India Roundup: Mobility startup buys Amazon-backed Shuttl, and more (Updated)

Update (Oct 26, 7.00 pm): Added news about Chalo, Healofy, and Hyy.pe

Mobility startup Chalo buys Amazon-backed Shuttl

• Chalo, a public-transport tech firm, has acquired app-based office commute bus aggregator Shuttl for an undisclosed sum.
• The deal will help Chalo expand into international markets as Amazon-backed Shuttl already has a presence in Bangkok and large Indian cities where the former does not operate.
• Earlier this month, Chalo raised about US$40 million in a series C funding round led by Lightrock India and Filter Capital.

Byju’s to continue with acquisition spree

• Edtech decacorn Byju’s has reportedly hired investment banks to raise at least US$500 million from Term Loan B borrowings in the US.
• The Bengaluru-based company will use the funds for acquiring more companies, according to the report.
• Byju’s, India’s most valuable startup, has invested over US$2 billion in acquisitions this year alone. (Read: Byju’s aims to be profitable by FYE 2022 despite acquisition spree)

Agritech startup Gramophone raises US$10 million in fresh funds

• Z3Partners led the latest funding round in Gramophone, while existing investors Info Edge, Asha Impact, and Siana Capita also took part.
• The fresh funds will be used for expansion into new markets, marketing, tech development, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Gramophone provides information, technology, and the right kind of inputs to farmers so they can achieve better yields.

Femtech startup Healofy nets US$6.5 million in series B money

• Femtech startup Healofy has raised US$6.5 million from Celesta Capital and Omidyar Network India, among others.
• Additionally, Healofy has raised US$1 million in debt from Stride Ventures.
• The fundraise will help Healofy consolidate its position as a one-stop destination for new and expectant mothers. It provides them credible content, community support, and products related to pregnancy and early motherhood.

Social platform for NFT communities banks US$2 million

• Hyy.pe, a social platform for communities that centre around non-fungible tokens (NFTs), has raised US$2 million in its latest funding round, which was led by Elevation Capital.
• Hyy.pe is building a platform for users to connect and share stories about the history of their collectibles and what made them buy a certain NFT.
• The company aims to build the platform into a complete marketplace for all primary and secondary NFT transactions.