Startup News and Updates: January 23, 2026
Focus on Women’s Sports: Jinisha Sharma’s Vision
In the evolving landscape of women’s sports in India, Jinisha Sharma, Director of Capri Sports, is making waves. Her leadership in the UP Warriorz Women’s Premier League franchise is part of a broader vision to create a multi-sport ecosystem for women. Supported by Capri Global Capital, her initiatives span cricket, kabaddi, and kho-kho, emphasizing grassroots development.
Sharma’s strategic decision to root the WPL team in Uttar Pradesh combines commercial potential with social impact. She sees women’s sports in India at a turning point, with increasing brand interest and digital sponsorships. With women’s football poised as the next growth opportunity, the landscape is ripe for transformation.
Venture Capital and Indian Startups
India’s startup ecosystem, the third-largest globally, relies heavily on venture capital (VC) firms. The recent funding winter from 2023 to 2024 prompted a strategic shift towards disciplined investments. In 2025, Indian startups raised $11 billion, the lowest since 2020, reflecting a cautious yet focused approach.
VCs are advocating for policies to deepen domestic capital pools, urging more participation from local institutional investors. This push aims to sustain the momentum and foster innovation in the startup landscape.
Juspay’s Growth and Global Expansion
Juspay, a leader in payments infrastructure, recently secured $50 million from WestBridge Capital, boosting its valuation to $1.2 billion. This funding will support Juspay’s global expansion, building on its impressive transaction volumes. The company processes over 300 million transactions daily for major clients like Amazon and Google.
Juspay’s growth underscores the importance of robust payment solutions in a digital-first world. As the company expands, its focus on innovation and efficiency sets a benchmark for others in the industry.
Real Estate and Space Tech: Emerging Frontiers
PropertyPistol, a tech-enabled real estate platform, raised Rs 25 crore in a pre-Series B round. With plans to expand in Dubai and strengthen its operations in Delhi-NCR, the company is poised for growth. This funding will enhance its syndication-led distribution network and technology infrastructure.
In space technology, Cosmoserve Space, founded by ex-ISRO scientist Chiranjeevi Phanindra, secured Rs 5.5 crore through the show Bharat Ke Super Founders. The startup focuses on autonomous robotic spacecraft for space debris removal, addressing global concerns about orbital congestion.
Moj’s Micro Drama Challenge
Short video platform Moj launched the Micro Drama Challenge, an accelerator program with a Rs 20 crore budget. This initiative supports studios producing vertical short-form drama content, tapping into India’s growing micro-drama audience. By fostering new storytellers, Moj aims to expand culturally rooted content across genres.
Startup Compliance and Trade Finance Initiatives
The Startup Policy Forum, in collaboration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, hosted the first Startup Compliance Clinic in New Delhi. This initiative aims to address compliance challenges faced by startups, promoting ease of doing business.
Drip Capital’s partnership with the Maharashtra government to provide Rs 10,000 crore in trade finance for MSME exporters highlights efforts to enhance financial inclusivity. This collaboration supports employment generation and strengthens MSME-led exports.
Conclusion
The startup ecosystem in India is witnessing dynamic changes across various sectors. From women’s sports to space technology, these developments reflect a broader trend of innovation and growth. As new opportunities emerge, the focus remains on strategic investments, technological advancements, and fostering an inclusive environment for startups to thrive.
For more information about Capri Sports, visit Capri Global Capital. To explore Juspay’s offerings, check out Juspay. Discover more about PropertyPistol’s initiatives at PropertyPistol. Learn about Cosmoserve Space’s mission at Cosmoserve Space. Explore Moj’s latest programs at Moj.
