Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (June 19, 2025)
YourStory presents daily news roundup from the Indian startup ecosystem and beyond. Here's the roundup for Thursday June 19, 2025.
From Freshworks doubling down on AI to Mahaveer Finance raising Rs 200 crore for NBFC expansion, and Corel Lifecare transforming aquaculture with tech, YourStory brings you today’s headlines across innovation and enterprise.
Freshworks doubles down on AI, targets mid-market with agentic push
In his first year as CEO, Dennis Woodside has repositioned Freshworks as an AI-first company, consolidating product and engineering into a unified AI team and pushing deeper into the mid-market with purpose-built AI agents.
With 2,700 customers using its Freddy Copilot and 1,600 on its AI Agent product, Freshworks is betting big on automation that works out of the box, unlike heavyweight rivals like Salesforce.
“Every customer conversation I am a part of starts with AI,” says Woodside.
By offering pre-built, low-friction agents for tasks like credit checks or order returns, Freshworks aims to make AI adoption seamless for growing businesses—and keep its lead as incumbents chase innovation. Read more.
Corel Lifecare builds a smarter future for India’s fish farmers
Corel Lifecare is revolutionising India’s aquaculture sector with tech-enabled, affordable solutions tailored for fish and shrimp farmers.
Founded by fisheries expert Abhijeet Naohate, the Navi Mumbai-based startup focuses on AI-driven diagnostics, IoT-based water quality monitoring, and science-backed bio-formulations like Mintamix and PondTrust.
It serves over 3,000 farmers monthly across seven states and aims to hit Rs 12 crore in revenue by FY25.
“Solving for Indian aquaculture isn’t just about products—it’s about context, ecosystems, and sustained R&D,” says Naohate.
By putting ethics, education, and efficacy first, Corel is challenging global giants and aiming to uplift over 1 lakh farmers annually while staying rooted in science and sustainability. Read more.
Funding news
Mahaveer Finance raises Rs 200 Cr to expand credit access for small entrepreneurs
Chennai-based Mahaveer Finance has secured Rs 200 crore in Series C funding led by Elevation Capital, with continued backing from BanyanTree and First Bridge.
The 44-year-old NBFC plans to use the funds to deepen its footprint across South India, upgrade its tech infrastructure, and boost formal credit access for underserved small entrepreneurs.
“This funding milestone validates our four-decade journey of serving the underbanked segments of India’s economy,” said Deepak Dugar, MD & CEO.
Known for financing used vehicles in Tier II–V towns, Mahaveer now boasts a Rs 1,000-crore AUM and over 20,000 active customers. Its tech stack, including a proprietary credit engine, has helped keep credit costs low and improved operational efficiency. Read more.
VDart partners with Cloud Supply Chain Solutions
Trichy-based VDart has partnered with and invested in Atlanta’s Cloud Supply Chain Solutions (CSCS) to deliver AI-driven, end-to-end supply chain solutions. The move strengthens VDart’s global ambitions as it eyes $500 million in revenue by 2027.
With CSCS’s intelligent platform and VDart’s expertise in digital transformation, the duo aims to transform traditional logistics into strategic profit engines.
“Today’s supply chains demand agility, transparency and intelligence like never before,” said Sidd Ahmed, VDart’s CEO.
The collaboration will also enhance access to platforms like SAP, Oracle, and Blue Yonder, offering real-time visibility and optimisation to clients worldwide.
Other news
Freshworks appoints Ian Tickle as chief of global field operations
Freshworks has appointed Ian Tickle as the chief of global field operations, cementing his transition from interim to permanent after a year of high-impact leadership.
Tickle, a seasoned enterprise software executive, played a key role in Q1 2025’s strong 19% revenue growth. CEO Dennis Woodside praised Tickle as “a customer champion and exceptional leader.”
In his new role, based out of London, Tickle will drive global expansion and new business growth, continuing to align sales strategy with Freshworks’ mission to deliver intuitive IT and customer service software.
“This new role gives me the opportunity to extend that impact more broadly,” said Tickle.
Edited by Swetha Kannan
