AI startup Serval reaches $1 Bn valuation after Sequoia-led funding round

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December 12, 2025

AI startup Serval reaches $1 Bn valuation after Sequoia-led funding round — L-R: Jake Stauch and Alex McLeod, co-founders, Serval

AI-powered IT support startup Serval has secured $75 million in a Series B round led by Sequoia, pushing its valuation to $1 billion just three months after its previous raise, the company said.

The new capital increases Serval’s total funding to $127 million. The San Francisco-based company held a valuation of $232 million in August, according to PitchBook data. The sharp rise in valuation over the past quarter highlights growing investor confidence in AI-driven platforms challenging incumbents such as ServiceNow and demonstrating strong market traction.

Serval stated that it has increased revenue by 500% since August, although it did not provide detailed figures. Moreover, previous backers, including Redpoint, Meritech, and General Catalyst, participated in the latest round.

Founded in 2024, Serval initially launched as an AI-powered tech support assistant designed to manage routine IT tasks for employees, including fixing computer issues and granting software access. Since then, it has expanded into human resources, legal, and finance functions.

With the fresh capital, Serval plans to accelerate hiring across its go-to-market and engineering teams. The company currently employs just under 30 people but expects to grow to more than 100 next year.

AI startups such as Perplexity and Together AI already rely on Serval’s platform to automate tasks like resolving help desk queries and onboarding employees. Additionally, Serval reported that its technology automates more than 50% of IT tickets for customers.

The company’s go-to-market strategy enables it to fully replace a customer’s existing systems or serve as an “AI layer” on top of legacy setups, an approach designed to accommodate clients tied to long-term contracts.

CEO Jake Stauch stated that Serval is building a comprehensive IT service management platform powered by AI-driven automation. “We’re seeing that thesis play out as customers rip and replace incumbent systems of record,” Stauch said.

Serval’s platform operates with a two-part AI system: an AI agent that interacts with employees to interpret support requests and a tool that lets administrators create complex automations by describing them in natural language—a process the CEO refers to as “vibe coding.”

This method generates code in the background, which provides more flexibility and capability than traditional drag-and-drop workflow tools. It also reinforces security, as the employee-facing AI can only activate automations pre-approved by administrators.

“When we heard customer feedback this strong was 16 years ago when we partnered with ServiceNow,” said Anas Biad, partner at Sequoia. “When we heard it again, we couldn’t help ourselves but just go and preempt.”

P2P lending platform LenDenClub set for IPO plans, CEO says

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December 11, 2025

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P2P lending platform LenDenClub set for IPO plans, CEO says — Bhavin Patel, CEO, LenDenClub

Vartis Platforms, which operates LenDenClub, the country’s largest peer-to-peer lending marketplace—is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) within the next 18 to 36 months, chief executive officer Bhavin Patel said. Moreover, he said, “We are in preparation mode… and we may target it in the next 18 to 36 months timeframe,” while also noting that LenDenClub could become the first P2P lender in India to list.

Peer-to-peer lending connects individual lenders directly with borrowers and bypasses banks and other financial institutions. Additionally, a potential listing would represent a milestone for the sector, which has faced slower growth and higher compliance costs since the Reserve Bank of India tightened regulations in 2024, including stricter sourcing requirements and a ban on assured returns.

Furthermore, Vartis has established two internal targets ahead of the planned IPO: achieving an annual profit above Rs 100 crore ($11.1 million) and restructuring accounting practices to align with listed companies. Patel said, “A lot of internal structuring has to happen…we already started doing it for the last couple of quarters.”

The Mumbai-based company reported revenue of Rs 240 crore and profit of about Rs 34 crore in fiscal 2025, according to its website. For the current financial year, it expects revenue of Rs 320 crore to Rs 350 crore and profit between Rs 50 crore and Rs 60 crore, Patel added.

He also explained that RBI curbs affected loan origination and profitability in fiscal 2024, but LenDenClub revamped its platform afterward and now processes nearly 95% of India’s P2P lending volume, though Reuters could not verify that market share independently.

Additionally, Vartis Platforms operates InstaMoney, a loan marketplace, and Vartis One, its technology arm. The company, which Artha Capital and Tuscan Ventures back, last raised funding in 2021.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts opens Fern Residency Bengaluru in Seshadripuram

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December 11, 2025

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The Fern Hotels & Resorts opens Fern Residency Bengaluru in Seshadripuram — Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts

The Fern Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of its newest Karnataka property—The Fern Residency Bengaluru, Seshadripuram, Series by Marriott.

The hotel stands in one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, recognised for its heritage landmarks, educational institutions, and close proximity to major business and cultural hubs. Moreover, this opening expands the company’s South India portfolio to 13 properties, including both operational and upcoming locations.

Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Bengaluru continues to evolve as a multi-faceted hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and culture, which has significantly reshaped guest expectations and hospitality trends. The launch of this hotel strengthens our presence in a high-potential market where demand for quality midscale accommodation remains consistently strong. Our focus is to complement the city’s growth by creating properties that align operational efficiency with sustainability and thoughtful design.”

Additionally, the hotel offers 79 rooms and suites designed to blend comfort with functionality and equipped with a full range of modern amenities. Revival, the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, serves an assortment of local and global dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the 24×7 in-room dining service provides added convenience and privacy for guests.

Furthermore, the property includes adaptable event and meeting spaces that can accommodate both corporate and social functions. Chambers 01, Chambers 02, and The Grand Ballroom serve as spacious indoor venues suitable for conferences, receptions, workshops, and celebrations, whereas The Board Room offers a private space for high-level meetings and group discussions.

These venues feature advanced AV equipment and professional event support. Guests also access a fully equipped gymnasium to maintain a balanced routine during their stay. As part of the Series by Marriott portfolio, the hotel extends Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program benefits to all its guests.

iSprout raises ₹60-Cr debt funding from Tata Capital

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December 11, 2025

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iSprout raises ₹60-Cr debt funding from Tata Capital — Sundari Patibandla & Sreenivas Tirdhala, Co-founders, iSprout

iSprout, a provider of managed office solutions for Global Capability Centres, large enterprises, and startups, secured ₹60 crore in debt funding from Tata Capital.

Furthermore, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sundari Patibandla stated, “We will use the proceeds to accelerate expansion across key metros, strengthen enterprise-grade infrastructure, and enhance its rapidly growing managed office portfolio.”

The startup announced that it would deploy the capital to establish new centres in Tier-I and Tier-II cities and to upgrade its technology, workspace customisation capabilities, and end-to-end facility management services.

Additionally, she said, “We would like to increase our share in the flexible workspaces and scale with disciplined, asset-strategic growth.”

The company currently operates 25 centres across nine cities and manages a total portfolio of 2.5 million sq ft, which includes spaces still under development.

She also noted that the company is experiencing rising demand for customised and fully managed office environments. Moreover, she added, “The new funding enables the company to scale faster to meet this surge in demand.”

In addition, Sreenivas Tirdhala, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, said that enterprises and GCCs require flexible, high-performance work ecosystems.

Amazon to invest more than $35 Bn in India by 2030

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December 11, 2025

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Amazon to invest more than $35 Bn in India by 2030 — Amit Agarwal, SVP, emerging markets at Amazon

Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, raised its investment commitment for India to $35 billion on Wednesday. This move builds on the $15 billion pledge that chief executive Andy Jassy announced in 2023, and Amazon allocated approximately $12.7 billion of that amount to AWS’ cloud infrastructure.

With this expansion, the Seattle-headquartered company has committed a cumulative $40 billion to India since 2010. The company stated that it will deploy the new capital to scale up its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and to reinforce its logistics network.

Moreover, the online retailer decided to inject additional funds at a time when it intensified its focus on 10-minute deliveries, a segment that had hit the company hard within online commerce. In this category, the company competes with Eternal-owned Blinkit, Swiggy’s Instamart, Nexus Venture Partners-backed Zepto, Tata Digital’s BigBasket, and Flipkart Minutes.

The fresh infusion highlights how the company is accelerating its India strategy while quick-commerce players such as Swiggy and Zepto scramble to secure public-market funding amid ongoing cash burn.

Additionally, it earlier announced that it was adding two dark stores a day across Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai to expand its quick-commerce footprint, with a target of reaching 300 stores by year-end. Meanwhile, Meesho—Amazon’s rival in the tier-II and beyond ecommerce segment—listed on the stock exchanges on Wednesday following a $600-million initial public offering (IPO) at a $5.9-billion valuation, and its shares opened with a 45% rise.

Amit Agarwal, SVP of emerging markets at Amazon, said in a statement, “We have invested at scale in growing the physical and digital infrastructure for small businesses in India, creating millions of jobs.”

Furthermore, Amazon India reduced costs in the previous fiscal year to narrow its losses. All four major businesses—Amazon Seller Services, Amazon Transport Services, Amazon Wholesale, and Amazon Pay—reported substantial reductions in FY25, largely due to lower advertising and employee expenditures. Revenue from operations at Amazon Seller Services grew 19% year-over-year to Rs 30,139 crore in FY25, compared with 14% growth in FY24. Although the growth rate has improved from 3% in FY23, it remains lower than during the pandemic years, when growth reached 49% in FY21 and 32% in FY22.

Last week, the online retailer reaffirmed that it was on track to complete the $12.7 billion AWS investment and that it will “bring the benefits of AI to over 15 million small businesses.”

Additionally, Amazon’s push into AI and domestic cloud expansion aligns with similar moves by US technology majors. Microsoft, in a statement on Tuesday, announced a plan to invest $17.5 billion in India between 2026 and 2029 to accelerate AI adoption at a national scale. This commitment adds to the $3-billion investment it declared in January 2025.

BYT Capital launches Rs 180-Cr fund to back deep-tech startups

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December 11, 2025

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BYT Capital launches Rs 180-Cr fund to back deep-tech startups — Amit Chand, Founder & Managing Partner, BYT Capital

BYT Capital, founded by early-stage investor Amit Chand, launched an Rs 180 crore deep-tech-focused fund on Thursday, and the firm expects to close it by Q3 2026.

Moreover, Chand said that the fund has already crossed 50% subscription. Out of the Rs 180 crore, the firm has created a green shoe option of Rs 80 crore, and if investor interest continues to grow, it may increase the total corpus by an additional Rs 30–Rs 40 crore.

The fund plans to deploy capital across 18–20 deep-tech ventures, issuing cheques of Rs 3 crore to Rs 6 crore for early-stage rounds, ranging from pre-seed to Series A.

Furthermore, BYT Capital intends to back companies that fall between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 and TRL 7, ensuring that the core science behind their products is already validated. TRL 3 indicates that startups have confirmed scientific feasibility and are ready for deeper development, while TRL 7 means that they have demonstrated a system prototype in a real operational environment.

The firm can deploy up to Rs 15 crore in follow-on rounds and has earmarked 55% of the total fund for additional capital infusion into promising portfolio companies.

At present, the firm’s limited partner base consists of domestic ultra-high-net-worth individuals, HNIs, and family offices.

Additionally, BYT Capital will prioritize startups working in space-tech and aerospace, defence technology, clean and alternative energy, AI for science and drug discovery, synthetic biology and life sciences, quantum technology, and photonics. Chand noted, “As of now, our current focus lies in these sectors, but over a period of the next two years, you might see a lot of other technology evolve. That’s the beauty of deep tech. You can’t channel everything into one technology. So we will keep researching these sectors, which are up and coming.”

The VC firm is finalizing its first set of cheques and is holding late-stage discussions with a space-tech company, a drug discovery venture, a clean-energy firm, and a robotics startup. Chand chose not to reveal the names since discussions are still underway.

For exits, BYT Capital plans a straightforward strategy—retain equity and seek exits around Series D or Series E. Chand expects that in the next four to five years, several deep-tech companies will pursue IPOs, thereby strengthening the broader ecosystem.

Chand has backed early-stage deep-tech startups for more than six years as an angel investor. His portfolio includes electric bike maker Ultraviolette Automotive, climate-tech startup Uranus Labs, and energy storage venture The Energy Company.

He has recorded notable exits as well. He exited battery-swapping firm Battery Smart in 2021 with a 25X return, and he secured a partial exit from defence-tech venture Big Bang Boom Solutions, generating a 2.5X return.

Earthful raises Rs 26-Cr in pre-Series A funding round

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December 10, 2025

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Earthful raises Rs 26-Cr in pre-Series A funding round — Veda and Sudha Gogineni, co-founders, Earthful

Clean-label plant-based nutrition brand Earthful has raised Rs 26 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Fireside Ventures and V3 Ventures, with participation from Atrium Angels, it said in a media release on Wednesday.

Moreover, the company, founded by sisters Veda Gogineni and Sudha Gogineni, operates in the preventive nutrition and supplements space with a focus on clean-label formulations and women’s health.

Earthful offers plant-based multivitamins, protein products, and targeted nutrition solutions, including customised multivitamins for menopausal women. Additionally, the company stated that it will use the fresh capital to expand its product portfolio—particularly in women’s health—and to strengthen its team and operations across Hyderabad and Mumbai.

Furthermore, Earthful has built a customer base of over 2 lakh consumers in the past two years, driven significantly by repeat purchases. Its portfolio currently spans daily multivitamins, plant-based protein, and nutrition solutions for skin, hair, and sleep.

The company previously appeared on Shark Tank India and raised around $1 million from angel investors and family offices. Earthful also said it recorded over three-fold growth in the last financial year, supported by repeat demand and strong word-of-mouth traction.

Virtusa acquires SmartSoC Solutions to strengthen engineering capabilities

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December 10, 2025

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Virtusa acquires SmartSoC Solutions to strengthen engineering capabilities — Nitesh Banga, CEO of Virtusa

Product and platform engineering services company Virtusa on Wednesday announced that it has acquired Bengaluru-based SmartSoC Solutions, a semiconductor engineering and integrated circuit design services provider, while keeping the deal value undisclosed.

Moreover, the Massachusetts-headquartered firm stated that this strategic acquisition positions it at the forefront of AI and chip design innovation to address accelerating global demand for advanced silicon.

Furthermore, it emphasized that the integration of SmartSoC’s capabilities in silicon design, verification, and embedded systems engineering enables the company to fully capitalize on the rising need for sophisticated silicon solutions.

“The acquisition of SmartSoC is transformational for Virtusa,” Nitesh Banga, chief executive officer of Virtusa, said in a statement. “It immediately establishes us as a key player in the high-growth semiconductor engineering space, completing our vision for a full-stack offering that can serve clients from the foundational silicon layer all the way through to the customer application.”

Additionally, Banga noted that as AI models increase in complexity and global data centre investments accelerate, possessing in-house chip design expertise will remain essential.

Consequently, the acquisition establishes Virtusa’s semiconductor engineering footprint in India and strengthens its worldwide delivery network by integrating SmartSoC’s engineering teams across Bengaluru, Hubli, and Hyderabad.

WelcomHeritage strengthens portfolio with new Akashganga Heritage Hills Resort & Spa

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December 10, 2025

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WelcomHeritage announces the launch of the WelcomHeritage Akashganga Heritage Hills Resort & Spa in Ratanpur (Dungarpur District), Rajasthan. Moreover, this newly unveiled property in Bhehana, Bichhiwara, aims to elevate luxury, comfort, and multipurpose hospitality by offering an exceptional retreat set against the picturesque heritage hills of the region.

The resort features 41 tastefully designed rooms, including 16 expansive Forest Studios and 25 refined Ellwood Cottages, all crafted to seamlessly merge traditional aesthetics with contemporary convenience.

Additionally, the WelcomHeritage Akashganga Heritage Hills Resort & Spa intends to emerge as a distinctive culinary and entertainment destination through its varied food and beverage experiences. Guests can dine at Thikree, the all-day café serving global classics, or savour crafted desserts at DEE-LISH. Nirvana delivers bold Indian flavours inspired by Rajasthani, North Indian, and coastal cuisines. Furthermore, MIRAGE provides panoramic views, craft cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere for evening gatherings. Soon, Tarang (poolside bar) and Verandah (open-air dining) will introduce additional refined spaces for relaxation.

In addition, the resort fully supports corporate needs and personal rejuvenation through its extensive event and wellness facilities. It offers well-equipped venues ideal for weddings, corporate meetings, and intimate gatherings, including Bandhej (Banquet Lawn)—25,000 sq. ft., Ratna Vatika (Convention Lawn)—4,000 sq. ft., and Sammelan (Conference Hall)—1,500 sq. ft. Guests can also enjoy the expansive swimming pool, cycling pathways, indoor and outdoor games, and the relaxing gazebo lounge. A dedicated spa & wellness center will soon open to deliver complete physical and mental revitalisation.

Furthermore, WelcomHeritage Hotels marks an important expansion milestone with this launch. Ashutosh Chhibba, CEO, WelcomHeritage Hotels, stated, “The opening of WelcomHeritage Akashganga Heritage Hills Resort & Spa marks a significant milestone in our expansion across Rajasthan. We are confident that this property will become a landmark destination for travelers seeking luxury, wellness, and unforgettable experiences amidst the heritage hills of Ratanpur.”

India’s Growth Engines Awarded: Most Preferred Workplaces 2025 Set New People-Centric Benchmarks

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December 10, 2025

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10th December 2025, Mumbai: Team Marksmen Network is set to host its highly anticipated 4th edition of Most Preferred Workplaces, 2025-26 – Manufacturing and Healthcare, Pharma & Biotech, a flagship initiative celebrating organisations that continue to redefine the contours of workplace excellence, innovation, and human-centric leadership across India’s most vital industries.

Scheduled to take place on 11th December 2025, Thursday, the event aims to bring together senior leaders from Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Biotech, Healthcare, and allied sectors to recognise and honour, those reshaping the future of work in an era of transformation and opportunity.

With manufacturing contributing roughly 17–18% to India’s GDP and Healthcare, Pharma & Biotech forming one of the world’s fastest-growing life sciences ecosystems, this recognition celebrates workplace cultures that are driving national progress with innovation, resilience, and human-centric leadership.

The Most Preferred Workplaces—Manufacturing & Healthcare, Pharma & Biotech 2025–26 is set to address this transformation by convening 150+ senior leaders and 25+ prominent speakers to share research-backed insights and celebrate workplace excellence across the healthcare ecosystem.

A Celebration of People-Powered Transformation

The premium platform honours companies that have excelled in:

* Building future-ready talent and leadership pools

* Driving and adopting technology, digital transformation, and innovation

* Embedding employee well-being, inclusion, and empowerment

* Creating ethical, sustainable, and resilient work cultures

* Balancing performance with empathy and scale with sustainability

This recognition is grounded in extensive culture audits, employee feedback, and research-led evaluations conducted by Marksmen’s insights team.

The ceremony will be graced by Shri Subhash Desai, former minister for Industries & Mining, Government of Maharashtra, as the Guest of Honour, as he highlights the nation as well as Maharashtra’s industrial momentum, commending the awardees for their commitment to building India’s future.

Expressing his best wishes, Shri Desai said, “Manufacturing and healthcare are not just sectors—they are the backbone of India’s growth story. The organisations honoured at the platform not only exemplify how innovation and human values can come together to create workplaces that are truly world-class but also harness an ecosystem of collaboration and building resilience.”

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Sharad Gupta, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Team Marksmen Network, said, “The organisations celebrated today represent the gold standard of excellence. They are showing India—and the world—that people-first cultures are not just good practice but strategic advantages.” He reaffirmed that the 2025 cohort reflects the very best of cross-sector innovation, resilience, and culture-building.

The platform will feature high-impact conversations with leading healthcare executives such as Gautam Khanna, CEO, Hinduja Hospital; Dr. Sujit Paul, Group CEO, Zota Healthcare Limited; Rupam Singh, Senior Vice President- Corporate HR Head, JSW Group; Sarika Gore, Head HR & GM, Artsons Limited, A Tata Enterprise; Sheetal Arora, Head Human Resources & IR, Mobility Group India, Eaton; Tapan Bagwe, Head HR- India & South Asia, Barry Callebaut Group; Namita Patwari, CHRO, Alembic Pharmaceuticals; Purushottam Kaushik, Head, Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution, The World Economic Forum India Liaison Office, World Economic Forum Dr. Jagmohan Singh Rishi, Global Head – Learning & Digital Business Excellence, Wockhardt; and Mandar Dani, Director – People & Organization (Health Industries), PwC among various prominent others.

Shaping India’s Growth Decade

The honored organizations span critical sectors that will power India’s economic acceleration in the coming years. By fostering cultures rooted in trust, empathy, innovation, and continuous learning, they are paving the way for a future where talent thrives and industries evolve.

About Most Preferred Workplaces

Most Preferred Workplaces by Team Marksmen Network is a research-backed initiative that recognises organisations creating exemplary work environments built on purpose, people, and performance. The platform highlights India’s most admired workplaces through rigorous evaluation and industry insights.

About Team Marksmen Network

Team Marksmen Network is a leading knowledge-driven media and insights organisation committed to empowering business leaders through research-based recognitions, events, thought leadership, and strategic content that shape meaningful conversations about the future of work, innovation, and growth.

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