India, Aug. 19 -- Capital is flowing back into India's startup ecosystem - but with sharper scrutiny than ever. Growth minus the cash burn is the new ask.

The shift is clear in the numbers. In H1 2025, over 450 startups raised capital to the tune of $5.7 Bn, led by $2 Bn for growth stage startups. Five new unicorns took India's tally to 124.

According to Inc42's investor survey, AI tops sector preferences for both early and growth stages, with its role in reducing CAC, automating operations, and improving margins driving interest.

To unpack these shifts, Inc42, in partnership with IDFC FIRST Bank, is launching MoneyX Dialogues - Venture Capital Unplugged. Set to convene on August 21 in Bengaluru, MoneyX Dialogues will bring together ov...