Blogs post

In a bold move that redefines startup financing, London-based consumer technology company Nothing has raised over $8 million from more than 5,000 community investors worldwide. This is not a traditional venture capital round but a strategic, community-powered initiative that builds on a successful $200 million institutional Series C. The funding, secured through platforms like Crowdcube and Wefunder, is explicitly aimed at accelerating the development of the company’s first “AI-native” hardware and operating system, set to launch in 2026. This initiative signals a powerful shift where a tech brand’s most ardent fans are not just customers or followers but co-owners and stakeholders in its ambitious vision.

In a landmark move that underscores India’s rising prominence on the global innovation map, South Korean gaming behemoth Krafton has unveiled a monumental ₹6,000 crore (over $700 million) India-focused growth fund. Announced on December 20, 2025, in partnership with tech giant Naver and financial powerhouse Mirae Asset, this fund represents Krafton’s deepest commitment to the Indian market yet. It is a strategic play to nurture the next generation of global leaders from India’s dynamic startup landscape, with a sharp focus on gaming, AI, deep-tech, and entertainment.

In a major move to cement its technological leadership, Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Bengaluru-based AI startup Minivet AI. Announced on December 19, 2025, this marks Flipkart’s first major acquisition in the AI/ML space and is a direct response to the industry’s accelerating shift towards video-led, conversational, and AI-driven shopping experiences. This strategic investment is designed to supercharge Flipkart’s generative AI (GenAI) capabilities, transforming static product listings into dynamic, engaging content for millions of users.

In a powerful stride toward building a self-reliant and digitally empowered India, Samsung India has successfully concluded a major chapter of its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) program in Visakhapatnam. The tech giant certified 750 young students in cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Coding, and the Internet of Things, marking a significant infusion of high-end talent into Andhra Pradesh’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. This initiative is more than a corporate training program; it is a strategic investment in the very foundation of India’s future—its youth—and a direct catalyst for the next wave of startups and innovation in Tier-2 cities.

Recent data reveals that India’s tech startup funding for 2025 fell 17% to $10.5 billion, down from $12.7 billion the previous year. However, this dip has not displaced India from its position as the world’s third-largest tech funding ecosystem. This “funding winter” marks a shift from the era of abundant capital and signals a new phase of maturity where investors are becoming more selective. This change reflects a global trend towards profitability and sustainable growth, even as India’s underlying startup story remains robust and full of potential.