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Startup News
Eu-Startups
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French startup Winalist secures €1 million to boost wine tourism and expand internationally
- French startup Winalist has secured €1 million in funding to boost wine tourism and expand internationally.
- The funding will be used to open a new branch in Porto, increase operational support for local partners, and drive international visibility for Portuguese wine tourism.
- The round was supported by shareholders, including Vessoa Private Equity, Plug and Play Ventures, and Portugal Ventures.
- Winalist was founded in France in 2019 and acts as a marketplace for booking wine and spirits tourism experiences across Europe.
- The platform connects travelers with authentic experiences at wineries and distilleries, offering various activities like winery visits, tastings, wine-pairing dinners, and day tours.
- Currently, Winalist works with over 1,700 partners in 10 countries, aiming to make wine tourism more accessible and connected for both producers and travelers.
- In Portugal, Winalist collaborates with over 200 family-owned wineries and renowned producers like Soalheiro, Quinta do Vallado, Graham’s Port Lodge, and more.
- The new funding will support key innovations for wineries, enhancing customer relationships, and services for high-end travelers.
- Winalist is also investing in team growth to support commercial development in Europe more broadly.
- Testimonials from partners like Quinta dos Santos and Talha de Frades praise Winalist's platform for its ease of use and support.
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Futurefundraisingnow
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177
4 no-nos and 5 must-dos for for great fundraising photos
- Fundraising success hinges on impactful photos that convey a powerful story.
- Photos should not be mere decorations but rather narratives that captivate viewers.
- Key points to consider for effective fundraising photos:
- 1. Ensure photos are large enough for viewers to clearly see.
- 2. Avoid using too many photos that dilute the impact of the main story.
- 3. Select photos that are easily understood without being too abstract.
- 4. Include captions to enhance the storytelling aspect and convey the intended message.
- 5. Opt for photos with people as the main subject, as faces attract engagement.
- 6. Eye contact in photos enhances viewer connection and interest.
- 7. Ensure facial expressions align with the narrative to avoid confusion.
- 8. Background details should complement and not detract from the story.
- 9. The photo's story should align with the message conveyed through words for consistency.
- Published on May 16, 2019.
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The Robot Report
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390
Reservoir Farms opens applications for inaugural cohort
- Reservoir Farms, an agricultural technology incubator in the Salinas Valley, has opened applications for its inaugural cohort of 12 startups.
- The initiative is aimed at fostering innovation in specialty crop production by connecting AgTech startups with growers and access to expertise and networks of Western Growers Association.
- Reservoir Farms offers workspace for agrobotics startups to develop and test ideas rapidly, including access to secure storage sheds and a fully equipped maker space.
- Selected startups will focus on advancing technologies like robotic harvesting, machine vision, edge AI, and precision soil analytics to enhance efficiency and sustainability in specialty crop farming.
- The incubator was established to address the need for technological advancements in agriculture and ensure input from growers in developing new systems.
- Startups collaborating with industry professionals through Reservoir Farms can tailor their technologies to meet the unique demands of the agricultural sector.
- Applications are now open for the first cohort, offering startups the opportunity to work closely with Western Growers and industry leaders to refine and test their AgTech innovations.
- Reservoir Farms' location at Highway 68 and Hitchcock Road in Salinas is surrounded by productive farmland and supported by the Tanimura family and Tanimura & Antle.
- The initiative is fully backed by the Western Growers Association, aiming to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in agriculture.
- Reservoir Farms includes year-round test fields for in-field testing of robotics and technologies for specialty crop farming.
- Technologies developed within the incubator are expected to enhance productivity and bring transformative advancements to the industry.
- The collaborative approach of Reservoir Farms ensures that new AgTech systems are practical and suited to real-world farming environments.
- The mentorship model of the incubator provides startups with insights into growers' challenges, fostering the creation of viable AgTech innovations.
- The Reservoir's CEO, Danny Bernstein, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Tanimura and Antle families and the broader grower community on California's Central Coast.
- Applications for the inaugural cohort are now open, welcoming startups to refine their technologies and test products in real farm settings under the mentorship of industry professionals.
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Inc42
4w
26
Image Credit: Inc42
AI-Powered Childcare Management Startup illumine Bags $2.5 Mn
- AI-powered childcare management startup illumine has raised $2.5 Mn in a seed funding round led by Prime Venture Partners.
- The funding will be used for product development and global expansion, focusing on innovation and supporting childcare businesses.
- illumine offers an AI SaaS platform tailored for childcare, solving operational challenges with its system used by 3,000+ centers in 56 countries.
- The startup was founded in 2018 and has received $800K in angel investment to date.
- The investment in illumine comes amid the slow revival of the edtech sector, which faced challenges in 2022.
- Indian edtech startups raised over $568 Mn in 2024, showing investors' interest in the sector driven by AI adoption.
- Karnataka has become a hub for edtech with startups like Vedantu, Cuemath, and Leap Scholar, benefiting from the state's tech ecosystem.
- Inc42 predicts a potential decline in edtech funding to $400 Mn in 2025, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.
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TechJuice
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270
Image Credit: TechJuice
Wix Drops $80M to Acquire a Solo AI Startup—Here’s What They’re Planning
- Israeli developer Maor Shlomo sold his six-month-old AI startup, Base44, to Wix for $80 million in cash.
- The acquisition highlights how fast-growing AI platforms with small teams can secure major exits.
- Base44 had just eight employees and they will share a $25 million retention bonus as part of the deal.
- Launched as a side project, Base44 gained momentum quickly with over 250,000 users within six months.
- Despite high costs, the platform generated $189,000 profit in May alone.
- Shlomo shared growth stats openly on LinkedIn and X, aiding organic growth.
- Base44 is a 'vibe coding' tool enabling the creation of applications without writing code.
- Wix adds a high-potential LLM-powered product to its offerings with this acquisition.
- Base44's profitability, scalability, and bootstrapped nature made it stand out.
- Shlomo sold due to scaling limitations and looks forward to utilizing more resources.
- The acquisition signifies the rise of lean AI startups capable of building innovative products quickly.
- The future startup landscape might favor compact, AI-driven teams.
- The article originally appeared on TechJuice.
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Startup Story
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CMI GIMS Launches ‘NIRMAN’ — India’s First Public Hospital-Based MedTech Cohort
- The Centre for Medical Innovation at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences in Greater Noida, India, has launched 'NIRMAN', the country's first public hospital-based MedTech cohort.
- NIRMAN aims to support 20 early-stage startups in the MedTech sector, offering mandatory clinical immersion within the hospital setting to understand healthcare delivery.
- CMI GIMS operates within GIMS, a government medical college with a 630-bed hospital, providing an extensive testing ground for healthcare innovations.
- The program offers access to Startup OPD, labs, office space, and validation infrastructure, with partnerships with Stanford Biodesign India and ICMR-INTENT.
- Startups in medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, and biotechnology can apply for the NIRMAN cohort, receiving mentorship, clinical trials access, and ecosystem connections.
- The focus is on embedding innovation in the public health system, supporting device, software, and drug validation under one roof.
- The initiative was introduced on Doctors' Day to align with the goal of creating solutions within the hospital system for real healthcare challenges.
- As India strives for global medical innovation leadership, programs like NIRMAN are crucial in translating bedside insights into scalable healthcare technologies.
- Applications for the NIRMAN cohort are currently open, and interested startups can apply through the provided official form link.
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UX Design
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154
Image Credit: UX Design
How LinkedIn passed $2bn in subscription revenue
- LinkedIn reached a milestone of $2 billion in Premium subscription revenue, marking a 50% increase in just two years.
- The platform has 1 billion users across 200 countries, with increasing engagement as comments have risen by 37%.
- Despite being considered a mature company, LinkedIn's growth challenges the notion of plateaued growth.
- To continue growing, mature companies usually need to reconnect with their target audience, explore new markets, or enhance their offerings.
- LinkedIn's growth was fueled by features, particularly AI implementations.
- The subscription revenue success showcases LinkedIn's ability to evolve without significant changes to its core audience.
- LinkedIn's growth strategy involved leveraging features and technology, such as AI, to drive engagement and revenues.
- The platform defied the notion that growth is limited for mature companies, highlighting the impact of innovation and strategic approaches.
- The achievements demonstrate LinkedIn's competitiveness in the evolving digital landscape and its adaptability in capturing new opportunities.
- LinkedIn's success in subscription revenue underscores the importance of continuous innovation and user engagement in sustaining growth.
- The company's growth trajectory serves as a model for mature firms looking to reignite expansion without drastic transformations.
- LinkedIn's experience emphasizes the role of technology and user-centric features in driving revenue and expanding market reach.
- The company's ability to leverage AI and other advanced tools showcases the significance of technological advancements in fostering growth.
- LinkedIn's achievement in subscription revenue growth highlights the resilience and adaptability of established companies in the digital era.
- The success story of LinkedIn's revenue growth provides insights into innovative strategies for companies aiming to revive growth in competitive markets.
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Eu-Startups
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Dutch FinTech startup Delfio raises €1.5 million for automation platform
- Dutch FinTech startup Delfio, focused on automating the international wholesale market, secures €1.5 million in pre-Seed funding from tech investor Peak.
- Founded in 2025 by Roy Erdmann and Keihan Popal, Delfio aims to transform the global distribution of consumer electronics using automation and data-driven procurement.
- Delfio's platform organizes collective purchasing for professional buyers in Europe, leveraging demand aggregation to negotiate competitive offers from a network of suppliers.
- The startup streamlines the sourcing, quality control, logistics, and payment processes, providing customers with a reliable single partner for their procurement needs.
- The global procurement market for consumer electronics is valued at €837.4 billion, with Delfio targeting a more efficient approach compared to traditional importers.
- The platform aims to simplify procurement by consolidating purchase orders, negotiating better pricing, and managing the entire process from order to delivery.
- Delfio collaborates with 35,000 suppliers of popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and JBL, operating hubs in the US, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam for efficient procurement management.
- The startup provides financial resources to meet retailers' purchasing requirements and guarantees payment to suppliers within 48 hours, ensuring smooth transactions.
- Investor David Zwagemaker from Peak sees significant growth potential in Delfio's automation and data-driven approach to B2B procurement, supporting their efforts to set a new global standard in the industry.
- The funding will help Delfio further develop its automation platform and expand its presence in the wholesale market.
- Delfio's launch comes after years of market experience by the Founders, with aims to revolutionize the procurement process for consumer electronics.
- The startup looks to bridge the gap between retailers and suppliers, offering a more efficient and reliable mechanism for procurement in the consumer electronics market.
- Delfio's automation and data-driven decision-making align with market demands for more streamlined and competitive procurement processes.
- With a strong focus on reliability and efficiency, Delfio aims to create a new standard in B2B procurement, addressing fundamental challenges in the market.
- The company's approach of aggregating tenders and leveraging volume for better pricing showcases its strategy to optimize collective purchasing power and enhance competitiveness in the industry.
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ISN
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Image Credit: ISN
Chennai-based NBFC firm Mahaveer Finance raises Rs 200 crore led by Elevation Capital, others
- Chennai-based NBFC firm Mahaveer Finance has raised Rs 200 crore in equity funding led by Elevation Capital.
- The funding round marks the company's first venture capital raise after over four decades of operation.
- Existing investors Banyan Tree Finance and First Bridge Capital also participated in the round.
- Founded in 1981 by Praveen and Deepak Dugar, Mahaveer Finance plans to focus on digital transformation and expanding into new segments like loan against property and SME offerings.
- The company aims to strengthen governance, invest in technology, and grow its loan book, targeting Rs 5,000 crore in the next few years.
- Mahaveer Finance works with lenders like State Bank of India and HDFC Bank and disburses loans worth Rs 75–80 crore monthly.
- It plans to increase monthly disbursements to Rs 100 crore by FY25 and offer business loans to entrepreneurs in the Rs 10–15 lakh range.
- The NBFC currently operates through 80 branches across Southern states and aims to expand to over 100 branches by the end of the year.
- For FY24, Mahaveer Finance reported total revenue of Rs 136 crore and a net profit of Rs 16 crore.
- Elevation Capital's Partner Mridul Arora praised Mahaveer Finance for its expertise in financial inclusion and access-driven services.
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Entrepreneurshiplife
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434
Image Credit: Entrepreneurshiplife
Digital Marketing for Startups: How to Get Clients Before You Run Out of Budget
- Running a startup requires effective digital marketing strategies to attract clients before running out of budget.
- Focus on high-impact platforms where your target audience spends time rather than spreading resources thin among multiple channels.
- Ensure your offer is clear and compelling to avoid wasting money on ads due to confusion.
- Launch fast and use micro-tests to gather feedback quickly and adapt marketing strategies accordingly.
- Effort often outweighs expense in marketing; engage in hustle-driven tactics like providing value on LinkedIn and niche communities.
- Automate repetitive tasks and delegate where possible to save time and focus on growth-related activities.
- Leverage your existing network for early client acquisition before investing in cold marketing tactics.
- Bold action and consistent effort are more crucial for client acquisition than a big budget.
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SiliconCanals
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416
Image Credit: SiliconCanals
Swedish EV maker Polestar charges up with €174M equity investment: Know more
- Gothenburg-based Polestar, a premium electric vehicle firm, secures a €174M equity investment from PSD Investment Limited controlled by Mr. Shufu Li.
- Polestar will issue and sell 190,476,190 newly issued Class A American Depositary Shares (ADSs) at $1.05 per share in a private investment in public equity (PIPE) transaction.
- PSD Investment plans to convert 20,000,000 of its Class B ADSs into Class A ADSs to keep voting power below 50% post-transaction.
- The funding will be utilized for working capital requirements and general corporate purposes by the Swedish EV company.
- Polestar secured a $950M three-year loan facility from 12 international banks last year.
- Polestar, founded in 2017 by Volvo Cars and Zhejiang Geely Holding, plans to have five performance EVs by 2026 and aims for a climate-neutral car by 2030.
- Current Polestar models include Polestar 2, Polestar 3, and Polestar 4, with future models like the Polestar 5, 6, and 7 planned.
- Vehicles are currently manufactured in North America and Asia, with plans to diversify production to Europe for Polestar 7.
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VC Cafe
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150
Image Credit: VC Cafe
Loneliness is Driving adoption of AI Companions
- Loneliness is a growing concern, with significant health implications comparable to smoking.
- A substantial percentage of adults experience loneliness regularly, with young people being particularly affected.
- Social isolation increases the risk of premature death, leading to a rise in the adoption of AI companions for companionship.
- AI companionship and therapy are becoming the primary use case for generative AI, addressing the need for meaningful connections.
- AI companion apps offer significant engagement and fulfill psychological needs for users, especially among younger demographics.
- The landscape of AI companion apps is expanding, with a focus on various use cases beyond romantic relationships.
- The rise of AI companions presents both opportunities and risks in areas such as mental health, privacy, and societal cohesion.
- While concerns exist, AI companions are seen as a supplement to human connection, providing comfort and support in an increasingly isolated world.
- The future of AI companions includes innovations in multi-modal interactions and AI adaptations of real people.
- The market for AI companions is poised for growth and transformation, offering opportunities for investment and advancement in human-computer interaction.
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Startup Story
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434
Image Credit: Startup Story
Reddit Appoints Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar as Global Brand Ambassador
- Reddit has appointed Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its global brand ambassador to expand its presence in India and tap into the growing passion for sports on the platform.
- Tendulkar will engage directly with Reddit users through his official profile, sharing personal reflections, match insights, and exclusive content.
- He will also feature in a new marketing campaign for Reddit in India and other global markets in the coming months.
- Tendulkar expressed his appreciation for Reddit's passion and community spirit, stating that cricket has always been about connecting with people.
- Reddit's Vice President of International Growth highlighted Tendulkar's ability to unite fans with his exemplary cricketing career and community values.
- Reddit is observing a rise in sports-related conversations, with a 30% year-on-year increase in interest globally.
- The platform has been expanding its sports presence with partnerships in Serie A, NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, and NASCAR.
- With Tendulkar's immense legacy and fanbase, Reddit aims to strengthen its foothold in India and enhance global appeal to sports enthusiasts.
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Eu-Startups
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297
Lithuanian startup Traxlo raises €1.6 million to build the labor infrastructure for the AI era
- Lithuanian startup Traxlo has raised €1.6 million to expand its pay-per-task labor infrastructure across Europe.
- The capital was raised by various investors including Coinvest Capital, Bad Ideas Fund, and Plug and Play.
- Traxlo aims to standardize and distribute physical work in the age of AI.
- Founded in 2020, Traxlo is developing a pay-per-task labor infrastructure for the AI era.
- The company collaborates with 60% of the largest commerce players in Europe like REWE Group and Zabka.
- Traxlo's marketplace has delivered over 300,000 physical tasks.
- Each task is standardized, teachable in minutes, and can be done by local workers or robots.
- Workers complete tasks on their terms and get paid weekly.
- Businesses buy guaranteed outcomes, not hourly presence.
- Traxlo is expanding its geo coverage and scaling with the new funding.
- Future product layers for Traxlo include agentic AI features and automation.
- Traxlo's model aims to provide predictable income for workers and value for businesses.
- The company is building the labor infrastructure for the AI era by connecting real robot workers.
- Traxlo is set to innovate the way people earn income while providing value to businesses.
- Traxlo is regarded as a unique product that delivers real value and growth potential.
- The startup aims to automate tasks with an AI engine and LLM agents.
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Inc42
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390
Image Credit: Inc42
Family Office Tracker: Here’s The List Of 200+ Investors Betting Big On Startups
- The Indian startup ecosystem has seen significant growth over the past decade, attracting over $150 Bn in funding by 2024.
- Indian family offices are increasingly taking the lead in investments amidst a decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow.
- Family offices are crucial for the sustainability of the startup ecosystem as they provide patient capital and strategic guidance.
- These family offices have expanded their investment horizons to include startups, especially in sectors like deeptech and cleantech.
- The rise of IPO-bound ventures and the interest from millennials and GenZ have further attracted family offices towards startup investments.
- Notable family offices like PremjiInvest and Aarin Capital have backed multiple successful startups, indicating their impact in the ecosystem.
- The list of family offices covers a wide array of investors, each contributing uniquely to the growth and success of new-age tech ventures.
- Panels summarize key family offices such as Aarin Capital, AG Ventures, B2V Ventures, Burman Family Holdings, Catamaran, and Hunch Ventures.
- Major players like PremjiInvest, Paipal Ventures, Pratithi Investment, and Sharrp Ventures also play significant roles in shaping the startup landscape.
- The article presents a comprehensive overview of 200+ family offices investing in startups and their impact on the evolving Indian startup ecosystem.
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