May 25, 2206: Several Indian startups announced funding rounds, acquisitions, and expansion plans on Monday, reflecting continued activity across sectors including wellness, creator economy, travel-tech, health-tech, and deep technology.
Among the developments, Gurugram-based home salon and wellness platform Yes Madam raised Rs 50 crore in its first institutional funding round from Info Edge Growth Fund. Founded in 2016 by Mayank Arya, Aditya Arya, and Akanksha Vishnoi, the startup currently operates in more than 55 Indian cities. The company said the funds will be used for expansion, technology upgrades, and strengthening its service network.
𝟮 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟯 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆
Mumbai-based creator economy startup TIST Media also raised a seed round at a post-money valuation of $5.9 million. The round was led by Sthira Partners. The company plans to deploy the capital toward product development, team expansion, and scaling creator-brand partnerships through its platform infrastructure.
In Kerala, startup Graamya continued to gain attention for building a market for indigenous spices sourced from remote villages in Idukki district. Founded by entrepreneur Annu Sunny, the venture focuses on rural livelihoods and sustainable sourcing while connecting local produce with wider markets.
In the research and education sector, IIT Madras launched an advanced ocean engineering research facility at its Thaiyur satellite campus near Chennai. The Circulating Water Tunnel facility was developed with Rs 4.5 crore in CSR funding from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). The institute said the facility will support research and teaching activities in ocean engineering and maritime studies.
Health-tech company Voy entered the Indian market through the acquisition of online weight-loss platform EarlyFit. The company has been expanding globally through multiple acquisitions following a $120 million non-equity growth facility secured from General Catalyst earlier this year.
Travel-tech startup Ziptrrip announced the acquisition of HelloTravel Online Private Limited, marking the company’s first acquisition since its launch three years ago. HelloTravel will continue operations as a wholly owned subsidiary under Wayfarers Technologies Private Limited.
Meanwhile, Mysuru launched its first dedicated Quantum AI community initiative through Mysore Quantum AI (MQA), a not-for-profit foundation focused on Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The initiative is supported by ecosystem partners including Excelsoft Technologies, KDEM, TiE Mysuru, SJCE-STEP, and Young Indians.
The announcements indicate continued momentum in India’s startup ecosystem, with activity spread across consumer services, deeptech, creator platforms, research infrastructure, and digital healthcare.
