Category: Startups

• NUS Enterprise launches $7.48M fund to boost deep tech innovation and venture ecosystem in Singapore
• Fund includes Innovation Fellowship and Venture Creation Awards to support research commercialization
• GRIP program nurtures deep tech entrepreneurs with increased pre-seed funding
• Strategic collaborations with venture capital firms to provide coaching and support for start-ups
• Aim to accelerate deep tech innovation and venture creation for maximum impact

NUS Enterprise Launches $7.48M Fund to Boost Deep Tech Innovation in Singapore

NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), recently made a significant move to advance deep tech innovation in Singapore. Read more

• Capital continues to flow to Ukrainian-staffed startups, with founders mainly being expats headquartered outside Ukraine.
• Ukraine is known for its tech-savvy workforce in IT services, a significant service export for the country.
• Ukrainian founders of venture-backed startups often have headquarters in cities like New York, London, or San Francisco.
• Despite challenges, tech work in Ukraine remains strong, with many expats settling in Europe but retaining ties to Ukraine.

• NUS allocates $20 million to boost deep tech innovation for start-ups and researchers
• Funding includes enhancements to Graduate Research Innovation Programme (Grip) and new Innovation Fellowship and Venture Awards
• DPM Heng emphasizes importance of deep tech and commercialization in Singapore’s RIE 2025 plan
• RoamAssist develops robotic guide dogs to aid visually impaired individuals with autonomous navigation
• Collaboration, innovation culture, and industry-academia pathways crucial for successful deep tech ventures

Boosting Deep Tech Innovation at NUS with $20m Funding

In a move to enhance deep tech innovation, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has allocated an additional $20 million to support start-ups and researchers in advancing their groundbreaking technologies. Read more

• India’s startup funding sees a continued decline as investors become more cautious and selective.
• Despite the funding challenges, India remains the fourth largest venture market globally in 2023.
• Bhubaneswar emerges as a key hub for digital loan sharks’ money mules.
• Amazon plans to unveil a new four-pronged strategy for its operations in India.
• The potential of GIFT City in India to become a financial hub like Dublin is hindered by certain factors.

• Startup funding received a significant boost this week, reaching $187 million through deals involving Perfios and Lohum.
• The funding amount increased nearly three times from the previous year, with $186.6 million deployed across 10 deals, marking an 188% rise from the same week in 2022.
• Next-gen Biyanis are innovating in the food industry, but previous cases related to Foodhall raise concerns.

• Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse tech hub pursuing phase-two funding of up to $54 million
• Tech hub known as NY SMART I-Corridor involving over 100 institutions in the region
• U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer leading the push for funding
• Component projects led by institutions like Syracuse University and University at Buffalo
• Focus on developing semiconductor technology and workforce training in the Upstate region

The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Tech Hub Pursuing Phase-2 Funding

The tech hub encompassing the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region is making significant strides in securing phase-two implementation funding, with the potential sum reaching up to $54 million. Read more

• GobbleCube, a brand analytics platform, secures $1.9 million funding led by Kae Capital
• The Gurugram-based company plans to enhance product engineering capabilities and focus on go-to-market strategy in India, Southeast Asia, and the US
• Sebi chief and ICICI Prudential MF’s S Naren issues warning to fund managers
• Next-gen Biyanis developing new Foodstories, while past Foodhall cases raise concerns
• Upcoming launches include a five-door Mahindra Thar, Tata Curvv, and Maruti eVX, with high buyer interest

Understanding the Importance of a Brand Analytics Platform

In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly seeking ways to understand and optimize their brand presence and performance. Read more

• Deep-Tech Innovation Catalyst: BIF established in 2018 to support Deep-Tech startups in India
• BIF focuses on selecting startups with large markets, credible teams, and innovative technology
• BIF stands out by exclusively investing in Deep-Tech startups at pre-Series A and Series-A stages
• BIF’s portfolio includes innovative startups like Entropik Technology and A5G Networks
• BIF provides crucial early-stage funding and operational support tailored for deep-tech ventures, addressing challenges in the Indian startup ecosystem

Catalyzing Deep-Tech Innovation: The Story of Bharat Innovation Fund

In the realm of deep-tech innovation, Bharat Innovation Fund (BIF) stands out as a catalyst for groundbreaking technological advancements. Read more

• African tech startup scene faces a “funding winter” due to global financial constraints
• Despite challenges, African tech sector exceeded US$3 billion in funding in 2022
• 2023 saw a 28% decrease in investment, totaling US$2.4 billion for tech startups in Africa
• Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya dominated funding landscape in 2023
• Fintech sector attracted the most funding in 2023, while e-commerce and marketing sectors faced significant reductions

African Tech Startup Funding Winter: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

In the realm of African tech startups, the recent years have been marked by a funding winter, a period of financial constraints that have impacted the investment landscape across the continent. Read more

• Funding winter intensified in 2023, leading to over 35,000 startups shutting down, with challenges in the Indian startup ecosystem.
• Deal volume and size declined, mega rounds dropped by 70%, and unicorns decreased, signaling a shift towards traditional sectors.
• Tech startups faced a significant decline in funding, with a focus on traditional sectors like BFSI, consumer brands, and healthcare.
• Funding in tech startups in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu dropped in 2023, with a significant decrease in total funding raised.

• Startups anticipated a funding surge in 2024 following a period of deferred fundraising in 2023 due to rising interest rates.
• The number of mega rounds, exceeding $100 million, dropped to 15 in 2023 from 48 in 2022.
• Web3 association Blockniti faces skepticism due to the absence of crypto or token involvement.
• Bhubaneswar emerges as a significant hub for digital loan sharks’ money mules.

• EnergyLab’s climate tech alumni raised $289 million in 2023, showcasing investor interest in climate technology
• Australian startups secured $124 million of the total funding, demonstrating domestic strength in the climate tech landscape
• Success stories included Infravision, Sicona Battery Technologies, and Renewable Metals, highlighting innovation in drone services, battery materials, and recycling
• EnergyLab emphasized the importance of early-stage capital for climate tech startups facing unique challenges
• The accelerator expanded its programs in 2023, supporting diverse founders and aiming to foster global climate tech companies in 2024

EnergyLab’s Climate Tech Alumni: A Closer Look at the $289 Million Raised in 2023

Climate tech startup accelerator EnergyLab has been making waves in the industry, with its alumni collectively securing an impressive $289 million in funding in 2023. Read more

• Elderly care startup Kites Senior Care raises Rs 45 crore in funding from Ranjan Pai
• Funds to be used for expanding presence in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and three additional cities in Southern India
• Bhubaneswar emerging as a hub for money mules of digital loan sharks
• Stock Radar: HDFC Life reclaiming 50-DMA on daily charts prompts buying consideration
• Quick-commerce startups eyeing Amazon and Flipkart’s market share with larger dark stores and product returns

Revolutionizing Elderly Care: Kites Senior Care Secures Rs 45 Crore Funding

In a significant development for the elderly care sector, Kites Senior Care, an innovative startup focusing on senior citizens’ well-being, has successfully raised Rs 45 crore in funding from renowned investor Ranjan Pai. Read more

• AI startup RapidCanvas secures $7.5 million in funding led by Accel
• Funds to be allocated for customer acquisition, marketing, sales expansion, and research and development
• Web3 association Blockniti faces skepticism due to lack of crypto or token
• Bhubaneswar emerges as a hub for digital loan shark money mules
• Stock Radar: HDFC Life sees positive movement, while IOC, HPCL, BPCL stocks rally

AI Startup RapidCanvas Secures $7.5 Million in Funding Round Led by Accel

In a significant development in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) startups, RapidCanvas has successfully raised $7.5 million in a recent funding round led by the renowned venture capital firm, Accel. Read more

• Autonomo secures £2M Seed funding to expand checkout-free retail software
• Retailers can convert stores into cashierless shopping with Autonomo’s software
• Customers use payment card or phone, computer vision tech tracks products
• System reduces theft, shrinkage, and offers seamless shopping experience
• Autonomo aims to automate cashierless shops in Western Europe, attracting investments from various sources

Revolutionizing Retail with Seed Funding for Autonomo’s Checkout-Free Technology

In a groundbreaking move, Autonomo, a checkout-free software company, has secured £2 million in Seed funding to further develop its innovative technology. Read more

• Bristol battery startup Anaphite secures £1.6m in funding for its “dry-coating” technology aimed at reducing EV battery manufacturing costs.
• The funding comes from a mix of government grants and private sector investment, with over £880,000 from private investors and £685,000 from a government grant program.
• Anaphite’s technology utilizes a “dry” manufacturing process without drying ovens and incorporates graphene for battery coating, aiming for a 2028 commercial rollout in EVs.

• Lohum, a lithium-ion battery pack maker and recycling firm, secures $54 million in Series B funding round for market expansion
• Funding round includes participation from venture firms like Singularity Ventures and Baring Private Equity
• Lohum, founded by Rajat Verma, focuses on eco-friendly battery material production and recycling
• Plans for international expansion and hiring top professionals with the raised capital
• Lohum emphasizes integrated battery lifecycle management system and sustainable energy transition technologies

Battery Tech Startup Lohum: Revolutionizing the Industry with $54 Million in Series B Funding

Lohum, a lithium-ion battery pack maker and recycling firm, has recently made waves in the industry by securing an impressive $54 million in a Series B funding round. Read more

• DocNow, a Bellevue-based health tech startup, secures seed funding led by Waterline Ventures to revolutionize long-term care EHR systems
• Founded by Dr. Kashif Saeed, DocNow aims to streamline workflow and patient data management in post-acute care through integration with existing medical record platforms
• The startup offers a mobile app for practitioners to capture images and data related to patient wounds, syncing directly with electronic health records
• With 2,000 long-term care facilities in partnership, DocNow’s funding aims to solidify its presence in the healthcare tech industry
• DocNow’s mission is to automate administrative tasks, enhance billing accuracy, and increase time for patient care in various medical specialties, aiming to transform the post-acute care landscape

Revolutionizing Long-Term Care with DocNow’s Seed Funding

Bellevue-Based Health Tech Startup DocNow has made waves in the healthcare industry by securing seed funding to further develop its electronic records system for long-term care providers. Read more

• Learnovate has secured €9.6m funding from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to address Ireland’s emerging skills gaps
• The technology center, based at Trinity College Dublin, specializes in learning technology to transform workplace, educational, and home learning experiences
• Learnovate’s research aims to help companies adapt to the future of work by enhancing skills development and creating innovative learning experiences
• The funding will support Learnovate’s expansion of research and innovation, with projections to generate significant economic impact for Ireland
• Key figures, including government officials and industry leaders, express confidence in Learnovate’s mission and importance in shaping Ireland’s future economy

Expanding Research and Innovation Efforts with Learnovate Funding Secured

Learnovate, a leading technology centre based at Trinity College Dublin, has recently secured €9.6m in funding from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. Read more

• Black Tech Nation Ventures closes $50 million inaugural fund to support startups with marginalized founders
• Pittsburgh-based venture firm aims to make the city a haven for Black technologists and entrepreneurs
• BTNV focuses on supporting Black, Latinx, female, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the tech industry
• Venture capital disparity for Black founders highlighted, with only 1% of funds going to Black entrepreneurs in 2021
• BTNV backed by notable investors, provides pre-seed and seed funding, with a goal to attract companies to Pittsburgh

Empowering Marginalized Founders through Black Tech Nation Ventures

In a bold move to address the glaring disparities in venture capital funding, Black Tech Nation Ventures (BTNV) recently closed a $50 million inaugural fund. Read more

• Learnovate secures €9.6m funding from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to address skills gaps
• The Learnovate Centre at Trinity College Dublin conducts research in learning technologies with support from experts in various disciplines
• Projects include developing a platform to enhance digital and data skills and using AI to eliminate bias in hiring
• Funding will support companies in edtech and HR tech to develop tools addressing skills gaps in Ireland
• Learnovate’s director Nessa McEniff sees the funding as a vote of confidence in the center’s mission to deliver competitive advantage to Irish industry

Learnovate Secures €9.6m Funding to Reduce Skills Gaps

In the fast-paced world of technology and innovation, the need for continuous learning and upskilling has never been more crucial. Read more

• Sydney start-up Dovetail struggles to scale, facing senior staff exodus
• Company raised $89 million but faces challenges retaining key engineering staff
• Co-founder Bradley Ayers resigned in February, cashed out $9.5 million during funding round
• Dovetail’s customer research software faces churn issues with clients like Bunnings and Deloitte
• Despite challenges, Dovetail plans expansion but faces delays in moving to new headquarters

Sydney Start-up Struggles to Scale Amid Senior Staff Exodus

In the fast-paced world of tech start-ups, the journey to success is often riddled with challenges. Read more

• Atlassian acquired Loom at a $790m discount to its 2021 valuation after four years of initial disinterest from Loom’s CEO.
• Loom’s founders advised Australian entrepreneurs to embrace “down rounds” and buyouts below valuations in the current tech funding downturn.
• Loom’s growth slowed post-pandemic, leading to job cuts and borrowing before Atlassian’s acquisition.
• Atlassian’s acquisition of Loom for $975 million in cash and stock provided access to new user bases and marketing teams.

• Alberta government invests $20 million in grant programming for graduates creating new technologies
• Funding supports STEM graduates in entrepreneurship, business skills, and technology commercialization
• Innovation Catalyst Grant program fosters collaboration between post-secondary institutions and industry
• Program aims to create 20,000 new jobs and increase tech companies’ revenue by $5 billion by 2030
• Partner universities administer program, providing mentorship and resources for tech start-ups in various sectors

Alberta Grant Programming: Investing in Innovation

The Alberta government recently announced a significant investment of $20 million in grant programming to support graduates who are paving the way in creating new technologies. Read more

• Falcon LLM startup Adaptive emerges with $20 million funding led by Index Ventures
• Adaptive aims to help companies train large language models tailored to their specific needs
• Seed investment also includes participation from ICONIQ Capital, Motier Ventures, and others
• Adaptive focuses on reinforcement learning from human feedback to improve LLM responses
• Platform allows for ongoing learning from user interactions and offers RLAIF process for model training

Introducing Falcon LLM Startup: Team Emerges from Stealth with $20 Million Funding

Adaptive, a startup founded by the team behind the open source large language model Falcon, has recently emerged from stealth mode with an impressive $20 million in funding, led by Index Ventures. Read more

• A91 Partners Fund is set to raise its largest fund at $700-750 million
• Launched in 2018, A91 Partners initially had a $350 million maiden fund
• A91 Partners scaled up quickly, securing $550 million for their second fund in just three years
• The fund targets late-stage venture and early-growth investments
• This rapid increase in fund size is one of the fastest in the domestic investment fund landscape

A91 Partners Fund: A Journey of Growth

A91 Partners, a prominent player in the Indian investment landscape, is making headlines with its ambitious goal of raising its largest fund yet, targeting an impressive $700-750 million. Read more

• Many technology venture capitalists (VCs) are self-assured due to their wealth and entrepreneurs seeking funding, rather than their expertise in technology.
• Engaging VCs in conversations about emerging technologies can reveal their limited knowledge in disruptive technologies and macro trends.
• VCs excel in valuation models, legal aspects, and deal modifications, relying heavily on networks and relationships for success.
• Entrepreneurs should understand the financial incentives driving VCs, focusing on relationships, performance, advocacy, knowledge, and professional integrity when selecting a VC.

• Climate-tech is predicted to be the future equivalent of the current tech sector, with a focus on sustainable solutions for climate change and resource scarcity.
• Venture capitalists are increasingly recognizing the urgency of investing in climate-tech startups due to the escalating threats of climate change.
• Startups in the climate-tech sector are gaining attention from investors, with a focus on large outcomes and opportunities for impactful solutions.

• D2C apparel firm Bummer raises Rs 9.25 crore led by Nikhil Kamath’s Gruhas
• Funding round included participation from Fluid Ventures, a D2C-focused venture firm
• Bummer had previously secured Rs 5.5 crore in seed funding from Beenext Asia
• The funding was entirely primary, indicating new capital infusion
• Beenext Asia has invested in other notable firms like NoBroker and BharatPe

Bummer Secures Rs 9.25 Crore Funding Led by Gruhas

In a significant development for the direct-to-consumer (D2C) apparel industry, Bummer, a prominent player in the sector, has successfully raised Rs 9.25 crore in funding. Read more

• Startup funding dips by 18% to $121 million in the week of March 2 to March 8, 2023
• Data from Tracxn shows companies in seed, early, and late stages raised $147 million from 33 rounds
• Top three active investors were Elev8 Venture Partners, Alpha Wave, and Panthera Growth Partners
• Stories range from Google’s Gemini underestimation to Exicom IPO and a significant arbitral award
• Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 spin-off and potential Disney-Reliance merger impact Jio’s 5G dreams

Startup Funding Dips: A Closer Look at the Recent Trends

In the dynamic world of startups, funding plays a crucial role in nurturing innovative ideas and driving growth. Read more