Startup in Brief - News in 60 Words

Quick commerce babycare platform Peeko raises Rs 67.4 Cr in Series A led by Chiratae Ventures

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:35:53 GMT

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.

Shiprocket Soars Over 9% After Goldman Sachs Buys Shares Worth ₹52.7 Cr

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:27:45 GMT

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.

Starlink Reapplies For IN-SPACe Nod For 30,000-Satellite Gen 2 Network: Report

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:55:05 GMT

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.

P3C is making solar modules from perovskite, a material that could replace silicon

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:29:06 GMT

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.

Indi Energy makes sodium-ion batteries with an anode built from farm waste

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:28:15 GMT

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.

Quarkitech shrinks sensor data before it ever leaves the drone

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:27:00 GMT

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.

KshatraLabs is building a drone that catches other drones

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:26:37 GMT

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.

Naxion Energy builds sodium-ion storage systems that aim to replace lead-acid inverters and diesel generators

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:26:09 GMT

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.

Xbattery makes the circuit board that decides whether a battery pack works or burns

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:25:47 GMT

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.

ASTRA Drones is building an interceptor to catch other drones in the air

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:19:46 GMT

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.

Techno Defence makes a ten-gram cooler that India previously had to import

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:19:30 GMT

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.

Shiprocket extends listing gains as Goldman Sachs buys in

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:36:25 GMT

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.

How living in the present can bring peace to an anxious mind

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The article explores the emotional impact of focusing on the past and future versus the present. While learning from past mistakes and planning for the future are necessary, dwelling on regrets or worrying about uncertainties can lead to distress. True peace is found by returning attention to the present moment, where individuals can take action, make choices, and experience life as it unfolds in real time.

Inc42’s 7th D2C & Retail Summit, Shiprocket’s Stellar IPO & More

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:00:21 GMT

At Inc42’s D2C & Retail Summit 2026, leaders discussed how quick commerce, AI-driven agentic commerce, and omnichannel strategies are reshaping India's consumer landscape. Key trends include the shift toward intent-led shopping and global expansion for local brands. Additionally, Shiprocket saw a successful IPO, Navi and CtrlS secured significant funding, and KKR invested in BookMyShow, highlighting robust investment activity across India's fintech, retail, and space sectors.

Fundamentals first: Arsh Goyal warns against vibe coding without security basics

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT

At DevSparks Hyderabad 2026, Arsh Goyal highlighted the security risks of "vibe coding," where AI-generated applications often fail enterprise security reviews. Despite widespread adoption among Fortune 500 companies, many AI-built apps lack proper controls, leading to data leaks and vulnerabilities. Goyal urged developers to implement robust governance, including static security testing and secret management, to ensure AI-driven prototypes can safely transition into production environments.

Nikhil Kamath’s data centre bet

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:30:00 GMT

Sachin Bansal’s Navi secured $100 million from Prosus, while Nikhil Kamath and Sreeram Reddy Vanga invested Rs 250 crore in CtrlS Datacentres. Investcorp acquired 20Cube 3PL Solutions for Rs 500 crore, and KKR took a stake in BookMyShow. In China, Unitree Robotics saw a massive IPO surge. Additionally, Progcap’s ProgShakti enabled Rs 10,000 crore for women entrepreneurs, Amazon expanded drone deliveries, and Moderna reported successful cancer trial results.

Baby-Focused Quick Commerce Startup Peeko Nets $7 Mn To Double Dark Store Count

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:57:54 GMT

Babycare quick commerce startup Peeko has raised ₹67.4 crore in Series A funding led by Chiratae Ventures, bringing its total funding to ₹95 crore. The company plans to expand its presence in Bengaluru, enhance its product assortment, and upgrade its technology. Peeko offers 60-minute delivery of baby products and a unique "touch and feel" inspection service, aiming to become a comprehensive parenting partner for new-age parents.

Stripe didn’t really buy OpenRouter because of the ‘singularity’

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:02:00 GMT

"Stripe has acquired OpenRouter for a reported $7.5 billion, a significant increase from the startup's $1.3 billion valuation in May. By acquiring the AI model router, Stripe aims to integrate itself into AI capital flows and manage token expenses for developers. While OpenRouter will likely remain independent, the move allows Stripe to gain critical insights into AI demand and leverage power over frontier labs and hyperscalers.".

Waymo’s cheaper, next-gen robotaxi is now open to all riders in these three cities

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:55:01 GMT

The next-generation robotaxi called the Waymo Ojai, is central to the company's push towards mass scale, and eventually, profitability.

OpenAI seeks to one-up Anthropic with new customer privacy protections

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:40:46 GMT

OpenAI has introduced Private Safety Processing, a new system designed to detect AI misuse across multiple sessions without retaining customer data. This privacy-focused approach aims to identify long-term malicious activity while avoiding human review. In contrast, rival Anthropic retains data for 30 days for certain models to analyze potential abuse, a policy that has concerned some enterprise clients. Both companies are competing for market dominance and future IPOs.

Cognition CEO denies report that SpaceX tried to acquire the startup

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:21:23 GMT

SpaceX reportedly attempted to acquire AI coding startup Cognition to strengthen its position against competitors like OpenAI and Google. While Cognition's CEO denied the reports, Bloomberg suggests the companies may still discuss collaborating on computing capacity. This follows SpaceX's recent acquisition of Cursor and its goal to make AI the primary driver of its company value, emphasizing the strategic importance of AI-assisted coding for monetization.

Travis Kalanick kicks off another round of VC bashing: ‘1% are helpful’

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:18:24 GMT

Travis Kalanick, founder of Uber and now Atoms, recently shared critical views on venture capitalists during a podcast appearance. While raising $1.7 billion for Atoms from Andreessen Horowitz, Kalanick warned founders about the limited helpfulness of VCs and recounted his boardroom battle with Benchmark. He reflected on his intense management style at Uber and advised entrepreneurs to maintain accountability and leverage bidding wars during fundraising.

Rillet raises $100M Series C at $1B valuation — 2 years after emerging from stealth

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 01:42:33 GMT

"AI accounting startup Rillet has raised $100 million in a Series C round led by Iconiq, valuing the company at $1 billion. With support from Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia, Rillet uses AI to automate financial bookkeeping and data integration. The company reports over 600 customers and a doubling of its annual recurring revenue in three months, positioning itself as a disruptive force against legacy ERP software.".

Gwyneth Paltrow allegedly set to throw dinner in honor of Sam Altman

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 01:34:12 GMT

Gwyneth Paltrow, founder of Goop and investor via Kinship Ventures, is reportedly hosting a private dinner for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on August 29th in the Hamptons. Paltrow has increasingly integrated AI into her business operations and invested in several AI firms, including OpenAI. This event highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and technology, coinciding with OpenAI's recent hiring of a "celebrity whisperer" to manage high-profile relations.

Gambling on the Little League World Series? Sports bettors have gone too far

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 01:31:02 GMT

Have we tried turning off society and turning it back on again?

AI was supposed to win people over by now — it hasn’t

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:41:40 GMT

Public sentiment toward AI is declining as concerns over job loss, trust, and rapid advancement grow. Polls show a majority of Americans are more concerned than excited, while young people increasingly distrust industry leaders. This backlash is impacting business, forcing tech companies to offer local incentives for data centers. Industry leaders acknowledge a crisis of trust, admitting they must deliver tangible benefits to regain public support.

Google launches new study tools for students across Search and Gemini

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

"Google has introduced several AI-powered study tools across Search and Gemini to compete with OpenAI and education startups. New features include interactive 3D simulations, customized practice quizzes, and a dedicated student hub for flashcards and notebooks. Additionally, students can use Lens for problem-solving guidance and generate study documents from uploaded files. Gemini Live now supports multi-step research reports, allowing users to discuss findings conversationally via voice.".

Researchers say OpenAI revoked their access to limited cyber program

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:16:14 GMT

"OpenAI recently revoked access to its Trusted Access for Cyber program for several security researchers, particularly those in the Daybreak Blue tier. The company attributed the issue to a technical error and requested that affected users, many of whom reside outside the U.S. and Europe, re-verify their identities. The program provides vetted researchers with advanced AI models featuring reduced guardrails to facilitate legitimate cybersecurity research and vulnerability discovery.".

Meet the startup helping Wall Street put a price on AI compute

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:56:48 GMT

Silicon Data has raised $30 million in Series A funding to establish a reference price and index for GPU rentals. As compute costs dominate AI development, the startup aims to provide a way for firms to hedge exposure. Pending regulatory approval, Silicon Data plans to launch compute futures trading on the CME on October 5th, offering a standardized pricing mechanism for the rapidly growing AI infrastructure market.

T-Mobile ‘chopped a cable’ to expel Chinese hackers from its network

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:56:32 GMT

T-Mobile successfully expelled Chinese government-backed hackers from the group Salt Typhoon in 2024, avoiding a widespread data breach. While other providers like AT&T and Verizon were compromised in a campaign targeting U.S. government officials' data, T-Mobile's security team detected the intrusion early. To stop the attack, cybersecurity chief Jeff Simon and his team physically cut the cable to a compromised system in Washington.

TerraPower’s nuclear reactor has a secret weapon for powering AI data centers

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:14:53 GMT

TerraPower's nuclear power plant possesses a strategic advantage over competitors, especially when chasing after data center deals.

Rivian spinout Also raises another $150 million

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:09:47 GMT

"Also, a micromobility startup spun out of Rivian, has raised $150 million in a Series D round led by Prysm Capital. Bringing total funding to $455 million, the company aims to develop autonomous delivery vehicles and driving technology. Also previously launched electric bikes and cargo quads, with a strategic partnership with DoorDash. Despite initial delivery delays, the company is now shipping its launch edition e-bikes to customers.".

How Indian D2C Brands Are Rewriting Their Playbook For Profitable Growth

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:01:07 GMT

Indian D2C brands are shifting their focus from top-line revenue growth toward sustainable profitability and contribution margins. At Inc42’s D2C & Retail Summit, leaders from Neeru’s, The Bear House, and Elements Wellness discussed adapting channel strategies and store formats to reduce acquisition costs. Key tactics include leveraging experiential retail, optimizing channel mixes, and employing regional marketing to ensure long-term efficiency and protect gross margins over aggressive discounting.

Sachin Bansal’s fintech Navi raises first outside capital with $100M Prosus investment

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:31:41 GMT

Indian fintech Navi, founded by former Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal, has raised $100 million from Prosus in its first institutional funding round. This investment values the company at approximately $1.3 billion. Navi offers various financial services, including lending and digital payments, and is currently preparing for an initial public offering to raise about $314 million. The startup recently reported consolidated profitability in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.

Amazon makes its AI-powered Alexa+ free on Fire TV, no Prime required

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Amazon is making its AI assistant, Alexa+, free and automatic for all compatible Fire TV devices in the U.S., regardless of Prime membership. The update introduces conversational search, AI-powered recommendations, and smart home controls. This move aligns with industry trends from Google and Roku to integrate AI into consumer electronics. Amazon reports increased user engagement, allowing customers to search for content by theme, popularity, or specific characteristics.

Amazon’s Prime Air is taking off in nearly 500 U.S. cities

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:27:58 GMT

Amazon is expanding its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 U.S. cities by 2026, increasing its current reach sixfold. The service, which delivers items under five pounds in as little as 30 minutes, will soon launch in 11 new locations. Despite past accidents, Amazon emphasizes safety through its Detect-and-Avoid system and FAA certification, competing with rival drone networks operated by Walmart and Alphabet's Wing.

Why Hammer Prefers Cables Over Premium Headphones For Quick Commerce

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:13:12 GMT

For D2C consumer brand Hammer Lifestyle, quick commerce is not a channel for replicating its entire ecommerce catalogue. Instead, the.

Calendly throws its hat into meeting note-taker circus

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:39:39 GMT

Calendly is entering the AI note-taking market with a tool that records, transcribes, and generates summaries and follow-up emails. The company is also introducing Callie, an AI assistant for scheduling and meeting context. Targeting sales and marketing professionals, Calendly aims to differentiate itself by automating post-meeting workflows. To address privacy concerns, the tool notifies participants of recording and allows them to remove the assistant.

The founder’s secret weapon: Work at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and learn how the pros do it

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:32:00 GMT

"TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is seeking volunteers for its event from October 13-15 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. Participants gain insider access to startup culture, networking opportunities with founders and venture capitalists, and knowledge of event logistics. In exchange for committing at least 12 hours and attending a mandatory orientation on October 12, volunteers receive free general admission for all three days of the conference.".

Sachin Bansal's Navi raises $100M from Prosus

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:20:18 GMT

Sachin Bansal's financial services company, Navi Limited, has raised $100 million from Prosus in its first institutional funding round. Founded in 2018, Navi provides loans, insurance, mutual funds, and UPI payments, with assets under management exceeding Rs 13,000 crore. The company reached consolidated profitability in the fourth quarter of FY26. This investment, pending regulatory approvals, reflects Prosus's confidence in Navi's technology-driven approach and scaling capabilities.

D2C Brands Should Use Influencers Only After Finding PMF: Emami’s Dhruv Aggarwal

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:14:12 GMT

D2C brands should scale influencer marketing only after establishing product-market fit, as creator-led campaigns cannot compensate for a weak product,.

Home batteries are suddenly cheap and everywhere. Here’s why.

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:10:00 GMT

Tesla and startups like Base Power are competing in the home battery market, utilizing virtual power plants (VPPs) to lower consumer costs. VPPs aggregate distributed batteries to support the grid during peak demand, offering a faster, cheaper alternative to traditional peaker plants. Driven by AI data centers and electrification, the VPP market is projected to reach $30 billion by 2033, providing critical grid resiliency and speed.

The Playbook Behind Agilitas’ Global Sportswear Ambition

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:00:06 GMT

Agilitas, a three-year-old Indian sportswear startup led by former Puma executive Abhishek Ganguly, aims to compete globally with giants like Nike and Adidas. Having raised ₹225 crore, the company is building an integrated ecosystem of manufacturing, retail, and brands. Its portfolio includes Mochiko Shoes, a 40-year Lotto licence, and One8, co-created by investor Virat Kohli. Agilitas seeks to leverage supply-chain control to establish a global Indian brand.

IPO-Bound Navi Raises $100 Mn From Prosus In Maiden Institutional Round

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:54:27 GMT

"Global VC firm Prosus has invested $100 million in Sachin Bansal-led fintech startup Navi, marking the company's first institutional capital raise. This investment aims to scale Navi's lending and payments businesses, with the company reportedly reviving plans for a ₹3,000 crore IPO by December. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Competition Commission of India, as Navi continues expanding its financial services portfolio.".

DevSparks Chennai returns: Explore AI for the physical world, manufacturing, and deeptech

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:34:53 GMT

"DevSparks 2026 arrives in Chennai on September 12 at the Hyatt Regency, gathering over 500 developers and technology leaders. The summit will focus on integrating AI into deeptech, manufacturing, and robotics, featuring experts from Zoho and other leading firms. This event leverages Chennai's unique position as a hub for both SaaS and industrial engineering, supported by the Tamil Nadu government's deeptech initiatives and IIT Madras.".

CareCloud confirms 3.7M patients had their medical records stolen in data breach

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:34:10 GMT

Health data giant CareCloud confirmed hackers stole personal and medical records of over 3.75 million people. The March data

Cashfree FY26: Revenue Inches Closer To ₹1,000 Cr Mark, Loss Narrows

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:00:07 GMT

Cashfree Payments saw its operating revenue surge 51.1% to ₹967 crore in FY26, nearing the ₹1,000 crore mark. The fintech soonicorn reduced its net losses by 23.1% to ₹118.5 crore, driven by strong growth in payment gateway commissions. Despite rising total expenses of ₹1,090.9 crore, the company continues to diversify its offerings into cross-border payments and AI-driven agentic payments, serving over 20 lakh businesses globally.

Investcorp acquires 20Cube to expand its presence in India’s growing logistics market

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:35:24 GMT

Investcorp acquired 20Cube 3PL Solutions, India's contract logistics business, for Rs 500 crore, highlighting growing investor interest in the sector. Investcorp plans an additional Rs 500-750 crore investment to expand the platform and acquire complementary businesses. The founders will continue leading 20Cube, which aims to significantly increase its warehousing footprint from 7 million to over 20 million square feet amidst India's modernizing supply chains and rising demand.

AI isn’t close to curing cancer. This startup says it knows what it will take.

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

AI isn’t close to curing cancer. This startup says it knows what it will take.

You can Venmo your college tuition, for some reason

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

PayPal and its subsidiary Venmo are partnering with education payment platforms Illumia, Nelnet Campus Commerce, and TouchNet to allow students and families to pay college tuition through their apps. This integration aims to provide a more flexible and seamless payment experience for thousands of institutions. By offering these familiar digital payment options, the companies hope to reduce friction and make the tuition payment process more accessible.