This Week In Startups: May 18-24

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By
Anurag Trivedi

This Week in Startups 🌟 | Stay ahead with Entrepreneurship Studio as we bring you the latest and most exciting updates from the startup world.

From groundbreaking funding rounds to innovative breakthroughs, we've got your weekly dose of entrepreneurial spirit right here:

ThinKuvate, Singapore Investment Firm, Launches Maiden Rs 100 Crore Fund in India:
ThinKuvate, a Singapore-based angel investment network, has announced the launch of its Rs 100 crore ThinKuvate India Fund – I to invest in technology startups across India. Targeting 12-15 startups annually, with initial focus on cities like Nagpur, Raipur, Bangalore, and Chennai, the fund seeks revenue-generating startups showing early market traction. Prioritizing innovative startups with patented products and strong teams, ThinKuvate plans to close its first fund this quarter and begin capital deployment soon after. This strategic investment underscores ThinKuvate's deepened commitment to the Indian startup ecosystem, leveraging their robust track record in India and Southeast Asia.

E2E Cloud Partners with Atal Incubation Centre at Nalanda Institute to Boost India's Startup Ecosystem:

E2E Cloud, a leader in GPU cloud solutions, partners with Atal Incubation Centre – Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation (AIC-NITF), under India's NITI Aayog. This collaboration focuses on empowering AI and deeptech startups with state-of-the-art GPU resources to drive innovation. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, E2E Cloud will provide advanced GPU infrastructure to AIC-NITF's startups, including 64 H100 GPU super pods expandable to 2048 GPUs. Both organizations share a commitment to reducing barriers for startups, enabling them to scale efficiently and compete globally. Additionally, E2E Cloud offers significant GPU credits to the first 25 incubators, boosting their technological capabilities.

SanchiConnect and YourNest Collaborate to Launch New Deeptech Accelerator:

Delhi NCR's SanchiConnect, in partnership with YourNest Venture Capital, has launched the Velocity Fast Track Startup Funding Program to boost deeptech startups in India. The program will invest INR 30 crore in up to eight startups, offering them $500K to $1M each. Over a 60-day period, startups will develop intellectual property in software and hardware, concluding with a demo day to attract further investment. Founded in 2022, SanchiConnect has aided over 2,100 startups, aligning with India's focus on AI, machine learning, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Amazon's 2024 Startup Fund Program Launches in India: Opportunities and Details:

Amazon India has launched the fourth season of its Propel Global Business Accelerator, targeting startups in the consumer products sector aiming for international markets. Propel S4 offers a comprehensive support package to help up to 50 startups become global brands. Benefits include $1.5 million in total rewards, AWS credits, free logistics, account management for six months, and $100K in grants for the top three startups. The program, open for applications until June 9, 2024, includes mentorship from Amazon leaders and VC partners, workshops, and a demo day for startups to pitch to investors. This initiative aligns with Amazon's goal to facilitate $20 billion in e-commerce exports from India by 2025.

India's Startup Ecosystem Sees Global Expansion at Latitude59 in Estonia:

Estonia is fast becoming a pivotal tech hub in Europe, drawing attention from Indian startups and investors at the upcoming Latitude59 event. Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, emphasizes the potential for significant cross-border collaborations and investments. At Latitude59, a hub for innovation particularly in AI and deep tech, Indian startups have a unique opportunity to engage with a broad investor base. Scheduled for May 22-24, the event expects to attract over 3,000 global attendees and around 500 investors, presenting an ideal platform for exchanging ideas and exploring business opportunities.

Indian Drivers App Surpasses 35,000 On-Demand Rides Milestone:

Pune-based Indian Drivers exemplifies how a simple idea can evolve into a thriving business with 35,000 on-demand rides. Founded fifteen years ago by Parag Palsokar, Krishna Badwane, and Dinesh Rahane, it started from a small cubicle, using local ads to grow a driver database that now supports thousands. With a mobile app launched in 2017, Indian Drivers expanded its reach and clientele, including corporate services, helping them thrive even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating in major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, the company offers comprehensive management services and runs training programs that uphold high service standards.

Jaipur Based Startup Revolutionizes Veterinary Care, Earning ₹8 Crore Annually by Bringing Vets Directly to Farmers' Doorsteps:

In 2019, Manish Prahlad from Jaipur faced a devastating loss when he found his prized Murrah buffaloes, valued up to Rs 40 lakh each, mysteriously dead. Inspired by this tragedy, Manish launched Verdant Impact, a revolutionary startup dedicated to enhancing livestock healthcare in India. Offering services like telemedicine, animal ICU, and field visits, Verdant Impact aims to prevent similar losses for farmers. The startup, which handles over 2,500 consultations daily, provides affordable veterinary services at rates significantly lower than market prices, thus contributing to the sustainable health management of livestock across the country.

ICAI Announces Startup Sphere 2024 in Bengaluru June 27-29, Targeting Over $200M in Startup Funding:

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is preparing for Startup Sphere 2024 in Bengaluru from June 27th-29th. This significant event will bring together over 10,000 stakeholders, including startup founders, investors, and influencers, in India's tech hub to foster the nation's startup ecosystem. After last year's event in Mumbai raised $100 million, the 2024 edition aims to secure $200 million in funding. Discussions will cover emerging trends, AI, blockchain, and more, with over 200 startups presenting to potential investors. ICAI supports financial advisory and regulatory compliance, promoting economic growth and innovation in India’s dynamic entrepreneurial scene.