https://startupinbrief.com Latest Indian startup and tech news summarized in 60 words. en-us https://startupinbrief.com/news/elon-musk-repeatedly-one-upped-his-execs-on-spacexs-first-earnings-call https://startupinbrief.com/news/elon-musk-repeatedly-one-upped-his-execs-on-spacexs-first-earnings-call During SpaceX's first earnings call, Elon Musk made ambitious predictions regarding the company's future, including reaching $1 trillion in revenue by 2030 and Starlink providing most of the world's internet within a decade. While Musk claimed Starship human flights could begin next year, executives provided more tempered, cautious projections. As a public company, these divergent claims raise potential regulatory concerns regarding investor expectations and corporate accountability. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:58 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/lucids-turnaround-plan-hinges-on-14b-in-cash-savings-robotaxis https://startupinbrief.com/news/lucids-turnaround-plan-hinges-on-14b-in-cash-savings-robotaxis Lucid Motors CEO Silvio Napoli has launched an "operational reset" to reduce cash spending by $1.4 billion and stabilize the company's finances. The plan includes significant layoffs, leadership changes, and cost-cutting measures to extend liquidity into 2027. Key growth priorities include a mid-sized electric vehicle, a Saudi Arabian factory, and a robotaxi partnership with Uber and Nuro, aiming for profitability despite a recent $1.26 billion quarterly loss. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 03:54:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-to-get-the-best-hotel-deals-for-techcrunch-disrupt-2026 https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-to-get-the-best-hotel-deals-for-techcrunch-disrupt-2026 "TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place from October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. To assist attendees, the event has partnered with several nearby hotels, including the Hyatt Regency and InterContinental, to offer discounted rates with flexible cancellation policies. Additionally, a limited-time flash sale provides $100 off tickets until August 7, and discounts are available for registering teammates to join the experience.". Wed, 05 Aug 2026 03:48:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/spacex-has-bought-329m-worth-of-tesla-megapacks-so-far-this-year https://startupinbrief.com/news/spacex-has-bought-329m-worth-of-tesla-megapacks-so-far-this-year SpaceX has increased its investment in Tesla Megapacks, spending $329 million this year to support data centers for its merged AI entity, xAI. These industrial batteries provide critical backup power and stabilize energy demands for GPUs. Additionally, SpaceX reported purchasing $131 million in Tesla Cybertrucks. These transactions highlight the deep operational and financial integration between Elon Musk’s various companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 02:37:26 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/spacex-doubles-revenues-on-anthropic-and-google-compute-deals-starlink-growth https://startupinbrief.com/news/spacex-doubles-revenues-on-anthropic-and-google-compute-deals-starlink-growth "SpaceX reported a 92% revenue increase, growing from $4 billion in Q2 2025 to $7.8 billion in Q2 2026. This growth was driven by Starlink and AI computing deals with Google and Anthropic. Despite the largest IPO in history and a $1.75 trillion valuation, the company's shares have fallen below the $135 IPO price, closing recently at over $125 before dropping further in after-hours trading.". Wed, 05 Aug 2026 02:06:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/android-app-developers-may-be-unwittingly-sharing-their-users-location-data-with-advertisers https://startupinbrief.com/news/android-app-developers-may-be-unwittingly-sharing-their-users-location-data-with-advertisers The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) warns app developers that third-party code (SDKs) in their apps often collect users' precise location data by default. When users grant location permission to an app, embedded SDKs inherit this, sharing sensitive data with advertisers and data brokers, often without the developer's knowledge. This information can be sold to governments and intelligence agencies, posing significant privacy risks. The EFF urges developers to disable unnecessary data collection to protect user privacy. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 01:56:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/open-weight-ai-models-are-catching-up-to-the-frontier-the-safety-gap-remains https://startupinbrief.com/news/open-weight-ai-models-are-catching-up-to-the-frontier-the-safety-gap-remains A new SaferAI report finds Z.ai's open-weight GLM-5.2 approaches frontier AI capabilities while lacking key safety mitigations, renewing concerns that powerful open models could outpace governance and safeguards. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 01:35:26 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/anthropic-signs-10-billion-deal-with-ai-cloud-startup-volta https://startupinbrief.com/news/anthropic-signs-10-billion-deal-with-ai-cloud-startup-volta "Anthropic has reportedly entered a $10 billion, six-year agreement with AI cloud startup Volta to expand its compute capacity. In partnership with Bitdeer, Volta will develop a 133-megawatt data center in Norway powered by Nvidia’s Vera Rubin systems. This move follows recent compute deals with SpaceX and Amazon as Anthropic aggressively scales its infrastructure to remain competitive against other major AI labs in the industry.". Wed, 05 Aug 2026 01:18:40 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/meet-wrinkles-an-ai-app-that-uncovers-the-hidden-stories-of-the-places-around-you https://startupinbrief.com/news/meet-wrinkles-an-ai-app-that-uncovers-the-hidden-stories-of-the-places-around-you "Wrinkles is a new AI-powered audio tour app for iOS and Android that uses location data to share local history and hidden stories. Founded by David Stemler and Ryan Hansan, the app features 1.3 million points of interest across 177 countries. It allows users to explore surroundings hands-free, ask questions, and save personal memories. The service remains free for users, generating revenue through business partnerships.". Wed, 05 Aug 2026 01:04:34 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/nvidia-doesnt-mess-around-a-week-after-open-ai-industry-group-formed-its-already-showing-progress https://startupinbrief.com/news/nvidia-doesnt-mess-around-a-week-after-open-ai-industry-group-formed-its-already-showing-progress The Nvidia-led Open Secure AI Alliance (OSAA), comprising over 120 companies, has launched the Shared AI Findings Exchange (SAFE) to improve AI cybersecurity. Managed by The Linux Foundation, the group focuses on confidential incident reporting and sharing open-source security tools. While industry giants like Microsoft and Intel have joined, OpenAI and Google remain absent. The initiative aims to bolster the U.S. open AI ecosystem against global threats. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:58:49 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/elevation-capital-offloads-paytm-shares-worth-2038-cr https://startupinbrief.com/news/elevation-capital-offloads-paytm-shares-worth-2038-cr Elevation Capital offloaded Paytm shares worth ₹2,038 crore through bulk and block deals at an average price of ₹1,367.8. The VC firm's move follows Paytm's strong Q1 FY27 results, which saw net profit surge 79% to ₹220 crore. Various domestic mutual funds and international investors, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, purchased the shares. Additionally, Elevation Capital sold Meesho shares worth ₹974.6 crore in a separate block deal. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 23:46:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/waymo-opens-up-robotaxi-service-in-dallas-to-everyone https://startupinbrief.com/news/waymo-opens-up-robotaxi-service-in-dallas-to-everyone Waymo has opened its robotaxi service in Dallas to all residents and visitors, dropping the previous waitlist. This expansion marks a key step in the company's strategy to scale its self-driving technology. While airport service is not yet available, it is expected soon. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 23:01:01 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/take-an-extra-100-off-your-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-pass-this-week-only https://startupinbrief.com/news/take-an-extra-100-off-your-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-pass-this-week-only TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place from October 13–15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, gathering over 10,000 tech innovators and investors. The event features specialized stages covering AI, financial trust, and scaling, alongside the Startup Battlefield competition. A limited-time flash sale is currently available, offering an additional $100 discount on passes until Friday, August 7, before pricing increases further on August 21. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 22:50:54 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/tv-time-co-founder-launches-bingers-to-revive-the-beloved-tv-tracking-app https://startupinbrief.com/news/tv-time-co-founder-launches-bingers-to-revive-the-beloved-tv-tracking-app Antonio Pinto, a co-founder of the shuttered TV Time app, has launched Bingers, a new TV and movie tracking application for iOS and Android. Designed to restore the social community lost when Whip Media closed TV Time, Bingers features tracking tools, discovery options, and interactive fan forums. To ensure sustainability, the app offloads processing to user devices and relies on direct contributions to cover server costs. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 22:35:48 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/hackers-steal-over-130-million-by-exploiting-bug-in-offline-hardware-wallets https://startupinbrief.com/news/hackers-steal-over-130-million-by-exploiting-bug-in-offline-hardware-wallets Hackers have stolen approximately $130 million from Coldcard hardware wallets, which are designed for secure offline storage. Security researchers discovered a vulnerability in Coinkite's seed phrase generation code from 2021, allowing attackers to predict and brute-force secret keys. This flaw bypassed the security of "cold" storage. Coinkite has since advised users to update their devices and migrate to new seed phrases to protect their assets. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:57:59 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/elevation-capital-peak-xv-partners-sell-meesho-stock-worth-1949-cr https://startupinbrief.com/news/elevation-capital-peak-xv-partners-sell-meesho-stock-worth-1949-cr Elevation Capital and Peak XV Partners sold a combined 10.28 crore shares of e-commerce company Meesho through block deals, netting ₹974.6 crore each. The shares were sold at an average price of ₹186, a 3% discount on the closing price, to buyers including ADIA and Fidelity. This move follows Meesho's improved financial performance, including a 54% year-on-year reduction in net losses and 48% revenue growth in Q1 FY27. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:44:27 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/spotify-adds-merlin-to-its-ai-music-remix-and-covers-effort https://startupinbrief.com/news/spotify-adds-merlin-to-its-ai-music-remix-and-covers-effort Spotify is introducing a new AI tool allowing fans to create covers and remixes of music with artist consent. Partnering with Universal Music Group and Merlin, the platform aims to support real artists through credit and compensation. This paid add-on differentiates Spotify from generative AI startups by focusing on legal, artist-approved content. A research preview will soon be available to a limited group of users. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:20:06 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/texas-halts-new-data-centers-as-governor-calls-for-audits https://startupinbrief.com/news/texas-halts-new-data-centers-as-governor-calls-for-audits Texas is seeing a surge in data center proposals, with ERCOT's interconnection queue reaching 474 gigawatts, mostly driven by these facilities. To prevent grid overload and rising electricity prices, Governor Greg Abbott now requires all new data center projects to undergo audits by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT. These mandatory reviews will assess power and water demand, marking a shift toward stricter state regulation. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:12:35 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/walmart-completes-its-acquisition-of-tv-advertising-company-vibeco https://startupinbrief.com/news/walmart-completes-its-acquisition-of-tv-advertising-company-vibeco Walmart has finalized its $1.4 billion acquisition of Vibe.co, a self-service streaming TV advertising platform, integrating it into Walmart Connect. This move allows small and medium-sized brands to launch streaming campaigns more easily, expanding Walmart's connected TV advertising capabilities. This acquisition follows Walmart's $2.3 billion purchase of Vizio in 2024, as the retailer continues to strengthen its advertising business and enhance customer reach across commerce journeys. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:08:22 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/elon-musk-spends-half-his-time-talking-robots-and-ai-on-tesla-earnings-calls https://startupinbrief.com/news/elon-musk-spends-half-his-time-talking-robots-and-ai-on-tesla-earnings-calls Elon Musk is shifting Tesla's identity from a car manufacturer to an AI and robotics company. Analysis of earnings calls reveals Musk now spends nearly 50% of his time discussing artificial intelligence, robotaxis, and Full Self-Driving software, a significant increase from previous years. This pivot occurs as Tesla's core automotive growth slows, though other executives remain more focused on traditional car production than Musk. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:50:06 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/host-a-side-event-during-techcrunch-founder-summit-week-in-boston https://startupinbrief.com/news/host-a-side-event-during-techcrunch-founder-summit-week-in-boston TechCrunch is inviting organizers to host side events during Founder Summit Week in Boston from November 1-7, surrounding the main summit on November 4. These in-person gatherings, ranging from workshops to mixers, offer brands visibility to over 1,100 founders and investors. Listed for free on the official agenda and app, events must be Boston-based and age-restricted. Interested hosts should apply now to connect with the startup community. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/meet-the-20-startups-selected-for-google-play-accelerator-india https://startupinbrief.com/news/meet-the-20-startups-selected-for-google-play-accelerator-india Google has selected 20 Indian startups for the 2026 cohort of its Google Play Accelerator India programme. This third iteration of the equity-free, three-month initiative supports founders across sectors including edtech, healthtech, and gaming. Selected companies will receive hands-on guidance in AI integration, app quality, security, growth, and monetisation to help them build scalable, trusted products for both domestic and global markets. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:27:56 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/omspace-is-building-a-reusable-rocket-in-ahmedabad-for-small-satellite-launches https://startupinbrief.com/news/omspace-is-building-a-reusable-rocket-in-ahmedabad-for-small-satellite-launches Ahmedabad-based startup Omspace Rocket and Exploration aims to capture the small satellite launch market with its reusable Infinity-One rocket. Featuring India's first electric-pump-fed engine and a mobile launch platform, the company targets rapid deployment for nano-satellites. While raising Rs 25 crore in pre-seed funding, Omspace currently generates revenue through its Youngspace educational programme, as it has yet to achieve an orbital flight or secure public contracts. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:21:18 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/agmove-robotics-builds-small-farm-rovers-to-spray-between-crop-rows https://startupinbrief.com/news/agmove-robotics-builds-small-farm-rovers-to-spray-between-crop-rows Pune-based AgMove Robotics, founded in 2023 by Bhushan Darekar, has developed the Farm Guardian Rover to address labor shortages and chemical exposure in Indian vineyards. This multi-utility, autonomous machine uses RTK positioning and electrostatic spraying for precision crop management. Designed for small holdings and gender-neutral operation, the bootstrapped company targets progressive farmers and rental models to ensure timely agricultural operations and reduce pesticide waste. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:20:23 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/meine-electric-is-building-fast-charging-iron-air-batteries-to-store-solar-power-overnight https://startupinbrief.com/news/meine-electric-is-building-fast-charging-iron-air-batteries-to-store-solar-power-overnight Chennai-based MEINE Electric is developing affordable iron-air batteries to solve long-duration energy storage challenges for solar grids. Unlike lithium-ion, their "Fast Charge Long Discharge" technology charges in six to eight hours and discharges over eighteen, a claim validated by Customized Energy Solutions. Having raised Rs 6.7 crore in pre-seed funding, the startup targets utilities and heavy industry to stabilize renewable energy output across global markets. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:19:33 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/tsalla-aerospace-builds-autonomy-software-that-flies-drones-without-gps https://startupinbrief.com/news/tsalla-aerospace-builds-autonomy-software-that-flies-drones-without-gps "Bengaluru-based Tsalla Aerospace is developing 'AI Pilot,' a hardware-agnostic autonomy stack designed for unmanned systems operating in GPS-denied environments. Incubated at the Indian Institute of Science, the company focuses on software that enables drones, ground vehicles, and ships to function without human intervention. Currently collaborating with the Indian Navy and Army, Tsalla Aerospace has raised $1 million and seeks $8 million more to expand its operations.". Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:17:25 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/agrograde-builds-machines-that-sort-onions-and-potatoes-by-quality-not-just-size https://startupinbrief.com/news/agrograde-builds-machines-that-sort-onions-and-potatoes-by-quality-not-just-size Pune-based Agrograde, founded in 2017, develops specialized machinery to automate the grading and sorting of crops like onions and potatoes in India. By replacing inconsistent manual processes with texture-based analysis, their technology achieves 96% defect detection accuracy without damaging produce. With 130 machines deployed across 14 states, the company is now seeking pre-Series A funding to expand manufacturing and advance toward fully autonomous packhouse operations. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:16:31 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/7-books-that-teach-you-how-to-recover-from-disappointment https://startupinbrief.com/news/7-books-that-teach-you-how-to-recover-from-disappointment Disappointment is an inevitable part of life, but it can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. Several influential books, including works by Pema Chödrön, Viktor Frankl, and Ryan Holiday, provide guidance on navigating setbacks. These texts emphasize that while outcomes may not match expectations, acceptance and a shift in perspective can help individuals find meaning and build strength during their most challenging transitions. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:00:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/et-now-acquires-opigo-to-expand-its-investment-platform https://startupinbrief.com/news/et-now-acquires-opigo-to-expand-its-investment-platform Times Network has acquired fintech startup OpiGo for an undisclosed amount to expand ET NOW’s investor-focused financial services. OpiGo’s platform, featuring SEBI-registered analyst recommendations and investor communities, will be integrated into ET NOW Pro. This strategic move transforms ET NOW from a business news platform into a comprehensive financial intelligence ecosystem, reflecting a broader Indian market trend toward subscription-led advisory and compliance-first investing tools. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:51:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/home-decor-and-furnishings-marketplace-vaaree-raises-rs-65-cr-in-series-a-funding https://startupinbrief.com/news/home-decor-and-furnishings-marketplace-vaaree-raises-rs-65-cr-in-series-a-funding "Bengaluru-based home décor marketplace Vaaree has raised Rs 65 crore in a Series A funding round led by Hero Enterprise and Cap Alpha Ventures. The company will utilize the capital to expand its fulfillment network for faster deliveries and enhance VibeCheck, its AI-powered home styling and product discovery platform. Vaaree aims to streamline the shopping experience for its curated catalog of over 150,000 home furnishings products.". Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:48:02 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/apple-says-more-ex-employees-may-have-taken-confidential-data-to-openai https://startupinbrief.com/news/apple-says-more-ex-employees-may-have-taken-confidential-data-to-openai Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction against OpenAI to prevent the development of products using its stolen trade secrets. The iPhone maker alleges that multiple former employees, including senior engineers, misappropriated proprietary information. Apple is requesting expedited discovery from OpenAI and Jony Ive's startup, io. OpenAI has denied these accusations, claiming the requests are based on false information and that they have no interest in Apple's secrets. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:33:01 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/spotify-now-has-over-300m-subscribers https://startupinbrief.com/news/spotify-now-has-over-300m-subscribers Spotify has surpassed 300 million subscribers and 777 million monthly active users, with quarterly revenue rising 14% to €4.8 billion. Despite price increases and backlash over AI-generated music, the platform continues to grow. Spotify is diversifying its content and heavily investing in AI, launching tools for personalized podcasts, conversational assistants, and remixing capabilities, while implementing artist verification systems to address user concerns regarding synthetic audio. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:22:58 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/nykaa-net-profit-soars-over-3x-revenue-up-29-in-q1 https://startupinbrief.com/news/nykaa-net-profit-soars-over-3x-revenue-up-29-in-q1 Nykaa reported a strong first quarter for FY27, with net profit surging over threefold to Rs 79.76 crore and revenue rising 29% to Rs 2,782 crore. While the beauty segment remains the primary profit driver, the fashion segment saw 48% growth despite ongoing losses. Additionally, Nykaa is acquiring a 51% stake in skincare brand Aminu for Rs 32 crore and expanding its AI-driven consumer experiences. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:03:03 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ncpcr-to-probe-meta-over-child-abuse-ads-on-instagram https://startupinbrief.com/news/ncpcr-to-probe-meta-over-child-abuse-ads-on-instagram "The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights is launching a formal inquiry into Meta after advertisements linked to child sexual exploitative material appeared on Instagram in India. Following a BBC Eye investigation, the commission aims to determine how these ads bypassed Meta's review systems. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is investigating, testing whether platforms face higher liability for paid advertisements than user-generated content.". Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:01:34 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/india-moves-to-give-its-instant-payments-network-a-business-model https://startupinbrief.com/news/india-moves-to-give-its-instant-payments-network-a-business-model India is introducing legislation to potentially overhaul its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) business model by allowing merchant fees on certain transactions. Since 2020, a zero-merchant-discount-rate policy has driven adoption, but rising infrastructure costs have made this unsustainable for banks and fintechs. While consumer payments remain free, targeting high-value transactions could generate significant revenue, supporting further innovation and global expansion for the ubiquitous payments network. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:01:17 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-octobotics-is-saving-human-lives-by-placing-robots-in-hazardous-industrial-jobs https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-octobotics-is-saving-human-lives-by-placing-robots-in-hazardous-industrial-jobs Delhi NCR-based deeptech startup Octobotics is scaling its robotic industrial inspection business to replace hazardous manual processes. Founded in 2020, the company utilizes magnetic crawler robots and phased-array ultrasonic testing to detect structural defects for clients like IOCL and BPCL. Having raised ₹10 Cr in seed funding, Octobotics is now introducing lighter modular robots and transitioning to a service-based revenue model to enhance safety and efficiency. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:39:19 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/is-the-future-of-data-centers-portable-runware-builds-a-pod-to-find-out https://startupinbrief.com/news/is-the-future-of-data-centers-portable-runware-builds-a-pod-to-find-out "Runware has launched the Sonic Inference Pod, a modular, transportable data center designed for flexible AI inference. These pods offer a lower-cost, water-free alternative to traditional data centers, allowing for rapid deployment and scaling closer to end users. With ten pods already active globally and 160 potential sites, Runware aims to meet growing AI demand through a distributed network that reduces grid strain and infrastructure delays.". Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/eon-wants-to-move-the-data-superhighway-from-ocean-fiber-to-space-lasers https://startupinbrief.com/news/eon-wants-to-move-the-data-superhighway-from-ocean-fiber-to-space-lasers Endeavor Optical Networks, a startup with $10.75 million in seed funding, aims to replace brittle undersea fiberoptic cables with a laser-equipped satellite network. Targeting hyperscalers and AI labs, the company plans to link global data centers via space-to-ground optical communications. EON intends to launch a demo satellite by 2027, focusing on high-throughput capacity and underserved routes to provide a resilient alternative for massive data transit. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/govt-to-raise-csam-lapses-wrongful-account-action-issue-with-meta-global-team-in-india-on-aug-5-6 https://startupinbrief.com/news/govt-to-raise-csam-lapses-wrongful-account-action-issue-with-meta-global-team-in-india-on-aug-5-6 The Indian government will meet Meta's global team on August 5 and 6 to address several critical concerns. Key issues include the failure to curb Child Sexual Abuse Material, algorithmic bias, and the wrongful restriction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's social media post. IT Secretary S Krishnan emphasized the need for better safeguards and strict compliance with Indian laws to ensure national security and public order on the platform. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:24:30 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/bending-spoons-to-buy-airtable-for-128b https://startupinbrief.com/news/bending-spoons-to-buy-airtable-for-128b Bending Spoons has agreed to acquire spreadsheet and database startup Airtable for $1.28 billion in cash. This marks Bending Spoons' first acquisition since going public in July at an $18 billion valuation. Airtable, which serves over 500,000 organizations including 80% of the Fortune 100, has seen its valuation drop from a peak of $11 billion. Bending Spoons typically acquires discounted brands to streamline operations and increase profitability. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:00:56 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/nykaa-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-d2c-skincare-brand-aminu https://startupinbrief.com/news/nykaa-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-d2c-skincare-brand-aminu Nykaa's board has approved the acquisition of a 51% stake in premium D2C skincare brand Aminu for up to ₹32 crore. Expected to close by September 15, the deal expands Nykaa's premium beauty portfolio and leverages Aminu's R&D and omnichannel capabilities. Aminu reported FY26 revenue of ₹19.4 crore. Simultaneously, Nykaa reported a strong Q1 FY27, with consolidated net profit surging over three times to ₹79.8 crore. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:52:37 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/mapmyindia-q1-profit-rises-6-yoy-to-50-cr-revenue-up-15 https://startupinbrief.com/news/mapmyindia-q1-profit-rises-6-yoy-to-50-cr-revenue-up-15 MapmyIndia reported a consolidated net profit of ₹50.4 crore for the June quarter of FY27, marking a 6.3% year-on-year increase from ₹47.4 crore, despite a 3.4% sequential decline. Operating revenue rose nearly 15% year-on-year to ₹139.7 crore, though it dipped 3.6% from the previous quarter. Total income reached ₹159.4 crore, including other income of ₹19.7 crore, while total expenses for the period were ₹92.9 crore. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:44:18 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/vc-funding-in-july-rises-29-yoy-but-declines-sharply-from-june https://startupinbrief.com/news/vc-funding-in-july-rises-29-yoy-but-declines-sharply-from-june India's venture capital funding dropped 61% in July to $804 million across 98 deals, following a strong June. Despite a 29.4% year-on-year increase, large-scale funding remains challenging, with only Emergent and Udaan securing over $50 million. Early-stage startups showed the most traction, while the late-stage market remained muted. Marketplace, fintech, and aerospace led sector funding, with Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai remaining the primary hubs. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:27:56 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/nykaa-q1-profit-surges-over-3x-yoy-to-798-cr https://startupinbrief.com/news/nykaa-q1-profit-surges-over-3x-yoy-to-798-cr Nykaa reported a significant increase in consolidated net profit for Q1 FY27, reaching ₹79.8 crore compared to ₹24.8 crore in the previous year. Operating revenue grew 29% year-on-year to ₹2,782 crore, while total expenses rose 26% to ₹2,662.2 crore. Additionally, the company's board approved the acquisition of a 51% stake in D2C skincare brand Aminu Wellness for ₹32 crore to expand its beauty portfolio. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:26:48 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/home-decor-marketplace-vaaree-raises-65-cr-led-by-hero-enterprise https://startupinbrief.com/news/home-decor-marketplace-vaaree-raises-65-cr-led-by-hero-enterprise Bengaluru-based home decor marketplace Vaaree has raised ₹65 crore in a Series A funding round co-led by Hero Enterprise and Cap Alpha Ventures. The startup will utilize the capital to expand its fulfillment network for faster deliveries and enhance VibeCheck, its proprietary AI-powered discovery engine. VibeCheck provides personalized product recommendations and room visualizations, aiming to act as a digital home stylist for Indian consumers. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:55:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ipo-bound-leap-indias-fy26-profit-jumps-66-to-62-cr-revenue-up-56 https://startupinbrief.com/news/ipo-bound-leap-indias-fy26-profit-jumps-66-to-62-cr-revenue-up-56 LEAP India, a supply chain solutions provider, reported a 66% increase in FY26 net profit to ₹62.3 crore and a 56.4% rise in operating revenue to ₹729.5 crore. Growth was driven by its asset pooling business and the acquisition of CHEP India. Ahead of its ₹2,480 crore IPO, the company set a price band of ₹151 to ₹159, with the public issue opening on August 7. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:49:05 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/fintech-platform-getvantage-raises-rs-63-cr-in-series-a1-round https://startupinbrief.com/news/fintech-platform-getvantage-raises-rs-63-cr-in-series-a1-round "B2B fintech platform GetVantage has raised Rs 63 crore in a Series A1 funding round co-led by Rajeev Ahuja and SanRaj Group. The company will use the capital to scale its Capital Gateway, an API ecosystem enabling embedded financing for B2B e-commerce and logistics hubs. By utilizing predictive analytics and alternative data, GetVantage provides MSMEs with seamless access to cash-flow-based financing, reducing reliance on traditional collateral.". Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:27:51 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/why-india-pays-highway-builders-even-when-roads-stay-empty https://startupinbrief.com/news/why-india-pays-highway-builders-even-when-roads-stay-empty India introduced the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to replace the failed Build-Operate-Transfer system for national highways. Under HAM, the government funds 40% of construction and assumes all traffic and toll revenue risks, paying developers through inflation-indexed annuities. While early projects saw high completion rates, newer ventures face significant delays due to land acquisition issues and funding constraints for some developers, highlighting remaining systemic challenges. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:27:02 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/capillary-tech-swings-to-10-cr-loss-in-q1-despite-42-yoy-revenue-growth https://startupinbrief.com/news/capillary-tech-swings-to-10-cr-loss-in-q1-despite-42-yoy-revenue-growth SaaS company Capillary Tech reported a net loss of ₹9.6 Cr for Q1 FY27, contrasting with a ₹74.5 Lakh profit in the same quarter last year. Despite this, operating revenue grew 42% year-on-year to ₹256.6 Cr. The net loss was primarily driven by an exceptional loss of ₹33.4 Cr. Excluding one-off items, the company's normalised profit reached ₹25.4 Cr, representing a significant 332% increase year-on-year. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:07:59 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/mark-zuckerberg-should-apologise-over-pm-modis-facebook-video-removal-parl-panel-chair https://startupinbrief.com/news/mark-zuckerberg-should-apologise-over-pm-modis-facebook-video-removal-parl-panel-chair Parliamentary Standing Committee chair Nishikant Dubey demanded an apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg after the platform temporarily removed a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While Meta attributed the incident to a technical error, the committee raised broader concerns regarding AI moderation, deepfakes, and child safety. Consequently, Meta implemented stricter approval processes for moderation decisions, while the government considers reviewing the company's safe harbour protections. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:57:21 GMT