TICE Funding Index: Zepto, Meesho Lead This Week’s Rain of Deals

Just like the monsoon sweeping across India, this week saw a heavy downpour of startup deals, big-ticket investments, and ambitious IPO announcements. From Zepto’s $500 million near-close round to Meesho's confidential filing, and IndiGo making its debut in the venture world — the Indian startup ecosystem is buzzing with action.

Here’s your Startup Funding Index — a roundup of the top funding news that’s reshaping India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

TICE Funding Index

Zepto Gears Up for IPO with $500 Million Round at $7 Billion Valuation

10-minute grocery delivery unicorn Zepto is reportedly in the final stages of raising between $450 and $500 million, pegging its valuation at a whopping $7 billion. Global investors are lining up to back Zepto’s hyperlocal commerce play, doubling down on the startup’s swift delivery model and expanding customer base.

With this fresh capital, Zepto plans to deepen its dark store footprint, integrate AI-driven inventory systems, and set the stage for its much-anticipated IPO. The mega round is not just a funding story — it’s a vote of confidence in quick commerce 2.0.

Meesho Files Confidential IPO to Raise ₹4,250 Crore

In a significant move from India’s social commerce space, Meesho has filed a confidential IPO to raise approximately ₹4,250 crore ($497 million). The SoftBank-, Meta-, and Peak XV-backed startup has created a robust seller network, particularly in small towns and tier-2 cities.

The funds from the IPO will be deployed to strengthen logistics, upgrade tech capabilities, and fuel geographic and product expansion. Meesho’s listing could pave the way for other social commerce platforms eyeing public markets.

IIFL Home Finance Secures $100 Million from AIIB for Affordable Housing

IIFL Home Finance has raised $100 million in debt from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to boost lending for affordable housing. The funds will be directed toward low-income homebuyers, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 towns.

This strategic capital infusion supports India’s national housing mission and enables IIFL to bring more underserved citizens into the formal financial ecosystem.

IndiGo Ventures Launches ₹450 Crore Fund, Eyes Aerospace Startups

Aviation major IndiGo has launched its venture capital arm, IndiGo Ventures, with a ₹450 crore (~$55 million) maiden fund. The airline plans to back startups in aviation, travel, logistics, and sustainability domains.

Its first investment is likely to be in Jeh Aerospace, a homegrown aerospace tech company. With this move, IndiGo aims to shape the future of aviation innovation in India.

WoodenStreet Raises $43 Million to Expand Offline & Manufacturing

Furniture and home décor brand WoodenStreet has secured $43 million in Series C funding led by Premji Invest. The Jaipur-based brand is focused on scaling up its offline experience stores, streamlining its tech-enabled supply chain, and bolstering local manufacturing.

As Indian cities witness a rise in demand for stylish yet affordable furniture, WoodenStreet is positioning itself as a premium yet accessible alternative in the market.

Credit Wise Capital Bags ₹200 Crore in Series A

Fintech startup Credit Wise Capital has raised ₹200 crore (~$24 million) in a Series A round led by Trident Growth Partners. The company specializes in two-wheeler and consumer durable loans and uses AI to assess creditworthiness.

The capital will help expand operations in smaller towns, grow its dealer network, and bring more consumers into India’s formal credit system.

Khetika Secures $18 Million to Redefine Grocery With Clean Labels

Clean-label food brand Khetika has raised $18 million in a Series B round led by the Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office. The funding will support its expansion in the D2C segment, boost manufacturing capacities, and facilitate its entry into export markets.

With increasing consumer demand for natural and preservative-free products, Khetika is eyeing the urban health-conscious demographic in India and beyond.

Arteria Technologies Raises ₹100 Crore from ICICI Venture

B2B SaaS firm Arteria Technologies has raised ₹100 crore (~$12 million) from ICICI Venture. The startup helps enterprises streamline vendor payments and procurement through its supply chain finance platform.

The funds will be used to enhance Arteria’s tech stack, scale operations, and explore global expansion.

Clean Fanatics Raises $2 Million to Expand Premium Home Services

Premium home services startup Clean Fanatics has raised $2 million in seed funding, led by Inflection Point Ventures and Blume Founders Fund. The company offers deep cleaning, pest control, and maintenance services targeted at urban households.

The funds will be used to enter new cities, enhance backend tech systems, and strengthen service delivery for high-end customers.

From VC arms of legacy businesses to emerging brands in clean food, the startup funding scene in India is vibrant and diverse. As the IPO market warms up and sector-specific funds begin to take shape, investors are clearly betting big on long-term value creation — not just valuations.