Latest News
Rajasthan Government Launches Startup Programme iStart
The Government of Rajasthan launched a dedicated platform for startups, called iStart in a bid to facilitate entrepreneurship and job creation. The platform will provide startups with access to mentoring and funding opportunities by nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.
iStart will be managed by Applyifi, the online investors support services platform that guides startups in creating a comprehensive pitch deck. Applyifi will help the selected startups in increasing their chances of success by providing the startups with a 36 point scorecard and assessment report.
The programs, according to Akhil Arora, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Information Technology and Communication, are structured with very clear and measurable deliverables to ensure that more startups can succeed. The platform is based on an “access improve access” model where startups will undergo customized group skill building and mentoring programmes. The startups will also be provided with a detailed assessment report and Applyifi scorecard to help them strengthen their venture in areas that need improvement.
Speaking about iStart, founder of Appyifi, Prajakt Raut said, “The objective of the program is to assist anyone with an entrepreneurial aspiration to take their concepts and business to the next level – be it at idea/concept stage or MVP or early growth stage startups. Additionally, initiatives like alumni angel networks will help aspiring entrepreneurs raise smaller sums that they may require to develop their MVPs and test their concepts in the market.”
iStart, envisioned as a one stop online platform for startups, will include three major components namely QRate, Challenge For Change and Rajasthan Stack. Through the QRate session or the Quality Rating and Curation session, startups will be assessed based on various parameters of business. This component will help the startups get a perspective on how investors might view their venture. The second component, Challenge For Change, will help the Rajasthan Government to give industry contracts to tech enabled businesses. Whereas, the third component, Rajasthan Shack, will be focused on building a digital infrastructure that can be utilized by the government, startups, developers and businesses for solving some of the problems faced by the State.
The startups graduating from the programme will be able to connect with investors and potential customers via the iStart platform and pitch their ideas for grants and investments from the Rajasthan government. Interested entrepreneurs and startups can apply to the programme here – iStart Rajasthan
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
Hyderabad, January 13, 2026 Neeman’s, India’s leading D2C footwear brand famed for sustainable shoes and patented PIXLL® technology, has raised $4 million from existing investors. This funding boosts its cumulative capital past $10 million since 2015, with a post-money valuation nearing $50 million. CEO Vijay Chahoria emphasized offline retail as the “next frontier,” planning 50+ new stores in Tier 2/3 cities like Jaipur and Lucknow to blend eco-friendly innovation with hands-on customer experiences.
In India’s booming D2C ecosystem where footwear sales hit ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2025 Neeman’s targets hybrid retail amid high online CAC and 25-30% returns. Backed by vegan, machine-washable shoes priced ₹2,000-4,000, the brand leverages PIXLL® (5x more breathable than leather) for carbon-neutral comfort. Recent 5x revenue growth to ₹100 crore ARR, 1M+ pairs sold via Myntra and stores, and awards at India D2C Summit 2025 position it ahead of rivals like Paaduks.
Neeman’s offline expansion India eyes the $15B sustainable footwear market by 2028, fueled by PLI schemes, Gen Z’s 70% eco-preference (Nielsen), and Southeast Asia exports. Challenges like real estate costs are offset by data-driven inventory and omnichannel QR tech. Watch for Q1 2026 launches in Hyderabad and Bengaluru redefining D2C success through authentic, “Wear the Change” branding.
Apple MacBook Air M5 Launched: M5 Chip, 22-Hour Battery in India
₹290 Crore Boost: Rozana’s Series B Funding Scales Rural Retail Network Nationwide
WooFi stats
April 13, 2026 at 8:21 am
I personally find that the portfolio tracking process is simple and the easy onboarding makes it even better.
Ape Board wallet tracker
April 13, 2026 at 9:21 am
I’ve been using it for a week for swapping tokens, and the useful analytics stands out. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.
Bencoin dex pairing
April 13, 2026 at 5:18 pm
Blake here — I’ve tried using the mobile app and the easy onboarding impressed me.
Airdrop farming guide
April 13, 2026 at 8:42 pm
Fast onboarding, easy onboarding, and a team that actually cares. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.
Fiatogel
April 13, 2026 at 11:04 pm
I personally find that great platform with trustworthy service — it made my crypto journey easier. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.
에볼루션, 에볼루션 카지노
April 14, 2026 at 5:29 pm
The testing new tokens tools are clear transparency and quick deposits.
evolution casino online casino niche
April 15, 2026 at 3:16 am
I’ve been active for half a year, mostly for swapping tokens, and it’s always intuitive UI.
에볼루션, 에볼루션 카지노
April 16, 2026 at 1:32 am
Fees are clear transparency, and the execution is always smooth. The updates are frequent and clear.
gbg-bet
April 16, 2026 at 12:11 pm
Fortune Ox ganhou tração no fim do dia.
donald-bet
April 18, 2026 at 11:13 am
Fortune Tiger manteve presença forte nas sessões da tarde.
bond-films-casino-royale
April 19, 2026 at 3:25 am
Fortune Ox voltou ao radar com sequências pesadas no modo turbo.
Luxury333
April 20, 2026 at 12:54 pm
I personally find that i value the responsive team and trustworthy service. This site is reliable. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.
Aave V3 bridge
April 25, 2026 at 6:38 am
I personally find that fees are easy onboarding, and the execution is always smooth. The dashboard gives a complete view of my holdings.
master node hosting
April 25, 2026 at 8:37 am
The staking tools are stable performance and quick deposits.
oil change and inspection greensboro nc
April 25, 2026 at 11:27 pm
insight. The clarity, flow, and passion in your writing make the entire
visit exchange
April 26, 2026 at 4:06 pm
I personally find that the site is easy to use and the robust security keeps me coming back. Charts are accurate and load instantly.
LI.FI Bridge App
April 26, 2026 at 11:44 pm
The testing new tokens process is simple and the fast transactions makes it even better.
trade crypto iZiSwap
April 27, 2026 at 4:09 am
The best choice I made for fiat on-ramp. Smooth and fast transactions.
vanity address generator tron
April 27, 2026 at 11:29 am
I’ve been active for since launch, mostly for learning crypto basics, and it’s always quick deposits.
oil change near me Greensboro NC
April 27, 2026 at 12:21 pm
This was one of the best reads I’ve had in a while.
usdt trc20 wallet
April 27, 2026 at 6:25 pm
I was skeptical, but after a week of trading, the quick deposits convinced me.
adhikrut website
April 28, 2026 at 6:12 am
Wow! This is a cool platform. They really do have the fast transactions. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.
platform ni mulakat lo
April 28, 2026 at 7:00 am
Dakota here — I’ve tried learning crypto basics and the fast transactions impressed me.
Energia Bet estrategia
April 30, 2026 at 12:27 am
Bankroll units replaced raw cash sums for serious tracking.