Welcome “India” Bulls!

India’s startup ecosystem is riding a strong funding wave, with companies collectively raising $268.9 million between August 15-22, reflecting a 19% year-on-year jump. The week saw standout deals across diverse sectors, showcasing both global and domestic investor confidence. Leading the charge was TinyFish, a Palo Alto-based AI agent startup that automates complex web tasks by mimicking human browsing. The company secured a hefty $47 million Series A round led by ICONIQ Capital, giving it a 3-4 year runway to disrupt industries like retail and travel. Back home, FMCG player Mitra attracted ₹14 crore (~$1.7 million) in a bridge round spearheaded by Bestvantage Investments, strengthening its push into consumer markets. Beyond individual deals, the cumulative capital infusion underscores how Indian startups are regaining investor trust despite global macroeconomic headwinds. As sectors like AI, consumer goods, and automation continue to attract fresh bets.

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P.S. The Sunday Special is designed to help you discover the most important Startup insights outside of Share Markets. Our regular Share Market updates will resume as usual on Monday.

Startup Menu

• Startups this Week

• Case Study

• Everything else you need to know

• Life Hack in Video

• Special

• Must Watch

STARTUPS THIS WEEK

India’s Fantasy League Dream Hits a Harsh Reality Check

India’s fantasy sports landscape has been dealt a stunning blow as Dream11, My11Circle, and MPL - the biggest names in the sector - announced they are shutting down their real-money fantasy leagues in India. Once celebrated as billion-dollar disruptors of India’s gaming boom, these platforms are now bowing out, citing the crushing weight of regulatory challenges and a steep 28% GST levy on online real-money games. For investor that thrived on cricket’s mass appeal, this tax burden has turned operations unsustainable, forcing a retreat from their most lucrative product line.

The move doesn’t just impact companies - it disrupts millions of fantasy sports fans who had turned match days into high-stakes experiences. For many, logging in to build a fantasy team became as much a ritual as watching the game itself. Now, with real-money leagues off the table, users are left with free-to-play versions that lack the adrenaline rush of cash winnings.

For the companies, however, this isn’t the end of the road. Industry insiders suggest Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle are likely to pivot toward casual gaming, skill-based contests, and international markets, hoping to rebuild lost momentum.

CASE STUDY

The Rise of Netflix’s Wednesday Franchise

Netflix’s Wednesday didn’t just stream - it stormed into pop culture, transforming from a quirky spin-off into a global franchise phenomenon. The show, centering on Wednesday Addams, struck gold with its perfect mix of gothic charm, teenage drama, and mystery - capturing Gen Z and millennial audiences alike.

Much of its success stems from the viral cultural moments it created - Jenna Ortega’s now-iconic dance scene sparked endless TikTok recreations, catapulting Wednesday beyond screens into social media trends. Netflix capitalized quickly, expanding the show’s reach into merchandise, fashion collaborations, and theme park experiences, turning a streaming hit into a multi-channel brand.

Behind the scenes, smart franchise-building played a role. By modernizing a nostalgic character with contemporary storytelling, Wednesday bridged generations, giving long-time Addams Family fans something familiar while hooking new audiences. The show’s success reflects Netflix’s growing focus on franchise IP, competing directly with Hollywood giants like Disney and Warner Bros.

With Season 2 already in the works and spin-off potential on the horizon, Wednesday is more than just a hit series - it’s Netflix’s blueprint for building sticky, monetizable universes around original content.

FROM THE WAR ZONE

Everything else you need to know

🌏 Expansion: OpenAI is opening its first India office in New Delhi later this year, aiming to tap into the country’s booming AI developer ecosystem and strengthen ties with policymakers. The move signals India’s growing weight in global AI adoption and governance.

🔋 Flexibility: Ola Electric has secured shareholder approval to reallocate IPO proceeds, giving it freedom to redirect funds from earlier plans. The shift offers agility for product launches and battery tech but raises investor questions on long-term strategy.

🎮 Pause: After a $200M buyout by Flutter Entertainment, Junglee Rummy has paused operations in India amid regulatory and tax hurdles. The move highlights the risks facing real-money gaming despite massive user demand.

💡 Impact: JICA has invested $40M in Aavishkaar Capital’s Global Supply Chain Support Fund, backing startups and SMEs building sustainable, resilient supply chains. The capital aims to strengthen India’s role in global trade and green logistics.

LIFE HACKS

SPECIAL

Meet the Startups Redefining Meat & Dairy

A wave of Indian biotech startups is boldly redefining the future of what’s on our plates. Using advanced techniques like cell line development, serum‑free nutrient media, 3D bioprinting, and scaffolding, these innovators are crafting meat that mimics real texture and taste - without ever touching a farm animal.

On the dairy front, precision fermentation is starring in the show: microbes such as yeast are being programmed to churn out cow-identical milk proteins like casein and whey, enabling cruelty-free cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.

These breakthroughs signal more than just futuristic food - they’re a sustainable leap forward. By bypassing traditional livestock, these startups help reduce land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and ethical woes tied to animal farming. It’s a fresh spin on both innovation and responsibility.

Yet, the path forward isn’t just scientific - consumer trust will be a hurdle. Will shoppers embrace lab-grown as “real”? How do these brands build credibility? What price points will make them mainstream? One thing’s clear: this isn’t just food tech - it’s a chance to reshape India’s food systems, climate impact, and culinary culture.

MUST WATCH

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Until tomorrow!

Hanoomaan India Business team

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