TICE Startup Funding Index: 28 Startups Secure Funding This Week

The funding data ofIndian startupsfrom September 22 to September 28, 2023, provides valuable insights into the funding landscape. In this period, several startups secured funding across variousfunding types, including Seed, Series A, Series B, Series E, and Conventional Debt. Let's delve into the key findings and highlight the significant aspects of the report.

As per thedata compiled by TICE Startup Funding Index, a total of 28startupsraised funding(including undisclosed funding rounds) between September 22 to September 28, 2023. The total funding amount raised by Indian startups comes close to $546M (excluding undisclosed funding rounds). 

Top Startups with the Highest Funding Raised:

Serentica Renewables -Serentica Renewables announced on Monday that it secured substantial funding of Rs 5,600 crore from government-owned companies REC and PFC. This funding comprises Rs 3,000 crore from REC and Rs 2,600 crore from PFC, in the form of debt. Serentica, a prominent player in India's commercial and industrial renewable energy sector, was founded in 2022.

Bright Money -Consumer fintech company Bright Money announced the successful closure of a $62 million funding round. The funding comprises $50 million in debt from Encina Lender Finance and $12 million in equity led by Alpha Wave, Hummingbird, and PeakXV. Bright Money, founded in 2019 by a team combining McKinsey's banking expertise and InMobi's data science prowess, offers a mobile app designed to assist in debt management and elimination using data science-driven tools and products.

Third Wave Coffee -Third Wave Coffee, a fast-food chain under Heisetasse Beverages Pvt Ltd, has raised $35 million in a Series C funding round, primarily backed by Indian private equity fund Creaegis. Existing investors, Westbridge Capital and Udaan founder Sujeet Kumar, also participated. The Bengaluru-based startup intends to utilize the funds for expanding its operations, enhancing its supply chain, and advancing its technology infrastructure.

Major Developments of the Week:

• The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has urged Amitabh Bachchan to withdraw his recent Flipkart 'Big Billion Days' ad, claiming it spreads misinformation and harms local businesses. If not withdrawn, CAIT threatens to involve the Ministry of I&B and the Department of Consumer Affairs.

• Multiple Indian companies and startups have joined forces to create a 40-member task force, overseen by IAMAI, to tackle issues related to Google Play Billing System (GPBS), with influential startup founders participating.

• Nithin Kamath announced on X that Zerodha is now valued at around $3.6 billion after recent buybacks. In FY23, the company reported a total income of INR 6,875 Cr, up 38% from the previous fiscal year, with a 39% increase in net profit to INR 2,907 Cr compared to FY22.

• CRED garage, a new feature by Kunal Shah's fintech unicorn CRED, provides members with a consolidated dashboard offering priority concierge service, reminders, document management, spending insights, and vehicle data, enabling users to optimize vehicle usage, recharge FASTag, and purchase motor insurance.

• Fi CEO Sujith Narayanan announced that the company will lay off 30 employees, approximately 10% of its workforce, to streamline operations and prioritize key growth areas, amid having raised $168.8 million in funding from investors like Peak XV Partners and Alpha Wave Ventures.

• Neela Films, known for producing "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah," has invested INR 24 crore in its new venture, Neela Mediatech Pvt. Ltd., aiming to diversify its business into gaming, animation, and e-commerce, expanding beyond show production.

• According to recent media reports, the government-supported Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is set to introduce various financial services, such as personal and SMB loans, car, health, and marine insurance, as well as mutual funds, in the coming weeks.

• Flipkart Ventures, the investment arm of e-commerce leader Flipkart, has backed five early-stage startups in its accelerator program, Flipkart Leap Ahead (FLA), with equity investments ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. The selected startups include Algomage, Castler, FlexifyMe, NimbleBox.ai, and ReCircle.
  

• Trifecta Capital, based in Delhi NCR, has successfully closed its third venture debt fund, Trifecta Venture Debt Fund III, at INR 1,777 Cr, exceeding its original target of INR 1,500 Cr. The fund's initial closure occurred in November 2021.

TICE Startup Funding Index

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