RBI Reforms Reshape M&A Financing Landscape, Allowing 75% Bank Funding

RBI reforms allow banks to finance up to 75% of corporate acquisition deals, easing a restriction that previously capped such financing. The Reserve Bank of India, as the country’s central bank, has introduced new guidelines to broaden M&A financing options and align with global best practices. The change is expected to unlock greater deal flow, enhance capital allocation, and give Indian corporates and investors more flexibility to pursue growth through acquisitions.

Women in AI Startups Raise $35M in Weekend Funding Roundup

A group of women‑led AI startups collectively raised $35 million in a weekend funding roundup, with investments from leading venture funds such as Sequoia, Accel, and Lightspeed. These startups, ranging from conversational AI platform “ChatGenius” to AI‑driven healthcare analytics firm “MediAI”, were founded by women entrepreneurs and operate across India and the US. The capital will be deployed to scale product development, expand market reach, and bolster AI research, positioning Indian women founders as key drivers of the AI ecosystem and attracting further investment.

Temasek Raises ₹440 Cr, Boosts Cult.fit Stake to 12% in India

Temasek has increased its stake in fitness platform Cult.fit to 12% by investing ₹440 crore, making it the largest shareholder in the Indian health tech company. Founded in 2016 by co‑founders Ankur Jain and Gaurav Munjal, Cult.fit offers a digital fitness ecosystem that combines on‑site gyms, workout videos, nutrition plans, and AI‑powered coaching across India. The infusion will be used to scale its technology platform, expand gym footprints, and enhance content production, positioning Cult.fit to capture a larger share of the rapidly growing Indian fitness market.

BIDSO Raises ₹63 Cr Series A Led by Blume Ventures to Expand Toy Manufacturing Platform

BIDSO, a toy manufacturing platform, has raised ₹63 crore in a Series A round led by Blume Ventures, with participation from other investors. Founded by a team of former toy designers and engineers, the Bengaluru‑based startup offers a digital marketplace that connects manufacturers with retailers and consumers across India. The capital will fund expansion of its supply‑chain network, development of advanced customization tools, and scaling of operations to capture a larger share of India’s growing toy market.

Terafab Invests $20‑25B to Build AI Chip Fab for Tesla, SpaceX

Elon Musk’s new Terafab facility will invest $20‑25 billion to produce AI chips for Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI. Terafab, a joint venture between Tesla and SpaceX headquartered near Austin, Texas, will manufacture custom AI chips for Tesla’s vehicles, robotaxis, Optimus robots, SpaceX satellites, and xAI models. The massive investment will enable a domestic supply chain for high‑performance AI chips, potentially reducing reliance on global suppliers and creating opportunities for Indian semiconductor firms and investors.

Finfinity Secures $2.4M to Scale Digital Lending Marketplace

Finfinity raised $2.4 million (₹22.50 crore) in a seed round led by Mankind Pharma Promoter’s Family Office, with Vi‑John Group and other investors. The Mumbai‑based fintech, founded in 2023 by Pradeep Chauhan, Vijay Kadam and Mohit Jain, offers an AI‑driven marketplace that lets buyers compare and access credit in real‑time. The capital will strengthen its technology, expand lender partnerships, scale distribution and drive customer acquisition, accelerating its growth and embedding lending into high‑intent journeys.

Grab Acquires Foodpanda Taiwan Business for $600 Million Deal

Grab announced it will acquire Delivery Hero’s Foodpanda Taiwan business for $600 million in cash, subject to regulatory approvals and expected to close in the second half of 2026. The Singapore‑based ride‑hailing and delivery platform, founded by Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling, serves 10 million users across Southeast Asia and is pivoting toward AI‑driven services. The transaction will give Grab a significant presence outside its core market, add an estimated $60 million incremental EBITDA in 2028, and underscore the growing appetite for cross‑border deals that could inspire Indian startups to pursue similar growth strategies.