Published: 8 October 2026
StartupFeed Quick Take
- DailyObjects raised Rs 332 Cr at a valuation of about Rs 1,050 Cr.
- A decision on delaying the 0.4% UPI merchant fee is still pending.
- CoreWeave plans 240 MW of AI data centre capacity in Navi Mumbai.
The Evening Watch for Thursday, 8 October 2026, has four updates for India’s startup sector.
1. DailyObjects raises Rs 332 Cr for retail expansion
DailyObjects raised Rs 332 Cr in a round mixing new investment and sales by existing shareholders. The Economic Times reported a valuation of about Rs 1,050 Cr. Xponentia Capital Partners, Anicut Capital and Axiom Asia Private Capital led the round. Co-founder and CEO Pankaj Garg told the publication that DailyObjects plans 150 standalone stores over five years. StartupFeed covered its revenue growth in July; this funding round is a separate event.
Who should care: D2C founders planning physical stores can watch how DailyObjects uses the round to expand beyond online sales.
2. UPI merchant fee may move to January 2027
India may delay the 0.4% fee on eligible UPI merchant payments above Rs 2,000. Reuters reported on 8 October that the planned 15 October start could move to January 2027. The National Payments Corporation of India has not made a final decision. StartupFeed’s 6 October story covered how PhonePe and Pine Labs were preparing payment devices for the planned fee.
Who should care: Merchants and payment firms should keep preparing for the fee while watching for an official start date.
3. CoreWeave plans 240 MW AI campus in Navi Mumbai
CoreWeave announced plans on 7 October for 240 MW of AI data centre capacity with AdaniConneX in Navi Mumbai. Its announcement describes three 80 MW buildings at the Taloja campus. The first phase is expected to become available in mid-2028. CoreWeave also plans an India office and local hiring.
Who should care: Indian AI builders can track when the planned local cloud capacity becomes available.
4. Ericsson names six Indian Innovation Challenge winners
Ericsson named six Innovation Challenge winners at India Mobile Congress on 7 October. They are Torchit, Skye Air Mobility, ScanO, Okulo Aerospace, Proxgy and KissanAI. Their work covers assistive technology, drone logistics, oral screening, aerial connectivity, industrial AI and farming tools. Ericsson said the winners are showing their work at the event.
Who should care: Founders building with 5G can look at the six selected uses and the partners behind the challenge.
That’s all for this evening. See you tomorrow morning.
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