Constelli, Wishlink, and Xflow Headline Key Startup Investments of the Week This week's key funding deals, strategic acquisitions, and new fund launches across sectors.

India's startup funding activity witnessed a sharp slowdown this week, with total investments plunging nearly 88% compared to Feb 13–19, 2026, according to Tracxn. Despite the decline, capital continued flowing into defence tech, fintech, creator commerce, and MSME lending. Strategic acquisitions and new fund launches further signaled ongoing consolidation and long-term investor confidence in high-growth sectors.

This Week's Top Funding Deals (Feb 21–Feb 27)

Constelli (Defence & Aerospace Technology)

Hyderabad-based Constelli develops advanced signal processing and AI-powered Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems for defence and aerospace applications. Its offerings include telemetry receivers, radar simulators, drone payloads, and electronic warfare processors that enable secure tactical communications, real-time data acquisition, and high-fidelity simulation for mission-critical operations.

• Inception: 2017
• Founders: Satya Gopal Panigrahi, Avinash Chenreddy
• Headquartered: Hyderabad
• Funding Amount: USD 20 Million
• Investors: General Catalyst, 360 One Asset Management, Pravega Ventures

Wishlink (Creator Commerce & Social Commerce)

Gurugram-based Wishlink is a creator-led commerce platform connecting influencers, brands, and consumers. It enables creators to build shoppable collections and monetise content through trackable links, while brands leverage automated collaborations, performance analytics, and a network of 250+ partners to drive measurable sales and ROI.

• Inception: 2022
• Founders: Shaurya Gupta, Divyansh Ameta, Chandan Yadav
• Headquartered: Gurugram
• Funding Amount: USD 17.5 Million
• Investors: Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, Fundamentum, Elevation Capital

Xflow (Cross-Border Payments / Fintech)

Bengaluru-based Xflow provides cross-border payment infrastructure for freelancers, startups, and exporters. The platform enables businesses to receive payments in 25+ currencies across 100+ countries, offering next-day settlement, mid-market FX rates, automated compliance, and API integrations designed to simplify global transactions.

• Inception: 2021
• Founders: Anand Balaji, Ashwin Bhatnagar, Abhijit Chandrasekaran
• Headquartered: Bengaluru
• Funding Amount: USD 16.6 Million
• Investors: General Catalyst, Square Peg, Stripe, Lightspeed, Moore Capital, PayPal Ventures

Prayaan Capital (MSME Lending / NBFC)

Chennai-based Prayaan Capital is a non-banking financial company focused on technology-enabled lending solutions for micro and small enterprises. It offers customised credit products, including mortgage-backed loans, supporting businesses across manufacturing, trading, and services sectors with flexible and accessible financing.

• Inception: 2018
• Founders: Madhan Mohan, Akash Chelvam, Rangarajan Krishnan
• Headquartered: Chennai
• Funding Amount: USD 12 Million
• Investors: Peak XV Partners

HomeEssentials (D2C Home & Lifestyle Products)

Gwalior-based HomeEssentials is a digital-first consumer brand offering over 1,000 products across storage, cookware, furniture, and décor categories. The company focuses on affordable, stylish, and functional home organisation solutions designed to modernise Indian homes with durable kitchenware and lifestyle products.

• Inception: 2024
• Founders: Tanishq Jain, Divyam Jain
• Headquartered: Gwalior
• Funding Amount: USD 7.7 Million
• Investors: 360 ONE Asset, India Quotient

FREED (Debt Relief & Financial Wellness)

Gurugram-based FREED is a debt relief platform offering personalised settlement and consolidation services for individuals burdened by unsecured loans. The platform negotiates with creditors, provides legal support against harassment, and designs repayment programs that can reduce outstanding debt by nearly half.

• Inception: 2020
• Founder: Ritesh Srivastava
• Headquartered: Gurugram
• Funding Amount: USD 6.6 Million
• Investors: Aavishkaar Capital, Sorin Investments, Piper Serica, Sattva Ventures

Mergers & Acquisitions

upGrad acquired internship platform Internshala in a stock-swap transaction to strengthen career services. BillDesk agreed to acquire Worldline's India operations for USD 70.8 million, expanding its digital payments footprint. Capillary Technologies will acquire SessionM for USD 20 million to enhance loyalty solutions. Meanwhile, LAT Aerospace, backed by Deepinder Goyal, acquired defence robotics firm Sharang Shakti.

Fund Activity

Info Edge launched its INR 250 crore B8 Fund-I to back growth-stage startups. Wyser Capital secured a 40% commitment in the first close of its Enterprise AI-focused fund, highlighting continued investor interest in AI and deep-tech innovation.