FINTECH FUNDING HITS $28.6B IN H1 2026, UP 23% YOY
■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE
Venture funding into fintech startups grew 22.7% year-over-year to $28.6B globally in the first half of 2026. However, deal count dropped 25.7% and funding declined 17.3% compared to H2 2025's $34.6B.
■ MORE FROM THE STARTUPS DESK
The founder of Indian edtech firm Byju's has been sentenced to six months in jail by a Singapore court for contempt. The conviction marks another legal setback for the exec as the once-valued startup faces mounting troubles.
Neko Health, founded by Spotify's Daniel Ek, raised $700 million to expand its preventive health clinics into the United States. The startup will open its first New York location this year.
Lucid Motors denied bankruptcy reports this week after the rumor triggered a sharp stock decline and spread panic across the EV industry. The company stated it has sufficient cash flow to operate into next year.
Two major Indian conglomerates plan to invest nearly $1 billion to develop domestic electric vehicle and battery technologies, signaling efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers.