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Deeptech startup EyeROV raises Rs 47-Cr order from Indian Navy

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Johns T Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan P, Co-Founders, EyeROV
Johns T Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan P, Co-Founders, EyeROV

Kochi-based deeptech startup EyeROV has won a ₹47 crore contract from the Indian Navy to deliver advanced Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs). These robotic machines are designed to explore, inspect, and perform critical operations in underwater environments where traditional tools such as cameras and lights cannot function effectively.

EyeROV’s Trout model, a 300-metre ROV, is capable of deep-diving and comes with advanced payloads that allow it to carry out specialized missions such as underwater surveillance and inspection tasks.

The startup was founded in 2016 by IIT alumni Johns T Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan P. Since its inception, EyeROV has completed more than 100 underwater deployments across India, West Asia, and Europe. The company now serves over 80 clients, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Coast Guard, and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

“For eight years, EyeROV has engineered underwater systems tested in the harshest conditions. This partnership with the Navy is proof that Indian innovation can set benchmarks globally in defence deep-tech,” said Mathai. “This recognition is a true reward for our dedicated efforts over the past eight years.”

To date, EyeROV has raised more than $2 million in funding from investors, with Unicorn India Ventures among its key backers, according to data from Tracxn. This new deal with the Indian Navy further strengthens EyeROV’s position as a leader in indigenous underwater robotics while also supporting India’s growing push for self-reliance in defense technology.

Shivansh Resorts and Hotels LLP strengthens portfolio with Wyndham Garden Jaipur

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Shivansh Resorts and Hotels LLP has revealed plans to develop a premium resort under the Wyndham Garden brand in Jaipur, Khairwadi, Rajasthan. The project is being undertaken in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, which operates over 8,300 properties across nearly 100 countries. The resort will open in Q1 2027.

The Wyndham Garden Jaipur will feature 83 modern guest rooms, as well as a spacious banquet hall and lawn, making it perfect for weddings and social events. In addition, the resort will offer a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and a kids’ play area. Guests will also enjoy multiple dining options and a lively bar. Moreover, designed to cater to leisure travellers, MICE events, and destination weddings, the resort will seamlessly combine contemporary amenities with Jaipur’s vibrant cultural heritage, thereby creating unforgettable experiences.

Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, “The launch of Wyndham Garden Jaipur with Shivansh Resorts and Hotels LLP reflects our focus on bringing approachable, upscale hospitality to India’s most vibrant destinations. As one of the country’s leading markets for weddings, MICE and leisure travel, Jaipur is a natural choice for our continued expansion in the region. This project highlights our shared commitment to delivering high-quality guest experiences and strengthening Wyndham’s footprint across high-potential markets.”

Aditya Gupta, Director, Shivansh Resorts and Hotels LLP, commented, “We are proud to partner with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for this landmark project. By combining a globally respected hospitality brand with our local expertise, we aim to introduce international service standards while celebrating Jaipur’s unique charm. We are confident Wyndham Garden Jaipur will set new benchmarks in the city’s hospitality landscape and deliver strong growth for years to come.”

The upcoming Wyndham Garden Jaipur, developed by Shivansh Resorts and Hotels LLP in collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, therefore, promises to redefine luxury hospitality in Jaipur.

KFin Technologies launches IGNITE to empower mutual fund distributors

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Sreekanth Nadella, Managing Director & CEO, KFin Technologies

KFin Technologies Limited announced the launch of IGNITE, a strategic engagement initiative created to empower India’s mutual fund distributors. According to the company’s statement, IGNITE marks a major shift in distributor engagement, positioning KFin Technologies not just as a transactional service provider but as a transformational partner for banks, national distributors, mutual fund distributors (MFDs), and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs).

Built on KFin’s four decades of experience in enabling financial markets, the program therefore aims to redefine relationship management and, in turn, set new benchmarks in service delivery for asset management companies (AMCs) and distributors catering to India’s growing investor community.

Customized support for investors

At the core of IGNITE lies a suite of solutions designed to address the evolving needs of distributors. The program will provide relationship managers who deliver consistent, personalized support, while improved responsiveness and stronger issue-resolution mechanisms will enhance service turnaround times. Furthermore, the integration of advanced digital platforms—such as IRIS, KFin’s super app for financial intermediaries, and KFin KRA, a seamless onboarding tool—aims to streamline operations and accelerate digital adoption at scale.

The launch comes at a crucial time, as India’s mutual fund industry is projected to reach ₹80 lakh crore in assets under management by 2030. Moreover, rising investor demand for lower costs, faster digital experiences, personalized offerings, and transparent services drives this growth. Consequently, industry outlooks suggest that competitiveness in the sector will hinge on transforming operational frameworks and strengthening client engagement. To address these challenges, IGNITE provides distributors with integrated tools and dedicated support, thereby enabling them to serve investors more effectively and at scale.

Sreekanth Nadella, Managing Director & CEO of KFin Technologies, said, “Distributors have long needed a platform that truly understands their challenges and champions their growth. IGNITE is our commitment to that vision. By delivering not just operational support but a partnership mindset, we’re enabling distributors to thrive in a rapidly evolving, digitally led investment landscape. This is not a one-time program — it is a long-term journey to co-create the future of distribution.”

Looking beyond short-term operational gains, KFin Technologies anticipates that IGNITE will create a wider impact on the market. By enhancing distributor infrastructure, the program will help distributors improve investor services, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where accessibility and trust are still developing. Through the strengthening of the distributor ecosystem, KFin aims to promote investor inclusion, expand market reach, and support the development of a more transparent and scalable financial system.

This initiative underscores KFin Technologies’ commitment to driving India’s financial growth through technology and relationship-led transformation. As of June 30, 2025, KFin stands as the largest investor solutions provider to Indian mutual funds and the leading issuer solutions provider by clients served. With its strategic emphasis on empowering distributors, the company is well-positioned to shape the future of capital market distribution and governance.

Indian restaurant tech platform Petpooja raises Rs 137-Cr in funding

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Parthiv Patel & Apurv Patel, co-founders, Petpooja

Ahmedabad-based restaurant POS and management software provider Petpooja has raised Rs 137 crore ($15.5 million) in its Series C round, led by Dharana Capital. The round also saw participation from Ashish Gupta, co-founder of Helion Ventures, and Abhiraj Singh Bhal and Varun Khaitan, co-founders of Urban Company.

This fresh infusion of capital comes four years after the company’s previous funding round and is set to accelerate Petpooja’s growth plans. The company intends to use the proceeds to expand its product portfolio, enhance AI-driven automation, and strengthen customer support, according to a press release. According to regulatory filings, Dharana Capital invested Rs 82 crore and Ashish Gupta put in Rs 1 crore, while the company has yet to complete the remaining allotments.

The funding round, consequently, values Petpooja at approximately Rs 910 crore ($103 million), representing a 3.5X increase from its previous valuation. As a result of this round, Dharana Capital will hold an 18.62% stake on a fully diluted basis.

Founded in 2011 as a B2B food delivery startup, Petpooja later pivoted to a SaaS model, offering cloud-based billing and management software for SMB food service businesses. Today, the platform serves over 1,00,000 clients across India, the UAE, and South Africa, handling approximately 25% of online order volumes on Zomato and Swiggy.

Commenting on the round, Vamsi Duvvuri, Founder and Managing Partner, Dharana Capital, said, “As India’s food service ecosystem undergoes rapid digitization, Petpooja has emerged as the core technology backbone for restaurants. Their resilience and customer-first approach has set them apart, and we look forward to supporting them in this next chapter of growth.”

Parthiv Patel, Co-Founder and CEO of Petpooja, said, “Our partnership with Dharana marks an exciting new chapter for us. This round will help us accelerate product innovation and continue building solutions that help restaurants simplify their operations.”

Petpooja has raised roughly Rs 185 crore to date, including a $4.5 million Series B round led by Aroa Ventures in 2021. Although Petpooja has yet to file its FY25 financials, it reported a 43% revenue increase to Rs 76 crore in FY24 and reduced its losses significantly to Rs 13.4 crore.

This latest funding underscores Petpooja’s evolution from a food delivery startup to a leading SaaS platform, helping restaurants streamline operations and leverage technology to scale efficiently.

Arattai by Zoho: India’s Next Messaging Breakthrough

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Zoho is launching Arattai, a new messaging app designed to run smoothly on low-end smartphones. The app also works well in low-bandwidth areas, addressing a major gap in the market where most messaging apps are heavy on resources.

What Is Arattai?

Arattai is a lightweight communication tool from Zoho. It is built to provide a fast and reliable messaging experience, even on basic smartphones or slower internet connections.

Sridhar Vembu, Zoho’s CEO, explains that the app is tailored for devices with limited processing power. It also functions well in regions with unreliable or slow internet, ensuring users can stay connected anytime.

Vembu’s vision is to create an inclusive platform. With Arattai, everyone—regardless of their device or network speed—can use modern communication tools. By focusing on a lightweight design, Zoho aims to reach underserved markets with limited digital infrastructure.

Key Features of Arattai

  1. Low Bandwidth Optimization: The app works efficiently even in weak or intermittent internet areas, reducing data usage for users.
  2. Lightweight Design: Arattai is light on resources, making it perfect for budget smartphones that struggle with heavier apps.
  3. Seamless Messaging Experience: Despite its small size, Arattai delivers fast loading times and smooth communication, making it suitable for daily use.

Why Arattai Matters

Vembu highlights the need to make technology accessible to all. In many emerging markets, users still rely on affordable smartphones and limited internet. Popular apps like WhatsApp or Telegram often demand higher data speeds and better devices, leaving many people behind.

By launching Arattai, Zoho taps into this underserved audience, offering a democratic solution for millions. The company’s commitment to affordable and scalable technology is part of its long-term vision, particularly in India, where digital inequality remains a challenge.

The Road Ahead

As more users in rural and semi-urban areas come online, demand for low-bandwidth apps is rising. Arattai could become a key player, helping users stay connected without compromising quality.

However, while Arattai is receiving positive feedback, it is not yet a full competitor to WhatsApp. The main limitation is the lack of end-to-end encryption, which remains a critical feature for secure messaging.

Zoho aims to strengthen its role as an innovator in India and globally, and Arattai is a step toward making digital communication more inclusive.

Paddle Co-Founder’s GoodFit scores €11M to skyrocket growth

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Harrison Rose and Aleksander Bury, co-founders, GoodFit

GoodFit, a data platform transforming how companies design their go-to-market (GTM) strategies, has secured $13 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Notion Capital, with additional participation from Salica Investments, Inovia Capital, Robin Capital, Common Magic, and Andrena Ventures.

This Series A raise marks a significant milestone for the company. The capital will fuel the development of new features that put execution directly into the hands of revenue leaders. By reducing entry barriers and strengthening its intelligence layer, GoodFit aims to establish itself as the core of modern commercial strategies. Its mission is clear yet bold: to make top-tier go-to-market execution accessible to businesses of all sizes.

From Paddle Origins to a Global Vision

Harrison Rose and Aleksander Bury, who had previously collaborated at Paddle, founded GoodFit. Rose, a co-founder of Paddle, helped grow the company from the ground up to $100 million in revenue, while Bury developed internal tools that mapped markets and enhanced sales execution. These early initiatives formed the foundation for GoodFit—a platform designed to provide commercial leaders with configurable, data-driven solutions for targeting, prioritization, and execution.

The idea initially stemmed from their dissatisfaction with outdated sales models, where large teams struggled to manage a clutter of underutilized tools. Consequently, GoodFit shifts the focus away from headcount, giving revenue leaders direct control. Moreover, by combining proprietary market data with first-party performance insights, the platform enables them to identify prospects, align sales reps with the right accounts, and accurately forecast the most effective outreach strategies.

Driving Tangible Impact for Fast-Growing Businesses

GoodFit is already driving measurable impact for some of the world’s fastest-growing companies. HR software leader Personio has reduced deal creation time by 60%, while revenue operations platform Clari has expanded market coverage by more than 20%. Meanwhile, Chili Piper, a demand conversion tool, reports saving sales representatives over 10 hours each week, resulting in significant cost efficiencies.

These successes demonstrate how the platform translates intelligence into actionable outcomes. By enabling leaders to dynamically optimise customer acquisition costs, GoodFit accelerates growth while ensuring sustainability. Its ability to unify market analysis, campaign execution, and channel optimisation within a single system clearly distinguishes it from conventional sales models.

The company’s growing traction signals a broader transformation in how businesses scale. Rather than relying on large sales teams and uncertain efficiency gains, organisations now seek precision, speed, and measurable results.

“GoodFit was built to solve these challenges in a market being transformed by automation and AI,” said Harrison Rose, CEO and co-founder of GoodFit. “High-quality, specific data is the fuel these systems need. Without it, ideal customer profiles (ICPs) stay shallow and outreach remains generic. But as AI begins to take on more of the work traditionally carried out by humans, the possibilities expand dramatically. Data is becoming the central input for every GTM decision — from which cohorts to target, to which channels to use, how to deploy reps, and even how to optimise customer acquisition cost (CAC) in real time. That’s the future we’re building at GoodFit.”

Itxaso del Palacio, Partner at Notion Capital, said: “We saw what Aleks and Harrison were building inside Paddle and were thrilled when they decided to productise it for the broader market, knowing how well they would execute independently. GoodFit has demonstrated clear demand, which we have seen from within our own portfolio, and the team’s ability to do this while bootstrapped is even more impressive. They are sitting on top of a huge market opportunity with the rise of automation and AI in sales, one we know Aleks and Harrison will take advantage of as experienced operators.”

Ayurvedic wellness brand Kapiva raises $60 Mn in funding

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Kapiva Co-Founders Shrey Badhani and Ameve Sharma (L-R)

Kapiva, an Ayurvedic wellness brand, has secured $60 million (around Rs 510 crore) in a Series D funding round led by domestic investor 360 ONE Asset and Singapore-based Vertex Growth fund, a top executive confirmed.

The round also saw participation from existing investors Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, as well as 3one4 Capital, according to co-founder Shantanu, who goes by a single name.

Sources reported in April about Kapiva’s plan to raise this round of funding.

Of the total amount, $28 million comes as primary capital, while the remainder offered an exit to early backers such as Fireside Ventures. The fresh capital will be utilized for research and development, scaling up manufacturing, brand-building initiatives, and strengthening a health-tech ecosystem.

“This funding represents confidence in our vision to make Ayurveda the preferred choice for holistic wellness. Our strong results from clinical trials reflects our commitment to products that are both accessible and proven,” said Kapiva founder Ameve Sharma.

Sharma, a member of the family behind Ayurvedic wellness products maker Baidyanath Group, co-founded Kapiva in 2016 with Shrey Badhani, a former Bain & Co consultant. In 2023, the company promoted its COO Shantanu and CRO Anuj Sharma to co-founder positions.

Kapiva offers a wide range of Ayurvedic products including juices, teas, ghee, honey, vegan protein, oils, and more, spanning categories such as sports nutrition and overall wellness.

“Kapiva’s commitment to scientific Ayurveda—integrating modern science with traditional formulations—has enabled them to create a differentiated product portfolio with strong consumer trust,” said Chetan Naik, Senior Fund Manager and Strategy Head-Technology at 360 ONE Asset. “The wellness industry is experiencing a fundamental shift toward preventive healthcare, and Kapiva’s evidence-based approach focusing on diabetes, hypertension, energy, liver function and other chronic use cases, sets them apart.”

Avendus Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor for the deal.

The company earlier raised $27.4 million in a round led by private equity firm OrbiMed. According to a media report, it also closed an internal funding round of $10 million in 2022.

Back in 2021, it was reported that Kapiva had secured Rs 80-85 crore in a round led by Vertex Ventures, with participation from Fireside Ventures, Jetty Ventures India, and Rishabh Mariwala. Prior to that, in 2019, the company raised $2.5 million in a round led by Fireside Ventures.

Kapiva has since expanded internationally across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, and operates a wholly owned US subsidiary, Kapiva Inc. In India, it follows an omnichannel approach and has a distribution network spanning 40,000 stores.

Kapiva’s steady funding journey and global expansion highlight the growing investor confidence in its mission to make Ayurvedic wellness more accessible and scientifically validated. The brand leverages its diversified product portfolio, omnichannel presence, and evidence-based approach to preventive healthcare to strengthen its leadership in the Ayurvedic wellness industry both in India and abroad.

Quick medicine delivery platform Plazza raises $1.4 Mn in funding 

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Quick medicine delivery startup Plazza, founded by former Zomato head of dining out Aman Priyadarshi, has raised $1.4 million in a funding round led by All In Capital. Other participants include Better Capital, Tracxn founder Abhishek Goyal, Bounce’s founder Vivekananda Hallekere, the Singhania family office, and the promoters of JK Tyre.

The medicine delivery company plans to utilize the funds to expand its product range and increase its store presence in Bengaluru. Currently, Plazza operates one store in the city, but it will soon add two more this year. Furthermore, with a delivery window of just 15 to 60 minutes, the startup has adopted an omnichannel strategy. Notably, it began operations with its flagship outlet in Yemalur and, moving forward, it intends to open 20 additional stores over the next 12 months.

“A typical pharmacy has 4,000-5,000 SKUs (stock keeping units), which is very small and doesn’t have all the medicines that customers need,’’ said Priyadarshi, founder and chief executive. “We are challenging how pharma is retailed. We have 20,000 SKUs which can be directly purchased from our store or delivered.’’

Plazza also plans to diversify its offerings to include healthy snacks, mother and baby care, elder care, and dermatology products across both its app and physical stores. “So far, we have served 10,000 customers and the business is growing 25% weekly of late,’’ Priyadarshi added.

Priyadarshi and Aniruddha Sen, cofounder of Kenko Health, launched the startup in November 2024 after Kenko Health shut down in August last year due to a funding shortfall.

The funding round comes amid rising competition in quick commerce, as platforms race to provide faster access to medicines and supplements. For instance, Instamart has partnered with Pharmeasy, while Zepto is simultaneously pursuing an independent strategy. Moreover, Amazon has teamed up with Orange Health to expand its diagnostic services.

Earlier this month, Bengaluru-based online pharmacy PlatinumRx secured $6 million in funding from Stellaris Venture Partners, while in August, Truemeds raised $85 million in a round led by Accel and Peak XV Partners.

Roseate Hotels & Resorts leads the way in sustainable hospitality on World Tourism Day

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Mr. Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts

Roseate Hotels & Resorts has established itself as a pioneer in experiential and sustainable hospitality, bringing together eco-friendly practices and advanced technology. Guided by CEO Kush Kapoor, the brand has been scaling rapidly across global markets. Its recent acquisition of Beechfield House in Wiltshire, UK, along with plans for a 220-room hotel at Noida Airport featuring AI-driven solutions, underscores Roseate’s forward-looking approach.

On World Tourism Day, which highlights Tourism & Sustainability, Kapoor further underlined that Roseate consistently embeds care for the planet into every aspect of its operations.

Mr. Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts, said, “Tourism is a powerful force for connection, culture, and care for the planet. At Roseate Hotels & Resorts, sustainability is woven into every aspect of our guest experience—from farm-to-table dining and hydroponic farming to organic teas, locally sourced coffees, and handcrafted marmalades. We find joy in thoughtful details: recycling flowers into incense, turning food waste into nourishment for the earth, and creating moments that honour both nature and community. This World Tourism Day, we celebrate a future where travel uplifts, enriches, and sustains.”

Roseate continues to set benchmarks by weaving sustainability into every guest touchpoint, from farm-to-table dining and organic produce to eco-conscious innovations across its portfolio. By minimizing waste and curating sustainable experiences, the brand is redefining hospitality as a force for positive impact. With its global expansion and investments in new-age technology, Roseate is showing how travel can remain both luxurious and sustainable.

Info Edge named India’s most successful venture investor

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Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder and executive vice-chairman, Info Edge

Naukri.com-parent Info Edge, whose long-term bets on Indian startups like Zomato and Policybazaar have delivered blockbuster returns, has been named the country’s most successful venture investor, cementing its position as a standout player in India’s startup ecosystem.

The firm, led by Sanjeev Bikhchandani—often called India’s Warren Buffett—invested a total of ₹3,959.16 crore across platforms over the last 15 years. The fair market value (FMV) of these investments now stands at several times that amount. The market currently values Info Edge’s stakes in Zomato and Policybazaar, acquired between 2011 and 2015, at around ₹53,000 crore.

Bikhchandani’s chance encounter with the internet at a Delhi trade fair 28 years ago not only sparked the creation of Naukri.com but also marked the start of his journey as a serial investor.

Info Edge’s investment in Zomato (12.40% in Eternal—the listed entity of the food delivery firm) and Policybazaar (19.63%) proved providential as the IPOs of both companies became major successes. These investments established Info Edge as the country’s most successful venture investor and one of the biggest beneficiaries of the startup listing boom.

In his annual letter to shareholders at the end of FY25, Bikhchandani noted that the firm, which began financial investing in 2007, achieved an estimated 36% gross IRR across all vintages.

Info Edge backed homegrown listed companies early on, including Zomato and Policybazaar. It invested ₹483.78 crore in Zomato and ₹591.40 crore in Policybazaar. Today, its stake in Eternal (Zomato) is worth about ₹38,350 crore, and its holding in Policybazaar is worth ₹15,133 crore. Together, Zomato and Policybazaar’s market capitalization exceeds ₹3.8 lakh crore.

Following these successes, Info Edge invested in startups such as men’s grooming brand Ustra, B2B e-commerce platform Shopkirana, edtech platform Adda247, omni-channel inter-city bus platform Zingbus, and travel tech platform ixigo, among others, backing a total of 111 companies to date.

Bikhchandani founded Info Edge, one of India’s oldest internet-based companies, in 1995. The firm operates across sectors including recruitment (Naukri), real estate (99acres), matrimony (Jeevansathi), and education (Shiksha).

Info Edge’s journey as a financial investor has unfolded in four distinct phases. Bikhchandani explained in his letter:

“The first phase was from 2007 to 2012. Zomato and Policybazaar have been breakout successes of this period from over half a dozen investee companies.”

“The second phase was from 2012 to 2015. We treaded cautiously in this period as the winners from Phase 1 were yet to emerge.”

“The third phase was from 2016 to 2019, once it had become clear that Zomato and Policybazaar would be winners. Companies that we invested in during this period include Adda247 and Shipsy, among others. These are all companies at varying stages of maturity, but we remain optimistic that some of these will emerge as multi-baggers for us.”

Many of these companies have since raised funding at higher valuations from reputed investors such as Westbridge Capital, Google, Peak XV Partners, and A91 Partners. These emerging winners have strong capitalization, allowing them to execute their plans and potentially list on public markets.

“The fourth phase of our early-stage investing journey began in 2019 when we decided to set up a venture capital fund, namely Info Edge Venture Fund (IEVF), in the form of a SEBI-registered AIF vehicle. We have since invested through three different funds (i.e., IEVF, Info Edge Capital and Capital 2B) across four schemes,” Bikhchandani added.

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