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Here are today's top business, finance, startup, and entrepreneurship news: India: India Anticipates Robust IPO Activity in 2025: Despite a slowing economy, India is gearing up for a significant year in initial public offerings (IPOs). At least seven companies, including Groww and Pine Labs, are expected to raise over $1 billion each. The total equity fundraising could surpass $23 billion, following last year's $19.6 billion from 336 IPOs. WeWork India Files for Mumbai IPO: WeWork's Indian franchisee has submitted a draft prospectus for an IPO in Mumbai. The offering will involve the sale of 33 million shares by Embassy Group and 10.3 million shares by 1 Ariel Way Tenant. No new shares will be issued, and WeWork India will not receive the proceeds from this sale. Indian Startups Secure Over $191 Million in Recent Funding: Between January 27 and February 1, 2025, Indian startups raised more than $191 million across sectors such as Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Personal Care, Drone Technology, Manufacturing, Telecom, Healthcare, Clothing, Education, Direct-to-Consumer (D2C), Supply Chain, and Gaming. Leap led the funding rounds. Government Announces Rs 2 Crore Loan Scheme for First-Time Women, SC, and ST Entrepreneurs: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced a loan scheme offering up to Rs 2 crore for first-time women, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs. This initiative promotes inclusive growth and supports underrepresented groups in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. India's Startup Ecosystem Shows Resilience in 2024: Despite a 6.5% decline in funding, India's startup ecosystem demonstrated resilience in 2024. The country now boasts 1,60,026 registered startups, 118 unicorns, and has created over 17.2 lakh jobs. Global: Sequoia Capital Reduces Crypto Fund Amid Tightening Startup Environment: Sequoia Capital has downsized its crypto fund, reflecting a strategic shift in response to a more challenging startup landscape. Wiz Appoints New CFO Ahead of Potential IPO: Cybersecurity startup Wiz has named Fazal Merchant as its first Chief Financial Officer as it prepares for a potential initial public offering. Older Alumni Utilizing Executive MBAs for Startups: A significant increase has been observed in older graduates using Executive MBA programs as springboards to launch startups, with those over 54 being the most entrepreneurial. Madrid's Startup Ecosystem Booms: Madrid has surpassed Barcelona in total investments, reaching €605 million in 2023. There has been significant growth in the transportation, mobility, and fintech sectors. Australia's Top 100 Innovators of 2024 Revealed: The Australian's 2024 list showcases a diverse array of visionary entrepreneurs and companies across various industries, highlighting significant contributions to innovation. #businessnews #startupnews