Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (May 23, 2025)

From OpenFX fintech infrastructure startup has raised $23 million in seed funding led by Accel, while Hero MotoCorp and BGMI launch India’s first phygital bike-gaming crossover, YourStory brings you today’s headlines with the latest developments across sectors.

Feature stories

Navigating workplace loneliness in a hybrid environment

For Akshita Mehta, a marketing manager at a Mumbai-based multinational, the onslaught of COVID-19 wreaked havoc on her emotional and mental health. As someone who enjoys ‘socialising’, she felt alienated from her colleagues. 

However, workplace loneliness isn't limited to remote work. There are employees who also experience it in traditional office settings or hybrid working environments. In Amit Kushwaha’s case, the feelings of loneliness were prevalent even when he went to his workplace three times a week.

A workhorse, he'd always been particular about his work but with no signs of recognition, he felt isolated. This became even more prominent when others in his team—some who pretended to work—got praised all the time by managers. 

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Funding news

OpenFX raises $23M in seed round from Accel, NFX, Lightspeed Faction

OpenFX fintech infrastructure startup for cross-border payments has raised $23 million in seed funding led by Accel, with participation from NFX, Lightspeed Faction, Castle Island Ventures, Flybridge, Hash3, and other strategic fintech investors.

OpenFX plans to use the funding to expand into Latin American and Asian markets, launch treasury management products, and scale its regulatory footprint. The company, founded in early 2024 by FalconX co-founder Prabhakar Reddy, offers institutional-grade financial infrastructure for real-time cross-border payments.

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Other news

Hero MotoCorp, BGMI launch phygital bike-gaming crossover

Krafton India and Hero MotoCorp have launched a first-of-its-kind collaboration in India, integrating motorcycles into the gaming platform Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).

Starting May 25, BGMI players can access Hero MotoCorp’s Xtreme 160R 4V and Xtreme 125R as in-game vehicles, each featuring designs based on their real-world counterparts. The game also includes unlockable Hero-themed gear such as a custom outfit, helmet, and backpack.

PokerBaazi unveils upgrade to mobile and desktop apps

PokerBaazi, India’s largest poker platform, has launched the PokerBaazi Upgrade 2025, a significant update to both its mobile and desktop applications. The new version was introduced at the company’s annual PokerBaazi Experience Meet 2025, showcasing the latest product developments.

The upgrade was unveiled by Baazi Games leadership, including Founder and CEO Navkiran Singh and Co-Founder & Chief of Technology & Product Avneet Rana. PokerBaazi currently has over 5 million registered users and has been operating for 10 years, focusing on skill-based poker gameplay.

Butterfly Learnings expands to K-12 inclusive education model

Butterfly Learnings Inclusive Schooling System (BLISS) is expanding its education model to cover K-12, building on its foundation in early intervention and inclusive learning for children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.

The new K-12 system will feature neurodiversity-inclusive classrooms, integrated therapy and academic tracks, and a curriculum blending Finnish pedagogy with Indian educational contexts. A dedicated Mumbai campus is set to open in June 2025 to accommodate current and new students.

BLISS plans to start with an initial cohort of 70 students and aims to expand to 100 schools across India within five years, focusing on creating an inclusive and adaptable learning environment for diverse learners.

Ranbir Kapoor features in GABIT’s debut smart ring campaign

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has appeared in the first advertising campaign for GABIT’s Smart Ring, a wearable device designed to monitor key health metrics such as sleep, activity, heart rate, and recovery.

Ranbir Kapoor has reportedly been using the Smart Ring for six months and aligns with GABIT’s focus on balanced health through fitness, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

(This article will be updated with the latest news throughout the day.)