You are currently viewing Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (January 31, 2025)

Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (January 31, 2025)


From Apple Inc’s results to Nazara Technologies’ gaming subsidiary acquiring Ukraine-based esports organiser StartLadder, YourStory brings today’s headlines highlighting the latest developments across sectors.

Latest news

Tim Cook is ‘particularly keen’ on India as Apple sets December quarter record in the country

Apple CEO Tim Cook said he is “particularly keen on India” where the company set a revenue record for the December quarter, even as global iPhone sales saw a slight decline.

The iPhone maker’s growth in India contrasts with the 11.1% year-on-year decline in net sales in China—its third-largest market by sales—in the December quarter.

Cook, who referred to China as “the most competitive market in the world,” noted that over half of the decline that Apple experienced there was driven by a change in channel inventory from the beginning to the end of the quarter.

NODWIN gaming acquires StarLadder in $5.5M deal to bolster esports portfolio

NODWIN Gaming, a subsidiary of Indian gaming giant Nazara Technologies, has acquired Ukraine-based esports organiser StarLadder in a deal valued at $5.5 million (Rs 46.75 crore).

As part of the agreement, NODWIN will pay $2 million in cash and issue $3.5 million worth of equity shares in its parent entity, NODWIN Gaming, based in Singapore. The acquisition adds StarLadder’s portfolio of high-profile esports events, including Valve’s Counter-Strike and Dota 2 Majors, to NODWIN’s growing intellectual property (IP) library.

Funding news

ElevenLabs raises $180M in Series C round co-led by a16z, ICONIQ Growth

Voice AI startup ElevenLabs has raised $180 million in a Series C funding round co-led by a16z and ICONIQ Growth, with participation from new investors NEA, World Innovation Lab (WiL), Valor, Endeavor Catalyst Fund, and Lunate.

The US-based firm is expanding its footprint in India by investing in AI talent and development; it counts India as one of the fastest-growing AI hubs for consumer and business applications.





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