Author: Shashank Prakash

The robots developed by Da Spatio Rhobotique Laboratory Pvt. Ltd (DSRL), a startup incubated at IIT Guwahati, have also received acknowledgement from the Defence Research and Development Organisation for their potential for integration into India’s defence infrastructure. The Indian Army is already conducting field trials for the surveillance system. As the global security landscape evolves, the importance of innovative solutions in maintaining national safety cannot be overstated. In particular, the deployment of AI-powered robotic systems at borders is not just a technological advancement but a strategic necessity. These robots are designed not only to monitor but also to analyze potential…

The Matchmaker That Changed India Forever Imagine a time when finding a life partner meant flipping through newspaper ads or relying on distant relatives to suggest matches. Then came Shaadi.com, a platform that completely revolutionized Indian matchmaking by bringing it online. What started in 1996 as a small idea by Anupam Mittal has grown into a global matchmaking giant with 35 million users and 6 million success stories. But how did it become India’s #1 matrimonial platform? Let’s dive in. What is Shaadi.com? A Game-Changer in Digital Matchmaking Shaadi.com is an online matchmaking platform that connects brides and grooms across…

Perplexity AI joins the race to acquire TikTok, aiming to transform its algorithm with AI-driven transparency. A bold move in the startup world amid regulatory uncertainty. A Disruptive Bid in the AI and Social Media Landscape In a bold and unexpected move, Perplexity AI, an emerging player in the artificial intelligence sector, has thrown its hat into the ring to acquire TikTok. This development comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny surrounding the social media giant and its parent company, ByteDance. While established technology behemoths such as Microsoft and Oracle have expressed interest in TikTok, Perplexity AI’s bid stands out. The AI…

YouTube channel has grown into a billion-dollar edtech startup In the ever-evolving world of education technology, PhysicsWallah (PW) has established itself as a dominant force in India’s online learning space. What started as a humble YouTube channel has grown into a billion-dollar edtech startup, transforming the way students prepare for competitive exams. Founded by Alakh Pandey, PW has defied industry norms by remaining profitable, offering affordable courses, and staying student-centric. But how did it achieve this remarkable growth? Let’s dive into the strategies, challenges, and future of PhysicsWallah. The Humble Beginnings of PhysicsWallah PhysicsWallah’s Growth and Business Model 1. Transition…

How a Bike Taxi Startup Disrupted Urban Mobility & Challenged Industry Giants The Rise of Rapido India’s urban landscape is dominated by heavy traffic, making commuting a daily nightmare. While Ola and Uber focused on four-wheelers, Rapido took a different approach—bike taxis. Founded in 2015 by Aravind Sanka, Pavan Guntupalli, and Rishikesh SR, Rapido has become India’s largest bike taxi platform. With operations in 100+ cities, over 25 million users, and 1.5 million captains (bike riders), Rapido has transformed urban commuting. But what makes its business model so effective, and what challenges does it face? Let’s dive in. The Business…

Edtech Startup Expands Beyond Postgraduate Programs with AI-Driven Solutions Ambitio, an AI-driven admissions startup, has successfully raised $2 million in a seed funding round to enhance its services and expand into undergraduate admissions. The startup, co-founded by IIT-BHU alumni Dirghayu Kaushik and Vikrant Shivalik, has been primarily catering to postgraduate students. With this fresh infusion of capital, Ambitio is now set to broaden its scope and offer specialized undergraduate admission services, ensuring a seamless application process for students worldwide. A Game-Changer in the Admission Process Unlike traditional education consultants who often rely on recruitment agents working with universities, Ambitio differentiates…

Food Delivery Giant in Legal Turmoil as Vendor Files Insolvency Case By Startupbydoc Zomato, one of India’s largest food delivery platforms, is facing an insolvency plea over alleged unpaid dues of Rs 1.64 crore. The petition, filed under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), was submitted by a vendor claiming non-payment for services rendered. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is now reviewing the case, putting the foodtech giant in the spotlight. The Legal Dispute Unfolds According to sources, the vendor in question alleges that Zomato failed to clear outstanding payments amounting to Rs 1.64 crore, despite…

Bengaluru-based quick commerce startup expands into new categories and cities with fresh funding Slikk Club Secures $3.2 Million to Scale Quick Fashion Delivery Bengaluru-based Slikk Club, a 60-minute fashion delivery startup, has successfully raised $3.2 million (approx. Rs 27.7 crore) in a funding round led by global venture capital firm Lightspeed. Other key investors in this round include Multiply Ventures, Tracxn founder Abhishek Goyal, DST Global’s Saurabh Gupta, and Panthera Peak Ventures’ Nikhil Bhandarkar. Funding Utilization & Expansion Plans With this fresh capital, Slikk Club aims to expand its operations in Bengaluru, covering 80% of the city’s pin codes by…

The Rise & Fall of an AI Vision startup In early 2024, Unikon.ai launched with a bold vision. It aimed to create an AI-powered networking platform to change professional connections. Backed by investors like Nikhil Kamath and Peyush Bansal, it quickly raised nearly $3M. Founder Aakash Anand, known for Bella Vita Organic, promised a future where AI would transform interactions. Yet, just eight months later, that dream faded. Unikon.ai shifted to a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, becoming another player in a crowded market. What went wrong? Why did this AI-focused company abandon its vision so quickly? Where Was the AI? Despite…

Subtitle: Fintech and Edtech Lead the Charge as Bengaluru Continues to Dominate India’s Startup Ecosystem Published on: March 17, 2025 The Indian Startup ecosystem The Indian startup ecosystem experienced a significant funding surge this week, with 19 startups collectively securing approximately $462.27 million. This marks a substantial increase compared to the previous week when 30 startups raised around $355.02 million. Bengaluru maintained its position as the top funding hub, accounting for ten deals, while Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and other cities also saw notable investments. Funding Breakdown: Growth-Stage vs. Early-Stage Growth-Stage Funding Highlights Early-Stage Funding Highlights Sector-Wise Insights Top Performing Sectors Bengaluru…