Startup Spotlight: Daily Highlights and Innovations (January 17, 2024)

From Zepto tripling its annualised gross order value (GOV) to $3 billion (Rs 24,500 crore) in only eight months, to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) startup Netradyne securing $90 million in Series D funding, StartupSuperb presents the latest headlines showcasing significant advancements across various industries.

Featured News

Enhancing Road Safety: Dacio Utilises AI-Powered Dash Cams

Bengaluru-based Dacio.ai is committed to improving road safety in India. The company provides AI-driven dash cameras equipped with multi-channel recording capabilities, allowing drivers and fleet operators to gather essential insights into driving behaviours and trends. Featured in StartupSuperb’s Tech30 2024 list, Dacio offers a proactive incident prevention product. The system alerts drivers before incidents occur and provides fleet operators with video footage of events, which is vital for resolving numerous insurance and theft cases.

As a B2B enterprise, Dacio collaborates with various sectors, including:
– OEM Olectra
– Dipper Schools
– Professional Couriers

The focus is primarily on fleet operators, encompassing diverse industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and education.

Latest News

Zepto Achieves $3B Annualised GOV in Eight Months

Quick commerce unicorn Zepto has successfully tripled its annualised gross order value (GOV) to $3 billion (approximately Rs 24,500 crore) in just eight months. This substantial increase is notable from the $1 billion milestone reached in April last year, as reported by a Goldman Sachs research note. Zepto’s revenue for FY24 experienced a two-fold growth to Rs 4,454 crore from Rs 2,025 crore in the prior fiscal year.

Netradyne Secures $90M in Series D Funding

The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) startup Netradyne has raised $90 million in its Series D funding round, led by Point72 Private Investments, with participation from Qualcomm Ventures and Pavilion Capital. The US- and Bengaluru-based startup intends to utilise the new funds to expand globally, enhance its market strategies, and accelerate strategic R&D investments. Netradyne employs artificial intelligence and edge computing to create safety solutions for drivers and fleets, serving clients in numerous sectors, including food and beverage, oil and gas, transportation, utilities, field services, and passenger transit.

KisaanSay Raises $2M to Enhance Farm-to-Fork Model

KisaanSay, a direct-from-origin food brand, has successfully completed a pre-seed funding round, raising $2 million led by Jungle Ventures through First Cheque@Jungle. This initiative connects second-time founders and experienced operators at the idea, pre-seed, and seed stages. Founded by Nitin Puri, Manoj Karki, and Vaishali Mehta, KisaanSay aims to unite farmers and consumers with a focus on provenance. The brand collaborates with farmer collectives operating in natural farming clusters across diverse environments, ensuring each product is grown, minimally processed, and packaged at its source. This approach promotes better incomes and sustainable livelihoods for farmers, while providing consumers with healthier food options.

Key features of KisaanSay include:
– A portfolio of over 80 products across 12 categories
– A co-brand and co-profit partnership model with 20 farmer collectives representing over 50,000 farmers
– Omnichannel distribution through leading e-commerce platforms, direct-to-consumer channels, and retail stores in Delhi NCR

Other News

Wondrlab Acquires BigStep Technologies

Wondrlab, India’s platform-first martech network, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in BigStep Technologies, specialists in Generative AI and Cloud-Native Custom Software Solutions. This marks Wondrlab’s seventh acquisition, further strengthening its capabilities in advanced AI for scalable, impactful cloud-native software solutions. Established by Vidit Paliwal and Niranjan Mangal in 2008, BigStep Technologies has delivered more than 700 applications to over 500 global clients, earning a reputation for custom enterprise solutions tailored to modern businesses.

Ronak Modi Joins Equirus as Director, Head of Strategy and Finance

Equirus has welcomed Ronak Modi as the new Director and Head of Strategy and Finance. With over 13 years of extensive experience in leading organisations such as Ananta Capital, Zomato Ltd, Jindal Poly Films Ltd, Bajaj Consumer Care Limited, and Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, Ronak will drive strategic initiatives and financial planning in collaboration with the leadership team to foster growth and innovation. A Chartered Accountant, Ronak further enhanced his skills with an Executive MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB).

Qualcomm Collaborates with MapmyIndia for ‘Make in India’ Solutions

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a prominent wireless technology company, has partnered with MapmyIndia, a deep-tech digital mapping company, to advance the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the automotive sector. By integrating Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions with MapmyIndia’s expertise, the collaboration aims to deliver innovative automotive connectivity solutions for both the four-wheeler (4W) and two-wheeler (2W) segments for domestic and global car manufacturers.

Pulse Energy Launches Paybox Solution for EV Chargers

Pulse Energy has introduced an innovative app-less solution for operating EV chargers, simplifying the user experience globally. The newly launched ‘Paybox’ terminals enable Charge Point Operators to effortlessly implement this technology at their stations for 2W, 3W, and 4W vehicles. Initially deployed in Bangalore and Mumbai, the Paybox system allows customers to scan, swipe, or insert their cards for transaction approval, enabling straightforward connection to the charger for charging.

Samsung Partners with Eka Care for Health Records Feature

Samsung, India’s leading consumer electronics brand, has collaborated with Eka Care, a health tech firm, to roll out the “Health Records” feature on the Samsung Health app, aimed at empowering users to manage their health more effectively. This feature allows users to establish and access their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) directly through the app, facilitating comprehensive management of health records produced by healthcare providers throughout India. This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) project.

Clinikally Expands to the Nutrition Category

Clinikally, a digital platform focused on skincare and haircare, has broadened its offerings by launching a new Nutrition category. This addition provides high-quality nutritional supplements aimed at enhancing overall health and wellness. Recognising the connection between nutrition and skin health, Clinikally presents comprehensive solutions that cater to both external skincare and internal nutritional requirements. The diverse range of supplements includes options for skin, hair, joint health, protein, and overall wellness, featuring recognized brands known for their efficacy, including Nutrova and Wellbeing Nutrition.

(This copy will be updated with the latest news throughout the day.)