Copyright yourstory
From popular investment platform Groww opening its IPO for bidding to travel-focused credit card platform Scapia's attempts at diversification, YourStory brings you all the developments from India's startup ecosystem. Featured stories AI browsers promise a fundamental shift, but that can swing either way Artificial intelligence has tacitly entered our browsing windows, seamlessly integrating with search features, as if it had always been there. These new AI browsers don’t just answer questions; they compile research, can fill forms, and even book reservations. Take Google, where search results topped with AI-powered summaries for quick overviews have become the go-to way of browsing for many. The AI model also helps users recall previously browsed pages and offers a voice-based assistant with Gemini Live. Or Perplexity’s AI browser Comet, which can book meetings, compare prices across multiple sites while shopping, book reservations, and fill out forms. These new AI browsers have triggered a shift in the way we browse daily. The change feels small at first, and then rather large, because it shifts control from surfing many tabs to refining a single conversation. Read more. Care has to be gender intelligent: Preetha Reddy on transforming women’s health in India Healthcare has to be gender specific, focused, and intelligent, says Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, one of the largest healthcare chains in the country. “It’s really not one-size-fits-all,” Reddy says in an interview with HerStory. India—which is at the forefront of healthcare globally—has to show this aspect to the rest of the world, she adds. Leading from the front, Reddy has been instrumental in making high-quality healthcare accessible to millions across India and beyond. Working closely with over 9,000 clinicians, she has undertaken initiatives to enhance clinical outcomes, strengthen quality processes, and ensure the highest standards of patient satisfaction. Read more. Latest news Scapia pushes into full-stack travel with new credit, commerce, and discovery offerings Travel-focused credit card platform Scapia launched a new card offering and is evolving into a full-stack travel commerce platform, driven by the insight that travellers spend nearly as much on shopping and experiences—both before and during trips—as they do on flights and hotels. The company said it is foraying into three new verticals around its Federal Bank co-branded card ecosystem: an independent add-on card system, an AI-curated experiences marketplace, and a dedicated travel ecommerce store. The Peak XV and Elevation Capital-backed startup is targeting overlooked pre-trip and at-destination spending with an AI-powered marketplace and a dedicated shopping platform. Read more. Funding news TABP raises $3M from LC Nueva, Entrust Family Office Coimbatore-based beverage maker TABP Snacks and Beverages raised $3 million (about Rs 26 crore) in a funding round led by LC Nueva, with participation from Entrust Family Office and investors Arun Mukherjee and Soumya Malani, the company said in a statement. Founded in 2018 by Prabhu Gandhikumar and Brindha Vijayakumar, TABP manufactures affordable packaged beverages inspired by local street drinks for mass-market consumers. It will use the capital to expand distribution across southern and eastern states, introduce new beverage formats, and scale manufacturing capacity. TABP reported Rs 212 crore in sales in FY24-25, up from Rs 4 crore in FY19, and aims to cross Rs 800 crore in sales over the next three years as it plans a pan-India expansion and a potential public listing. Protouch raises $2M in pre-Series A round led by GVFL Beauty appliance brand Protouch raised $2 million in a pre-Series A round led by GVFL, with participation from Ennission India Capital and Anicut Capital, valuing the company at $10 million, the company said in a statement. Founded in 2022 by Tanisha Lakhani, Protouch offers technology-driven beauty and personal care appliances across haircare, skincare, and grooming. It aims to bridge the gap between professional salon treatments and at-home convenience. Protouch will use the funds to expand its product portfolio, boost R&D, and strengthen retail presence across online and offline channels. It also intends to set up a manufacturing unit in the coming years. It has served over 2 lakh customers across India, expanded into the Middle East, and recorded a 15X revenue growth in 30 months while remaining profitable. (This article will be updated with the latest news throughout the day.)
