https://startupinbrief.com Latest Indian startup and tech news summarized in 60 words. en-us https://startupinbrief.com/news/cedardb-wants-one-database-to-handle-both-transactions-and-analytics-as-ai-agents-raise-the-stakes https://startupinbrief.com/news/cedardb-wants-one-database-to-handle-both-transactions-and-analytics-as-ai-agents-raise-the-stakes Munich-based startup CedarDB has launched a limited cloud offering of its database engine, which unifies analytical and operational data processing. A spinout from the Technical University of Munich, CedarDB leverages the Umbra project for high efficiency and maintains PostgreSQL compatibility to lower switching costs. Following a €5.3 million seed round, the company aims to support agentic AI and compete with industry giants like Databricks. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 03:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ambanis-jio-seeks-to-raise-32b-in-what-could-be-indias-biggest-ipo https://startupinbrief.com/news/ambanis-jio-seeks-to-raise-32b-in-what-could-be-indias-biggest-ipo "Jio Platforms, the digital arm of Reliance Industries, plans to raise up to $3.2 billion in what could be India's largest initial public offering. With a price band of ₹1,065 to ₹1,119 per share, the IPO could value the telecom giant at approximately $108.3 billion. The offering opens October 21, with proceeds primarily intended to repay debt at its telecom subsidiary and fund general corporate purposes.". Thu, 15 Oct 2026 03:18:20 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/flock-ceo-says-its-microphones-detect-just-gunshots-its-website-says-different https://startupinbrief.com/news/flock-ceo-says-its-microphones-detect-just-gunshots-its-website-says-different Flock CEO Garrett Langley recently claimed the company's audio detection technology focuses solely on gunshots. However, Flock's website and spokesperson contradict this, stating the system also detects car crashes, fireworks, and sideshows. This discrepancy comes amid growing privacy concerns and public opposition to mass surveillance, leading some states and partners to sever ties with the company as advocates warn against the potential for misuse. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 03:00:33 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/colossal-biosciences-announces-new-ai-platform-to-help-accelerate-de-extinction-efforts https://startupinbrief.com/news/colossal-biosciences-announces-new-ai-platform-to-help-accelerate-de-extinction-efforts Colossal Biosciences has launched GenoMorph, an AI platform designed to accelerate the de-extinction of species like the dodo bird. By analyzing 3D morphology and comparative genomics, the tool identifies critical gene-editing targets when genomic data is scarce. The company has already found 2,300 potential targets for the dodo's facial structure and is utilizing Nicobar pigeons and lipid nanoparticles to test these genetic modifications. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/flock-ceo-we-havent-fired-any-police-departments-as-customers https://startupinbrief.com/news/flock-ceo-we-havent-fired-any-police-departments-as-customers "Flock CEO Garrett Langley stated the company has not terminated any law enforcement contracts despite reports of officers abusing license plate reader cameras for stalking. While acknowledging the potential for termination in cases of widespread law-breaking, Langley defended the technology's role in solving crimes. Meanwhile, critics and protesters continue to condemn Flock's AI-powered mass surveillance, citing privacy violations, cybersecurity flaws, and wrongful arrests across the United States.". Thu, 15 Oct 2026 01:56:25 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/electric-vehicle-sales-in-the-us-are-showing-signs-of-life https://startupinbrief.com/news/electric-vehicle-sales-in-the-us-are-showing-signs-of-life "U.S. electric vehicle sales are recovering, capturing 6.1% of the market after three quarters of growth. According to Cox Automotive, competitive pricing and high gas prices are driving consumer interest. While Tesla's sales fell 20% year-over-year, the company still holds over half the market. Toyota, Rivian, and Subaru saw gains, mirroring a similar market recovery seen in Germany following the removal of government incentives.". Thu, 15 Oct 2026 01:42:07 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/timeteller-puts-our-internal-clocks-at-the-center-of-personalized-medicine https://startupinbrief.com/news/timeteller-puts-our-internal-clocks-at-the-center-of-personalized-medicine German startup TimeTeller, led by CEO Angela Relógio, has developed a saliva test kit to analyze circadian rhythms. While offering direct-to-consumer kits for personalized wellness, the company's core mission is improving cancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects through precision timing. TimeTeller has partnered with Techniker Krankenkasse, a major German health insurer, to provide reimbursement for cancer patients, advancing the goal of timing-based precision medicine. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 01:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ambrosia-energy-will-build-a-10-gwh-factory-in-texas-to-make-batteries-for-off-grid-data-centers https://startupinbrief.com/news/ambrosia-energy-will-build-a-10-gwh-factory-in-texas-to-make-batteries-for-off-grid-data-centers Ambrosia Energy is constructing a 10 gigawatt-hour battery factory near Austin, Texas, to produce affordable power plants for data centers. Founded by former Swarm creators, the startup aims for a cost of $100 per megawatt-hour using solar and battery storage. The company plans full production within three years and will launch its first commercial power plant in West Texas later this year to compete with natural gas turbines. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 01:21:34 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/hiyd-is-a-health-tracker-that-attaches-to-the-watch-you-already-wear https://startupinbrief.com/news/hiyd-is-a-health-tracker-that-attaches-to-the-watch-you-already-wear "Hiyd, founded by former Apple engineer Salah Batroukh, is launching a discreet health-tracking sensor that attaches to the back of any watch using microsuction technology. The slim device monitors biometrics like heart rate, sleep, and VO2 max, syncing data to an app for AI-driven health and nutrition insights. With over 16,000 deposits, Hiyd plans a November Kickstarter launch after debuting at TechCrunch Disrupt's Startup Battlefield.". Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ipo-bound-tonbo-imaging-nets-255-cr-from-anchor-investors https://startupinbrief.com/news/ipo-bound-tonbo-imaging-nets-255-cr-from-anchor-investors Defence tech startup Tonbo Imaging has raised ₹255.4 crore from 43 anchor investors ahead of its IPO, which opens on October 15. The ₹852 crore public issue, priced between ₹665 and ₹700, consists entirely of an offer for sale, valuing the company at approximately ₹4,009.8 crore. Specializing in advanced military imaging systems, the firm recently reported declining annual revenues and profits despite strong institutional backing. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:29:05 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/youtube-music-launches-new-labels-as-ai-generated-music-floods-streaming-platforms https://startupinbrief.com/news/youtube-music-launches-new-labels-as-ai-generated-music-floods-streaming-platforms YouTube Music is launching a new labeling system to increase transparency for songs created using generative AI. Tracks will be categorized as “Fully Gen AI,” “Partly Gen AI,” or “No Gen AI” on the player page and main YouTube app. Unlike competitors like Deezer or TIDAL, which may restrict AI content, YouTube focuses on disclosure, allowing AI-generated music to remain eligible for monetization while informing listeners. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 23:53:46 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/apate-sends-ai-agents-undercover-to-get-scammed-so-they-can-gather-fraud-intelligence https://startupinbrief.com/news/apate-sends-ai-agents-undercover-to-get-scammed-so-they-can-gather-fraud-intelligence Australian startup Apate.ai uses AI agents to masquerade as scam victims, engaging fraudsters to waste their time and gather intelligence. By mimicking various identities, these agents uncover malicious websites, bank accounts, and crypto wallets. This data helps banks, telecom companies, and government agencies improve anti-fraud measures. Having raised nearly $10 million, the company aims to expand internationally while disrupting scam campaigns and reducing financial losses. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/scimplify-bags-25-mn-to-scale-its-semiconductor-chemicals-business https://startupinbrief.com/news/scimplify-bags-25-mn-to-scale-its-semiconductor-chemicals-business "Specialty chemical startup Scimplify has raised $25 million in a funding round led by Hitachi Ventures, with participation from Accel and Henkel. The company plans to use the capital to expand its manufacturing capabilities for rare earth and critical metals purification, scale its semiconductor and battery chemicals businesses, and enhance its SciNode AI platform. Scimplify aims to grow its global presence, specifically targeting expansion into the US market. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:41:43 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/mosqitter-is-turning-its-mosquito-traps-into-an-ai-powered-surveillance-network https://startupinbrief.com/news/mosqitter-is-turning-its-mosquito-traps-into-an-ai-powered-surveillance-network As mosquito-borne diseases like dengue rise globally, Pennsylvania-based startup Mosqitter is deploying chemical-free traps that mimic human cues to capture female mosquitoes. The company is expanding its hardware into an AI-powered monitoring network called Febris. This system identifies species and tracks population changes to provide early warnings for public health agencies and governments, aiming to create a sustainable, data-driven approach to disease prevention and surveillance. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/zetwerk-raises-2251-cr-from-anchor-investors-ahead-of-ipo https://startupinbrief.com/news/zetwerk-raises-2251-cr-from-anchor-investors-ahead-of-ipo Manufacturing company Zetwerk raised ₹2,251.2 crore from anchor investors, including domestic mutual funds and global firms like BlackRock, ahead of its ₹5,012 crore IPO opening October 15. The offering, priced at ₹151 per share, values the company at approximately ₹25,583 crore. Zetwerk plans to use fresh issue proceeds for debt repayment and acquisitions, despite reporting a widened consolidated net loss of ₹1,606.2 crore in FY26. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 21:52:57 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/jio-platforms-sets-stage-for-indias-largest-ipo-at-103-lakh-cr-valuation https://startupinbrief.com/news/jio-platforms-sets-stage-for-indias-largest-ipo-at-103-lakh-cr-valuation Jio Platforms has announced its IPO with a price band of ₹1,065-₹1,119 per share, targeting a valuation of ₹10.3 Lakh Cr. This marks India's largest-ever IPO, opening for public subscription from October 21 to 23. The company aims to raise ₹30,213 Cr, primarily to prepay outstanding borrowings of Reliance Jio Infocomm. The offering includes reservations for employees and RIL shareholders, with no offer for sale component. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 21:35:23 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/techsparks-2026-day-2-from-krishna-byre-gowdas-bengaluru-blueprint-to-stripes-global-playbook-and-more https://startupinbrief.com/news/techsparks-2026-day-2-from-krishna-byre-gowdas-bengaluru-blueprint-to-stripes-global-playbook-and-more The second day of TechSparks 2026 in Bengaluru focused on governance, infrastructure, and global startups. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda highlighted technology's role in reducing corruption and detailed ambitious metro expansions for the city. Stripe India's Manish Maheshwari discussed AI's capacity to help Indian founders scale globally, announcing the acquisition of OpenRouter. Additionally, investors emphasized India's deeptech potential, driven by talent and a push for technological self-reliance. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 21:11:33 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/floqers-ai-agents-research-sales-prospects-so-teams-dont-have-to https://startupinbrief.com/news/floqers-ai-agents-research-sales-prospects-so-teams-dont-have-to Floqer is an autonomous customer knowledge platform that provides business-to-business sales and marketing teams with an AI-powered database designed to continuously collect, organize, and update the information used to understand their customers. Floqer is pitching Wednesday on the Startup Battlefield stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. The startup told TechCrunch ahead of the presentation that it […]. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/the-math-behind-why-young-startup-employees-are-underinsured-by-over-rs-1-cr https://startupinbrief.com/news/the-math-behind-why-young-startup-employees-are-underinsured-by-over-rs-1-cr The math behind why young startup employees are underinsured by over Rs 1 Cr Many young professionals assume their existing cover is sufficient. However, the question they need to ask is ‘how much term insurance do I need’, to adequately protect their family from outstanding liabilities and future. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:20:46 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/5-lessons-from-grief-burns-like-fever-by-minakshi-thakur https://startupinbrief.com/news/5-lessons-from-grief-burns-like-fever-by-minakshi-thakur Minakshi Thakur's novel, "Grief Burns Like Fever," explores human experiences during a harsh lockdown. It interweaves stories of an ambulance driver, a grieving adolescent, a woman questioning her marriage, and another escaping captivity. The book delves into themes of love, longing, grief, and resilience, highlighting how people respond to suffering. It emphasizes the importance of human connection, finding inner strength, and the enduring presence of hope even in the darkest times. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:47:09 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/groww-q2-profit-jumps-54-yoy-to-725-cr-revenue-rises-47 https://startupinbrief.com/news/groww-q2-profit-jumps-54-yoy-to-725-cr-revenue-rises-47 Groww's consolidated net profit surged 54% year-over-year to ₹724.7 Cr in Q2 FY27, as operating revenue climbed 47% to ₹1,501.5 Cr. Revenue growth outpaced expenses, boosting profitability. However, profit sequentially slipped 1.4% from the previous quarter, and revenue remained flat. This sequential decline. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:01:27 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/fintech-saas-startup-revragai-nets-25-mn-to-build-ai-relationship-managers-for-lenders-and-insurers https://startupinbrief.com/news/fintech-saas-startup-revragai-nets-25-mn-to-build-ai-relationship-managers-for-lenders-and-insurers "Agentic AI startup RevRag has raised $2.5 million in seed funding led by Accion Ventures to accelerate product development and expand into the US market. The company provides autonomous AI agents that serve as virtual relationship managers for financial institutions, streamlining onboarding and sales. Serving over 45 Indian clients, including PhonePe and Razorpay, RevRag claims its technology can reduce operational costs by up to 70%.". Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:30:18 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/cancellation-may-be-a-creators-biggest-turning-point-varun-mayya https://startupinbrief.com/news/cancellation-may-be-a-creators-biggest-turning-point-varun-mayya At the TechSparks summit, AEOS CEO Varun Mayya discussed building a founder brand through courage, differentiation, and authenticity. He emphasized a "zero mindset," urging entrepreneurs to remain adaptable and ready to pivot as AI disrupts traditional business models. Mayya highlighted the importance of embracing criticism and diversifying ventures to mitigate risks, while noting that viral content success depends on mirroring audience interests and utilizing frame shifting. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:19:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/uc-hungry-for-funds-again-dailyobjects-d2c-playbook-more https://startupinbrief.com/news/uc-hungry-for-funds-again-dailyobjects-d2c-playbook-more Urban Company's board will meet on October 16 to consider a fresh fundraise to support its loss-making InstaHelp vertical, despite holding significant cash reserves. Meanwhile, GreenCell Mobility raised $34.6 million for electric buses, and Freshworks agreed to acquire Torii for AI spend governance. Additionally, NPCI deferred UPI merchant discount rates until after. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:57 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/justice-department-says-north-koreans-have-infiltrated-dozens-of-us-companies https://startupinbrief.com/news/justice-department-says-north-koreans-have-infiltrated-dozens-of-us-companies The U.S. Department of Justice has uncovered a scheme where North Korean hackers used American facilitators and "laptop farms" in Texas to infiltrate at least 70 U.S. companies. By using stolen identities to gain remote employment, these state-sponsored actors stole sensitive data and approximately $3 million. The FBI warns that thousands of such workers pose significant national security threats to fund North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:00:42 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/cerebras-ceo-pushes-back-on-ai-doomsday-warnings https://startupinbrief.com/news/cerebras-ceo-pushes-back-on-ai-doomsday-warnings "Cerebras Systems CEO Andrew Feldman criticized the "AI doomer narrative" at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, arguing that industry leaders should highlight AI's potential benefits, such as curing cancer, rather than focusing solely on existential risks. While acknowledging the need for reasonable regulation and better community engagement regarding data center buildouts, Feldman remains optimistic that hardware and model efficiency improvements will continue to drive technological progress and demand.". Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:06:59 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/facebook-is-giving-users-more-control-over-their-algorithm https://startupinbrief.com/news/facebook-is-giving-users-more-control-over-their-algorithm Facebook is the latest social media platform to give users greater control over the algorithm that determines what appears in their feeds. Meta announced the launch of its new AI-powered feature, “Your Algorithm,” on Tuesday, a feature it first launched on Instagram. The new tool allows Facebook users to influence the content they see in […]. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 23:35:24 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/techcrunch-disrupt-2026-day-1 https://startupinbrief.com/news/techcrunch-disrupt-2026-day-1 TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 officially kicks off today. See what's in store for Day 1 (Oct. 13) at San Francisco's Moscone West. Don't miss it. Register for your pass now and meet 10,000+ tech leaders at the startup epicenter of the year. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/amansa-investments-sbi-mutual-fund-others-invest-rs-413-cr-in-tonbo-imaging-ahead-of-ipo https://startupinbrief.com/news/amansa-investments-sbi-mutual-fund-others-invest-rs-413-cr-in-tonbo-imaging-ahead-of-ipo Amansa Investments, SBI Mutual Fund, and HDFC Life Insurance invested over Rs 413 crore in defence electronics maker Tonbo Imaging India Ltd through secondary share transactions. This valued the company at Rs 4,000 crore, ahead of its Rs 852 crore Initial Public Offering. The IPO, an Offer For Sale, is scheduled from October 15-19. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:38:19 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/i-look-to-china-as-gurus-zohos-sridhar-vembu https://startupinbrief.com/news/i-look-to-china-as-gurus-zohos-sridhar-vembu Zoho's Sridhar Vembu urged India to emulate China's strategy of building and owning critical technologies, rather than solely providing software services. He argued China's investment in domestic platforms like Baidu and WeChat fostered economic value and global competitors. Vembu highlighted India's current model, where it performs significant engineering for global firms but lacks proportionate profit due to IP ownership. He stressed the need for indigenous tech development, especially as AI threatens traditional software jobs, to secure India'. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:42:47 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/techsparks-2026-is-here-zetwerk-targets-rs-5012-cr-ipo https://startupinbrief.com/news/techsparks-2026-is-here-zetwerk-targets-rs-5012-cr-ipo Under this year’s rallying cry, ‘The New Tech Order,’ YourStory’s 17th edition is bringing together 10,000+ visionaries, 500 speakers, 1,000 startups, and 300 investors. We aren't just discussing the future of AI, deep tech, and digital infrastructure—we're asking: who gets to build it, and how fast. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 07:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/smart-ring-maker-ultrahuman-to-roll-out-biological-age-model-across-uae https://startupinbrief.com/news/smart-ring-maker-ultrahuman-to-roll-out-biological-age-model-across-uae Bengaluru-based health tech startup Ultrahuman has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center to develop a biological-age model for the United Arab Emirates. This two-year initiative combines clinical biomarkers with wearable-agnostic data to estimate aging speeds and identify health factors. The project aims to deploy health algorithms at a national scale, allowing UAE residents to access their biological age via government digital-health platforms. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:39:34 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/techcrunch-disrupt-2026-starts-tomorrow-your-final-chance-to-secure-up-to-100-ticket-savings https://startupinbrief.com/news/techcrunch-disrupt-2026-starts-tomorrow-your-final-chance-to-secure-up-to-100-ticket-savings Tomorrow at 8 a.m. PT, it all begins. 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech operators will gather at San Francisco’s Moscone West for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 for three days of ideas, connections, and startups shaping what comes next. This is your last 24 hours to secure ticket savings of up to $100, and get 50% off a second. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/d2c-brand-boldfit-raises-400-cr-from-bharat-value-fund-for-retail-expansion https://startupinbrief.com/news/d2c-brand-boldfit-raises-400-cr-from-bharat-value-fund-for-retail-expansion D2C fitness and sportswear startup Boldfit has raised ₹400 Cr in Series B funding from Bharat Value Fund. This investment will drive nationwide retail expansion, product innovation, and manufacturing capabilities within India. Boldfit also plans selective acquisitions to strengthen its market presence. This latest round brings Boldfit's total funding to over ₹510 Cr, reflecting significant investor interest in India's rapidly growing fitness and sports goods market. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:57:23 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/will-the-homeview-be-apples-first-smart-home-success https://startupinbrief.com/news/will-the-homeview-be-apples-first-smart-home-success Apple will announce a new smart home hub on Tuesday called the HomeView, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen There have been multiple reports that Apple was working on a new smart home product, but now it seems the product has a name and a launch date. Gurman […]. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 02:44:40 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/48-hours-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-hear-directly-from-the-people-building-whats-next https://startupinbrief.com/news/48-hours-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-hear-directly-from-the-people-building-whats-next In less than 48 hours, the doors open for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. Save up to $100 on your ticket before prices increase at the door. Don’t forget to get a second pass at 50% off. Register now. On October 13-15, more than 10,000 founders, investors, and tech leaders will be […]. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ecommerce-firms-sell-goods-worth-rs-24k-cr-in-first-two-days-of-festive-sales-redseer https://startupinbrief.com/news/ecommerce-firms-sell-goods-worth-rs-24k-cr-in-first-two-days-of-festive-sales-redseer India’s ecommerce platforms clocked around Rs 24,000 crore in sales in the first two days of festive season sales, with mobile phones leading by value. Redseer estimates that 6-6.5 crore shoppers participated, with fashion, electronics and appliances also seeing strong demand. Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:35:51 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/techsparks-masterclass-gemini-ai-and-the-business-of-building-better https://startupinbrief.com/news/techsparks-masterclass-gemini-ai-and-the-business-of-building-better Rajesh Shewani of Google Cloud will lead a 'Gemini in Action' masterclass at TechSparks 2026, focusing on practical enterprise AI applications for Indian leaders. The session will explore how Gemini's features, including Voice AI, Agentic AI, and AI-powered coding, can drive revenue, cut costs, and reduce risk. It will also cover AI economics, providing a business-first roadmap for implementing scalable and economically viable AI solutions in real. Sun, 11 Oct 2026 11:46:34 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/design-ai-impact-test-your-business-creativity-with-edition-253-of-our-weekly-quiz https://startupinbrief.com/news/design-ai-impact-test-your-business-creativity-with-edition-253-of-our-weekly-quiz "YourStory’s 253rd Lateral Sparks quiz highlights innovative entrepreneurial solutions across diverse sectors. It features Tech4Good initiatives in Northeast India, Brahma AI’s enterprise content management, and Gravity’s infrastructure for interior materials. Additionally, the edition explores contemporary khadi fashion through brands like Greenwear Fashion and SiMa.ai’s advancements in physical AI for drones and robots, showcasing how startups are solving real-world problems through creativity and technology.". Sun, 11 Oct 2026 08:36:43 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/3-days-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-meet-the-startups-before-they-hit-mainstream https://startupinbrief.com/news/3-days-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-meet-the-startups-before-they-hit-mainstream TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 takes place October 13-15 in San Francisco. Over 300 startups will show what they’ve built to 10,000 tech leaders. Plus, 250+ speakers are ready to share insights across 200+ sessions. Register before doors open to save up to $100 and get a second pass at 50% off. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 20:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/nat-habit-raises-rs-142-cr-in-series-c-led-by-trident-growth-partners https://startupinbrief.com/news/nat-habit-raises-rs-142-cr-in-series-c-led-by-trident-growth-partners Ayurvedic personal care brand Nat Habit raised Rs 142 crore in Series C funding, led by Trident Growth Partners. The capital will expand its product portfolio, strengthen manufacturing, and scale distribution across quick commerce and offline retail. Founded in 2019, Nat Habit, with Rs 330 crore in annualised gross revenue, combines traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern science, aiming to expand beyond metro markets into Tier. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 18:13:32 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/otpless-ropes-in-ex-bharatpe-exec-geetanshu-singla-as-new-cto https://startupinbrief.com/news/otpless-ropes-in-ex-bharatpe-exec-geetanshu-singla-as-new-cto Identity and access management startup OTPless has appointed former BharatPe executive Geetanshu Singla as its new Chief Technology Officer. Singla reunites with former BharatPe colleagues, cofounders Satyam Nathani and Tanmay Sagar. This key appointment is part of a broader top-level reshuffle at OTPless, which recently included a cofounder's departure and the appointment of a new CEO, reflecting significant leadership changes. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:29:34 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/amazon-and-others-are-done-keeping-data-center-deals-secret-is-it-enough-to-build-trust https://startupinbrief.com/news/amazon-and-others-are-done-keeping-data-center-deals-secret-is-it-enough-to-build-trust Amazon says it will stop using NDAs when negotiating data center deals with local governments, following a similar move from Microsoft earlier this year. Secrecy has fueled community backlash against AI infrastructure, with opposition leading to hundreds of proposed and enacted moratoriums from New York to San Francisco. Meanwhile, a wave of startups is betting that consumers will hand AI agents access […]. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 22:26:42 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/automattic-loses-its-interim-cfo-just-weeks-after-boardroom-shakeup https://startupinbrief.com/news/automattic-loses-its-interim-cfo-just-weeks-after-boardroom-shakeup Automattic's interim chief financial officer Jeremy Klaperman has left the company less than a month after taking the role, TechCrunch has learned. Sources say his departure followed a demotion back to his previous position, marking another executive exit amid the organization's leadership turmoil. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:32:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/beyond-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-the-side-events-parties-networking-you-cant-miss https://startupinbrief.com/news/beyond-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-the-side-events-parties-networking-you-cant-miss TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is just the beginning. From exclusive networking events and startup showcases to happy hours, dinners, and after-hours meetups, discover what’s happening across San Francisco during Disrupt Week, October 10–16. Find your next connection, your next opportunity, or your next favorite event. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:12:34 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/techcrunch-disrupt-2026-gammas-grant-lee-engines-elia-wallen-and-gvs-crystal-huang-on-landing-your-first-1000-customers https://startupinbrief.com/news/techcrunch-disrupt-2026-gammas-grant-lee-engines-elia-wallen-and-gvs-crystal-huang-on-landing-your-first-1000-customers At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco, a panel titled “The Zero-to-1K Playbook” will explore strategies for acquiring the first 1,000 customers without a marketing budget. Featuring Gamma CEO Grant Lee, Engine CEO Elia Wallen, and GV partner Crystal Huang, the session will cover product-led growth, community building, and founder-led sales. The event, held October 13–15, aims to help early-stage founders build momentum and scale their businesses. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/bewakoofs-fy26-net-loss-jumps-nearly-20-to-874-cr-revenue-crosses-200-cr-mark https://startupinbrief.com/news/bewakoofs-fy26-net-loss-jumps-nearly-20-to-874-cr-revenue-crosses-200-cr-mark D2C fashion brand Bewakoof reported a 40.6% increase in operating revenue to ₹243.1 Cr for FY26. Despite this growth and a narrowing EBITDA loss of ₹54.8 Cr, the company's net loss widened by 19.4% to ₹87.4 Cr. Total expenses rose 35.4% to ₹335.6 Cr. Majority-owned by ABFRL, the brand faces leadership changes as founder Prabhkiran Singh steps down, while continuing to target millennial and Gen Z consumers. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:37:52 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/techcrunch-disrupt-2026-starts-in-4-days-lock-in-your-pass-savings-of-up-to-100-before-prices-rise https://startupinbrief.com/news/techcrunch-disrupt-2026-starts-in-4-days-lock-in-your-pass-savings-of-up-to-100-before-prices-rise Four days until TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 starts, when 10,000 founders, investors, and tech leaders gather in San Francisco's Moscone West on October 13-15. Save up to $100 on your price. Plus, save 50% on a second pass of the same type. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/indian-ai-startup-funding-surges-265-yoy-in-q3-will-momentum-continue https://startupinbrief.com/news/indian-ai-startup-funding-surges-265-yoy-in-q3-will-momentum-continue AI startups raised $438 million across 35 deals in Q3 2026, a 265% YoY increase, making it India's most-funded sector. Total AI funding hit $1.1 billion for the first nine months. Despite this surge, 63% of investors perceive froth in valuations. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:58:14 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/menswear-brand-kisah-nets-359-cr-to-scale-retail-footprint https://startupinbrief.com/news/menswear-brand-kisah-nets-359-cr-to-scale-retail-footprint "Omnichannel menswear brand KISAH has raised ₹35.9 crore in a Series A round led by Fireside Ventures, valuing the company at ₹211 crore. The Kolkata-based startup intends to use the capital to expand its retail network toward a goal of 100 stores and enhance its infrastructure. Having earned ₹65 crore in FY26, KISAH expects revenue to exceed ₹100 crore in FY27 while maintaining profitability.". Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:27:10 GMT