Blackstone Acquires South City Mall for $377 Mn
Global investment giant Blackstone has acquired South City Mall in Kolkata for $376.8 million (around INR 3225 crores) from South City Projects (Kolkata) Ltd, a joint venture of six prominent Kolkata-based real estate families, including the Emami, Rameswara, Shrachi, Sureka, Merlin, and JB Groups. Launched in 2006, the 1 million sq. ft. mall is one of eastern India’s largest retail hubs, featuring over 150 Indian and international brands, a spacious food court, and parking for 1,250 cars. It generates an annual turnover of around $187 million (around INR 1,600 crores). The acquisition aligns with Blackstone’s strategy to expand its retail portfolio in India through Nexus Select Trust, the country’s only listed retail-focused REIT. Nexus Select recently acquired Vega City Mall in Bengaluru for $106.7 million (around INR 913 crores), adding to its existing properties in the city—Nexus Shantiniketan, Nexus Whitefield, and Nexus Koramangala. Nexus now operates across 15 cities with a 9.9 million sq. ft. retail portfolio. Blackstone manages approximately $50 billion (around INR 428,073 crores) in assets in India and has announced plans to double its exposure to $100 billion (around INR 856,204 crores) over the next few years. Anarock acted as the exclusive advisor on the South City Mall transaction.
(Source: VC Circle, 17th June 2025)
Private Equity
Advent International To Invest $175 Mn In Felix Pharma
Advent International has announced a $175 million (around INR 1,498 crores) investment for a significant minority stake in Felix Pharmaceuticals, an Ireland-headquartered animal healthcare firm with manufacturing operations in India. The investment, via primary and secondary transactions, will support Felix’s expansion in the global companion animal generics market. Founded in 2015, Felix has a portfolio of 14 USFDA-approved products and operates a dedicated animal health facility, with an injectable plant set to launch by Q3 2025. The deal reflects Advent’s continued focus on healthcare and the growing potential of the animal health generics sector.
(Source: VC Circle, 9th June 2025)
Aditya Birla’s Realty Arm Onboards IFC For Residential Projects
Birla Estates Pvt Ltd, the real estate arm of the Aditya Birla Group, has secured $50 million (around INR 428 crores) in funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop residential projects in Pune and Thane. IFC will invest via rupee-denominated non-convertible debentures and hold a 44% economic interest in the SPVs executing the projects, which aim to deliver 6,000–9,000 housing units. The initiative is part of a broader $1.1 billion (around INR 9416 crores) development effort focused on sustainable, high-quality housing, especially for first-time homeowners. This marks IFC’s continued investment in India’s housing sector and its ongoing collaboration with the Aditya Birla Group.
(Source: VC Circle, 9th June 2025)
Lighthouse Funds Bet On Construction Tech Firm Knest Manufacturers
Lighthouse Funds has invested $35 million (around INR 300 crores) in Pune-based construction technology firm Knest Manufacturers Pvt Ltd, marking the sixth investment from its recently closed $467.4 million (around INR 4,000 crores) fourth fund. The funding will support Knest’s R&D, manufacturing expansion, and backward integration efforts. Founded in 2015, Knest specialises in aluminium formwork systems and hydraulic safety screens, aiming to improve construction efficiency and sustainability. The investment aligns with Lighthouse’s strategy of backing innovative and mission-driven companies.
(Source: VC Circle, 11th June 2025)
Kalpataru Raises $82.1 Mn from GIC, Bain Capital Ahead of IPO
Kalpataru Ltd has raised $82.7 million (around INR 708 crores) in its anchor round ahead of its $187 million (around INR 1,600 crores) IPO opening on June 24, priced at Rs 387–414 per share. Key investors include GIC Singapore, Bain Capital’s GSS Opportunities, SBI Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential MF, SBI General Insurance, Aditya Birla Sun Life, 360 ONE WAM, Taurus MF, and Ayushmat Ltd. The company will use $139.4 million (around INR 1,193 crores) from the IPO proceeds to repay debt, with the rest for general corporate purposes. ICICI Securities, JM Financial, and Nomura are lead managers to the issue.
(Source: VC Circle, 24th June 2025)
Recognize Closes $1.7B Second Fund to Back Tech Services
Private equity firm Recognize has closed its $1.7 billion (around INR 14,552 crores) second fund in under five months, oversubscribed with strong support from existing and new global investors. The fund will continue to focus on AI-driven and IP-enabled digital services, targeting control investments in companies valued between $50M–$500M. Founded in 2020, Recognize previously raised $1.3 billion (around INR 11,129 crores) for its debut fund, backing 13 companies and achieving three exits, including AST (sold to IBM) and Torc (sold to Randstad). The firm combines investment with operational expertise in tech-enabled services. Rede Partners advised on the fundraise; Goodwin Procter served as legal counsel.
(Source: VC Circle, 30th June 2025)
Venture Capital
IvyCap-Backed Apparel Brand Snitch Raises $40 Mn In Series B Round
Menswear D2C brand Snitch has raised $40 million (around INR 342 crores) in a Series B round led by 360 ONE Asset, with continued backing from IvyCap Ventures and SWC Global. The funds will support Snitch’s offline expansion to 100+ stores, entry into quick commerce, new product launches, and international growth. Founded in 2020, Snitch reported $28.2 million (around INR 241 crores) in revenue and $0.5 million (around INR 4.4 crores) net profit in FY24, with 120% YoY growth. CEO Siddharth Dungarwal called the raise a step toward global expansion and a future public listing. PwC India and JSA advised on the deal.
(Source: VC Circle, 02nd June 2025)
Udaan Secures $114M In Series G Funding
B2B e-commerce platform Udaan has raised $114 million (around INR 976 crores) in a Series G equity round led by M&G Investments and Lightspeed, with participation from other existing and undisclosed new investors. The funds will be used to strengthen Udaan’s presence in FMCG and HoReCa segments, expand its private label initiatives in staples, and enhance financial flexibility ahead of a planned IPO. Founded in 2016 by former Flipkart executives, Udaan connects retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers, and also offers logistics and financial services via Udaan Capital. The company has reduced EBITDA burn by 40% annually over the past three years and aims for full profitability within 18 months.
(Source: VC Circle, 02nd June 2025)
Decentro Raises $3.5 Mn In Series B
Fintech infrastructure startup Decentro has raised $3.5 million (around INR 30 crores) in a Series B round led by InfoEdge Ventures, with participation from Stargazer Growth and existing investors including Uncorrelated Ventures. The company will use the funds to expand enterprise adoption, enhance product capabilities, and scale marketing across banks, NBFCs, fintechs, and digital lenders. Serving over 1,300 institutions, Decentro offers solutions across KYC, payments, and debt collections, and recently launched AI products like Scanner and Neobot. It also plans to reverse flip its parent entity from Singapore to India within 12–18 months, underscoring its long-term commitment to the Indian market.
(Source: VC Circle, 06th June 2025)
Flick TV Raises $2.3M Seed Funding
Flick TV, a mobile-first OTT platform streaming vertical micro-dramas under five minutes, has raised $2.3 million (around INR 19.6 crores) in seed funding led by Stellaris Venture Partners, with participation from Gemba Capital and Titan Capital. The funds will be used to scale content production, launch 100+ original titles, expand into four new regional languages, and enhance the platform’s mobile experience and user acquisition efforts. Founded in 2025 by Kushal Singhal and Pratik Anand, Flick TV aims to redefine short-form storytelling for mobile audiences.
(Source: VC Circle, 10th June 2025)
Flexiloans Raises $44 Mn In Extended Series C
Lending platform Flexiloans has raised $44 million (around INR 376 crores) in fresh equity as part of an extended Series C round, bringing the total raised in this round to $77.7 million (around INR 665 crores). The funding saw participation from existing investors Fundamentum, Accion Digital Transformation, Nuveen, and Maj Invest, with British International Investment (BII) joining as a new investor. The capital will be used to expand operations, enhance product offerings, and strengthen technology infrastructure. Flexiloans, which serves India’s MSME sector, has grown at an 80% CAGR over the past four years, and has raised a total of $87.1 million (around INR 746 crores) in equity and INR 2,000+ crore in debt since its founding in 2016.
(Source: VC Circle, 11th June 2025)
Mergers & Acquisitions
Razorpay Acquires Majority Stake In India Quotient-Backed Rewards Platform POP
Razorpay has acquired a majority stake in consumer payment platform POP, securing $30 million (around INR 256.8 crores) in funding to expand into loyalty, engagement, and commerce enablement. Founded in 2023, POP rewards UPI transactions with its currency, POPcoins, and claims over six lakh daily UPI transactions. This investment strengthens Razorpay’s ecosystem, building on its 2022 acquisition of PoshVine. POP’s growth includes a co-branded RuPay credit card partnership with Yes Bank, aiming to enhance customer retention and merchant engagement.
(Source: VC Circle, 17th June 2025)
Diageo India Buys Maker Of “Greater Than”, “Hapusa” Gins
India’s United Spirits has announced the acquisition of NAO Spirits, the maker of popular craft gins ‘Greater Than’ and ‘Hapusa’, in a deal valued at $15.2 million (around INR 130 crores), including debt. The acquisition aims to strengthen United Spirits’ premium portfolio amid rising demand for high-end liquor in India. Launched in 2017, NAO Spirits’ ‘Greater Than’ was India’s first craft gin, while ‘Hapusa’ is made with foraged Himalayan juniper. The move aligns with shifting consumer preferences for local, craft-oriented brands, as evidenced by United Spirits’ 17% profit growth in Q4.
(Source: VC Circle, 20th June 2025)
Bain Capital-Backed Emcure Takes Full Control of Zuventus Healthcare
Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a Pune-based pharmaceutical company, has announced the acquisition of the remaining 20.42% stake in Zuventus Healthcare Ltd for $83.5 million (around INR 714 crores), making Zuventus a wholly owned subsidiary. The transaction, which is expected to be completed by the second quarter of the current financial year, will facilitate full financial consolidation and generate synergies across Emcure’s domestic operations.. This acquisition follows Emcure’s successful listing on the stock exchanges last year and reflects ongoing strategic efforts to strengthen its market position. Emcure’s investor, Bain Capital, currently holds an 8.68% stake in the company.
(Source: VC Circle, 23rd June 2025)
Hindalco To Acquire US Specialty Alumina Manufacturer For $125 Mn
Hindalco Industries Ltd, the metals arm of the Aditya Birla Group, has acquired a 100% equity stake in US-based AluChem Companies, a producer of specialty alumina, for an enterprise value of $125 million (around INR 1,069 crores). The acquisition, to be executed through Hindalco’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Aditya Holdings LLC, enhances its high-margin specialty alumina segment. AluChem, with over 45 years of experience, operates three manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Arkansas, and serves sectors like refractories, ceramics, and electronics. The deal expands Hindalco’s presence in North America and strengthens its portfolio amidst rising demand for specialty alumina in industries such as electric mobility and semiconductors. The transaction is expected to close in the next quarter, pending regulatory approvals.
(Source: VC Circle, 25th June 2025)
JSW Paints To Acquire Dulux Owner Akzo Nobel’s Stake In Indian Unit
JSW Paints has agreed to acquire Akzo Nobel’s Indian arm for approximately $1.64 billion (around INR 14,036 crores), including debt, marking the potential largest deal in India’s paint sector. The acquisition includes a 74.76% stake for $1.05 billion (around INR 8986 crores), with an open offer for the remaining 25%. This move expands JSW’s portfolio amidst rising competition in the Indian market. Akzo Nobel will retain its R&D and industrial coatings business in India, with the deal expected to close by Q4 2025. The acquisition also comes amid challenges such as volatile raw material costs and increasing competition in the sector.
(Source: VC Circle, 27th June, 2025)
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