Startup in Brief - News in 60 Words

Nikita Bier steps down as X’s head of product

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 03:00:50 GMT

"Nikita Bier has stepped down as head of product at Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, after serving for just over a year. Bier, who oversaw the launch of 30 new products, will transition to an advisory role. His tenure was marked by significant controversies involving the chatbot Grok, including the generation of offensive content and illegal imagery, which led to legal challenges for the platform.".

Travis Kalanick’s robotics startup Atoms taps former Uber finance chief as CFO

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:56:40 GMT

Former Uber finance chief Gautam Gupta has joined Travis Kalanick’s robotics and industrial AI startup, Atoms, as chief financial officer. This move follows a $1.7 billion funding round that included a $100 million investment from Uber. Kalanick is increasingly reuniting former Uber colleagues at Atoms, which targets the mining, food, and transportation sectors. Gupta leaves his venture capital firm, A.

Meta launches Muse Code, an AI agent for large code bases

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:51:28 GMT

"Meta has launched Muse Code, a beta terminal coding agent designed to help programmers manage complex tasks across large software repositories. Powered by the Muse Spark model, the tool utilizes parallel sub-agents to plan, write, and validate code without affecting the main working copy. Meta aims to compete with OpenAI and Anthropic by offering a cost-effective solution as it expands its enterprise AI capabilities.".

Trump’s DOJ gains oversight of OpenAI’s green-card employee sponsorships

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:35:37 GMT

"OpenAI and Statsig have settled with the Justice Department over allegations that they bypassed U.S. citizens when hiring for roles sponsored for permanent residency. The companies will pay $3.2 million, including a $1.2 million fine and $2 million for potential restitution. While not admitting wrongdoing, both firms agreed to three years of DOJ oversight and reporting to ensure compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act.".

Moove raises $250M to become the backbone of the robotaxi industry

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:20:45 GMT

Moove, a vehicle financing and ride-hailing company, has raised $250 million in Series C funding at a $2.1 billion valuation to expand its autonomous vehicle operations. Led by Mubadala Investment Company, the funding will support scaling its AV fleet management, hiring 350 employees, and developing automated "Nest" depots. Moove currently operates as a fleet partner for Waymo and aims to eventually own hundreds of thousands of robotaxis.

How Lightspeed found their newest hire… via Instagram DM

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:18:56 GMT

Lightspeed venture firm has hired tech content creator Claire Zau to expand its social media presence and launch the "Lightwork" podcast with CMO Josh Machiz. By leveraging platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the firm aims to reach future founders and provide portfolio companies with storytelling opportunities. This strategy allows Lightspeed to gather real-time feedback on emerging technologies and make the venture ecosystem more accessible to diverse audiences.

Why Lightspeed is going all-in on creator-led venture capital

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:18:54 GMT

"Venture capital firms are increasingly hiring creators to establish trust with the next generation of founders. Following moves by a16z and OpenAI, Lightspeed Venture Partners has recruited seed investor and social media influencer Claire Zau to source deals and co-host the firm's new show, Lightwork. This trend highlights the emergence of the 'creator-investor' role, a strategy currently being explored and discussed on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast.".

Klaviyo acquires Elias Torres’ Agency in full-circle reunion for tech founders

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 01:35:00 GMT

Klaviyo, an e-commerce marketing automation platform, has acquired AI-powered customer success startup Agency. Agency founder Elias Torres will join Klaviyo as chief product officer, leading a 25-person team to enhance AI agents like Composer and Customer Agent. The acquisition reunites Torres and Klaviyo CEO Andrew Bialecki, who previously worked together at Performable. This move aims to leverage Klaviyo's extensive customer data to compete in the AI agent market.

Jeff Dean and other top AI researchers are leaving Google to launch their own startup

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 01:00:19 GMT

Jeff Dean, a longtime Google executive, is leaving the company to launch Discovery Loop, an AI startup focused on accelerating scientific research. Co-founded with other top Google researchers, the public benefit corporation aims to automate experimental loops and explore recursive self-improvement. The venture is backed by Alphabet, Radical Ventures, and Khosla Ventures, seeking to remove human bottlenecks and speed up the delivery of transformative technologies.

Reddit aims to make ‘karma’ less important for first-time posters with shift to AI moderation tools

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:30:40 GMT

Reddit is updating its infrastructure to improve user participation and combat spam. The company aims to reduce reliance on karma and account age for posting, implementing advanced abuse prevention instead. Reddit is also expanding its AI-powered Rules Hub to help moderators enforce community guidelines using large language models. These changes, alongside updates to Old Reddit, support the goal of converting weekly active users into daily participants.

Lucid Motors just delayed its affordable EV. Now what?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:27:45 GMT

Lucid Motors has delayed the launch of its affordable Cosmos SUV until late 2027 to address persistent quality issues. CEO Silvio Napoli is leading a company-wide reset, including significant workforce cuts and a $1.4 billion cost-saving goal. Despite a sharp stock price drop following lowered production forecasts, Lucid is prioritizing a robotaxi partnership with Uber and Nuro, supported by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.

Pinegap Nets $8 Mn From Stellaris & Others To Build An Agentic Platform For Market Analysts

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:42:56 GMT

AI-powered equity research startup Pinegap has raised $8 million in a Series A funding round led by Stellaris Venture Partners. Based in New York and Bengaluru, the company provides an agentic AI platform to automate tasks for institutional analysts and portfolio managers. Pinegap plans to use the capital to expand its engineering team and enhance its go-to-market capabilities, continuing the trend of high investment in application-layer AI ventures.

Meet the eight startups pitching at Startup Battlefield Australia

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:32:00 GMT

"Eight Australian startups have been selected to pitch at the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield during Stripe Tour Sydney on August 19. Representing sectors like enterprise tech and health, these finalists will compete for $15,000 in Stripe fee credits and a spot at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco. The event provides these emerging companies with critical exposure to investors and press while showcasing the future of Australian innovation.".

PSA: Apple’s Private Relay can leak your real IP address

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:22:29 GMT

Researchers have discovered flaws in Apple’s Private Relay, an iCloud+ feature intended to hide user IP addresses within Safari. The vulnerability, rooted in Apple's WebKit engine, allows real IP addresses to be revealed despite the service. Researchers Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk created a website to demonstrate the leak but opted not to notify Apple, citing previous communication difficulties. Apple has not yet commented on the findings.

Neuranics Lab is building a blood count machine that runs by fingerprick

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:47:35 GMT

Delhi-based Neuranics Lab has developed MorphX, a "lab-on-cartridge" device designed to provide rapid complete blood counts in primary health centers. Using fingerprick samples and deep learning-based multi-spectral imaging, the tool aims to eliminate the need for expensive imported machinery and skilled technicians. While the company has secured seed funding and registered clinical trials, MorphX has not yet received regulatory clearance or entered the commercial market.

Peptris is using AI to find drug candidates to shorten the time it takes for laboratory validation

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:47:11 GMT

Bengaluru-based Peptris Technologies uses an AI platform to accelerate drug discovery by predicting molecular properties and repurposing existing compounds. Focusing on oncology, inflammation, and rare diseases, the startup recently raised Rs 70 crore in Series A funding to expand its pipeline and global partnerships. Its lead asset, PEPR-124 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, has received FDA orphan drug designation and is currently Phase 2-ready for clinical trials.

SunCharge Motors builds electric autos with solar panels on the roof

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:46:52 GMT

"SunCharge Motors, founded in Pune in 2024 by Sanskar Modi, has launched solar-powered commercial electric three-wheelers to reduce charging downtime for fleet operators. By integrating solar panels on vehicle roofs, the company addresses India's inconsistent charging infrastructure. Following a 2025 prototype, deliveries began in 2026. The company recently closed a seed funding round led by the JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation to expand its technology.".

Lemnisca builds software to predict how fermentation behaves at factory scale

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:46:32 GMT

Bengaluru-based startup Lemnisca, founded in 2025, has developed a science-aware digital twin to optimize microbial fermentation scaling. By combining biology, reactor physics, and data, the AI platform predicts how lab-scale processes behave in industrial tanks, aiming to reduce development timelines by 50%. Following a pre-seed funding round led by Theia Ventures, the company is now pursuing pilot collaborations to lower biomanufacturing costs and increase efficiency.

Shopify says AI search is driving more traffic and sales, not replacing Google

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:26:14 GMT

"Shopify reported strong second-quarter results, with revenue rising 36% to $3.6 billion, driven partly by AI search. Unlike online publishing, Shopify views AI as a complement to traditional search that benefits smaller merchants by matching specific buyer intent. AI-driven traffic and orders tripled year-over-year, with many users landing directly on product pages. The company continues integrating with major AI tools to enhance its e-commerce ecosystem.".

BPC Brand Typsy Beauty Raises ₹20 Cr To Double Down On Quick Commerce, Offline Retail

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:25:27 GMT

Typsy Beauty, a D2C beauty and personal care startup, has raised ₹20 Cr ($2.1 Mn) in a funding round led by Saama Capital. The investment, which included participation from several family offices, will be used to expand the brand's offline presence and quick commerce reach. Additionally, the company plans to enter the skincare market and scale its fragrance sub-brand, Spritz, amid growing industry consolidation.

Hark previews its browser use agent for completing tasks

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:16:27 GMT

"Hark, a startup that raised $700 million in Series A funding, has launched Hark Handoff, a browser-based agent capable of completing tasks on websites without official APIs. By predicting actions rather than tokens, the agent can navigate sites like LinkedIn and Walmart to book travel or shop. Hark claims Handoff is faster and cheaper than competing models. A waitlist is open, with a full release expected by summer's end.".

Talks On MDR On UPI At A Premature Stage: RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:11:26 GMT

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that discussions regarding the imposition of merchant discount rates (MDR) on UPI transactions are currently premature. This follows a government proposal to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, potentially introducing fees on business transactions exceeding ₹2,000. While the industry argues that zero-fee models are unsustainable, the government aims to determine which electronic payment methods will remain exempt from these charges.

Zoox to start charging for robotaxi rides in Las Vegas

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:36:42 GMT

"Amazon-owned Zoox will begin charging for its robotaxi services in Las Vegas on August 10, marking the start of its commercial operations. This move follows a temporary NHTSA exemption from federal safety standards, as the custom-built vehicles lack traditional steering wheels and pedals. While services in San Francisco and Austin remain free, Las Vegas fares will be based on distance and time to compete with traditional ride-hail comfort pricing.".

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Real World AI Stage features robots, automated factories, and extinct animals

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:35:00 GMT

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place from October 13 to 15 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. To address the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, the event is expanding its AI programming into two separate stages. The new Real World AI Stage will explore the intersection of digital and physical technologies, featuring experts in autonomous hardware, defense, and biology. Other specialized stages will cover finance, security, and scaling.

Reliance Retail Acquires Fashion Discovery Platform Furrl

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:29:51 GMT

"Reliance Retail (RRVL) has acquired Bengaluru-based fashion discovery platform Furrl in an all-cash deal to integrate its proprietary AI styling technology. Furrl’s entire team, including CEO Esha Tiwary, will join RRVL to lead new AI initiatives. This acquisition aims to enhance personalized shopping experiences across Reliance’s digital commerce operations, strengthening its AI capabilities within India’s rapidly growing e-commerce market as competitors also adopt similar technologies.".

PB Fintech net profit up 92% in Q1 of FY27

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:20:30 GMT

PB Fintech, the parent company of PolicyBazaar, reported a 92% increase in net profit to Rs 163 crore and a 40% revenue rise to Rs 1,888 crore for Q1 FY27. Total insurance premiums grew 41% to Rs 8,372 crore, driven by strong protection and health segments. Credit revenue rose 25%, while the UAE business remained profitable. The company now serves 158.9 million registered consumers with 1.13 lakh active partners.

As Gen Z reconsiders dating apps, Tinder’s IRL events expand to dozens more cities

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:15:06 GMT

Match Group is expanding Tinder's in-person events to dozens of cities by September to attract Gen Z users who prefer real-world connections over online dating. Despite declining revenue and a stock drop, CEO Spencer Rascoff believes these low-cost partnerships will reverse user losses. The "Events" tab, currently scaling globally, aims to make connecting easier and encourage non-users to join the app by 2026.

Trump EPA wrongly canceled $20B in climate funds, appeals court rules

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:10:13 GMT

"A U.S. appeals court ruled that the Trump administration lacks the authority to claw back funds already disbursed to climate nonprofits. The decision allows eight groups to regain access to billions from the Inflation Reduction Act's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which the EPA had frozen in February 2025. While the ruling prevents the government from reclaiming disbursed money, several organizations suffered significant layoffs and leadership losses during the freeze.".

Pinegap raises $8M in Series A led by Stellaris Venture Partners

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Pinegap, an AI-driven equity research platform based in New York and Bengaluru, has raised $8 million in Series A funding led by Stellaris Venture Partners. Founded in 2024, the startup automates institutional buy-side workflows using custom, push-based AI agents tailored to specific investment styles. The company plans to use the capital to expand its engineering and sales teams while scaling its infrastructure for institutional asset managers.

ArisInfra Q1 Profit Surges 4X YoY To ₹20 Cr, Revenue Grows By 37%

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:51:31 GMT

B2B ecommerce firm ArisInfra Solutions reported a consolidated profit after tax of ₹20 crore for Q1 FY27, a fourfold increase from ₹5.1 crore year-on-year, though it declined 8% sequentially. Operating revenue grew 37% YoY to ₹290.8 crore, despite a 15% sequential drop. Total expenses rose 30% year-on-year to ₹268.5 crore, while decreasing 16% from the previous quarter. Total income for the period reached ₹295.2 crore.

5 Timeless horror classic books you must read in 2026

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:50:00 GMT

* Role: Professional editor. * Task: Summarize a news article about five classic horror novels. * Length: Exactly 60 to 70 words. * Tone: Neutral. * Focus: Key facts. * Constraints: No introductory phrases, no conclusions, no bullet points, no lists, no metadata. * Formatting: Wrap in `

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` tags. * Topic: 5 horror classic books to read in 2026. * Books mentioned: 1. *Dracula* (Bram Stoker) - Gothic horror, vampires, atmosphere. 2. *Frankenstein* (Mary Shelley) - Sci-fi horror, ethics, humanity. 3. *The Haunting of Hill House* (Shirley Jackson) - Psychological/supernatural, ambiguity. 4. *The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde* (Robert Louis Stevenson) - Duality, inner darkness. 5. *The Turn of the Screw* (Henry James) - Psychological, perception, ghosts. * Overall point: These classics laid the foundation for modern horror by exploring universal fears. * *Draft 1:* Classic horror novels continue to influence modern storytelling by exploring universal fears. Essential reads for 2026 include Bram Stoker's *Dracula*, Mary Shelley's *Frankenstein*, and Shirley Jackson's *The Haunting of Hill House*. Additionally, Robert Louis Stevenson's *The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde* and Henry James's *The Turn of the Screw* offer timeless psychological dread. These foundational works blend supernatural terror and moral complexity to remain enduringly unsettling. (69 words) * *Word Count Check (Draft 1):* 1. Classic 2. horror 3. novels 4. continue 5. to 6. influence 7. modern 8. storytelling 9. by 10. exploring 11. universal 12. fears. 13. Essential 14. reads 15. for 16. 2026 17.

Anthropic is hiring an AI chip design team

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:43:18 GMT

Anthropic is establishing a custom silicon team to design its own AI chips, aiming to improve the speed and efficiency of its Claude models. While the company maintains partnerships with AWS, Google, Nvidia, and AMD, it seeks greater scalability to meet rising demand. This move mirrors strategies by OpenAI, Google, and Meta. Reports suggest Anthropic may partner with Samsung to develop this specialized hardware.

Exclusive: Pain Care Startup Zanskar In Talks To Raise $6 Mn In Round Led By Bessemer

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:16:32 GMT

"Delhi NCR-based pain care startup Zanskar is negotiating a funding round of approximately $6 million, led by Bessemer Venture Partners. Founded by IIT Delhi alumni, the company provides a technology-driven platform for personalized at-home pain management and sells relief products via various e-commerce channels. This potential raise follows a seed round and reflects increasing investor interest in chronic pain solutions within India's expanding healthtech market.".

Exclusive: AC Maker Optimist In Talks To Raise $10 Mn From TDK Ventures

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:12:02 GMT

Delhi NCR-based cooling startup Optimist is in talks to raise approximately $10 million from TDK Ventures, the venture arm of Japan's TDK Corporation. Founded by Ashish Goel and Pranav Chopra, the company develops air conditioners tailored for India's specific climate and energy costs. This potential investment follows a previous $12 million round and highlights growing investor interest in India's underpenetrated home appliance market and energy-efficient cooling solutions.

Disney+ looks to TikTok creators to bring fan content to its short-form video feed

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:51:43 GMT

"Disney is partnering with TikTok to integrate fan-made content from Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars into the Disney+ 'Verts' short-form video feed. Starting with a U.S. pilot, the collaboration includes the Disney Creator Ambassador Program, offering creators library access and career opportunities. This move follows a failed AI partnership and aligns with Disney's growing SVOD income, which recently doubled to $712 million in the third quarter.".

EV startup River Mobility raises $120M in Series C co-led by Elev8 Venture and Claypond Capital

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:05:49 GMT

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer River Mobility has raised $120 million in a Series C funding round co-led by Elev8 Venture Partners and Claypond Capital. The company plans to use the capital for capacity expansion, building a new manufacturing facility, and launching new utility lifestyle products. River Mobility currently sells 5,000 units monthly and aims to expand its store network from 75 to over 350 by March 2028.

PB Fintech Q1 Profit Doubles YoY To ₹163 Cr, Revenue Jumps 40%

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:05:11 GMT

PB Fintech reported a net profit of ₹162.9 crore for the June quarter (Q1 FY27), nearly doubling from ₹84.7 crore year-on-year, though it fell 38% sequentially. Operating revenue rose 40% year-on-year to ₹1,888.3 crore, despite an 8% sequential decline. Total revenue reached ₹1,981.3 crore, while total expenses increased 33% year-on-year to ₹1,800.3 crore, reflecting the company's current financial performance and growth trends.

MacPaw taps Liquid AI to offer on-device inference to devs building for its app store

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:58:38 GMT

"Ukraine-based developer MacPaw has partnered with Liquid AI to integrate locally hosted AI models into its products, including the AI assistant Eney. This collaboration focuses on on-device inference for enhanced privacy and offline functionality. MacPaw also plans to offer this technology to other developers via its SetApp store, which is introducing credit-based pricing for AI apps and providing access to various cloud-based AI models.".

Robinhood to list a fund that lets anyone back Y Combinator startups

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:53:52 GMT

"Robinhood is launching the Robinhood Venture Fund II (RVII) on August 13, aiming to raise $200 million to invest in Y Combinator startups. Publicly traded at $25 per share, the fund allows retail investors to gain exposure to YC companies. Robinhood will collect over 4% in management fees and 20% carried interest. Unlike traditional VC funds, RVII has no set end date or guaranteed cash distributions.".

EV industry to generate up to 40M jobs by 2030: Report

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:42:42 GMT

India's electric vehicle sector is projected to create 30 to 40 million jobs by 2030, with annual hiring growing by 15-20%. A report by Adecco India highlights a shift toward specialized roles in battery technology and energy systems. While manufacturing hubs remain central, growth is expanding into Tier II and III cities. This industrial evolution supports India's Net-Zero 2070 goal and reduces crude oil import dependence.

EV Startup River Mobility Bags $120 Mn To Expand Manufacturing Capacity

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:17:40 GMT

River Mobility has raised $120 million in a Series C funding round co-led by Elev8 Venture Partners and Claypond Capital. This mix of equity and venture debt includes participation from Indian institutional investors for the first time. The company plans to use the funds to expand manufacturing capacity, launch new utility lifestyle electric vehicles, and achieve EBITDA profitability while growing its retail footprint to 350 stores by 2028.

Google emerges as India's most attractive employer brand, followed by Tata Group, Amazon: Report

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:58:44 GMT

Google has been named India's most attractive employer brand in the Randstad Employer Brand Research 2026, followed by Tata Group and Amazon. The survey reveals that 46% of Indian workers plan to change jobs within six months. Key drivers for talent include work-life balance, career progression, and competitive pay. Companies must now evolve into "balanced employers" to attract and retain talent by integrating flexibility, fairness, and growth.

Indian EV startup River raises $120M Series C to scale production, launch more models

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:56:00 GMT

Indian electric vehicle startup River has raised $120 million in Series C funding to scale manufacturing and expand its growth. The company, which focuses on its utility-oriented "Indie" moped, has sold over 50,000 units and currently produces 300 vehicles daily. River plans to introduce two new models next year, build a larger production facility by 2027, and increase its retail network to 400 stores by 2028.

Digital Arrest Scams: SC Directs RBI To Create Bank SOPs, Pushes For Victim Compensation Framework

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:46:13 GMT

"The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to establish standard operating procedures for banks to combat digital arrest fraud, focusing on account freezes and fund recovery. Additionally, states must operationalize cyber crime coordination centres and adopt e-Zero FIR mechanisms. The court also urged a review of CBI investigation thresholds to better tackle organized networks as digital extortion scams continue to rise across India.".

How Muthu Murugappan is building EID Parry's next growth engine with jaggery

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:42:18 GMT

EID Parry is leveraging its 237-year legacy to transform the traditional jaggery market into a scalable, branded business. By implementing India's first large-scale automated manufacturing facility, the company ensures hygiene and consistency. EID Parry integrates circular economy principles and AI-powered precision farming to support rural livelihoods and sustainability. The company aims to expand its packaged jaggery presence globally, positioning it as a healthy, natural sweetener.

Tracxn Reports ₹3 Cr Loss In Q1, Revenue Flat At ₹21 Cr

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:42:07 GMT

Market intelligence platform Tracxn reported a net loss of ₹3 crore in Q1 FY27, marking its fourth consecutive loss-making quarter. This is a decline from the ₹1.1 crore profit recorded in the same period last year. While operating revenue remained nearly flat at ₹21.1 crore, dipping 0.6% year-on-year, total expenses surged 18.4% to ₹25.37 crore. Sequentially, revenue grew slightly by 2.9% from the previous quarter.

AI makes weather prediction better. Can WindBorne make it lucrative?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT

WindBorne Systems, a weather forecasting startup, has raised $37 million in Series B funding, valuing the company at $250 million. The firm utilizes long-flying balloons and AI-driven models to provide high-accuracy weather data, reducing reliance on supercomputers. While currently serving government agencies like the U.S. National Weather Service, WindBorne aims to expand into the private sector by leveraging AI to integrate forecasts into business decisions.

Saudi Aramco backs India’s Mitti Labs to make Asia’s rice farming more water-resilient

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT

"Climate-tech startup Mitti Labs has raised $9.5 million in a Series A round led by Aramco Ventures to expand its AI-driven platform across Asia. By combining satellite imagery and field data, the company helps rice farmers reduce water consumption by 40% and methane emissions by over 50%. Currently serving 100,000 Indian farmers, Mitti Labs plans to expand into the Philippines and Indonesia to scale its environmental impact.".

Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (August 5, 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:13:47 GMT

Freshworks returned to profitability in Q2 with rising AI demand. Several startups secured funding, including InRisk Labs, Hulp, Vingo, and Zoppler Systems. Key partnerships emerged between Cars24 and DPIIT, and Cisco and IIT Delhi. Additionally, UNESCO launched an AI ethics course, while companies like BLUE, Aziro, and Cloud.in introduced new AI and quantum platforms. Cleartrip expanded its bus services, and SAP Labs hosted its.

OfBusiness Set To File DRHP For $800 Mn IPO By Mid-November

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:04:06 GMT

"B2B ecommerce unicorn OfBusiness is reviving its IPO plans, targeting a public listing by November. The company aims to raise up to $800 million, including a $260 million fresh issue, at a valuation between $5 billion and $6 billion. Backed by SoftBank, OfBusiness has engaged major advisors like Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan. This move follows strong financial growth, with FY26 net profits rising 21% to ₹724 crore.".