India’s Startup Scene Booms with $100M Deals and Global Ties

• India has crossed 1.80 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups this week.
• Raphe Mphibr raised $100 million, the largest funding for Indian aerospace.
• The CEPA Startup Series fosters deeper India-UAE trade and innovation ties.
• Startupbootcamp India launched a pre-accelerator targeting clean energy.
• Funding surged 54% in H1 2025, showing strong investor confidence.

India Surpasses 1.80 Lakh DPIIT-Recognised Startups

In a whirlwind week for India’s startup environment, the nation has now surpassed a major milestone, crossing the significant barrier of 1.80 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups. This surge reaffirms India’s status as a buoyant hub of innovation on the global map, where creativity and entrepreneurship thrive. The growth isn’t just confined to the well-known cities; Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions are emerging as dynamic hotspots for fresh entrepreneurial ventures, suggesting a significant shift in India’s startup geography.

Raphe Mphibr Makes Waves with $100 Million Funding

This week also saw remarkable funding developments, with Indian aerospace and drone startup Raphe Mphibr pulling in a record $100 million in funding, marking the largest ever round for an aerospace venture in India. This funding comes on the heels of Operation Sindoor, where its unmanned aerial vehicles played a pivotal role. The company is now set to expand its reach in manufacturing and R&D, further establishing itself as a global contender in the defense-tech arena, a field many eyes are on today.

CEPA Series and Startupbootcamp Fuel Innovation

On a collaborative front, the CEPA Startup Series has been launched between India and the UAE, aimed at fostering innovation and trade relations. This bilateral initiative offers a unique package for five promising Indian startups, offering them essential support that ranges from mentorship to licensing arrangements. Such partnerships are indicative of the growing economic ties, underscoring a trade boom worth over $83 billion between the two countries. Alongside, initiatives like Startupbootcamp India’s clean energy pre-accelerator signify the ongoing shift towards sustainable tech; the pre-accelerator is expected to attract numerous applicants keen to embrace climate solutions and innovations in energy.

This week highlighted India’s impressive growth in the startup ecosystem, showcasing milestones such as surpassing 1.80 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups and significant investments like Raphe Mphibr’s $100 million funding round. Collaborative efforts, as seen in initiatives like the CEPA Startup Series and clean energy pursuits, emphasize the ongoing drive towards innovation. With renewed investor confidence, the stage is set for a remarkable transformation in both local and global arenas for Indian startups.