Cash Rush: Top Startup Funding Highlights (July 26–Aug 1)
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The startup ecosystem saw a vibrant week of funding activity, with a mix of AI-driven innovations, fintech disruptors, and specialised platforms securing capital to fuel their next growth phase. From cybersecurity and semiconductor intelligence to edtech and gaming communities, these ventures are redefining industries with technology-first approaches and strong investor backing. Here's a snapshot of the week's biggest deals.
SAFE – Cybersecurity Risk Quantification
SAFE offers cybersecurity risk quantification and management services, enabling organisations to measure, prioritise, and mitigate cyber threats across digital infrastructure. Formerly known as Lucideus, Safe Security safeguards Fortune 500 companies with continuous risk assessments and actionable insights.
Inception: 2012
2012 Founder: Saket Modi
Saket Modi Based-out: California
California Funding Amount: USD 70 Million
USD 70 Million Investors: Avataar Ventures, Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital, NextEquity Partners, Prosperity7 Ventures, Eight Roads, John Chambers, Sorenson Capital
Navi Technologies – Tech-Led Financial Services
Navi operates a digital-first financial services platform offering personal and home loans via its NBFC arm, Navi Finserv. Its offerings extend to mutual funds, health insurance, and UPI-based payment solutions, making it a comprehensive financial ecosystem for retail consumers.
Inception: 2018
2018 Founders: Sachin Bansal, Ankit Agarwal
Sachin Bansal, Ankit Agarwal Based-out: Bengaluru
Bengaluru Funding Amount: USD 20 Million
USD 20 Million Investors: PhillipCapital, NDX Finserve, Aarpee Group, Ambit Finvest, and others
Metaforms – AI Agents for Market Research
Metaforms develops AI-driven agents that streamline market research workflows. From automating survey programming to data processing and vendor coordination, the platform enables faster turnarounds and scalability for research agencies.
Inception: 2022
2022 Founders: Akshat Tyagi, Arjun S
Akshat Tyagi, Arjun S Based-out: Bengaluru
Bengaluru Funding Amount: USD 9 Million
USD 9 Million Investors: Peak XV Partners, Nexus Venture Partners, Together Fund
STAN – Social Platform for Gaming Creators
STAN is a mobile-first platform empowering gaming creators, publishers, and communities through live audio, creator clubs, monetisation tools, and brand-led campaigns. It facilitates community building and engagement in gaming culture.
Inception: 2022
2022 Founders: Parth Chadha, Rahul Singh, Nauman Mulla
Parth Chadha, Rahul Singh, Nauman Mulla Based-out: Bengaluru
Bengaluru Funding Amount: USD 8.5 Million
USD 8.5 Million Investors: Google's AI Futures Fund, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Square Enix, Reazon Holdings, Aptos Labs, General Catalyst, GFR Fund, T-Accelerate Capital, Pix Capital
SixSense – AI for Semiconductor Manufacturing
SixSense uses AI to analyse semiconductor production data, detect critical defects, and predict process deviations. Its platform boosts throughput, reduces waste, and shifts manufacturing from reactive inspection to proactive control.
Inception: 2018
2018 Founders: Akanksha Jagwani, Avni Agarwal
Akanksha Jagwani, Avni Agarwal Based-out: Singapore
Singapore Funding Amount: USD 8.5 Million
USD 8.5 Million Investors: Peak XV's Surge, Alpha Intelligence Capital, Febe, and others
Arivihan – AI-Powered Rural Learning
Arivihan delivers personalised, AI-driven learning to students in smaller towns and rural areas. Its platform includes interactive lectures, instant doubt-solving, and tailored study plans for board and NEET exam preparation.
Inception: 2024
2024 Founders: Ritesh Singh Chandel, Sonu Kumar, Rushabh Kothari
Ritesh Singh Chandel, Sonu Kumar, Rushabh Kothari Based-out: Bengaluru
Bengaluru Funding Amount: USD 4.17 Million
USD 4.17 Million Investors: Prosus, Accel, GSF Investors
Sharpsell.ai – AI for Sales Performance
Sharpsell.ai provides a SaaS platform that boosts frontline sales productivity with personalised pitches, contextual coaching, and dynamic content. It serves major enterprises across BFSI, healthcare, consumer goods, and more.
Inception: 2022
2022 Founders: Hanuman Kamma, Arun Subramanian
Hanuman Kamma, Arun Subramanian Based-out: Mumbai
Mumbai Funding Amount: USD 3.47 Million
USD 3.47 Million Investors: Equentis Angel Fund
These startups highlight how innovation and strategic funding continue to drive transformative solutions across industries.
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