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Startup News
SiliconCanals
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Image Credit: SiliconCanals
AI Tool of the Week: Voicemod’s AI dongle unlocks real-time AI voice changing for console gaming; now available in Europe
- Voicemod introduces real-time AI voice transformation technology for console gaming in Europe.
- The company, based in Valencia, Spain, focuses on empowering voice transformations for self-expression.
- Voicemod's speech-to-speech AI tech enables real-time voice changes like in-game skin switching.
- Their app for Windows and Mac provides numerous AI voice options and 800,000 sounds.
- Voicemod partners with IP holders to offer exclusive content for new revenue streams.
- Voicemod recently launched Voicemod Key hardware device in Europe for console voice transformation.
- Voicemod Key offers 200 AI voices, 800,000 sounds, and supports Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation, and Xbox.
- The product sold out in the US, indicating demand for voice transformation in gaming.
- Users can engage with audiences, trigger audio reactions, and embody in-game characters using Voicemod Key.
- Voicemod Key connects to smartphones and consoles, providing voice changer and soundboard features.
- The premium Voicemod Pro subscription offers exclusive voice filters and advanced customization options.
- The setup for Voicemod Key is simple – connect the dongle to a smartphone, headset, and console for voice transformation.
- Jaime Bosch, the CEO of Voicemod, highlights the importance of removing technical barriers for voice creativity in gaming and online spaces.
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TechCrunch
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Startup hiring isn’t just about the pitch, it’s about the package — Pulley, 645 Ventures, and Epigram Legal break it down at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
- Startups rely on early hires and must offer more than perks to attract top talent according to a panel at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.
- The panel discusses compensation and equity strategies for scaling companies at the event happening in San Francisco on October 27-29.
- Key panelists include Randi Jakubowitz from 645 Ventures, Rebecca Lee Whiting from Epigram Legal, and Yin Wu from Pulley.
- Randi Jakubowitz's experience in HR includes guiding companies like Seamless through mergers and IPOs.
- Rebecca Lee Whiting, a legal expert, advises startups on equity structuring and retention strategies.
- Yin Wu, founder of Pulley, specializes in equity management and has a successful startup track record.
- The session will address crucial founder questions about early employee offers, competition with Big Tech, and equity structuring.
- The TechCrunch Disrupt event offers insights into scaling strategies and meaningful connections with industry leaders.
- Register for the event to save up to $675 and gain valuable knowledge on scaling your startup.
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Inc42
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Image Credit: Inc42
MakeMyTrip Raises $3.1 Bn To Buy Back Stake From China’s Trip.com
- MakeMyTrip raises $3.1 billion to repurchase a portion of its Class B shares from China’s Trip Group.
- The funding includes a mix of convertible notes and a primary equity offering.
- The primary equity follow-on offering raised $1.66 billion by selling 18.4 million new ordinary shares at $90 each.
- The remaining funds came from a 5-year convertible senior notes offering with 0% coupon and 35.0% conversion premium.
- Morgan Stanley led the offerings as the bookrunner and stabilisation agent.
- MakeMyTrip planned to raise $1.4 billion through convertible senior notes and $1.25 billion was netted via notes offering to qualified institutional buyers.
- The company increased the number of primary shares from 14 million to 18.4 million for the equity round.
- The capital infusion is aimed at reducing Trip Group's stake in MakeMyTrip from 45.95% to 16.90-19.99%.
- MakeMyTrip and Trip Group entered a share repurchase agreement to facilitate the stake reduction.
- Allegations were made against MakeMyTrip regarding data exposure due to Chinese ownership amidst military tensions.
- The deal raises questions about the composition of MakeMyTrip's board post transaction involving its Chinese stakeholders.
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TechCrunch
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3 more days to fuel your next big move — and save up to $210 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass
- The deadline to save on passes to TechCrunch All Stage event in Boston is approaching, with prices set to increase after June 22, 11:59 p.m. PT.
- The event is designed for founders, VCs, and operators seeking growth opportunities with tactical insights, candid conversations, and networking.
- Registrations are open to save $210 on Founder passes and $200 on Investor passes.
- TechCrunch All Stage focuses on actionable sessions, roundtable discussions, pitch competitions, and side events for deeper connections.
- Featured speakers include individuals from Precursor Ventures, Sapphire Ventures, and NEA, addressing crucial topics like funding strategy and AI.
- Last chance to secure discounted tickets before prices increase; the conference is set for July 15 in Boston.
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Economic Times
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Image Credit: Economic Times
ETtech Deals Digest: Startups raise $159 million this week, down 7% on-year
- Startups raised $159.2 million during June 14 to 20, marking a 7.2% decrease from the previous year.
- Deal activity was subdued with only 14 transactions recorded this week compared to 36 deals last year.
- Top deals included Aspora raising $53 million in Series B funding, Pop securing $30 million in funding, and Mahaveer Finance raising around $23.1 million.
- Aspora's funding was co-led by Sequoia and Greylock, with Quantum Light Ventures also participating.
- Pop received funding from digital payments firm Razorpay.
- Mahaveer Finance's funding round was led by Elevation Capital, with participation from Banyan Tree Finance and First Bridge Capital.
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Eu-Startups
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Spanish HealthTech startup Punto Health receives €100k grant for their dementia care app
- Barcelona-based HealthTech startup Punto Health wins €100k grant and mentorship for their dementia care app.
- The grant and mentorship were part of the NN Social Innovation Startup Award at The Next Web Conference.
- Punto Health aims to use AI to transform crisis management into proactive family support for dementia care.
- Their mission is to provide personalized care for those affected by cognitive disease.
- The startup involves patients, carers, and clinicians in designing and testing their products.
- This award recognizes early-stage social enterprises providing solutions for well-being challenges.
- Founder Anna Muñoz Farré was inspired by her grandfather's dementia diagnosis to create Punto Health.
- An estimated 78 million people will face dementia diagnosis by 2030.
- Punto Health's products include PuntoCare, offering daily support to patients and families, and PuntoClinic, a cognitive assessment tool.
- The app features an AI assistant, cognitive exercises, symptom diaries, and expert-curated information.
- The startup aims to empower patients, families, and healthcare providers with personalized AI-driven support in Spain.
- The award was created to support startups in sectors like mental health, healthcare access, and financial resilience.
- Punto Health's work aligns with providing tech-driven solutions for well-being as the norm, not the exception.
- The startup aims to transform dementia care by leveraging technology to streamline support and monitoring.
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Startup Pedia
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Image Credit: Startup Pedia
Ola launches zero commission model nationwide; drivers will now retain 100% of earnings
- Ola has introduced a zero-commission model nationwide, allowing cab drivers to retain 100% of their fare earnings.
- Drivers can opt for a subscription-based model with a 30-day pass for Rs 2,010 or daily at Rs 67.
- The new policy aims to empower driver-partners by providing them complete control of their earnings.
- Namma Yatri had earlier pioneered a similar subscription-based model in 2023.
- Rapido, Ola's rival, is already following a zero-commission model with a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) approach.
- Uber also shifted to a subscription-based model for two and three-wheelers.
- Driver complaints regarding high commission charges led to these companies revising their business models.
- The Telangana Gig & Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) initiated a boycott campaign against high commissions.
- Public criticism and boycotts influenced the government to announce plans for the 'Sahkar Taxi' ride-hailing service.
- The shift in business models aims to address concerns raised by drivers and maintain competitiveness in the market.
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Startup Story
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Image Credit: Startup Story
WAFEANDY Onboards Former Bestseller India CEO Vineet Gautam as Strategic Advisor & Brand Mentor
- WAFEANDY onboarded Vineet Gautam, former CEO of Bestseller India, as Strategic Advisor and Brand Mentor.
- The move marks a significant milestone in WAFEANDY's growth journey and highlights its aim to expand aggressively.
- WAFEANDY, known for comfort-first designs and cork footbed technology, aims to strengthen its presence through mentorship.
- Vineet Gautam brings 15+ years of leadership experience from Bestseller brands like JACK & JONES, VERO MODA, and ONLY.
- His expertise in retail expansion and brand building will guide WAFEANDY's strategy across various platforms.
- Dharmvir Singh, Founder of WAFEANDY, expresses confidence in Gautam's mentorship to redefine comfort and sustainability in footwear.
- Mr. Gautam's appointment is crucial as WAFEANDY prepares for growth across retail, e-commerce, and international markets.
- The collaboration between Gautam and WAFEANDY reflects a trend of industry veterans supporting health and sustainability-focused startups.
- This partnership is seen as a strategic accelerator for WAFEANDY to establish a differentiated and scalable brand.
- Amid India's evolving D2C landscape, such collaborations are vital for emerging brands to blend innovation with scale.
- WAFEANDY, with its focus on ergonomic design and sustainable materials, is poised to cater to modern Indian consumers.
- The brand's ambition, backed by experienced mentorship, positions it as a next-generation footwear brand in the market.
- WAFEANDY aims to expand its footprint while maintaining its commitment to wellness, sustainability, and fashion-forward comfort.
- The announcement signifies a strategic alignment to drive growth and establish WAFEANDY as a household name.
- The collaboration underscores the trend of blending seasoned expertise with new-age consumer demands in the industry.
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Startup Story
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Image Credit: Startup Story
Ola’s Krutrim Acquires BharatSah’AI’yak to Accelerate Vernacular AI Adoption in Governance and Public Services
- Ola's AI venture, Krutrim, has acquired BharatSah'AI'yak, an India-centric AI platform developed by Samagra.
- The acquisition aims to enhance Krutrim's AI presence in civic-tech and government realms by integrating BharatSah'AI'yak's vernacular RAG models.
- As part of the deal, Krutrim has onboarded Samagra's core AI team to strengthen its capabilities in local-language AI applications.
- BharatSah'AI'yak has a track record of deploying AI solutions for government projects like KumbhSah'AI'yak and AMA Krushi.
- The integration of BharatSah'AI'yak into Krutrim aligns with the goal of democratizing AI access across various sectors.
- Krutrim's newly launched Kruti AI assistant aims to offer a range of services from cab bookings to research assistance.
- The incorporation of BharatSah'AI'yak's technology is expected to enhance Kruti's multilingual, task-based capabilities.
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Economic Times
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Image Credit: Economic Times
MakeMyTrip raises $3.1 billion to cut Chinese firm Trip’s holding
- MakeMyTrip has raised $3.1 billion through equity and debt to buy back shares from Trip.com Group.
- The fundraise reduces Trip.com's holding in MakeMyTrip from 45% to 20%.
- MakeMyTrip conducted the largest fundraise by a listed Indian internet company.
- The fundraise includes an equity follow-on offering and convertible notes offering.
- MakeMyTrip cofounders hold 4.6% of the company's voting rights and retain the right to appoint three independent directors.
- Following the buyback, Trip.com's stake in MakeMyTrip decreased to 19.99% from 45.34%.
- Trip.com's board representation in MakeMyTrip has dropped to two directors from five.
- The move to reduce Trip.com's holding in MakeMyTrip follows allegations of endangering travel data of Indian army personnel.
- These allegations were raised by Nishant Pitti, founder of EaseMyTrip, citing Chinese affiliations in MakeMyTrip board committees.
- Trip.com initially invested $180 million in MakeMyTrip in 2016 and later acquired Naspers' stake in a swap deal in 2019.
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Inc42
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Image Credit: Inc42
How Conscious Chemist Plans To Build An INR 100 Cr Brand With Active-First Skincare
- The skincare industry is filled with products making claims but often falling short on delivery, resulting in consumer frustration with persistent skin concerns like acne and pigmentation.
- Conscious Chemist, founded by Robin Gupta and Prakher Mathur, aims to address the lack of science-backed skincare solutions in the market, focusing on effective, ingredient-led formulations.
- The brand targets urban millennials and GenZ with a range of products for various skin issues, culminating in a revenue of INR 32 Cr by FY25 and aiming for INR 100 Cr annually.
- Conscious Chemist emphasizes the use of clinically validated ingredients and balances efficacy with skin sensitivity in its formulations, challenging the industry's bias against chemicals.
- The brand's innovative products, such as Berry Bright Sunscreen and Antioxidant Booster Serum, have gained popularity among customers, with over 1 million served and a successful appearance on Shark Tank India.
- With a diversified distribution strategy and educational marketing approach, Conscious Chemist has carved a niche in the skincare market by focusing on informed consumer choices.
- Founded by Galgotias University alumni, the brand credits its success to a science-first approach and deep understanding of customer behavior, leveraging both D2C and marketplace sales channels.
- Conscious Chemist plans to expand its product line with targeted solutions and geographical reach, aiming to solidify its position as a leading Indian skincare brand with sustainable growth targets.
- As the skincare market in India grows rapidly, competition intensifies, with brands like Dot & Key and Minimalist offering similar science-backed products, setting the stage for an ongoing battle between natural and chemical ingredients.
- Geographic expansion and educating consumers about skincare science are key priorities for Conscious Chemist, aligning with its vision to become a top skincare brand in India with a focus on high-performance formulations.
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Startup Story
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Image Credit: Startup Story
Renewbuy Raises $10 Million from Apis Partners and 360 One
- Insurtech startup Renewbuy has raised $10 million in fresh funding from Apis Partners and 360 One, gearing up for a potential merger with InsuranceDekho.
- The strategic funding aims to support operations and business development during the merger process, pending regulatory approval.
- Renewbuy's last funding round in June 2023 valued the company at $324 million, showcasing investor confidence amid industry consolidation.
- InsuranceDekho is in talks to acquire Renewbuy in a deal that could value Renewbuy at $300-350 million, pending IRDAI approval.
- Founded in 2014, Renewbuy has raised $141 million from investors like Dai-ichi Life Insurance, Apis Partners, and Lok Capital.
- Renewbuy generated ₹410 crore in revenue for FY 2023–24 but reported a net loss of ₹114 crore due to the high-cost structure of the insurtech sector.
- The insurtech startup operates using a hybrid model through physical agents to distribute insurance products.
- With major competitors like InsuranceDekho, Turtlemint, and PB Partners, Renewbuy's merger could set a trend for consolidation in India's digital insurance sector.
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SiliconCanals
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Image Credit: SiliconCanals
French AI-powered kids’ media company raises €73.8M to turn platform-native children’s IPs into global franchises
- Paris-based Animaj, a kids' media company, raises €73.8M in funding led by HarbourView Equity Partners and Bpifrance Large Venture.
- The funding will be used to scale its digital-first ecosystem and turn original IP into global franchises, focusing on platforms like YouTube, Roblox, TikTok, Spotify, and FAST channels.
- Animaj plans to enhance its AI model for more interactive and personalized content and accelerate strategic IP acquisitions, starting with the purchase of the brand Pocoyo.
- Co-founded in 2022 by Sixte de Vauplane and Grégory Dray, Animaj aims to bring high-quality brands to children globally through a platform-native approach.
- The company believes that the next generation of kids' franchises will emerge on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify, requiring content that resonates with young audiences.
- Animaj has developed a GenAI animation pipeline to reduce production time and costs while maintaining creative quality for efficient content creation.
- Since its inception, Animaj has grown rapidly, ranking as the 5th largest digital kids' player worldwide on YouTube with over 22 billion annual views and 240 million unique viewers per month.
- The company's flagship property, Pocoyo, is available on 100+ platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify, and FAST channels.
- Animaj aims to be a data-driven, AI-powered, digital-first, and multi-platform media company focused on reaching kids where they are most active online.
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Inc42
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Image Credit: Inc42
Swiggy Launches ‘Crew’ To Offer Travel & Lifestyle Concierge Service
- Swiggy launches 'Crew', a travel and lifestyle concierge service app.
- Crew is targeted at the affluent segment, offering personalized services for various tasks.
- The app is currently in beta stage and accessible by invitation only.
- It builds upon Swiggy's previous experiment with a premium concierge service called Rare Life.
- Crew offers services like securing international driving licenses, gift finding, locksmith services, and vacation planning.
- Swiggy's entry into lifestyle management market requires high-touch and direct experience services.
- Leadership for Crew's new venture is yet to be finalized by Swiggy.
- Swiggy aims to add a new revenue stream with Crew amidst rising losses.
- Swiggy is strengthening its out-of-home consumption offerings like Swiggy Dineout and Swiggy Scenes.
- Swiggy's operating revenue saw a 45% YoY rise to INR 4,410 Cr in Q4 FY25.
- Swiggy's loss surged 95% YoY to INR 1,081.2 Cr due to quick commerce expansion.
- Swiggy's shares ended the trading session 4.2% higher on the BSE.
- Swiggy is venturing into a competitive market with Crew, competing with companies like Indulge Global and RedBeryl.
- The business model for Crew is not clear, while Rare Life operated on a subscription basis.
- Swiggy has been actively experimenting with services like Swiggy Scenes and professional services marketplace app, Pyng.
- Swiggy Genie was suspended by Swiggy in the past when required.
- Inc42 has reached out to Swiggy for more details on Crew.
- The article was first reported by Entrackr.
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ISN
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Image Credit: ISN
Delhivery launches on-demand intracity shipping with Delhivery Direct
- Delhivery launches on-demand intracity shipping on Delhivery Direct app in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru after a successful pilot in Ahmedabad.
- The service provides pickups within 15 minutes for local deliveries, utilizing two-wheelers and larger vehicles for consignments.
- Sahil Barua, MD & CEO of Delhivery, emphasizes the expansion of Delhivery Direct to key metros for fast and reliable logistics solutions.
- Delhivery's 'Direct' service simplifies shipping for users and offers earning opportunities and flexibility for riders and drivers.
- Customers can ship intercity shipments to over 18,800 pin codes in India from their doorstep through Delhivery.
- The CCI approved Delhivery's acquisition of a majority stake in Ecom Express for approximately Rs 1,400 crore.
- The deal involves acquiring over 99% equity and preference shareholding of Ecom Express by Delhivery.
- Delhivery's acquisition of Ecom Express is aimed at business expansion and scaling up operations.
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