TICE Funding Index: Energy, AI, Fintech & Agritech Drive a High-Voltage Week

India’s startup ecosystem has just wrapped up one of its most dynamic weeks yet — with capital pouring into everything from smart energy and AI infrastructure to wealthtech, consumer brands, and even electric tractors. As investors double down on innovation across sectors, this week’s fundings reveal a clear trend: India’s next wave of tech and enterprise growth is accelerating fast. Here’s a roundup of the 10 biggest deals shaping the momentum.

Top Funding News

1. Apraava Energy Raises $92M for Smart Metering & Grid Efficiency

The week kicked off with a major boost to India’s clean energy transition as Apraava Energy secured $92 million from British International Investment and Standard Chartered, with both investors contributing $46 million each.

The funding will accelerate the rollout of 2 million smart meters across homes and businesses, a move expected to significantly improve power distribution efficiency, reduce losses, and strengthen renewable energy integration. The company says this marks a pivotal expansion into the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) segment — a cornerstone for India’s low-carbon future.

2. Yoodli Bags $40M Series B to Expand AI-Powered Learning

Seattle-based AI communication coaching platform Yoodli raised $40 million in a Series B led by WestBridge Capital.

Founded by Varun Puri and Esha Joshi, Yoodli helps professionals practice high-stakes communication scenarios through AI-driven roleplay. With this round, the startup’s total funding nears $60 million. The investment will fuel deeper AI research, global expansion, and enterprise adoption — with existing customers including Google, Snowflake, Databricks, and RingCentral.

3. StockGro Secures ₹150 Cr to Strengthen AI-Led Investing Ecosystem

India’s rapidly growing investing platform StockGro raised ₹150 crore from veteran investor Mukul Agrawal in a Series B convertible round.

The funds will power development of Stoxo, an AI investing assistant built with SEBI-registered analysts and insights from over 35 million users. StockGro also plans to expand geographically and broaden its offerings across multiple asset classes — aligning with the current surge in India’s retail market participation.

4. Mixx Technologies Raises $33M for Optical AI Infrastructure

Silicon Valley-based Mixx Technologies, operating across the US, India, and Taiwan, has raised $33 million in a Series A led by ICM HPQC Fund.

The startup is building photonics-based optical connectivity for AI data centers — a need growing exponentially as AI models become larger and more compute-heavy. Its proprietary HBxIO optical engine aims to flatten data-center networks, cut power consumption, and solve interconnect bottlenecks for next-gen AI systems.

5. Groww Infuses ₹104.4 Cr into Fisdom for Wealthtech Expansion

Fintech leader Groww has injected ₹104.4 crore into its acquired wealthtech arm Fisdom, as part of a strategy to reduce dependence on derivatives-led revenues.

Fisdom provides advisory-driven wealth solutions — mutual funds, insurance, PMS, AIFs, and unlisted securities. The new capital will support payouts, working capital, and scaling of premium advisory offerings for affluent customers.

6. Furlenco Raises ₹125 Cr Ahead of IPO Plans

Furniture rental platform Furlenco secured ₹125 crore from existing investor Sheela Foam, along with WhiteOak and Madhu Kela.

Now profitable with a ₹3.1 crore net profit in FY25, the company aims to deepen presence in existing markets and expand into new ones — critical steps as it prepares for an anticipated IPO.

7. Moonrider Secures $6M to Build Next-Gen Electric Tractors

EV-agritech startup Moonrider raised $6 million, led by pi Ventures with participation from Singularity AMC, AdvantEdge, and Micelio Fund.

The investment will accelerate development of its powertrain and battery technologies tailored for India’s diverse farming conditions. This comes months after its earlier $2.2 million funding, strengthening its mission to build efficient, next-generation electric tractors for Indian agriculture.

8. Fireside Ventures Closes $253M Fund IV to Back Consumer Brands

Consumer-brand focused VC Fireside Ventures closed its $253 million Fund IV, targeting investments in 30–35 early-stage consumer brands with cheque sizes ranging from $1M to $12M.

The fund’s LP base includes global institutional names such as US university endowments, ADIA, and Investment Corporation of Dubai. Fireside is known for backing category creators like boAt, Honasa, Slurrp Farm, Pilgrim, and The Sleep Company.

9. Modulus Housing Raises ₹70 Cr to Build 30-Day Buildings

Chennai-based construction-tech startup Modulus Housing raised ₹70 crore in a round co-led by Kalaari Capital, Hero, and Samarthya Investments.

The company claims it can construct low-rise buildings in just 30 days using proprietary prefabrication technology. Funds will be used to expand globally, enhance R&D, and scale cloud manufacturing capabilities.

10. Finfactor Raises $15M to Scale Account Aggregation Solutions

Fintech infrastructure company Finfactor, the parent of Finvu, raised $15 million in a round led by WestBridge Capital.

The startup plans to scale its AA-based (Account Aggregator) product suite, expand its team, and build full-stack fintech solutions for BFSI clients. Finvu already enables secure, consent-based data sharing for over 50 million consumers.