Top 10 Indian Startup News Highlights – June 28, 2025

Meesho IPO, Defence-Tech Surge, AI Adoption, and More Drive Momentum

India’s startup ecosystem closed the week with a bang on June 28, 2025, as funding activity surged, IPOs gained traction, and AI integration deepened across sectors. From fintech innovations to drone technology for national defence, here’s a snapshot of the top 10 startup developments shaping the future of Digital India.

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1. Meesho Gears Up for ₹4,250 Crore IPO

Social commerce unicorn Meesho has received board approval to raise ₹4,250 crore (~$510 million) through its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering. This move comes as Meesho looks to cement its leadership in Tier-2 and Tier-3 e-commerce markets. The IPO filing aligns with a growing trend of Indian unicorns opting for public listings, further strengthening India’s capital market ecosystem.
Source: Inc42

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2. Indian Startups Raise $278 Million in One Week

A total of $278 million was raised across 22 deals this week, led by sectors like defence-tech and e-commerce enablement. The consistent inflow of capital underlines global investor confidence, especially in AI-first companies and India’s growing B2B SaaS ecosystem. Startups are increasingly aligning their strategies with platforms such as Startup India, helping founders navigate policy, funding, and expansion.
Source: Inc42

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3. Raphe mPhibr Bags $100 Million for Defence-Grade Drone Tech

Noida-based Raphe mPhibr, a leader in high-tech drone solutions, raised $100 million to scale its proprietary UAV technology. With rising demand for surveillance and tactical applications, the company is set to contribute significantly to India’s self-reliance in defence technologies.
Source: Business Outreach

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4. Over 70% of Indian Startups Now Using AI at Core

According to a study conducted by Meta and Alvarez & Marsal, more than 70% of high-growth Indian startups are now using Artificial Intelligence to automate key operations like user acquisition, customer support, and inventory planning. As outlined in YourStory’s detailed report, this AI adoption is helping reduce cost-per-acquisition and enhancing operational efficiency for D2C, fintech, and logistics platforms.

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5. Jewellery Brand GIVA Raises $62 Million

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) jewellery brand GIVA, based in Bengaluru, has secured $62 million in fresh funding. The capital will be deployed to expand its product categories, strengthen its online-offline experience, and improve personalization through AI-driven recommendation engines.
Source: Inc42

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6. Battery Smart Raises $21 Million to Expand EV Network

EV battery-swapping startup Battery Smart raised $21 million to expand its network of swap stations across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. With India pushing for electric mobility and initiatives like FAME-II, startups like Battery Smart are key enablers of mass EV adoption for two- and three-wheelers.
Source: Business Outreach

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7. ShopOS Raises $20 Million Led by Binny Bansal’s 3STATE Ventures

ShopOS, a platform providing an e-commerce operating system for brands, raised $20 million in a funding round led by Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal’s 3STATE Ventures. The company helps online businesses streamline operations using AI and automation tools, positioning itself alongside platforms like Delhivery and Shiprocket in the enablement stack.
Source: Business Outreach

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8. GoKwik Raises $13 Million for Smarter Checkout Experiences

E-commerce enabler GoKwik secured $13 million to enhance its checkout optimization tools, helping D2C brands reduce cart abandonment and improve return-to-origin metrics. Its dynamic algorithms assist platforms similar to Mamaearth and boAt in building frictionless shopping journeys.
Source: Inc42

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9. Slice Launches UPI on Credit and Opens First Smart Branch

Fintech innovator Slice has introduced UPI-on-credit functionality, allowing users to make UPI and QR payments directly from their credit line. This was accompanied by the opening of Slice’s first tech-powered banking branch in Bengaluru, blending digital-first features with a physical banking experience. As per Entrackr’s update, Slice is redefining how traditional banking meets modern fintech.
Source: Entrackr

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10. India Becomes 3rd Largest Tech Startup Fundraising Ecosystem – H1 2025

India has ranked third globally for tech startup funding in the first half of 2025, behind only the US and China. According to data from TICE News, sectors like AI, fintech, edtech, and health-tech are leading the way in funding rounds, showcasing India’s global competitiveness and investor trust.

From IPOs to AI and fintech revolutions, India’s startup landscape is evolving at record speed. With $278 million raised in just a week and unicorns like Meesho heading to the stock market, the momentum is clear. Platforms like GoKwik, Battery Smart, and ShopOS are building essential infrastructure for D2C brands and digital commerce, while companies like Raphe mPhibr are pushing India’s tech boundaries in defence.

With government support, investor backing, and deep tech integration, Indian startups are not only solving for India but setting the pace globally.