Simply Startups

Rapido Ventures into Fintech and Food Delivery: A Strategic Shift

In today's episode, we explore Rapido's bold move into the fintech sector with a new subsidiary focused on lending and financial services, marking a significant diversification from its ride-hailing roots. We also discuss Rapido's entry into the food delivery market, challenging established players like Zomato and Swiggy. Join us as we delve into how these expansions could reshape Rapido's business model and its future in the Indian market.Sources:https://indianstartupnews.com/news/ola-uber-rival-rapido-plans-to-launch-new-subsidiary-for-fintech-operations-report-8939841https://yourstory.com/2025/04/rapido-fintech-food-delivery-new-businesshttps://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/rapido-plans-new-subsidiary-for-fintech-after-food-delivery/storyhttps://en.channeliam.com/2025/04/08/rapido-food-delivery-zero-commission/https://yourstory.com/2025/04/inside-rapidos-fintech-plans-juspayhttps://the-captable.com/2025/04/rapido-food-delivery-swiggy-zomato-fintech/https://www.instagram.com/indianstartupnews/p/DIMV5xQzt_E/https://www.instagram.com/p/DILaHK6RfBo/

Zepto’s Bold Move: Introducing Zepto Daily to Revolutionize Quick-Commerce

Explore Zepto's latest strategic shift with the launch of Zepto Daily, an invite-only service aimed at enhancing customer engagement in India's competitive quick-commerce market. Discover how this initiative could reshape the industry landscape and set new standards for customer acquisition and retention.Sources:https://yourstory.com/2025/04/startup-news-and-updates-daily-roundup-april-7-2025https://www.afaqs.com/news/mktg/how-zepto-pulled-off-more-than-50-ads-in-6-months-without-breaking-the-bank-8922769https://www.medianama.com/2025/04/223-piyush-goyal-comments-startup-mahakumbh-2025-highlights/https://economictimes.com/magazines/panache/zepto-ceo-piyush-goyal-responds-to-piyush-goyals-delivery-boys-jibe-we-employed-1-5-lakh-people/articleshow/119963558.cmshttps://www.businessworld.in/article/illogical-bjp-mp-slams-zepto-ceos-response-to-goyals-remarks-552768https://medial.app/post/67f3c77439fdc4f9aca3c3a1https://www.instagram.com/franchiseindia_/p/DH8XTdQzZOF/zepto-teams-up-with-fastup-to-support-over-1-lakh-delivery-partners-this-summera/https://www.varindia.com/news/zepto-ceo-claps-back-at-goyal-highlights-startup-impacthttps://www.instagram.com/ndtvprofit/p/DDboMJzB_a4/?locale=myhttps://yourstory.com/2025/04/zepto-retire-zepto-pass-switch-zepto-daily-quick-commercehttps://rizingtv.com/the-sidelines-are-lava-why-does-everyone-want-to-be-a-quick-commerce-player-in-2024/https://blog.monetizedeal.com/zepto-referral-code/https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/zepto-launches-new-subscription-service-to-replace-pass/storyhttps://www.appsrhino.com/blogs/zepto-business-modelhttps://yourstory.com/2025/04/startup-news-and-updates-daily-roundup-april-7-2025https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/swiggy-instamart-launches-maxxsaver-to-boost-cart-sizes-rival-zepto/storyhttps://rewardeagle.com/store/zeptohttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/april-fools-day-how-chatgpt-maker-openai-zepto-yahoo-nothing-pranked-users/articleshow/119895031.cmshttps://economictimes.com/magazines/panache/zepto-ceo-piyush-goyal-responds-to-piyush-goyals-delivery-boys-jibe-we-employed-1-5-lakh-people/articleshow/119963558.cms

State Street Backs Ethic’s $64M Funding for Personalized Investing

Ethic, a leader in values-aligned investing, secures $64 million in Series D funding led by State Street Global Advisors. This strategic partnership aims to enhance personalized investment solutions, reflecting a growing trend towards customization in finance. Discover how this collaboration is set to transform the industry landscape.Sources:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403368344/en/State-Street-Global-Advisors-Announces-Strategic-Partnership-and-Investment-in-Ethichttps://www.nasdaq.com/articles/state-street-global-advisors-announces-equity-investment-ethic-quick-factshttps://www.alleywatch.com/2025/04/the-alleywatch-startup-daily-funding-report-4-3-2025/https://www.stocktitan.net/news/STT/state-street-global-advisors-announces-strategic-partnership-and-u11kqmw64002.htmlhttps://www.moneymanagement.com.au/news/financial-planning/ssga-takes-stake-customised-portfolio-platformhttps://www.wealthmanagement.com/wealth-management-industry-trendshttps://alleywatch.com/2025/04/the-alleywatch-startup-daily-funding-report-4-3-2025/https://www.finsmes.com/2025/04/ethic-raises-64m-in-series-d-funding.htmlhttps://www.majorityaction.us/s/EITB_FULLREPORT_2024PROXYSEASON_updated_2025-04-02.pdfhttps://www.axios.com/pro/all-deals/2025/04/03/first-look-axios-pro-deals

AI Revolutionizes Startups: Cost Cuts and New Opportunities

Explore how the plummeting costs of AI development are transforming the startup ecosystem in 2025. Discover how smaller companies are leveraging AI to compete with tech giants, the impact on venture capital, and the challenges they face in data security and regulatory compliance. Plus, insights into the latest technological advancements driving this change.Sources:https://fortune.com/2025/04/04/ai-cost-collapse-tech-startups/https://asiatimes.com/2025/04/ai-power-play-who-how-and-now-of-the-tech-changing-everything/https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/04/lumai-secures-more-than-e9-2-million-to-slash-ai-processing-costs-and-boost-performance/https://www.designrush.com/agency/ai-companies/trends/ai-statisticshttps://techfundingnews.com/which-ai-startups-raised-millions-in-q1-2025-meet-the-10-game-changers-just-out-of-stealth/https://www.greenvillebusinessmag.com/2025/04/01/527773/the-artificial-intelligence-revolutionhttps://www.adamsstreetpartners.com/insights/podcast-why-ais-venture-opportunity-may-be-era-defining/https://www.inc.com/kit-eaton/un-warns-that-ai-growth-could-affect-4-in-10-jobs-worldwide/91171864https://toolhunt.io/the-ai-cost-collapse-a-game-changer-for-tech-startups/https://medcitynews.com/2025/04/an-ai-biotech-hauls-in-600m-plus-more-funding-highlights-to-close-1q-2025/

Pratilipi’s $20M Boost: A New Chapter in Global Storytelling

In today's episode, we explore Pratilipi's recent $20 million Series E funding round led by Jungle Ventures. Discover how this Indian digital storytelling giant plans to expand globally and innovate with new formats like animation and vertical drama. Despite a dip in valuation, Pratilipi's financials show promise as it eyes an IPO in the coming years. Join us for an in-depth look at Pratilipi's journey from a regional leader to a global storytelling powerhouse.Sources:https://www.business-standard.com/companies/start-ups/pratilipi-raises-20-million-to-expand-indian-language-storytelling-125040201193_1.htmlhttps://www.vccircle.com/jungleventures-leads-series-e-funding-in-pratilipi-as-chinese-vcs-exithttps://indianstartupnews.com/funding/indian-storytelling-platform-pratilipi-raises-20-million-to-expand-into-new-storytelling-formats-8920098https://www.exchange4media.com/digital-news/jungle-ventures-announces-investment-in-pratilipi-142331.htmlhttps://www.marcamoney.com/pratilipi-raises-20-million-in-series-e-funding-round-led-by-jungle-ventures/https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/india-sweet-karam-coffee-pratilipi-437047/https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/news-and-trends/digital-storytelling-platform-pratilipi-raises-usd-20-mn-in/489544https://www.jungle.vc/resources/pratilipis-mission-to-become-bharats-biggest-storytellerhttps://economictimes.com/tech/funding/digital-storytelling-startup-pratilipi-raises-20-million-valuation-slashed-more-than-60/articleshow/119915780.cmshttps://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurind/p/DIBK460Jz2S/

Actively AI Secures $17.5M to Revolutionize Sales Intelligence

In today's episode, we delve into Actively AI's recent $17.5 million Series A funding round led by Bain Capital Ventures. Discover how this New York-based startup is transforming sales intelligence with its reasoning-driven platform, and hear success stories from clients like Ramp and Ironclad. We also explore the broader implications for the AI industry and future plans for Actively AI's growth and innovation.Sources:https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/actively-ai-raises-17-5-million-in-series-ahttps://baincapitalventures.com/insight/actively-ai-is-launching-a-new-era-of-gtm-superintelligence/https://vcnewsdaily.com/actively-ai/venture-capital-funding/btyqwwgwnfhttps://www.instagram.com/tradedvc/p/DH9vSdCvH2Z/https://www.actively.ai/blog/series-a-launchhttps://www.pymnts.com/news/investment-tracker/2025/actively-ai-raises-22-million-to-improve-on-failed-ai-sales-reps/https://www.instagram.com/tradedvc/p/DH9vSdCvH2Z/actively-ai-a-new-york-based-ai-sales-intelligence-startup-founded-in-2022-by-mi/https://venturecapital.com/headlines/funding-events/actively-ai-secures-175-million-in-series-a-funding-led-by-bain-capital-ventures-v1

Antithesis Operations Secures $30M to Revolutionize Software Testing with A.I.

Vienna-based startup Antithesis Operations raises $30 million in funding to expand its workforce and market reach. The company aims to disrupt the software testing industry with A.I.-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Discover how their innovative approach is set to transform traditional testing processes and align with sustainable development goals.Sources:https://www.indianretailer.com/news/funding-alert-antithesis-secures-rs-5-cr-pre-seed-funding-redefine-indias-beauty-markethttps://www.uniindia.com/antithesis-raises-rs-50-million-pre-seed-funding-to-expand-market-presence/business-economy/news/3428316.htmlhttps://www.jonesday.com/en/insights/2025/04/earnouts-in-ma-transactions-recent-decisions-from-delawarehttps://in.fashionnetwork.com/news/Beauty-brand-antithesis-raises-rs-5-crore-in-funding-round-led-by-rukam-capital-v3-ventures,1715455.htmlhttps://inc42.com/company/antithesis/latest/https://docs.house.gov/meetings/II/II15/20250402/118088/HHRG-119-II15-Wstate-GibsonM-20250402.pdfhttps://virginiabusiness.com/heard-around-virginia-13/https://github.com/cardano-foundation/antithesishttps://www.softwaretestingmagazine.com/knowledge/mining-gold-from-user-clicks-how-product-analytics-transformed-our-quality-strategy/https://inc42.com/buzz/from-smallcase-to-lendingkart-indian-startups-raised-144-mn-this-week/https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/march-28-2025/commentshttps://binmile.com/blog/future-of-software-development-trends-in-2025/https://enablersinvestment.com/archive_news/https://my-cpe.com/insights/news-and-insights/economy/how-is-deloitte-taking-a-hit-in-trumps-federal-cutshttps://digitalisationworld.com/blogs/58306/testings-evolution-that-did-more-harm-than-goodhttps://inc42.com/startups/30-startups-to-watch-startups-that-caught-our-eyes-in-march-2025/https://betterqa.co/blog/the-resilience-of-manual-qa-in-2025https://dbia.orghttps://www.thoughtworks.com/en-us/insights/blog/technology-strategy/macro-trends-tech-industry-april-2025https://hnhiring.com/april-2025

Isomorphic Labs Secures $600M to Revolutionize Drug Discovery with AI

In today's episode, we delve into Isomorphic Labs' groundbreaking $600 million funding round, led by Thrive Capital, to advance its AI-driven drug discovery platform. Discover how this Google DeepMind spin-off plans to transform the pharmaceutical industry with cutting-edge technologies like AlphaFold 3 and strategic partnerships with giants like Eli Lilly and Novartis. Join us as we explore the potential impact of AI on global health outcomes.Sources:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/isomorphic-labs-announces-600-million-funding-to-further-develop-its-next-generation-ai-drug-design-engine-and-advance-therapeutic-programs-into-the-clinic-302415532.htmlhttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/isomorphic-labs-announces-600-million-funding-to-further-develop-its-next-generation-ai-drug-design-engine-and-advance-therapeutic-programs-into-the-clinic-302415534.htmlhttps://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/ai-biotech-isomorphic-labs-hauls-600m-power-next-gen-drug-design-modelhttps://www.genengnews.com/topics/artificial-intelligence/deepmind-spinout-isomorphic-labs-raises-600m-toward-ai-drug-design/https://tech.eu/2025/03/31/isomorphic-labs-nets-600m-in-first-external-funding-round/https://www.isomorphiclabs.com/articles/isomorphic-labs-announces-600m-external-investment-roundhttps://endpts.com/isomorphic-labs-gets-600m-from-thrive-gv-and-alphabet/

WeeFin’s €25 Million Boost: A Leap Towards Global Sustainable Finance

Paris-based fintech WeeFin secures €25 million in Series B funding led by BlackFin Capital Partners, marking a significant milestone in sustainable finance technology. The company plans to expand internationally, targeting the US and Asia-Pacific markets, and aims to double its workforce. Discover how WeeFin's SaaS platform is transforming sustainability strategies for financial institutions managing €6,900 billion in assets. Join us as we explore WeeFin's rapid growth and future ambitions in the global financial landscape.Sources:https://www.maddyness.com/2025/04/01/weefin-boucle-une-serie-b-de-25-millions-deuros-pour-devenir-un-champion-europeen-de-la-finance-durable/https://www.iris.vc/articles/weefin-announces-a-new-eu25-million-financing-round-to-accelerate-international-growthhttps://ffnews.com/newsarticle/fintech/ia-engine-welcomes-seven-new-fintech-firms-to-its-innovator-and-advanced-access-programmes/https://www.eu-startups.com/tag/saas/https://thehealthcaretechnologyreport.com/the-weekly-roundup-march-31-2025/https://thefinancialtechnologyreport.com/the-weekly-roundup-march-31-2025/https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b711b66ba74103a0e5636e/67ea38b47caa37bafd4bc6e6_Financing%20Tech%20in%20Germany%20&%20France%20in%202024%20-%20EN.pdfhttps://financialit.net/news/fundraising-news/weefin-announces-new-eu25-million-financing-round-accelerate-international

Chord Commerce Secures $5.5M to Revolutionize E-Commerce with A.I.

In today's episode, we delve into Chord Commerce's recent $5.5 million funding round led by M13, aimed at enhancing its A.I.-powered platform for commerce brands. Discover how Chord's innovative solution is transforming data-driven marketing and what this means for the future of e-commerce. Join us as we explore the impact of A.I. on the industry and Chord's plans for expansion.Sources:https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2025/03/27/chord-artificial-intelligence-customer-data-marketing-raises-seedhttps://www.actoneventures.com/post/chord-commerce-why-we-investedhttps://dot.la/m13-ventures-400-million-fund-2656837550.htmlhttps://workbench.substack.com/p/enterprise-weekly-508-whos-down-withhttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chord-raises-5-5m-to-launch-the-smarter-cdp-for-ai-driven-commerce-marketing-302411012.htmlhttps://dot.la/m13-venture-capital-cornavirus-2645690096.htmlhttps://dot.la/jordan-fudge-sinai-ventures-2649474421.htmlhttps://www.finsmes.com/2025/03/chord-raises-5-5m-in-funding.htmlhttps://www.mi-3.com.au/31-03-2025/chord-commerce-secures-55-million-ai-driven-marketing-platform-expansionhttps://dot.la/smart-la-2028-2659008086.htmlhttps://alleywatch.com/2025/03/the-alleywatch-startup-daily-funding-report-3-27-2025/https://www.cdpinstitute.org/news/commerce-cdp-chord-raises-5-5-million/https://www.finsmes.com/category/usa/page/2https://www.cdpinstitute.org/news/https://litquidity.co/business-school-is-back/https://fortune.com/2025/03/28/there-are-372-ai-unicorns-right-now-according-to-pitchbook-heres-what-that-means/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/financial-services-latest-news/venture-capital-list/