Weekly Startup Funding Roundup: AI, Robotaxis and Consumer Brands Attract Big Money
Weekly Startup Funding Roundup: AI, Robotaxis and Consumer Brands Attract Big Money
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Weekly Startup Funding Roundup: AI, Robotaxis and Consumer Brands Attract Big Money
This week’s startup funding news featured major deals across AI, autonomous mobility, consumer products and maritime technology. Waymo secured a USD 5 billion term loan to support its robotaxi expansion, while AI startup Manus raised more than USD 500 million after its proposed Meta acquisition was unwound. In India, DailyObjects raised Rs. 332 crore at a valuation of approximately Rs. 1,050 crore.
Written By:
Soham Halder
Reviewed By:
Achu Krishnan
Published on
09 Oct 2026, 9:45 am
Updated on
09 Oct 2026, 9:45 am
This week’s startup funding activity highlighted growing investor interest in artificial intelligence, autonomous mobility, maritime intelligence and consumer brands. Alphabet’s Waymo secured USD 5 billion in debt financing to expand its robotaxi business, while AI startup Manus raised more than USD 500 million after separating from Meta.
In India, lifestyle-tech brand DailyObjects raised Rs. 332 crore, and Guardrail Technologies secured nearly USD 3 million to strengthen AI security. Meanwhile, maritime intelligence startup Quartermaster AI announced a USD 140 million Series B round earlier this month.
Waymo Secures USD 5 Billion to Expand Robotaxis
Alphabet’s self-driving division
secured a USD 5 billion term loan on October 8, marking its first debt financing. The funding will support the expansion of its autonomous ride-hailing services across the US and international markets.
Major lenders included PIMCO, Blackstone and Sixth Street, alongside several other investment firms. The deal follows Waymo’s USD 16 billion eq