Shantanu Vishwanadha

Indian AI Startups’ Funding Decline: Implications for the Import-Export Sector The decline in funding for Indian AI startups, which dropped from $251 million between July and September 2023 to $125 million in the same period in 2024, is indicative of broader trends affecting the tech landscape. While this slowdown is significant, it also offers valuable insights for the import-export industry, particularly as it grapples with technological adoption and digital transformation. Impact on Tech-Driven Exports: AI startups have been central to driving innovations in logistics, supply chain management, and predictive analytics—critical areas for the import-export sector. A slowdown in AI funding could temporarily stall some of these advancements. However, AI-powered solutions in customs automation, real-time shipment tracking, and demand forecasting are still likely to attract attention from businesses looking to streamline global trade operations. Changing Investment Focus: With a cautious funding environment, Indian AI startups in the import-export space may need to rethink their approach to attracting investments. Investors are now more focused on startups with sustainable business models and clear paths to profitability. For export-focused AI startups, emphasizing the practical applications of AI in cross-border trade could help in securing funding. Long-Term Opportunities for Import-Export: Despite the short-term decline in funding, AI’s potential to revolutionize global trade remains intact. As the world adjusts to post-pandemic supply chains, Indian AI startups that focus on solving real-world challenges in international trade will likely emerge stronger. From improving inventory management to automating documentation, AI tools are set to play a crucial role in the future of global trade. In conclusion, while funding fluctuations may temporarily affect the pace of innovation, the import-export industry stands to benefit from the steady rise of AI technologies. Startups in this space must adapt, innovate, and demonstrate the tangible value of their solutions to stay ahead in the global marketplace. #AI #IndianStartups #ImportExport #GlobalTrade #SupplyChainInnovation #VentureCapital #TechTrends #StartupInsights

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Zepto announces its $ 665M Series F financing at a $3.6bn valuation yesterday. They started as KiranaKart (part of YC's W21 program) & re-branded to Zepto; the firm has defied all funding winters with crazy momentum ⤵️ June '20: $50K Contrary Capital fellowship Nov '20: $125K YC W21 program  Jan '21: $700K Seed round Oct '21: $60M Series A/B round Dec'21: $100M Series C round May '22: $200M Series D round Aug '23: $200M Series E round Zepto's investors include Y Combinator, Nexus Venture Partners, StepStone Group and even Glade Brook Capital (former investor in Zomato). 📈 And, their metrics in the last few months have been astounding: (1) ~4.5M (i.e. 45 Lakh) Zepto Pass subscribers in 3 months - Initially this was free, then they began charging > ₹99 per month (2) 75% of ~350 dark stores are EBITDA positive - Time to EBITDA breakeven per store is down from 23 months to 6 months (3) ~28% market share in Quick Comm - Impressive given they are an independent company (versus Instamart or Blinkit) ✅ And, Zepto is just getting started:  (a) Entry in non-metro cities next (b) Entry into private label (Zepto Cafe & Meats) (c) Going to x2 the number of dark stores ➡ What I've seen lately in the key metro cities: There is a shift from e-comm to QC. I think it is only going to accelerate as QC co's bring in more categories & tap into long tail SKUs via larger warehouses.. Product searches first moved from Google to Amazon, now they may move from Amazon to Zepto et al. incredible to see how the Power Law plays out - these folks are going to change Commerce in India. Congratulations Aadit, Kaivalya + team Zepto! #startups #india #venturecapital

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Great to have a mention of #TechXpedite backed by Games24x7 in this article by the Mint talking about “in-house incubators and accelerators” set up by India Inc. As Startup Réseau, we’ve set up over 50 corporate backed accelerators, innovation programs and startup engagement initiatives; and we’ve seen the trend shift massively over the past few years. In the earliest years, it was largely the BFSI companies taking the lead on such engagements, and that has changed to almost every other industry. We’re been fortunate to work across healthcare, energy, real estate, logistics, telcos, media, consumer goods to name a few. In the past few years, we have seen another trend emerge where we’ve seen #unicorns or #scaleup companies engaging on their own version of startup programs for a variety of reasons - giving back to the ecosystem, investments, strategics, acquisition etc. We’ve been fortunate to work with Delhivery LenDenClub on accelerator programs, and with Perfios Open Financial Technologies Signzy on startup engagement programs. Currently we are in the midst of accepting applications for #TechXpedite as an accelerator program implementation partner for Games24x7. Look up our page to apply now, if you are building in #gaming, #AI or #InclusiveTech categories. Jagruti Bista Gaurav Kulkarni Kanish Goratela Vedant M. Anshul Ajay Vansh B. Sonia Claire Awino Emmanuel Akandwanaho #CorporateInnovation #StartupEngagementPrograms #CorporateAccelerators https://lnkd.in/dFCYm7Sz

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5.1 Years to Billion Dollar Dreams: India's Startup Boom Accelerates Forget the seven-year itch. In India's booming startup scene, achieving unicorn status (a valuation of over $1 billion) is happening at breakneck speed. While Inc42 Media reports a median time of 5.1 years, some startups are reaching this milestone in mere months! This lightning-fast growth is a testament to the incredible maturity of India's entrepreneurial landscape. Gone are the days of waiting years for billion-dollar valuations. Today's market is a launchpad for ambitious ideas, fueled by increased investor interest and a growing pool of tech talent. Of course, the past two years haven't been without their challenges. Market corrections have slowed the overall pace of unicorn creation. However, this doesn't diminish the underlying trend: India's startup ecosystem is undergoing a revolution, with innovation happening faster than ever before. This is a powerful moment for Indian entrepreneurs. The time is ripe to seize the opportunity and build the next generation of global giants. What do you think of India's Startup Ecosystem and journey to 100+ unicorns? Is it time to forget Silicon Valley? Is India the New Startup Capital? Share your insights in the comments below! 🔖Save this post, for future reference 🔁Repost to help others If you liked this post,give a 👍Follow me Monica Jasuja #startups #india #unicorns #digitalindia #fintech

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Customer Testimonial - Kuku FM (Series C, ~$70 Million Funded) KukuFM calls CodeAnt AI (YC W24) a game-changing innovation in streamlining their code review process. As a leader in India’s audio storytelling, KukuFM offers exclusive audiobooks and premium content to millions. They trust CodeAnt AI to help developers save time on reviewing code's intent, quality and security issues. CodeAnt AI summarizes each pull request, flagging code quality and security issues within 30 seconds of creation. What sets us apart? With 20,000+ out-of-the-box code quality checks across 30+ languages, our AI catches even the trickiest edge cases. Special thanks to Aman Bapna for championing our journey! 🙌 Want to try it? Get 7-days free trial - link is in the comments below. #AI #AICodeReview #CyberSecurity #codequality #cleancode #KukuFM #CodeAntAI #GameChanger

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Indian venture market has exploded. Someone reported that there are 800+ funds/networks/syndicates/ accelerators active in Indian venture market now. Not sure, if that number is correct but if you are an early stage tech founder on your fundraise journey, chances are, you would meet hundreds of people. While majority of the fund houses are doing incredible work and shaping the ecosystem. There are certain kinds of investors you need to identify & avoid to save time and stay focused: Sharing from my personal experience, top 5 such cohorts to avoid and the takeaways for the founders: 1. Data collectors: At early stage, you don't have historical data to present. Your projections are just that, Projections. I wasted one whole week discussing with a prospective angel investor on why the CLTV to CAC ratio is x, and not y. Takeaway: Discuss high level strategic numbers only without going into the details. None of the projections would be accurate anyway when rubber hits the road. 2. Document collectors: Met few folks, who would watch from the fences and ask for n number of documents, data rooms, statements without sharing the purpose of the ask or even revealing their investment intent. Takeaway: It is supposed to be a bi-directional conversation. Say 'no' often, till the time, an official relationship is established. 3. Valuer (! investor): At early stage, valuation is a function of multiple parameters, the opportunity itself, the team, or anything else except steady cash flows, because you don't have much. I wasted another week with a prospective investor trying to justify valuation, had to shut down that conversation, after both of us started quoting Aswath Damodaran and his valuation principles. Takeaway: Too much content on the internet for both parties anyway. Shouldn't be a bone of contention at early stages. 4. Facilitators posing as investors: Met numerous people, who would go to any lengths to pose themselves as serious investors, even buying paid media articles. Only to reveal at the last: The success fee. Takeaway: Avoid facilitators until Series A 5. Brokers posing as market makers: People posing as market makers sharing tons of gyaan on LinkedIn but are actually deal brokers looking to make quick %. Personal experience: Two rounds of conversation happened and then out of blue, they added a third party in the mail trail, someone who facilitates mergers & acquisitions. There wasn't even a single instance in the past conversations where we indicated any such intent. Takeaway: Avoid name & shame in public but at least share within founder communities. #venture #fundraise #startups #investing

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📔 India Budget 2024: A Mixed Bag for the Crypto Industry 🗒 As a Founder of a company & being part of the web3 space, I closely followed the announcements in the India Budget 2024. While the budget brought some positive news for the broader tech ecosystem, the crypto community had mixed reactions. 🔍 Key Takeaways: Crypto Taxation Unchanged: The much-debated crypto tax rules remain unchanged. The 30% tax on gains from virtual digital assets (VDAs) and the 1% TDS on transactions continue to be in effect. Capital Gains Tax Adjustments: The increase in long-term capital gains tax from 10% to 12.5% and short-term capital gains tax from 15% to 20% has caused disappointment among the middle class. Angel Tax Abolished: A significant win for the startup ecosystem is the abolition of the angel tax for all classes of investors. This move is expected to bolster the Indian tech startup scene, especially in the web3 sector. At DappLooker, we remain committed to navigating these regulatory landscapes and continuing to provide robust blockchain data analytics solutions. The unchanged crypto tax rules present challenges, but they also reinforce the need for innovative solutions and strategic planning. Let’s continue to build, innovate, and drive the future of web3 in India 🇮🇳 #IndiaBudget2024 #Crypto #Web3 #Blockchain

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There are two types of #startupfounders- 1. Extremely Foolish 2. Extremely Genius Ngl, this is what i used to think…however, lately i’ve realised that there’s actually only one type, the former. You have got to be extremely foolish (and borderline insane) to willingly let go of a much more comfortable and easier life in exchange for a decade of 24-hour work days and stress. If you do the math, it’s never a “smart” decision, considering how big a factor “luck” is, for any successful startup. So when an extremely foolish founder starts a company, which is statistically 90% likely to fail, there’s a small possibility that they could survive long enough to see it become successful and then be labelled as a “Genius”. Remember, “Genius” is only in hindsight, never in foresight. I guess this is why Steve Jobs said-

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Mayank Bidawatka, Koo's co-founder, raised a $4M seed for his new consumer internet startup. Koo raised $50M+ before shutting down early this year. Most #founders would struggle to raise $0.5M at such an early stage. Koo's investors lost their shirts when it shut down (not literally but you get the gist). Then why are new investors backing a founder who lost other investors millions? Koo shut down and lost money. You might think this shows the founders were incompetent. VCs don't think like this. In the #VentureCapital industry, failure isn't bad. Sometimes, it's good. VCs look at Mayank and Koo in a different light. Here is a founder who raised $50M and scaled a consumer #technology startup to a certain level. He has the vision to build a product like Koo. He has the skills to hire and retain good people. He knows how to sell his story to investors. He understands what it takes to build tech #startups. VCs want these traits in founders. There must be different reasons for Koo's failure. IMO, it failed because it was a poor product harping on nationalism to find users. However, VCs backing Mayank think Koo failed because the Indian market wasn't ready for it or some other reason. They believe Mayank will be more successful this time because he knows how to build and scale consumer technology companies. VCs find this story of one billion users and a dollar opportunity credible because it comes from a celebrated founder. If it were you and me with the same product or vision, they wouldn't be so easy with capital.

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Bolt raised $1.4 Bn and Fast raised $120 Mn in 2021-22 5 companies in that year’s YC cohort were building Checkouts for LatAM, South East Asia, etc As we were still narrowing down on a problem, this was impossible to ignore. Having seen Flipkart build Amazon of India, Ola build Uber of India, it made sense that “someone will build Bolt/Fast of India” It became a good starting point For our VC experience, we also knew such pattern matching is useful in fundraising We launched the product and had some customers. That’s when stories of bolt and fast failing started to do the rounds on Twitter. There was a lot of drama. It was hard to look away. After some introspection on what this means for us, we realized that 1) Customers were excited about the problem and were willing to pay. To the extent, people were signing up for demos inbound via word of mouth 2) It was merely a starting point. As we started spending more time with customers, we started to see plethora of problems in “effectively engaging customers” they were facing 3) India (our first market) is uniquely different from US (their first market) : Phone number as an identifier, un-standard addresses, low trust, Cash on Delivery, So many more payment options 4) US had likes of PayPal, ApplePay and GooglePay solving this problem making the competitive landscape even more intense I personally think it is a great wedge into the market. It got us the customers who shared several insights turning the wedge into a product, which we hope to turn into a platform. It was also clear that everyone is writing their own story. Pattern matching only goes so far. Is there another company who you think has successfully executed the “X for Y” strategy like Flipkart and Ola? #floBTS This post is a part of our effort to share the behind the scenes of building our company. You can see the other posts by clicking on the hashtag or link in the comments.

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Jiffy Daily... your go-to newsletter for daily news bytes from the World of Startups! Zivy Track3D (formerly ConstructN) Crackle Technologies GoKwik Return Prime Playbook Partners InMobi Mars Growth Capital build3 SpaceFields TVS Capital Funds InsurStaq.ai Blume Ventures Paradigm Shift Capital iSeed Bestvantage Investments Endiya Partners We Founder Circle #startupnews #indianstartups #startup #vcfunding #startupfunding #yourtribe #fundingnews #funding #startupnews

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🚀 Exciting Opportunity for Indian Crypto Creators on X! 🚀 Are you a passionate influencer or an active member of the Indian crypto community? BountyVerse is offering a unique collaboration opportunity for individuals who love sharing knowledge, fostering discussions, and promoting innovative solutions in the crypto trading space. We're looking for micro-influencers who are ready to connect with potential traders and amplify awareness around crypto trading. 🌟 What We're Looking For: Indian nationality with active engagement in the Indian crypto community Proven background or strong interest in cryptocurrency, blockchain, or trading A dedicated follower base (1,000 to 20,000 followers on X) Consistent, high-quality content that resonates with your audience 🤝 Your Role: Collaborate with us to drive insightful discussions, boost crypto brand awareness, and share authentic, valuable content. If you’re a creator focused on crypto, blockchain, or trading, and you're committed to helping grow the community, this opportunity is for you! 💰 Reward: $100 📅 Due Date: December 31, 2024 📩 Join Us Today! https://lnkd.in/ddg-eKcv Apply now to be part of this impactful project and connect with like-minded individuals. Let's make a difference together in the crypto world! Click the link to apply for this bounty: https://lnkd.in/d8ZSw2sh For more details, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or join our WhatsApp group to discuss further. Sudhakar Pradhan #crypto #blockchain #influencers #collaboration #opportunity #BountyVerse #cryptotrading #community #bounty #web3 #trading

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Our vision at Niti AI is to empower the next billion (non) developers to build and ship products with AI! Whenever I reflect on ambitious goals like this, I'm reminded of the below quote from The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. Hari Subramanian | Aravind R. | LoopX

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GM GM my #LinkedIn Fam!! I'm thrilled to announce that I've joined Push Protocol | Previously EPNS India as an #Ambassador! I'm incredibly excited to be a part of Push Protocol | Previously EPNS's mission to build a #decentralized notification infrastructure for #Web3. Web3 has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the internet, and Push Protocol is playing a vital role in making that happen. In my role as #PushAmbassadorIndia, I look forward to: 👉 Contributing to the growth of the Web3 ecosystem in India. 👨‍🏫 Educating and empowering the Indian community about the potential of Web3. 🤝 Collaborating with Push Protocol to build a more robust and accessible notification system for dApps. I'm confident that together, we can make a significant impact on the future of Web3. #Web3 #PushProtocolIndia #Ambassador #Decentralization #Blockchain #PushAmbassadorIndia

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Hey everyone, I know it’s been a while since my last post about looking for a few Indian Web3 startups that want to raise funds. These things take time, so feel free to reach out if you want to know whether investors are interested in your proposals. DM me, and I’ll give you feedback if it’s a “no” for now. In this post, I want to dive into why many Indian Web3 startups struggle. These insights come from the decks and proposals you sent me. My goal isn’t to discourage anyone but be real about what’s lacking. 1. Fake it till you make it syndrome - Many founders think that partnerships or media buzz will automatically lead to success. Sure, it grabs attention on social media for a bit, but that doesn’t mean you have a solid product or business plan. When talking about partnerships, skip the fluff about how amazing your partner is. Instead, tell us how you’re leveraging those connections or what business you’ve generated from them. Saying “I’m talking to so & so investor” is not a winning strategy; it just makes new investors sit around waiting for your “so & so investor” to commit. 2. Wrong set of Advisors/Partnerships - The Web3 space is full of people eager to advise for a slice of your tokens. Sounds harmless, right? Nope. Investors want Advisors/Mentors who can add real value—like market expertise, helping with compliance, or genuinely bringing investment. Your advisor shouldn’t just be another generalist; you’ve already got that covered as the future CEO. You need real expertise to strengthen your team, not more fluff. Be very clear on "how" or "in what ways" your Advisor/Mentor/Partner are helping you. 3. No GTM and/or execution strategy - Rome wasn’t built in a day. But it didn’t happen without solid strategy and execution. Many of you seem to have no execution strategy at all. You’re waiting for the market to “discover” your amazing product and hoping for a miracle. Get comfortable questioning your ideas; ask yourself, what if this doesn’t work? What if your plan has flaws? Are you okay with pivoting? I’m not saying you need all the answers in your pitch deck, but your Go To Market or execution strategy shouldn’t feel like a copy of someone else’s work. Some of you have your MVP ready but haven’t tested it among yourselves! A few of you have ten products, but no clear direction or standout product, which leads to confusion. Most of your ideas lack a moat—explain why you’re the right fit for this idea and why it’s hard to copy. These are some thoughts I gathered while reviewing your decks, and they’re just general feedback. To be clear: I made mistakes in my own company. But since I had the chance to share insights with my network, I’m doing what I can because I believe entrepreneurship is a gift, and we need strong inspiration for Web3 to thrive. PS: If I haven’t contacted you yet, feel free to DM me. And if it’s a “no” right now, let’s stay in touch. Trust me, people want to see you succeed.

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{New pod 🎤} "𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬?" Was super-fun to jam with Thiyagarajan Maruthavanan (Rajan) - Managing Partner at Upekkha. We discussed how Indian startups should look at AI, including real addressable opportunities, how to differentiate and compete against global competitors, what pre-AI SaaS startups should do to stay relevant, the India domestic AI opportunity, and finally, operating learnings for US go-to-market. Some thought-provoking insights and learnings for Indian AI and SaaS startups in here. Let us know what you think! YouTube - https://lnkd.in/g8d7rSe5 Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gpzkM8Jw Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/gEf_zvKM An Operator's Blog - https://lnkd.in/gRzK2nTb

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Whether investors agree or not, it’s a critical reality in the AI startup arena. Only those companies, ideas, founders, or startups that secure “substantial funding” from multiple VCs and achieve rapid market penetration with significant cash burn will lead the show. The AI sector is characterized by a lack of exclusivity and monopoly, where the ability to develop and penetrate the market quickly is paramount. Those who can maintain a healthy financial runway for at least 1-2 years (through great VCs cheques) are more likely to influence market trends. #OpenAI is a prime example of this dynamic at play. Now, with a $500M investment, they have secured a few more months of runway and also aim to create some disruption in the tech world. Copy and paste, but after pasting it, don’t hold back. Shout it out loud and get the needed attention, funding, and appraisals. 🫣 Its a game of securing Capital ! New AI 🤖 products are building on other multiple AI’s.

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The final week of November 2024 showcased a mix of challenges and resilience within India's startup ecosystem. Funding Trends: A Mixed Bag Private market funding this week amounted to $144.8 million across 14 deals, marking a 75% drop from the $579.5 million raised the previous week. Nazara Technologies Limited, a key player in India’s gaming space, raised $101.3 million through a preferential share issue. Cleantech startups AltMobility, Ukhi, and Althion collectively raised $11.6 million, highlighting the continued focus on sustainability. ShopDeck and Elchemy secured $13.6 million, signaling robust growth in the sector. The e-commerce sector led in deal count, with startups like Leafround, GoSats, BlueStone, and Rigi raising a combined $7.6 million, showcasing investor confidence in the evolving digital marketplace. Strategic Acquisitions and Fund Launches While funding took a dip, the week saw several strategic acquisitions and fund launches that underscored the ecosystem’s maturity: Nazara Technologies Limited acquired Trinity Gaming for $2.8 million to enhance its gaming influencer and community capabilities. NykaaFashion continued its aggressive expansion by acquiring skincare brand Earth Rhythm, reinforcing its commitment to the direct-to-consumer (D2C) space. Information Security Media Group (ISMG) acquired a majority stake in cybersecurity firm NULLCON, reflecting the increasing importance of cybersecurity in a digital-first world. Reliance Retail reportedly acquired a 25% stake in Mochi, a premium footwear brand, as part of its strategy to dominate the fashion and lifestyle market. On the funding side: Stellaris Venture Partners closed its third India-focused fund at $300 million, with plans to support 25-30 startups in seed and Series A stages. Inflection Point Ventures announced a new fund aimed at supporting startups in emerging sectors like health tech and agritech. Key Players Preparing for Growth Several startups are gearing up for significant funding rounds and public offerings, hinting at optimism despite the subdued market sentiment: Pine Labs, a leader in fintech, is eyeing a $1 billion IPO in 2025, which could reinvigorate the startup IPO market. Miko, an AI-powered robotics startup, has received shareholder approval to raise $3.3 million, furthering its mission to innovate in consumer robotics. Incuspaze, a coworking space provider, is planning a $25 million pre-IPO round to strengthen its market position. Zolve, a neobanking platform, and Lenskart.com, the eyewear giant, are both rumored to be in talks for significant funding rounds to fuel their international expansion. Sectoral Trends and Broader Implications Sustainability Takes Center Stage: Cleantech companies like AltMobility are drawing significant investor attention, signaling the importance of sustainable solutions. As we look toward December and the new year, strategic moves, IPOs, and sectoral growth hint at a promising 2025.

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