AI Sports Tech StepOut Funding: FundTQ Advises Rainmatter-Led Round

StepOut, an AI-driven sports technology platform redefining football analytics and talent development, has successfully closed its recent funding round led by Rainmatter by Zerodha, with participation from SucSEED Ventures, Misfits Capital, and Marwah Sports Pvt. Ltd. FundTQ acted as the exclusive deal advisor to StepOut, supporting the company across the entire business fundraising process. StepOut is building a data-first football ecosystem using artificial intelligence to enable smarter performance analysis, talent identification, and scouting solutions for academies, clubs, coaches, and athletes. By combining deep football domain knowledge with scalable technology. The platform addresses a critical gap in objective decision-making within grassroots and professional football. The successful fundraise marks a key milestone in StepOut’s growth journey. The newly raised capital will be utilized to strengthen its AI and analytics engine, expand product offerings, scale operations, and build deeper relationships across football academies and leagues. The round also reflects strong investor confidence in StepOut’s fundamentals, market opportunity, and long-term vision—underpinned by disciplined financial planning and robust business valuation frameworks.

During the transaction, FundTQ worked closely with the StepOut founding team on multiple aspects of the raise. Including refining the equity narrative, preparing investor-ready pitch deck templates, validating financial models, and engaging with aligned strategic and institutional investors. The focus remained on building long-term value rather than short-term capital, ensuring the right fit between founders and investors.

The participation of Rainmatter by Zerodha brings strategic depth to StepOut’s cap table. Offering not just capital but also long-term guidance in building scalable, technology-led businesses. The investor consortium is expected to support StepOut. It accelerates product innovation and expands its footprint within India’s rapidly growing sports tech ecosystem.

Stepout Funding Round

Reflecting on the engagement, the FundTQ team shared that their early interactions with StepOut stood out due to the founders’ clarity of purpose, execution discipline, and strong understanding of both technology and the football landscape.

“StepOut represents the next generation of sports technology platforms—deeply analytical, mission-driven, and scalable. Working with founders who are open to feedback, data-oriented, and focused on long-term impact makes the fundraising journey highly collaborative. We are excited to have partnered with StepOut and look forward to seeing the platform transform football analytics and talent development.”

This transaction reinforces the idea that effective fundraising goes beyond capital infusion. It is about trust, alignment, execution quality, and founders who consistently show up to build enduring businesses. With a strong investor base and a clear growth roadmap. StepOut is well-positioned for its next phase of scale and impact.

About FundTQ

Founded in 2016, FundTQ is a full-service investment banking firm providing a wide range of investment banking services, including M&A advisory, VC/PE syndication, tax advisory, due diligence, and strategic capital raising. The firm follows a founder-first approach, focusing on seamless execution, long-term value creation, and outcome-driven advisory.

Recognized among the Top 10 Investment Banks, FundTQ has advised startups and MSMEs across their lifecycle. From early-stage business fundraising to growth capital, strategic investments, and acquisitions. Backed by deep industry expertise, strong investor relationships, and structured use of financial modeling. Business valuation software frameworks. FundTQ continues to be a trusted partner in high-impact transactions across sectors.

Some deals are transactions. Some are journeys.
This one was both. FundTQ Advises on Emami Acquisition of Axiom Ayurveda

FundTQ Investment Advisory is proud to have acted as the exclusive deal advisor to Axiom Ayurveda on Emami’s acquisition of a 73.5% majority stake in the brand — one of the most significant Ayurveda M&A transactions in recent years, and one of the most personally meaningful mandates the FundTQ team has been part of.

About Axiom Ayurveda

Axiom Ayurveda is a purpose-driven Ayurvedic brand that has built genuine consumer trust over the years through science-backed formulations, authentic positioning, and a deep commitment to the wellness category. The brand’s growth story is not just one of revenue — it is one of conviction, consistency, and category leadership in a space that demands both authenticity and agility.

About the Transaction

FMCG major Emami Limited — one of India’s most respected consumer goods companies with a strong legacy in health and wellness — acquired a 73.5% majority stake in Axiom Ayurveda, signalling a strong strategic bet on the premium Ayurveda segment.

For Emami, this acquisition represents a meaningful addition to its wellness portfolio. For Axiom Ayurveda, it marks the beginning of a new chapter — one backed by institutional strength, distribution muscle, and the kind of long-term support that allows a brand to truly scale.

FundTQ’s Role in the Transaction

FundTQ’s involvement with Axiom Ayurveda spans nearly 2–3 years — long before the deal was on the table.

That is the nature of transactions at this level. They require relationship-building, patient positioning, financial narrative development, and the kind of ongoing strategic alignment that does not happen in a few months.

The FundTQ team worked alongside the Axiom Ayurveda leadership through every stage — understanding the brand’s DNA, sharpening the investor and acquirer story, identifying the right strategic fit, and navigating the full complexity of a majority stake transaction from first conversation to final close.

Reflecting on the journey, the FundTQ team shared:

“Axiom Ayurveda is a brand built on real conviction. From our very first interaction, it was clear this wasn’t just a business — it was a purpose. Transactions of this nature demand patience, precision, and complete trust between all parties. We’re grateful to have been chosen as partners on this journey and are excited about what lies ahead for the brand under Emami’s leadership.”

A Founder Who Made the Difference

No deal of this nature closes without the right person at the helm.

Rishabh Gupta stands out as one of the most remarkable founders FundTQ has had the privilege of working with. His clarity of thought, depth of understanding of his own business, and the composure with which he navigated every stage of this multi-year process was exceptional.

The kind of founder energy that makes advisors want to give their absolute best — because you know the person across the table deserves nothing less.
Working alongside him was not just professionally enriching. It was genuinely inspiring.

What This Deal Reflects

The Axiom Ayurveda–Emami transaction is a strong signal for the Indian Ayurveda and wellness category. It validates what the best founders in this space have always known — that authentic brands, built with purpose and patience, attract the right partners at the right time.

It also reflects a truth that FundTQ carries into every mandate: great outcomes don’t happen overnight. They happen because someone kept showing up, every single day — refining, aligning, and never losing sight of the end goal.

To the entire Axiom Ayurveda team — congratulations. You earned every bit of this.
To Emami — welcome as partners. The best is yet to come.
And to every founder reading this — if you are building something real, with conviction, the right outcome will find you. Stay the course.

 

Unnati Agri (Akshamala Solutions Pvt Ltd), a leading player in the Agri-Input tech space, has successfully raised a part of their Series B Round. This investment is announced as a part of the Rs. 100Cr, which they are currently raising. The amount was invested with a participation from Zephyr Peacock along with participation of some other investors. Zephyr Peacock is a Mumbai-based investor renowned for its commitment to sustainable and high-growth businesses.. This fundraise will help Unnati to further strengthen its operations through their own brands portfolio and by acquiring companies in a similar space. Currently, the Company is aggressively working on launching their own portfolio of organic products.

Unnati Agri has established itself as one of the Leading players in the agricultural landscape with its focus on agri-inputs supply with climate sustainability. The company specializes in seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, with a strong focus on environmentally conscious solutions that foster long-term agricultural growth. Unnati’s products cater to the needs of farmers, ensuring high-quality, sustainable, and efficient solutions that contribute to better yields while promoting ecological balance. The AI-based platform assists in managing inventory and mentions the appropriate mix of various formulations based on crop needs.

The funds raised will be directed towards driving Unnati’s organic growth with increasing contribution of its own brand products combined with the strategic acquisitions of other agri-input companies to expand its product portfolio and market reach. The Company is now openly looking for new companies to acquire in agri-inputs category which can help Unnati grow inorganically. This combination of organic growth and acquisition strategy is expected to boost Unnati’s position in the rapidly evolving agri-tech sector and accelerate its impact in promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.

FundTQ is acting as an exclusive advisor to this Transaction and for acquisitions of the companies by Unnati.

Commenting on this growth initiative, Aanchal Mahani, Growth Partner at FundTQ said, “Unnati Agri’s move of successful fundraise is not just a transaction; it’s a strategic investment that positions the company for a bright and sustainable future. By capitalizing on the funds generated, Unnati is poised to make a significant impact in the agritech space, while simultaneously enabling Farmers To Always Make The Right Choice. Unnati is not just a platform, however it is helping India to become self-sustainable in terms of its agri inputs rather than depending on China”

This strategic move reinforces Unnati Agri’s mission to revolutionize the agriculture sector, create value for its stakeholders, and contribute to the global movement toward climate-smart agricultural solutions. As the agri-tech industry continues to evolve, Unnati’s commitment to growth and sustainability positions it for long-term success in both the Indian and global markets.

About FundTQ

FundTQ, established in 2016, operates as an Investment Banking firm, offering a comprehensive range of services encompassing M&A, VC/PE syndication, Tax Advisory, and Due Diligence Support. The company is driven by a success-oriented approach and places a strong emphasis on the successful conclusion of each transaction in its portfolio.

FundTQ is positioned amongst the Top 10 Investment Banks, due to its profound expertise in various diversified industries and an exceptional track record in both domestic and cross-border transactions. The diverse client base that FundTQ serves stands as a testimony to its capability to support startups and MSMEs at every stage of their journey, from securing growth stage funding to facilitating substantial transactions and providing expert M&A advisory services.

In last years FundTQ closed Alofut Beverages investment by Emami, NautiNati acquisition by Aditya Birla, among others

 

Secret Alchemist, a new high-end perfume company, has already reached the final round of its financing, which was leading by strategic investors to drive brand growth and expansion. FundTQ was the deal advisor to the company in the whole fundraising process and advised on the transaction.

Secret Alchemist is an award-winning actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and her two co-founders, Ankita Thadani and Akash Valia, have been gradually building a niche in the high-end fragrance market. The brand is characterized by well-developed products, excellent narration, and high knowledge of the changing consumer tastes and preferences. This capital is an important milestone in the development history of the company and will aid in brand building, portfolio diversification, and team-up-scaling.

Secret Alchemist has established itself as a contemporary, design-oriented perfume company with a focus on discerning consumers with differentiated and premium scent experiences. The company has experienced good traction in a competitive market segment with a keen eye on product innovation, design, and consumer interactions. The new capital will also help the brand increase its presence in the market, not to mention the ability of the brand to sustainably scale its operations.

The capital will be deployed strategically to diversify the product lines, enhance the channels of distribution, investing in brand-based marketing campaigns, and developing a high-quality staff to help the company in the next stage of development. Secret Alchemist has the resources to speed up its progress in the high-end consumer environment with the support of its marquee investors and a long-term perspective.

Ankita Thadani and Akash Valia, Co-founders of Secret Alchemist, shared their experience of working with FundTQ and said:

“Fundraising was a highly participatory and learning experience to us as founders. The FundTQ staff collaborated with us throughout the process – including polishing our pitch, fine-tuning financials, and getting us ready to undergo various rounds of investor meetings. This was their disciplined style of approach, responsiveness and empowered investor network, which enabled us to remain focused and assured during the process. The team deserves a special mention since it is well founder-first and always takes the extra mile when necessary.”

Reflectively, the FundTQ team described that their early communications with Secret Alchemist were significant because the founders had a clear vision and good familiarity with the consumer landscape.

“Secret Alchemist is a great brand that was developed strategically and in the long term. We find it incredibly rewarding to work with founders who are deeply engaged, open to feedback, and relentlessly hardworking. We’re grateful to the founders for trusting us as partners on this journey and are excited to see the brand grow with the support of new investors.” 

Pooja Malhotra and Aanchal Mahani were also given special appreciation due to their effort, organization and implementation during the process of fundraising.

This transaction supports the school of thought that effective fundraising is not only about capital, but it is also about trust, fit, execution quality and founders who turn up to work. Secret Alchemist has a solid investor base and a distinct growth strategy that will see it reach its next stage of growth and influence within the high-end fragrance market.

About FundTQ

Founded in 2016, FundTQ is an Investment Banking company that provides a wide range of services such as M&A advisory, VC/PE syndication, tax advisory and due diligence services. The company is motivated by the success-related strategy, and the focus on smooth implementation and value generation among its customers.

Having placed it as one of the Top 10 Investment Banks, FundTQ is known to have a profound expertise in diversified industries with a good record of home and cross-border transactions. The company provides startups and MSMEs through the lifecycle such as early and growth-stage capital raising, high-value strategic investments and acquisitions.

FundTQ has advised on several marquee deals over the last few years, including Emami’s investment in Alofut Beverages, Aditya Birla Group’s acquisition of NautiNati, and many others, earning a strong reputation as a trusted partner in high-impact transactions.

Due diligence is a crucial step in the ever-changing startup funding landscape that has the power to make or destroy an investment agreement. Knowing the details of due diligence is crucial for confidently navigating the funding route, regardless of experience level or level of inexperience with startups. We’ll cover what company founders need to know about due diligence in this extensive guide, including its goal, when it happens, what investors look for, and how well-prepared businesses can be.

Understanding Due Diligence: A Fundamental Overview

In the startup space, due diligence refers to the meticulous audit process undertaken by potential investors before committing to funding a business.Due diligence’s main goal is to confirm that the startup’s information matches real facts in order to protect investors from danger and provide transparency.

Investors use due diligence in search for any hidden issues or warning signals that could impact the investment, in addition to ensuring that a company is speaking the truth about what it says. Two factors that can influence how extensive and rigorous the due diligence process is are the stage of development at which a startup is in and the amount of capital involved.

When Does Due Diligence Occur?

Due diligence typically occurs after a startup has presented to an angel or venture capital firm. After investors express interest in the plan, it seems sense to begin the process of researching the company. This process is comparable to conducting a thorough survey before purchasing real estate, which is a crucial stage for investors to feel safe and confident in the venture.

The duration of the due diligence process might vary, ranging from a post-pitch in-person discussion to a more drawn-out investigation involving attorneys, accountants, and a thorough evaluation of all supporting material. Consequently, investors use this crucial stage to verify the startup’s claims, evaluate its financial standing, and investigate the operational and legal elements of the company.

What Will Investors Ask for During Due Diligence?

During due diligence, investors usually use a basic checklist that is customized to meet their needs. Even while each investor may have a different checklist, companies can expedite the process by ahead of time creating standard documentation. To assist startups in successfully navigating the due diligence evaluation, consider the following eight points:

1. Financial Information and Business Plan:

Present financial statements and a well-developed business plan outlining revenue streams, cost structures, and growth projections for investor assessment.

2. Intellectual Property Rights:

Submit copyright, patent and trademark to protect assets and ensure legal protection of intellectual property.

3. Minutes and Business documents:

Provide corporate records, meeting minutes, and legal documents to demonstrate regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and transparency in business operations.

4. Lawsuit Transparency:

To reduce risks and give prospective investors transparency, disclose information about any pending or settled legal disputes, settlements, or litigations.

5. Team Interviews and Background Checks:

Facilitate interviews with key team members and allow investors to conduct thorough background checks to assess team competence and reliability.

6. Supply Chain Contracts and client Data:

To assess market reach and scalability, share with suppliers contractual agreements and information into client demographics, retention tactics, and acquisition methods.

7. Revenue and Sales Numbers:

Provide comprehensive revenue reports, sales projections, and customer acquisition metrics to showcase business growth potential and financial performance.

8. Market Analysis:

To show that you understand the market, see growth prospects, and evaluate the positioning of your competitors, provide comprehensive market research, competition analysis, and industry insights.

How to Prepare a Startup for Due Diligence?

Preparing for due diligence is a strategic opportunity for startups to conduct an internal audit, optimize formalities, and verify their growth plans. Consequently, it entails transparent organization and careful attention to detail, making sure that every documentation is correct and consistent with the investment pitch.

Preparing the following ahead of time can help startups:

Articles of incorporation, ownership structure specifics, organizational chart, and other corporate information and structure.

• Material Importance Agreements including overview of marketing, service, and distribution agreements and Documentation of agreements with major customers and suppliers.
• Intellectual Property and Technology like copies of intellectual property agreements and invention agreements. Overview of owned and developed items, including patents and trademarks.
• Documents pertaining to labor and employment, such as conventional employment contracts, personnel data, pension policy details, and any unpaid balances.
• Financial projections, reports comparing the budget to the actual, and financial statements. details about capital commitments, mortgages, and debt securities.

Startups can give prospective investors a strong and transparent profile by carefully arranging these elements, which will inspire trust and make the due diligence process go more smoothly.

Why Should Startups Be Grateful for Due Diligence?

While due diligence may seem like a rigorous and meticulous process, startups should view it as a valuable opportunity for improvement. Due diligence can reveal areas for optimization, enabling businesses to strengthen any areas of weakness and improve their operations. Additionally, the due diligence procedure gives companies an opportunity to demonstrate their dedication to accuracy and transparency—qualities that are critical to winning over investors.

Due diligence is essentially a two-way street where investors learn everything there is to know about the startup and entrepreneurs learn important things about possible places to improve. Startups that embrace due diligence as a cooperative and advantageous process have a better chance of obtaining capital and progressing to the next stage of development.

Conclusion

Due diligence is a crucial milestone that necessitates planning, openness, and a dedication to accuracy in the cutthroat world of startup fundraising. Consequently, startups that handle due diligence with honesty and diligence will have an easier time getting funding and starting a lucrative new stage of development.

It’s critical for startup founders to view due diligence as a strategic opportunity rather than a barrier. Startups can boost their chances of getting the money required for success by proactively compiling the relevant documentation, understanding investor expectations, and exhibiting a transparent and well-organized profile. These actions will help them negotiate the due diligence landscape with confidence.

Due diligence serves as more than just a gatekeeper—rather, it opens doors for development, advancement, and successful collaborations between investors and businesses. Accept it, get ready for it, and allow it to spark the beginning of the next phase of your business ventures.

FundTQ acted as an exclusive advisor for Mom’s Home in raising its first institutional investment from Mistry Ventures. Mistry Ventures invested an undisclosed amount in the Organic Baby Essentials brand, Mom’s Home, known for its organic clothing and baby essentials range for kids aged 0-5 years. This marks a significant milestone for Moms Home raise funds.

MomsHome specialises in 100% organic bamboo clothing, organic diapers, infant clothing, maternity range and baby organic quilts. FundTQ, the exclusive advisors to MomsHome, played an integral role in making this transaction possible.

FundTQ, a leading mid-market investment banking firm, played a pivotal role in connecting MomsHome with potential investors who shared a common commitment to fostering positive change. By leveraging FundTQ’s innovative approach to fundraising and its wide investor network, MomsHome was able to connect and successfully raise funds from Mistry Ventures.

FundTQ’s unique approach towards investor connect, startup fundraising, valuation discussions enhances its ability to connect with investors and successful closure of deals. By leveraging technology and data-driven insights, FundTQ facilitates meaningful connections between fundraisers and investors, streamlining the fundraising process and maximizing the potential for success.

The success of Moms Home raise funds campaign showcases the effectiveness of FundTQ’s platform. It acts as a bridge between organizations with impactful missions and investors aiming to make a difference. FundTQ is among the leading investment banks in India known for its strategic approach. It specializes in Startup Fundraising, Mergers and Acquisitions, Startup Valuation, and Wealth Management.

About FundTQ

Founded in 2020, FundTQ operates as an investment banking company. It offers various services including Fundraising, M&A, Wealth Management, and Impact Funding. The company operates with a success-driven approach, placing significant importance on achieving successful outcomes for each transaction within its portfolio.

FundTQ stands out as one of the leading Investment Banks, ranking among the Top 10. Its notable expertise spans various industries, with a remarkable track record in both domestic and cross-border transactions. The company’s diverse client base demonstrates its capacity to support startups and MSMEs throughout their journey. They help secure growth-stage funding and facilitate significant transactions. Additionally, they offer expert M&A advisory services.