In the capacity of exclusive advisor and lead sourcing partner, FundTQ has successfully closed the seed round for Cercle X, led by Inflection Point Ventures. Cercle X is a tech-driven, cloud-based waste management firm that enables brands to achieve zero waste through circularity and meet their sustainability goals. 

The Coimbatore-based platform was founded in 2020 by Vishnu Vardhan and Divya Shetty, with key focus on creating a B2B Marketplace that connects key players (such as brands, consumers, MRFs, aggregators, recyclers, etc.) across the waste value chain and provides a platform for traceability, transparency and access to quality waste. Been accorded the Outstanding Environmental Changemaker Award 2020, Cercle X has a network of 700+ vendors and channelizes 500+ MT of recyclables every month. They also execute EPR mandates for 20+ large corporates and have direct relationships with more than 50 governmental agencies and ULBs. 

“Waste management via sustainable methods is vital nowadays. With Cercle X optimizing waste management coupled with IPV’s extensive network across sectors is set to scale rapidly,” said Aanchal Malhotra, Growth Partner of FundTQ – a digital funding assistance platform for institutional investments and M&As. 

Pertaining to FundTQ’s role in deal closures, associated founders have found that FundTQ’s proprietary valuation software and choose right investors platform, make the fund raising process seamless and efficient. Based on user feedback, the close accuracy of FundTQ’s 10-minute valuation software is a game-changer for start-ups.

FundTQ follows a hybrid approach for fundraising and M&A through their distinctive technology driven products, holistic advisory services and elaborative network of firms. It’s Proprietary Valuation Software, also available on subscription basis, is Asia’s 1stSaaS Valuation Tool that allows a company value their venture in under 10 minutes using just 15 data points, effectively simplifying an otherwise complex and highly data-driven process. FundTQ’s Choose Right Investors platform further allows start-ups to select a combination of institutional and strategic investors from a pool of 3000+ investors, with just a few clicks! 

While successfully running more than hundred deals for a variety of start-ups and mid-corporates, FundTQ has established itself as the go-to-platform that allows you to get the right valuation, systematically raise funds and grow your venture without getting into the hassle of tedious processes. 

Cercle X’s successful seed round is just one of the many success stories at FundTQ, and latest testimonial for the efficacy of FundTQ’s unparallel software. 

FundTQ is serving as an exclusive advisor and a lead sourcing partner for an agri-tech D2C company, GreenSat Innovation. With modern technologies like satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, GreenSat aims to profoundly transform agriculture. 

Greensat has recently raised undisclosed funds with the help of FundTQ. This round is a part of an ongoing round of $2mn.

Greensat, founded by Mr. Deepak Yadav and based in Mumbai, India, started its mission to contribute to the largest sector of the country, i.e. the agricultural sector. With proprietary AI algorithms, the company processes and analyses the data provided by satellite and provides user-friendly insights to farmers. With descriptive and suggestive insights, GreenSat has shown its needs in the sector. 15K+ farmers are using the app and are satisfied with the information provided on it. The app provides weather forecasts, the latest agricultural norms, crop growth stage analyses, and pest detection based on environmental factors. The app’s major feature, however, is illness diagnosis using computer vision. A farmer only needs to point their smartphone’s camera at a crop, and the software identifies and addresses any illness that may be present in seconds. This is extremely beneficial since many illnesses appear to farmers to be the same, and incorrect treatment might result in crop loss.

With the fresh capital, GreenSat plans to scale up operations in new geographies, enhance its tech infrastructure, build high-performance teams across functions, and focus on other business development activities. “India’s agricultural sector has immense potential for growth. GreenSat has rightly taken the step and excellently come up with a brilliant app. The company also came up with crop sales, insurance, and loans. 

We believe GreenSat is doing great and has the potential to grow.” said Aanchal Malhotra, Growth partner of FundTQ. 

FundTQ is a one-of-a-kind digital funding assistance platform for institutional investors and mergers and acquisitions, including features like, ‘Valuation Software’ and ‘Choose Right Investors Platform’. Through their unique technological tools, comprehensive advising services, and network of businesses, FundTQ takes a hybrid approach to startup fundraising and M&A. A proprietary valuation software available on a subscription basis that allows companies to value their venture in 10 minutes using 15 data points in the most complex and data-driven manner; and a Choose Right Investors platform that helps startups pick and choose the right institutional and strategic investors from a pool of 3000+ investors anytime, anywhere with a click of a button. 

FundTQ’s solutions are now being used to raise funding by over a hundred startups and mid-sized businesses. Founders must take a methodical approach to fundraise. You start with a huge pool of possible investors and narrow it down to those with whom you have a personal connection. FundTQ assists you in identifying and connecting with potential investors. Their main goal is to find you the appropriate investors at the right time and at the right price.

In the capacity of exclusive advisor and lead sourcing partner, FundTQ has successfully closed the seed round for Cercle X, led by Inflection Point Ventures. Cercle X is a tech-driven, cloud-based waste management firm that enables brands to achieve zero waste through circularity and meet their sustainability goals. 

The Coimbatore-based platform was founded in 2020 by Vishnu Vardhan and Divya Shetty, with key focus on creating a B2B Marketplace that connects key players (such as brands, consumers, MRFs, aggregators, recyclers, etc.) across the waste value chain and provides a platform for traceability, transparency and access to quality waste. Been accorded the Outstanding Environmental Changemaker Award 2020, Cercle X has a network of 700+ vendors and channelizes 500+ MT of recyclables every month. They also execute EPR mandates for 20+ large corporates and have direct relationships with more than 50 governmental agencies and ULBs. 

“Waste management via sustainable methods is vital nowadays. With Cercle X optimizing waste management coupled with IPV’s extensive network across sectors is set to scale rapidly,” said Aanchal Malhotra, Growth Partner of FundTQ – a digital funding assistance platform for institutional investments and M&As. 

Pertaining to FundTQ’s role in deal closures, associated founders have found that FundTQ’s proprietary valuation software and choose right investors platform, make the fund raising process seamless and efficient. Based on user feedback, the close accuracy of FundTQ’s 10-minute valuation software is a game-changer for start-ups.

FundTQ follows a hybrid approach for fundraising and M&A through their distinctive technology driven products, holistic advisory services and elaborative network of firms. It’s Proprietary Valuation Software, also available on subscription basis, is Asia’s 1stSaaS Valuation Tool that allows a company value their venture in under 10 minutes using just 15 data points, effectively simplifying an otherwise complex and highly data-driven process. FundTQ’s Choose Right Investors platform further allows start-ups to select a combination of institutional and strategic investors from a pool of 3000+ investors, with just a few clicks! 

While successfully running more than hundred deals for a variety of start-ups and mid-corporates, FundTQ has established itself as the go-to-platform that allows you to get the right valuation, systematically raise funds and grow your venture without getting into the hassle of tedious processes. 

Cercle X’s successful seed round is just one of the many success stories at FundTQ, and latest testimonial for the efficacy of FundTQ’s unparallel software. 

FundTQ served as a lead sourcing partner and exclusive advisor for a herb-based D2C startup, Amaara Herbs, which aims to provide their customers with best organic drinks and has recently raised a seed funding round co-led by O2 Angels and Faad Network. India Accelerator also participated in the round.

Amaara Herbs, founded by Mr. Rupan Oberoi and based out of New Delhi, started its mission to offer quality produce of natural herbs to all tea lovers in the year 2018 and started their operations in 2019, by offering a diverse range of herbal superfoods including Ashwagandha, Gokshura, Brahmi, Satavari etc. along with other varied herbs. All products are herbal and natural with no additives. The product offering is unique and does not have any direct competition for the products they offer.

With a good understanding of herbs, Amaara has created a niche in the segment by serving over 20,000 customers through the direct-to-consumer (D2C) model. The startup is selling its products in the US, and it aims to enter the UK market soon. They aim at increasing the discoverability, consumption and adoption of organic brews and lattes as first beverage.

Amaara plans to expand their operations markets (domestic and international), strengthen distribution channels along with plans of product expansion both horizontally and vertically in near future. They are a marketplace dedicated to everything organic.

“The platform works tirelessly to find the best herbs-produce and bring to their customers the best organic drinks of their preferences. We understand the importance of herbs on your health and also spread awareness on how these herbs can be beneficial if adopted in daily regime”, said by Mr. Rupan Oberoi, Founder of Amaara herbs.

“Herbal Tea Market has gained momentum in recent times because of the new health-conscious generations scouting for alternatives i.e. healthy and tasty hot and cold brews. Amaara Herbs is a right fit to provide this perfect blend to suit everyone’s liking. We believe with O2 Angels, IA and Faad Network’s combined expertise, Amaara Herbs can grow faster and effectively” said by Aanchal Malhotra, Growth Partner of FundTQ.

FundTQ is a Digital Funding Assistance Platform for Institutional Investment and Mergers & Acquisitions known as One of its kind fundraising platform with products such as  “Valuation Software” and “Choose right investors platform”.

FundTQ follows a hybrid approach for fundraising and M&A for startup companies through their distinctive technology products, holistic advisory services and their network of firms. Two of their exclusive product offerings include a Proprietary Valuation software available on Subscription basis which allows companies to value their venture in 10 minutes using 15 data points in the most complex and highly data driven manner; and Choose Right Investors platform that helps startups pick and choose right institutional and strategic investors from a pool of 3000+ investors anytime, anywhere in a click of a button.

Close to a 100 startups and mid corporates are currently using FundTQ’s products to raise capital. Founders need to approach fundraising through a filtered process. You start with a large pool of potential investors and trickle down to investors that you feel connected with. FundTQ helps you build that pool of investors and connect with them. Their primary focus is to get you the right investors, at the right valuation, and at the earliest.

FundTQ served as an exclusive advisor for the deeptech startup, which manufactures carbon fiber parts  and has recently raised INR 8 crore in a pre-series A round from Inflection Point Ventures. FundTQ is the lead sourcing partner of Inflection Point Ventures on this transaction. Existing investors Keiretsu (Chennai chapter) and Vijay Kedia, MD, Kedia Securities also participated in the round.

Fabheads is a renowned company for being the first and only company in India to have developed their patented continuous fiber 3D printing process, a feat only a handful of companies across the world have achieved. Founded in December 2015 by experienced ISRO engineers Dhinesh Kanagaraj, Abhijeet Rathore and Akshay Ballal, Fabheads Automation develops automation equipment to manufacture high-end carbon fiber parts in the country. The startup primarily deals in the Aerospace, Automobile, and Biomedical sectors.

It is also the winner of the National Award for Technology Startups (2021) by the Department of Science and Technology, National Startup Awards (2020) in the 3D Printing Category by Startup India, DRDO’s DaretoDream Award (2019), JEC’s Outstanding Innovation in composites award (2018) and the Top Startup in Manufacturing (2018) by CII.  

Fabheads is offering design and manufacturing services to drones, robotics, and shipping companies in India. It counts E-plane Company, Synergy Marine, Planys Technologies and ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) as clients. It has also onboarded a couple of Singapore clients and recently started pilot operations across Asia.

“Fabheads is a niche deal, therefore, choosing a right partner for it was of the utmost importance. We believe the partnership and expertise of IPV will assist Fabheads in growing faster and effectively. We believe it’s vital to have right investors onboard, and that too at right valuation” said by Aanchal Malhotra, growth partner of FundTQ

FundTQ is a Digital Funding Assistance Platform for Institutional Investment and Mergers & Acquisitions known as One of its kind fundraising platform with products such as  “Valuation Software” and “Choose right investors platform”.

FundTQ follows a hybrid approach for fundraising and M&A for startup companies through their distinctive technology products, holistic advisory services and their network of firms. Two of their exclusive product offerings include a Proprietary Valuation software available on Subscription basis which allows companies to value their venture in 10 minutes using 15 data points in the most complex and highly data driven manner; and Choose Right Investors platform that helps startups pick and choose right institutional and strategic investors from a pool of 3000+ investors anytime, anywhere in a click of a button.

Close to a 100 startups and mid corporates are currently using FundTQ’s products to raise capital. Founders need to approach fundraising through a filtered process. You start with a large pool of potential investors and trickle down to investors that you feel connected with. FundTQ helps you build that pool of investors and connect with them. Their primary focus is to get you the right investors, at the right valuation, and at the earliest. 

Company Overview

• PhonePe is a mobile payment app that allows users to transfer money instantly to anyone by just using their phone number.
• PhonePe was found in December 2015 and was acquired by Flipkart in 2016. In 2018, Flipkart was acquired by Walmart and PhonePe was also part of the transaction.
• Flushed with funds after a massive $700 million funding round led by Walmart, PhonePe has been very aggressive with its marketing and acquisition. PhonePe was valued at $5.5 billion, making it the second most valuable fintech after Paytm.
• In April, it processed 1.19 billion UPI transactions, worth Rs. 2.34 lakh crore, cornering nearly 45% of the market. And with this recent acquisition, it has hit another milestone in the business world.

Acquisition Overview

• Bengaluru-based India’s leading UPI payment platform, Phonepe is all set to acquire homegrown content and app discovery platform, Indus OS for a deal valued at $60 million.
• This is believed to be the second acquisition PhonePe has made. In 2018, PhonePe had acquired point-of-sale startup Zopper as well, as part of its aggressive expansion.
• The rationale behind this acquisition is to boost its ‘super app’, called Switch, designed to offer a wide range of services under one umbrella. The super app aggregates 400 apps across verticals including categories such as food, travel, shopping, and lifestyle which users can access.
• With this acquisition, PhonePe not only gets Indus OS’ customer base of English-speaking 100 million users, but also plans to expand it for users not having English as their primary language.

IIT Delhi

Many unicorn startup founders in India attended IIT Delhi. The college also has an entrepreneurship growth cell and offers a variety of entrepreneurship short courses.

IIT Delhi alumni-founded startups raised $480 million in funding in the first half of 2020.From the first half of 2017 to the beginning of 2019, IIT Delhi alumni-founded startupsraised a total of $7483 million in funding.

Popular startup alumni include :

Deepinder Goyal (Zomato)

Total Funding : $2.15B

Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal (Flipkart)

Total Funding: $9B

IIM Ahmedabad

This year, several top-funded startups have been founded by graduates of thisinstitution. With 462 million dollars collected in funding from alumni, the college is notfar behind IIT Delhi. From 2017 to 2019, startups led by IIM Ahmedabad graduates wereable to raise a total of $207 million.

Popular startup alumni include :

Deep Kalra (MakeMyTrip)

Total Funding : $748M

Sanjeev Bikchandani (Naukri.com)

Annual Revenue : $196M as on Dec 31, 2019

IIT Kharagpur

In the first half of 2020, IIT Kharagpur alumni-founded startups raised $329million. There are 637 companies created by alumni of the college as of July2020, including three unicorns. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google was also astudent of IIT Kharagpur.

Popular startup alumni include :

Rahul Jaimini (Swiggy)

Total Funding : $2.42B

Ramakrishna Adukuri (Stellapps)

Total Funding : $19M

IIM Calcutta

More than 380 Indian companies have been founded by IIM Calcutta alumni. Six ofthese are unicorn startups. The college is well-known for producing the founders ofmany of the country’s most well-funded startups. The alumni raised 328 million dollarsin investments between January 2020 and June 2020.

Popular startup alumni include :

Pranay Chulet (Quikr)

Total Funding : $370M

Sumant Sinha (ReNew Energy)

Total Funding : $125M

IIT Bombay

For several years, IIT Bombay has produced entrepreneurs who havelaunched some of the country’s most well-funded startups. IIT Bombayalumni own a total of 759 businesses. These companies were able to raisea total of $9.87 billion in funding.

Bhavish Aggarwal (Ola)

Total Funding : $3.28B

Overview of GupShup

• GupShup is a leading conversational messaging platform used by thousands of large and small businesses in emerging markets to have conversational experiences acorss marketing, sales and support. 
• Its API helps to enable over 1, 00, 000 developers and businesses and has the potential to deliver over 6 billion messages per month across 30+ messaging channels. 
• The compnay has declared to use every investment to scale up its product delivery and go-to market initiatives worldwide to accelerate the transformation of business-to-consumer interaction with conversational experiences. 
• The company exited the year 2020 with an annual revenue run rate of $150 million as per the compnay stats. 

Funding in GupShup

• Gupshup has raised $100 million in latest round of funding from Tiger Global at a valuation of $1.4 billion. 
• In their late stage venture funding of Series E, they raised $10M from Tenaya Capital, a venture capital firm investung in technology driven technologies. 
• Leading the Series D funding to help this venture, Globespan Capital Partners along with Helion Venture Partners and CRV invested $12M in 2010. 
• In Series C round of funding in 2008, GupShup managed to raise $11 million from two technology power based investors named Helion Venture Partners and CRV. 
• Gaining a bit of momentum they raised Series B funding of $10M from Llyod George Management, HTSG and Cambrian Ventures in 2006. 
• In their early stage round of Series A funding, they were backed by Cambrian Ventures with a funding of $1.1.M when they were recently launched in the market. 

Udaan Overview 

• Udaan is a B2B trading marketplace that has an aim of empowering retailers, wholesalers, traders, and manufacturers through the use of technology. Its network connects over 25,000 sellers to over 3 million B2B users in 900 cities. 
• It was founded in 2016 by former Flipkart employees – Amod Malviya, Vaibhav Gupta, and Sujeet Kumar. 
• Based on their business model, Udaan is an asset-light player and aims to help Indian SMEs with credit issues, B2B logistics, revenue, and marketing. 
• Udaan provides merchants on their platform with accounting, order, and payment processing solutions and provides retailers with affordable working capital (funds). In other words, Udaan is not only a forum for retailers and wholesalers, but it also underwrites small business loans. 

Funding History

• Earlier this month, B2B e-commerce platform Udaan had announced raising $280.5 million in its extended Series D round from new and existing investors. 
• Udaan has now raised $1.15 billion in total, including this new capital infusion. Udaan has surpassed $3 billion valuation as a result of this deal. 
• Existing Udaan investors Lightspeed Venture Partners, DST Global, GGV Capital, Altimeter Capital, and Tencent, as well as two new investors Octahedron Capital and Moonstone Capital, participated in the latest funding round. 

Overview

• Razorpay started with the objective of making online payments accessible to all companies whether big and small. Company offers a fast, affordable and secure way for merchants, schools, ecommerce and other companies to accept and disburse payments online. 
• With the new funds in hand, Razorpay has a wide range of goals that it has set out to achieve. The company is looking to expand its presence in South East Asian countries, scale up its business banking suite and also invest in acquiring new companies. 
• The company had recently acquired two startups – Opfin, a payroll and HR Management software company, and Thirdwatch, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup. It also plans to hire over 600 employees for the expansion plan. 

Revenue and Valuation

• Razorpay raised $160 million from Sequoia India and Singapore-based GIC in Series E funding round that has trebled the valuation of the payment gateway startup to $3 billion in less than six months. 
• Razorpay’s core business is payment gateway Company registered 2.6X jump in its revenues to Rs 509 crore in FY20. While it posted loss of Rs 6.15 crore during the same fiscal, it turned cash flow positive at the operational level during the fiscal. 
• Now Razorpay has become the 3rd most valued company in the fintech segment after Paytm and PhonePe.