Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (November 3, 2026)

India remained a key market for Apple in 2026, with the company recording its highest revenue quarter ever in the country. Apple CEO John Ternus attributed this success to iPhone upgraders in India, who were the top-selling smartphone model, according to Worldpanel survey data. In October, VC funding into Indian startups declined by 66% compared to October 2025, reaching $581 million.

PowerUp Money, a Bengaluru-based wealthtech platform, raised $10 million in a funding round led by Flourish Ventures. The funds will be used to expand its AI-powered wealth management platform and managed advisory business.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar invested in Metasports Interactive, the Hyderabad-based maker of cricket strategy game Hitwicket, and will serve as the game's brand ambassador. The undisclosed financial terms saw existing backers Prime Venture Partners, Horizon Ventures, and Harsha Bhogle join the investment.

Secondary transaction platform ECOPATH raised Rs 2.25 crore in seed funding from Social Alpha and Gemcorp to scale its zero-cement construction technology. Solgram, a premium grocery platform, raised over $1 million in pre-seed funding led by DSG Consumer Partners and Saama Capital to expand its temperature-controlled cold-chain infrastructure and sourcing capabilities.

Unify Foodworks, the pan-India master franchisee of Moe s Casa Mexicana and Carvel, raised Rs 5 crore in seed funding to expand its restaurant brands. Lastly, The Croffle Guys, a Mumbai-based quick-service restaurant startup, raised Rs 14 crore in a funding round led by V3 Ventures.