From AI-powered surveillance to healthy ice cream and edtech, Indian startups are attracting strong investor interest across sectors
In a robust display of investor confidence, Indian startups raised over $100 million across multiple sectors during the second week of April 2025. From AI-based defense tech to healthier food innovations and edtech platforms, startups across the country secured substantial investments to accelerate their growth and innovation. Below is a comprehensive roundup of the top funding stories from the Indian startup ecosystem last week.
Juspay Secures $60 Million to Boost Global Payments
Bengaluru-based fintech firm Juspay announced a significant $60 million Series D funding round, led by Kedaara Capital, with additional participation from SoftBank and Accel. Juspay, known for powering seamless payment solutions for giants like Amazon and Swiggy, plans to utilize the funding to scale operations globally and enhance user experience across mobile and web platforms. With India’s digital payments market expected to reach $10 trillion by 2026, this investment positions Juspay strategically for international expansion.
Optimized Electrotech Raises $6 Million for AI-Powered Surveillance
Defense-focused deep-tech startup Optimized Electrotech, headquartered in Ahmedabad, secured $6 million in funding from investors including Blume Ventures and Mela Ventures. The startup builds advanced AI-powered surveillance systems for defense, aerospace, and border control. The funding will support product development and expansion, aligning with India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in strategic defense technology.
Mosaic Wellness Attracts $21 Million for Health Platform Expansion
Mosaic Wellness, a health and wellness company offering direct-to-consumer brands like Man Matters and Be Bodywise, raised $21 million in its latest round from Think Investments. The funding will be channeled towards new product lines, R&D, and expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The wellness segment in India is projected to reach $72 billion by 2026, making Mosaic’s expansion timely and strategic.
Noto Ice Cream Gets $2.5 Million for Guilt-Free Indulgence
Mumbai-based low-calorie ice cream brand Noto secured $2.5 million in funding led by Equentis Angel Fund, Inflection Point Ventures, and JITO Angel Network. Noto plans to diversify its product line with non-dairy alternatives, expand its presence in retail outlets, and open exclusive experience stores. With increasing consumer demand for healthier food options, Noto’s funding reflects a shift toward mindful snacking.
CENTA Raises $2.4 Million to Empower Educators
The Centre for Teacher Accreditation (CENTA) raised $2.4 million in Series A1 funding from Colossa Ventures, Discovery Assets, and notable angel investors. CENTA provides certification and career support to over 500,000 teachers in India and abroad. The fresh funds will scale up their skilling programs and teacher engagement initiatives, critical for improving educational quality across the country.
BeastLife Hits $14.4 Million Valuation After Celebrity Investment
Fitness-focused startup BeastLife, co-founded by fitness influencer Gaurav Taneja, raised $228,000 from Indian cricketer Rinku Singh, placing the startup’s post-money valuation at approximately $14.4 million. BeastLife aims to revolutionize fitness with hybrid programs combining physical gyms and digital coaching, targeting urban youth seeking flexible fitness solutions.
Cura Care Raises $600,000 for At-Home Dental Services
Delhi-based dental health startup Cura Care raised $600,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Zeropearl VC. The company delivers affordable at-home dental treatments, including whitening and orthodontics. With India’s dental care sector projected to grow at 7.5% CAGR, Cura Care is tapping into a rapidly expanding market, especially among urban millennials.
A Snapshot: Over $100 Million Raised in a Week
Here is a summary of the week’s largest deals:
| Startup | Sector | Amount Raised (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Juspay | Fintech | $60 million |
| Mosaic Wellness | Healthtech | $21 million |
| Optimized Electrotech | AI/Defense Tech | $6 million |
| Noto Ice Cream | Foodtech | $2.5 million |
| CENTA | Edtech | $2.4 million |
| Cura Care | Healthtech | $600,000 |
| BeastLife | Fitness | $228,000 |
These funding rounds highlight the diversity and dynamism of the Indian startup ecosystem, where innovation meets investor confidence across verticals like fintech, healthtech, foodtech, and edtech.
#IndianStartups #StartupFunding #Juspay #MosaicWellness #OptimizedElectrotech #CuraCare #NotoIceCream #EdtechIndia #StartupNewsIndia #BDigit24
