Razorpay expands to Singapore🌐
Blinkit-Zepto raising commission, OpenAI-Oracle eye Nvidia chips for Stargate site, Amazon shuts down Renewed, Funding Deals and more.
Good morning, and welcome to Friday’s edition of Rise & Shine!
"The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed."
— Adam Grant
Today, Adam Grant’s words remind us that true success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about lifting others along the way.
When we support and uplift those around us, we build stronger teams, deeper relationships, and a more fulfilling sense of accomplishment.
Tech Updates
Razorpay expands to Singapore to grow in SEA
Razorpay has expanded into Singapore, its second market in Southeast Asia after Malaysia. According to a study, Southeast Asia’s digital payments market is projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2030. Businesses in Singapore face high cross-border transaction fees (4-6%) and fragmented payment systems. Razorpay offers AI-powered, easy, and secure payment solutions to support local businesses.
Blinkit, Zepto raising commission to boost revenue, but no let-up seen in cash burn
Quick commerce platforms Blinkit and Zepto are increasing commission rates to boost revenue amid intense competition and a push for profitability. Zepto has gradually raised commissions charged to users and brands to improve unit economics. In contrast, Blinkit has transitioned to a variable commission model for brands and sellers.
OpenAI, Oracle eye Nvidia chips worth billions for Stargate site
OpenAI and Oracle Corp. plan to begin filling a massive new data center in Texas with tens of thousands of powerful AI chips from Nvidia Corp. in the coming months, part of a push to get the first facility for their $100 billion Stargate infrastructure venture up and running. The site, in the small city of Abilene, is expected to house 64,000 of Nvidia’s coveted GB200 semiconductors by the end of 2026, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Amazon shuts down refurbished platform Renewed
Amazon has decided to shut down its refurbished platform, Renewed, citing increasing challenges. The e-commerce giant has informed sellers of the immediate discontinuation of the service via email.
Funding Deals
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) unicorn Darwinbox, which specialises in human resource (HR) services, has closed a $140 million funding round co-led by global private equity firms Partners Group and KKR. The round—largely secondary with a small primary component—also saw participation by Gravity Holdings.
Leap Finance, the student lending arm of study abroad platform Leap, has secured $100 million in debt funding from London-headquartered bank HSBC through its Asean Growth Fund.
Swish, a 10-minute food delivery startup, has secured Rs 122.32 crore (approximately $14 million) in its Series A funding round, led by Hara Global Capital and existing investor Accel India.
Telehealth platform Truemeds is raising Rs 375.2 crore (approximately $44 million) in its Series C round led by Accel India and with the participation of WestBridge and Info Edge.
Revenue AI platform Gyaan AI has rebranded as MaxIQ and has raised $7.8 million in seed funding led by Dell Technologies Capital along with participation from Intel Capital.
Enterprise tech startup Beacon.li has raised $7 million (around Rs 60.9 crore) in its Series A round led by Sorin Investments. The round also saw participation from Athera Venture Partners, JAFCO Asia, along with existing investor Unicorn India Ventures and angel investors including Capillary Technologies founder and CEO Aneesh Reddy, Rapido co-founder Aravind Sanka, and Kapil Bharti.
D2C home appliances brand Nuuk has raised $5 million (Rs 40 crore) in a Series A funding round led by Vertex Ventures SEAI.
Rezolv, a debt resolution platform for banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), has raised $3.5 million in a seed funding round led by 3one4 Capital.
Round-up investing platform Deciml has raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by Jainam Broking, marking its first venture into startup investment.
Stock broking platform Punch is raising Rs 26 crore (approximately $3 million) in its extended seed round from new and existing investors.
Climate tech company FluxGen Sustainable Technologies has raised Rs 28 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by IAN Alpha Fund. The round also saw participation from Rainmatter, Gameskraft Technologies, Intersection Ventures, and Force Ventures, along with existing investors Axilor Ventures and Arali Ventures.
Phot.AI, an AI-driven creative automation platform, has secured $2.7 million in a seed funding round led by Info Edge Ventures, with participation from Together Fund and AC Ventures.
Farm management software MapMyCrop has raised $1.8 million in a seed funding round led by YourNest Venture Capital along with participation from other angel investors, including Eaglewings Ventures.
SaaS startup Gainhub Technologies has raised $100K in its pre-series bridge round led by Growth Strategy Ventures. The round also saw participation from angel investors Gitanjali Puri (founder of Growth Strategy Ventures), Amita Karwal (co-founder of Growth Strategy Ventures), and Anuj Khanna.
Real estate platform SILA has raised funds from Mahendra Singh Dhoni's family office for an undisclosed amount.
🎁 Short Story: The Mentor’s Gift
When Aarav became a manager, he focused solely on his performance. But over time, he realized that his greatest achievements came from mentoring his team.
By investing in their growth, he not only helped them succeed but also built a thriving, motivated workplace. His career flourished because he made others’ success his priority.
Tweet of the day🐥
Success is best when it’s shared. Today, find a way to support someone else—offer advice, encouragement, or a helping hand.
Rise & Shine reminds you that when you help others win, you win too.
Have a generous and impactful Friday!
Thanks for reading till the end!