DeepSeek AI's dynamic entry🐋
Microsoft to acquire TikTok, Shadowfax acquires CriticaLog, Shiprocket converts to public company, Funding Deals and more.
Good morning and welcome to Tuesday’s edition of Rise & Shine!
"Show up, show up, show up, and after a while, the muse shows up too."
— Isabel Allende
Allende’s inspiring words remind us that consistency and effort lead to creativity and breakthroughs. We create the conditions for success and inspiration by showing up every day.
Success and creativity don’t appear magically; they’re earned through persistence and commitment.
Tech Updates
China’s DeepSeek’s arrival leads to global tech stocks wipeout
The dizzying, overnight rise of a chatbot by DeepSeek, a little-known Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) lab, has shellacked AI-linked stocks and wiped out close to a trillion dollars in market capitalisation of such companies. US President Donald Trump termed DeepSeek’s rise as a “positive”, while adding that it was a “wake up call” for the US.
Shiprocket converts to public company in run-up to IPO
Zomato-backed ecommerce logistics firm Shiprocket has transitioned into a public company in preparation for its initial public offering (IPO) following a special resolution approved by its shareholders.
Logistics firm Shadowfax acquires CriticaLog
Shadowfax, one of India's leading new-age logistics and delivery platforms, has acquired CriticaLog, a logistics firm specializing in bespoke critical logistics solutions. With this acquisition, Shadowfax is set to further expand its offerings by introducing comprehensive and customizable high-value item delivery services across India. CriticaLog transports high-value products such as electronics, automobile spare parts, jewelry, and pharmaceuticals. The firm has a client roster of over 400 organizations and MNCs.
Donald Trump says Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok
President Donald Trump said Monday evening that Microsoft is among the US companies looking to take control of TikTok to help the popular app avert an effective ban that could kick-in in April. “I would say yes,” Trump told reporters when asked if Microsoft was one of the companies interested in helping to bring about a new ownership of TikTok, a requirement set by Congress to keep the app functioning in the US.
Funding Deals
Coworking firm Innov8 has raised 110 crore ($13 million) in a primary funding round led by prominent family offices, including Mankind Pharma, Gauri Khan, Rupa Group and Jagruti Dalmia.
Geri Care Health Services, an integrated senior citizen-focused healthcare services provider, has raised Rs 110 crore ($13 million) in a funding round led by InvAscent, investing through its India Life Sciences Fund IV (ILSF IV) for a minority stake in the company in its first institutional fundraise.
Supply chain and warehousing startup Emiza has mopped up its Rs 100 crore (approximately $12 million) Series C funding round co-led by Evolvence India and Mirabilis Investment Trust.
Astrome Technologies, an e-band long-distance communication solutions provider, has raised $10 million in funding led by Appollo Fund, with follow-on investments from IAN Group.
VoltUp, a mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform and battery-swapping startup, has raised $8 million (Rs 67 crore) in a seed funding round, comprising equity and debt, which EM Impact Capital led.
Fintech startup Ambak raises $7 million in a round led by Peak XV’s Surge. The funding round, a combination of seed and pre-Series A, saw participation from Peak XV Partners, Advantedge VC, DeVC, and angel investors.
Whizzo, a materials science manufacturing company, has raised $4.2 million in its seed round led by Lightspeed, with participation from BEENEXT.
Dressfolk, a handloom clothing brand, has secured a fresh round of undisclosed funding led by Eternal Capital, along with D2C founders Ghazal Alagh (founder, Mamaearth) and Dhruv Koli (founder, Boba Bhai), with participation from Nobody Ventures and Eagle Wings Ventures.
Ambulance service provider Red.Health (formerly StanPlus) has acquired a majority stake in TACT Academy for Clinical Training.
Raise Financial Services has acquired Filter Coffee, a new-age financial media startup. The latter will join the Raise Financial ecosystem, which also includes the upskilling platform Valuationary and the stockbroking app Moneylicious.
👨🏼🎨 Short Story: The Reluctant Artist
Sana, a painter, often felt uninspired and avoided her canvas for weeks. Frustrated by her lack of progress, she committed to showing up at her studio daily, even if all she did was mix colors.
Slowly, the muse began to meet her there—new ideas emerged, and her creativity flowed. Sana realized that her persistence in showing up had unlocked the spark she’d been waiting for.
Tweet of the day🐥
Today, commit to showing up for your goals, even if inspiration seems distant. By consistently putting in the effort, you’ll create the space for progress and creativity to flourish.
Rise & Shine reminds you that persistence attracts the muse.
Have a determined and creative Tuesday!
Thanks for reading till the end!