• Startup Pulse
    altM raises $10.3 million in a Series A round led by Rainmatter by Zerodha and Mela Ventures, with Omnivore, Theia Ventures, Aureolis Ventures, Spectrum Impact and strategic angel investors participating. EloElo Group raises $80 million in a Series C round led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal, with MIT Investment Co. and existing investors participating. Peppermint Robotics raises ₹100 crore (approximately $10.5 million) in a Pre-Series B round led by pi Ventures and Crane Venture Partners, with Asiana Fund participating. Traversal raises $120 million in a Series B round at a $1 billion valuation, led by Kleiner Perkins, Redpoint and Khosla Ventures, with Sequoia Capital, Battery Ventures and Amex Ventures participating. GIVA raises over $100 million in a round led by Multiples Alternate Asset Management. The Croffle Guys raises ₹14 crore in a round led by V3 Ventures, with N.A.N Partners participating. Solgram raises over $1 million in a pre-seed round led by DSG Consumer Partners and Saama Capital, with Kapil Chopra participating. Sachin Tendulkar makes a strategic investment in Metasports Interactive, the company behind Hitwicket. The amount was not disclosed. Hyeglo Beauty raises ₹7 crore in a round led by Sauce, with Giga Capital, Consumer Collective, Reckitt's Arjun Purkayastha and The Patient Capital participating. Unify Foodworks raises ₹5 crore in seed funding through convertible debentures from Atrium Ventures, SailThru Ventures, Arjun Vaidya and Abhishek Goyal. altM raises $10.3 million in a Series A round led by Rainmatter by Zerodha and Mela Ventures, with Omnivore, Theia Ventures, Aureolis Ventures, Spectrum Impact and strategic angel investors participating. EloElo Group raises $80 million in a Series C round led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal, with MIT Investment Co. and existing investors participating. Peppermint Robotics raises ₹100 crore (approximately $10.5 million) in a Pre-Series B round led by pi Ventures and Crane Venture Partners, with Asiana Fund participating. Traversal raises $120 million in a Series B round at a $1 billion valuation, led by Kleiner Perkins, Redpoint and Khosla Ventures, with Sequoia Capital, Battery Ventures and Amex Ventures participating. GIVA raises over $100 million in a round led by Multiples Alternate Asset Management. The Croffle Guys raises ₹14 crore in a round led by V3 Ventures, with N.A.N Partners participating. Solgram raises over $1 million in a pre-seed round led by DSG Consumer Partners and Saama Capital, with Kapil Chopra participating. Sachin Tendulkar makes a strategic investment in Metasports Interactive, the company behind Hitwicket. The amount was not disclosed. Hyeglo Beauty raises ₹7 crore in a round led by Sauce, with Giga Capital, Consumer Collective, Reckitt's Arjun Purkayastha and The Patient Capital participating. Unify Foodworks raises ₹5 crore in seed funding through convertible debentures from Atrium Ventures, SailThru Ventures, Arjun Vaidya and Abhishek Goyal.
  • EV Urban Mobility: Piaggio Launches Ape E-City FX Maxx and Ultra

    Ape E-City Launch

    Pune: Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Piaggio Group and a leading player in India’s small commercial vehicle segment, has launched two powerful additions to its electric three-wheeler portfolio – Ape E-City Ultra and Ape E-City FX Maxx.

    These new vehicles mark a transformative leap in the Ape E-City line, catering to the rising demand for reliable, sustainable, and cost-efficient last-mile passenger mobility.

    With a certified range of 236 km, the Ape E-City Ultra is now Piaggio’s most advanced passenger EV. It features a peak power output of 9.55 kW, 45 Nm torque, and 28% gradeability, making it ideal for hilly terrains and urban flyovers.

    Also Read: VinFast Dealerships Coming to 27 Cities as EV Brand Ramps Up India Entry

    The model is powered by a 10.2 kWh LFP battery supported by a 3 kW charger, offering reduced downtime and enhanced operational efficiency.

    Designed with a durable full-metal body, climb assist mode, and smart telematics including live tracking and geo-fencing, the vehicle is built for tough city conditions.

    Piaggio Ape E-City: Compact Design, Smart Energy Monitoring

    Meanwhile, the Ape E-City FX Maxx delivers a certified range of 174 km, with 7.4 kW peak power and 30 Nm torque. It incorporates prismatic cell technology to ensure longer battery life and minimal degradation.

    Its smart energy monitoring and compact design make it an efficient choice for drivers seeking value, performance, and low operating costs.

    Commenting on the launch, Diego Graffi, Chairman & Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., said: “The new Ape E-City Ultra and FX Maxx are designed to empower drivers with best-in-class technology and uncompromised performance. As pioneers of electric mobility in the three-wheeler space, we remain committed to supporting India’s transition to net-zero with smart, scalable, and sustainable transportation solutions.”

    Also Read: Montra Electric and Green Drive Mobility Join Forces to Deploy 50 EVIATOR e-SCV

    Amit Sagar, Executive VP, CV Domestic Business and Retail Finance, added: “These vehicles are built for the real needs of Indian customers – extended range, lower TCO, and maximum uptime. With industry-best battery warranties and strong resale value, both the Ultra and FX Maxx are ideal for enhancing livelihoods and supporting profitable, eco-friendly mobility.”

    The Ape E-City FX Maxx is priced at ₹3,30,000 and the Ape E-City Ultra at ₹3,88,000 (Ex-showroom, India), and are now available across all Piaggio dealerships in India.

    Author

    • Salil Urunkar

      Salil Urunkar is a senior journalist and the editorial mind behind Sahyadri Startups. With years of experience covering Pune’s entrepreneurial rise, he’s passionate about telling the real stories of founders, disruptors, and game-changers.

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