Published: 13 October 2026
StartupFeed Quick Take
- The RDI Fund committed Rs 7,131 crore across 19 fund managers.
- Nazara completed a Rs 730.78 crore share sale to five investors.
- Boldfit raised Rs 400 crore from Bharat Value Fund.
The Morning Five for Tuesday, October 13, 2026: what happened in Indian startups since yesterday.
1. RDI Fund names 19 managers for Rs 7,131 crore
India’s Research, Development and Innovation scheme named 19 fund managers on October 12, committing Rs 7,131 crore to deep-tech startups and private-sector research. A government statement set out the first cohort, which a panel of senior officials cleared on October 8. The 19 are 14 investment funds and five research bodies. Their money is long-term and low-cost, for fields private investors often skip, from chips to clean energy.
Who should care: Deep-tech founders in hardware, chips and climate who struggled to raise patient capital now have 19 new funds to pitch.
2. Nazara completes a Rs 730.78 crore share sale
Nazara, the listed gaming company, completed a Rs 730.78 crore share sale to five investors on October 12. On the same day, founder Nitish Mittersain moved from managing director to non-executive director, almost 27 years after he started the firm. An exchange filing confirmed both steps. New chief executive Raymond Stauffer, who joined in September, took the largest block, worth Rs 583.5 crore.
Who should care: If you own Nazara shares or stock options, fresh capital and a founder stepping back reset how the company is run.
3. Boldfit raises Rs 400 crore from Bharat Value Fund
Boldfit, a Bengaluru fitness and wellness brand, raised Rs 400 crore from Bharat Value Fund on October 12. The company said the money will grow retail, its own production and product range, and fund a few small buyouts. Started in 2018 and backed by cricketer KL Rahul, the brand sells gym gear and nutrition products, mostly online. Its last round was Rs 110 crore in 2024.
Who should care: If you build a consumer brand, a Rs 400 crore round shows large cheques are still available for retail expansion.
4. L&T Finance opens Pitch Point for AI startups
L&T Finance, a Mumbai non-bank lender, opened the second round of Pitch Point, a contest for early-stage AI startups, on October 12. Entries close October 31, and the company names five finalists to pitch at RAISE in Mumbai on December 16. Winners get to discuss a trial project with L&T and possible funding from the L&T Innovation Fund. The company’s statement set out the rules.
Who should care: If you run an AI startup in finance, Pitch Point is a direct line to L&T and its venture fund.
That’s all for this morning. See you tomorrow.
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