Leap Leads $65 Million Series E in Edtech Growth Amid Funding Slowdown

Deal News | Feb 02, 2025 | EIN

Leap Leads $65 Million Series E in Edtech Growth Amid Funding Slowdown

In a week that saw a notable decline in funding activities, Indian startups raised $195.5 million, down 29% from the previous week. The decline was largely due to the absence of mega funding rounds despite active investment across various sectors. While sectors like edtech, with Leap's $65 million Series E round, led the way, others such as enterprise tech and deeptech also saw investment. Peak XV stood out as a prominent investor, backing multiple startups including Leap. Meanwhile, significant interest was shown in startups poised for growth, with Juspay close to unicorn status following a $150 million investment and fintech giant Slice eyeing a $250-300 million raise. M&A activities remained vibrant, with logistics unicorn Shadowfax and Nazara-owned NODWIN Gaming making key acquisitions. New fund launches and IPO announcements reflected continued investor confidence in the ecosystem, with companies like Shiprocket and Pine Labs preparing IPO plans. The funding slowdown did not deter strategic consolidations, as investors launched new funds and startups geared up for public listings, signaling optimism for future growth.

Sectors

  • Startup Ecosystem
  • Venture Capital & Private Equity
  • Technology
  • Finance

Geography

  • India – The article focuses on the Indian startup ecosystem, highlighting activities such as funding, mergers, and IPO preparations in Indian companies.

Industry

  • Startup Ecosystem – The article covers various startups and highlights their funding activities, M&A, and IPO plans, showcasing an overview of the dynamic startup landscape.
  • Venture Capital & Private Equity – Venture capital and private equity are central to the article, as they provide funding, invest in companies, and launch new funds for startups.
  • Technology – Technology is a recurring theme with mentions of deep tech, enterprise tech, and startups participating in tech-centric IPOs and M&A activities.
  • Finance – The financial sector is key, with discussions around funding amounts, deals, IPO plans, and the financial investors involved.

Financials

  • $195.5 million – Total funding amount raised by Indian startups in the final week of January.
  • $65 million – Funding amount raised by Leap in their Series E round.
  • $150 million – Investment amount expected by Juspay from Kedaara Capital.
  • $250-$270 million – Reported funding amount for Meesho, not yet confirmed by the company.
  • 30 crore ($3.5 million) – Planned pre-Series A funding for P-TAL.
  • 500 crore ($57.8 million) – Size of the fund launched by Prudent Investment Managers for early-stage startups.
  • 2,000 crore ($231.5 million) – Amount raised in the first close by Trifecta Venture Debt Fund IV.
  • 140 crore ($16.22 million) – Funding raised by Veloce Fintech for its Veloce Opportunities Fund.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
LeapStartup (Edtech)CompanyAn edtech startup that recently raised $65 million in Series E funding.
ShadowfaxAcquirerCompanyA logistics unicorn that acquired CriticaLog India to enhance its delivery network.
NODWIN GamingAcquirerCompanyA subsidiary of Nazara Technologies that acquired esports platform StarLadder.
Prudent Investment ManagersInvestorCompanyLaunched a new fund for early-stage startups led by ex-IIFL CEO Prashasta Seth.
Trifecta CapitalInvestorCompanyLaunched its Trifecta Venture Debt Fund IV to invest in 100+ startups.
Peak XVInvestorCompanyThe most active investor of the week, backing companies like Leap.
JuspayStartup (Fintech)CompanyFintech startup nearing unicorn status with $150 million investment.
SliceStartup (Fintech)CompanyLooking to raise $250-$300 million from financial investors.
ScentialsStartup (D2C Wellness)CompanyFinalizing a $4 million raise from TIW Private Equity and others.
ShiprocketStartup (Logistics)CompanyLogistics unicorn converting into a public company for IPO readiness.