News and Trends | Page 9

The fresh funds will be used for the Phase 1 deployment of nearly 1,000 electric buses and trucks across inter-city transport and heavy trucking segments.

In an era obsessed with overnight success, Aliasgar Jasupurwala’s journey offers a different narrative.

Out of the total INR 10.5 crore raise, INR 8 crore was equity and INR 2.5 crore venture debt.

The round, which values Digantara at approx. USD 200 million, also attracted investments from 360 One Asset, Tokyo-based asset management firm SBI Holdings, and entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala.

ReGrip will use the fresh funding to expand processing, enhance recycling infrastructure, scale operations to new regions, and formalise informal scrap collectors.

The board exits are scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026.

Continued emphasis on infrastructure development, expansion of freight and logistics networks, and focused support for construction and equipment manufacturing will directly translate into higher vehicle utilisation

Union Budget 2026-27 proposes boosting services, education, design, STEM, and astronomy with new committees, institutes, university townships, girls' hostels, and upgraded telescope facilities.

The proposal includes an exemption until the year 2045, with the Finance Minister clarifying that it applies to global companies operating through partnered entities from India.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman used the Budget to sharpen the government’s push for India’s small businesses, announcing a mix of fresh funding, cluster revival, and tighter credit linkages aimed at strengthening the MSME backbone.

As expected, the budget speech focused on economic growth and sustaining and maintaining fiscal discipline.

BRND.ME, a global consumer brands company, has announced its entry into Europe with a presence across 7 countries. 

Under the deal, Perplexity will be able to run a range of frontier AI models through Microsoft’s Foundry program, including systems developed by OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, according to the report.

Icertis, the contract management software provider, has announced the passing of Samir Bodas, co-founder, long-time Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Chairman, following a battle with cancer. 

With this round, the company’s total funding now stands at USD 42 million, including a USD 12 million Series A led by CX Partners in April 2024.

Top Deals of January 24-30

Total funding nearly doubled year-over-year, largely driven by Raphe mPhibr’s USD 100M Series B round led by global investments firm General Catalyst. The number of annual funding rounds increased from 5 in 2016 to 42 in 2024, before moderating in 2025 YTD.

Capital concentrated in enterprise applications and environment tech, driven mainly by Qapita, Kshema, and Qucev, reflecting narrow early-stage-led sector dominance rather than broad investment rotation.

For students preparing for competitive exams, Google also announced full-length JEE Main practice tests within its AI assistant, Gemini.

The IPO includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth INR 660 crore (about USD 73.3 million), alongside an offer for sale (OFS) of 2.86 crore shares.

Biopeak will use the fresh funds to expand operations, open a new clinic, enhance diagnostics, advance AI tools, support research, and develop clinical programs.