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SiliconCanals
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Sweden’s Norrsken commits €300M to support European startups using AI for global good
- Norrsken Foundation commits €300M to invest in European startups using AI for good.
- Funding drawn from Norrsken VC, Accelerator, and Launcher for companies addressing global challenges with AI.
- Focus areas include climate, health, food systems, education, and societal infrastructure.
- In 2024, AI startups raised over $110B, a significant portion of global VC funding.
- Norrsken believes AI can transform systems and create real impact by addressing critical issues.
- Norrsken Partners emphasize using AI to solve urgent challenges, not just for productivity gains.
- Criteria for investments align with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure impact and sustainability.
- Norrsken Foundation, founded in 2016, aims to solve pressing global challenges and support startups.
- Global impact ecosystem provides founders with knowledge, capital, and networks to address world issues.
- Norrsken House in Sweden and Kigali support startups, with Norrsken VC investing in impactful startups.
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SiliconCanals
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Netherlands-based AIKON Health secures €1.2M to advance remote heart failure monitoring technology
- Netherlands-based AIKON Health secures €1.2M in seed funding led by TTT Medtech fund for remote heart failure monitoring technology.
- Funding round includes participation from BOM, BSF, RIL, and TNO Ventures.
- AIKON Health's wearable for heart failure monitoring receives support for its clinical relevance from investors.
- The company aims to shift heart failure care from hospital to home with its wearable device.
- Heart failure affects over 15 million Europeans with monitoring challenges, leading to avoidable costs.
- AIKON's technology allows continuous monitoring of patients' health indicators from home to enable remote clinical decision-making.
- The wearable device uses TNO's expertise in printed and flexible electronics for remote patient monitoring.
- AIKON Health focuses on achieving FDA approval for its technology to enter European and American healthcare markets.
- Funds will support product development and clinical validation towards FDA approval.
- The company targets reducing heart failure patients' hospital readmissions by 25% through its modular wearable solution.
- AIKON Health is part of TNO Ventures' efforts to commercialize breakthrough technologies and strengthen the Dutch innovation ecosystem.
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Inc42
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Former ideaForge Executive’s Armory Bags Funding To Build Defence Tech Systems
- Former ideaForge executive Amardeep Singh's defense tech startup Armory has secured INR 13 Cr funding in a round led by growX ventures.
- The funding round also included participation from Industrial 47, Antler, AC Ventures, and Dexter Ventures.
- Armory plans to utilize the funds for R&D and expanding its manufacturing capacity.
- The startup focuses on developing indigenous Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) for detecting and destroying rogue drones.
- Armory's flagship system SURGE has completed trials with multiple army regiments and the startup has also developed an AI-based defense operating system called Samaritan OS.
- The investment in Armory comes amid growing interest in defense tech startups due to recent geopolitical situations and operations like Operation Sindoor.
- India's defense tech sector is booming, offering opportunities for investors as deeptech startups raised $2 Bn between 2014 and 2024.
- The Make-in-India initiative has spurred the growth of over 1,000 defense tech startups, reducing defense equipment imports and boosting indigenous product usage.
- India's defense production reached a record INR 1.27 Lakh Cr in FY24, with exports hitting an all-time high of INR 23,622 Cr in FY25.
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Startup Pedia
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Google launches AI Mode in India for users to ask multi-layered questions at once
- Google has launched AI Mode in India as part of a Labs experiment in English.
- AI Mode allows users to ask multi-layered questions and receive detailed responses with links for further exploration.
- The feature uses a custom version of Gemini 2.5 and Google's proprietary query fan-out technique.
- Users can ask nuanced or layered questions at once instead of searching multiple terms separately.
- AI Mode supports text, voice, or image-based queries and provides structured answers.
- It enables smarter follow-up questions for deeper conversations.
- Users can utilize Google Lens for image inquiries about objects, plants, products, or documents.
- The steps to enable and use AI Mode include opening the Google app, tapping on the Labs icon, and enabling AI Mode.
- Once enabled, users can input queries through text, voice, or images and review AI-powered overviews and links.
- AI Mode is currently available in English as an experiment to refine the user experience based on feedback.
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Inc42
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Trading Platform Sahi Bags $10.5 Mn From Accel, Elevation
- Trading platform Sahi raised $10.5 Mn in Series A funding round led by Accel and Elevation Capital.
- The funding will be used to enhance product automation, scale up market size, and expand the workforce.
- Sahi aims to redefine the trading customer experience by offering faster, efficient trading workflows.
- The startup was founded in 2024 by Dale Vaz and Manish Jain, providing professional-grade trading tools and AI-driven insights.
- Sahi's platform features a proprietary chart engine, one-click trading experience, and real-time data.
- The platform claims to charge 50% lower brokerage fees compared to major competitors.
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Inc42
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Amicus Capital Marks Close Of Second Fund At $214 Mn
- Amicus Capital Partners has closed its second fund at $214 Mn, surpassing its initial target of $200 Mn.
- The fund, Amicus Capital Partners India Fund II, was launched in March 2023 to support small and medium-sized private companies.
- This fundraise success is attributed to the trust investors have in Amicus, according to cofounder Mahesh Parasuraman.
- Amicus Capital has invested in 14 companies, including Aequs, mCaffeine, MoEngage, and Wonderchef, with assets under management of $302 Mn.
- National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIF) has contributed INR 207 Cr to Fund II.
- The Indian tech startup funding landscape has seen 23 funds launched in Q1 2025 worth over $3.2 Bn.
- Other recent fundings include Multiples' $430 Mn fund, Physis Capital's INR 200 Cr fund, and Campus Fund's $100 Mn fund for student-led startups.
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Hitconsultant
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NPHub Secures $20M to Tackle Nurse Practitioner Shortage and Modernize Clinical Placement
- NPHub, a digital platform connecting nurse practitioner students with clinical rotations, has secured a $20M investment from Edison Partners.
- The funding aims to streamline the process of clinical placement for the growing population of nurse practitioners in response to the projected physician shortage in the U.S.
- NPHub's technology platform matches NP students with preceptors for clinical rotations, improving efficiency and increasing student growth by over 100% in the past year.
- The company is expanding services with NPHire, focusing on connecting NP graduates with job opportunities, positioning NPHub as a comprehensive career resource for nurse practitioners.
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Economic Times
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New Zealand's Xero to buy US fintech Melio for $2.5 billion
- New Zealand's Xero has agreed to acquire US fintech Melio for $2.5 billion, marking one of the country's biggest outbound deals.
- The acquisition fills a gap in Xero's offerings by integrating payment solutions into its accounting software, boosting growth in the U.S. market.
- Xero anticipates doubling its 2025 financial sales by 2028 through this strategic buyout.
- The deal aims to combine Xero's accounting capabilities with Melio's accounts payable and receivable solutions for enhanced services in the U.S.
- Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy highlighted the potential to assist millions of U.S. small-to-medium businesses in managing cash flow and accounting on a unified platform.
- Shares of Xero were temporarily suspended as the company sought A$1.85 billion from institutional investors to fund the acquisition.
- Analysts offered a cautious endorsement of the deal, acknowledging the benefits of expanding U.S. exposure with a leading payments player but also highlighting the complexities and future challenges.
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Inc42
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Behind The Collapse Of Builder.ai, Cost Of 12-Hour Workday & More
- Builder.ai, once backed by giants like Microsoft and QIA, is now grappling with insolvency amid allegations of tech faking and fund round-tripping.
- With weak internal controls and tech lapses, the company faced a creditor's accusations of breaching loan covenants, resulting in layoffs and a mere $5 Mn in funds.
- Builder.ai's downfall began with an AI illusion upheld by non-payroll engineers, leading to client exodus due to subpar software and late deliveries.
- Revenue inflation and mismanagement are evident with adjusted revenue figures being drastically reduced for FY23 and FY24.
- Accusations of faked billing to companies like Josh and DailyHunt parent VerSe Innovations have put Builder.ai under US regulators' scrutiny.
- The article also covers BluSmart's app shutdown, Karnataka's proposal of 12-hour workdays, Meesho's board reorganization, funding rounds for GoKwik and Fabheads, and Darwinbox's ESOP buyback.
- India's progress in AI with over 17,300 GPUs installed is highlighted, along with industry updates like Mirae Ventures' CEO reshuffle.
- The article also features a startup spotlight on ParvAI Labs, focusing on vision intelligence technology for industries like aviation, defence, and logistics.
- ParvAI leverages AI for eye-tracking tech to monitor fatigue, attention, and engagement in humans, aiming to enhance safety and decision-making in critical sectors.
- Usage examples of ParvAI's solutions include DRDO, Pfizer, BARC, FedEx, and ISRO, with plans to tap into India's growing AI market.
- The article delves into the potential of ParvAI's tech stack in reducing errors and optimizing workflows across various industries.
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Medium
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Inside the EdTech Landscape: Where Real Growth Will Happen Next
- The EdTech market is extensive and diverse, not a unified sector.
- EdTech is classified into four primary arenas: Credential Platforms, Skill Marketplaces, Enterprise Workforce Platforms, and Passion Economy / Mastery.
- Successful EdTech platforms focus on dominating one quadrant before expanding.
- Leaders in EdTech follow an adjacent expansion model to grow sustainably.
- EdTech businesses build defensibility differently in terms of partnerships, content, integration, and brand loyalty.
- Investors prioritize different key metrics based on the quadrant’s economic engine.
- Each EdTech model carries specific risks that need to be addressed early.
- Pricing models in EdTech vary based on the quadrant and target audience.
- The market size for various EdTech segments is projected to grow significantly by 2025.
- Exit scenarios in EdTech typically involve strategic M&A, private equity rollups, or IPOs.
- EdTech founders are advised to follow a checklist emphasizing quadrant understanding, building strong moats, logical expansion, pricing strategies, and credible exit plans.
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Inc42
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The Missing AI In Builder.ai: How Microsoft Backed Unicorn Blew $450 Mn
- Builder.ai, formerly Engineer.ai, has faced insolvency proceedings amid allegations of faking AI tech and revenue inflation.
- Accusations include using human workers instead of AI in their platform and inflating revenue to attract investors.
- The company's relationship with DailyHunt owner VerSe Innovations has been scrutinized, leading to corporate governance issues.
- Builder.ai's downfall was attributed to weak internal controls despite raising significant funds from investors like Microsoft.
- The company misreported revenue and faced debt issues, with lenders seizing funds and causing mass layoffs.
- Builder.ai's use of AI has been questioned, with claims that it heavily relied on human workers and misrepresented its technology capabilities.
- Allegations of revenue inflation, roundtripping funds, and billing practices have surfaced, impacting the company's credibility.
- Facing bankruptcy, liquidators may auction assets to settle debts owed to vendors, lenders, and investors, including Microsoft and Jungle Ventures.
- Employee layoffs, an ongoing ED probe against the former CEO, and impending dissolution signal a grim future for Builder.ai.
- The company's collapse serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of the AI hype and its repercussions on the India AI ecosystem.
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Economic Times
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Pop-ups, ads, banners and games: How quick commerce app designs have changed
- Quick commerce app designs are resembling TV news channels with ads, pop-ups, and banners, causing consumer dissatisfaction.
- 62% of survey respondents noticed an increase in visual elements on quick commerce apps.
- Users find the cluttered app screens challenging for navigation and prefer simpler interfaces.
- Market leader Blinkit's interface is perceived as less cluttered by users.
- Apps like Zepto and Instamart have been criticized for increased pop-up ads and graphics.
- The inclusion of more graphics, games, and sponsored content aims to retain consumers and drive profitability for quick commerce apps.
- Increased discounts, sponsored posts, and advertising revenues are key strategies for quick commerce platforms.
- Quick commerce apps are evolving into marketplaces, expanding to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and focusing on improving user experience.
- Some users and experts are wary of the tactics used by quick commerce apps, such as 'dark patterns,' to boost sales of non-essential items.
- The industry is balancing between offering a wide assortment of products and maintaining a clean user interface for better user engagement.
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Economic Times
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22
Image Credit: Economic Times
Defence tech startup Armory raises Rs 13 crore in round led by GrowX Ventures
- Defence tech startup Armory, specializing in counter-drone technology, secures Rs 13 crore in a funding round led by GrowX Ventures.
- Other participants in the round include Industrial 47, Antler, AC Ventures, Dexter Ventures, and angel investors.
- The funding reflects the growing interest in indigenous defence manufacturing and AI-powered security systems in India.
- Founded in 2024 by Amardeep Singh, Armory develops indigenous counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) to combat rogue drones.
- The company plans to utilize the funds for research and development, expanding manufacturing capacity, and faster deployment of its products.
- Armory's flagship product, SURGE, has already been tested in field trials with multiple Indian Army regiments.
- Armory employs a proprietary AI-led defence operating system, Samaritan OS, offering real-time adaptability and continuous learning.
- Founder and CEO of Armory, Amardeep Singh, highlighted the need for advanced counter-drone systems due to evolving threats from unconventional frequencies.
- Singh, previously part of the founding team at Ideaforge, emphasizes the importance of addressing India's evolving national security priorities.
- GrowX Ventures' general partner, Manish Gupta, commended Armory's focus on building mission-critical, AI-led defence systems indigenous to India.
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Economic Times
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Stock-trading firm Sahi lands $10.5 million in a round led by Accel, Elevation Capital
- Stock trading platform Sahi, co-founded by Dale Vaz and Manish Jain, secures $10.5 million in a funding round led by Accel and Elevation Capital.
- The startup plans to enhance product innovation, especially in automation, in line with Sebi's move to allow algorithmic trading for retail investors.
- Sahi aims to expand its team and services across India to cater to more active traders.
- The company will introduce new automation tools like visual no-code strategy builders and multi-leg options execution capabilities.
- Sahi will launch its trading website this week, in addition to its existing mobile and desktop platforms.
- Sebi's new rules on algorithmic trading for retail participation will take effect from August 1, 2025.
- The platform prioritizes assisting individual traders to make informed decisions through AI-driven insights.
- Sahi has seen significant growth with over 200,000 app downloads and 50% month-on-month rise in active traders.
- The company claims to offer brokerage rates about 50% lower than established players and charges Rs 10 per trade.
- Accel's vice president Manasi Shah believes AI will disrupt trading globally, seeing Sahi as a leading AI-oriented platform.
- Despite recent regulatory impacts on F&O trading, Sahi remains optimistic about India's wealth financialization.
- Elevation Capital's Vaas Bhaskar praises Sahi for revolutionizing the broker experience with a comprehensive approach.
- Sahi focuses on building a seamless end-to-end product for individual investors and traders.
- The platform's roadmap includes further development of automation tools aligned with individual trader needs.
- Sahi aims to capitalize on the maturing user and technology landscape to reimagine the trading experience.
- The company's lean team structure and AI-powered infrastructure enable cost-effective trading services.
- Sahi emphasizes deep customer obsession in crafting a unique broking experience for traders.
- The platform's growth showcases a promising outlook for the financialization of Indian wealth in the coming years.
- Sahi aims to democratize trading by offering advanced tools and lower brokerage rates for retail investors.
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Medium
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14 Top SaaS Website Templates to Boost Your Lead Flow
- The article discusses the importance of lead generation for SaaS businesses and the role of website templates in boosting lead flow.
- It emphasizes the need for specialized templates designed to convert visitors into leads effectively.
- The article presents 14 SaaS website templates tailored for lead generation, each focusing on accelerating growth and conversion.
- Templates like Taskhub, Torch, and Pixkit offer modern design and multiple layout options for SaaS businesses.
- The article highlights the functionalities and pricing of templates like NEXUX, Wedge, and Bombon, geared towards enhancing SaaS landing pages and finance management.
- Intelly and Aston templates target AI-powered SaaS startups, featuring sleek designs and ease of customization.
- Evolve provides a comprehensive suite of pages, including blog integration, for modern SaaS companies to showcase product features and engage users effectively.
- Proximab and Cawar templates cater to AI and SaaS startups, focusing on user experience, conversion, and ease of setup.
- Suprema and SAP templates offer high-performance features for AI startups and SaaS businesses, designed to drive maximum conversion.
- The article concludes by highlighting the lead generation capabilities of these templates and their potential to transform websites into efficient lead factories.
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