Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., a leading PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has announced a ₹1 crore equity investment in NapTapGo, a Noida-based pod hotel startup. Founded by Nitin Malhotra, NapTapGo aims to revolutionize affordable luxury in hospitality with AI and IoT-powered capsule accommodations. This strategic funding, part of Balmer Lawrie's annual startup programme, highlights the PSU’s commitment to fostering innovation in alignment with the government's Startup India initiative.
The Circle: Founders Club led a delegation of Indian startups to COMEUP 2024, South Korea’s flagship global startup event. Representing sectors like AI, IoT, and influencer marketing, the startups participated in pitch competitions and networking with international investors, corporates, and accelerators. Backed by DPIIT and Startup India, the initiative fostered strategic collaborations and introduced Indian startups to South Korea’s innovation ecosystem, enhancing their global expansion opportunities.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with HDFC Bank to empower India's startup ecosystem. This collaboration aims to provide startups with tailored financial solutions, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. HDFC Bank will offer credit access, working capital loans, and cash flow management tools, while also organizing workshops and capacity-building initiatives to enhance startup resilience. By leveraging HDFC Bank’s extensive network, startups will gain funding access and market visibility. This partnership is set to drive innovation, foster scalability, and strengthen India’s position as a global startup hub, reflecting a joint commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Ninjacart has introduced the Ninjacart Startup Program to support early-stage FoodTech and AgTech startups. The program offers access to Ninjacart's advanced supply chain tools, mentorship, and financial credits up to $50,000. Startups can pitch to top VC partners, including Syngenta Group Ventures and Base Capital, at a Demo Day in February 2025. Designed for startups innovating in food supply chains, the initiative aims to accelerate growth and profitability, with applications now open on Ninjacart's official website.
SolarSquare, co-founded by Neeraj Jain, Nikhil Nahar, and Shreya Mishra, has secured $40 million in a Series B round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Elevation Capital. The largest solar venture funding in India to date, the investment will fuel the company’s expansion into 50 cities, enhance its tech platform, and boost workforce capabilities. SolarSquare aims to simplify rooftop solar adoption with end-to-end solutions, including financing and after-sales maintenance, as India pursues ambitious renewable energy targets.
Three innovative startups—Live2.ai and NeuralGarage from India, and Creatively Squared from Singapore—have been named winners of the L'Oréal Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program for the SAPMENA region. This achievement grants them the opportunity to pilot their solutions with one of L'Oréal's global brands, gain exposure across 35 international markets, and benefit from a year-long mentorship with industry leaders. The program, launched in May 2024, underscores L'Oréal's commitment to fostering personalized, inclusive, and sustainable beauty solutions. Aseem Kaushik, Managing Director of L'Oréal India, lauded India’s role as a hub of entrepreneurial talent, recognizing the innovative solutions emerging from its startup ecosystem.
Amazon India has joined forces with Startup India, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), to help Indian startups thrive through e-commerce. The partnership will provide eligible startups with access to Amazon’s marketplace, mentorship, and go-to-market support. Additionally, Amazon’s Saheli program will empower women entrepreneurs with tailored learning programs and access to a wide range of Amazon services. The collaboration also promotes the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR), aimed at fostering cooperation among key players in India’s startup ecosystem.
