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Inc42

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Groww Closes $200 Mn Funding Round Ahead Of IPO

Wealthtech startup Groww has closed a Series F funding round of $202.3 Mn from GIC and ICONIQ Capital at a $7 Bn valuation.
The Bengaluru-based unicorn has seen a 250% valuation jump.
The funding round comes after reports of the startup planning to raise funds before its public listing.
The startup approved the allotment of Series F CCPS to GIC and ICONIQ Capital.
Groww has diluted 2.86% equity shares on conversion of the preference shares.
The new funds are for the growth of its business and subsidiaries.
Founded in 2017, Groww is an online discount broking platform.
Despite reporting a net loss of INR 805 Cr in FY24, Groww's total revenue surged by 119%.
Groww filed its DRHP with SEBI last month for an IPO.
The startup aims to raise $700 Mn to $1 Bn and seeks a valuation of $8 Bn to $7 Bn.
Groww's IPO is expected to have a larger OFS component and a small fresh issues portion.
Recently, Groww completed the acquisition of Fisdom and launched a new fund offer.
The startup settled cases with SEBI for misconduct and technical glitches.
Groww's IPO journey and recent developments mark significant milestones.
The funding round positions Groww for its impending IPO.
The startup has seen both challenges and achievements leading up to its IPO.
The funding and developments indicate a dynamic phase for Groww in the wealthtech sector.

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ISN

341

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Easy ways to finance your superbike purchase

Various financing options are available to help students and enthusiasts purchase a superbike, including two-wheeler loans, personal loans, and specialised bike loans for students.
Banks and financial institutions offer up to 100% financing with attractive rates, allowing for easy comparison of multiple loan offers based on factors like tenure and eligibility.
Dealer financing, two-wheeler loans, specialised superbike loans, bike loans for students, personal loans, and credit cards/EMI cards are among the financing options available.
Benefits of two-wheeler loans include flexible repayment tenures, up to 100% financing, fast approval, attractive interest rates, and credit score improvement.
Eligibility criteria and required documents for two-wheeler loans include being an Indian citizen, specific age requirements, income proof, CIBIL score, and vehicle usage restrictions.
The application process for a two-wheeler loan involves contacting the lender, submitting necessary documents, and receiving the disbursed amount upon approval.
Consider factors like lender requirements, interest rates, loan amount, repayment terms, credit history, and discounts before applying for a two-wheeler loan.
Two-wheeler loans offer lower interest rates, structured repayments, and faster processing compared to personal loans, making them a preferred choice for purchasing a superbike.
Choosing the right lender and reviewing loan terms thoroughly are crucial for a smooth financing experience when buying a superbike.
Superbike loans from trusted lenders simplify the purchase process and enable enthusiasts to enjoy their dream bikes without financial strain.

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Inc42

102

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Foxconn Ships 97% Of iPhones From India To US: Report

Foxconn has shipped most iPhones manufactured in India to the United States, with 97% exported from March to May this year.
During this period, $3.2 billion worth of iPhones were exported from India, with 97% going to the US.
In May alone, Foxconn exported iPhones worth almost $1 billion to the US.
Foxconn's production units in India are set to double iPhone production to 25-30 million units this year.
The company acquired a 300-acre plot near Bengaluru airport with plans to assemble 20 million smartphones annually, becoming its largest unit in India.
Foxconn is also planning to establish a manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh for expansion.
Apple surpassed INR 1 lakh crore mark in iPhone exports from India in 2024, indicating a 42% increase from the previous year.
India witnessed a surge in electronics exports, with iPhones playing a significant role in this growth.
Domestic production in India rose by nearly 46% year-on-year to reach $17.5 billion.
Despite concerns, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that India will remain a key manufacturing hub for the company.
Apple plans to shift assembly units for iPhones sold in the US from China to India due to the trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

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Inc42

966

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Ola Extends Zero Commission Model To Cab Drivers: Report

Ola has introduced a zero commission model for its cab drivers, similar to its auto drivers.
Rivals Rapido and Namma Yatri had introduced SaaS-based models for cab drivers last year.
Drivers can now retain 100% of their earnings by paying a fixed subscription fee to Ola.
Ola is reaching out for comments on this development.
The move aims to retain drivers amidst increasing competition in the ride-hailing sector.

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Startup Pedia

1.6k

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'A tiny startup in Bangalore...': TinyOwl's Shubham Bansal says they “joked” about acquiring Swiggy

Shubham Bansal, founder of TinyOwl, shared insights into early days of Swiggy and TinyOwl's growth after 2014.
TinyOwl had raised significant funding, expanded to 5 cities, had 1,000+ employees, and received 50,000+ orders daily.
Bansal mentioned Swiggy as a 'tiny startup in Bangalore' with minimal funding and business volume compared to TinyOwl.
He revealed that internally at TinyOwl, they joked about acquiring Swiggy due to their perceived superiority.
Bansal emphasized that execution is more critical than ideas for startups, urging action over just contemplating.
In 2016, TinyOwl faced challenges like high logistics costs, leading to shutdowns in multiple cities and mass layoffs.
One of TinyOwl's founders, Gaurav Chaudhary, was detained by laid-off employees over past-due checks in 2015.

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Dev

316

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The Best URL Shorteners in 2025: Features, Use Cases, and a Hidden Gem

The top 5 URL shorteners in 2025 are Bitly, TinyURL, Rebrandly, Short.io, and shorturl.bz.
Bitly is known for stability, trust, and integrations with analytics tools but custom branding requires paid plans.
TinyURL offers quick service without login requirements but lacks advanced analytics and custom domain support.
Rebrandly excels in branded links and API access but can become expensive for bulk usage.
Short.io provides device-based redirection and white-label domains but its UI may not be very intuitive for non-tech users.
shorturl.bz is highlighted as a hidden gem, offering powerful features for free including lightning-fast redirect speed, smart platform-specific redirection, real-time analytics, and custom alias support.
shorturl.bz is recommended for social media campaigns, affiliate cloaking, or as a lightweight, privacy-first URL shortener.
Users in 2025 are seeking more customization, speed, and control without high costs, leading to a shift towards platforms like shorturl.bz.
It is suggested not to stick with familiar URL shorteners like Bitly and TinyURL but to explore newer options for better results in link management.

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Economic Times

161

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Fidelity marks up IPO-bound Lenskart's valuation to $6.1 billion

Fidelity has marked up Lenskart's valuation to $6.1 billion, a 21% increase compared to the previous valuation of $5 billion.
Lenskart is considering a $1 billion IPO at a potential $10 billion valuation, according to reports.
Crossover funds like Fidelity review portfolio company valuations periodically based on various factors.
Lenskart converted into a public company and changed its name in preparation for a public listing.
The company closed a $200 million round last year at a $5 billion valuation with investments from Temasek and Fidelity.
Founders of Lenskart had invested $20 million in the company in 2024.
Lenskart had earlier raised $600 million with a valuation of $4.5 billion in a round in March 2023.
Lenskart won the Startup of the Year award at The Economic Times Startup Awards 2024.
In FY24, Lenskart's net loss reduced to Rs 10 crore, operating revenue rose 43%, and Ebitda more than doubled.
Financial statements for fiscal year 2025 are yet to be filed by Lenskart.

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Startup Pedia

233

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BigBasket to enter quick commerce with launch of 10-minute food delivery by FY26

BigBasket, backed by Tata Group, plans to venture into quick commerce with a 10-minute food delivery service across India by March 2026.
Co-founder Vipul Parekh stated the service aims to cater to existing food delivery platform users and attract new customers seeking fast access to snacks and meals.
BigBasket's strategy competes with Blinkit's Bistro, Swiggy's Snacc, and Zepto Café in the fast food and snacks market.
The company is expanding its dark store network from 700 to 1,200 locations by the end of fiscal year 2025, starting with a pilot run in Bengaluru.
By July 2025, BigBasket plans to operate the service from 40 dark stores, improving delivery speeds through a hyperlocal fulfillment model.
Customers can expect items from Tata's Qmin and Starbucks without involving any third-party restaurant partners.
Around 5-10% of BigBasket users currently combine food with grocery orders, a figure expected to rise with the new quick commerce service.
Despite rumors, BigBasket is not looking for external funding and aims for a public listing in 18 to 24 months.
Swiggy Instamart and Zepto are rapidly expanding dark store numbers amidst losses in the quick commerce sector.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is closely monitoring the quality and hygiene at dark stores operated by quick commerce companies.
Recent incidents involved violations at dark stores, leading to suspensions in Maharashtra.
India's quick commerce sector is valued at $7.1 billion and is the fastest-growing segment in the country's digital economy, as per a report by Indus Valley shared by Blume Ventures.

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ISN

188

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21BY72, Bharat's leading startup summit is back in Surat; Think School's Ganeshprasad, Vijay Kedia among speakers

21BY72, a startup summit in Surat, is set to take place on June 14 and 15, expecting over 20,000 attendees.
Organized by IVY Growth Associates, it has become a prominent fixture for startups and investors in Bharat.
Previous editions attracted over 24,000 participants, and this year will feature 85 startups, 20 pitches, and 500 investors.
Speakers include Ganeshprasad Sridharan, Vijay Kedia, Saina Nehwal, Neha Dhupia, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Harsh Sanghavi.
The summit will have four halls focusing on startups, capital, knowledge, and workshops on digital marketing and more.
Hall 3 will host startup pitches for VC firms, family offices, and angel networks like Eximius Ventures and SucSEED Ventures.
Workshops in Hall 4 will cover topics such as digital marketing, personal branding, and startup finance for founders.
Noteworthy creators like Dhairya Gangwani, Unnati Bagga, Deep Shah, and others will also participate in the event.
CIFDAQ is the presenting sponsor, with Sangini as a co-powering partner.
Tickets for the summit are available on the official website, featuring a full agenda and speaker lineup.

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Inc42

593

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RIL Eyes Slice Of OpenAI Pie, Why Mainstreet Hung Up Its Shoes & More

OpenAI is in talks with Reliance Industries, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and UAE-based MGX for the second tranche of its $40 billion fundraise, potentially valuing OpenAI at $300 billion post-money.
Reliance's stake in OpenAI could integrate advanced AI offerings into its network, and OpenAI could develop AI solutions tailored for Indian languages.
Mainstreet, despite raising $2 million, faced financial challenges due to excessive spending on salaries and marketing.
GIVA, a D2C jewellery startup, has garnered INR 500 crore in revenue by focusing on Gen Z and millennials.
SEBI's proposed CIV model aims to streamline co-investments under AIFs.
Meesho plans to file its IPO papers and relocate from the US to India soon.
Spinny raised $30 million from WestBridge in its latest funding round, closing the Series F at $170 million.
PhonePe and Google Pay dominated the UPI market in May, with PhonePe leading in transaction volume.
ArisInfra files for an IPO to raise about INR 500 crore, set to open for subscription on June 17.
Krutrim unveils Agentic AI, an AI multimodal assistant available in 11 languages.
Fitsol, an AI-powered carbon management platform, helps organisations measure, report, and reduce emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3.
Fitsol received $1 million in seed funding to support industries in their net-zero journey.
Fitsol aims to simplify carbon management for businesses amidst increasing focus on corporate sustainability.

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Inc42

236

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Can altM Engineer A Cleantech Revolution In The Industrial Value Chain?

India aims for net-zero emissions by 2070 with measures like prohibiting end-of-life vehicles in Delhi from 2025 and deploying pollution control methods.
Startups like altM focus on decarbonizing industries through cleantech solutions, developing bio-chemicals from agricultural and industrial waste.
altM's founders gained industry experience, identifying the potential in agricultural residue for sustainable materials.
The company's altMORPH platform converts biomass into bio-chemicals, offering scalable and sustainable solutions across industries.
altM aims for carbon-negative molecules with superior performance compared to traditional chemicals, focusing on cost and scalability.
The company's customer-first approach drives innovation, with products tailored for industries like beauty, textiles, and wood.
altM's pilot plant nears completion, with plans for early revenue generation and scaling up production capacity in the coming years.
Expansion into European markets is targeted due to better ecosystem support and awareness of biochemicals.
Challenges include scaling deeptech in India due to funding and regulatory hurdles, with altM positioned to lead in decarbonizing industries.

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Gritdaily

229

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Rooted Worth: Discovering Identity Beneath the Noise

The book 'The Invitation' by Jenita Matteson, Tamara Wooldridge, and Shelia Bodle explores the concept of identity and the value of self-discovery.
It suggests that the most valuable discovery is within oneself, buried beneath the distractions of daily life.
The authors focus on reclaiming a sense of belonging that may have been forgotten rather than seeking external validation.
The book addresses the societal pressures that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the protective behaviors individuals adopt.
Readers are encouraged to reflect on the origins of their beliefs and challenge the idea that worth is tied to productivity or appearance.
Identity is portrayed as something to be reclaimed, not earned, leading to a shift in perspective and a quieter confidence.
Practical tools provided in the book include daily check-ins, voice awareness, decluttering beliefs, and choosing presence.
As individuals stabilize their identity, they can embrace a quieter form of confidence and live a life led by peace, not performance.
The central message of the book is that worth was always present and transformation comes from remembering, not achieving external validation.
The Invitation emphasizes that nothing is broken, and there is always an opportunity for self-discovery and living authentically.
The focus is on shedding false narratives, finding inner value, and living from a place of authenticity without the need to prove oneself.

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Gritdaily

126

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The Rise of Micro-District Development in Secondary Cities with Tayler Scharg

A shift towards micro-district development is occurring in smaller American cities, focusing on cultural identity over raw square footage.
These compact neighborhoods are driven by intentional design, localized programming, and social narratives.
Cities like Austin, Nashville, and Fort Lauderdale are embracing this trend, with districts forming around renovated warehouses and social spaces.
Flagler Village in Fort Lauderdale exemplifies successful micro-district development, evolving into a prominent entertainment area.
Tayler Scharg, a key figure in Flagler Village's transformation, recognized the district’s potential over a decade ago.
Scharg's vision led to the establishment of the first fully liquor-licensed bar in the area, sparking further development.
Numerous alcohol-permitted establishments followed, solidifying Flagler Village as an emerging entertainment hub.
Through TS Hospitality, Scharg expanded his influence by opening multiple venues with unique atmospheres.
Scharg's approach focuses on creating immersive environments driven by narrative, aesthetics, and community relevance.
His properties serve as nightlife spots and social anchors, emphasizing interaction with art, music, and community.
Flagler Village showcases the success of independent hospitality combined with site-specific real estate planning in Fort Lauderdale's evolution.
The rise of micro-district development represents a significant shift in urban development trends in secondary cities.
These developments prioritize community engagement, cultural significance, and intentional design over traditional development paradigms.
Tayler Scharg's efforts in Flagler Village highlight the impact of local operators in shaping vibrant neighborhood ecosystems.
The case of Flagler Village serves as a testament to the success of micro-districts in fostering unique cultural hubs within urban landscapes.

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Siliconangle

189

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Sam Altman-backed network infrastructure startup Meter raises $170M

Meter Inc., a network infrastructure startup, raised $170 million in funding led by General Catalyst.
Investors in this round include Baillie Gifford, J.P. Morgan, Microsoft Corp., and Sequoia Capital.
The company automates the process of connecting new offices to corporate networks using its networking devices.
Meter offers switches, wireless access points, PDUs, and cybersecurity appliances.
The startup supplies, installs, and manages networking equipment for its customers.
It provides a software platform for automated issue resolution and troubleshooting.
Meter is developing an AI model to automate more tasks and has high-profile customers like Lyft and Reddit.
The company plans to focus on data center adoption and international expansion with the new funding.
Meter aims to grow its hardware presence in the market.
The investment will also support the development of its AI troubleshooting capabilities.
Meter's model uses billions of parameters and data collected from its network infrastructure.
Microsoft, one of the investors, is supplying tens of thousands of graphics cards for training the AI model.
The company intends to enhance its observability tools and network security features.
Meter's technology helps prevent malware spread in corporate networks.
The company's platform can switch between internet providers in case of technical issues.

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Dev

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🚀 How We Built Blazephone: An AI-Powered Cloud Phone System for Modern Teams

Rome, founder of Blazephone, shares insights on building their AI-powered business phone system.
Blazephone addresses issues with traditional phone systems by offering easy setup, AI enhancements, CRM integration, and transparent pricing.
The technology stack behind Blazephone includes Node.js, Firebase, React, Tailwind, Supabase, OpenAI, Twilio, MessageBird, Intercom, and Postmark.
AI features of Blazephone include call routing based on intent, conversation summarization, sentiment analysis, and performance insights.
Development notes highlight the importance of WebRTC failover, real-time quality-based carrier switching, Firebase queues, Supabase combination, and curated input for AI models.
Blazephone is live and growing, catering to support tools, startups, and dissatisfied users of traditional phone systems.
Interested individuals can visit https://blazephone.com for more information, feedback, testing, and collaboration opportunities.
The platform aims to facilitate smarter communication.
AI auto-routes calls based on intent and availability, summarizes conversations, detects sentiment, and offers agent performance insights.
The stack includes technologies like Node.js, Firebase, React, Tailwind, Supabase, OpenAI, Twilio, MessageBird, Intercom, and Postmark.
Blazephone focuses on ease of use, AI integration, CRM compatibility, and transparent pricing.
They emphasize the importance of failover in live calls, carrier switching for quality, Firebase queues, Supabase for communications, and curated input for AI models.
Blazephone encourages collaboration and feedback as they aim to enhance communication tools.
The platform offers features like auto-call routing, conversation summaries, sentiment analysis, and agent performance insights.
Individuals interested in modern, AI-powered phone systems can explore Blazephone for a smarter communication experience.
AI plays a key role in Blazephone's features, including call routing, conversation tagging, sentiment detection, and agent insights.

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