5 rising startups in India – Sept. 11, 2016

Photo credit: Pixabay.

Over the last few days, two health and nutrition startups and two edtech firms – one that made history in India – brought in funding. Meanwhile, if you’re an entrepreneur looking for a mentor or some investments, an acquisition on this list might put a little pep in your step.

Byju’s

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After bringing in a bank-breaking series C, Byju’s announced a US$50 million series D round from existing investor Sequoia Capital and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan’s personal fund. The investment marks that fund’s first foray into Asia.

Sofina, Lightspeed Ventures, and Times Internet also participated in the round. As part of the deal, Vivian Wu, head of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s education venture, will join Byju’s board.

Byju’s generates learning programs for K-12 students and also aids in prep for competitive exams. The funding will be put toward international expansion into locations including the US and UK, as well as support for its programs in the Middle East.

Poshtick

Photo credit: Phil Gradwell.

Health and wellness startup Poshtick has raised US$450,000 from Bhavya Sharma and Amit Nagar, two multimillionaires based in Noida.

The startup, which takes inspiration from poshtic, the Hindi word for “nutritious,” gives customers deals and products to help them lead healthier lives. The first of its products is “The Finge Box” – a combination of fitness and binge – mid-meal snacks that help with calories and portion control.

Founded by Pranav Sharma, the company seeks to make healthier snacks and educate its customers on nutrition.

CureInstant

Photo credit: DigitalDeconstruction .

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