In a bustling Bangalore office, PowerUp Money executives celebrated the closing of a $10 million round aimed at expanding their AI-driven wealth management platform.
Apple’s record quarter in India
Apple reported an all‑time revenue high in India for its September quarter, CEO John Ternus said. The company set revenue records in both developed and emerging markets, with India leading the surge. Worldpanel data showed a record number of iPhone upgraders, placing the iPhone among the top‑selling smartphones in the country.
Funding climate and startup moves
Venture‑capital funding for Indian startups fell sharply in October, dropping 66% from a year earlier to $581 million, YourStory Research said. The decline follows a September 2026 total of $1.1 billion, still well below the $1.6 billion raised in October 2025.
Despite the downturn, several deals were announced. PowerUp Money, a Bengaluru wealth‑tech firm, secured $10 million from Flourish Ventures and existing backers including Accel and Blume Ventures. The capital will fund development of its AI‑powered advisory tools and expand its managed advisory services.
In Hyderabad, Metasports Interactive, the creator of the cricket strategy game Hitwicket, added cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as a strategic investor and brand ambassador. Financial terms were not disclosed. The company’s earlier investors include Prime Venture Partners, Horizon Ventures and commentator Harsha Bhogle.
Upsurge India also led a secondary transaction exceeding Rs 5 crore for iD Fresh Food, though details were limited.
Why it matters: Apple’s strong performance underscores India’s growing importance as a consumer market, while the sharp dip in venture capital highlights financing challenges for startups. New investments in AI wealth management and cricket gaming show sectors still attracting capital, offering insight into where growth may emerge despite broader funding constraints.