Top Startup News Today: IPO Momentum, AI Breakouts & Global Shifts

India’s startup ecosystem is witnessing a decisive growth wave in 2025, led by renewed IPO momentum, investor confidence, and a surge of innovation across sectors such as edtech, EVs, AI, and consumer health. Globally, funding rounds, pivots, and leadership changes are reshaping strategies, with India increasingly at the center of the startup transformation. Here is the TICE curated roundup of today’s most important startup news from India and abroad.

Urban Company IPO Opens at ₹1,900 Cr – A Milestone for Home Services

Urban Company IPO 2025 has officially launched with a ₹1,900 crore offering, setting a precedent for India’s gig-economy and home services sector. The issue includes a ₹472 crore fresh issue and a ₹1,428 crore offer-for-sale from early backers like Accel, Elevation Capital, and Tiger Global.

The Gurugram-based company reported FY25 revenues of ₹1,373.5 crore and net profits of ₹135 crore, marking its first full-year profitability. Analysts expect high retail and institutional demand, with expansion plans targeting Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

PhysicsWallah Files for ₹3,820 Cr IPO – Edtech Optimism Returns

In a bold move, edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah IPO filing for ₹3,820 crore signals renewed optimism for India’s digital education sector. Founded by Alakh Pandey, the company has become a household name for affordable, quality learning at scale.

This IPO will act as a litmus test for edtech companies navigating profitability and sustainability after the pandemic-era funding boom. Market watchers view it as a pivotal moment for India’s education technology ecosystem.

Misfits Raises Seed Round for India’s First Gut-Health Soda

Mumbai-based Misfits startup secured seed funding from Nu Ventures and angel investors to scale India’s first prebiotic, gut-health soda brand. Misfits markets itself as a sugar-free, low-calorie, functional beverage targeting health-conscious Gen Z and millennial consumers.

The company plans to expand direct-to-consumer sales and enter modern retail, riding the functional food and wellness FMCG wave in India.

Aurva Emerges from Stealth with $2.2M for AI Observability

AI startup Aurva emerged from stealth with $2.2 million in funding led by Nexus Venture Partners. The Bengaluru- and US-based startup offers enterprise-grade AI observability and access monitoring solutions that improve compliance, transparency, and governance in AI adoption.

Aurva’s launch highlights the growing enterprise demand for explainability and accountability in AI models, aligning with global AI governance trends.

IndiGrid Raises $4M to Boost EV Component Manufacturing

Goa-based EV startup IndiGrid raised $4 million from Cactus Partners to expand its electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM) capabilities for electric vehicles and automation systems.

As India accelerates EV adoption, IndiGrid’s investment strengthens domestic supply chains and reduces reliance on imported components—a key step for India’s clean mobility goals.

Global Startup Highlights: AI in Healthcare, Quick Commerce, and Leadership Shifts

• Reveal HealthTech (US) raised $7.2 million from Leo Capital. Its AI products—BioCanvas and Prism AI—aim to accelerate clinical trials and streamline hospital workflows.

• FirstClub, a quick commerce startup founded by a former Flipkart executive, secured $23 million at a $120 million valuation. It plans to scale dark stores and subscription-based delivery.

• Leadership Update: Girish Mathrubootham stepped down as Freshworks executive chairman. He will now focus on Together Fund and mentoring AI-first startups, reinforcing India’s role in global SaaS and product-led innovation.

India’s Startup Growth Path: Profitability, AI, and Global Impact

India’s startup ecosystemis entering a new era defined by profitability, innovation, and strategic clarity. IPO activity is reviving investor confidence, AI-first ventures are setting the pace for enterprise adoption, and consumer health brands are capturing emerging lifestyle trends.

As founders balance scale with sustainability, India is not just participating in the global startup wave—it is helping define its future.

Stay tuned with TICE News for continuous coverage of the changemakers shaping India’s entrepreneurial journey.

Disclaimer: This news update has been curated from leading published sources and verified reports. While TICE strives for accuracy and timeliness, we encourage readers to reach out for any clarifications, fact updates, or corrections at editorial@tice.news.