Flipspaces Brews $50M Series C Boost to Expand Globally & Amp Up AI

Flipspaces has raised $50 million in an expanded Series C round from UAE-based CE-Invests, Singapore’s Panthera Growth Partners, and Japan’s SMBC Asia Rising Fund, on top of earlier backing from Iron Pillar and others. The funds will fuel geographic expansion across India, the US, and UAE, enhance AI-powered design technology, integrate deeper supply chains, and enable strategic acquisitions.

ILJIN Electronics Raises ₹1,200 Cr from ChrysCapital and InCred to Power Expansion

ILJIN Electronics India, the electronics division of the Amber Group, has raised ₹1,200 crore in its first institutional funding round. ChrysCapital contributed ₹1,100 crore, while InCred Growth Partners added ₹100 crore through equity and convertible preference shares. The capital will fuel manufacturing scale-up, tech upgrades, and selective acquisitions, reinforcing ILJIN’s standing in India’s expanding EMS and PCB sectors.

Trufrost & Butler Chills Out with $7M Carpediem Capital Fuel for Nationwide & Global Scaling

Commercial refrigeration and foodservice equipment maker Trufrost & Butler has secured $7 million in growth capital led by Carpediem Capital. The investment will strengthen order fulfillment, expand service infrastructure, increase domestic manufacturing, and support exploration into select international markets. Founded in 2018, the startup serves the HoReCa segment—poised to benefit as foodservice chains expand into India’s Tier II and III cities.

Venture Catalysts Nets ₹150 Cr, Powers Up Leadership, AI, Fund Launches

Venture Catalysts, the Mumbai-headquartered multi-stage investing platform, has raised ₹150 crore (~$18 million) through a mix of primary and secondary share sales . The funds will be used to expand leadership teams, launch new funds, introduce AI-powered tools for due diligence and LP reporting, and bolster geographical reach across key startup hubs

IIT Delhi Launches India–UAE Startup Exchange to Propel Global Deep-Tech Expansion

IIT Delhi’s Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) has introduced the India–UAE Startup Exchange, aimed at enabling Indian startups to scale in the UAE. Announced during a high-level dialogue hosted by the UAE Ambassador, the initiative brings 40 FITT-incubated deep-tech ventures—from AI and mobility to healthcare and sustainability—together to explore strategic opportunities in a global launchpad setting.

Ziffi Chess Moves Fast: Secures $5M Series A Led by Tanglin Venture Partners

Quick-move gaming platform Ziffi Chess, offering a unique 2-minute, 6-move chess format, has raised ₹44.2 crore (~$5 million) in its Series A round, led by Tanglin Venture Partners, joined by returning backers India Quotient, DeVC, and others. Post-funding valuation stands at around ₹206 crore (~$23.5 million). Founders retain majority control amid rapid expansion.

Atlassian Acquires AI Browser Maker The Browser Company for $610M

Atlassian will acquire New York-based The Browser Company—maker of AI-driven Dia (and Arc) browsers—for $610 million in cash, funded from its $2.5 billion reserve. The move marks Atlassian's entry into AI-integrated browsers designed as intelligent workspaces for knowledge workers, with Dia becoming its enterprise default. Shares dropped ~2% following the announcement. The deal is expected to close by December 2025.

Digantara and Japan’s ispace Forge Cislunar Map to Safeguard Lunar Missions

Bengaluru-based spacetech startup Digantara has partnered with Japanese lunar exploration firm ispace to build a detailed map of the Moon’s orbit—enhancing situational awareness in cislunar space. The collaboration aims to monitor space debris, support safe lunar navigation and infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable lunar ecosystem. The deal was sealed during the India-Japan summit.

L Catterton Closes $200M First Round for Its India-Focused Consumer Fund

L Catterton has completed the first close of its India-dedicated consumer fund at $200 million (₹1,763 crore), part of a targeted $400 million vehicle with a $200 million green-shoe option. Supported by investors including IFC and Kotak Private clients, the fund aims to deploy $25M–$150M cheques across 7–9 high-growth consumer deals in sectors like food, healthcare, retail, and F&B.

GST Still Bites on Brand Purchases—18% Remains for Standalone Buys

India will continue charging 18% GST on standalone brand purchases, even under the new GST rules effective from September 22. No concessions are offered for brands acquired individually. However, entire business acquisitions through M&A remain GST-exempt as per existing regulations, creating a clear tax distinction between brand-only purchases and full business transfers.