OpenAI has launched a ChatGPT desktop app for Mac, now available to all users via their official website. This app, compatible exclusively with Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 14 or newer, offers several features including quick access through “Option + Space” keys, enhanced control over file uploads and conversation searches, and a new voice mode for verbal interaction. Additionally, users gain free access to the latest GPT-4 model. This release promises to streamline workflows and boost productivity, with a Windows version set to arrive later this year, broadening the app's accessibility.
Cloudphysician, an AI healthcare startup based in Bengaluru, has secured $10.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Peak XV Partners, alongside Elevar Equity and Panthera Peak. The funding will bolster the startup's growth within India and its expansion into global markets including the US. This infusion of capital will enhance Cloudphysician’s AI platform, RADAR, advancing its co-pilot features to support medical professionals more effectively. Founded in 2017, Cloudphysician aims to transform critical care delivery by leveraging its AI-powered digital Care Center platform to manage ICU operations across approximately 2,400 beds in 230 hospitals. This innovative approach has significantly reduced ICU mortality rates by up to 40%, demonstrating Cloudphysician’s impact on healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.
Zyod, a tech startup based in Gurugram, has secured $18 million in Series A funding to expand its global reach in the fashion manufacturing industry. Led by RTP Global, with participation from existing investors like Lightspeed and Alteria Capital, the funding will propel Zyod’s expansion into over 40 countries. The startup's innovative ERP software has revolutionized production processes, optimizing operations across more than 80,000 Indian factories. With this new capital, Zyod aims to penetrate markets in Brazil and Australia, and explore under-tapped regions such as Africa and Scandinavia. The company also recently launched a mobile app to better serve long-tail and enterprise clients, enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency.
British International Investment (BII) plans to invest an additional $300 million in India's electric vehicle (EV) sector over the next three years, as stated by Abhinav Sinha, MD and Head of Technology & Telecoms. BII has previously funded Mahindra's EV operations and startups like Euler Motors, Turno, and Battery Smart, aiming to expand its reach in EV manufacturing, components, and financing. Highlighting India's current 6% EV market penetration, Sinha sees significant growth potential, projecting a rapid increase. He emphasized the strategic importance of early-stage investments, typically between $5 to $10 million. Moving forward, BII is dedicated to advancing India’s electric mobility, with a focus on enhancing the industry's infrastructure and consumer adoption through investments across the EV value chain.
YogiFi, a pioneering AI-powered yoga mat developed by Wellnesys Technologies at IIT Mandi's Technology Innovation Hub, is set to revolutionize home yoga practice. This "Make in India" product uses advanced sensors and AI to support asanas and analyze postures in real time, functioning as a virtual yoga instructor with personalized feedback to enhance user experience. Ideal for beginners, YogiFi provides interactive classes and posture guidance, adapting to individual progress for tailored coaching. The mat also integrates with smart home devices to optimize the yoga environment by adjusting music and lighting. Representing a blend of tradition and innovation, YogiFi underscores India’s commitment to technology and self-reliance, transforming the ancient art of yoga.
Proptech startup Landeed has announced securing strategic financing led by Paradigm Shift VC, though the amount remains undisclosed. The funds will be used to extend Landeed's product line and expand its workforce to support growth both in India and internationally. Previously, in January 2023, Landeed raised $8.3 million from Y Combinator, Draper Associates, and Bayhouse Capital.
VentureSoul Partners has unveiled its first debt fund, VentureSoul Capital Fund I, setting a target corpus of INR 600 crores. Registered under SEBI as a Category II AIF, the fund has attracted investments from family offices, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals, with Micro Labs Ltd. serving as the anchor investor. Other notable investors include figures from KreditBee, Glen Appliances, and Baazar Kolkata. The fund aims to support tech startups across various sectors such as fintech, B2C, B2B, and SaaS, targeting companies at the Series A stage or beyond with a solid revenue model and at least $10 million in prior equity funding. VentureSoul, founded by three former bankers, is committed to introducing innovative debt solutions for startups, addressing a gap in structured financing within India's tech ecosystem. The fund plans to complete its first close by the end of June, focusing on startups that demonstrate substantial growth potential and revenue generation.
Zomato, led by co-founder Deepinder Goyal, has launched 'Weather Union', the first crowd-supported weather network in India, designed to provide accurate, real-time weather data. This initiative includes over 650 weather stations across 45 major cities, enhancing decision-making in various sectors. Under the 'Zomato Giveback' program, this weather data is freely accessible via an API, promoting economic productivity and community involvement. Zomato encourages public participation by inviting volunteers to host weather stations, marking a significant step in leveraging technology for public good.
Testsigma, an Indian-founded AI-powered, low-code test automation platform, announced it has raised $8.2 million in a funding round led by MassMutual Ventures, with participation from previous investors Accel, STRIVE, and BoldCap. The company, which raised $4.6M in 2022, introduced new GenAI features to enhance QA team efficiency and unveiled a product for the Salesforce ecosystem. Founded in 2019 by Rukmangada Kandyala, Pratheep Velicherla, Vikram Chaitanya, and Rajesh Reddy, Testsigma aims to automate testing using natural language and generative AI.
Explore the remarkable surge in India's technology landscape, driven by a decade of innovative strides in electric vehicles, drones, space technology, and a significant rise in technology funding. This feature delves into the burgeoning semiconductor industry, bolstered by governmental initiatives like the Semicon India programme and the India Semiconductor Mission. Discover how these efforts are steering India towards becoming a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design. Meet the trailblazing companies and visionary leaders at the forefront of this technological revolution, from AGNIT Semiconductors to Vervesemi, each contributing uniquely to India’s promising future in semiconductor technology. Join us as we highlight the pioneers who are not just participating in but actively shaping the future of India’s tech industry.
Pine Labs, a fintech giant valued at over $5 billion, has just secured approval for a strategic merger of its Singapore and Indian entities, marking a significant realignment towards its operations in India. This move, supported by leading investors including Fidelity and PayPal, signifies a broader trend of Indian startups repatriating their bases to leverage the growing confidence in India's economic and regulatory frameworks. At Entrepreneurship Studio, we delve into the implications of Pine Labs' operational shift and explore what this means for the market dynamics and the broader startup ecosystem in India.
