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Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (May 2, 2025)
YourStory presents the daily news roundup from the Indian startup ecosystem and beyond. Here's the roundup for Friday, May 2, 2025.
From Google rolling out AI Mode in Search to GST revenue hitting a record high of Rs 2.37 lakh crore in April
—YourStory brings you the key headlines driving change across industries today.
Featured news
Celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani is a globetrotter with a ‘Sindhi heart and soul’
In an exclusive chat with YourStory, Chef Vicky Ratnani talks about his new restaurant in Gurugram, Omny Kitchen, focusing on Sindhi food besides other Indian-rooted dishes with a global twist.
Although most of his life was spent around foreign shores—working on ocean liners and cruise ships, and mingling with as many as 37 different nationalities—his heart lies in Sindhi food.
Most people don't know Sindhi cuisine beyond Sindhi curry. But there's so much more that the community eats–from bhuggal chawar (rice with caramelised onions), aloo tuk (double fried potato) to dal pakwan (popular Sindhi breakfast).
His attempts to make Sindhi food mainstream can be seen in Omny Kitchen’s menu. Currently, there's a small selection of dishes that he hopes to build on over time. Alongside, diners can enjoy cold plates, burgers, Roman-style pizzas, pastas, and small plates—a representation of a new India that seeks a balance in tradition and modernity.
Latest news
TVS tops April monthly sales as competition tightens in electric two-wheeler segment
The electric two-wheeler segment displayed heightened rivalry between the top players in April, as legacy player TVS Motor took the top spot in sales for the first time.
TVS Motor, which saw rising demand for its iQube Electric scooters, sold 19,749 units during the month, capturing a market share of 21.5%.
Google rolls out AI Mode in Search
Tech behemoth Google has introduced a new “AI Mode” in its Search feature, offering AI-generated results for users to find information online. Google will roll out the feature to users in the US over the coming week.
The new mode will appear as a dedicated tab to the left of the traditional “All,” “Images,” “Videos,” and “Shopping” sections, the company said.
Apple clocks $95.4B in Q2 revenue amid strong iPhone sales
iPhone maker Apple reported a stronger-than-expected second quarter for FY25, posting revenue of $95.4 billion, up 5% year-on-year.
Its flagship iPhones dominated the company's sales, with Apple selling $46.8 billion worth of iPhones in the period. The company also launched the iPhone 16e during the quarter.
Its Services segment was also a key growth driver this quarter, growing 12% to $26.7 billion. The division, which includes the App Store and Apple TV+, continues to be a high-margin business for the company.
Funding news
IIT Bombay graduate’s startup Entvin AI secures Rs 5 Cr funding from Y Combinator
Entvin AI, a startup founded by three IIT Mumbai graduates, has officially launched out of beta and announced its funding from Y Combinator. The company provides specialized AI solutions for pharmaceutical and life sciences companies worldwide. Entvin AI has raised $500K in the first round of funding and with this funding, Entvin plans to expand its AI capabilities and accelerate customer acquisition among mid-to-large pharmaceutical companies globally.
The company, founded by Sanskar Jain, Hemant Phalak, and Rishabh Arya, has developed an AI platform that streamlines the notoriously time-consuming, resource-intensive and complex FDA drug approval process—a market opportunity potentially worth billions as pharmaceutical companies worldwide seek to accelerate regulatory timelines and reduce compliance costs.
Kaleidofin secures $5.3M from IDH Farmfit to boost agri-fintech offerings
Kaleidofin, a fintech company focused on financial inclusion for underserved segments, has secured a $5.3 million equity infusion from public-private impact fund IDH Farmfit.
The latest investment brings the total funding in the company’s current round to $19 million. The investment will support Kaleidofin’s efforts to scale its lending portfolio and expand its technology stack, including credit scoring tools, middleware infrastructure, and risk services.
Other news
Thyrocare launches state-of-the-art diagnostic lab in Bhagalpur to serve eastern India
Thyrocare, a healthcare diagnostics company and the first national diagnostic chain in India to have achieved 100% NABL accreditation across all its laboratories, announces the inauguration of its latest state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory in Thana, Bhagalpur, Bihar. This is the 30th lab of Thyrocare in India launched to reinforce the company's commitment to affordable and accurate testing in Eastern India.
Spread across 5,000 sq. ft., this modern facility is a significant addition to Thyrocare’s growing network and is designed to offer faster, more efficient, and high-quality diagnostic services to the people of Eastern India. The Bhagalpur laboratory is equipped with some of the most advanced and high-capacity automated analysers in the field of diagnostics.
Thyrocare's Diagnostic Lab in Thana, Bhagalpur.jpeg
OPG Mobility Appoints Ajay Dhiman as President – COO & CTO
OPG Mobility (formerly Okaya EV), sustainable electric mobility solution provider, announced the appointment of Ajay Dhiman as President – Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for its Electric Vehicle and EV Components business.
In this Strategic leadership role, Mr. Dhiman will oversee the company’s core operational and technology functions, covering Manufacturing, Research & Development, Product Development, Quality, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain Management, and Business Strategy.
Government of Andhra Pradesh and CreativeLand Asia announce collaboration at WAVES Summit
Creativeland Asia & Government of Andhra Pradesh signed an MOU to conceptualise and operationalise India’s first Transmedia Entertainment City, Creatorland in Andhra Pradesh, which will have immersive theme parks, gaming zones, global cinema co-production zones and will also help drive job creation, skill development, tourism and digital innovation.
This partnership was announced at the WAVES Summit being held in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May, which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi. The MOU was signed in the presence of Shri Kandula Durgesh, Hon’ble Minister Tourism and Entertainment, Government of Andhra Pradesh, by Ms Amrapali Kata, CEO of Tourism, and Shri Sajan Raj Kurup Founder of Creativeland Studios Entertainment and Chairman of Creators Inc London along with global advisory board with Mr David Unger, CEO Artists International, Andy Orrik, Founder Studio Belong, Jani Guest, CEO Creators Inc and Nicolas Granatino Chairman Tara Gaming. Visiting dignitaries at the Waves Roundtable and a few of the representatives from the global advisory from Hollywood were also present at the announcement.
Sojitz steps into India’s clean energy sector through GPS Renewables’ new $400M biomethane platform
Sojitz Corporation invests in a holding structure of the special-purpose company established jointly by GPS Renewables Private Limited. and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., which designs, constructs, operates, and provides maintenance for biomethane plants in India. Through this strategic investment, Sojitz will foray into biomethane production and sales in India.
Sojitz will work in collaboration with IOC GPS Renewables Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between GPS Renewables and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, to develop and operate biomethane production facilities using agricultural waste as feedstock. IGRPL plans to establish 30 biomethane plants by FY 2026 - FY 2027 with a production capacity of 160,000 tons of biomethane annually. These projects have a total outlay of over $400 million. EY was the exclusive M&A investment banker and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas led by Partner Alok Sonkar was the transaction advisor representing GPS Renewables.
IBM, Tata Consultancy Services and Government of Andhra Pradesh unveil plans to deploy India’s largest quantum computer in the country’s first Quantum Valley Tech Park
IBM and Tata Consultancy Services are partnering to further develop India’s quantum computing industry as part of the State of Andhra Pradesh’s Quantum Valley Tech Park, currently being built in the capital city of Amaravati. The tech park will be anchored by an IBM Quantum System Two installation, with a 156-qubit Heron quantum processor, the largest quantum computer in India. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is partnering with IBM to support the development of algorithms and applications that will help the Indian industry and academia solve some of the nation’s most challenging problems. The Government of Andhra Pradesh, IBM and TCS hope to accelerate the development of India’s quantum ecosystem through this initiative.
“Our National Quantum Mission is to make India a global hub in the quantum industry; a true center of innovation and job creation with access to the technology capable of solving some of our country’s and the world’s most pressing and complex challenges,” said N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. “With IBM, TCS, L&T, and other members, the Quantum Valley Technology Park represents how India’s industry and academia will soon be able to take an important step forward in accelerating the achievement of the mission’s goals.”
Global Pay by WSFx appoints Kuldeep Pawar CMO & Head - D2C Growth at Global Pay
Global Pay by WSFx today announced that Kuldeep Pawar, who was previously the CMO of Spice Money, will be taking on a dual role within the group. Kuldeep has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer and Head of D2C Business at WSFx Global Pay, a 30-year-old BSE-listed leader in foreign exchange, forex cards, and cross-border payments.
He will, however, continue to lead brand strategy at Spice Money, as Strategic Advisor - Brand & PR, thus, continuing to strengthen its communications and brand leadership. This is a critical role that has been fundamental to the company’s positioning as India’s leading rural fintech.
As Global Pay expands from its strong B2B foundation into the consumer space, Kuldeep will lead D2C growth, tapping into rising global mobility among Indian consumers.
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