices Remain Stable in Local Markets

Published

2 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chicken prices remained stable in local markets today.Traders said there was no major change in rates.Consumers continued to make regular purchases.

Boneless chicken is priced at ₹210 per kilogram.Regular chicken is available at ₹160 per kilogram.Chicken liver is being sold at ₹120 per kilogram.

Country chicken is priced higher due to demand.It is selling at ₹360 per kilogram.Live chicken is available at ₹130 per kilogram.

Skinless chicken is priced at ₹200 per kilogram.Vendors said supply is sufficient in the market.They expect prices to remain steady in the coming days.

Customers expressed satisfaction with the current rates.Market officials said there is no shortage of chicken.

Business

Gold Prices Edge Up in India on January 19, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gold prices in India recorded a slight increase on January 19, 2026, supported by global market trends, local demand, and movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate.

As per market estimates, 24-carat gold, which is considered pure gold, is priced at ₹14,569 per gram, or ₹1,45,690 per 10 grams. 22-carat gold, commonly used for jewellery, is trading at around ₹13,355 per gram, or ₹1,33,550 per 10 grams.

The prices have risen marginally compared to the previous day. The increase is mainly linked to a weaker Indian rupee against the US dollar, which makes imported gold more expensive.

Gold rates vary slightly across cities such as Mangalore and other parts of the country. These differences depend on local taxes, transportation costs, jeweller margins, and regional demand.

Demand for gold remains strong due to the wedding season and festive buying, which continues to support higher prices. Investors also turn to gold during uncertain economic conditions, as it is seen as a safe-haven asset.

Experts say that global geopolitical developments, inflation concerns, and central bank policies are also influencing international gold prices, which in turn affect domestic rates.

Market participants expect gold prices to remain firm in the near term if the rupee stays weak and demand continues at current levels.