Israeli cybersecurity startup Torq raises $140 Mn, hits $1.2 Bn valuation

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January 12, 2026

Israeli cybersecurity startup Torq raises $140 Mn, hits $1.2 Bn valuation — L-R: Eldad Livni, Ofer Smadari and Leonid Belkind, founders, Torq

Israeli cybersecurity startup Torq will announce on Sunday that it has closed a $140 million funding round, raising its valuation to $1.2 billion.

Based in Tel Aviv, Torq provides an autonomous security operations platform that the company says it built from the ground up using artificial intelligence. Notably, the platform enables organizations to automate repetitive security tasks through AI-driven agents, such as processing massive volumes of security alerts. As a result, cybersecurity teams can redirect their attention toward more complex and high-risk threats.

“You don’t want your team to have a huge backlog and using your team just to do the simple things while you can automate everything,” said Ofer Smadari, Torq’s chief executive officer and co-founder.

Earlier it was reported that Torq had achieved unicorn status through a new funding round, although the report did not disclose the investment amount.

Torq launched operations in 2020; however, the company strategically realigned its product direction a few years later following the rapid emergence of generative AI, according to Smadari.

“By the end of 2022, ChatGPT came into our lives, and we saw the opportunity to start building agents and AI functionality,” he said. Furthermore, he noted that Torq rolled out its first AI agent for security operations in summer 2023. Now, he added, “You can automate and remediate everything.”

Meanwhile, Merlin Ventures led the latest funding round, while existing backers—including Evolution Equity Partners, Notable Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, Insight Venture Partners, and Greenfield Partners—also participated.

Currently, the cybersecurity startup employs more than 300 people across Israel and the United States, Smadari confirmed. Importantly, the founding team brings proven entrepreneurial experience, as Smadari and his co-founders previously launched Luminate Security in 2017 and sold it to Symantec Corp. for $250 million in under two years.

Soon after that exit, the founders established Torq in January 2020, just weeks before the Covid-19 outbreak escalated into a global pandemic.

“We said, ‘There is nothing like a big worldwide crisis to build another company,’” Smadari said.

Prestige Group JV expands Chennai footprint with ₹561-Cr land purchase

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January 10, 2026

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Real estate major Prestige Estates Projects Ltd., through its joint venture entity, has agreed to acquire a 16.38-acre land parcel in Padi, Chennai, for a total consideration of Rs 561 crore, with plans to develop a large-scale real estate project on the site.

Notably, Sundaram-Clayton Ltd is selling the land parcel as part of this transaction. According to a regulatory filing dated January 8, Canopy Living LLP, a joint venture between Prestige Estates Projects Ltd and Arihant Foundations & Housing Ltd, has executed an agreement to purchase the land measuring 16.381 acres located in Padi, Chennai.

Furthermore, this acquisition aligns closely with Prestige Group’s strategic objective of strengthening its footprint in high-quality urban micro-markets across India.

Separately, Sundaram-Clayton Ltd informed the stock exchanges that it executed an agreement to sell on January 8 with Canopy Living LLP for the sale of its land parcel measuring 16.381 acres situated at Korattur village, Ambattur Taluk, Chennai district, Tamil Nadu.

Providing details of the transaction, Sundaram-Clayton stated, “An advance of Rs 25 crores was received, and the balance consideration of Rs 535.67 crores is to be received on execution of the sale deed,” thereby outlining the payment structure agreed upon between the parties.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based Prestige Group reiterated that it continues to actively evaluate strategically located land acquisition opportunities across key markets to support its future residential and mixed-use development pipeline.

Importantly, Prestige Group remains one of India’s leading real estate developers. As of September 2025, the Group has delivered 310 projects spanning 202 million square feet, while it currently maintains a robust pipeline of 130 projects covering 199 million square feet across multiple cities.

Sayaji Hotels expands footprint with the opening of Enrise Bareilly

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January 10, 2026

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Sayaji Hotels Limited has proudly unveiled Enrise by Sayaji in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, thereby advancing its mission to redefine contemporary hospitality across the region. Through this launch, Sayaji Hotels expands its footprint in Uttar Pradesh, a state renowned for its rich cultural legacy, including the celebrated traditions of Zari-Zardozi embroidery and cane craft.

Strategically located on Station Road in the vibrant Civil Lines area, Enrise Bareilly offers exceptional connectivity and convenience. The property sits just 13 kilometres from Bareilly Airport and a mere 500 metres from Bareilly Railway Station, thus ensuring seamless access for business travellers, transit guests, and leisure visitors alike.

Furthermore, the hotel features 36 tastefully designed rooms across four distinct categories, allowing it to cater effectively to diverse guest preferences. In addition, Enrise by Sayaji Bareilly introduces a wide range of culinary offerings designed to suit varied palates. The property houses four distinctive food and beverage outlets, which not only provide diverse dining options but also foster an inviting ambience suitable for both casual meet-ups and formal social interactions.

At the same time, Enrise by Sayaji Bareilly thoughtfully addresses the requirements of business travellers and event planners by offering two well-appointed banqueting halls. These versatile venues accommodate a broad spectrum of events, ranging from corporate conferences to weddings and social celebrations.

Overall, the launch of Enrise by Sayaji in Bareilly underscores Sayaji Hotels’ strategic vision of delivering world-class hospitality experiences in India’s emerging markets. As Bareilly continues to gain prominence as a growing commercial centre, the demand for quality hospitality infrastructure continues to rise. Consequently, Enrise by Sayaji stands well-positioned to emerge as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers, offering an optimal blend of comfort, convenience, and service excellence.

Notably, the development of the hotel represents a collaborative effort with Unique Complex Private Limited, a company that actively recognises Bareilly’s potential as a commercial and travel hub.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Ankur Vig, Managing Director of Unique Complex, said, “Enrise by Sayaji’s entry into Bareilly aligns perfectly with the city’s growth trajectory. Partnering with Sayaji allows us to offer a modern hospitality experience that adheres to national standards while remaining sensitive to local culture and traditions.”

Meanwhile, Sayaji Hotels continues to advance its strategy of targeted expansion across key Indian cities. With an ever-growing portfolio, the brand remains firmly committed to delivering personalised service and a guest-first philosophy. Ultimately, the Bareilly property stands as a strong testament to Sayaji’s dedication to quality, innovation, and service excellence, ensuring its position as a preferred choice for travellers seeking both comfort and contemporary hospitality.

Rain secures $250M Series C to scale Stablecoin-powered enterprise payments worldwide

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January 10, 2026

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Rain secures $250M Series C to scale Stablecoin-powered enterprise payments worldwide — Farooq Malik (left) and Charles Yoo-Naut, founders, Rain

Rain, an enterprise-grade infrastructure platform enabling stablecoin-powered payments, has announced a $250 million Series C funding round led by ICONIQ, with participation from Sapphire Ventures, Dragonfly, Bessemer Venture Partners, Galaxy Ventures, FirstMark, Lightspeed, Norwest, and Endeavor Catalyst.

As a result of the round, Rain achieved a valuation of $1.95 billion, increased its total funding to more than $338 million, and continued its rapid fundraising momentum just four months after closing its Series B and ten months after its Series A.

Over time, stablecoins have evolved swiftly from a niche, speculative segment of crypto markets into one of the world’s largest value-transfer rails. Now, the next stage of adoption focuses on making tokenized money the default mechanism through which businesses move funds and consumers receive, save, and spend money. However, crossing this adoption threshold requires infrastructure that enables enterprises to transition to on-chain payment rails while still preserving the seamless and familiar user experiences customers already trust. Rain has designed its technology specifically to meet this need.

Commenting on the milestone, Farooq Malik, CEO and Co-founder of Rain, said, “Stablecoins are quickly becoming the way money moves in the 21st century, but adoption by users worldwide requires cards and apps that just work. In the last year, our active card base has increased 30x and our annualized payment volume has increased 38x, but we’re still in the early innings. This funding lets us bring that infrastructure to new markets and help additional enterprises go live and scale quickly everywhere.”

Meanwhile, Rain’s end-to-end payments platform enables enterprises to partner with a single provider to launch compliant stablecoin cards accepted everywhere Visa operates. In addition, the platform allows companies to offer rewards, convert fiat into stablecoins, power secure digital wallets, and facilitate seamless payouts. Today, Rain’s infrastructure processes more than $3 billion in annualized transaction volume for over 200 partners, including Western Union, Nuvei, and KAST. Furthermore, programs built on Rain’s platform can reach more than 2.5 billion people, supporting use cases ranging from everyday consumer purchases like coffee and airline tickets to critical business expenses such as cloud services and digital advertising.

Sharing ICONIQ’s perspective, Kamran Zaki, Partner at ICONIQ, stated, “We believe we’re witnessing a shift from legacy payment networks to programmable digital-asset infrastructure, and there is a brief window to help define the default platform enterprises will rely on. In our view, Rain has a rare combination of full-stack technology, regulatory readiness, and real-world scale. Their focus on making tokenized money mainstream, rather than a niche financial experiment, may resonate and align with what large enterprises are looking for as they move from exploration to production.”

Looking ahead, Rain plans to deploy the Series C capital to expand its footprint across key licensed markets in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, enabling partners to launch compliant solutions seamlessly on a global scale. Additionally, the company will use the funding to further strengthen its full-stack stablecoin payments platform through strategic acquisitions and to invest proactively in new products that make stablecoin-powered payments effectively invisible to both businesses and consumers.

Finally, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as legal advisor to Rain for the Series C financing.

Lemon Tree and Fleur unveil composite scheme to unlock long-term shareholder value

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January 10, 2026

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Lemon Tree and Fleur unveil composite scheme to unlock long-term shareholder value — Patanjali Govind Keswani, founder and executive chairman of Lemon Tree and Fleur Hotels

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (Lemon Tree) and Fleur Hotels Limited (Fleur) have announced that their respective Boards of Directors have approved a Composite Scheme of Arrangement (the Scheme) aimed at simplifying the group structure, sharpening strategic focus, and unlocking long-term value for shareholders. Notably, the scheme remains subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Under the proposed reorganisation, the group will establish two distinct yet complementary platforms. On one hand, Lemon Tree Hotels Limited will operate as a pure-play, asset-light hotel management and brand platform. On the other hand, Fleur Hotels Limited, currently a subsidiary of Lemon Tree, will emerge as a large-scale, growth-oriented hotel ownership and development platform with a strong and attractive pipeline.

Additionally, the Board of Directors approved the execution of a Share Purchase Agreement that enables Coastal Cedar Investment B.V., an affiliate of Warburg Pincus, to acquire the entire 41.09 percent equity stake held by APG Strategic Real Estate Pool N.V. (APG) in Fleur. Simultaneously, the Board approved the execution of a Shareholders’ Agreement providing for a primary investment of up to Rs 960 crore by Warburg Pincus, to be infused in tranches to support Fleur’s future growth.

Importantly, this investment marks a renewed partnership between Warburg Pincus and Lemon Tree, following Warburg Pincus’ initial investment in 2006, which supported Lemon Tree’s early growth and helped establish it as a leading hotel brand and platform in India.

Through an NCLT-approved process, the scheme will reorganise the group’s asset ownership and operating structure. As part of this process, Lemon Tree will transfer its hotel assets to Fleur, which will serve as the group’s exclusive asset ownership and development company. Going forward, Fleur will spearhead all hotel acquisitions and developments, while Lemon Tree will transition fully to an asset-light model, focusing on hotel management, franchising, and digital businesses. Furthermore, the scheme will result in Fleur’s listing on the NSE and BSE.

As part of the leadership realignment, Patanjali Govind Keswani, founder of Lemon Tree Hotels, will assume the role of Executive Chairman of Fleur Hotels and will eventually transition to a non-executive role at Lemon Tree.

Meanwhile, this reorganisation and investment coincide with a period of sustained growth in India’s hospitality sector. Rising disposable incomes, increased discretionary spending, strong domestic intercity travel across air, rail, and road networks, and a rebound in international tourism continue to fuel demand. In addition, the Government of India’s focus on tourism and investments in aviation, high-speed rail, and four-lane highway infrastructure further strengthens sector fundamentals. Growing corporate travel and India’s emergence as a key MICE destination also support long-term growth, according to a release issued by Lemon Tree.

Commenting on the development, Patanjali Govind Keswani, founder and executive chairman of Lemon Tree and Fleur Hotels, said, “This scheme is intended to create a simplified, transparent, and growth-oriented structure for both companies, which we believe will enhance long-term value for our shareholders. We are also pleased to renew our partnership with Warburg Pincus, with whom we share a long history of building the foundations of Lemon Tree. This collaboration marks a defining moment as we enter the next phase of expansion for Fleur. With the Indian hospitality industry at an important inflection point, we look forward to leveraging Warburg Pincus’ global network and deep real estate and hospitality experience to scale responsibly, advance digital-led capabilities, and embed sustainability as a core pillar of Lemon Tree and Fleur’s long-term growth journey.”

Echoing this sentiment, Anish Saraf, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus, stated, “We are pleased to once again partner with Patu and the Fleur leadership team to support the next chapter of growth for the platform. Lemon Tree has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s mid-market hospitality segment, building a large-scale, high-quality portfolio with strong brands and operating capabilities. With favourable industry fundamentals and a clear strategic roadmap, we look forward to supporting the team as they continue to scale the business.”

At the same time, Dominic Doran, Senior Director, Real Estate, Asia-Pacific, APG Asset Management, said, “As we continue our long-standing association with Lemon Tree, we are also proud to have supported Fleur Hotels for more than a decade to become one of India’s leading and socially inclusive hospitality platforms. This transaction in Fleur is the culmination of APG’s long-term approach to investing and provides our clients with a full-cycle return from one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. We thank Patu and the Fleur team for their hard work and commitment to reach this milestone as the company enters its next phase of growth.”

As part of the scheme, Lemon Tree will merge its wholly owned subsidiaries, Carnation Hotels and Hamstede Living, into the parent company. In parallel, four other wholly owned subsidiaries—Oriole Dr. Fresh, Sukhsagar Complexes, Manakin Resorts, and Canary Hotels—will merge with Fleur in exchange for the issuance of shares by Fleur to Lemon Tree.

Furthermore, Lemon Tree will demerge 12 hotels, including 11 operational hotels and one under-construction hotel in Shimla, along with associated development capabilities, into Fleur. The scheme will also transfer Lemon Tree’s investment in an under-construction hotel in Shillong, held through a 100 percent subsidiary, to Fleur.

Once the Scheme becomes effective, Lemon Tree shareholders on the record date will own 32.96 percent of Fleur, while Lemon Tree will directly hold 41.03 percent, and Warburg Pincus will own the remaining 26.01 percent (excluding dilution from the proposed primary investment).

Following receipt of all regulatory and shareholder approvals, Fleur will list as a separate entity on Indian stock exchanges, with the entire process expected to conclude within 12 to 15 months.

Overall, the proposed reorganisation creates two focused growth platforms: an asset-light hospitality management platform and a hotel ownership and development platform. Fleur will combine its operating assets with a clearly defined acquisition and development pipeline, while Lemon Tree will continue to expand its management and franchise portfolio across India and international markets. The proposed capital infusion from Warburg Pincus will strengthen Fleur’s balance sheet and enable risk-mitigated growth through asset development and acquisitions.

As a result, Fleur will become one of India’s largest hospitality asset owners, expanding its owned portfolio from 3,993 keys across 24 operating hotels to 5,813 keys across 41 hotels. Concurrently, Lemon Tree will continue to manage its leased hotels in Indore and Aurangabad and will manage an additional 1,820 keys across 17 hotels transferred to Fleur. Lemon Tree will also remain focused on scaling its asset-light portfolio, which includes 6,011 keys across 89 operational hotels and 9,414 keys across 127 hotels under development in India and overseas.

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts expands Uttarakhand presence with The Hoften Vibranta, Haridwar

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January 10, 2026

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ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has announced the strategic addition of The Hoften Vibranta, Haridwar, to its growing portfolio. With this landmark partnership, the group strengthens its footprint in Uttarakhand, marking its third property in the state and reinforcing its commitment to delivering premium hospitality experiences across India’s most sought-after destinations.

Moreover, the inclusion of The Hoften Vibranta enables ALIVAA to capitalise on Haridwar’s unique convergence of spiritual tourism and the rising demand for curated midscale staycations. Set against Uttarakhand’s breathtaking natural landscapes, the property offers an ideal environment to showcase THE HOFTEN’s signature guest-centric service and refined comfort.

Commenting on the expansion, Akash Bhatia, CEO of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, stated, “The addition of The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar is a pivotal milestone in our growth strategy. Uttarakhand is a core market for us, and Haridwar’s unique position as both a spiritual epicentre and a gateway to the Himalayas makes it an invaluable asset. We are committed to bringing our high standards of operational excellence to this historic city.”

In addition, Inder Pal Batra, Co-founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the broader vision behind the expansion, saying, “Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between traditional hospitality and sophisticated modern living. With our third property in Uttarakhand, we are creating a seamless circuit for travellers looking to explore the beauty and divinity of the North. The Hoften Vibranta embodies the spirit of Haridwar while maintaining the contemporary refinement THE HOFTEN is known for.”

Meanwhile, expressing optimism about the collaboration, Anubhav Siwach, Owner of Vibranta Hotels & Resorts, remarked, “We are thrilled to join forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts. Their expertise in management and brand positioning is exactly what we were looking for to elevate the guest experience at The Hoften Vibranta. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for distinguished hospitality in Haridwar.”

Finally, reinforcing the strategic significance of the partnership, Deepak, Owner of Vibranta Hotels & Resorts, noted, “Haridwar is evolving, and today’s traveller seeks more than just proximity to the temples; they seek quality and reliability. Partnering with ALIVAA ensures that The Hoften Vibranta will become a preferred destination for discerning guests visiting Uttarakhand.”

Ananta Hotels & Resorts expands footprint with upcoming Katra property

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January 9, 2026

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Ananta Hotels & Resorts expands footprint with upcoming Katra property — Rupam Das, Chief Operating Officer, Ananta Hotels and Resorts

Ananta Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans to launch Ananta Express, Katra, marking a strategic expansion into pilgrimage-focused destinations across India. Strategically located opposite the Katra Railway Station and close to the Searli Helipad, the upcoming hotel offers seamless connectivity for devotees travelling to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Tailored for spiritual and religious travellers, Ananta Express, Katra, will house 45 well-appointed rooms, comprising 42 executive rooms and three suites. In addition, the property will offer essential amenities, including a restaurant, boardroom, gymnasium, and dedicated parking. Furthermore, in keeping with the sensitivities of pilgrimage travel, the hotel will operate as a pure vegetarian property.

Sharing insights on the launch, Rupam Das, Chief Operating Officer, Ananta Hotels & Resorts (Ananta Global), said, “With Ananta Express, Katra, we are deepening our commitment to hospitality that aligns with India’s spiritual fabric. We see a renewed energy in pilgrimage-led travel, and this hotel has been designed to serve that purpose with thoughtful simplicity, efficient comfort, and the dependable warmth Ananta is known for.”

The group will manage the Katra hotel under a management contract, reinforcing its asset-light growth approach. As part of its broader expansion strategy, Ananta Hotels & Resorts continues to explore opportunities across prominent pilgrimage hubs and emerging regional markets. In addition to Katra, the group is entering Somnath and is actively evaluating destinations such as the Statue of Unity region and Surat, further strengthening its presence in religious and high-potential travel corridors.

The Aaureum announces the opening of it’s first dining venue – Minorii

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January 9, 2026

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Bhilwara, Rajasthan | 8th January, 2026- The Aaureum Resort and International Convention Centre, Bhilwara, is set to open Minorii, its first dining venue, on 15th January. A pure vegetarian, all-day diner, Minorii marks the beginning of The Aaureum’s culinary journey. Thoughtfully designed as a welcoming and comfortable dining space, Minorii brings together a wide range of vegetarian flavours from Indian and international cuisines, along with popular global delicacies.

Guests can choose from an à la carte selection and enjoy flavourful dishes that are freshly prepared and served throughout the day. Warm tones, minimalist design, and a spacious layout create an atmosphere at Minorii that sets the stage for everything from relaxed breakfasts to unhurried dinners with loved ones, making it suitable for both hotel guests and visitors from the city.

Speaking about the launch, the owners of The Aaureum shared their thoughts on bringing Minorii to the city of Bhilwara. Mr. Yash Singhvi, Director, Yash Real Mart Pvt. Ltd., shared, “When we started planning Minorii, the idea was simple. We wanted Bhilwara to have a vegetarian diner that offers a wide variety while still feeling familiar. From Indian favourites to global flavours, Minorii is meant to be a place people enjoy coming back to.”

Mr. Rahul Choudhary, Director, Navkar Group, Bhilwara added – “Minorii is an important step for The Aaureum. As our first dining venue it sets the tone for the experiences we want to offer here. We wanted a space that feels calm, welcoming, and easy to enjoy whether guests are staying with us or visiting from the city.”

At Minorii the focus is on ease and rhythm. The all-day diner is designed to blend into a guest’s day, allowing them to dine at their own pace and choose from a chef-selected vegetarian menu without any sense of rush. Sharing the culinary direction for the property, Mr. Sandeep Maitraya, Founder and Director, Crimson Hotels, said, “With Minorii, we have created a space that feels approachable and familiar. It is the first step in shaping the culinary identity of The Aaureum, and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience it.”

Minorii opens a new chapter in The Aaureum’s F&B journey, offering guests a relaxed space to savour delicious vegetarian dishes. The diner welcomes visitors from 15th January at The Aaureum Resort and International Convention Centre, Bhilwara.

About The Aaureum Resort & International Convention Centre

Spread across 7.5 acres of landscaped gardens and tranquil water features, The Aaureum offers over 145 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, including the exclusive Garden Villa with a private plunge pool. It is Bhilwara’s first 5-star Resort and one of the largest international convention centres in the country. Built for destination weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations, it combines scale, elegance, and modern infrastructure to redefine hospitality in India.

Tamil Nadu launches deeptech startup policy with ₹100-Cr boost

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January 9, 2026

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With the rollout of a dedicated DeepTech Startup Policy 2025–26, Tamil Nadu has taken a decisive step toward strengthening science-led, IP-intensive entrepreneurship. Billed as the country’s first comprehensive framework of its kind, the policy aims to close the persistent “lab-to-market” gap that often slows the progress of high-risk, research-driven deeptech startups.

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, formally launched the policy at the Umagine TN technology summit. Through this initiative, the state plans to support 100 deeptech startups while mobilising Rs 100 crore in public and private investments over the next five years. Consequently, the government expects the policy to accelerate innovation and improve commercial outcomes for advanced technologies.

According to the policy, Tamil Nadu will bridge the “lab-to-market” gap by offering structured, lifecycle-based support that spans early-stage research and development through scale-up and market adoption. In parallel, the Information Technology and Digital Services Department will anchor the policy, while the Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub will oversee implementation. Importantly, this framework complements the broader Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy, under which iTNT already supports deeptech incubation, technology commercialisation, and sector-specific programmes in partnership with StartupTN and other incubators.

The policy sets ambitious targets. These include a 25% increase in annual patent filings by deep tech startups, at least 10 technology transfer or licensing deals from academic and R&D institutions, training over 10,000 students and professionals in deeptech skills, and facilitating global market access for 50 startups. Together, these goals aim to create a robust pipeline from research to revenue.

Deeptech startups, as defined in the policy document, are ventures built on advanced scientific or engineering breakthroughs, typically operating at early Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). They are characterised by strong proprietary intellectual property, long development cycles, and the ability to create entirely new markets or significantly disrupt existing ones across sectors such as healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.

However, the policy also acknowledges the structural challenges these startups face, including high R&D uncertainty, capital intensity, and difficulty in securing early customers—issues that conventional startup schemes are often ill-equipped to address. To counter this, the government has introduced a multi-pronged framework organised around five pillars: research and development support, funding and investment acceleration, infrastructure and ecosystem development, innovation workforce and knowledge alliances, and deep tech adoption and market expansion.

On the funding front, the policy offers TRL-linked R&D grants for early-stage research up to TRL 4, followed by commercialisation and scale-up support at higher readiness levels. Additionally, it includes assistance for IP creation and monetisation, along with performance-linked micro-fund support for incubators. Furthermore, a proposed DeepTech Fund of Funds and capital subsidies for corporates that engage with accredited deeptech startups aim to catalyse private investment and industry participation.

In terms of infrastructure, the policy promises deeptech research facilities and cluster-specific parks, voucher-based access to shared infrastructure, rental subsidies within government-supported parks, and sector-focused test beds. These measures will allow startups to validate products in real-world environments. Notably, a “Government as Early Adopter Programme” with an annual budget of Rs 25 crore will enable pilot deployments and proof-of-concept projects that can later scale across public and private sectors.

Talent development and knowledge exchange also feature prominently. The policy proposes grants for deep tech skilling programmes, doctoral fellowships for researchers transitioning into entrepreneurship, and mentorship and international exchange initiatives. These efforts will connect Tamil Nadu’s startups with global accelerators, twin-city partners, and overseas experts.

At the same time, the policy places strong emphasis on applying deep tech to social priorities, including public health, clean energy, mobility, disaster resilience, and social protection. Through this focus, Tamil Nadu aims to balance industrial competitiveness with inclusive and sustainable growth.

Finally, the iTNT Hub will function as the nodal agency, managing funds, operating a unified digital platform for infrastructure and resource sharing, and coordinating with other government departments, the policy stated.

Data security startup Cyera hits $9B valuation in rapid scale-up

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January 9, 2026

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Data security startup Cyera continues to accelerate its rapid growth trajectory. The company announced a $400 million Series F funding round, valuing the business at $9 billion. Headquartered in New York, Cyera has now raised more than $1.7 billion in total funding.

Notably, this round arrives just six months after its previous $540 million raise at a $6 billion valuation, underscoring strong investor confidence. The latest funding was led by funds managed by Blackstone, with continued backing from existing investors including Accel, Coatue, Lightspeed, Redpoint, Sapphire, Sequoia, and others.

At the core of Cyera’s momentum is its data security posture management offering. The platform helps enterprises clearly map where sensitive data resides across cloud environments and databases, monitor how employees and applications access that data, and proactively identify potential security gaps. As a result, organisations gain greater visibility and control over increasingly complex data ecosystems.

Meanwhile, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence has amplified both the volume of enterprise data and concerns around data exposure. This shift has played directly into Cyera’s strengths.

According to the company, it now serves one-fifth of the Fortune 500, while also more than tripling its revenue over the past year. Consequently, as enterprises race to secure critical data in an AI-driven world, investors have moved quickly to back Cyera’s expanding vision and market leadership.

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