Fundamento Raises $1.9M for AI Platform Expansion; Meesho Targets December IPO
Key Takeaways
- Fundamento raised $1.9M led by IIFL to expand its AI platform.
- Meesho targets December IPO, aiming to raise $700-800M with Rs 9,390 crore revenue.
- AI voice agents generated $630K in 45 days for Kayak Pools: StrataBlue.ai.
- Uplane launched an AI marketing platform promising a 20-50% ROAS boost.
- A* Capital increases investment in teenage founders to nearly 20% in 2025.
Top Stories
Fundamento raises $1.9M for AI platform expansion.
On October 17, 2025, Fundamento, an agentic AI platform, raised $1.9 million led by IIFL Fintech Fund. The funds will be used to expand in the BFSI sector and enter the US and Asia Pacific markets.
Meesho targets December IPO, aims to raise $700-800 million.
Meesho filed its UDRHP, targeting a December 2025 IPO to raise $700–800 million, reporting Rs 9,390 crore in operating revenue for FY25.
AI voice agents generate $630K for Kayak Pools in 45 days.
On October 17, 2025, StrataBlue.ai released case studies showing AI voice agents are boosting revenue for SMBs, including $630,000 for Kayak Pools Midwest in 45 days.
Uplane launches AI marketing platform, promises 20-50% ROAS boost.
On October 17, 2025, Uplane, an AI marketing platform, launched, automating digital marketing and promising a 20-50% increase in ad spend return.
A* Capital increases investment in teenage founders to 20%.
In 2025, Kevin Hartz's A* Capital is investing nearly 20% of its fund in teenage founders, up from 5% two years prior.
Market Trends
LA Tech Week: Wellness focus, AI mania shifts energy to SF.
During LA Tech Week 2025, wellness activities replaced parties, but AI mania is drawing energy back to San Francisco.
Nothing targets Gen Z with transparent design, affordable pricing.
On October 18, 2025, Nothing CEO Carl Pei outlined a strategy to challenge Apple and Samsung by targeting Generation Z with affordable, transparent tech.
Strategic sales beat IPOs: Better valuations, faster payouts.
On October 17, 2025, Victor Orlovski argued strategic sales are superior to IPOs, citing better valuations and faster payouts, with 472 acquisitions versus 27 IPOs in Q2 2025.
Bombas opens NYC flagship, expands retail with Target, DSW.
On October 17, 2025, Bombas opened its first flagship store in NYC and plans expansions to Boca Raton and Austin, aiming for 20% wholesale revenue.
YouTubers diversify: MrBeast's Feastables hits $250M revenue.
On October 18, 2025, TechCrunch reported YouTubers are diversifying income beyond ads, with examples like MrBeast's Feastables generating $250 million in 2024.
Affordplan's Swasth Card facilitates INR 800 crore in healthcare transactions.
In October 2025, Affordplan's Swasth Card has facilitated over INR 800 crore in transactions, serving 8 lakh families in Indian healthcare financing.
London Stock Exchange CEO cites healthy pipeline for UK listings.
On October 17, 2025, London Stock Exchange CEO David Schwimmer described a healthy pipeline for UK listings at the Institute of International Finance meeting.
Foundation drives equitable development for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
On October 17, 2025, Ed Mitzen discussed The Business for Good Foundation's mission to support underrepresented entrepreneurs at the Forbes BLK Summit.
AI caution 'uncool' in Silicon Valley; Waymo disruption, Goldman acquisition.
On October 17, 2025, TechCrunch's 'Equity' podcast discussed the shift away from AI caution in Silicon Valley, covering Waymo's disruption and Goldman Sachs' $965M acquisition.
Lyft CEO becomes influencer, drives service, gains 25K followers.
Lyft CEO David Risher drove for Lyft to connect with passengers, sharing stories on social media and gaining 25,000 followers, reflecting a trend of CEOs becoming influencers.
NYSE President advises calm, long-term investment, cites IPO market strength.
In October 2025, NYSE President Lynn Martin advised business leaders to invest long-term, highlighting the strength of the IPO market and applauding SEC's updated guidance.
India's F&B sector poised for ₹9,000 crore IPO surge.
In the coming months, India's F&B sector is set for a ₹9,000 crore IPO boom, driven by rising demand and investor confidence.
SaaStr: Measure competitiveness, enhance satisfaction in SaaS market.
On October 18, 2025, SaaStr advised SaaS companies to measure competitiveness and enhance customer satisfaction to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
SaaStr: Focus on core customer to scale SaaS to $10M ARR.
On October 18, 2025, SaaStr advised SaaS companies on scaling from $1M to $10M ARR by focusing on their core customer segment and investing in existing customers.
News Roundup
FDA warns on cinnamon, Karta launches credit card, student loan forgiveness resumes.
The week ending October 18, 2025, saw FDA warnings on cinnamon, Karta's credit card launch, student loan forgiveness resumption, and Scouting America's AI merit badges.
Tech Innovation
AI's finance transformation: Personalization, oversight, and startup strategies.
On October 18, 2025, John Werner analyzed AI's impact on finance, highlighting personalization, human oversight, and startup strategies against incumbents.
Remal empowers innovators with open-source hardware, UAE desert sand.
On October 17, 2025, Remal showcased its open-source hardware, including 'Shabakkah,' at Expand North Star 2025, integrating UAE desert sand into production.
Byju's ex-CEO launches Uprio, AI-led personalized edtech startup.
On October 18, 2025, Mrinal Mohit, former CEO of Byju’s India, launched Uprio, an AI-led edtech startup offering personalized online tuition in Bengaluru.
Workato launches platform for secure AI agent integration.
On October 17, 2025, Workato launched its Enterprise Model Context Protocol (MCP) platform, enabling secure AI agent integration with enterprise systems.
Alloy: AI prototyping tool captures web apps, generates prototypes.
On October 18, 2025, SaaStr highlighted Alloy, an AI prototyping tool that captures web applications to generate realistic prototypes, as its AI App of the Week.