https://startupinbrief.com Latest Indian startup and tech news summarized in 60 words. en-us https://startupinbrief.com/news/mark-buys-a-castle https://startupinbrief.com/news/mark-buys-a-castle Mark Zuckerberg has purchased the 19th-century Strancally Castle and its 440-acre estate in Waterford, Ireland, for an estimated $23 million to $35 million. The historic property features over 11 bedrooms and several tower suites, located roughly two hours from Meta's international headquarters in Dublin. This acquisition follows Zuckerberg's recent $170 million home purchase in Miami, reflecting a broader trend of tech billionaires relocating from California. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 01:25:40 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-gives-publishers-a-new-way-to-fight-ai-driven-traffic-losses https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-gives-publishers-a-new-way-to-fight-ai-driven-traffic-losses Google is introducing a "Preferred Sources" button that publishers can embed on their websites, allowing users to mark them as favorites. This feature aims to boost visibility in Google Search, Discover, and Google News, offsetting traffic losses caused by AI-powered search. Additionally, Google is enabling natural language customization for Discover feeds and personalized audio briefings in the Google News app to improve user-controlled content recommendations. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:48:21 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/runlayer-rippling-drop-lawsuits-but-the-brouhaha-is-still-a-cautionary-tale-for-founders https://startupinbrief.com/news/runlayer-rippling-drop-lawsuits-but-the-brouhaha-is-still-a-cautionary-tale-for-founders Runlayer and Rippling have dropped their mutual lawsuits without a settlement or financial exchange. The legal battle began when Runlayer accused Rippling of cloning its MCP gateway after a year of product testing. Rippling responded with a patent infringement countersuit. Following the dismissal, Rippling immediately launched its own MCP gateway, entering the AI security market to compete with Runlayer and other major industry players. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:45:05 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/castelion-hits-13b-valuation-to-mass-produce-hypersonic-missiles https://startupinbrief.com/news/castelion-hits-13b-valuation-to-mass-produce-hypersonic-missiles Castelion, a missile startup founded by former SpaceX executives, has raised $1 billion in Series C funding at a $13 billion valuation. Co-led by Andreessen Horowitz, Carlyle, and JP Morgan Chase, the capital will support the production of Blackbeard hypersonic missiles in New Mexico. With over $500 million in military contracts, the company aims to help the U.S. close its hypersonic weapon gap with China. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:31:41 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/linkdazes-smart-calendar-is-built-to-run-a-household-not-just-track-a-schedule https://startupinbrief.com/news/linkdazes-smart-calendar-is-built-to-run-a-household-not-just-track-a-schedule Linkdaze has launched a smart digital calendar designed for household organization, available in 10.1-inch and 15.6-inch models. The device synchronizes multiple calendar services, including Google and iCloud, using color-coding for clarity. Key features include a digital photo frame and an AI-powered meal planner with "Snap-to-Sync" technology. Unlike competitors, Linkdaze offers its main features without a monthly subscription, starting at $119.99 for the smaller model. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:50:35 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/grok-keeps-sending-gibberish-responses-to-users https://startupinbrief.com/news/grok-keeps-sending-gibberish-responses-to-users xAI’s Grok chatbot recently experienced a glitch causing it to output gibberish to some users, particularly those using Grok Lite on Grok.com. While the Grok account on X acknowledged the "word salad" as a rare temporary generation error, some users found that refreshing sessions did not resolve the issue. This incident follows reports of significant staff turnover at xAI, including the loss of many founding researchers. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:02:16 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/the-investors-guide-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-everything-you-need-to-know https://startupinbrief.com/news/the-investors-guide-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-everything-you-need-to-know TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 takes place October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, focusing on building enduring companies in the AI era. The event offers investors access to the vetted Startup Battlefield 200, curated 1:1 meetings, and the Deal Flow Café. With various specialized stages and networking opportunities with top operators, the conference provides critical deal flow and market intelligence for angel, seed, and growth-stage investors. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:57:47 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/a-third-of-webpages-published-since-chatgpts-launch-show-signs-of-ai-authorship-study-finds https://startupinbrief.com/news/a-third-of-webpages-published-since-chatgpts-launch-show-signs-of-ai-authorship-study-finds ChatGPT and other AI models are now authoring and editing much of the new web. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:48:58 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/early-cerebras-investor-adit-singh-joins-mayfield-as-infrastructure-partner https://startupinbrief.com/news/early-cerebras-investor-adit-singh-joins-mayfield-as-infrastructure-partner Adit Singh, a former Foundation Capital partner known for early investments in Cerebras, has joined Mayfield as an infrastructure partner. Singh, a trained chip designer, will focus on hardware, cybersecurity, infrastructure software, and physical AI. He was drawn to Mayfield's strong semiconductor portfolio and its capacity to write seed checks up to $20 million, supported by the firm's $3 billion in assets under management. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:34:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ramp-launches-its-own-ai-model-router-called-router https://startupinbrief.com/news/ramp-launches-its-own-ai-model-router-called-router Ramp, a corporate expense management platform, has launched Router, an AI model routing service available in the United States. The API allows users to switch between various large language models from providers like OpenAI and Anthropic. Free through 2026, the service includes routing strategies and a usage dashboard. This move enables Ramp to enter the AI inference market while attracting new customers to its core financial products. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:16:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/senators-demand-answers-from-tiktok-over-experiment-that-disabled-safeguards https://startupinbrief.com/news/senators-demand-answers-from-tiktok-over-experiment-that-disabled-safeguards "Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal have demanded answers from TikTok regarding an experiment that disabled a safety safeguard for 15 million U.S. users. The senators called the move 'depraved' after a teenager in the control group died by suicide. TikTok allegedly tested if the feature reduced engagement. The company must respond by September 1, providing details on the experiment and other similar safety-related tests.". Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:52:19 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/meta-brings-pocket-an-app-that-lets-you-vibe-code-and-share-games-to-us-users https://startupinbrief.com/news/meta-brings-pocket-an-app-that-lets-you-vibe-code-and-share-games-to-us-users "Meta has launched Pocket, an AI-powered gaming app, in the United States. The app enables users to create interactive "gizmos" using AI prompts, which can incorporate music, photos, and motion controls. Users can share, remix, and repost these games on their profiles. This release is part of Meta's strategy to mainstream AI tools, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg citing AI-enabled development as the key to faster app deployment.". Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:37:26 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/mc2-foundation-launches-accelerator-for-energy-deeptech-startups https://startupinbrief.com/news/mc2-foundation-launches-accelerator-for-energy-deeptech-startups "The MC² Foundation, supported by public sector energy companies, has launched MC²+ Ignite, a deeptech accelerator for energy startups. Inaugurated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the programme provides around 30 startups with access to R&D centres, pilot sites, and mentoring via partnerships with institutions like IIT Madras. Selected ventures can receive up to Rs 2 crore in funding to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.". Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:37:08 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/the-2026-startup-battlefield-200-is-here-see-who-made-the-cut https://startupinbrief.com/news/the-2026-startup-battlefield-200-is-here-see-who-made-the-cut We’re thrilled to unveil the 2026 Startup Battlefield 200, our annual handpicked list of the 200 most promising early-stage startups from around the world. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/patreon-launches-30-new-creator-features-including-short-form-clips-and-revamped-discovery https://startupinbrief.com/news/patreon-launches-30-new-creator-features-including-short-form-clips-and-revamped-discovery Patreon has introduced thirty new and revamped features designed to help creators build sustainable communities and improve discovery. Key updates include "Clips" for short-form video, a revised discovery algorithm to highlight smaller creators, and "Niches" for topic-based communities. The platform is also launching granular earnings analytics and fan profiles, while planning future security tools like anti-AI scraping to better support creators against traditional social media models. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/inertia-enterprises-finds-a-way-to-make-its-fusion-fuel-fast https://startupinbrief.com/news/inertia-enterprises-finds-a-way-to-make-its-fusion-fuel-fast Fusion startup Inertia Enterprises has significantly reduced the production time for its fusion fuel pellets from several days to just a few hours. By optimizing the manufacturing process and utilizing a more powerful laser to tolerate minor imperfections, the company has overcome a key barrier to commercialization. This advancement reduces expensive tritium inventory requirements and enables the industrial scale necessary for a future commercial power plant. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/there-are-less-than-48-hours-to-save-up-to-300-on-your-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-ticket https://startupinbrief.com/news/there-are-less-than-48-hours-to-save-up-to-300-on-your-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-ticket TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place from October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, focusing on innovation in the AI era. The event features specialized stages for real-world AI, smart money, and smart systems, with speakers from Rivian, Amazon, and Bluesky. Attendees can save up to $300 on passes if they purchase by Friday, August 21, at 11:59 p.m. PT to secure the lowest available pricing. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:23:49 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/flipkart-ads-drive-walmarts-advertising-business-growth-in-q2 https://startupinbrief.com/news/flipkart-ads-drive-walmarts-advertising-business-growth-in-q2 "Walmart's global advertising business grew 20% in Q2 FY27, driven largely by Flipkart Ads. Walmart International reported sales of $35.2 billion, a 12.8% increase, while ecommerce sales rose 19%. Despite this growth, a timing shift in Flipkart’s Big Billion Days is expected to hinder Q3 sales. Meanwhile, Flipkart is expanding into food delivery and premium groceries while delaying its IPO to prioritize profitability and margin improvement.". Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:12:47 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/tiger-global-backed-upstox-begins-ipo-talks-eyes-400-mn-public-issue-report https://startupinbrief.com/news/tiger-global-backed-upstox-begins-ipo-talks-eyes-400-mn-public-issue-report Upstox, India's fifth-largest stockbroking platform, has started preliminary talks with investment banks for an IPO aiming to raise approximately $400 million. The offering will likely include fresh shares and an offer for sale, potentially allowing major investors like Tiger Global to reduce their stakes. This move follows Groww's recent listing and aligns with the growing retail investor base in India, as Upstox expands its digital financial services. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:26:25 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/apollo-atomics-wants-to-make-nuclear-power-cheaper-by-shrinking-an-overlooked-part https://startupinbrief.com/news/apollo-atomics-wants-to-make-nuclear-power-cheaper-by-shrinking-an-overlooked-part Apollo Atomics is developing a compact nuclear reactor by redesigning the steam generator to be mass-manufacturable and significantly smaller. Based on MIT research, this innovation allows for factory assembly, reducing costs and construction time. The startup recently raised $26 million in seed funding to build a demonstration reactor, aiming for commercial deployment by 2028 with a goal to outperform natural gas in cost-efficiency. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:15:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/indias-data-centre-boom-has-a-security-blind-spot https://startupinbrief.com/news/indias-data-centre-boom-has-a-security-blind-spot India's rapidly growing data center infrastructure faces escalating cybersecurity, physical, and geopolitical threats. With the average breach cost hitting ₹25.5 Cr in 2026, risks like ransomware and insider attacks are rising. Incidents involving the Kudankulam plant and facility fires highlight these vulnerabilities. Consequently, enterprises and regulators are shifting toward stricter contractual accountability and integrated security solutions to protect critical digital infrastructure powering AI and government services. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:08:19 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/jodii-vs-jodi365-inside-matrimonycoms-trademark-setback https://startupinbrief.com/news/jodii-vs-jodi365-inside-matrimonycoms-trademark-setback "The Madras High Court has restrained Matrimony.com from using its 'Jodii' brand, finding it deceptively similar to Free Elective Network’s registered 'Jodi365' trademark. Overturning a 2022 ruling, the division bench ordered the destruction of infringing materials but rejected Free Elective’s claim for ₹1 crore in damages. Matrimony.com is now considering an appeal to the Supreme Court to challenge the decision regarding the matchmaking platform's branding.". Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:02:52 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-rolls-out-ai-powered-learning-tools-for-students-to-prep-for-competitive-exams https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-rolls-out-ai-powered-learning-tools-for-students-to-prep-for-competitive-exams "Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced new AI-powered learning tools for students and educators. Google Search now offers customized practice quizzes for various standardized tests, including the SAT and GRE, using expert content. Additionally, Gemini introduces a student hub with tailored study plans and research capabilities. Google is also providing free AI subscriptions to eligible college students globally and new curriculum-tracking tools for teachers via Google Classroom.". Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:59:50 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/zetwerk-udrhp-a-look-at-shareholding-pattern-key-executives https://startupinbrief.com/news/zetwerk-udrhp-a-look-at-shareholding-pattern-key-executives B2B manufacturer Zetwerk has filed updated IPO papers with SEBI to raise ₹2,600 crore through a fresh issue and an offer-for-sale of up to 9.6 crore shares. The company plans to use ₹1,800 crore to repay debt, with the rest for acquisitions. While major investors like Peak XV and Accel seek partial exits, Greenoaks will retain its stake. Zetwerk reported FY26 revenue of ₹15,913.3 crore and a net loss of ₹1,606.2 crore. (74 words) -. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:52:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/indias-microdrama-boom-is-here-but-can-the-unit-economics-work https://startupinbrief.com/news/indias-microdrama-boom-is-here-but-can-the-unit-economics-work India is experiencing a surge in microdramas, short vertical videos designed for mobile screens. The market is projected to reach ₹650 crore by 2028, growing over 50% annually. While production costs are low, high customer acquisition costs and subscription challenges hinder profitability. Platforms are now focusing on regional content and building strong intellectual properties to attract diverse audiences from tier II and III cities across the country. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:42:54 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-data-giant-alation-confirms-cyberattack https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-data-giant-alation-confirms-cyberattack The data search and AI giant confirmed unauthorized access to its systems during an incident on Tuesday, and said it was investigating the breach. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:31:24 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/for-a16z-ai-gives-foreign-founders-an-advantage https://startupinbrief.com/news/for-a16z-ai-gives-foreign-founders-an-advantage "Andreessen Horowitz is increasingly investing in international founders through its Borderless Founder network, with 44% of its Apps Fund investments featuring non-U.S. entrepreneurs. The firm believes AI provides these founders a competitive edge, allowing them to leverage global talent pools and serve international enterprise markets more effectively than U.S.-based startups. Consequently, a16z is expanding its global reach to capture high-potential AI dealflow outside Silicon Valley.". Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/5-books-that-explore-the-thoughts-we-never-say-aloud https://startupinbrief.com/news/5-books-that-explore-the-thoughts-we-never-say-aloud Literature often captures the silent inner conversations people keep hidden, such as fears, regrets, and desires. Five influential books—Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, The Bell Jar, Notes from Underground, and The Gifts of Imperfection—explore themes of loneliness, identity, and vulnerability. By voicing these unspoken struggles, these works help readers understand their own psychological conflicts and realize they are not alone. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/us-says-hackers-are-targeting-vulnerable-water-systems-with-the-help-of-ai https://startupinbrief.com/news/us-says-hackers-are-targeting-vulnerable-water-systems-with-the-help-of-ai U.S. security agencies, including CISA and the FBI, warn that hackers are targeting Siemens S7 programmable logic controllers used in critical infrastructure, particularly water and wastewater systems. Using AI to generate exploit scripts, attackers target poorly secured or outdated software to cause downtime or equipment damage. These attacks, suspected to be Iranian, have already affected several states, prompting warnings to keep critical devices disconnected from the internet. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:13:19 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ccpa-fines-amazon-over-fake-shree-ram-mandir-ayodhya-prasad-listing https://startupinbrief.com/news/ccpa-fines-amazon-over-fake-shree-ram-mandir-ayodhya-prasad-listing The Central Consumer Protection Authority fined Amazon ₹1 Lakh for allowing misleading listings that sold ordinary sweets as "Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad" without authorization. Rejecting Amazon's safe harbour defense, the regulator ruled that marketplaces must prevent unfair trade practices. Amazon is now required to verify prasad listings for ten major religious institutions, prominently display seller information, and strengthen its systems to detect and remove deceptive listings. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:44:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/meta-ais-new-mac-app-wants-you-to-talk-to-your-apps https://startupinbrief.com/news/meta-ais-new-mac-app-wants-you-to-talk-to-your-apps Meta has launched a new Mac app for Meta AI featuring system-wide dictation and screen-context awareness. Targeted at business owners, the tool integrates with Facebook, Instagram, and Google Workspace to provide campaign insights and competitor intelligence. Meta AI can also draft documents and spreadsheets. This release aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg's strategy to provide businesses with AI agents to automate work and enhance customer support. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:41:57 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/he-quit-engineering-to-clean-the-ganga-removing-247-lakh-kg-of-waste https://startupinbrief.com/news/he-quit-engineering-to-clean-the-ganga-removing-247-lakh-kg-of-waste Shubham Kumar, a former civil engineer, left his career in 2018 to clean the Ganga ghats in Patna. Through his Being Helper Foundation, he has mobilized over 1,100 volunteers, removing 2.47 lakh kilograms of waste and recycling thousands of plastic bottles. Now a brand ambassador for Namami Gange, Kumar focuses on waste management, civic responsibility, and sustainable employment to protect the river and support local communities. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:17:25 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/5-books-that-explain-why-happiness-feels-so-difficult https://startupinbrief.com/news/5-books-that-explain-why-happiness-feels-so-difficult Many people struggle to find lasting happiness due to unrealistic expectations and societal pressures. Five influential books explore these challenges, highlighting how the pursuit of constant positivity, poor predictive psychology, excessive choice, social isolation, and the avoidance of struggle hinder fulfillment. Ultimately, these works suggest that genuine well-being is not a permanent state but a byproduct of living with purpose, acceptance, and meaningful human connections. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/swiggy-shares-jump-nearly-5-as-jefferies-sees-60-upside https://startupinbrief.com/news/swiggy-shares-jump-nearly-5-as-jefferies-sees-60-upside Swiggy shares surged nearly 5% after brokerage Jefferies issued a ‘Buy’ rating with a ₹435 target price. This positive outlook follows shareholder approval of a 49.5% foreign ownership cap, enabling Swiggy to become an Indian-owned and controlled company. This transition allows Instamart to adopt an inventory-led model to improve margins. In Q1, Swiggy's food delivery and Instamart revenues grew by 23% and 53%, respectively. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:06:11 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/binance-now-lets-ai-agents-trade-but-keeping-them-in-check-is-largely-up-to-users https://startupinbrief.com/news/binance-now-lets-ai-agents-trade-but-keeping-them-in-check-is-largely-up-to-users "Binance has launched Agent OS, a platform enabling AI agents to analyze markets and execute trades on behalf of users. By integrating with tools like ChatGPT and Claude, the system allows developers to connect AI applications to Binance's financial infrastructure. To ensure security, users manage agent permissions through sub-accounts with restricted withdrawals. This move follows similar initiatives from competitors like Coinbase and Kraken to integrate autonomous AI trading.". Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/hul-owned-minimalist-turns-profitable-in-fy26-revenue-up-36-yoy https://startupinbrief.com/news/hul-owned-minimalist-turns-profitable-in-fy26-revenue-up-36-yoy Hindustan Unilever-owned beauty brand Minimalist returned to profitability in FY26, reporting a net profit of ₹25.9 crore compared to a previous loss of ₹270.5 crore. Operating revenue grew 36.3% to ₹690.2 crore. HUL acquired a 90.5% stake in the company's parent, Uprising Science, for ₹2,706.44 crore in April 2025. The brand is now leveraging a "masstige" strategy and expanding its offline presence from 3,000 to 40,000 stores. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:43:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/hul-moves-delhi-hc-against-beco-over-misleading-campaign-targeting-vim-surf-excel https://startupinbrief.com/news/hul-moves-delhi-hc-against-beco-over-misleading-campaign-targeting-vim-surf-excel Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has approached the Delhi High Court seeking an interim injunction against D2C brand Beco. Beco's recent advertising campaign claimed that HUL's Surf Excel and Vim products contain chemicals causing skin irritation. HUL alleges commercial disparagement and misleading claims, arguing that Beco lacked conclusive proof. Beco maintains its claims are scientifically substantiated. The court has sought Beco's response, with the matter listed for hearing. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:59:32 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/from-rs-9-workshops-to-5-million-learners-skilled-for-six-figure-jobs-inside-be10xs-growth-playbook https://startupinbrief.com/news/from-rs-9-workshops-to-5-million-learners-skilled-for-six-figure-jobs-inside-be10xs-growth-playbook Be10x, an AI-first education startup founded by IIT Kharagpur alumni, is rapidly expanding its AI upskilling platform for professionals. By focusing on practical integration into daily workflows rather than theory, the company has trained over five million learners. Be10x offers certifications and tools to boost productivity, helping users achieve promotions and salary hikes. The startup aims to educate 100 million individuals to accelerate global AI adoption. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:49:47 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/quick-commerce-babycare-platform-peeko-raises-rs-674-cr-in-series-a-led-by-chiratae-ventures https://startupinbrief.com/news/quick-commerce-babycare-platform-peeko-raises-rs-674-cr-in-series-a-led-by-chiratae-ventures Bengaluru-based babycare platform Peeko has raised Rs 67.4 crore in a Series A funding round led by Chiratae Ventures. The startup, founded by IIT alumni, offers a curated selection of baby products with sub-60-minute delivery and a unique try-and-buy feature. Peeko plans to use the capital for technology development, hiring, and expanding its presence across Bengaluru and other cities to better serve new-age parents. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:35:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/shiprocket-soars-over-9-after-goldman-sachs-buys-shares-worth-527-cr https://startupinbrief.com/news/shiprocket-soars-over-9-after-goldman-sachs-buys-shares-worth-527-cr Shiprocket shares climbed up to 9.3% to ₹156.81 following a ₹52.7 crore bulk purchase of 40.24 lakh shares by Goldman Sachs India Equity Portfolio. The stock is trading significantly above its ₹97 IPO issue price after a strongly subscribed debut. While the ecommerce enablement platform reported a 24% revenue increase to ₹2,024.1 crore in FY26, its net loss widened to ₹79.2 crore during the same period. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:27:45 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/starlink-reapplies-for-in-space-nod-for-30000-satellite-gen-2-network-report https://startupinbrief.com/news/starlink-reapplies-for-in-space-nod-for-30000-satellite-gen-2-network-report Elon Musk's Starlink has reapplied to India's space regulator, IN-SPACe, for authorization of its second-generation satellite constellation. The proposal involves nearly 30,000 low Earth orbit satellites featuring direct-to-device connectivity to enhance mobile access in remote regions. While the Gen 1 constellation was previously approved, the initial Gen 2 bid was rejected. Commercial operations remain pending as the company awaits spectrum allocation and final security clearances. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:55:05 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/p3c-is-making-solar-modules-from-perovskite-a-material-that-could-replace-silicon https://startupinbrief.com/news/p3c-is-making-solar-modules-from-perovskite-a-material-that-could-replace-silicon P3C Technology and Solutions, an Indian startup, is developing perovskite solar cells to overcome silicon's limitations. Offering flexible and glass-based modules, the company focuses on solving the material's durability issues through its P3SKY validation platform. While currently operating at a small scale with certified efficiency of 19.3%, P3C aims for gigawatt-scale production by 2027, supported by seed funding and strategic industrial partnerships. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:29:06 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/indi-energy-makes-sodium-ion-batteries-with-an-anode-built-from-farm-waste https://startupinbrief.com/news/indi-energy-makes-sodium-ion-batteries-with-an-anode-built-from-farm-waste Indi Energy, founded in 2019 at IIT Roorkee, develops sodium-ion batteries using biomass from crop residue to create hard carbon anodes. By vertically integrating the production of anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes, the company aims to replace toxic lead-acid batteries in e-rickshaws and solar installations. Despite winning national awards and securing modest funding, the startup is now transitioning from pilot production toward commercial mass-market scale. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:28:15 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/quarkitech-shrinks-sensor-data-before-it-ever-leaves-the-drone https://startupinbrief.com/news/quarkitech-shrinks-sensor-data-before-it-ever-leaves-the-drone Quarkitech, founded in January 2025 at IIT Madras Research Park, develops software to compress sensor data at the source. Utilizing mathematics from quantum many-body physics, the company aims to reduce data volume by 10 to 100 times without losing critical information. Having raised Rs 2 crore in pre-seed funding and a Rs 1.5 crore government grant, Quarkitech is now testing its technology for satellites, drones, and radar mapping. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:27:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/kshatralabs-is-building-a-drone-that-catches-other-drones https://startupinbrief.com/news/kshatralabs-is-building-a-drone-that-catches-other-drones Bengaluru-based KshatraLabs is developing HAWK, an autonomous aerial interceptor designed for hard-kill counter-drone defense. Capable of speeds up to 300 km/h and launching in under five seconds, HAWK utilizes the proprietary APEX autonomy stack. Following pre-seed funding from Finvolve and India Accelerator, the startup aims to reach technology readiness level 6. Despite facing established competitors, the company focuses on high-speed, swarm-capable systems for modern threats. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:26:37 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/naxion-energy-builds-sodium-ion-storage-systems-that-aim-to-replace-lead-acid-inverters-and-diesel-generators https://startupinbrief.com/news/naxion-energy-builds-sodium-ion-storage-systems-that-aim-to-replace-lead-acid-inverters-and-diesel-generators Naxion Energy, based in Hyderabad, is introducing sodium-ion battery storage systems as a safer, low-maintenance alternative to lead-acid and lithium batteries. Their integrated units support heavy inductive loads and reduce reliance on imported materials. The company plans to invest Rs 200 crore to establish a pilot cell manufacturing plant by December 2026, aiming to enhance India's energy security and domestic battery production capabilities. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:26:09 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/xbattery-makes-the-circuit-board-that-decides-whether-a-battery-pack-works-or-burns https://startupinbrief.com/news/xbattery-makes-the-circuit-board-that-decides-whether-a-battery-pack-works-or-burns Xbattery Energy, founded in Hyderabad in 2024, aims to reduce India's reliance on imported battery management systems. Its universal BharatBMS platform manages heat and charge for various applications, potentially extending battery life by 15%. The company also launched the XB-5K, a 5 kWh home storage system. Xbattery Energy targets vehicle manufacturers and system integrators, offering in-house design and assembly for its high-voltage electronics. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:25:47 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/astra-drones-is-building-an-interceptor-to-catch-other-drones-in-the-air https://startupinbrief.com/news/astra-drones-is-building-an-interceptor-to-catch-other-drones-in-the-air ASTRA Drones and Robotics Solutions, founded in 2025 and incubated at IIT Ropar, develops indigenous unmanned platforms for Indian operational needs. The Punjab-based company focuses on high-speed interceptor drones and loitering munitions to reduce reliance on imported technology. While aiming for future autonomy and AI integration, the firm remains in its early stages with no public records of funding, specifications, or customer orders. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:19:46 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/techno-defence-makes-a-ten-gram-cooler-that-india-previously-had-to-import https://startupinbrief.com/news/techno-defence-makes-a-ten-gram-cooler-that-india-previously-had-to-import Mumbai-based startup Techno Defence has developed a miniature Joule-Thomson cooler to enhance infrared sensors in guided weapons. Weighing just ten grams, the device chills sensors to minus 196 degrees Celsius, reducing noise for better target tracking. Developed with DRDO's Solid State Physics Laboratory, this domestic innovation reduces India's reliance on foreign suppliers and lowers costs for defense systems, marking a significant achievement in cryocooler technology. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:19:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/shiprocket-extends-listing-gains-as-goldman-sachs-buys-in https://startupinbrief.com/news/shiprocket-extends-listing-gains-as-goldman-sachs-buys-in Shiprocket shares rose to Rs 152.66 on August 20, 2026, following a highly successful IPO that was subscribed 99.38 times. The ecommerce enablement company listed on August 19 at a significant premium. A bulk deal by Goldman Sachs for over 40 lakh shares further boosted investor confidence. Despite a marginal net loss of Rs 79.25 crore in FY26, revenue grew 24% to Rs 2,024.14 crore. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:36:25 GMT