Elon Musk is signalling a change of guard within his corporate empire with his intention to merge SpaceX with his money-burning artificial intelligence startup xAI. Musk owes a great deal of his fame and fortune to Tesla. However, after the merger on 2 February, SpaceX’s reported private market valuation was $1.25 trillion, while Tesla’s market cap was approximately $1.58 trillion, a difference of only 26%. While Musk only has a 13% ownership in Tesla, he is believed to hold 43% of SpaceX. According to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires index, Musk’s paper worth has soared above $852 billion, and SpaceX represents more than half of that value.Tesla Performance Going DownWith a 6% drop in stock price so far in 2026, Tesla’s worth has been falling since the beginning of the year. Tesla disclosed a 16% year-over-year dip in vehicle sales in early January and a 3% yearly revenue decline in 2025, the first decline on record, later in the month. The recent abolition of a federal tax credit for EV purchases in the US, along with intense competition from electric car manufacturers in Europe and China, has been a major setback for Tesla’s main auto industry.In addition to Musk’s involvement with…  ​Read MoreStartupTalky- Business News, Insights and Stories

Protein bars maker The Whole Truth (TWT) has raised approximately $51 million in a Series D funding round led by Sofina and Sauce.vc, the company said on Wednesday.The capital infusion, which includes both primary and secondary funding, comes as the brand transitions toward a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO). Existing investors Peak XV Partners and Rainmatter Health also participated in the round, alongside new backer AYRA Ventures. Its early backers include Z47 (fka Matrix Partners India) and angels like Sriharsha Majety (Swiggy) and Jaydeep Burman (Rebel Foods). The latest round follows a significant Series C in early 2025 where TWT raised approximately $15.8 million at a valuation of over $250 million.The funding arrives amid a broader “proteinification” trend in India, as health-conscious consumers shift from traditional diets toward functional staples. According to recent industry data, over 70% of urban Indian diets are protein-deficient, driving a surge in demand for protein-enriched breads, batters, and snacks. TWT, has capitalised on this by expanding into “super-light” protein powders designed for non-traditional demographics like women and the elderly. Beyond powders, its product range includes protein bars, nut butters, and chocolates. TWT said it plans to use the proceeds to scale up in-house manufacturing, fund…  ​Read More​YourStory RSS Feed

Varaha, Asia’s largest developer of high-integrity carbon removal projects, today announced its Series B financing round of ~$45M, and close of the initial tranche of $20M, led by WestBridge Capital.The new capital will accelerate Varaha’s geographic expansion, strengthen its scientific and MRV capabilities, and scale a new industrial partnership model that extends its capabilities to partners worldwide. Founded in India, Varaha develops carbon removal projects across four pathways: Biochar, Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR); Regenerative Agriculture, and Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW).The company has built strong commercial traction, executing long-term carbon offtake agreements with U.S. technology leaders Google and Microsoft, as well as a major U.S.-based aviation company. Varaha has also delivered one of the highest volumes of durable carbon removal credits of any project developer globally as on date.This investment marks WestBridge Capital’s first climate tech investment. Speaking on the investment Sandeep Singhal, Co-founder and Managing Partner, WestBridge Capital said, “Varaha has built what very few companies globally have: deep scientific credibility in a nascent industry alongside a commercially viable business model. We believe Varaha is uniquely positioned to build a global carbon-removal platform from India, combining integrity, scale, and impact. This investment reflects our conviction in the team and their potential to…  ​Read MoreStartupTalky- Business News, Insights and Stories

AI and decision-intelligence company Fractal Analytics has set the price band for its IPO, which is set to open on Monday (February 9), at INR 857 to INR 900 per share. At the upper end of the price band, the IPO values the company at about INR 15,480 Cr (about $1.7 Bn). Anchor bidding for the issue will take place on Friday (February 6), while the IPO will close on Wednesday (February 11). The shares are expected to list on the exchanges on February 16 (Monday). The company filed its red herring prospectus (RHP) for INR 2,833.9 Cr IPO yesterday. The public issue will comprise a fresh issue of shares worth up to INR 1,023.54 Cr, representing a 30% cut from the DRHP. Additionally, the offer-for-sale (OFS) component has been halved to up to INR 1,810.4 Cr.  Investors including Apax Partners, TPG Capital, Satya Kumari Remala, Rao Venkateswara Remala, and GLM Family Trust will sell their stakes via the OFS. The IPO proceeds will be used for research and development, sales and marketing for in-house AI incubator Fractal Alpha, pre-payment and scheduled repayment of borrowings of subsidiary Fractal USA, setting up a new office in India, and more. Founded in…  ​Read MoreInc42 Media

Carbon removal project developer Varaha has raised $20 million as part of its larger $45 million Series B round, led by WestBridge Capital. RTP Global, one of the firm’s early backer, also joined the round with a pro-rata investment, along with Omnivore, who was one of its early-stage investors. The newly-raised funding will be used to help Varaha’s geographic expansion, strengthen its scientific and MRV (measurement, reporting, and verification) capabilities, and scale a new industrial partnership model that will look to extend its capabilities to global partners, said the company in a statement. Under the Varaha Industrial Partners Program (VIPP) the company will parter with industrial operators with gasification capabilities and access to sustainable biomass to help leverage Varaha’s MRV capabilities and carbon credit origination. The company said its VIPP is already operational, with projects underway involving a large cashew producer in West Africa, several agribusiness partners in India, and a major Indian steel company pursuing decarbonisation goals.Also ReadVaraha signs offtake agreement with Microsoft to remove over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxideThe Gurugram-based company develops carbon removal projects across fourth pathways, which includes biochar, afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation, regenerative agriculture, and enhanced rock weathering (ERW). This news comes weeks after…  ​Read More​YourStory RSS Feed

Bengaluru commuters may soon see another increase in Namma Metro fares, as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has proposed a 5 per cent ticket price rise that awaits approval from the Karnataka government. This potential hike comes just a year after a steep fare escalation of up to 71 per cent, which already made Namma Metro one of India’s most expensive metro systems. What’s Being Proposed According to BMRCL sources, the planned revision would raise ticket costs gradually, with a minimum increase of ₹1 and a maximum of ₹5 depending on travel distance. For example, journeys such as Majestic to Whitefield or Bommasandra could move from ₹80 to ₹84 if the hike is approved, while shorter routes like Majestic to Challaghatta would rise from ₹60 to ₹63. The metro authority has suggested implementing this increase soon, arguing it’s necessary to balance rising operational costs. Officials have reportedly told the state government that delaying a small hike now could lead to an even larger increase — up to 10 per cent — next year, adding urgency to the proposal. Commuter Backlash and Political Opposition The proposal has sparked strong opposition from daily riders and political figures alike. Many commuters…  ​Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups

India may once again see Formula One cars on track, as discussions are underway to bring the championship back to the Buddh International Circuit after more than a decade since the last race was held there in 2013. Formula One Could Return to India After a Decade-Long Absence at Buddh Circuit The central government has informally nudged the current custodians of the circuit to lease the facility to a professional sports management firm for a fixed period, with the aim of enabling the return of the Indian round of the F1 calendar. As part of this push, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently met officials from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority and asked them to actively explore ways to revive the Grand Prix in India. The move to restart Formula One races is linked to India’s broader strategy of attracting major international sporting events ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and to bolster the country’s long-term ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. The YEIDA currently owns and oversees the Formula One track, which was built at a cost of around ₹2,000 crore, after the original developer, Jaypee Group, declared bankruptcy in June 2024. Government Pushes Short-Term Management…  ​Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that the Noida International Airport is expected to be inaugurated later this month, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to preside over the opening. Noida International Airport Likely to Be Inaugurated This Month, Says UP CM Yogi Adityanath Addressing a press conference in Lucknow focused on the Union Budget, Yogi Adityanath stated that the airport infrastructure is fully prepared and that the final formalities for securing the mandatory aerodrome licence are nearing completion. Expressing confidence about the timeline, the chief minister said, “I believe that this month, the airport will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.” Once operations begin, the Jewar airport will become the second international airport serving the NCR, a move expected to ease the heavy passenger load currently handled by Indira Gandhi International Airport. The new facility will also mark Uttar Pradesh’s fifth international airport, adding to the existing ones in Lucknow, Varanasi, Kushinagar, and Ayodhya. Officials familiar with the project said the only significant clearance still pending is the aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which is required before commercial flights can begin. According to these officials, a review meeting is likely to take…  ​Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups

In a groundbreaking policy shift, the Kerala government has announced that education up to the graduate level will now be free for students enrolled in Arts and Science courses in government and aided colleges. This move, unveiled in the Kerala State Budget 2026–27, marks the first time in the country that undergraduate tuition fees are being waived entirely, expanding the state’s longstanding commitment to accessible public education. Extending Free Education Beyond Schooling Kerala already has a long tradition of offering free education through higher secondary (Class 12) in government institutions. However, under the new budget presented by Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal, this benefit has been extended to include undergraduate degrees — specifically Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs. Students attending government and aided colleges will no longer be charged tuition fees, lifting a significant financial burden for families and broadening access to higher education. Aiming for Greater Access and Equity The policy is designed to make college education more inclusive, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who might otherwise struggle to afford university fees. Educators and policy analysts have noted that removing tuition barriers can lead to higher enrolment rates, improved educational outcomes and…  ​Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups

A new public opinion survey has revealed a significant shift in how people in Canada perceive immigration. According to the latest findings, 48 per cent of Canadians believe immigration is having a mostly negative impact on the country, a marked change from earlier years when sentiment was largely positive. The results point to growing unease driven by economic and social pressures rather than opposition to immigration itself. A Sharp Turn in Public Opinion The survey, conducted by Research Co., shows that negative perceptions of immigration have risen sharply. Only 34 per cent of respondents now feel immigration has a positive effect, while the rest remain neutral or undecided. This represents one of the most notable reversals in public sentiment on immigration in Canada in over a decade. Housing Crisis at the Centre of Concerns One of the biggest drivers behind this shift is housing affordability. Many Canadians believe rapid population growth, fuelled in part by high immigration levels, has intensified pressure on housing supply. Rising rents, record home prices, and limited availability in major cities have led to the perception that infrastructure development has not kept pace with population growth. Strain on Jobs and Public Services Beyond housing, concerns extend…  ​Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups