• 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.
  • NPCI BHIM Services Limited Appoints Gaurav Kochhar as Chief of Business

    Gaurav Kochhar

    Mumbai: NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has announced the appointment of Gaurav Kochhar as Chief of Business, strengthening the organisation’s leadership team as it enters its next phase of growth.

    In his new role, Gaurav Kochhar will spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing digital payments capabilities and accelerating market expansion for NBSL.

    He will oversee merchant acquisition, business development, and deepen engagement with banks, fintech companies, and ecosystem partners to expand the reach of NBSL’s products and services.

    Gaurav Kochhar brings more than two decades of experience spanning the banking, fintech, and telecommunications sectors. Prior to joining NBSL, he led the UPI, Digital Payments, and API Banking business at ICICI Bank.

    Throughout his career, Gaurav Kochhar has held several leadership roles at prominent organisations, including HDFC Bank, Vodafone, and Spice Communications.

    His experience has significantly contributed to the growth of digital banking, payments, and partnership-led businesses.

    Also Read: Quick Heal Technologies Names Harish Kumar as Chief Executive Officer

    Lalitha Nataraj, MD & CEO, NBSL, said, “Gaurav’s deep understanding of the digital payments landscape, combined with his extensive experience in building partnerships and scaling businesses, makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team.

    As digital payments continue to evolve, his expertise will help strengthen our ecosystem, accelerate innovation and expand the reach of NBSL’s offerings. We are delighted to welcome Gaurav to NBSL.”

    The appointment of Gaurav Kochhar comes at a time when digital payment adoption continues to accelerate across India, with NBSL focusing on expanding the reach and capabilities of the BHIM platform.

    About NPCI BHIM Services Limited

    NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) was incorporated in 2024 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The company aims to drive the adoption of digital payments through the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) platform.

    NBSL is committed to delivering a seamless, secure, and user-friendly payment experience for individuals and businesses across India. The organisation facilitates quick and efficient digital transactions while offering accessible and reliable payment solutions.

    By leveraging advanced technology, NBSL seeks to promote financial inclusion and support India’s transition towards becoming a fully digital economy.

    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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