PhonePe starts IPO prep 📊
iPhone 16e being made in India, Q-comm gears up for busy summer, Google's first retail store outside US, Funding Deals and more.
Good morning and welcome to Friday’s edition of Rise & Shine!
"Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible."
— Doris Lessing
Today, Lessing’s words remind us that waiting for the "perfect moment" is an illusion—progress happens when we take action despite the challenges.
But those who achieve their goals are the ones who start anyway, learning and adapting along the way.
Tech Updates
PhonePe starts IPO preparations, no word on timeline yet
The company said on Thursday that walmart-backed PhonePe has begun preparations for its initial public offering (IPO) in India. However, it did not provide a specific time frame. PhonePe said that its decision to start the IPO process was driven by its strong revenue growth and some degree of clarity in its path to profitability.
Apple says latest iPhone 16e being made in India
Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, the newest and most significant addition to its iPhone 16 series. The phone will refresh its entry-level iPhone SE line while allowing users to experience its generative AI features at an affordable price.
Quick commerce gears up for a busy summer of ice creams and ACs
With summer arriving early in parts of India, quick commerce companies are gearing up for a long season, which is typically deemed critical for 10-minute delivery operations. While some quick commerce companies are adjusting procurement contracts for fruits, vegetables, and other perishables that spoil rapidly in high temperatures, others are exploring ways to enhance cooling solutions at dark stores.
Google close to picking locations in India for first retail stores outside US: Report
Google is close to deciding on locations in India, where it will open its first physical retail stores outside the US. According to news agency Reuters, Google counts India as a key growth market and has committed to investing $10 billion. The software tech giant currently has only five physical stores, all based in the US, where it sells products such as Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds.
Funding Deals
Waterfield Advisors, a wealth advisory and multi-family office, has secured $18 million in a funding round led by Jungle Ventures, combining primary and secondary investments.
Clean-label health food brand The Whole Truth (TWT) has raised $15 million in a Series C round led by Sofina, with participation from all existing investors, including Z47, Peak XV Partners, and Sauce.VC.
Wealth management platform Waterfield Advisors is raising Rs 123 crore (approximately $14.6 million) in a new funding round, led by Jungle Ventures.
Natural pet treat brand Dogsee Chew has raised $8 million in its Series B round led by Ektha.com, with participation from promoters, Shivanssh Holdings, and Poddar Family Office.
NOTO Ice Cream has raised Rs 15 crore ($1.75 million) in a growth funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), with participation from JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation and LetsVenture.
💡 Short Story: The Hesitant Entrepreneur
Aarav dreamed of launching his startup but kept postponing, waiting for better funding and more experience.
One day, he realized that waiting wouldn’t solve anything. He leaped with what he had, learning as he went. It wasn’t easy, but starting now was his best decision.
Tweet of the day🐥
If something is calling you, don’t wait for perfect conditions—just begin.
Rise & Shine reminds you that action leads to progress, and progress leads to success.
Have a bold and action-driven Friday!
Thanks for reading till the end!