Startup Spotlights

In the dynamic tapestry of India’s startup ecosystem, one thread shines with particular brilliance: the rise of women entrepreneurs. And at the very heart of this revolution lies Bengaluru, cementing its status as the nation’s undisputed champion for female-founded innovation. According to the landmark Bengaluru Innovation Report 2025, the city’s women-led startups have secured a staggering $13.4 billion in funding over the past 15 years (2010-2025), decisively outpacing every other Indian metro.

In a move that solidifies its preeminent status as India’s innovation nucleus, the Karnataka government has unveiled a visionary roadmap for the future of its startup ecosystem. The Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-2030, approved with a substantial outlay of ₹518.27 crore, is not merely an update—it is a bold declaration of intent. The policy sets an ambitious target of fostering 25,000 new startups over the next five years, with a crucial mandate to ensure that 10,000 of these ventures are born beyond the boundaries of Bengaluru.

In an inspiring demonstration of international collaboration, a powerful trinity of organizations—Vietjet Air, Vietnam’s National Startup Support Centre (NSSC), and India’s Amity Innovation Incubator—have launched Startup Flight 2025. This pioneering cross-border program is designed to unite the vibrant entrepreneurial energies of India and Vietnam, creating a shared runway for innovation, mentorship, and market expansion.

In a powerful endorsement of India’s alternative mobility sector, global consumer internet giant Prosus is significantly accelerating its bet on homegrown unicorn Rapido. Through its subsidiary, MIH Investments One BV, Prosus has sought approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to acquire an additional stake in the Bengaluru-based bike-taxi pioneer.

In a significant boost for India’s early-stage startup landscape, the Hyderabad Angels Network (HAN) has officially launched its SEBI-registered Hyderabad Angel Fund (HAF.vc), a formidable ₹100 crore (approximately $12 million) venture capital initiative. This move, which includes a ₹50 crore greenshoe option, signals a powerful vote of confidence in the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs and is poised to become a crucial catalyst for innovation across the country.