• 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. Venomics AI raises $2.7 million in a pre-seed round co-led by Speciale Invest and South Park Commons, with Operators Studio 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. 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. Venomics AI raises $2.7 million in a pre-seed round co-led by Speciale Invest and South Park Commons, with Operators Studio 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.
  • Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Aukera Launches Flagship Stores in Bangalore and Noida

    Aukera

    Bengaluru/Noida: Aukera, India’s leading lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, has announced the grand opening of two new flagship stores – one in Gaur City Mall, Greater Noida, and the other on Sarjapur Road, Bangalore.

    This strategic expansion strengthens Aukera’s offline retail presence, bringing the total number of stores to 13 across key metros, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

    Also Read: Malabar Gold Kothrud Showroom Opens in Pune with Exquisite Jewellery Collections

    The expansion comes amid a growing shift in consumer preferences toward sustainable and conscious luxury, with lab-grown diamonds now contributing nearly 60% of IGI India’s certification business.

    With prime locations in high-footfall areas, both new stores aim to capitalize on increasing demand and elevate brand accessibility.

    Aukera: Signature Aesthetic Design

    The Greater Noida store, located in the bustling Gaur City Mall, spans over 1,100 sq. ft. and is designed to attract shoppers from the larger Gaur City Township. Meanwhile, the 1,500 sq. ft. Bangalore store on Sarjapur Road, one of the city’s fastest-developing micro-markets, is positioned to serve the area’s millennial professionals and urban families.

    Each store reflects Aukera’s signature aesthetic – subtle yet sophisticated design elements that mirror the brand’s premium lab-grown diamond jewellery collections. The stores will also spotlight Aukera’s annual Big Rock Fest, featuring the exclusive Champagne Diamond collection.

    Also Read: Indriya Store in Aundh Marks Brand’s Third Pune Outlet, Sixth in Maharashtra

    This limited-edition collection showcases rare and elegant diamonds in sizes ranging from 1 to 20 carats, offered in multiple cuts like cushion, emerald, oval, radiant, and pear.

    Lisa Mukhedkar, Founder and CEO of Aukera, shared her enthusiasm: “The overwhelming response to our retail stores nationwide is a testament to the rising appeal of lab-grown diamonds and conscious luxury. As we expand into Greater Noida and Bangalore, we’re especially proud to introduce our Champagne Diamond collection, which reflects precision craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Each piece is thoughtfully curated for today’s discerning consumers who value both beauty and sustainability.”

    With this expansion, Aukera continues to redefine luxury jewellery in India, combining innovation, environmental responsibility, and exceptional design to appeal to the modern, value-conscious buyer.

    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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