Startup in Brief - News in 60 Words

Is Neko Health’s body scan worth it? Spotify billionaire’s startup has come to America

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 01:50:02 GMT

Spotify founder Daniel Ek’s Neko Health raised $700 million to build a business around scanning your body, but it’s not the only company centering its roadmap around a new kind of preventative healthcare. Midjourney is building its own body scanner, while Function Health has also raised significant capital to build out its preventative-health platform. Why are investors betting so big on this category? On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, […].

Home interiors startup Gravity raises $15M led by 3one4 Capital and Info Edge Ventures

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:33:16 GMT

Home interiors startup Gravity raised $15 million in funding, led by 3one4 Capital and Info Edge Ventures, with other investors participating. The capital will strengthen technology, distribution, and infrastructure, support category expansion, and build brand capabilities. Founded by former Livspace executives, Gravity aims to simplify India's fragmented interior materials ecosystem, initially focusing on kitchens and wardrobes, by providing a shared technology and operating backbone for specialist businesses.

Tinder adapts to a social, IRL dating future with ‘Group Hangouts’ feature

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:30:00 GMT

As younger users grow increasingly tired of the endless scroll, dating apps are scrambling to adapt to a generation that increasingly wants dating to feel more social and rooted in real-world experiences. The latest example comes from Tinder, which on Wednesday announced the launch of “Group Hangouts,” a new feature that lets groups of friends […].

WillJini raises first round at $3.5M valuation, without pitching a single VC

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:03:22 GMT

WillJini raises first round at $3.5M valuation, without pitching a single VC Estate-planning startup WillJini grew from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 50 lakh in monthly revenue over three years using client money, before raising from SPJIMR batchmates, friends, and its own channel partners. Less than 1% of I.

Startup Funding Crawls Up 5% YoY To $2.2 Bn In Q3 As Investors Get Picky

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:50:47 GMT

Indian startups raised $2.2 Bn in Q3 2026, a 5% YoY increase, despite declining deal counts and active investors. Growth stage funding surged 38%, while AI, deeptech, and cleantech attracted strong interest. M&A activity rose 69% YoY, and six new tech companies went public, providing investor liquidity. Bengaluru led funding with over $1.4 Bn, and two startups achieved.

Apple Pay Launches In India, Partners With Axis Bank

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:38:42 GMT

Apple Pay has launched in India, with Axis Bank as its first banking partner. The service initially supports Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank, allowing iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users to make payments in apps, online, and at contactless stores. Payment infrastructure providers like Juspay and Cashfree are facilitating its rollout across various merchant networks, with Mac support expected soon.

Why the next commerce battle will be for the gap between discovery and access

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:45:00 GMT

Digital content has made product discovery increasingly accessible across India, but affordability, assortment and convenience remain gaps for consumers beyond the metros. The next phase of ecommerce will depend on how effectively businesses bridge that gap between aspiration and access.

OpenAI’s latest features take direct aim at the app store model

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:45:47 GMT

"At OpenAI's Dev Day, the company unveiled plans to disrupt traditional app stores by transforming ChatGPT into a central hub for software discovery and execution. New features include in-chat app suggestions, an enterprise marketplace, and 'Sign in with ChatGPT' for identity management. Additionally, OpenAI introduced 'Dots,' autonomous AI agents capable of navigating the web and utilizing over 4,000 connected apps to complete complex tasks for users.".

Will Amend IT Rules To Bar Under-18s From Social Media: Centre To SC

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:40:32 GMT

The Centre informed the Supreme Court it plans to amend IT Rules, prohibiting individuals under 18 from opening social media accounts. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that agreements with minors are void, emphasizing the need to protect children from online risks. This move, prompted by an NGO petition, would place India among nations tightening social media access for youth, with an 18-year threshold being notably higher than most international standards.

AI-powered app maker Wabi pivots to a messaging experience

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:50:00 GMT

AI startup Wabi is pivoting to Wabi 2.0, an AI messenger that dynamically builds apps for users. Founder Eugenia Kuyda describes it as a personal agent creating interfaces on demand, moving beyond chat-only interactions. It aims to combine conversation and productivity, allowing users to.

Can a chatbot fix the government maze? The White House is about to find out

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:25:56 GMT

President Trump announced America.gov, an AI chatbot designed to simplify access to government services and information. Google confirmed its partnership, utilizing its Gemini AI model. Trump described it as "one front door" for all inquiries. However, the article raises concerns about AI chatbots' susceptibility to hallucinations. Errors from America.gov could lead to serious consequences for users seeking vital information on food stamps, visas, or taxes, potentially causing missed deadlines or denied benefits.

CoinSwitch turns profitable in FY26 on adjusted EBITDA as revenue jumps 150%

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:58:29 GMT

Crypto platform CoinSwitch achieved adjusted EBITDA profitability in FY26, with revenue surging 150% to Rs 324.19 crore. Adjusted EBITDA increased over 50-fold to Rs 86.38 crore, and the margin expanded to 27%. This growth significantly outpaced a 37% rise in operating costs, demonstrating strong operating efficiency and disciplined scaling while investing in technology and.

5 Books that help you become more consistent in life

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:47:33 GMT

Consistency is a vital yet challenging skill, often abandoned when motivation fades. This article reviews five books offering diverse strategies to build lasting consistency. They emphasize understanding human behavior, overcoming self-sabotage, consistent practice over inspiration, prioritizing limited time, and fostering self-compassion. These resources highlight that sustainable change comes from small, repeated actions, self-awareness, and supportive systems, rather than willpower alone.

IIM Kozhikode partners with Walmart Global Tech to nurture Indian deeptech startups

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:19:34 GMT

IIM Kozhikode’s business incubator, IIMK LIVE, has partnered with Walmart Global Tech to launch DEEP LEAP, a deeptech incubation programme. Supported by Rs 2.89 crore in CSR funding, the initiative will select 50 early-stage startups from 1,500 applicants for a 12-month cohort. Focusing on fields like AI and robotics, the program provides mentorship, seed funding, and strategic support to help founders scale their innovations globally.

From payments to wealth: Where is India's fintech story headed next?

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:51:50 GMT

India’s fintech story is moving beyond payments and credit as rising incomes and longer lifespans create a growing need for personalised wealth advice. But access to independent, affordable financial guidance remains limited, leaving a gap that AI and digital infrastructure could help bridge.

AceVector IPO Oversubscribed 2.59X On Day 3 So Far

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:49:01 GMT

AceVector's ₹420 Cr IPO was oversubscribed 2.59X, driven by strong demand from non-institutional investors (NIIs) at 4.11X. Qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) and retail investors also significantly oversubscribed their quotas. The Snapdeal parent's shares are tentatively scheduled to debut on the BSE and NSE on October 5. Proceeds will fund Snapdeal's marketing, technology, and.

TechSparks 2026: More founders, tech leaders, global policymakers shaping the New Tech Order

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 13:57:06 GMT

TechSparks 2026, YourStory's flagship summit, will convene in Bengaluru from October 13-15 under the theme ‘The New Tech Order’. The event will explore policy, deeptech, AI, fintech, aerospace, mobility, and digital infrastructure, focusing on how these elements are transforming technology development. Speakers include Karnataka ministers Priyank Kharge and.

Hausla Empowered by Kotak Mahindra back with 4 founders solving everyday problems with tech

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:32:33 GMT

Strapline: Season 2 of Kotak's founder-focused docuseries Hausla Empowered follows four startups building solutions for railway safety, Parkinson's care, farm losses, and early disease detection. Gayatri Guha A train track that can flag a problem before it becomes a failure. A solution to assis.

Ola Electric plans Rs 1,000 Cr rights issue, appoints new compliance officer

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:27:45 GMT

Ola Electric plans to raise Rs 1,000 crore via a rights issue and appointed Deepa Bansal as Company Secretary, strengthening its leadership and finances. This move comes amid intensifying competition in India's electric two-wheeler market, where Ola Electric faces declining market share and revenue. Despite a revenue drop, the company.

Sachin Tendulkar bats for OpenAI; Nvidia’s new shield for AI agents

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 07:30:00 GMT

While cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has teamed up with OpenAI in a multi-year partnership to show how ChatGPT can be used for everyday learning, idea generation, and personal interests; Nvidia has unveiled a security platform that can stop AI agents from going rogue.

Nvidia launches new platform for reining in rogue AI agents

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:01:23 GMT

As the debate rages over whether the recent spate of rogue AI agents is a step toward AGI or a more conventional engineering problem, Nvidia is offering its own answer to problem. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on Monday introduced a toolkit of software and hardware products that add independent security layers around AI agents to […].

Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ Brandon Sorbom and Helion’s David Kirtley on bringing fusion to the grid at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:30:00 GMT

CFS' Brandon Sorbom and Helion's David Kirtley join the Smart Systems Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to discuss the breakthroughs moving fusion forward, the challenges that remain, and what it will take to deliver fusion power to the grid at scale. Get your pass at regular price and get a second one at 50% off.

After a deepfake voice fooled her grandfather, this founder sprang into action

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:30:00 GMT

After her grandfather was scammed by a deepfake of his brother's voice, Tarini Padmanabhuni founded DetectifAI, a San Francisco startup building AI models small enough to run directly on smartphones and flag fake voices in real time, and it's now one of the companies competing in Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt.

Your final chance to grab your exhibit table at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is Oct. 2

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:30:00 GMT

The last day to book your Disrupt 2026 exhibit table is this Friday, October 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Secure your exhibit table and get your startup in front of 10,000+ founders, investors and tech leaders at San Francisco's Moscone West on Oct 13-15.

Epiklogue unveils India’s new commerce model: Try and Buy

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:16:34 GMT

Backed by India’s finest brands, Epik pioneers ‘experience commerce’, blending AI with human expertise to create a shopping model the world has never seen before. For years, the big ideas in commerce have come from the US or China. Epik, the Try and Buy Everything Store, hosted Epiklogue,an ev.

PB Fintech Sheds Over ₹34K Cr In M-Cap In 3 Sessions, Turtlemint Loses ₹1,549 Cr

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:23:07 GMT

PB Fintech and Turtlemint lost over ₹35,705 Cr in market cap after IRDAI proposed new product-level commission caps for insurance distributors. The regulatory changes could significantly pressure commissions, customer acquisition costs, and earnings for digital insurance firms. Jefferies estimates a 10% cut in new-business commissions might reduce earnings by 10-12%. Stakeholder comments.

OpenAI teams up with Sachin Tendulkar to demystify AI in India

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:07:56 GMT

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has partnered with OpenAI in a multi-year collaboration to demystify AI and ChatGPT for everyday users across India. The initiative aims to make advanced technology approachable by highlighting practical, relatable use cases through interactive content and videos. Tendulkar will demonstrate how ChatGPT aids learning and problem-solving. This partnership seeks to build trust and bridge the tech gap, capitalizing on India's surging AI adoption and ChatGPT's doubled user base for education and daily tasks.

What to keep in mind before applying for a personal loan

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:30:57 GMT

Applying for a personal loan requires careful consideration beyond just receiving funds. Key factors include borrowing only the exact amount needed, assessing your repayment capacity for EMIs, understanding interest rates and their impact on total cost, and choosing an appropriate tenure. Also, check eligibility, required documentation, and all associated charges. Comparing offers thoroughly ensures a.

Truecaller takes its scam intelligence to the open web as it looks beyond caller ID

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Truecaller launched Scam Checker, a new web and Android service enabling users to check suspicious phone numbers, links, or messages for fraud. Leveraging community reports and a proprietary database, the free tool requires no app or sign-in for basic checks. Initially available in India, it will expand globally. This marks Truecaller's strategic evolution.

PNOE’s new face mask wants to make lab-grade breath testing a self-serve affair

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 07:10:30 GMT

PNOĒ, the Malden, Mass.-based startup whose breath-analyzing mask used to bear an unfortunate resemblance to Bane's, is launching a sleeker self-serve version on October 1 that lets gym-goers measure their VO₂ max and other metabolic markers in eight minutes without a trained operator.

TikTok agrees to pay at least $100M in Alabama settlement

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:54:45 GMT

TikTok will pay Alabama at least $100 million, potentially up to $300 million, to settle allegations it misled users about safety and designed its platform to addict children. The agreement also mandates a two-hour daily time limit for underage users, enhanced parental controls, and restrictions on overnight usage and cosmetic filters. This settlement, ahead of a scheduled trial, follows a previous $400 million deal with the Department of Justice.

Meta says it will run ads for ‘Musk’ documentary after all

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 23:14:00 GMT

Social media platforms initially rejected ads for Alex Gibney’s acclaimed Elon Musk documentary, “Musk,” often citing "political content." Meta later reversed its decision, calling it an error. X's refusal was expected given Musk's ownership and comments. Despite critical acclaim and a theatrical release set, Universal Pictures reportedly wavered on international.

True North Acquires Minority Stake in IPO-Bound InMobi

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:51:44 GMT

True North has acquired a 2-3% minority stake in adtech unicorn InMobi for $50-60 million, primarily through secondary share purchases. This transaction allowed some early investors a partial exit as InMobi gears up for its anticipated $1 billion IPO. The SoftBank-backed company, which provides marketing and monetization solutions, is redomiciling to India and preparing for its public debut, with a valuation reportedly sought around $6-10 billion.

5 Kahlil Gibran quotes that find beauty in imperfection

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 16:40:00 GMT

Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese-American poet, taught that perfection isn't life's goal, advocating for embracing one's whole self, including flaws. His writings emphasize that imperfections are not obstacles but integral to the human experience. Gibran's philosophy encourages finding beauty in struggle, valuing aspirations over outcomes, and recognizing that growth often emerges from discomfort. His timeless message inspires readers to live a beautiful life by accepting the full spectrum of human experience, rather than pursuing flawlessness.

IIT Madras targets 1,000 startups by 2032, eyes one IPO every month

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 16:03:47 GMT

IIT Madras aims to have around 1,000 startups under its fold by 2032, with at least one expected to go public every month, Director Prof V Kamakoti said. The institute has already incubated 583 startups with a combined valuation of Rs 83,000 crore.

At Meta Connect, the company’s smart glasses were everywhere

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 06:38:57 GMT

Meta Connect emphasized the company's significant investment in smart glasses, unveiling new audio-only models. These camera-less glasses aim to ease privacy concerns and integrate with Meta's Muse AI for verbal commands and tasks. Another notable reveal was an affordable $150 audio-only pair designed for the hearing impaired. Meta is strategically broadening its smart glasses appeal, focusing on making them stylish, functional, and useful to achieve wider adoption.

Automattic has a new board after failed attempt to put CEO on leave

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 04:34:34 GMT

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has appointed a new board of directors following a failed attempt by previous members to remove him from power. After regaining control within 33 hours using his 84% voting share, Mullenweg replaced several directors and executives. The new board includes author Hugh Howey and founders of the defunct app IRL. This restructuring occurs amid an ongoing legal dispute with hosting provider WP Engine.

Meta opens early access program for new Muse features

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 02:04:53 GMT

Meta is opening early access for its Muse AI app following new feature announcements at Connect 2026. Users can request access via a prompt to Muse. Targeting AI enthusiasts, new capabilities include a video-chatting digital avatar, expanded shopping partnerships, a Mac app for task completion, and integration with Meta's AI glasses for voice commands. This move aims to engage knowledgeable users and maintain a competitive edge in the AI market.

The hottest new hangout for middle schoolers is NPR’s comment section?

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 02:03:58 GMT

NPR's "Wild Card" podcast producers were baffled by strange Spotify comments, initially suspecting bots. A Gen Z colleague, however, identified them as middle schoolers using the comment section as a private group chat, avoiding traditional social media. These kids chose NPR podcasts specifically because they had fewer comments, providing an unexpected digital hangout. This phenomenon had also occurred on "TED Radio Hour," highlighting a new trend among younger audiences seeking alternative online spaces.

Anthropic to pay Akamai $11.6 billion over seven years in cloud deal

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:43:38 GMT

nthropic has committed $11.6 billion over seven years to Akamai's cloud infrastructure, a bet on CPUs that could grow to about $20 billion, and in an unusual arrangement, Akamai is giving Anthropic a potential stake of up to 5% of its stock that grows as Anthropic spends more.

Ahead of U.S. IPO, British AI neocloud Nscale secures $3.36B in convertible finacing

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:03:59 GMT

Nscale, a British neocloud firm, secured $3.36 billion in financing, including $1 billion from Nvidia, ahead of its anticipated IPO later this year. This significant convertible note funding, led by Third Point, underscores the vast capital required for building AI data centers. Nscale, spun out two years ago, is developing large.

North Korean hackers suspected in $351M crypto theft, the largest so far this year

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:54:34 GMT

North Korean hackers are suspected of stealing over $351 million from cryptocurrency exchange Bitget in a cyberattack on Thursday. This marks the largest digital currency heist this year, with funds taken from internet-connected hot wallets. Bitget has suspended withdrawals but stated its $464 million user protection fund should cover the theft. The CEO noted the attack's consistency with North Korean groups, often linked to funding nuclear programs.

Tender247 brings Anupam Kher on board to expand access to India’s Rs 70 Lakh Cr tender market

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:13:02 GMT

Anupam Kher becomes the face of Tender247, opening India’s ₹70 lakh crore Tender Market to more businesses The platform is using the actor’s association to make government and institutional tenders easier for businesses to discover, track, and compete for. India's tender economy is vast, digi.

Dextr AI Raises $6.7 Mn To Build AI Agents For Hospitality Industry

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:03:24 GMT

Hospitality AI startup Dextr AI secured $6.7 Mn in seed funding, led by Elevation Capital and Foundation Capital. The capital will fuel product development, hiring, and global expansion, including India. Dextr AI automates tasks like reservations, guest management, and staffing for hundreds of hospitality properties, processing over 1 million interactions monthly. This investment extends Elevation's focus on AI-led business automation.

Andhra sets 70% renewable energy rule for data centres, addresses water concerns: Lokesh

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:45:45 GMT

Andhra Pradesh is developing Visakhapatnam as a data-centre hub, mandating that at least 70% of energy for these facilities must come from renewable sources. IT Minister Nara Lokesh announced this sustainability-focused approach, which also addresses water requirements through the Polavaram Left Bank Canal and incentives for desalination plants. This holistic strategy aims to attract significant technology investments while mitigating environmental impact.

Per Annum targets Rs10,000Cr AUM as retail investors look beyond traditional assets

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:32:32 GMT

Alternative investment platform Per Annum, which reached Rs 1,500 crore in AUM in August 2026, is expanding across P2P lending, private credit, and fractional real estate as investor demand for diversification grows. A few years ago, the conversation about alternative investments in India was.

5 Quotes on human connection from the Anxious Generation

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:32:43 GMT

Jonathan Haidt's "The Anxious Generation" examines technology's impact on mental health, stressing the critical role of human connection. The book argues that smartphones and social media often impede genuine relationships. Haidt emphasizes that face-to-face interactions, shared experiences, and community are essential for emotional well-being and personal growth. He asserts that real-world connections are vital for coping with.

Twenty minutes with the CEO of ElevenLabs, now reportedly valued at $22 billion

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:05:13 GMT

ElevenLabs powers the AI voice on the other end of a lot of customer service calls, and its CEO told me this week that businesses should probably tell you that — at least until getting a machine is what everyone expects anyway.

Shield AI, Waabi, and General Motors on building AI when failure is not an option at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:30:00 GMT

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, leaders from Shield AI, Waabi, and General Motors will discuss deploying AI in high-stakes physical environments. The session, “Building AI Systems When Failure Is Not an Option,” focuses on safety, validation, and trust in autonomous aircraft, vehicles, and robotics. Experts Nathan Michael, Raquel Urtasun, and Mikell Taylor will explore how to ensure these systems are ready for real-world use during the event in San Francisco. (69 words) -.

Ando wants to take on Slack with a team messaging app that lets humans and agents work together

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:01:00 GMT

Ando, a new startup, launched a team messaging platform designed for seamless collaboration between human and AI workers. Founder Sara Du identified a gap where existing platforms treated AI agents as apps, not participants. Ando allows agents to join conversations naturally, possess identities, and proactively assist teams. The company secured $20 million in funding to scale its.