Swiggy Serves, Kuku FM’s Bhakti, and Azhar Iqubal’s Fenado AI

Swiggy takes a bold step with 'Swiggy Serves,' aiming to reduce food wastage and hunger by redistributing surplus food. Meanwhile, RBIH and IIMA Ventures are powering up fintech innovation with the launch of a women-focused program to address financial inclusion. Kuku FM is expanding its horizons with a new spiritual app, Bhakti.

Swiggy Instamart pushes forward, reaching 76 cities with plans for a standalone app. NASSCOM's proposed ₹10K Cr fund for DeepTech startups signals a major leap in the sector, while Shark Tank India judge Azhar Iqubal takes his next venture, Fenado AI, to the next level.

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

“Paryavaran Ka Socho Zara”: Swiggy Launches ‘Swiggy Serves’ To Reduce Food Wastage, Hunger

Swiggy has rolled out 'Swiggy Serves,' a thoughtful initiative tackling hunger and food wastage across its ecosystem. Partnering with the Robin Hood Army, the platform plans to redirect surplus food from its restaurant network to underserved communities.

This effort underscores a growing commitment in India’s food-tech sector to address social challenges meaningfully.

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“Ram Naam Japna, Paraya Maal Apna”: Kuku FM To Launch A Separate Spiritual App With Eye On Expansion

Kuku FM is diving deeper into spirituality with its new app, Bhakti, set to debut at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

Targeting all age groups, Bhakti will offer audio shows steeped in spiritual themes, aiming to resonate with India’s devotional audience. Early beta success, boasting 500K downloads, hints at a promising expansion in the spiritual audio OTT space.

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“Hum Aapke Dil Mein Hai”: Swiggy Instamart Expands To 76 Cities, To Launch Standalone App

Swiggy Instamart is now live in 76 cities and gearing up for a standalone app launch while staying on the main platform.

Offering 10-minute deliveries of nearly 50,000 products, it reported a 135.7% YoY revenue surge in Q2 FY25. With bold growth plans, Swiggy's CEO hints at Instamart eclipsing food delivery in scale and reach.

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“Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”: NASSCOM Proposes Establishment Of INR 10K Cr Fund For Deeptech Startups

NASSCOM has proposed a ₹10,000 crore DeepTech fund to boost early-stage equity funding for innovative startups in the sector.

Targeting Series A and B investments, the fund aims to nurture two key segments within the DeepTech ecosystem. If approved, this initiative could unlock a new wave of technological innovation in India.

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“Aaj Ki Naari, Sab Par Bhaari”: RBIH, IIMA Ventures Launch Third Cohort Of Women-Focused Fintech Program

The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and IIMA Ventures have unveiled Swanari™ TechSprint 3.0, a fintech program spotlighting women-centric innovation.

This third cohort empowers startups to design solutions addressing women’s unique financial needs while scaling impactful ideas. It’s a step forward in bridging the financial inclusion gap for women in India.

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“Hum Kissi Se Kam Nahi”: Shark Tank India judge Azhar Iqubal launches new venture Fenado AI

Shark Tank India judge Azhar Iqubal has unveiled Fenado AI, a rebranded venture co-founded with ex-Inshorts tech lead Manish Singh Bisht.

Priced at $180 monthly, the platform offers startups a cost-effective way to access advanced tech solutions. Fenado AI promises to bridge the gap for emerging businesses needing affordable innovation.

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1. Zypp Electric is in discussions to secure an additional $35 Mn, building on $10 Mn raised from Nuwama Private Wealth and another $10 Mn from a US-based VC. This follows last year’s $15 Mn funding from Japan’s ENEOS.

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2. WayCool, the Chennai-based agritech startup, secured INR 38.2 Cr in funding from Trifecta, Alteria, and Stride Ventures via Series B OCRPS. The funding strengthens its growth trajectory in transforming India’s agricultural supply chain.

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3. Mumbai-based NBFC Infinity Fincorp Solutions raised $35 Mn in Series A funding led by Jungle Ventures. The funds will expand its MSME lending operations across India.
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4. Kerala-based banana chips brand Beyond Snack raised $8.3 Mn in a Series A round led by 12 Flags Group. The funding will help expand its market presence and enhance its supply chain infrastructure.
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5. SaaS platform Mintoak raised INR 71 Cr ($8.2 Mn) in a secondary funding round, with Z3Partners acquiring a stake from HDFC Bank and Pravega Ventures. The deal reflects growing investor confidence in the company’s growth potential.
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6. BluSmart is set to raise $50 Mn at a pre-money valuation of $335 Mn, with participation from existing investors and new VCs. Having secured half of the total funds, the round is expected to close next month, as the company projects a $95 Mn revenue for FY25.
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