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Futurefundraisingnow
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How to make your fundraising unrestricted
- Fundraisers often feel pressured to raise unrestricted funds for various organizational needs like staff salaries and overhead costs.
- Effective fundraising is usually specific and cause-focused, aligning with donors' interests and desires for impact.
- Balancing between raising specific funds and unrestricted funds is achievable with the right approach.
- Three steps can help "unrestrict" a specific fundraising offer:
- Step 1: Clearly outline how the donor's gift contributes to a broader impact beyond the primary focus.
- Step 2: Include language in the call to action that supports multiple activities, not just the primary focus.
- Step 3: Establish and communicate a clear policy on how funds will be allocated to ensure transparency and trust.
- Implementing these steps aligns with standard accounting practices for raising unrestricted funds while highlighting specific activities.
- The approach outlined in the article uses an example from the ACLU's fundraising efforts against the Trump Administration.
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Startup Pedia
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Tata Electronics sends hundreds of employees to Taiwan for chipmaking training
- Tata Electronics has sent hundreds of employees to Taiwan for specialized training in chip making.
- The company is accelerating its plans for semiconductor fabrication (fab) and outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) facilities.
- Employees are being sent to Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) in Taiwan for critical skills training for the upcoming fab in Dholera, Gujarat.
- Tata Electronics is dispatching employees in batches for training in different functions such as equipment, yield engineering, process technology, and quality engineering.
- The company is hiring fresh graduates and experienced professionals for the training.
- Around 50 to 75 people are being sent per batch for training in a phased and structured manner.
- The Dholera fab in Gujarat is expected to create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- The project is set to produce its first chip by December 2026 with the Assam OSAT facility's first phase starting by mid-2025.
- GlobalFoundries’ Asia president has been appointed as the president and head of Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.
- There are talks of Tata Electronics acquiring a Malaysian chip plant for practical experience in running such facilities.
- An agreement with PSMC includes design and construction support for building India’s first AI-enabled greenfield fab in Gujarat.
- The fab will have a manufacturing capacity of up to 50,000 wafers per month with advanced automation and efficiency technologies.
- Tata Electronics is focused on developing a skilled workforce for its semiconductor operations.
- The company is strategically positioning itself to be a significant player in India's semiconductor industry.
- The extensive training program in Taiwan highlights Tata Electronics' commitment to establishing a strong foothold in chip manufacturing.
- The company's aggressive efforts indicate its ambition to contribute significantly to the growth of India's semiconductor sector.
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Inc42
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WestBridge Joins Spinny’s Captable With $30 Mn Funding
- Spinny, a used-car marketplace unicorn, raises $30 Mn from WestBridge Capital in Series F funding round, totaling $170 Mn.
- The fundraise includes a mix of primary and secondary deals.
- Earlier in April, Spinny raised $131 Mn led by Accel Leaders Fund and Fundamentum.
- Spinny's post-money valuation was around $1.7 - 1.8 Bn.
- The latest valuation remains flat compared to its previous $1.8 Bn valuation in December 2021.
- Funds from the recent round will be used to expand Spinny's non-banking financial arm.
- Spinny was founded in 2015 and operates in 22 Indian cities with over 36 car hubs.
- The startup has raised over $664.20 Mn till date, with investors like Tiger Global and Accel Partners.
- Spinny's competitors include Cars24, CarTrade, and Droom in the used-car marketplace.
- Spinny reduced net losses by 28% to INR 590 Cr in FY24, with a revenue increase to INR 3,725 Cr.
- Cars24 acquired automotive forum Team-BHP, while Droom plans an IPO targeting a valuation of $1.2 - 1.5 Bn.
- CarTrade's PAT rose by 85% to INR 46.1 Cr in Q4 FY25.
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SiliconCanals
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Pay up, Pieter Vos (Rodeo): tricked investor PSG Equity awarded nearly €63M in damages
- The Civil Court of Amsterdam has ruled in favor of PSG Equity in a case against Pieter Vos, the CEO of Rodeo Software.
- Vos allegedly disappeared with millions of investment money, leading to an investigation by shareholders.
- PSG Equity was awarded damages amounting to nearly €63M, to be paid by Vos.
- Rodeo falsely claimed a large deal with Alphabet, deceiving investors into thinking the company was more successful than it was.
- The actual revenue of Rodeo was significantly lower than reported, leading to bankruptcy and sale of the company.
- No Such Friends, an investment arm tied to No Such Ventures, and a foundation under Vos's control also have to pay damages.
- The whereabouts of the missing millions remain unknown, and a criminal fraud case against Vos is pending.
- Vos did not attend court proceedings on Wednesday.
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Inc42
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ArisInfra Files Papers for INR 500 Cr IPO; Issue To Open On June 17
- ArisInfra, a B2B ecommerce company, files red herring prospectus to raise INR 500 Cr from its IPO.
- IPO to consist of a fresh issue component raising INR 499.6 Cr; reduced from original target of INR 600 Cr.
- Company raised INR 80 Cr in pre-IPO placement round; issued over 36 Lakh equity shares.
- IPO subscription to open on June 17 and close on June 20; shares to debut on BSE and NSE.
- Funds raised from IPO to be used for debt repayment, working capital, subsidiary investment, and corporate purposes.
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Inc42
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ArisInfra Files Papers for INR 500 Cr IPO; Issue To Open On June 18
- ArisInfra has filed its red herring prospectus (RHP) to raise about INR 500 Cr from the public markets after receiving SEBI’s approval.
- The IPO will have a fresh issue component, aiming to raise INR 499.6 Cr.
- The company had initially intended to raise INR 600 Cr via the IPO but later reduced the size to INR 579.6 Cr.
- ArisInfra raised INR 80 Cr in a pre-IPO placement round earlier this year by issuing over 36 Lakh equity shares.
- The IPO subscription will open on June 17 and close on June 20, with the shares debuting on the BSE and NSE.
- The IPO proceeds will be utilized for debt repayment, working capital needs, subsidiary investment, and general corporate purposes.
- ArisInfra supplies construction materials to real estate and infrastructure developers and counts prominent clients like The Wadhwa Group and ACC.
- Founder Siddharth Shah's family trust is the largest shareholder in ArisInfra.
- The company is led by ex-Wadhwa Group COO Srinivasan Gopalan as CEO.
- ArisInfra turned profitable in the nine months of FY25 with a profit of INR 6.5 Cr, compared to a loss in FY24.
- The operating revenue for the period was INR 557.8 Cr.
- PharmEasy founder Siddharth Shah is involved in promoting ArisInfra.
- The founders of ArisInfra oversee the tech, business strategy, and day-to-day operations of the company.
- The company's total debt at the end of FY25 was INR 336.6 Cr, with plans to repay INR 204.6 Cr using the IPO proceeds.
- INR 177 Cr is allocated to meet the working capital needs of ArisInfra.
- ArisInfra also plans to invest INR 47.8 Cr in its subsidiary Buildmex-Infra Pvt Ltd.
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Siliconangle
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Landbase raises $30M to expand AI platform for go-to-market automation
- Agentic AI startup Landbase Inc. secures $30 million in new funding to enhance its GTM-1 Omni AI model and expand VibeGTM platform for go-to-market automation.
- Landbase, founded in 2024, offers an AI platform automating business-to-business go-to-market workflows.
- GTM-1 Omni model by Landbase is the world's first domain-specific AI model for go-to-market pipelines, trained on billions of data points.
- The platform autonomously identifies targets, crafts personalized content, manages campaigns, and optimizes performance.
- VibeGTM by Landbase offers a chat-driven interface for defining goals and deploying campaigns without coding.
- Landbase introduces a free entry-level experience alongside the funding round to make AI-driven sales execution accessible.
- Series A funding round led by Sound Ventures and Picus Capital, with participation from Firstminute Capital LLP, 8VC, and A* Capital.
- Notably, Sound Ventures, a co-leader in the round, was co-founded by Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher.
- Co-founder and CEO Daniel Saks aims to simplify go-to-market with Landbase, investing in product innovation and accessibility.
- The funding will help teams in various sectors reclaim time and grow smarter using AI.
- Landbase aims to empower businesses, from commercial realtors to consulting firms, with streamlined go-to-market processes.
- Landbase's approach reduces time and costs for users through AI automation and campaign optimization.
- Landbase's platform handles lead research, multi-channel outreach, and ongoing campaign optimization.
- The new funding will fuel product innovation and broaden access to Landbase's AI-driven go-to-market solutions.
- Landbase seeks to revolutionize the way businesses approach sales execution through AI technology.
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TechCrunch
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How Warp is introducing robots to automate its network of warehouses
- Warp, a company founded in 2021 to optimize shipping supply chains, is now introducing robots to automate its network of warehouses.
- The CEO of Warp, Daniel Sokolovsky, mentioned that the company aims to enhance shipping efficiency for customers like Walmart, Gopuff, and HelloFresh by leveraging AI and automation.
- Warp concentrates on automating warehouse workflows since it cannot automate long-haul trucking or short-range delivery routes.
- The company started experimenting with cameras and computer vision in its Los Angeles warehouse to create a virtual environment for testing automation solutions.
- After failed attempts with humanoid robots using traditional pallet jacks, Warp found success with off-the-shelf robots integrated with additional technology.
- Warp's approach involves breaking down complex logistics problems into manageable components, utilizing AI and robotics to optimize freight handling processes.
- The implementation of robots in warehouses aims to enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and provide operational advantages to Warp's warehouse partners.
- Warp secured a $10 million Series A funding round, co-led by Up.Partners and Blue Bear Capital, to support its robot automation initiative.
- The company plans to deploy different robot versions in its core networks this year, starting with locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas, and Miami.
- Warp considers its robot technology a competitive edge for itself and its warehouse partners, focusing on benefiting their networks rather than selling the tech externally.
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TechCrunch
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Legal tech platform Definely raises $30M Series B to make contract reviewing more efficient
- Nnamdi Emelifeonwu and Feargus MacDaeid, colleagues at Freshfields, launched Definely in 2017 to help lawyers navigate complex contracts efficiently.
- Definely, an AI legal tech startup, raised $30 million in a Series B funding round from European and North American investors.
- The platform offers a productivity suite with features like Draft, Vault, Proof, and PDF to streamline legal drafting and review processes.
- Enhance, an agentic AI system recently launched by Definely, collaborates with Microsoft Word to streamline tasks for legal professionals.
- The Series B fundraising process for Definely was described as arduous but rewarding by Emelifeonwu.
- The funding will support Definely's expansion into the U.S., investing in AI technology, hiring more employees, and further growth.
- Other companies in the legal contract space include Luminance, Robin AI, and ContractPodAi.
- Emelifeonwu, a Nigerian immigrant in the U.K., transitioned from being a lawyer to an entrepreneur after experiencing challenges firsthand.
- He aims to inspire others, especially Black founders, by showing that it's possible to raise capital and create a lasting impact.
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TechCrunch
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Automattic acquires relationship manager Clay to add an identity layer to online tools
- Automattic has acquired relationship-management app Clay to add an identity layer to its online tools.
- Clay had raised over $9 million in venture capital from investors like General Catalyst and Forerunner Ventures.
- The tool will be integrated with other Automattic products such as Beeper.
- Clay's software acts as a smarter address book and personal CRM, integrating data from various services like LinkedIn, Facebook, WhatsApp, and more.
- Users can keep track of job changes, updates, social posts, and other information about contacts on Clay.
- Clay's AI helper, Nexus, assists users in managing their network and daily workflows.
- The acquisition of Clay by Automattic includes the team, led by co-founders Zachary Hamed and Matthew Achariam.
- Clay's mission aligns with Automattic's goal of relationship improvement and conscientiousness.
- Automattic sees Clay's integration potential into its ecosystem and the shared mission with the founders.
- Clay envisions becoming an identity layer for various tools within Automattic's ecosystem.
- The long-term plan involves integrating Clay with Beeper and expanding its offerings.
- Clay's current pricing is freemium, with paid plans starting at $10 per month or $40 per seat per month for teams.
- Clay's founders believe in shared values with Automattic, particularly the importance of open-source technologies.
- Clay is interested in integrating with open technologies like ActivityPub and AT Protocol.
- The app is available on macOS, Windows, iOS, and the web, managing over 150 million relationships.
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SiliconCanals
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Europe slips, AI surges: Key takeaways from the GSER 2025 report
- Startup Genome and Global Entrepreneurship Network released the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) at VivaTech in Paris.
- The report ranks top startup ecosystems globally based on data from 5 million companies across 350+ ecosystems.
- Partners for the report include Global Entrepreneurship Network, Dealroom, Crunchbase, and others.
- The report aims to offer guidance for policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and founders to boost startup communities.
- Global startup ecosystem value decreased by 31%, linked to a downturn in major exits and IPOs.
- Top global startup ecosystems include Silicon Valley, New York City, London, Tel Aviv, and others.
- AI and Big Data saw significant growth, with a 33% increase in VC funding and accounting for 40% of global VC investment.
- European cities like London and Paris maintained strong positions despite a 31% global decline in ecosystem value.
- London slips to #3 globally, while Paris rises to #12 with increased early-stage deals and unicorns.
- Madrid debuts in the Top 40, boosted by strong exits like Movistar Riders' $6.3B valuation in gaming and esports.
- Europe experienced a 24% decline in startup ecosystem value, with Paris and Madrid showing resilience.
- Startup Genome introduced the 'AI Factor' to measure ecosystems' transition to AI-native models, with Paris leading in AI-native startups.
- JF Gauthier of Startup Genome emphasizes the importance of AI-native startup strategies for cities to stay competitive.
- The top ten ecosystems in Europe include London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Stockholm, and others.
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Inc42
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Meesho Likely To Complete Reverse Flipping Process In Few Days: Report
- Meesho, an ecommerce major, is set to file its IPO papers soon via the confidential route and is expected to complete its redomiciling process from the US to India in a few days.
- According to reports, Meesho's flip back process is nearing completion, with plans to file IPO papers as early as next week or later this month, aiming to raise $700 Mn to $800 Mn.
- The startup has engaged Citigroup, Kotak Mahindra Capital, and Morgan Stanley as investment bankers for its public offering.
- Meesho's board recently approved the conversion into a public entity to align with regulatory expectations and issued bonus shares to equity shareholders.
- Last year, Meesho-backer Prosus envisioned a public listing within 18 months for the startup.
- In FY24, Meesho reduced its losses by 82% to INR 304.9 Cr and saw a 33% increase in operating revenue to INR 7,614.9 Cr.
- Razorpay recently completed a similar reverse flip process to merge its US-based entity with the Indian subsidiary.
- Several startups, including Flipkart, Zepto, Pine Labs, Mensa Brands, Udaan, and Eruditus, have been considering shifting their domicile to India amid the IPO wave.
- This news marks Meesho's progress towards its IPO amidst the growing trend of startups redomiciling to India.
- Meesho's efforts to complete the reverse flipping process and file for IPO showcase its strategic financial planning and market readiness.
- The financial performance improvements shown by Meesho in FY24 demonstrate positive growth trajectory ahead of its anticipated IPO.
- The engagement of top investment bankers signals strong market interest in Meesho's upcoming public offering.
- The completion of Meesho's redomiciling process signifies its commitment to aligning with Indian regulatory standards prior to going public.
- Meesho's strategies reflect a proactive approach in navigating the complexities of cross-border business operations and capital market access.
- The startup's move to set up for IPO filing indicates a pivotal moment in its journey towards expanding its market presence and raising necessary capital.
- Overall, Meesho's preparations for its IPO and financial performance improvements position it favorably in the competitive landscape of new-age startups.
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TechCrunch
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How AI sales startup Landbase nabbed Ashton Kutcher’s Sound Ventures to lead its $30M Series A
- Daniel Saks, co-CEO of AppDirect, founded Landbase, an AI sales startup focusing on 'vibe GTM.'
- Landbase secured a $30 million Series A led by Sound Ventures and Picus Capital.
- Their product uses OpenAI's GPT-4o model with data from 40 million marketing campaigns to automate outreach.
- Research showed that lack of 'trust' in the sender caused over half of marketing campaign failures.
- Landbase emphasizes building 'digital trust' through targeted strategies and automation tools.
- The startup went from 10 to over 100 paid customers with its approach.
- Landbase attracted interest from 130 VCs after the Series A funding.
- The company differentiates by not aiming to replace humans with AI, targeting general SMB businesses.
- Landbase operates on a freemium model, offering a permanent free tier and subscription-based campaign automation.
- Despite raising $42.5 million, Landbase faces competition from well-funded players like Regie.ai, AiSDR, Artisan, and more.
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ISN
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FarMart partners with Aerem to integrate clean energy into India’s agri-food supply chain
- FarMart partners with Aerem to integrate clean energy into India’s agri-food supply chain.
- The partnership aims to address the challenge of ensuring access to reliable, cost-efficient energy for food processing in India.
- Aerem's clean energy solutions will be integrated into FarMart's network of food processors and aggregators to reduce energy costs, improve uptime, and enable sustainable scaling.
- FarMart operates a tech-enabled food supply platform connecting millions of farmers, processors, and food businesses across India, the Middle East, and Africa to digitize the sourcing, aggregation, and distribution of agricultural produce.
- Aerem offers a rooftop solar ecosystem for MSMEs, making solar adoption seamless, affordable, and scalable through its digital platform and marketplace.
- Anand Jain, Founder & CEO of Aerem, highlights the goal of making clean energy accessible and helping processors cut costs and build resilient businesses.
- Alekh Sanghera, Co-founder & CEO of FarMart, emphasizes the importance of reliable energy as foundational infrastructure for the food economy.
- The partnership reflects a collaboration between two Avaana portfolio companies—FarMart and Aerem—to bring transformative value at the intersection of energy and food systems.
- Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner at Avaana Capital, praises the partnership for advancing clean energy adoption in the agri value chain, strengthening resilience, unlocking productivity, and creating systems-level change.
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Eu-Startups
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German CleanTech startup Voltfang secures €15 million and launches Europe’s “largest second-life battery factory”
- German CleanTech startup Voltfang secures €15 million in Series B financing round led by Dutch DeepTech investor FORWARD.One.
- Voltfang, founded in 2020, specializes in high-performance European battery storage solutions for industrial, commercial, and grid-scale applications.
- The company uses requalified EV batteries from the European automotive industry to build its energy storage systems.
- Customers of Voltfang include Aldi Nord, Alba Group, Fiege Logistik, and Goldbeck.
- Voltfang is expanding its production capacity by opening the “Voltfang Future Fab” in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, to scale up to 1 GWh of energy storage solutions.
- The company aims to replace the Weisweiler coal-fired power plant by 2030 by rolling out sustainable battery storage solutions.
- By the end of 2026, Voltfang plans to deliver an additional 250 megawatt-hours of sustainable battery storage across Europe.
- The company is developing Venma, an intelligent energy management system with AI capabilities for businesses to optimize self-consumption and reduce electricity costs.
- Voltfang aims to reduce reliance on battery storage from China and other Asian countries by utilizing European second-life and surplus batteries.
- Germany's energy storage market is growing, with projections indicating the need for around 100 GWh of electrical storage capacity by 2030 and 180 GWh by 2045.
- The company's proximity to innovative local companies in Aachen such as Cylib and Black Semiconductor supports the development of the area as a technology hub in battery technology.
- The financing round and expansion plans showcase market confidence in Voltfang's technological relevance and growth potential.
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