Startup in Brief - News in 60 Words

Titan OS raises $46 million to expand its smart TV OS internationally

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Barcelona-based Titan OS has raised $46 million in new funding, bringing its total to $110 million. Backed by investors like BlackRock, the smart TV operating system provider aims to expand its global reach and enhance content discovery using AI. With 30 million users and partners including Philips and Sharp, the company helps TV manufacturers generate long-term revenue through advertising and FAST channel partnerships.

Nykaa's PAT soars 206% in Q2FY27 as beauty, quick commerce arm deliver strong performance

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 18:59:46 GMT

Nykaa also announced the acquisition of an 82% majority stake in Simply Nam, a cosmetics brand founded in 2020 by celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni alongside Bozzil, a venture studio led by Hanna Strömgren Khan. The acquisition is expected to help Nykaa widen its premium makeup portfolio.

Now, upGrad Files Insolvency Petition Against Bira91 Over ₹1.02 Cr Dues

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 18:28:44 GMT

upGrad has filed an insolvency petition against Bira 91 parent B9 Beverages over alleged unpaid dues of ₹1.02 Cr. This action, filed under IBC Section 9, intensifies mounting creditor pressure on the brewer. B9 Beverages is already facing an ₹11.77 Cr claim from glassmaker HNGIL and is attempting a business restructuring amid a prolonged financial crisis. The company seeks recapitalization to clear dues and revive

Frammer AI partners with Collective Newsroom to power BBC News video in India

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:57:11 GMT

Frammer AI, an AI-native video studio, has partnered with Collective Newsroom, the sole content provider for BBC News in India. The collaboration utilizes Frammer’s automation tools to streamline video production and repurpose content for digital-first platforms across nine languages. This partnership aims to enhance the efficiency of public service journalism while maintaining editorial integrity and human judgment, expanding the reach of credible news across various digital channels.

Canva lays off over 1,200 people amid slowing growth

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:29:00 GMT

Design software company Canva is laying off 1,271 employees, 22% of its workforce, amid a significant growth slowdown—the first in a decade. CEO Melanie Perkins announced organizational changes, including team mergers, to adapt. The company is grappling with ballooning AI costs, which led to a reduced revenue growth forecast and a valuation cut by investors. Canva also faces increasing competition from AI startups and.

Nykaa’s Q2 Profit More Than Triples To ₹101 Cr, Revenue Up 28% YoY

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 16:12:21 GMT

"Nykaa reported a consolidated net profit of ₹101.2 crore for Q2 FY27, marking a 206.8% year-on-year increase. Operating revenue rose 28.1% to ₹3,006 crore, driven by strong growth in its beauty segment and reduced losses in fashion. Additionally, the company's board approved the acquisition of an 82% stake in premium makeup brand Simply Nam for up to ₹33 crore, with the deal expected to close by December.".

Lenskart Q2 Profit Jumps 125% YoY To ₹233 Cr, Revenue Rises 36%

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:56:21 GMT

Lenskart reported a consolidated net profit of ₹232.5 Cr in Q2 FY27, a substantial 124.7% increase year-over-year. Operating revenue also rose significantly by 35.7% to ₹2,845 Cr, driven by growth outpacing expenses. Both India and international business segments contributed to this strong financial performance, with international segment profit more than tripling, highlighting robust overall growth for the eyewear company.

Beyond assets: Why 'family continuity' is the missing link in personal finance

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:40:22 GMT

At TechSparks 2026, The Plan Beyond's CMO Priyanka Arora addressed the gap between wealth creation and family preparedness, explaining why families need more than access to financial data. They need the context to understand their assets and the ability to manage them when it matters.

ShareChat parent Mohalla Tech records 40% rise in revenue for FY26

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:12:42 GMT

The company attributed the growth to its micro-drama business, which contributed Rs 293 crore in subscription revenue in its first full year. Mohalla Tech also reported narrowing EBITDA losses by 58% in FY26 and expects to turn EBITDA-positive for the full year in FY27.

Jio In Talks With US-Based Comcast, Charter To License Broadband Technology: Report

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 13:50:14 GMT

Jio Platforms is in discussions with US cable operators Comcast and Charter Communications to license its UBR wireless broadband technology. These talks aim for potential equity stakes as Jio expands its overseas presence, targeting 10-15 global partners. The UBR technology delivers high-speed internet without individual home.

Awfis Q2 profit jumps 93% to Rs 31 Cr, revenue rises to Rs 464 Cr

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:02:18 GMT

Awfis Space Solutions Ltd reported a 93% increase in consolidated profit to Rs 30.8 crore for the September quarter, driven by strong demand for managed workspaces from large enterprises and GCCs. Total income for the quarter rose to Rs 464.29 crore. For the first half of the fiscal year, net profit reached Rs 54.76 crore. The company now operates 254 centers across 18 cities with 76.2% occupancy.

Inside The New Wave Of Private AI

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 11:00:15 GMT

As AI assistants handle sensitive personal and business data, privacy is becoming a key competitive differentiator. While data access improves utility, concerns over security drive demand for privacy-focused tools like Dark.ai and Brave Leo. Companies are implementing encryption, local processing, and data masking to build trust. Ultimately, privacy serves as a critical enabler for AI adoption in highly regulated sectors like finance and law.

Hiding inside Palantir’s skyrocketing quarter is a foreboding signal

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 02:35:55 GMT

Palantir delivered such a huge third-quarter earnings report on Monday that its press release even bragged that the numbers were “crushing consensus expectations.” Yet, retail investors were lukewarm on the company on Tuesday, with the stock trading slightly down. That’s because Palantir’s enterprise sales, its big growth area, showed signs of slowing. First, the good […].

Reddit tests ads in search results as traffic declines and growth concerns mount

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:54:37 GMT

Reddit is testing ad placements in its search results to boost revenue following a weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter forecast and declining search traffic caused by Google's AI search. With daily active users stagnating or dropping, the company aims to monetize its current base more effectively. Additionally, Reddit plans a gradual shift to a logged-in experience to prevent unauthorized AI scraping and provide advertisers with better user targeting data.

Rivian spinout Also was working on an e-moto project in Kenya — until it walked away

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 22:19:09 GMT

Micromobility startup Also, spun from Rivian, quietly ended an electric two-wheeler pilot project in Kenya, funded by the Shell Foundation. The company redirected resources to its consumer e-bike and autonomous vehicle ambitions, including a DoorDash partnership. Also faced significant supply chain.

Awfis’ Q2 Profit Almost Doubles YoY To ₹31 Cr, Revenue Up 20%

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 18:25:58 GMT

Awfis reported a strong financial performance in Q2 FY27, with net profit surging 92.8% year-over-year and 28.5% quarter-over-quarter to ₹30.8 Cr. Operating revenue grew 19.6% year-over-year to ₹438.7 Cr, although sequential growth was a modest 3.2%. Total expenses for the coworking space provider increased 15% year-over-year, reaching ₹433 Cr during the quarter.

5 lessons from the book Super Cool Startup by Sairam Krishnan

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:18:58 GMT

Sairam Krishnan's "Super Cool Startup" guides entrepreneurs on early-stage marketing for the AI age. It stresses that a great product needs effective storytelling, valuable content, community building, strategic PR, and strong social media to succeed. The book emphasizes earning attention and building trust, noting that while AI simplifies content, strategic judgment remains crucial for brand recognition and lasting impact.

India's next space unicorn may still be in college

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 16:00:46 GMT

India already has its first space-tech unicorn. Skyroot Aerospace crossed the $1 billion valuation mark in May 2026 and, two months later, its Vikram-1 became the first privately developed Indian rocket to reach orbit. Those milestones confirm that India's private space ecosystem has moved well bey.

Y Combinator’s Garry Tan uses AI agents so much, he spends up to $200K a year on tokens

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 06:05:52 GMT

Y Combinator Garry Tan has, in the past, jokingly admitted that he's suffered from "cyber psychosis” and barely sleeps sometimes because he’s so excited to be working with his AI agents. On a new episode of Walter Isaacson’s podcast, The Builders, set to publish on Tuesday, Tan put a price tag on his passion.

Apple says it’s ‘hard to predict’ when iPhone Duo constraints will improve

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 04:55:32 GMT

Apple's new iPhone Duo is experiencing significant shipping delays, with COO Sabih Khan unable to predict when supply will meet "extraordinary" demand. Customers face ship times extending into next year. Soaring memory chip costs, driven by the AI industry, and high product demand are key factors. Apple is deepening its partnership with a titanium producer to boost supply, while reluctantly raising prices on some.

Elon Musk throttles Grok Bot limits due to ‘unsustainably high’ costs

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 21:53:21 GMT

Grok Bot users faced unexpected maxed-out usage limits over Halloween weekend. Elon Musk confirmed this wasn't a glitch, citing unsustainably high serving costs relative to revenue. Despite this, Grok Bot is a success for SpaceX; AI now constitutes 52% of company income, and its "Super Intelligence" division posted a $431 million profit. Musk lauded Grok Bot's rapid.

ideaForge Returns To Profitability In Q2, Reports Net Profit Of ₹6.5 Cr

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 21:23:51 GMT

Dronetech firm ideaForge posted a net profit of ₹6.5 Cr in Q2 FY27, a significant turnaround from a ₹19.6 Cr loss in the year-ago quarter. This follows a ₹2.6 Cr loss reported in Q1 FY27. The company's operating revenue surged 124% year-on-year to ₹91.3 Cr. Total expenses for the quarter increased by 41.9% to ₹90.1 Cr, with.

Northwood Space raises $375M Series C at a $2B valuation from a16z and DFJ growth

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 19:52:35 GMT

Space infrastructure firm Northwood Space raised $375 million in Series C funding, co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and DFJ Growth, valuing the company at $2 billion. Founded in 2022, Northwood builds technologies to enhance satellite-Earth communication. CEO Bridgit Mendler will use the capital, which includes an HSBC financial agreement, to scale operations, hire staff,.

ESDS Q2 Profit Zooms 41% YoY To ₹31.1 Cr, Revenue Up 48%

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:44:04 GMT

ESDS Software Solution's Q2 FY27 net profit rose 40.7% year-on-year to ₹31.1 Cr, with revenue growing 48% to ₹138.3 Cr. The company achieved an EBITDA margin of 41.8%. Existing customers contributed 86.7% of revenue. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) accounted for 50.5% of revenue.

Beyond funding: Why every startup founder needs an insurance plan

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 16:27:59 GMT

From personal term insurance to keyman and employee cover, here's how insurance solutions can help entrepreneurs protect their families, businesses, and teams. Most founders are equity-rich and cash-poor, with household finances quietly tied to the venture: personal guarantees on business loans.

From code to content: How AI could make India the world’s next story exporter

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:02:48 GMT

AI is poised to transform India into a global content export hub, mirroring its past success in software. Saurabh Pandey's Dolphin AI streamlines video production, democratizing storytelling by removing gatekeepers and significantly reducing costs. This enables India to leverage its rich narratives, particularly in micro dramas, for international audiences. The technology aims to unlock immense creative and economic potential, fostering new global IPs and positioning India as a major content exporter.

Capillary Q2: Profit Jumps To ₹21.9 Cr, Revenue Surges 51.3% YoY

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:20:31 GMT

Capillary Technologies reported a consolidated net profit of ₹21.9 Cr in Q2 FY27, a significant jump from ₹28.8 Lakh a year earlier. Operating revenue grew 51.3% year-on-year to ₹271.4 Cr. The company returned to profitability after a ₹9.6 Cr loss in Q1, with revenue growth outpacing expenses and a ₹2 Cr net tax credit boosting the bottom line. This.

CBI Extradites Mahadev Betting App Promoter Sourabh Chandrakar From Oman

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 11:01:08 GMT

The CBI has extradited Mahadev betting app promoter Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman. He faces two CBI cases and an ED money laundering case linked to an alleged ₹6,000 Cr betting operation. The ED's probe covers overseas properties, alleged payments to public servants, and routing proceeds into the Indian stock market. Chandrakar is expected to be produced before a special court in Raipur today, marking a significant step against transnational criminal operations.

OpenAI might rebrand its data centers as ‘AI compute campuses’

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 03:25:23 GMT

OpenAI is preparing a post-midterm "PR blitz" to influence the AI debate, anticipating it will be a central issue in the 2028 presidential election. Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane outlined proposals including developing AI "speed limits," fostering empowering AI use, pushing for U.S. leadership in.

Binance resumes withdrawals following $6.3 billion breach

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 21:50:10 GMT

Binance announced phased resumption of withdrawals after a $6.3 billion crypto hack led to a freeze. The exchange has covered 95% of stolen assets, assuring users they will not bear financial losses. The freeze was a necessary security precaution. Withdrawals will resume gradually, though some assets remain partially suspended. The FBI confirmed North Korean group TraderTraitor was responsible for the breach, converting funds primarily into Ethereum.

Design and experience: How Essensai 067 crafts an open-air lifestyle and community destination

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 12:50:00 GMT

Essensai 067 in Whitefield offers a unique open-air lifestyle and community destination, diverging from traditional enclosed malls. It integrates dining, entertainment, shopping, wellness, and culture within a green, spacious, and pet-friendly environment. The venue emphasizes sustainability, art, and community engagement through diverse events and experiences, aiming to.

How voice AI is transforming banking and insurance: Desible.ai founders on the business behind the technology

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 08:15:00 GMT

In this episode of the Prime Venture Partners Podcast, Gaurav Ranjan sits down with Uttam and Omkar to discuss what it takes to build and sell agentic AI in Indian BFSI, from product engineering and compliance to enterprise sales and scaling beyond the first use case.

Apple CEO says the company doesn’t ‘want to ship AI for AI’s sake’

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 03:11:00 GMT

Apple CEO John Ternus defended the company's AI strategy in a Wired interview, despite perceptions of being behind. Ternus, who became CEO in September, stated he "really likes where we’re at" and Apple will "absolutely leverage AI." He emphasized integrating AI seamlessly for user benefit, not "for AI’s sake." Ternus also downplayed fears of AI agents making apps obsolete, stressing the human element in product development.

4 days left: How TechCrunch Founder Summit helps you make more useful connections to scale

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 03:06:07 GMT

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ED Arrests Armstrong Exchange Founder Over Alleged Online Betting Scam

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 01:52:27 GMT

Armstrong Exchange founder Sagar Dash has been arrested by the ED for an alleged online gaming and betting scam. The investigation uncovered a network of mule accounts and shell entities used to route hundreds of crores in crime proceeds. Dash was remanded to ED custody under PMLA. The ED froze approximately ₹9 Cr across multiple bank accounts and also arrested Edsom Fintech CEO Ram Ramdhani, continuing its probe into the extensive financial network.

OpenAI reportedly lowers funding target for new round

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 21:42:55 GMT

OpenAI's latest funding round is reportedly facing challenges, with initial targets of $30 billion at a $1.4 trillion valuation now lowered to $20 billion. The company has secured $11 billion so far, experiencing a "tepid" response from some large investors. The round is led by UAE investors, with a retail offering planned. This downturn is partly attributed to Wall Street's caution regarding heavy AI infrastructure spending and a broader tech stock.

E2W Registrations Rise 2.9% MoM To 2.15 Lakh In October, TVS & Hero Gain Market Share

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 19:57:14 GMT

India’s E2W registrations increased 2.9% MoM to 2.15 Lakh units in October, marking a second consecutive month of growth and a 48.1% YoY rise. TVS retained the lead with a 27.2% market share, while Hero MotoCorp saw strong growth, reaching 13.4%. Conversely, Bajaj Auto, Ather Energy, and Ola Electric recorded MoM registration declines, with some manufacturers citing capacity constraints impacting their sales performance.

MeitY unveils DEPA handbook to enable trusted data sharing for AI training

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:16:16 GMT

MeitY launched a handbook on Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) for AI training. This techno-legal framework enables institutions to collaborate on data while maintaining control, addressing privacy and intellectual property concerns. DEPA combines contractual permissions, controlled computing, and privacy safeguards, ensuring data provenance for accountability. It facilitates.

Reliance Retail focuses on disciplined JioMart expansion, targets profitability from FY28

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 14:13:58 GMT

Reliance Retail is rapidly expanding its dark store network and quick commerce operations, focusing on smaller cities and leveraging its existing physical stores. The company prioritizes unit economics and profitability, even closing unproductive large stores. Investments in online growth are expected to boost profitability from the.

Can D-Propulse Help India Reduce Its Dependence On Foreign Missile Engine Technology?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 14:07:50 GMT

D-Propulse is developing rotating detonation engines (RDEs) to create cheaper, more efficient jet engines, aiming to reduce India's dependence on foreign technology. These RDEs use supersonic detonation waves for thrust, promising improved fuel efficiency and compactness. The startup demonstrated a 5 kN air-breathing RDE, with flight tests planned for 2027 and limited production by 2028. It also explores testing services for early revenue, navigating a competitive global market.

This art festival reveals why the creative economy is as much about audiences as creators

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 07:31:02 GMT

"Chennai recently hosted the third edition of the 'Contemporary Now' art festival, featuring diverse artworks across ten venues. Collaborating with galleries from several Indian cities, directors Ashvin Rajagopalan and Priyanjoli Basu aimed to enhance art appreciation in Chennai. The event highlighted evolving trends, including themes of gender and climate change, while discussing the dual impact of digital platforms on artist visibility and creative satisfaction.".

Binance hit with $6.3B breach; Delhivery reports net profit of Rs 41 Cr in Q2

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 07:30:00 GMT

Dear Reader, Atomberg Technologies is gearing up for its public outing. The smart appliance disruptor has officially secured SEBI's green light to float its initial public offering, blending a Rs 450 crore fresh issue with an offer for sale of over 76.5 million equity shares. Known for transformin.

Exclusive: upliance.ai In Talks To Raise Up To $4 Mn For R&D, Global Expansion

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 07:00:04 GMT

Smart kitchen appliance startup upliance.ai is in advanced talks to raise $3 million to $4 million in a Series A funding round, expected to close by January 2027. The capital will support R&D, interface enhancements, and international expansion. Backed by Khosla Ventures, the company utilizes generative AI for its cooking assistants. This move comes as India's smart kitchen market is projected to reach $2.99 billion by 2032.

Salesforce’s M&A spree continues with a reported $375M deal for defense tech startup Rune

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 04:51:23 GMT

Salesforce is acquiring Rune Technologies for $375 million in cash and stock, enhancing its defense tech unit, Missionforce. Rune develops AI software to help the U.S. military predict supply needs and manage battlefield logistics. This acquisition deepens Salesforce's push into national security, following Missionforce's 80% growth and a recent $5.6 billion U.S. Army contract, extending its support beyond administrative planning to frontline operations.

MeitY Floats New Privacy-Led Framework To Unlock Data For Training AI Models

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:52:05 GMT

India's IT ministry proposed a consent-based Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) for AI training. This framework enables startups and institutions to access India-specific datasets for AI model development while safeguarding citizen privacy. It facilitates collaboration without direct data transfer through secure techno-legal architecture.

Atomberg Technologies receives SEBI nod for IPO

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 19:34:45 GMT

Atomberg Technologies received SEBI approval for its IPO, combining a fresh issue of Rs 450 crore and an offer for sale. Proceeds will fund debt, marketing, R&D, and general corporate purposes. The consumer appliance maker reported FY26 revenue of Rs 1293.77 crore, a 34.83% growth, alongside a Rs 148.88 crore loss. Atom.

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Fri, 30 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT

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Delhivery reports net profit of Rs 41 crore in Q2 of FY27

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 19:00:42 GMT

Delhivery reported a net profit of Rs 40.63 crore in Q2 FY27, reversing a loss from the previous year, with revenue climbing 19.8%. The logistics firm saw strong growth in express parcel and part truck load volumes. New businesses, including Delhivery Local, are expanding rapidly and exceeding revenue targets. Investments in AI are improving productivity, while Delhivery Robotics is developing autonomous vehicles. Despite a volatile macro environment, the company expresses confidence, citing improved service levels and profitability.

PB Fintech Q2 Profit Jumps 42% YoY To ₹192 Cr, Revenue Up 35%

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 18:00:36 GMT

PB Fintech, an insurtech company, reported a strong financial performance in the September quarter of FY27. Consolidated net profit jumped 42.5% year-on-year to ₹192.4 Cr, up from ₹135 Cr last year. Operating revenue also increased significantly, rising almost 35% year-on-year and 15% quarter-on-quarter to ₹2,177.7 Cr. Total expenses for the quarter stood at ₹2,067.7 Cr, highlighting robust growth.

India needs a digital goods marketplace and control of its distribution layer, say Indus Appstore and Eloelo

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:25:02 GMT

Priya Narasimhan of Indus Appstore and Sagar Gaonkar of Eloelo Group argued that India’s next 500 million users will come through AI-ready, locally priced platforms, and that sovereignty must extend beyond chips and models to app distribution, billing and data.