Groww’s War Strategy, Govt. Eases Import Duties, and Zaggle Tightens Its’ Grip

Groww is gearing up for its IPO with a $200 million pre-listing war chest, while the government is scrapping import duties on key EV battery components to supercharge local manufacturing. Meanwhile, Zaggle is tightening its grip on fintech with a fresh stake in Mobileware, and Observe.AI is doubling down on voice AI by snapping up dubbing startup Dubdub.ai.

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

“Mauja Hi Mauja”: Govt Drops Import Duty On Key Components For EV Batteries

In a bid to boost local manufacturing, the government has scrapped import duties on key components for EV batteries and mobile phones. With the US set to impose reciprocal tariffs from April 2, India is moving quickly to cushion the impact.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced duty exemptions on 35 EV battery components and 28 mobile phone parts, signaling a strategic push for self-reliance amid shifting trade dynamics.

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“Dil Kare Tu Tai Tu Tai Tai”: Observe.AI Acquires Dubdub.ai To Strengthen Its Voice AI Agents

Observe.AI is stepping up its game in conversational AI with the acquisition of Dubdub.ai, a dubbing automation startup.

This move brings Dubdub.ai’s team on board, signaling a stronger push toward enhancing voice AI capabilities. As AI-driven conversations become the norm, Observe.AI is clearly gearing up for a more seamless, voice-powered future.

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“Ab Waqt Aa Gaya Hai Badhne Ka”: Groww Seeks $200 Mn In Pre-IPO Funding Round

Groww is reportedly seeking a hefty $200 million in pre-IPO funding from Tiger Global and GIC, aiming for a valuation of $6.5 billion.

The move signals the fintech unicorn’s steady march toward a public listing by FY 2025-26, despite posting a net loss of ₹805 crore in FY24— a stark reversal from its ₹448.7 crore profit the previous year.

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“Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne”: Zaggle Raises Stake In Mobileware With INR 7.25 Cr Investment

Zaggle is doubling down on fintech, raising its stake in Mobileware to 38.34% with a fresh ₹7.25 crore investment.

The move aligns with its broader push to strengthen payment solutions for businesses. As competition in the fintech space heats up, Zaggle is clearly positioning itself for a bigger play.

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1. Droom has secured $3 million in fresh funding from India Accelerator, Finvolve, and angel investors to push forward its IPO plans. As the online auto marketplace gears up for its public debut, this round adds fuel to its expansion drive.
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2. Nabhdrishti Aerospace has raised $3 million from Accel and others to accelerate engine development for UAVs and eVTOLs. The Bengaluru-based startup aims to refine its gas turbine tech, pushing forward innovation in urban air mobility.
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3. Grow Indigo has secured $10 million from British International Investment to expand its sustainability programs and carbon farming initiatives. The Mumbai-based agritech startup continues its mission to enhance farmer incomes while promoting eco-friendly practices.
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4. GreenFortune has raised $4.5 million in a Pre-Series A round led by Foundamental to fuel its national expansion and boost production. The windows and doors manufacturer also plans to scale its proprietary tech platform, PartnerGate.
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5. Antithesis has raised ₹5 crore in a pre-seed round co-led by Rukam Capital and V3 Ventures to scale its beauty and personal care offerings. The fresh funds will help the brand carve a niche in the competitive self-care market.
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