Startup news and updates: daily roundup (July 16, 2024)

Funding news

Icanheal secures Rs 15 Cr in seed funding round from IvyCap Ventures

Icanheal, a healthcare financing and patient navigation platform, has secured an investment of Rs 15 crore in a seed funding round from IvyCap Ventures. 

Icanheal will use the newly raised funds to bolster its platform and enhance its capabilities. 

Vikram Gupta, founder and managing partner at IvyCap Ventures, will join the startup's board. 

"Icanheal's unique approach to improving healthcare affordability through customized financing solutions resonates deeply with our mission. By democratizing access to advanced medical treatments and enhancing patient adherence, Icanheal is poised to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector", said Gupta. 

Small format grocery chain Frendy raises Rs 2 Cr in debt

Frendy, a tech-enabled small-format grocery chain, raised Rs 2 crore in debt from UC Inclusive Credit, a NBFC unit of Unitus Capital.

It will use the capital to fund its central inventory needs and power its network of Frendy Marts and micro Kiranas in Tier III+ towns of Gujarat.

“As we aim to scale our business 4X, we intend to raise equity and expand our credit lines. Having a lending partner in UCIC adds additional operational and financial discipline, which is always good for early-stage startups,” said Sameer Gandotra, Founder and CEO of Frendy.

Other news

Hygiene brand Pee Safe hires Arijit Sen as Vice President

Gurugram-based hygiene startup Pee Safe on Tuesday said that it has hired Arijit Sen as its new Vice President of Sales. 

Sen joined the company after serving as Healthkart's general manager, where he was involved in scaling its distribution to 40,000 outlets across India. 

"Pee Safe feels like a homecoming. I have always believed in the potential of innovative personal hygiene products," said Sen.

The company also aims to capture a significant share in India's saIndia'smarket with its Ultra-Thin Sanitary Pads and Disposable Period Panties, which it says are projected to be more consumer in the coming months. 

AXISCADES Technologies names Tanmoy Chakrabarty as Non-Executive Independent Director

Technology and engineering solutions provider AXISCADES Technologies said on Tuesday that it had appointed Tanmoy Chakrabarty as the company's additional director in the non-executive Independent Director category. 

Chakrabarty had previously been involved in several projects for the Government of India, including implementing MCA 21 and the Passport Sena Programs. He had also led digital tax initiatives across East Africa and contributed to eGovernance programs in the UK and the US. 

"I look forward to contributing to the long-term mission and advancement of AXISCADES Technologies with my insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by modern organizations in the public and private sectors," said Chakrabarty. 

Ecobillz appoints Santoshkumar Hiremath as CX Leader and Head of Operations

AI-driven B2B SaaS Digitisation platform Ecobillz on Tuesday appointed Santoshkumar Hiremath as its CX Leader and Head of Operations. 

In his new role, Hiremath will oversee all operations functions and manage project execution. 

Prior to his appointment, Hiremath held leadership positions at HP, Dell, Concentrix, and, most recently, Lenovo.

"We are thrilled to welcome Santoshkumar to the Ecobillz team," said Ameet Patil, CEO of Ecobillz Private Limited. "Santosh brings a wealth of experience in Operations and Customer experience management. His proven track record of achievements will be crucial as we continue to expand and deliver exceptional service to our Customers."

Delhivery appoints Prashant Gazipur as its Senior Vice President of Operations.

Delhivery, a logistics service provider, on Tuesday said that it has appointed Prashant Gazipur as its Senior Vice President of operations.

Gazipur, whose previous stints included Ecom Express and Amazon, will, in his new role, take charge of Delhivery's capacity building and operations across its last-mile pickup and delivery. 

"We are delighted to welcome Prashant to Delhivery," said Sahil Barua, Managing Director and CEO. "With the solid operational base, we have built since going public, Prashant’s operational experience and leadership will be instrumental to our immediate and long-term growth."

OnMobile Global appoints Bikram Sherawat as President, COO

Mobile gaming and entertainment company OnMobile Global appointed Bikram Sherawat as its President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) effective July 16.

"Bikram brings a wealth of expertise in international sales and strategic partnerships. His skill in navigating complex negotiations highlights his ability to secure advantageous deals for organisations and positions him as an invaluable asset in achieving our vision and global business success,” said Francois Charles, Chairman and CEO of OnMobile.

Prior to his appointment, Sherawat lead a global cross-functional team in the company.

ArcelorMittal’s Indian Accelerator programme for climate tech startups announces winners

ArcelorMittal’s XCarb Innovation Fund selected three startups as the joint winners of its inaugural XCarb India Accelerator Programme.

The startups, UrjanovaC, AgroMorph Technosolutions, and Susstains Engineering Solutions, will receive prize money of $50,000 and mentoring aimed at developing their technologies and business models.

The programme, which saw over 50 applications, was designed to support ArcelorMittal’s climate ambition.

“The last 11 months provided us great insight into the startup landscape of India and the opportunities it presents. It was a pleasure collaborating with IIT Madras, and we look forward to continued engagement with them,” said Irina Gorbounova, Head of the XCarb Innovation Fund.

(The copy will be updated with the latest news throughout the day)