Aye Finance’s IPO Dreams, magicpin’s Quick Service, and Ola's Expansion

Aye Finance is gearing up for a major public offering with a DRHP filing aiming to raise INR 1,450 Cr. Meanwhile, magicpin is redefining quick service with its 15-minute food delivery launch. Nazara's Paper Boat Apps is partnering with Moonbug to enhance Kiddopia's content offering, while the Centre's preparation for the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh looks set to spotlight India's entrepreneurial future. Ola is expanding its F&B reach on ONDC, and BluSmart's asset leasing initiative crosses the INR 100 Cr mark, driving growth in electric vehicle financing.

Grab your simmering cup of StartupChai.in and unwind with our hand-brewed memes.

“Janhit Mein Jaari”: Centre Kicks Off Preparation For Second Edition Of Startup Mahakumbh

The Centre has begun gearing up for the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh, slated for April 4-6, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam.

With the theme "Startup India @ 2047—Unfolding the Bharat Story," the event promises to chart the next phase of India's entrepreneurial journey. Backed by heavyweights like FICCI, ASSOCHAM, and IVCA, it's shaping up to be a grand stage for innovation and vision.

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“Delivery Mein Swaad Anusaar Tadka”: magicpin Launches 15-Minute Food Delivery Service

magicpin is spicing up the food delivery game with magicNOW, promising piping hot meals in just 15 minutes across six major Indian cities.

Unlike dark store models, magicNOW ensures freshness by operating within a tight 1.5-2 km radius. During its pilot run, the service zipped through 75,000 deliveries in Delhi NCR and Bengaluru.

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“Ek Kadam Safalta Ki Aur”: Aye Finance Files DRHP For INR 1,450 Cr IPO

Aye Finance has taken a significant step toward going public, filing a DRHP to raise up to INR 1,450 Cr through an IPO, following board approval earlier this month.

Founded in 2014 by Sanjay Sharma and Vikram Jetley, the company has focused on providing critical financial support to small businesses nationwide. This move underscores the growing importance of fintech in empowering India's underserved entrepreneurial sector.

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“Ho Jaayegi Balle Balle”: Nazara’s Paper Boat Apps Partners Moonbug To Expand Content Offerings

Nazara’s Paper Boat Apps is leveling up Kiddopia’s edutainment game through a new partnership with Moonbug Entertainment.

The licensing deal brings Little Angel, a favorite among preschoolers, to Kiddopia’s growing content library. This collaboration aims to make learning even more fun for kids while strengthening Kiddopia's appeal in the competitive edtech space.

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“If Not Now, Then When”: Ola Looking To Expand Its F&B Segment On ONDC

Ola is cooking up expansion plans in the F&B space, set to go pan-India on the ONDC platform.

With groceries already in its basket, Ola aims to serve more sectors soon, leveraging the government-backed digital commerce network. ONDC’s MD, T Koshy, hints this move could reshape how we shop and dine across the country.

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“Ek Tagdi Scheme Hai”: BluSmart’s Asset Leasing Initiative Crosses INR 100 Cr Mark In EV Financing

BluSmart’s asset leasing initiative has hit a major milestone, crossing the INR 100 Cr mark in EV financing within just a year.

The program has scaled up 10X monthly, enabling over 25 partners to lease premium EVs like the MG ZS SUV alongside Tata Tigor and Citroen eC3 models. This move not only powers BluSmart’s fleet expansion but also signals a bold step toward greener urban mobility.

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1. Jaipur-based Warmup Ventures has launched its INR 300 Cr second fund to back early-stage startups in deeptech, climate, and sustainability. With 15+ startups already in its portfolio, the VC aims to scale businesses while building strong teams and cultures.
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2. Zalon, a brand under Z Revolution Tech, has secured INR 1.37 Cr in a seed round led by Black Marlin Ventures. The funding will drive growth, boost product innovation, and help expand Zalon’s presence across India.
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3. Mili, an AI meeting assistant for wealth management firms, has secured $2M in seed funding led by Chiratae and BoldCap. The funds will drive product development, integration expansion, and team growth to enhance its enterprise-grade software.
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