This week, startups related to cybersecurity, fintech, AI, education, and gaming raised big rounds of investments. Although funding for startups is trending downward overall, some companies are still finding ways to raise significant amounts of money from investors.
Here are the funding highlights for the week of July 26 to August 1:
SAFE – Cybersecurity Platform
- Founder: Saket Modi
- Funds Raised: $70 million
- Investors: Avataar Ventures, John Chambers, Sorenson Capital, and others
Overview: Safe, raised $70 million, led by Avataar Ventures, bringing total funding to $170 million. Safe, helps companies around the world measure and mitigate cybersecurity risk and provides organizations the tools needed to watch for and protect against the digital threat landscape. It intends to build an AI system that detects threats autonomously, called CyberAGI, and has introduced a new version of its CTEM platform powered by Agentic AI.
Navi Technologies – Digital Financial Services
- Founders: Sachin Bansal, Ankit Agarwal
- Funds Raised: $20 million
- Investors: PhillipCapital, NDX Finserve, Aarpee Group, and others
Overview: Fintech company Navi Technologies has secured Rs 170 crore (approx $20 million) in debt funding. The debt round was led by PhillipCapital and NDX Finserve, along with the Arpee Group and others. Founded by Sachin Bansal and Ankit Agarwal, Navi offers personal loans, home loans, mutual funds, health insurance, and facilitates UPI payments. The company uses a digital platform to simplify banking and other financial services for everyday customers.
Metaforms – AI for Market Research
- Founders: Akshat Tyagi, Arjun S
- Funds Raised: $9 million
- Investors: Peak XV Partners, Nexus Venture Partners, Together Fund
Overview: Metaforms, an AI startup, has raised $9 million in funding led by Peak XV Partners, and supported by Nexus Venture Partners and Together Fund. The company builds AI tools that help research firms save time and money through automation, like surveys and data analysis. The funds will be used to grow its AI and engineering teams in Bengaluru, while it continues to serve only the US market.
STAN – Gaming Creator Platform
- Founders: Parth Chadha, Rahul Singh, Nauman Mulla
- Funds Raised: $8.5 million
- Investors: Google’s AI Futures Fund, Bandai Namco, Square Enix, and others
Overview: STAN is a social platform for gamers and game creators. It helps gamers connect, monetize, and build their community with its tools designed for live audio and brand campaigns.
SixSense – AI in Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Founders: Akanksha Jagwani, Avni Agarwal
- Funds Raised: $8.5 million
- Investors: Surge (by Peak XV), Alpha Intelligence Capital, Febe
Overview: SixSense is an AI startup dedicated to improving semiconductor manufacturing by leveraging artificial intelligence to detect defects earlier, reduce waste, and enhance production quality. The company plans to deploy its recent funding to ramp up operations in Malaysia, Taiwan, and the U.S., strengthen relationships with AI inspection equipment companies, and invest in research on connected AI-driven production lines.
Arivihan – Online Learning for Rural Students
- Founders: Ritesh Singh Chandel, Sonu Kumar, Rushabh Kothari
- Funds Raised: $4.17 million
- Investors: Prosus, Accel, GSF Investors
Overview: Arivihan provides AI-enabled learning tools helping students from rural and small towns prepare for board examinations and NEET. It offers a personalized study plan and instant doubt-clearing functionality.
Sharpsell.ai – Sales Productivity Tool
- Founders: Hanuman Kamma, Arun Subramanian
- Funds Raised: $3.47 million
- Investor: Equentis Angel Fund and others.
Overview: Sharpsell.ai aids businesses in advancing sales through AI-based solutions and technology. It assists with providing the right content, sales-enhancing training, and improved pitches for their frontline sales personnel.
General market trend
Even though these companies had good funding rounds, total startup funding in India decreased by 35% from the same period last year. This week, startups raised about $125.7 million, indicating investors are being more cautious in their investments and choosing companies that have established growth plans.
