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Startup News
Analyticsindiamag
7d
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This Surat-Based Startup Builds Real-Time Speech AI Model That Cuts Costs by 20x
- Launched in 2021, Surat-based startup VideoSDK is changing how developers use real-time AI for various applications, introducing a new small language model (SLM) for businesses.
- VideoSDK aims to automate communication-intensive tasks, offering tools for embedding real-time voice and video features in applications across platforms like Android, iOS, and web.
- The startup secured a $1.2 million investment from GVFL in its last funding round, focusing on product development and go-to-market strategy, with successful implementations like Video KYC for Groww.
- VideoSDK introduces NAMO-SSLM, a real-time speech AI model combining on-device computing with cloud capabilities to reduce costs by nearly 20 times compared to other models, made language-agnostic and cost-effective.
- The model's design allows it to operate on devices like iPhones and Android phones in real time, offering privacy benefits and cost savings for applications.
- VideoSDK plans to release the model weights as an open-source initiative, aiming for community usage and scalability through a cloud offering for developers.
- Challenges faced by VideoSDK include deploying the SLM across diverse devices, especially low-end models, and improving training cycles for AI models to enhance performance.
- In the future, VideoSDK aims to expand SLM deployment across all devices, establish its presence in real-time AI communication, and achieve significant utilisation growth.
- The startup intends to compete globally with major players in the AI communication space like Agora and Twilio Video, positioning itself as a leader.
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Yourstory
7d
352
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OpenAI’s Screenless Phone: What We Know About the $500M Project
- OpenAI is reportedly in talks to either acquire or collaborate with Jony Ive's AI hardware startup, io Products, to create innovative AI-powered devices.
- The partnership aims to develop a 'phone-like' device without a traditional screen, focusing on voice interaction and AI-driven functionality.
- The collaboration involves OpenAI, Jony Ive, and former Apple designers, creating a powerhouse of innovation.
- The project could disrupt the smartphone industry, expand OpenAI's revenue streams, and position the company as a leader in consumer-focused AI technologies.
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Entrepreneurshiplife
7d
381
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How Startups Can Deliver Great Services Without Hoarding User Data
- Startups face the challenge of providing great services without hoarding user data in today's data-centric world.
- Privacy-centric approaches not only build trust but also differentiate startups in a competitive market.
- Balancing personalization with privacy is possible through methods like anonymous payment options and decentralized identity solutions.
- Rethinking data collection strategies, such as on-device processing and aggregating anonymized data, can offer valuable insights without compromising privacy.
- Utilizing blockchain technology and decentralized systems can enhance user privacy by eliminating the need for personal data in transactions.
- Startups can benefit from minimalistic data practices by collecting only essential information and periodically purging unnecessary data.
- Developing a privacy-first culture within startup teams is essential to integrating data security best practices into daily operations.
- Transparent privacy policies, opting out options, and subscription-based revenue models can help startups prioritize user security and trust.
- Privacy-focused startups gain a legal and competitive advantage, aligning with regulations like GDPR and CCPA while attracting privacy-conscious consumers and investors.
- By emphasizing privacy as a core value, startups can deliver secure, trusted services that foster loyalty and set them apart in the market.
- Privacy isn't just a checkbox for startups but a strategic advantage that allows them to lead in a data-driven world.
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Yourstory
7d
82
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Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (April 8, 2025)
- IT companies now require entry-level job candidates to possess industry-ready skills like AI proficiency and hands-on experience.
- Siemens Technology and Services Private Limited (STSPL) in India focuses on driving digitization for Siemens globally, employing around 10,000 people.
- Rapido, a ride-hailing startup, is diversifying into the fintech sector with plans for a separate subsidiary for financial services.
- OpenAI is in talks to acquire io Products, an AI hardware startup co-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, for over $500 million.
- Online fashion retailer Outzidr secures Rs 30 crore funding to serve Gen Z consumers with trendy outfits.
- Neo Asset Management announces the first close of its second private credit fund, Neo Special Credit Opportunities Fund-II, at Rs 2,000 crore.
- AI-powered video telematics startup Cautio raises Rs 11 crore in an ongoing seed round to enhance road safety solutions.
- DevOps AI platform Scoutflo raises Rs 1.4 crore in pre-seed funding to enhance deployment automation and strengthen security measures.
- Decimal Point Analytics welcomes Eric Yuen as Partner and Head of Data Science, bringing over 20 years of experience to the AI and data analytics company.
- Ingen Technologies, a subsidiary of WRMS Global, partners with the Government of Kerala to enhance weather monitoring with advanced weather data collection systems.
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ISN
7d
113
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AI-powered tutoring startup SigIQ.ai raises $9.5 million; know what it does
- AI-powered tutoring startup SigIQ.ai has raised $9.5 million in seed funding to bring one-on-one tutoring to students worldwide.
- The round was co-led by The House Fund and GSV Ventures, with participation from Duolingo, General Catalyst India, Peak XV Partners, and Calibrate Ventures.
- SigIQ.ai plans to scale its flagship products, PadhAI and EverTutor, while enhancing its proprietary AI tutoring models.
- The startup aims to offer personalized and interactive tutoring, addressing the challenge of scalability in traditional one-on-one tutoring.
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Yourstory
7d
41
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February sales show genuine customer demand, not token-amount bookings: Ola Electric
- Ola Electric clarified that its February sales indicate genuine customer demand and not 'token-amount bookings'.
- The company announced its February 2025 sales based on paid and confirmed orders, not preliminary bookings.
- Nearly 90% of the orders were fully paid at the time of placement, including orders for the newly available products.
- Ola Electric emphasized that vehicle deliveries follow confirmed orders with full payment, which is an industry standard practice.
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Inc42
7d
37
Image Credit: Inc42
February Sales Data Included Paid Orders, Not Preliminary Bookings: Ola Electric
- Ola Electric clarifies that February 2025 sales announcements were based on paid and confirmed orders, not preliminary bookings.
- 90% of the orders were paid in full at the time of placement.
- The delivery of Ola Electric's first e-motorcycles might take at least two more months.
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has allegedly sought clarification on the monthly sales numbers from Ola Electric.
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Insider
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367
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These agentic AI startups raised a combined $52 million. Here's a look at their decks — and what made them stand out.
- Agentic AI startups are raising notable funding rounds and attracting investor interest.
- Three key features found in successful pitch decks for agentic AI startups were analyzed.
- Key features include highlighting a community of supporters, outlining a specific solution to a market problem, and demonstrating retention and budget replacement.
- Investors are looking for education, conviction, and excitement from pitch decks of agentic AI startups.
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Inc42
7d
340
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Matter of Minutes: How D2C Brands Can Win the Quick Commerce Game
- The global transition post-Covid saw a rapid embrace of New Normal, with India's retail market growing significantly.
- The rise of fintechs and government focus on financial inclusion positioned Indian consumers for quick commerce adoption.
- Quick commerce saw significant growth, with revenues surpassing $4.2 billion by 2023 and expanding into tier II cities.
- Quick commerce's speed and convenience appealed to consumers, challenging marketplaces and D2C brands.
- Technology enabled quick commerce to expand beyond groceries to categories like electronics and fashion.
- Challenges faced by D2C brands in listing on quick delivery platforms led to the rise of logistics enablers like Zippee.
- Zippee helped D2C brands achieve faster deliveries, reduce NDRs and RTO rates, and retain customer data.
- Speed and efficiency in logistics become crucial for D2C brands to meet customer expectations and compete in the market.
- Zippee's integration with brands' online stores and real-time order tracking enhances customer experience and reduces logistics costs.
- As the D2C and quick commerce sectors grow, enablers like Zippee play a vital role in improving conversion rates and sustaining customer relationships.
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Eu-Startups
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NexGen Cloud secures €41 million to expand sovereign AI infrastructure in Europe
- London-based NexGen Cloud has raised €41 million in a Series A funding round to expand its sovereign AI infrastructure in Europe.
- The funding will support the company's mission to provide hyperscale-like capacity globally, with a focus on delivering sovereign capabilities in Europe.
- NexGen Cloud offers enterprise AI cloud solutions, including private clouds for large-scale sovereign AI environments and on-demand GPU access.
- The investment will be used to scale NexGen Cloud's infrastructure and expand its full stack cloud capabilities to support production-ready AI applications.
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Eu-Startups
7d
149
Eyes Like a Hawk: AML startup Hawk raises €51.8 million to expose hidden financial crimes
- Munich-based AML startup Hawk raises €51.8 million in Series C funding round.
- Funding round led by One Peak, with participation from existing investors.
- Hawk provides AI-powered anti-money laundering and fraud prevention solutions.
- Investment to support product innovation and global expansion, particularly into the US.
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Inc42
7d
116
Image Credit: Inc42
Wealthtech Startup Scripbox Seeks Funding At $200 Mn Valuation: Report
- Bengaluru-based wealthtech startup Scripbox is in talks to raise $15-20 Mn at a valuation of $200 Mn.
- The company aims to get listed on stock exchanges in the next 18-24 months.
- Last year, Scripbox secured a funding of $5 Mn at a post-money valuation of $138 Mn.
- Scripbox allows users to invest in mutual fund schemes and offers financial planning services through its AI-powered tech stack.
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Yourstory
7d
369
Image Credit: Yourstory
Meet the top 10 innovative companies to keep an eye on in 2025
- India's startup ecosystem has over 1.59 lakh startups, with big cities leading the transformation and smaller cities contributing as well.
- Top innovative companies in 2025 are driving industry transformations with cutting-edge technology and customer-focused solutions.
- Zeko AI is revolutionizing talent acquisition with AI agents for bias-free screening and real-time interview analysis.
- Square Dream Homes blends heritage aesthetics with modern sophistication in luxury real estate to redefine premium living.
- Farmland Bazaar is India's first online marketplace for farmlands, connecting buyers and sellers for sustainable land investments.
- Mankomb's Chewie is an AI-powered appliance converting wet waste into nutrient-rich soil, promoting sustainable living.
- NayaJaisa specializes in premium refurbished electronics, offering quality solutions with over 200,000 units sold.
- Billebon creates comfort-first products like neck pillows and lumbar cushions, aiming to enhance ergonomic comfort for users.
- Nilam India celebrates artisanal craftsmanship in handmade women's fashion, blending traditional techniques with modern designs.
- Volkano AI enhances D2C brands' ad creatives to drive conversions by providing proven ad ideas and insights.
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Inc42
7d
336
Image Credit: Inc42
Centre Finalising Move To Bring Online Gaming Apps Under PMLA: Report
- The Centre is finalising a move to bring online real money gaming platforms under the purview of anti-money laundering laws.
- The move would enforce stricter requirements on these apps, including know-your-customer process and reporting suspicious transactions.
- The online gaming firms may be classified as reporting entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
- The government aims to curtail unaccounted money circulating within these apps.
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ISN
7d
265
Image Credit: ISN
GenZ women-focused fashion startup Outzidr raises Rs 30 crore in a Seed round
- Outzidr, a Gen Z women-focused fashion startup, has raised Rs 30 crore ($3.5 million) in a seed funding round led by Stellaris Venture Partners.
- The funds will be used to strengthen the supply chain, enhance technology, expand the team, and improve brand development and inventory management capabilities.
- Outzidr follows a 'test-and-react' approach to trend adoption, launching new styles in small batches and scaling only the most promising products.
- The startup plans to shift 90% of its manufacturing base to India within two years and aims to achieve an annual revenue run rate of Rs 100 crore in the next 6-8 months.
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