https://startupinbrief.com Latest Indian startup and tech news summarized in 60 words. en-us https://startupinbrief.com/news/lend-tech-firm-rezolv-raises-125m-funding-led-by-norwest https://startupinbrief.com/news/lend-tech-firm-rezolv-raises-125m-funding-led-by-norwest "Rezolv, an AI-native lending technology platform founded by former Kissht founders, has raised $12.5 million in a Series A round led by Norwest. The Mumbai-based company will use the funds to automate lending workflows and enhance AI capabilities in risk assessment and debt collection. Partnering with over 22 banks and NBFCs, Rezolv aims to create an AI-native operating system to improve measurable business outcomes for lenders.". Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:38:34 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/7-books-that-explore-the-connection-between-dreams-reality https://startupinbrief.com/news/7-books-that-explore-the-connection-between-dreams-reality Literature frequently explores the intricate relationship between dreams and reality, using them to examine human consciousness and perception. Seven influential works, including writings by Sigmund Freud, Lewis Carroll, and Haruki Murakami, illustrate this connection. These books range from psychological analyses and surreal narratives to science fiction, collectively demonstrating how the subconscious mind and imagined worlds can shape, mirror, or even alter a person's understanding of their lived experience. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:15:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/razorpay-launches-ai-foundation-model-vulcan-to-expedite-digital-payments https://startupinbrief.com/news/razorpay-launches-ai-foundation-model-vulcan-to-expedite-digital-payments "Razorpay has launched Vulcan, a transformer-based AI foundation model designed to enhance digital payment reliability and security. Developed using NVIDIA and AWS technology, the proprietary model analyzes trillions of data points to optimize payment routes and detect fraud. Early results show improved success rates and significantly higher fraud detection. This launch aligns with Razorpay's broader AI strategy as the fintech unicorn prepares for its upcoming public offering.". Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:30:29 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/while-theres-life-theres-hope-the-power-of-never-giving-up https://startupinbrief.com/news/while-theres-life-theres-hope-the-power-of-never-giving-up The article emphasizes that difficult life experiences, such as failure or loss, are not permanent endings. By maintaining hope, individuals find the courage to persevere and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Hope does not eliminate fear or guarantee immediate success but encourages patience and small, consistent progress. Ultimately, as long as life continues, the possibility for positive change and new directions remains open for everyone. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/why-range-anxiety-isnt-about-battery-life-its-about-uncertainty-at-the-charging-station https://startupinbrief.com/news/why-range-anxiety-isnt-about-battery-life-its-about-uncertainty-at-the-charging-station Range anxiety in India's electric vehicle market is often mistaken for a battery size issue, but the real problem is uncertainty regarding charging infrastructure. While physical chargers have increased, drivers lack real-time visibility into charger functionality and availability. To build trust and increase adoption, India's EV ecosystem must prioritize accurate, connected data systems over simply adding more hardware to ensure drivers know what to expect. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:15:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ecommerce-giants-woo-sellers-with-ai-jars-troubles-more https://startupinbrief.com/news/ecommerce-giants-woo-sellers-with-ai-jars-troubles-more Indian ecommerce giants like Amazon, Meesho, and Flipkart are integrating AI to enhance seller efficiency and retention. Meanwhile, wealthtech startup Corpus Labs seeks pre-seed funding, and appliance maker Atomberg prepares for a ₹450 crore IPO. In fintech, PhonePe and Google Pay maintain UPI dominance. Other highlights include Jar's legal battles over account freezes, Flipkart's controversial obituary-themed marketing, and Farm Watt's efforts to convert crop residue into biomass. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:00:17 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/upgrads-ebitda-jumps-8x-to-rs-123-cr-in-fy26-as-gross-revenue-crosses-rs-2000-cr https://startupinbrief.com/news/upgrads-ebitda-jumps-8x-to-rs-123-cr-in-fy26-as-gross-revenue-crosses-rs-2000-cr upGrad reported significant profitability growth in FY26, with Ind-AS EBITDA rising eightfold to Rs 123 crore and net losses narrowing 52% to Rs 130 crore. Gross revenue reached Rs 2,070 crore, supported by over 100,000 concurrent learners and 700 enterprise clients. The company integrated AI into 80% of its programs and plans further expansion through organic growth and acquisitions, including Internshala and Unacademy. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/10-ways-to-create-10-lakh-entrepreneurs https://startupinbrief.com/news/10-ways-to-create-10-lakh-entrepreneurs A proposed National Entrepreneurship Mission aims to create 10 lakh Indian enterprises and millions of jobs over five years. Meanwhile, Microsoft faces scrutiny over AI infrastructure delays, and Meta battles US lawsuits regarding youth safety. In business, API Holdings has become debt-free, and QpiAI opened a quantum foundry in Bengaluru. Additionally, India's festive season is expected to generate over 2.5 lakh temporary and gig employment opportunities. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-milkvilla-is-building-a-12-hour-supply-chain-for-fresh-raw-milk https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-milkvilla-is-building-a-12-hour-supply-chain-for-fresh-raw-milk Milkvilla, a dairytech startup founded by brothers Mannu and Aman Jee, utilizes a patented hyperlocal supply chain to deliver fresh A2 milk within 12 hours. By employing turbo-cooling technology, the company avoids chemical preservatives, ensuring high quality from farm to consumer. Currently profitable with a monthly revenue of Rs 1 crore, Milkvilla serves 10,000 customers and plans to raise Rs 15 crore to expand its operations. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/amazon-flipkart-meeshos-ai-focus-shifts-to-seller-side-stacks https://startupinbrief.com/news/amazon-flipkart-meeshos-ai-focus-shifts-to-seller-side-stacks Indian ecommerce leaders like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho are shifting their AI focus from consumer experiences to seller-side tools. By implementing AI-powered assistants, automated targeting, and demand forecasting, these platforms aim to boost seller productivity and attract non-metro entrepreneurs. This strategic pivot reduces operational costs and listing errors, allowing smaller brands to compete more effectively while driving overall marketplace growth through improved catalogue quality and efficiency. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:00:13 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/anthropics-annualized-revenue-surges-to-65b https://startupinbrief.com/news/anthropics-annualized-revenue-surges-to-65b "Anthropic's annualized revenue run rate surged to $65 billion in July, significantly outpacing rival OpenAI's $40 billion. Investors project Anthropic's revenue could reach $120 billion by 2026. Having filed confidential IPO paperwork, the company may go public as early as this fall, seeking a record-breaking valuation of $2 trillion or more, far exceeding its previous valuation of $965 billion from late May.". Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:26:26 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-automation-startup-relay-shuts-down-staff-joins-googles-chrome-team https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-automation-startup-relay-shuts-down-staff-joins-googles-chrome-team "Relay, an AI-powered workflow automation tool launched in 2021, is shutting down, with paying customers losing access on September 14. Founder and CEO Jacob Bank is rejoining Google as the VP of Product for Chrome, where he will lead product and developer relations teams. Bank aims to further integrate AI agents into the browser, continuing Google's broader strategy of incorporating Gemini into its user experience.". Tue, 18 Aug 2026 02:57:05 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/unprecedented-number-of-apple-users-received-recent-spyware-alert-say-investigators https://startupinbrief.com/news/unprecedented-number-of-apple-users-received-recent-spyware-alert-say-investigators Apple has issued an unprecedented number of threat notifications to users across 110 countries, warning of suspected attacks by government-grade mercenary spyware. Digital rights groups report a record surge in help requests, suggesting that such attacks are more widespread than previously understood. Experts note that Apple's new, more visible notification methods likely increased awareness, while the company recommends using Lockdown Mode to enhance device security. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 01:48:35 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/save-up-to-300-on-your-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-pass-until-august-21 https://startupinbrief.com/news/save-up-to-300-on-your-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-pass-until-august-21 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 attracts over 10,000 founders and investors, featuring new stages like Real World AI and Smart Money. Attendees can secure the lowest ticket prices, saving up to $300, if they purchase their passes by Friday, August 21, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 01:03:51 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/spotifys-new-playlist-notes-let-users-and-editors-explain-their-song-picks https://startupinbrief.com/news/spotifys-new-playlist-notes-let-users-and-editors-explain-their-song-picks Spotify has introduced "Playlist Notes," allowing users to add personal context to songs, podcasts, and audiobooks within their playlists. This feature extends to Spotify's editorial playlists, where editors can now explain their selections and showcase their tastes via new Editor Profiles. Rolling out globally for users and in select markets for editors, the update aims to enhance social connectivity and differentiate Spotify from its main competitors. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:54:43 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/higgsfield-raises-400m-series-b-quadrupling-its-valuation-in-8-months-to-54b https://startupinbrief.com/news/higgsfield-raises-400m-series-b-quadrupling-its-valuation-in-8-months-to-54b Higgsfield, an AI image and video creation platform founded by Alex Mashrabov, raised $400 million in a Series B round led by DST Global, reaching a $5.4 billion valuation. With 30 million users and $700 million in annualized revenue, the company serves 390 Fortune 500 firms. The new funding will support hiring, product development, and the high compute costs required to compete with rivals like Runway. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:34:27 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/reddit-begins-testing-a-new-audio-and-video-experience-similar-to-popular-tiktok-videos https://startupinbrief.com/news/reddit-begins-testing-a-new-audio-and-video-experience-similar-to-popular-tiktok-videos Reddit is testing a new "video Reddit" experience, allowing users to listen to viral stories via audio and video posts on iOS and Android. Inspired by trends on TikTok and Reels, the limited English-language trial lets users choose between reading or playing content. These formats will complement, not replace, original text posts and comments, aiming to provide a more flexible way for users to consume Reddit content. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:12:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/sound-powered-fire-protection-startup-gets-15m-to-snuff-out-fires-before-they-turn-catastrophic https://startupinbrief.com/news/sound-powered-fire-protection-startup-gets-15m-to-snuff-out-fires-before-they-turn-catastrophic Sonic Fire Tech has raised $15 million to develop an acoustic fire suppression system that uses infrasonic waves to extinguish fires without water or chemicals. This technology aims to eliminate collateral damage and reduce restoration costs, particularly in commercial kitchens and homes. The Ohio-based startup is seeking National Fire Protection Association approval and is discussing potential premium discounts with the insurance industry to accelerate adoption. Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:02:27 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/youtube-will-now-count-a-view-as-soon-as-a-video-starts-playing https://startupinbrief.com/news/youtube-will-now-count-a-view-as-soon-as-a-video-starts-playing "YouTube is updating its view-counting method on August 24, counting a view as soon as a video starts playing. This aligns the platform with rivals TikTok and Instagram. While public view counts may rise, creators can still access 'Engaged views' via Analytics. Additionally, YouTube is raising monetization thresholds for new creators next year, requiring 8,000 watch hours or 20 million Shorts views to begin earning money.". Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:39:33 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/feedly-attributes-weeklong-slowdown-to-bug-not-its-ai-pivot https://startupinbrief.com/news/feedly-attributes-weeklong-slowdown-to-bug-not-its-ai-pivot Feedly, the world's largest standalone RSS reader with 15 million users, has faced significant technical issues, including a slow web app and iOS malfunctions. Some paying subscribers report ignored support requests amid the company's pivot toward AI-driven intelligence. CEO Edwin Khodabakchian stated that RSS remains a priority, noting that a fix for the web app's performance bug was released Friday while iOS issues are being investigated. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 22:40:59 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/amazon-once-an-online-bookseller-is-destroying-rare-books-to-train-ai-models https://startupinbrief.com/news/amazon-once-an-online-bookseller-is-destroying-rare-books-to-train-ai-models Amazon is acquiring rare books and scanning them for AI training, according to a report by 404 Media. The company reportedly cuts off book spines at a Las Vegas facility to digitize content for its large language models. Amazon states these purchases improve its services. Rare, out-of-print texts are highly valuable because they ensure training data is human-authored, helping the company avoid the risk of model collapse. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 22:08:44 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/when-a-sale-dies-did-flipkarts-dark-humour-go-too-far https://startupinbrief.com/news/when-a-sale-dies-did-flipkarts-dark-humour-go-too-far Flipkart's obituary-style advertisement for its Freedom Sale has sparked significant controversy, dividing opinions on whether the campaign was a clever subversion or insensitive. While the ad successfully grabbed attention by mimicking memorial notices to signal ending deals, critics and brand experts argue that using death-related imagery risks damaging long-term trust. The debate highlights the tension between generating immediate visibility and maintaining brand civility. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:45:13 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/groq-raises-350m-to-fuel-its-pivot-from-ai-chips-to-neocloud https://startupinbrief.com/news/groq-raises-350m-to-fuel-its-pivot-from-ai-chips-to-neocloud Startup Groq raised $350 million, valuing the company at $3.5 billion as it pivots from an AI chipmaker to a neocloud provider. After losing key talent to Nvidia, Groq shifted from developing its own LPUs to operating Nvidia-powered infrastructure. The company aims to scale its capacity to over 200 megawatts by 2027, focusing on AI inference services for millions of developers and enterprises worldwide. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:45:12 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/pharmeasy-claims-to-be-debt-free-after-paring-more-stake-in-thyrocare https://startupinbrief.com/news/pharmeasy-claims-to-be-debt-free-after-paring-more-stake-in-thyrocare API Holdings, the parent company of PharmEasy, has become debt-free after repaying ₹1,050 crore in outstanding debt. This was achieved through internal accruals and the sale of 1.58 million Thyrocare shares by promoter Docon Technologies. Consequently, the pledge on Docon's remaining 51.02% controlling stake in Thyrocare has been fully released. Meanwhile, Thyrocare reported strong Q1 FY27 results, with net profit increasing 34.1% to ₹52.19 crore. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:57:59 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/nvidia-investing-15b-in-softbank-data-center-developer-behind-openai-project https://startupinbrief.com/news/nvidia-investing-15b-in-softbank-data-center-developer-behind-openai-project "Nvidia is investing $1.5 billion in SB Energy, a data center venture with SoftBank and OpenAI, securing its role as the sole compute infrastructure supplier for the Ports-Pike facility in Ohio. Nvidia will also provide up to $105 billion in credit. The project includes a $33 billion, 9.2 gigawatt natural gas power plant on former Department of Energy land, amid rising construction costs and potential gas price spikes.". Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:46:24 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/govt-clears-31-more-electronics-manufacturing-projects-worth-79k-cr https://startupinbrief.com/news/govt-clears-31-more-electronics-manufacturing-projects-worth-79k-cr The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology approved 31 new projects and a capacity expansion under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme, totaling ₹7,877 crore. These approvals, which will create 9,588 jobs across ten states, bring the total approved applications to 106. The scheme has now surpassed its targets for approved investments and cumulative production value, aiming to build a $500 billion electronics component industry by FY32. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:44:03 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/terra-industries-closes-52m-seed-round-to-build-defense-infrastructure-for-the-global-south https://startupinbrief.com/news/terra-industries-closes-52m-seed-round-to-build-defense-infrastructure-for-the-global-south African defense tech company Terra Industries announced an additional $18 million in funding, bringing its seed round to $52 million. Investors include 8VC, Silent Ventures, and Nova Global. Terra plans to build. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:36:07 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/wordpresscom-targets-the-next-generation-of-web-creators-with-a-free-student-plan https://startupinbrief.com/news/wordpresscom-targets-the-next-generation-of-web-creators-with-a-free-student-plan "Automattic has launched WordPress.com Education, a free suite for teachers and students designed to integrate website building into the classroom. The program provides students with full domains, plugin support, and 6GB of storage for their first year. By targeting educational institutions, Automattic aims to train future web professionals and reach underfunded schools. A pilot program involving 5,000 students showed significant improvements in employability and entrepreneurial capacity.". Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:26:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/5-books-that-explain-why-we-compare-ourselves-with-others https://startupinbrief.com/news/5-books-that-explain-why-we-compare-ourselves-with-others Human comparison is a natural psychological habit that often leads to anxiety and diminished self-worth. Five influential books—The Social Animal, The Happiness Trap, The Gifts of Imperfection, Stolen Focus, and Mindset—explore the roots of this behavior. These works analyze social influences, digital pressures, and mindset shifts, offering strategies to move from external competition toward personal growth, authenticity, and a value-driven life. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:40:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/sunil-mittal-to-step-down-as-airtel-payments-bank-chairman-shabnam-sinha-to-take-over https://startupinbrief.com/news/sunil-mittal-to-step-down-as-airtel-payments-bank-chairman-shabnam-sinha-to-take-over "Sunil Bharti Mittal will step down as non-executive chairman of Airtel Payments Bank on September 30. Shabnam Sinha, an independent director with over three decades of experience, will succeed him as chairperson on October 1 for a three-year term approved by the RBI. Under Mittal's leadership, the bank grew to 121 million monthly active users. The transition follows strong financial growth, including an 18.4% revenue increase in FY26.". Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:29:06 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/exclusive-peak-xv-alum-saksham-mittals-corpus-labs-in-talks-to-raise-funding-from-stellaris https://startupinbrief.com/news/exclusive-peak-xv-alum-saksham-mittals-corpus-labs-in-talks-to-raise-funding-from-stellaris Corpus Labs, a wealthtech startup co-founded by former Peak XV analyst Saksham Mittal, is reportedly seeking pre-seed funding from Stellaris Venture Partners, though its website claims $4.2 million already raised. The read-only platform analyzes mutual fund portfolios for cost differences and asset allocation without executing transactions or recommending funds. Corpus enters a competitive Indian wealthtech market projected to exceed $95 billion by FY30. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:28:37 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/startup-news-and-updates-daily-roundup-august-17-2026 https://startupinbrief.com/news/startup-news-and-updates-daily-roundup-august-17-2026 API Holdings became debt-free after repaying Rs 1,050 crore, while QpiAI opened Asia's largest quantum chip foundry in Bengaluru. Swiggy introduced Guru, an AI assistant for restaurants, and Per Annum saw its AUM surge to Rs 1,400 crore. Other highlights include Aum Ventures' DeepSpark 2.0 launch, Cognizant's Talent Accelerator program, and a joint venture between Voltas and Atomberg to manufacture high-efficiency AC compressors in India. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:08:04 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/indian-deeptech-investments-reach-114b-report https://startupinbrief.com/news/indian-deeptech-investments-reach-114b-report The Bharat DeepTech Report 2026 reveals that India's deeptech sector secured $11.4 billion in funding from 2015 to mid-2026. AI leads investment, while semiconductors and spacetech show rapid growth. Despite milestones and government support via the RDI Fund, the sector faces a "valley of death" in early-stage research and a Series B/C funding gap. Addressing these hurdles is essential for building globally competitive indigenous innovation. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:59:33 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/uber-adds-zipline-drones-to-its-eats-delivery-network https://startupinbrief.com/news/uber-adds-zipline-drones-to-its-eats-delivery-network Uber is partnering with and investing in drone delivery startup Zipline to integrate its technology into the Uber Eats platform. The companies aim to achieve one million daily deliveries by 2029, with initial launches starting this year in existing Zipline markets before expanding to dozens of U.S. cities. This move aligns with Uber's broader strategy of partnering with autonomous vehicle providers to drive growth through quick commerce. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:48:49 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/wispr-raises-280m-at-2b-valuation-as-it-looks-beyond-dictation https://startupinbrief.com/news/wispr-raises-280m-at-2b-valuation-as-it-looks-beyond-dictation "Wispr, an AI dictation startup, raised $280 million in Series B funding led by Menlo Ventures, reaching a $2 billion valuation. The company plans to expand into meeting notes and improve speech accuracy with its new Canto model. Wispr is also scaling globally, partnering with hardware makers, and launching Interface Labs to explore human-computer interaction, all while facing increased competition from various AI dictation and note-taking apps.". Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:40:05 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/atomberg-gets-board-nod-to-raise-over-450-cr-via-ipo https://startupinbrief.com/news/atomberg-gets-board-nod-to-raise-over-450-cr-via-ipo Atomberg, a D2C consumer appliance startup, has received board approval to launch an IPO of up to ₹450 crore, consisting of fresh equity and an offer for sale. The company also approved a pre-IPO funding round of up to ₹90 crore, which will reduce the IPO's fresh issue size. Atomberg, known for energy-efficient fans, reported FY25 operating revenue of ₹958.4 crore and a 41% reduction in net losses. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:37:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/crypto-hardware-wallet-owners-face-fresh-security-risks-after-recent-spate-of-personal-data-thefts https://startupinbrief.com/news/crypto-hardware-wallet-owners-face-fresh-security-risks-after-recent-spate-of-personal-data-thefts Data breaches at shipping partners of Trezor and SafePal have exposed personal information of hardware wallet users, increasing the risk of targeted phishing and physical "wrench attacks." While the wallets remain secure, leaked addresses enable criminals to steal seed phrases through force. Separately, a code vulnerability in Coldcard wallets allowed hackers to predict seed phrases, resulting in over $130 million in stolen cryptocurrency from the blockchain. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:30:19 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/upi-in-july-navi-gains-market-share-as-phonepe-google-pay-slip-marginally https://startupinbrief.com/news/upi-in-july-navi-gains-market-share-as-phonepe-google-pay-slip-marginally "In July, India's UPI market saw Sachin Bansal's Navi increase its market share to 4%, while leaders PhonePe and Google Pay experienced marginal declines to a combined 78.6%. Overall transaction volume rose 4% to 23.66 billion, with total value increasing 3% to ₹29.88 lakh crore. Additionally, Parliament approved a bill enabling merchant discount rates on select transactions, although person-to-person payments will remain free for users.". Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:19:22 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/india-has-one-demographic-cycle-left-a-blueprint-to-turn-youth-unemployment-into-10-lakh-new-entrepreneurs https://startupinbrief.com/news/india-has-one-demographic-cycle-left-a-blueprint-to-turn-youth-unemployment-into-10-lakh-new-entrepreneurs The proposed National Entrepreneurship Mission aims to create 10 lakh new enterprises and up to 36 lakh jobs over five years. Written by Shradha Sharma, the framework focuses on connecting existing government schemes rather than adding new expenditures. Key initiatives include an Entrepreneurship Passport, district opportunity maps, and mandatory mentorship. By integrating fragmented systems and verifying outcomes via GST and EPFO, India seeks to address critical youth unemployment. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:09:06 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/api-holdings-is-debt-free-repays-rs-1050-cr https://startupinbrief.com/news/api-holdings-is-debt-free-repays-rs-1050-cr "Digital healthcare platform API Holdings, the parent company of PharmEasy and Thyrocare, has become debt-free after repaying Rs 1,050 crore. The company funded this repayment through internal accruals and the sale of a 9.90% stake in Thyrocare Technologies by its promoter, Docon. Consequently, Docon's remaining 51.02% stake is now unencumbered. API Holdings now aims for profitable growth and disciplined execution across its healthcare businesses.". Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:54:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/beyond-hiring-how-myntra-is-building-longer-term-careers-for-women-in-tech https://startupinbrief.com/news/beyond-hiring-how-myntra-is-building-longer-term-careers-for-women-in-tech Myntra is enhancing its technology-first approach by creating sustainable career paths for women in engineering, product, and data roles. CHRO Govindraj MK highlighted initiatives like the Phoenix returnship program, Ascend leadership pathways, and the Women in Tech platform. These efforts aim to increase female representation in senior leadership and adapt to an AI-led environment by focusing on continuous learning, mentorship, and structured support systems. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:35:08 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/table-space-drhp-a-look-at-shareholding-pattern-key-executives https://startupinbrief.com/news/table-space-drhp-a-look-at-shareholding-pattern-key-executives Managed workspace provider Table Space has filed its DRHP with SEBI for an IPO, proposing a fresh issue of up to ₹800 crore and an offer for sale of 6.5 crore shares. Hillhouse Investment-backed AGS TS II Holdings is the largest shareholder with a 41.76% stake. The company's cap table includes a disputed 22.14% stake from late promoter Amit Banerji, while FY26 revenue grew 66% to ₹2,262.3 crore. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:55:49 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/festive-season-hiring-expected-to-generate-up-to-27-lakh-gig-jobs-report https://startupinbrief.com/news/festive-season-hiring-expected-to-generate-up-to-27-lakh-gig-jobs-report Adecco India reports that festive season temporary staffing demand will generate 2.5-2.7 lakh jobs, growing 15-20% year-on-year. Key sectors include ecommerce, logistics, retail, and BFSI. While Tier II and III cities drive 45% of demand, Tier I cities face a 30% talent crunch. Despite rising wages and strong demand for operational roles, 80% of employers report talent shortages, with a 10-15% demand-supply gap expected. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:52:27 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ola-electric-unveils-full-stack-energy-storage-portfolio-from-home-to-grid https://startupinbrief.com/news/ola-electric-unveils-full-stack-energy-storage-portfolio-from-home-to-grid Ola Electric has launched its 'Shakti' energy storage portfolio, utilizing indigenous LFP battery technology to provide clean energy solutions. The range includes Shakti Gen2 for residential use, with deliveries starting November 2026, and Shakti Rack for commercial applications available by March 2027. Additionally, the Mahashakti line targets industrial and utility-scale storage. This expansion leverages the company's Gigafactory to offer scalable energy storage from homes to grids. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:52:02 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-a-kashmir-agri-university-became-jks-most-unlikely-startup-engine https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-a-kashmir-agri-university-became-jks-most-unlikely-startup-engine Under Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, SKUAST-Kashmir has transformed into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The university now leads the Rs 5,013 crore Holistic Agriculture Development Programme and operates the award-winning SKIIE startup incubator. Key milestones include launching India's first BTech in AI in Agriculture and creating "Tarmeem," India's first gene-edited sheep. These advancements have propelled SKUAST-K to rank third among State Agricultural Universities. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:16:03 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/snabbit-ropes-in-klydo-cofounder-pradeep-yadav-to-helm-operations https://startupinbrief.com/news/snabbit-ropes-in-klydo-cofounder-pradeep-yadav-to-helm-operations Quick home services startup Snabbit has appointed Pradeep Yadav, co-founder of Klydo and former Udaan CXO, as its new head of operations. Yadav succeeds Vikas Choudhary, who will now lead a new business venture within the company. Snabbit, which recently raised $56 million in Series D funding, provides rapid domestic help across five major Indian cities and reports an annual revenue run rate of $35-40 million. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:45:46 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/physicswallah-jumps-95-after-q1-results-jpmorgan-jm-financial-upgrade-rating https://startupinbrief.com/news/physicswallah-jumps-95-after-q1-results-jpmorgan-jm-financial-upgrade-rating PhysicsWallah shares rose up to 9.5% after JPMorgan and JM Financial upgraded the stock following strong Q1 FY27 results. Despite NEET exam disruptions, operating revenue grew 24.4% to ₹1,054 crore, while the net loss narrowed to ₹88.3 crore and EBITDA turned positive at ₹52 crore. The company plans to divest its NBFC arm and expects to achieve group-level PAT profitability by the third quarter of FY27. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:06:58 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/qpiai-opens-asias-largest-quantum-chip-foundry-targets-10000-qubit-processors https://startupinbrief.com/news/qpiai-opens-asias-largest-quantum-chip-foundry-targets-10000-qubit-processors Quantum computing startup QpiAI has opened an eight-inch quantum processing unit manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, claiming it is Asia's largest. The facility currently produces superconducting processors with up to 128 qubits, with plans to reach 10,000 physical qubits by 2027. This foundry supports QpiAI's goal of creating Quantum Supremacy Centres that integrate quantum processors with AI chips for commercial applications and global exports. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:48:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/karnataka-hc-quashes-sessions-court-orders-to-defreeze-jars-accounts https://startupinbrief.com/news/karnataka-hc-quashes-sessions-court-orders-to-defreeze-jars-accounts The Karnataka High Court quashed three Sessions Court orders that directed the release of precious metals and the defreezing of bank accounts linked to wealthtech startup Jar. The court ruled that police may debit-freeze accounts under Section 106 of the BNSS without prior judicial approval, provided they report the action immediately. This decision emphasizes that digital gold transactions remain subject to criminal law despite lacking direct RBI or SEBI supervision. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:41:17 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/zaggle-plunges-20-to-hit-lower-circuit-after-q1-profit-slump https://startupinbrief.com/news/zaggle-plunges-20-to-hit-lower-circuit-after-q1-profit-slump Zaggle shares plunged 20% to a 52-week low of ₹160.45 after the fintech company reported a 33% year-on-year decline in Q1 net profit to ₹17.5 crore. Despite a 28% rise in operating revenue to ₹423.3 crore, margins were pressured by the integration of DICE Enterprises and Zagg.Money. Consequently, Equirus lowered its target price to ₹350, although Zaggle maintains its 40% revenue-growth target for FY27. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:30:01 GMT