Deal activity and venture capital surge
India’s dealmaking environment has remained buoyant despite global macroeconomic headwinds. According to recent reports, total deal value rose by 2% in H1 2025 to reach $50 billion. July alone saw 83 deals worth $7 billion, marking a 41% increase in volume and a staggering 340% rise in value compared to June. The retail and consumer sectors led the charge, accounting for 22% of deal volume.
Venture capital fundraising has also seen a notable uptick. Eighteen VC firms raised $3.2 billion in 2025, surpassing the five-year low of $2.7 billion in 2024. This surge reflects investor confidence in India’s startup ecosystem, which continues to be driven by strong fundamentals and innovation.
Family Offices and Wealth Management Evolution
India is witnessing a transformation in wealth management practices, particularly among family businesses. A record 71 families now operate dedicated family offices, highlighting a growing emphasis on structured wealth planning and intergenerational strategies. Private equity and real estate remain the preferred asset classes, with increasing interest in private debt and infrastructure.
Telecommunication Infrastructure Expansion
India is rapidly positioning itself as a global leader in 6G technology, aiming to contribute 10% of the world’s 6G patents and playing an active role in shaping international standards. Government investment in over 100 research projects and participation in global standardisation bodies are driving this ambition, with experts estimating that domestically driven 6G innovation could add up to a trillion US dollars to the Indian economy by 2035.
AI and Reskilling: A Strategic Focus
Generative AI is poised to revolutionise India’s banking sector, with the Reserve Bank of India estimating a potential 46% boost in operational efficiency. This technological shift is prompting global firms to invest heavily in reskilling programmes for their Indian teams, ensuring alignment with international standards.
However, the AI boom has also led to a rise in cybercrime, underscoring the need for robust governance and public engagement. A recent EY India survey revealed a gap between consumer concerns and CXO awareness regarding AI risks.
Quantum Leap and Space Ambitions
India’s ambitions in quantum technology and space exploration are gaining momentum. Karnataka has launched a ₹1,000 crore Quantum Mission aimed at building a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035. This initiative is aligned with India’s National Quantum Mission, which aims to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in quantum technology.
Meanwhile, the Indian space sector is targeting an 8–10% share of the global commercial space market over the next decade. An ambitious goal given that India’s current share in the global commercial space market is less than 2 %. To achieve this there will need to be more collaboration with the private sector, which will have a significant role to play.
Policy and Regulatory Developments
The Indian government is actively encouraging foreign investment, particularly in the insurance and banking sectors. Proposals to remove FDI caps and widen institutional participation in REITs and InvITs are expected to boost capital inflows.
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This article was published and authored with the help of Ambika Sharma and Andrea Tarazi.
