Indian startups saw a modest VC inflow surge in the week of May 9-15, driven largely by ride-hailing platform Rapido’s $240 million primary round. Total VC funding rose to $323 million across 22 deals, up from $129 million the previous week. Still, funding remained thin across stages, with global macro headwinds clouding expectations for the rest of the year.
Karnataka has announced an expedited plan for a dedicated drone flight testing facility near Bengaluru, alongside a refreshed drone policy framework. IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge led an industry consultation with regulators and startups to address testing infrastructure, streamlined approvals and public-sector drone adoption. The state is also exploring an annual Bengaluru Drone Festival to spotlight innovation, competitions and real-world use cases.
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Vivekananda Global University (VGU) in Jaipur is betting that India’s next founders will build from home as remote-first work and Tier II support programs expand. The university has supported 200-plus startups, enabled over Rs 20 crore in funding, and embeds incubation, mentorship, and early grants into academics—helping founders access pilots, mentors, and investors without relocating to metros.
Indian venture capital funding fell in the first week of May as fewer deals closed and no high-value transactions materialised. Total funding dropped to $129 million across 19 deals versus $219 million the prior week. With weekly deal counts hovering near 20 and no clear investment theme, startups face tougher capital raising—though hope remains for a steadier second half.
India’s fintech sector managed $513 million in Q1 2026, but deal activity collapsed by 54 percent. Funding is shifting to fewer companies receiving larger checks, with Mumbai leading the charge through lending and housing finance. Late-stage investments are growing too, signaling investors are increasingly backing mature platforms with proven traction rather than early bets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day 2025 Red Fort address to underline India’s drive for self-reliance, including in space. He said the country is working toward building its own space station and highlighted the role of more than 300 local startups powering India’s space sector as India pushes toward Viksit Bharat.
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Trump era curbs are making H-1B pathways more expensive, and India’s elite tech circles are quietly rethinking the default move to the US. With domestic hiring prospects improving and startups thriving, more IIT graduates are choosing local careers over paying higher visa costs, signaling confidence that India’s own growth can power top talent.
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