https://startupinbrief.com Latest Indian startup and tech news summarized in 60 words. en-us https://startupinbrief.com/news/bluehillvc-raises-rs-400-cr-for-maiden-frontier-tech-fund https://startupinbrief.com/news/bluehillvc-raises-rs-400-cr-for-maiden-frontier-tech-fund "Chennai-based venture capital firm Bluehill.VC has closed its maiden Rs 400 crore frontier-tech fund, including a Rs 50 crore greenshoe option. Backed by SIDBI, state governments, and private investors, the fund targets Seed to Series A startups in sectors like semiconductors, space, and defense. The firm aims to build a concentrated portfolio of 15-16 companies, planning to deploy Rs 80 crore over the next six months.". Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/what-66-years-of-selling-indian-craft-has-taught-fabindia https://startupinbrief.com/news/what-66-years-of-selling-indian-craft-has-taught-fabindia Fabindia, a 66-year-old handcrafted apparel brand, is evolving to compete with quick commerce by integrating personalized services like interior design and bespoke tailoring into its 340+ stores. Managing Director William Nanda Bissell recently launched Fabels, a premium western wear sub-brand, and implemented RFID and AI technology to optimize operations. The company continues to support micro-entrepreneurs while awaiting a pending public listing to scale its rooted business model. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:28:14 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/mirae-assets-mavi-raises-rs-1125-cr-in-first-close-of-venture-opportunity-fund-ii https://startupinbrief.com/news/mirae-assets-mavi-raises-rs-1125-cr-in-first-close-of-venture-opportunity-fund-ii "Mirae Asset Venture Investments (MAVI) has raised Rs 1,125 crore in the first close of its Rs 1,800 crore Mirae Asset Venture Opportunity Fund – II. Backed by the Unicorn Growth Fund in partnership with Naver and KRAFTON, the fund targets early growth businesses in AI, deeptech, and advanced manufacturing. MAVI aims to bridge the Series B to Series D funding gap for Indian startups to build enduring companies.". Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:01:02 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/define-who-you-want-to-become-before-taking-action https://startupinbrief.com/news/define-who-you-want-to-become-before-taking-action Drawing on the wisdom of Epictetus, this article emphasizes that personal growth begins with a clear vision of the person one aspires to become. By prioritizing identity over mere goals, individuals can align their daily actions with their core values, making discipline more sustainable. True transformation occurs through consistent, small choices and patience, ensuring that success is authentic and purposeful rather than driven by societal expectations. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/astrotalks-unicorn-leap-shiprocket-ipo-day-1-more https://startupinbrief.com/news/astrotalks-unicorn-leap-shiprocket-ipo-day-1-more AstroTalk has become India’s 133rd unicorn following an ESOP buyback valuing the platform at $1 billion. The spiritual tech startup is expanding into offline retail and international markets. Other industry news includes Shiprocket’s 97% IPO subscription, Yulu raising $93 million for electric mobility, and Lenskart’s 273% profit surge. Additionally, AI firm Cursor is opening its first Indian office, while SwishX scales its pharma AI solutions. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:00:06 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/the-real-test-for-ai-agents-is-resolution https://startupinbrief.com/news/the-real-test-for-ai-agents-is-resolution "AI agents are transforming Indian customer service by shifting the focus from response speed to issue resolution. To achieve this, businesses must prioritize context continuity to eliminate data fragmentation, implement continuous learning through real-time feedback loops, and establish strict governance guardrails. By integrating these elements, organizations can ensure consistent, trustworthy outcomes that move beyond templated replies to build stronger, long-term customer relationships and drive revenue.". Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:50:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/namakkal-to-bombay-house-journey-of-tata-sons-chairman-chandra-what-milky-mists-ipo-reveals https://startupinbrief.com/news/namakkal-to-bombay-house-journey-of-tata-sons-chairman-chandra-what-milky-mists-ipo-reveals Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran is stepping down due to board disagreements, triggering a slide in Tata Group shares. Meanwhile, Yulu raised $93 million in Series C funding, and Ola Electric secured a revised PLI window for incentives. Milky Mist's IPO saw strong subscription, while Meta faces a trial regarding child addiction. Additionally, Goldman Sachs is acquiring Neos Investments for $2.25 billion to strengthen its asset management presence. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/table-space-goes-for-ipo-but-its-growth-story-has-a-catch https://startupinbrief.com/news/table-space-goes-for-ipo-but-its-growth-story-has-a-catch Bengaluru-based Table Space has filed for an IPO, proposing a fresh issue of up to ₹800 crore and an offer for sale of 6.55 crore shares. The company plans to use ₹550 crore to repay borrowings. While Table Space boasts significant scale and operating profitability, it faces risks from high client concentration among large enterprises and continues to report net losses despite strong revenue growth. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:00:03 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/some-claude-users-are-mad-that-anthropics-new-watermarks-will-catch-them-cheating-at-their-jobs-classes https://startupinbrief.com/news/some-claude-users-are-mad-that-anthropics-new-watermarks-will-catch-them-cheating-at-their-jobs-classes "Anthropic has introduced invisible watermarking for Claude’s outputs to comply with the EU AI Act’s Transparency Code, which requires labeling AI-generated content. While some users on Reddit have criticized the move as unethical or draconian, arguing it penalizes legitimate tool usage, others support the policy. Proponents believe watermarking is a sensible measure to ensure transparency and prevent the deceptive use of AI-generated material.". Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:56:37 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-nuclear-power-firm-fermi-finally-has-a-new-ceo https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-nuclear-power-firm-fermi-finally-has-a-new-ceo AI nuclear power firm Fermi has appointed Lee McIntire as its new CEO, filling a vacancy left by co-founder Toby Neugebauer. McIntire, a former executive at TerraPower and CH2M Hill, will lead the company's Project Matador, an AI campus in Texas powered by nuclear reactors. This appointment and a new lease agreement with TensorWave have boosted Fermi's stock by nearly 23% as the firm enters its construction phase. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:54:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/sebi-issues-show-cause-notice-to-paytm-over-2023-disclosure https://startupinbrief.com/news/sebi-issues-show-cause-notice-to-paytm-over-2023-disclosure "SEBI has issued a show cause notice to Paytm's key managerial personnel regarding alleged violations of disclosure norms. The regulator is investigating the timing of a December 2023 announcement about scaling down small-ticket loans and whether the information was handled as unpublished price sensitive information. Paytm plans to respond within two weeks, stating the matter has no financial impact despite previous stock volatility following the disclosure.". Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:06:35 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/northrops-robot-space-mechanic-is-a-new-way-to-keep-satellites-at-work-longer https://startupinbrief.com/news/northrops-robot-space-mechanic-is-a-new-way-to-keep-satellites-at-work-longer Northrop Grumman is evolving its satellite life-extension services. After using Mission Extension Vehicles to maintain satellites like Optus, the company is deploying a Mission Robotic Vehicle and Mission Extension Pods. Developed with DARPA, the MRV uses robotic arms to attach propulsion pods to satellites, extending their operational life. This shift toward sustainable space infrastructure aims to reduce waste by repairing and upgrading expensive orbital assets. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 02:23:41 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/amazon-will-train-on-twitch-streamers-content-by-default-unless-they-opt-out https://startupinbrief.com/news/amazon-will-train-on-twitch-streamers-content-by-default-unless-they-opt-out Twitch, owned by Amazon, is now utilizing creator content to train generative AI models, sparking significant backlash from its community. Users are opted in by default and must manually disable the setting to prevent their audio and video from being used. Twitch executives admitted that an opt-in system would be ineffective, while some creators remain concerned about whether their data was already used without their prior knowledge. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 01:40:40 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/51-lakh-complaints-filed-against-ecommerce-platforms-in-2025-govt https://startupinbrief.com/news/51-lakh-complaints-filed-against-ecommerce-platforms-in-2025-govt The Indian government informed Parliament that over 5.1 lakh complaints were filed against e-commerce and quick commerce platforms on the National Consumer Helpline in 2025, a 14% increase from 2024. Flipkart, Amazon, and Meesho faced the most grievances, primarily regarding non-delivery and defective products. The helpline facilitated ₹91 crore in refunds, while the CCPA penalized 47 platforms ₹1.1 crore amid ongoing food safety crackdowns on quick commerce. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 01:38:49 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/grubhubs-24m-ftc-settlement-is-finally-reaching-diners-and-drivers https://startupinbrief.com/news/grubhubs-24m-ftc-settlement-is-finally-reaching-diners-and-drivers The FTC is distributing $23.8 million to over 640,000 Grubhub drivers and customers following allegations of deceptive business practices. The settlement addresses claims that Grubhub misled workers about earnings, listed unaffiliated restaurants to inflate its platform size, and restricted customer account access. As part of the agreement, Grubhub must improve advertising accuracy and obtain restaurant consent before listing. This follows a separate $25 million settlement for California drivers. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:04:21 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-coding-startup-cognition-reportedly-already-in-talks-to-raise-at-40b-valuation https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-coding-startup-cognition-reportedly-already-in-talks-to-raise-at-40b-valuation Cognition, the creator of AI coding agent Devin, is seeking a new funding round that could push its valuation to at least $40 billion. This follows a $26 billion valuation in May. The company reports strong enterprise growth and a previous annualized revenue run rate of $492 million. Devin focuses on automating tedious programming tasks for clients like NASA and Goldman Sachs rather than replacing human developers. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:49:12 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/as-ai-safety-concerns-mount-three-pioneers-make-the-case-for-staying-open https://startupinbrief.com/news/as-ai-safety-concerns-mount-three-pioneers-make-the-case-for-staying-open At the Ai4 conference, AI researchers Geoffrey Hinton, Fei-Fei Li, and Andrew Ng debated the merits of open-source AI. Andrew Ng emphasized openness to avoid corporate gatekeeping and maintain global competitiveness. Geoffrey Hinton warned about the risks of open-weight models but acknowledged their permanence. Fei-Fei Li advocated for a nuanced balance between open and closed systems. All three agreed that regulation is essential for safe development. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:21:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/openai-backed-thrive-holdings-raises-2b-to-bring-ai-to-the-enterprise https://startupinbrief.com/news/openai-backed-thrive-holdings-raises-2b-to-bring-ai-to-the-enterprise Thrive Holdings has raised $2 billion at a $12 billion valuation from investors including SoftBank to expand its AI-driven private equity model. A spinout of Thrive Capital with backing from OpenAI, the firm acquires traditional businesses to implement AI workflows. Having already scaled accounting and IT platforms, Thrive now plans to launch a third vertical focused on regulatory services for critical physical infrastructure and built environments. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:11:29 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/astrotalk-turns-unicorn-via-esop-buyback https://startupinbrief.com/news/astrotalk-turns-unicorn-via-esop-buyback Spiritual-tech startup AstroTalk has achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation, driven by an ESOP buyback funded through business profits. Founded in 2017, the company expanded from astrology consultations into spiritual commerce. In FY25, AstroTalk reported revenue of Rs 1,176 crore and a profit before tax of Rs 285 crore. This valuation marks a significant increase from its $300 million valuation reported in 2024. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:03:23 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/yatras-q1-profit-crashes-98-yoy-to-34-lakhs https://startupinbrief.com/news/yatras-q1-profit-crashes-98-yoy-to-34-lakhs Online travel aggregator Yatra reported a significant drop in consolidated net profit for Q1 FY27, plummeting 97.9% to ₹34 Lakhs from ₹16 Cr in the previous year's quarter. This decline was driven by a 10.4% decrease in operational revenue, which fell to ₹187.9 Cr from ₹209.8 Cr. Total income reached ₹192 Cr, while total expenses decreased slightly by 3.6% to ₹191.3 Cr during the period. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 22:52:38 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/uber-freight-reportedly-investigating-after-hacking-group-claims-data-breach https://startupinbrief.com/news/uber-freight-reportedly-investigating-after-hacking-group-claims-data-breach The Helix hacking group claimed responsibility for a data breach at Uber Freight, stealing mailboxes, cloud storage, and dispatch documents. Uber Freight stated that business operations remain unaffected. The hackers, part of the UNC6671 collective, typically use voice phishing to gain system access. Google reports that Helix has collected over $10.6 million in ransoms this year by targeting transportation and financial firms through social engineering tactics. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 22:45:41 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/mesh-automattics-crm-for-everyone-comes-to-android https://startupinbrief.com/news/mesh-automattics-crm-for-everyone-comes-to-android Automattic's personal CRM, Mesh, has launched on Android, offering network visualization and contact management tools. The app supports platform-specific features like split-screen views and widgets, with real-time synchronization across devices. Mesh integrates with the Beeper messaging app and introduces Nexus AI to help users navigate large networks. Supported by subscriptions, the service prioritizes privacy and targets both business executives and individual consumers via Google Play. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 22:27:58 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/why-stream-ring-maker-sandbar-says-the-future-of-ai-wearables-is-voice https://startupinbrief.com/news/why-stream-ring-maker-sandbar-says-the-future-of-ai-wearables-is-voice AI notetaking hardware is evolving from pendants and pins to wearables like rings. Sandbar, the startup behind the private voice ring Stream, has raised $36 million, including a $23 million Series A led by Adjacent and Kindred Ventures. In a TechCrunch Equity podcast, CEO Mina Fahmi discussed the challenges of previous voice devices and his belief that prioritizing human control is essential for the success of wearable technology. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 22:16:02 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/bank-of-america-to-buy-499-stake-in-jio-financial-services-nbfc-arm-for-19-bn https://startupinbrief.com/news/bank-of-america-to-buy-499-stake-in-jio-financial-services-nbfc-arm-for-19-bn Bank of America's subsidiary, NB Holdings, has signed a joint venture agreement to invest up to ₹18,268.2 crore in Jio Financial Services' NBFC arm, Jio Credit. The US bank will acquire up to a 49.9% stake, starting with an initial 26.5% holding. This partnership aligns with JFS's strategy of collaborating with global firms like BlackRock and Allianz to scale its fintech operations and expand financial access in India. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:56:32 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/tesla-wants-to-build-a-10b-solar-factory-in-texas https://startupinbrief.com/news/tesla-wants-to-build-a-10b-solar-factory-in-texas Tesla plans to build a massive solar panel factory, Project Crystal Sun, southwest of Houston, Texas. The project could cost up to $10.1 billion and create approximately 9,700 full-time jobs. Tesla is seeking tax incentives to offset costs, aiming for completion by 2028 with production starting in 2029. This facility supports Tesla's goal of establishing 100 gigawatts of solar manufacturing capacity across the United States by 2028. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:48:31 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/form-energy-raises-750m-to-build-more-100-hour-batteries-for-the-grid https://startupinbrief.com/news/form-energy-raises-750m-to-build-more-100-hour-batteries-for-the-grid Battery startup Form Energy raised $750 million to expand its West Virginia manufacturing capacity. Specializing in iron-air batteries that provide long-duration storage for up to 100 hours, the company offers a cheaper, non-Chinese alternative to lithium-ion technology. Driven by the AI data center boom and rising electricity demand, Form Energy has secured major clients like Google and seen its commercial project backlog grow fourfold. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:48:23 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/lovable-confirms-new-133b-valuation-raises-another-400m https://startupinbrief.com/news/lovable-confirms-new-133b-valuation-raises-another-400m European vibe-coding startup Lovable has raised $400 million in a Series C round led by Menlo Ventures and the Scaleup Europe Fund, reaching a $13.3 billion valuation. The company reported $500 million in annualized run rate revenue in June and currently hosts 60 million projects with 900 million monthly visitors. Lovable utilizes an in-house AI model and recently signed a multiyear agreement with Google Cloud to expand its infrastructure. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:34:27 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/facebook-officially-rolls-out-its-standalone-creator-studio-app-with-ai-tools-for-creators https://startupinbrief.com/news/facebook-officially-rolls-out-its-standalone-creator-studio-app-with-ai-tools-for-creators "Facebook has launched the AI-powered Creator Studio app for iOS users in the United States and Canada. Designed to compete with TikTok and YouTube, the app provides creators with personalized growth tips, performance insights, and an AI assistant for managing community engagement. Key features include automated comment drafting and a daily priorities feed, helping creators optimize their content strategy while reducing reliance on third-party AI tools.". Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:26:13 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-a-250-million-acquisition-collapsed-into-allegations-of-fraud-and-forged-signatures https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-a-250-million-acquisition-collapsed-into-allegations-of-fraud-and-forged-signatures Minute Media terminated its $250 million acquisition of AI clipping startup VideoVerse following allegations of widespread fraud. Founder Vinayak Shrivastav faces multiple lawsuits from investors, creditors, and a former executive, who claim he forged documents and misappropriated millions of dollars. While VideoVerse initially appeared successful with high-profile clients, the deal collapsed amid discoveries of significant discrepancies, leaving investors and creditors seeking restitution in court. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:14:56 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/karnataka-unveils-tathyakosh-putting-15-million-datasets-on-one-searchable-platform https://startupinbrief.com/news/karnataka-unveils-tathyakosh-putting-15-million-datasets-on-one-searchable-platform The Government of Karnataka has launched Tathyakosh, a non-commercial Digital Public Good designed to simplify the discovery of public data. The platform indexes over 1.5 million datasets from 458 repositories across 16 sectors, including health and agriculture. By providing a searchable interface and quality assessments, Tathyakosh helps researchers, developers, and policymakers access critical information to advance India's AI capabilities without storing the data itself. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:14:19 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/after-microsoft-threatened-legal-action-a-security-researcher-publishes-a-new-windows-zero-day-bug https://startupinbrief.com/news/after-microsoft-threatened-legal-action-a-security-researcher-publishes-a-new-windows-zero-day-bug Security researcher Nightmare Eclipse has disclosed a new zero-day vulnerability in Windows called ShieldBreak. The flaw targets Windows Defender, allowing attackers to escalate permissions for full system and data access on Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server 2025. This exploit bypasses a previous patch for the RoguePlanet bug. Microsoft has not yet released a fix, amid ongoing tensions with the researcher over bug disclosure policies. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:48:55 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/silkroad-innovation-hubs-road-to-battlefield-competition-continues https://startupinbrief.com/news/silkroad-innovation-hubs-road-to-battlefield-competition-continues The second annual Road to Battlefield competition, organized by Silkroad Innovation Hub and partners, aims to connect Central Eurasian founders with TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 in San Francisco. This year saw a record 726 applications from 39 countries, with AI products dominating 84% of entries. Twenty-two finalists will compete on August 12 for investment prizes, OpenAI credits, and a trip to the global stage at TechCrunch Disrupt. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:32:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/cursor-to-open-first-india-office-by-2026-end-report https://startupinbrief.com/news/cursor-to-open-first-india-office-by-2026-end-report US-based AI coding company Cursor plans to open its first Indian office by the end of the year, focusing on the Greater Bengaluru region. India is currently Cursor's third-largest market, boasting over 3 million developers and a high concentration of power users. This expansion, which includes a new local subscription plan, coincides with increased competition from global players like OpenAI and Anthropic, as well as local firm Sarvam. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:15:45 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/devx-q1-profit-jumps-to-15-cr-despite-a-33-yoy-dip-in-revenue https://startupinbrief.com/news/devx-q1-profit-jumps-to-15-cr-despite-a-33-yoy-dip-in-revenue Coworking provider DevX reported a Q1 FY27 net profit of ₹1.5 crore, a tenfold increase year-over-year but an 81% sequential decline. Operating revenue fell to ₹53.8 crore, down 3.2% YoY. The company's board approved raising up to ₹100 crore through non-convertible debentures and diversifying its business into managed office spaces and facility management. DevX shares closed 1.85% lower at ₹35.02 on the BSE. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:07:55 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/from-namakkal-to-bombay-house-journey-of-tata-sons-chairman-n-chandrasekaran https://startupinbrief.com/news/from-namakkal-to-bombay-house-journey-of-tata-sons-chairman-n-chandrasekaran N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, rose from joining TCS in 1987 to becoming its CEO in 2017, where he established the company as India's top IT services firm in revenue and profit. Since leading Tata Sons, he has focused on debt reduction, business consolidation, and digital expansion. His tenure includes ventures into semiconductors and electronics, though the Air India acquisition remains a significant challenge. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:50:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-unveils-pixel-11-lineup-new-airtag-rival-and-gemini-features-at-made-by-google-2026 https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-unveils-pixel-11-lineup-new-airtag-rival-and-gemini-features-at-made-by-google-2026 "At the Made by Google 2026 event, Google unveiled the Pixel 11 series, including a more durable Pro Fold and a standard model starting at $899. New Gemini-powered AI features include ASL translation and the Rambler voice-input tool. The company also introduced the Pixel Tag for item tracking and the Pixel Watch 5, which offers enhanced health monitoring for blood pressure and insulin resistance trends.". Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:50:33 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/googles-quick-share-adds-a-tap-to-share-mode https://startupinbrief.com/news/googles-quick-share-adds-a-tap-to-share-mode "Google has launched an updated Quick Share feature, enabling Android users to exchange contacts, photos, and videos by bringing compatible devices together. Similar to Apple's NameDrop, this "instant, two-way exchange" simplifies file sharing. The update is currently rolling out for Pixel 6 and newer models, with support expanding to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8 series soon, and more devices expected to be compatible by year-end.". Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:43:03 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/googles-pixel-11-lineup-offer-fewer-hardware-changes-but-much-more-gemini https://startupinbrief.com/news/googles-pixel-11-lineup-offer-fewer-hardware-changes-but-much-more-gemini Google has launched the Pixel 11 series, focusing heavily on agentic AI via Gemini to handle tasks like booking rides and ordering groceries. New features include sign language translation, "Magic Capture" for photos, and the Tensor G6 processor for improved efficiency. The lineup includes the Pixel 11, Pro, and Pro XL, with prices ranging from $899 to $1,299. Devices feature 256GB base storage and updated camera sensors. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-unveils-the-pixel-watch-5-with-a-smarter-gemini-and-advanced-health-monitoring https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-unveils-the-pixel-watch-5-with-a-smarter-gemini-and-advanced-health-monitoring Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 5, starting at $399, featuring an enhanced Gemini AI experience for proactive assistance and offline voice control. The smartwatch introduces advanced health monitoring for blood pressure patterns and insulin resistance, alongside improved sleep and GPS tracking. Powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 platform, it offers faster performance and up to 40 hours of battery life. Pre-orders begin Wednesday for an August 20 release. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-takes-on-airtag-with-the-new-29-pixel-tag https://startupinbrief.com/news/google-takes-on-airtag-with-the-new-29-pixel-tag Google unveiled the $29 Pixel Tag at its "Made by Google ’26" event, designed to track valuables using the Android Find Hub network. The oval-shaped device features Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband, and an IP67 rating for water resistance. Powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery lasting about a year, it integrates with Pixel Watches and phones. The Pixel Tag launches November 11, 2026, priced at $29 individually or $99 for four. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/googles-new-pixel-11-pro-fold-offers-a-stronger-build-and-brighter-screens https://startupinbrief.com/news/googles-new-pixel-11-pro-fold-offers-a-stronger-build-and-brighter-screens Google unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, featuring a stronger hinge and a lighter, thinner design. The device boasts brighter displays, including a Super Actua outer screen with 3,600 nits peak brightness. While the battery capacity decreased to 4,750 mAh, it adds 25W wireless charging. Powered by the G6 Tensor chip, it offers a 48-megapixel sensor and 30x digital zoom. It costs $1,899 in Olive or Obsidian. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/uber-takes-bike-services-to-100-more-cities-amid-intense-competition https://startupinbrief.com/news/uber-takes-bike-services-to-100-more-cities-amid-intense-competition Uber is expanding its Uber Bike service to 100 additional Indian cities, bringing its total presence to 220 across 18 states and one union territory. This strategic move targets smaller towns to improve first- and last-mile connectivity and challenge competitor Rapido's market dominance. While Union Minister Nitin Gadkari supports the expansion, regulatory hurdles persist in several states. This growth follows significant financial losses reported by Uber India. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:28:49 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-swishx-is-fixing-messy-back-office-sales-workflows-for-pharma-companies-with-ai https://startupinbrief.com/news/how-swishx-is-fixing-messy-back-office-sales-workflows-for-pharma-companies-with-ai Swish Club has pivoted to SwishX, an agentic AI platform specializing in pharmaceutical and medtech commercial operations. Moving away from device leasing, the company now offers vertical AI tools for sales, distribution, contracts, and tendering. SwishX has already surpassed $1 million in annual recurring revenue and aims for $5 million in contracted ARR and over 100 enterprise customers by FY27, focusing on industry-specific workflows over generic AI. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:26:32 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/sbi-foundation-and-nsrcel-launch-second-icube-cohort-to-strengthen-regional-incubators https://startupinbrief.com/news/sbi-foundation-and-nsrcel-launch-second-icube-cohort-to-strengthen-regional-incubators NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore, in partnership with the SBI Foundation, has launched the second cohort of its Incubating Incubators (iCube) Initiative. This program aims to strengthen institutional capacity for regional innovation ecosystems. The new cohort includes AIC MAGIC, IC IIT Patna, and TIFT. By providing tailored mentoring and resources, iCube helps these incubators develop robust, contextualized models to better support entrepreneurs beyond India's major metropolitan hubs. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:13:40 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/maharashtra-makes-knowing-marathi-mandatory-for-app-based-drivers https://startupinbrief.com/news/maharashtra-makes-knowing-marathi-mandatory-for-app-based-drivers Maharashtra has mandated that app-based cab drivers for platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido possess a working knowledge of Marathi. Non-compliance may lead to license suspension or cancellation. To assist, the state is providing training, with over 1.10 lakh drivers already certified. Additionally, aggregators must apply for state licenses by September 1 under new regulations that govern fares, safety standards, and vehicle requirements to ensure passenger security. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:32:02 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/milky-mist-ipo-to-close-tomorrow-price-band-fixed-at-rs-133-140 https://startupinbrief.com/news/milky-mist-ipo-to-close-tomorrow-price-band-fixed-at-rs-133-140 "Milky Mist Dairy Foods' Rs 1,553-crore IPO closes on August 13, having been fully subscribed by its second day. With a price band of Rs 133-140, the offering includes a fresh issue and an offer for sale. The Tamil Nadu-based company focuses on high-margin, value-added dairy products rather than liquid milk, positioning itself as an FMCG-style business. The shares will list on the BSE and NSE.". Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:30:33 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/indian-physicist-deepak-dhar-wins-the-2026-dirac-medal https://startupinbrief.com/news/indian-physicist-deepak-dhar-wins-the-2026-dirac-medal "Deepak Dhar, an INSA Distinguished Professor at ICTS-TIFR, has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics. He is the second scientist working in India to receive this honor. Recognized for his pioneering work in statistical mechanics and complex systems, Dhar's research bridges physics with artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and optimization. He shares the prestigious award with three other internationally renowned researchers.". Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:21:34 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-code-testing-startup-blacksmiths-valuation-jumps-almost-10x-in-less-than-a-year https://startupinbrief.com/news/ai-code-testing-startup-blacksmiths-valuation-jumps-almost-10x-in-less-than-a-year Blacksmith has raised $45 million in a Series B round led by Peak XV Partners, valuing the startup at $550 million. The company focuses on testing and validating software code to address bottlenecks caused by AI-generated coding tools. Serving over 5,000 customers, Blacksmith offers CI workloads and an AI agent called Codesmith. Despite heavy competition from tech giants, the firm aims to expand its suite of developer tools. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/exclusive-ai-healthtech-startup-august-ai-in-talks-to-raise-4-mn-from-peak-xv https://startupinbrief.com/news/exclusive-ai-healthtech-startup-august-ai-in-talks-to-raise-4-mn-from-peak-xv August AI, an AI-powered health companion startup, is reportedly in discussions to raise approximately $4 million from Peak XV Partners. Founded in 2022, the company provides personalized health insights and symptom analysis across 30 languages. This potential funding follows a $3 million seed round from Accel and Claypond Capital. The move highlights increasing investor interest in AI-driven healthcare solutions for disease detection and clinical workflow efficiency. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:13:53 GMT https://startupinbrief.com/news/lenskart-q1-profit-zooms-37x-yoy-to-2284-cr-revenue-up-43 https://startupinbrief.com/news/lenskart-q1-profit-zooms-37x-yoy-to-2284-cr-revenue-up-43 Lenskart, the omnichannel eyewear giant, reported a significant surge in its consolidated net profit for Q1 FY27, reaching ₹228.4 crore. This represents a 273% year-on-year increase and a 12% sequential rise. Operating revenue grew 43% year-on-year to ₹2,714.2 crore, while total income rose to ₹2,782.7 crore. Despite these gains, total expenses increased by 35% year-on-year to ₹2,483.5 crore during the quarter. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:54:29 GMT