This week in Indian startups: 24 August 2026 to 30 August 2026

By Abha Lohia

The five stories that mattered, then every other round of the week.

The five that mattered

1. Sarvam AI raises $309 million to build India-specific AI models and infrastructure

   Sarvam AI is a full-stack sovereign AI platform offering large language models, speech recognition, translation, document processing, and coding across 22…

2. Emerald AI raises $150M in Series A at $1.05B valuation

   Emerald AI builds software that adjusts data centre power use based on grid conditions

3. Ather Energy raises ₹1,200 crore through preferential issue

   Ather Energy designs, manufactures, and sells electric scooters while managing its own charging network and energy storage infrastructure

4. Avaada Electro files updated draft IPO papers for ₹7,600 crore

   Avaada Electro manufactures solar cells and modules under the Enlume and Integlow brands, operating a vertically integrated ecosystem

5. Skegen Asset Management plans second fund of up to ₹5,000 crore

   Skegen Asset Management is an investment firm that focuses exclusively on manufacturing companies rather than the services sector

Every other round

• Matter Motor Works raises $25 million growth capital Matter Motor Works: Electric motorcycle manufacturer More on Matter Motor Works
• WATER raises $2.5 million seed funding round WATER: Physical AI adaptive surface developer
• Regional airline FLY91 plans ₹150 crore growth funding FLY91: Goa-based regional airline operator
• Asaya secures ₹88 crore in Series A round Asaya: Skincare for melanin-rich skin More on Asaya
• Rohit Sharma invests in LightFury Games LightFury Games: AAA game-tech studio More on LightFury Games
• Plenaire seeks $1M–$1.5M in seed funding Plenaire: Independent skincare brand for Gen Z
• Nexedge Capital raises $20 million in maiden funding Nexedge Capital: Wealth management and family office More on Nexedge Capital
• Utsav raises ₹36 crore in Series A funding Utsav: Digital platform for religious services More on Utsav
• Habonix Media secures seed grant from Punjab government Habonix Media: IT services for small businesses
• Neysa tops Mumbai AI startups with $49.9M funding Neysa: AI company providing artificial intelligence solutions More on Neysa
• CarbonStrong secures Rs 12.5 crore seed round CarbonStrong: low-carbon cement substitute maker
• Airbound raises $37 million in Series A funding Airbound: Autonomous drone delivery startup More on Airbound
• Ringg AI raises $10 million in Series A extension Ringg AI: Enterprise AI voice and chat agents More on Ringg AI
• Curaa raises ₹40 crore to expand kitchenware business Curaa: Kitchen appliances and tools manufacturer
• Runable raises $21 million Series A for AI agents Runable: Autonomous AI agent platform More on Runable
• InspeCity raises ₹100 crore for in-orbit satellite servicing InspeCity: In-space satellite servicing technology More on InspeCity
• Scooby's club raises $250k pre-seed funding from TDV Partners Scooby's Club: Neighbourhood-focused dog daycare and hotel More on Scooby's Club
• Cüraa raises ₹40 crore in Series A funding Cüraa: Kitchen appliances and lifestyle brand
• Superhealth in talks to raise $10 million funding Superhealth: Hospital chain with AI-powered operations More on Superhealth
• Even Healthcare secures Rs 208 crore Series B Even Healthcare: Hospital and clinic healthcare operator More on Even Healthcare
• TrucksUp raises $8.2 million in growth funding TrucksUp: AI-driven digital freight marketplace
• Oorjaa raises ₹9.7 crore in Series A first close Oorjaa: Mid-mile and last-mile logistics network
• InstaAstro raises $12 million in Series A funding InstaAstro: Digital astrology and spiritual platform More on InstaAstro
• Vegapay in advanced talks for new funding round Vegapay: Digital lending and card infrastructure More on Vegapay
• Biryani Bees raises $1 million for outlet expansion Biryani Bees: Quick-service biryani and meals brand
• SkinInspired raises ₹12.25 crore seed round SkinInspired: Dermatologist-led skincare brand More on SkinInspired
• Edgeverse raises ₹3 crore from GVFL Edgeverse: Edge AI perception for mobility More on Edgeverse
• Infosys invests in procurement startup Aerchain Aerchain: AI-powered enterprise procurement platform More on Aerchain
• Elivaas plans fresh funding to expand villa portfolio Elivaas: Luxury villa management platform
• Chini Kum raises pre-seed funding for beverages Chini Kum: Naturally sweetened beverage brand More on Chini Kum

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