Top Startup Headlines
GNA Energy unveils AI-powered GNAi platform to boost power markets
Power trading firm GNA Energy launched GNAi, an AI-based platform designed to support data-driven power markets. The platform uses machine learning and optimisation tools for demand and generation forecasting, price forecasting, battery dispatch optimisation and procurement planning, GNA Energy MD said. "Data-driven decision-making...becoming critical...to optimise their portfolios," he added.
China-backed firm NeuCyber says it's 3 yrs behind Musk's Neuralink
Chinese state-backed brain-computer interface (BCI) startup NeuCyber Neurotech said its most cutting-edge product is still three years behind Elon Musk's Neuralink. "The benchmark for Beinao-2 is Neuralink...They already have over 20 patients using it," Li Yuan, rotating CEO of NeuCyber, said. Last week, China became the first country to approve an invasive BCI medical device for commercial use.
OpenAI to nearly double its workforce to 8,000 by end-2026: Report
Artificial intelligence (AI) start-up OpenAI plans to nearly double its workforce to 8,000 from 4,500 by the end of 2026, according to the Financial Times. The new hires will reportedly be spread across product development, engineering, research, and sales. The company will also step up recruitment of specialists focused on what it calls "technical ambassadorship", the report added.
Fintech firm Yubi targets 2028 IPO, accelerates global expansion
Fintech infrastructure firm Yubi is preparing to target 2028 for an IPO after it turns profitable and gains international presence, Founder and CEO Gaurav Kumar told Moneycontrol. The company supports nearly 29 banks across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and provides digital lending and AI infrastructure. Yubi expects overseas markets to play a major role in scaling business further.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation launches ₹250-crore startup policy
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and Smart City Ahmedabad Development Ltd unveiled a ₹250-crore startup policy with a dedicated innovation fund for five years. Startups can pitch solutions for civic issues like waste, flooding and pollution and avail support exceeding ₹35 lakh. Meanwhile, no bill or invoice will be required in this process. Startups will be given priority in large projects.
Sezzle dismisses auditor Baker Tilly, appoints PwC for 2026
Fintech firm Sezzle stated in a filing that it dismissed its independent auditor, Baker Tilly, and instead appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for 2026. Sezzle flagged material weaknesses in its financial controls over certain classified cash flows for fiscal 2024 and 2025. It stated that Baker Tilly's audit opinions for the years were unqualified and didn't contain a disclaimer.
Perplexity launches health feature with medical record integration
Perplexity has introduced 'Perplexity Health' to let users integrate data from medical records, wearables, wellness apps and Apple Health. It would allow the system to aggregate such data into a single interface and provide "context-aware" answers to health-related queries. "Perplexity Health is designed for everyday informational use and is not intended to diagnose conditions," Perplexity said.
Delhivery appoints Neelam Dhawan as Chairman & Independent Director
Delhivery on Thursday announced the appointment of Neelam Dhawan as Board Chairperson and Independent Director. She will serve as Independent Director from March 20 and succeed Deepak Kapoor as Chairperson from April 2026. Dhawan has served on the Nasscom Executive Council from 2009 to 2017 and currently serves as an Independent Director for Hindustan Unilever, Tech Mahindra and Ather Energy.
Amazon acquires RIVR to test doorstep delivery with stair-climbing robots
Amazon has acquired Switzerland-based robotics startup RIVR, known for its stair-climbing delivery robot. Amazon, in a notice to its delivery service partner owners, said RIVR's technology will allow it to research how devices can be integrated into the delivery process, CNBC reported. "This step will accelerate our vision of building general physical AI," RIVR Co-Founder Marko Bjelonic said.
Bluesky raises $100 million in Series B round after CEO transition
Social network platform Bluesky has announced it raised $100 million in Series B funding. Although the round closed in April 2025, it has disclosed the details now. This announcement comes shortly after CEO Jay Graber stepped down, transitioning to Chief Innovation Officer role. The funding round was led by Bain Capital Crypto, with participation from multiple existing and new investors.