ShuruKar, a nationwide movement launched at the district level in Patna on Saturday, aims to ensure that the next major startup emerges not in megacities. The initiative's goal is to support local entrepreneurs, assist nascent founders, and strengthen the startup culture.
This program is designed to connect people with the necessary resources and opportunities to turn ideas into real businesses, thereby bringing startup support closer to aspiring entrepreneurs living outside established innovation hubs in India.
In addition to creating startups, the movement also helps them find customers. The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a procurement scheme for startups for 2026. This scheme will provide eligible startups with the opportunity to sell their goods and services to government agencies.
To facilitate this, a specialized Uttar Pradesh startup e-market will be created, which will list startup solutions for public procurement purposes, opening potential avenues for growth and new clients for businesses across the state.
In other news, natural cosmetics brand Nat Habit attracted ₹142 crore in a Series C round. Trident Growth Partners led the round, with participation from existing investors, as well as new entrants Physis Capital and Hero Family Office.
The company, founded in 2019, plans to use the raised funds to expand its product range, strengthen production capacity, and increase distribution through both quick shopping services and offline retail.
From startup funding to the big screen, Hollywood is also attracting the attention of Silicon Valley. The film industry is increasingly exploring the influence and controversial aspects associated with tech leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman. As AI and large technology companies face growing public scrutiny, tech executives are becoming more complex characters in films.
Today's newsletter also discusses various topics, including advice for female founders on the importance of setting boundaries and requests for help during World Mental Health Day.
It was also noted that Amazon India and Flipkart reported a strong start to their major festive sales, demonstrating record traffic and growing demand across various categories. Buyers from small towns and villages accounted for a significant portion of the activity, with electronics, home appliances, fashion, and beauty being the main growth drivers. Purchasing trends were also shaped by flexible payment options and the increasing use of quick shopping services.