Friday, July 31, 2026
Home Blog Page 61

Razorpay builds AI payment agents with Claude to automate payments

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Razorpay has announced the development of AI-powered payment agents built using Claude, marking a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence into digital payment operations. The company revealed that these intelligent agents can automate routine financial tasks such as recovering abandoned purchases, retrying failed subscription payments, resolving disputes, and forecasting cash flows.

Furthermore, the initiative reflects a broader transformation in the payments industry toward agentic commerce, where AI systems actively perform financial and operational tasks on behalf of businesses. As a result, payment companies are increasingly exploring ways to allow customers to complete transactions directly through AI assistants and conversational interfaces.

Several players across the payments ecosystem are also moving in this direction. Payment aggregators such as Cashfree and global card networks Visa and Mastercard, as well as merchant processors including PayU and Pine Labs, are working with advanced AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Claude to enable similar capabilities.

Razorpay integrated these AI agents through Anthropic’s Claude agent software development kit, enabling businesses to deploy intelligent systems that interact directly with customers. For example, the AI agents help merchants recover lost sales by contacting shoppers who abandon their online carts. The agents can send a message or voice notification to ask why the purchase remained incomplete and then offer reminders or small incentives to encourage customers to finish the transaction.

In addition, the fintech company has launched an agentic experience platform, which introduces an AI-native layer designed to simplify the way online businesses onboard to Razorpay, integrate payment infrastructure into their applications, and manage payment workflows more efficiently.

“Businesses don’t just need more software anymore, they need intelligence that can act,” Harshil Mathur, chief executive of Razorpay, said in the statement.

Moreover, the company stated that businesses can use these tools to create their own customized AI agents through simple language-based commands. These agents can integrate seamlessly with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and logistics platforms like Shiprocket, while also connecting with messaging services such as WhatsApp.

Irina Ghose, managing director, India at Anthropic, said, “Razorpay’s work with Claude shows how AI agents can recover revenue, resolve disputes, and predict cash flow. It’s a great example of what AI can do when it is built into business operations.”

At the same time, Razorpay is experimenting with AI-led in-app commerce experiences across several consumer platforms. The company is currently testing these capabilities with partners including Zomato, Swiggy, PVR INOX, and Vodafone Idea.

Through these experiments, customers can discover products, evaluate options, and complete payments within the same AI-powered conversation. Consequently, the approach could significantly streamline digital commerce by reducing the steps required to finalize transactions.

Razorpay’s move to build AI-powered payment agents highlights the rapid evolution of fintech toward intelligent, automated commerce systems. By integrating conversational AI directly into payment operations, the company aims to help businesses recover lost revenue, simplify financial management, and enhance customer engagement. As AI-driven commerce gains traction across the payments ecosystem, innovations like these could reshape how businesses and consumers interact with digital transactions.

Entrepreneurs First raises $200M to back global startups

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Entrepreneurs First has secured USD 200 million in fresh funding from a group of leading technology founders and investors to strengthen its mission of building the next generation of global startups while expanding its founder development programmes.

The funding round attracted participation from prominent technology leaders, including Reid Hoffman, Eric Schmidt, John Collison, and Patrick Collison. In addition, institutional investors such as Greylock also joined the round, highlighting strong confidence in the firm’s talent-first investment approach.

Entrepreneurs First operates a unique model that prioritizes talent before ideas. The firm identifies individuals with exceptional technical or entrepreneurial potential and then supports them in forming companies from the ground up through structured programmes and early-stage investment capital.

As a result of this strategy, the company has built a rapidly expanding global startup portfolio. Currently, the combined valuation of EF-backed startups exceeds USD 16 billion, a sharp rise from USD 3 billion in 2021, according to the company.

“We have raised this capital to double down on what we do best: identifying extraordinary individuals early and helping them build outlier companies from scratch,” said Alice Bentinck.

Bentinck co-founded Entrepreneurs First alongside Matt Clifford. Together, they established company-building programmes across Europe, India, and the United States, where EF selects participants from top academic institutions such as Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of California Berkeley.

In India, the organisation operates its programme from Bengaluru under the leadership of Rahul Samat. The initiative focuses on identifying early-stage technical founders and guiding them as they build companies from the idea stage to their first funding round.

Participants frequently enter the programme without a co-founder or even a defined startup concept. However, EF provides structured support in areas such as product development, team formation, and fundraising, enabling founders to transform early concepts into scalable businesses.

Currently, EF India manages a portfolio of more than 50 startups, including companies like Unbox Robotics, Unsiloed AI, Sidecar AI, and Aule Space. Many of these startups have successfully secured follow-on funding from major venture capital firms such as Nexus Venture Partners, Matrix Partners, SOSV, and Pi Ventures.

Since 2024, Entrepreneurs First has relocated all pre-seed-funded startups to the San Francisco Bay Area before their seed rounds. The company implemented this strategy to accelerate fundraising opportunities and improve access to global markets.

According to EF, this shift has already produced measurable results. The average time required for founders to raise funding has reduced significantly, while startup valuations have doubled.

“India continues to be one of the deepest pools of technical and entrepreneurial talent in the world,” Samat said, adding that the new capital will help the firm identify more early-stage founders and support them in building globally competitive startups.

The USD 200 million funding round strengthens Entrepreneurs First’s position as a leading global company builder focused on talent-driven innovation. By identifying promising individuals at an early stage and guiding them through structured startup development, the firm continues to create high-growth companies across global markets. Moreover, with strong investor backing and an expanding presence in India, the organisation is well positioned to nurture the next wave of globally competitive founders.

PropTech Pulse transforms India’s real estate with AI

By
BRL Editor
-
0

India’s real estate sector is rapidly transitioning from traditional practices to a technology-driven ecosystem powered by artificial intelligence, and analysts expect the market to reach between USD 3.79 billion and USD 4.29 billion by 2030. Amid this transformation, PropTech Pulse is positioning itself as one of India’s most trusted all-in-one, knowledge-driven platforms within the property ecosystem. By placing knowledge at the center of its services, the platform addresses one of the industry’s most persistent challenges by enabling homebuyers and investors to access reliable, decision-ready insights for property transactions.

Furthermore, the platform serves developers, investors, lenders, and advisors by creating a unified ecosystem that supports every participant in the real estate value chain. As a result, stakeholders can access information, tools, and services from a single integrated environment.

For decades, India’s real estate sector has faced a credibility gap that has complicated property transactions. Buyers often encounter unclear property titles, undisclosed charges, inconsistent developer commitments, and complex regulatory frameworks. Consequently, industry estimates suggest that information gaps have historically contributed to project delays, financial losses, and widespread skepticism among homebuyers, which has weakened overall market confidence.

However, PropTech Pulse believes that trust develops through education, transparency, and empowerment rather than through transactions alone. Therefore, this philosophy drives the platform’s strategy to reshape the property ecosystem by prioritizing knowledge and informed decision-making.

At the core of the platform lies an extensive Knowledge Hub that democratizes access to real estate information. Through its “Pulse University,” users learn about property investment and homeownership while earning knowledge credentials. As a result, the platform transforms passive buyers into well-informed decision-makers who understand market dynamics.

Additionally, the platform delivers multiple information formats to meet diverse user preferences. Daily Pulse provides curated updates on market developments and regulatory changes, while Insight Pulse offers detailed blog analyses that break down complex industry topics. Meanwhile, Quick Pulse delivers property insights through engaging video content that appeals to digital-first audiences.

Moreover, the platform publishes detailed market reports, visually engaging infographics, and informative newsletters. Consequently, users gain access to critical real estate information in formats that match their learning style and decision-making needs.

At the same time, PropTech Pulse uses technology to introduce data-driven transparency into property transactions. The platform’s RERA Search tool allows buyers to instantly verify project registration details and confirm regulatory compliance before committing to a purchase. Therefore, this feature directly addresses years of buyer uncertainty regarding project legitimacy and developer credibility.

In addition, the Circle Rate Calculator and Stamp Duty Calculator simplify property taxation by helping buyers estimate their total financial commitment accurately. Previously, buyers had to rely on multiple consultations to calculate such costs; however, these digital tools now provide a fast and self-service solution that improves clarity and confidence during transactions.

For homebuyers evaluating financing options, the platform offers several financial tools that enhance transparency and control. A free CIBIL Score Tracker provides immediate credit score insights, while an Eligibility Calculator helps users determine their loan qualification. Furthermore, a Home Loan EMI Calculator enables buyers to estimate monthly repayment obligations before applying for a loan.

Meanwhile, the Loan Transfer Calculator helps existing borrowers identify opportunities to reduce their interest burden through refinancing. Consequently, these tools empower consumers to make informed financial decisions while maintaining full control over their borrowing strategies.

PropTech Pulse also integrates end-to-end services to streamline the homebuying journey. Verified property listings across major Indian cities connect buyers with genuine opportunities while filtering out fraudulent listings. As a result, the platform significantly reduces the risk associated with property discovery.

Additionally, through its AI-driven lending platform Aurum KuberX, PropTech Pulse helps users access home loans with competitive rates and expert guidance. The ecosystem also connects buyers with interior design services and trusted packers-and-movers partnerships. Therefore, the platform reduces the fragmentation that typically complicates real estate transactions and creates a smoother buying experience.

The company is also advancing artificial intelligence capabilities through Pulse AI, a 24/7 voice-based agent designed to handle property queries instantly. For developers, this system provides scalable customer service infrastructure that supports large volumes of inquiries. Meanwhile, buyers benefit from immediate information access regardless of time constraints, which reinforces the platform’s goal of eliminating accessibility barriers.

Beyond individual transactions, PropTech Pulse contributes to broader industry credibility and professional development. Through its Events platform, the company facilitates networking opportunities and knowledge exchange among real estate professionals. At the same time, the Company Insights section provides transparency into market participants, enabling buyers to evaluate developer credibility and historical performance.

These educational initiatives highlight the company’s understanding that trust grows through sustained education rather than aggressive sales tactics. By investing in buyer knowledge at every stage of the journey, PropTech Pulse is gradually raising customer engagement standards across the industry.

As India’s real estate market continues to digitize, platforms like PropTech Pulse demonstrate that technology delivers the greatest value when it strengthens human decision-making rather than replacing it. By making knowledge accessible, transparent, and actionable, the platform directly addresses the trust deficit that has historically limited the sector’s growth.

In positioning itself as India’s most trusted real estate advisor, PropTech Pulse acknowledges a fundamental reality of the property market. In an industry defined by high-value investments and long-term commitments, trust cannot exist as a marketing promise; instead, companies must deliver it through consistent transparency, education, and a strong commitment to empowering buyers.

Overall, PropTech Pulse is redefining how Indians approach property decisions by combining technology, knowledge, and transparency within a single ecosystem. As digital adoption accelerates in the real estate sector, platforms that prioritize informed decision-making will likely shape the future of property transactions. Consequently, PropTech Pulse’s knowledge-first model could serve as a blueprint for building long-term trust and efficiency across India’s rapidly evolving real estate market.

Eco Hotels And Resorts Limited Expands into India’s Spiritual Tourism Market with New Hotel in Ayodhya

By
BRL Editor
-
0
(L–R) Raju Das, Mahant, Hanuman Ghari, Ayodhya_ Ashutosh Pandey, IPS, Director General of Police, Telecom and Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman of Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited at the launch of ‘The Eco Satva’ hotel

Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited (BSE: 514402), a sustainable hospitality company committed to responsible tourism, announced the launch of its newly completed hotel property in Ayodhya, marking a strategic expansion into one of India’s fastest-growing religious tourism markets.

Anchored by the iconic Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya has rapidly emerged as a global pilgrimage hub, with visitor numbers rising from 57.5 million in 2023 to over 160 million in 2024, and more than 230 million devotees in the first half of 2025. Supported by enhanced infrastructure, pilgrim amenities, and strong connectivity, the city continues to attract domestic and international travelers. This growth is generating significant opportunities for local MSMEs, artisans, transport services, and employment, fostering a vibrant economic ecosystem around Ayodhya’s spiritual heritage.

The company’s new property is strategically positioned to serve this expanding market, offering 33 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant on the top floor, a landscaped lawn, and a swimming pool for a premium yet comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy satvik cuisine emphasizing fresh, vegetarian, and culturally authentic meals. “Sahar—Back to the Roots” restaurant serves food without onion and garlic and also offers Glutin free breakfast. Located just 5 kilometers from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple with direct highway access, the hotel ensures convenient connectivity for pilgrims and cultural travellers. Its sustainable practices, including efficient resource management and responsible energy use reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to environmentally conscious hospitality.

The launch also reflects the growing demand for quality hospitality infrastructure in emerging pilgrimage destinations across India. With Ayodhya witnessing unprecedented tourist inflow, the need for professionally managed hotels that combine comfort, accessibility, and responsible practices has become increasingly important. Eco Hotels & Resorts aims to address this gap by offering a thoughtfully designed property that caters to pilgrims, leisure travellers, and group tours while maintaining high standards of service, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Speaking on the launch, Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman of Eco Hotels And Resorts Limited, said: “Ayodhya represents one of India’s most dynamic tourism markets. Launching our hotel here is a strategic step in expanding our footprint in spiritual and cultural destinations. We aim to deliver a premium hospitality experience while implementing eco-conscious practices that respect both the environment and the city’s cultural heritage.”

With this property, the company strengthens its presence in Uttar Pradesh’s tourism economy and expands its portfolio of eco-friendly hospitality assets, including brands such as The Eco, The Eco Grand, EcoXpress, The Eco Boutique and EcoValue.

Chinese brain interface startup Gestala raises $21.6M to advance ultrasound-based BCI technology

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Phoenix Peng, Founder and CEO, Gestala

Chinese brain interface startup Gestala has raised $21.6 million (CN¥150 million) just two months after launching, signaling growing momentum in the global brain–computer interface (BCI) sector. Founder and CEO Phoenix Peng revealed that the funding values the company between $100 million and $200 million, highlighting strong investor confidence in its non-invasive BCI technology.

Investors co-led the funding round through Guosheng Capital and Dalton Venture, while Tsing Song Capital, Gobi Ventures, Fourier Intelligence, Liepin, and Seas Capital also participated. The round attracted overwhelming demand, as investor commitments reached more than $58 million, Peng said.

Currently, this round represents the largest early-stage funding deal in China’s BCI industry. Therefore, Gestala plans to allocate the capital toward research and development, expand its team from 15 to about 35 employees by the end of the year, and establish a manufacturing facility in China. Moreover, the three-month-old startup aims to complete its first-generation prototype by year-end.

Meanwhile, the global BCI industry is witnessing a surge of investment in ultrasound-based technologies. Gestala has emerged as the first ultrasound BCI company in China, although it is not the first globally. In the United States, several companies already explore similar technologies, including Merge Labs, which ranks among the largest ultrasound BCI startups.

Peng believes ultrasound technology could shape the next generation of brain–computer interface systems because it enables broader access to brain activity. According to him, ultrasound technology may open new ways for humans to interact with neural signals.

The founder also emphasized that non-invasive ultrasound could overcome one of the biggest obstacles to BCI adoption: the risks linked to brain surgery. Compared with implanted electrode systems, ultrasound-based technology can monitor larger portions of the brain, including deep neural circuits. Furthermore, the system uses phased-array ultrasound to precisely stimulate or suppress neural activity without surgical procedures.

Despite growing geopolitical tensions, Peng still hopes that researchers in the United States and China will collaborate on deep-technology innovation.

“Both countries bring different strengths,” Peng said. “China offers large-scale clinical research capacity and efficient supply chains, while the U.S. has world-class scientific talent.”

He also suggested that joint initiatives could focus on building large clinical datasets to support global neuroscience research.

At present, Gestala is exploring several potential applications for its technology. The company has prioritized chronic pain management as its lead medical program because chronic pain affects large populations in both China and the United States. In addition, existing academic research suggests that ultrasound stimulation can significantly reduce pain levels, Peng explained.

Furthermore, the startup is studying potential uses for mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, autism, and OCD. At the same time, researchers are examining stroke rehabilitation as another possible application.

Over the longer term, the company aims to investigate treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, essential tremor, and Parkinson’s disease. Overall, the startup is researching six to eight possible indications, although most of them remain in the early research phase rather than clinical trials.

Gestala believes it holds a competitive advantage over global rivals because of its development speed and production scale. By leveraging China’s integrated manufacturing ecosystem, the startup expects to move from development to production faster than many international competitors.

Additionally, the company is collaborating with major Chinese hospitals to accelerate clinical trials at significantly lower costs. According to the startup, these trials cost roughly 20% to 33% of comparable studies conducted in the United States or Europe.

At the same time, Gestala is building what it calls an “Ultrasound Brain Bank,” which will function as a large clinical dataset designed to train artificial intelligence models. These datasets will help decode brain signals and support future neurological diagnostics.

Overall, Gestala’s rapid funding round and ambitious research roadmap highlight the intensifying global race to develop advanced brain–computer interface technologies. As ultrasound-based BCIs gain traction, the company aims to combine China’s manufacturing strength with cutting-edge neuroscience research to accelerate innovation and unlock new possibilities in neurological treatment and human–machine interaction.

IHCL signs new Claridges Collection Hotel in Lucknow to expand luxury portfolio

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new hotel in Lucknow under the Claridges Collection brand, further strengthening its footprint in the city’s hospitality sector. The company will develop the project as a brownfield property, which will contribute to IHCL’s continued expansion in the region.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, Indian Hotels Company, said, “Lucknow has evolved into one of North India’s most promising destinations, supported by the city’s cultural richness, improving infrastructure, and rising commercial activity, enhancing its appeal for both business and leisure travellers. The addition of Claridges Collection, Lucknow, will further strengthen IHCL’s brandscape in the city. We are pleased to continue our partnership with MD Projects Pvt. Ltd. with this project.”

The upcoming hotel will feature 108 keys and will occupy a strategic location on Lohia Path. The design will draw inspiration from the architectural heritage of Awadh while combining classic elements with contemporary hospitality features.

The property will include several dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, two speciality restaurants, and a lobby lounge. Additionally, the hotel will offer a range of guest amenities such as a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a spa to enhance the overall stay experience.

Moreover, the hotel will cater to corporate events and social gatherings through dedicated meeting and event spaces. The property will feature meeting rooms and a banquet hall that spans over 4,000 square feet, while pre-function areas will support large gatherings and events.

Saurabh Ladhani, Executive Director, Ladhani Group, said, “This project reflects our long-term commitment to creating landmark hospitality assets in North India. As part of the Ladhani Group, we remain focused on building enduring partnerships and delivering developments that combine scale, quality, and vision.”

Vivek Ladhani, MD Projects Private Limited, added, “We are happy to extend our ongoing association with IHCL and collaborate once again to bring the Claridges Collection brand to Lucknow.”

IHCL’s latest hotel signing in Lucknow highlights the company’s strategy to expand premium hospitality offerings in emerging urban destinations. As infrastructure development and tourism continue to grow in the city, the Claridges Collection property aims to attract both business and leisure travellers while strengthening IHCL’s position in North India’s hospitality market.

Minimalist Hotels strengthens portfolio with third property in Varanasi

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Gautam Munjal, Founder of Minimalist Hotels

Minimalist Hotels has announced the launch of its newest lifestyle property in Varanasi, offering a thoughtfully designed stay that combines contemporary minimalism with the city’s timeless cultural energy.

The brand designed the property specifically for new-age travellers while offering 22 design-forward rooms, curated social experiences, and intuitive hospitality that focuses on community and meaningful connections. Moreover, the launch marks Minimalist Hotels’ third property in Varanasi, which highlights the city’s rapidly growing tourism appeal and cultural significance.

The hotel draws inspiration from the striking contrasts that define Varanasi, which balances spirituality with vibrant everyday life. Consequently, the property incorporates clean architectural lines, neutral colour palettes, and locally inspired textures to create spaces that feel both immersive and purposeful.

At the same time, the hotel provides amenities tailored to the needs of modern travellers. The property caters to digital nomads, cultural explorers, business travellers, and weekend visitors while offering high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, pet-friendly accommodations, complimentary breakfast, and modern in-room comforts.

Additionally, the property features CABAMI, a rooftop restaurant and bar that serves as the hotel’s central social hub. The venue offers a relaxed all-day dining experience while hosting community programming and live music evenings. Furthermore, the menu features a globally inspired selection that includes Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, and Pan-Asian cuisines, while subtle Indian flavours add a distinctive touch to the dining experience.

Guests can also explore the city’s rich cultural heritage through curated experiences offered by the hotel. These activities include heritage walks, Banarasi silk weaving tours, sunrise and sunset boat rides, guided Ganga Aarti viewings, and excursions to the historic site of Sarnath.

“With Varanasi, we wanted to create a space that respects the city’s heritage while offering a fresh, modern stay experience. Minimalist Hotels is about community, culture, and curated living, and this launch reflects that evolution,” said Gautam Munjal, Founder of Minimalist Hotels.

The launch of Minimalist Hotels’ newest property in Varanasi reflects the growing demand for lifestyle hospitality that blends design, culture, and authentic local experiences. As tourism continues to rise in the city, thoughtfully designed boutique hotels like this one aim to attract modern travellers who seek both comfort and meaningful cultural engagement.

EdTech startup NPrep bags $1.5M in funding to expand AI learning for nurses

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Edtech startup NPrep has secured $1.5 million in a seed funding round led by Lumikai to expand its AI-powered learning platform for nursing students and healthcare professionals.

The founders, who are alumni of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, launched the startup to provide a video-first and AI-driven education platform that helps candidates prepare for nursing entrance examinations and government healthcare roles.

The platform delivers personalised learning modules, simulated clinical scenarios, and automated assessments. Consequently, these tools help students strengthen both their exam preparation and practical healthcare skills.

At the same time, NPrep focuses on solving the growing gap in nursing education and workforce readiness across India. The company provides structured digital learning resources along with career support for aspiring nurses.

Additionally, the startup offers several career-focused tools that help learners transition into professional healthcare roles. These tools include mock interviews, resume-building assistance, and placement support.

With the newly raised capital, the Edtech startup plans to broaden its course offerings and enhance its AI-powered learning infrastructure. Furthermore, the company intends to expand its reach among nursing students who are preparing for competitive exams and pursuing careers in the healthcare sector.

NPrep’s latest funding round highlights the rising importance of technology-driven healthcare education in India. As demand for trained nurses and healthcare professionals continues to grow worldwide, platforms that combine AI-powered learning with career support could play a critical role in bridging the skills gap and improving workforce readiness.

Nvidia strengthens AI dominance with major partnership with AI startup Thinking Machines Lab

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Jensen Huang, Founder & CEO, Nvidia with Mira Murati CEO of Thinking Machines Lab

Artificial intelligence startup Thinking Machines Lab announced that it has signed a multi-year partnership with Nvidia, which includes a significant investment and a commitment to purchase at least one gigawatt of the chipmaker’s next-generation processors.

However, the companies did not disclose the financial details of the agreement. Under the partnership, Thinking Machines Lab, which former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati founded last year, will deploy Nvidia’s upcoming Vera Rubin systems starting early next year. The startup will primarily use the computing power to train its artificial intelligence models.

Industry executives have stated that one gigawatt of computing capacity can cost approximately $50 billion. Additionally, this level of computing power can supply electricity to nearly 750,000 homes in the United States.

The agreement will help Thinking Machines Lab strengthen its ability to compete with larger AI companies that are aggressively developing powerful artificial intelligence systems. At the same time, the deal highlights the growing urgency across the AI industry to expand large-scale computing infrastructure.

Thinking Machines Lab quickly emerged as one of Silicon Valley’s most closely monitored AI startups after it raised about $2 billion in seed funding. Andreessen Horowitz led the funding round, which valued the company at approximately $12 billion, while Nvidia also participated as an investor.

Furthermore, the startup has recently explored raising additional capital in a new funding round that could potentially push its valuation into the tens of billions of dollars, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Meanwhile, the company has recently experienced several leadership departures. Co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer Barret Zoph and co-founder Luke Metz both left the startup and returned to their previous employer, OpenAI, amid intense competition for experienced AI talent.

The partnership also emphasizes Nvidia’s expanding role not only as a technology provider but also as a financial supporter of startups that depend on its advanced AI chips.

In recent months, Nvidia has invested heavily in leading AI companies. The chipmaker recently committed $30 billion to OpenAI and invested $10 billion in Anthropic. At the same time, the company supplies the powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) that these startups use to train and operate their artificial intelligence models.

Some industry analysts argue that this dynamic creates a circular flow of capital and computing resources between Nvidia and the AI companies that rely on its technology. Consequently, this ecosystem has prompted comparisons with the late-1990s technology bubble as investment and competition in artificial intelligence accelerate rapidly.

The partnership between Thinking Machines Lab and Nvidia reflects the growing race among AI startups to secure massive computing power and strategic funding. As artificial intelligence development becomes increasingly resource-intensive, collaborations between chip manufacturers and AI innovators will likely shape the next phase of technological advancement. With strong backing and advanced infrastructure, Thinking Machines Lab is positioning itself as a serious contender in the global AI competition.

Household-Help startup Snabbit eyes $450 Mn valuation as demand for instant home help apps surges in India

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Aayush Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Snabbit

Household-help startup Snabbit is currently discussing a fresh funding round at a valuation of nearly $450 million, highlighting the increasing investor interest in India’s rapidly growing home services market.

The Bengaluru-based startup allows consumers to book instant assistance for everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Meanwhile, the company has started planning its Series D funding round after already raising $56 million within just 18 months since its launch in 2024. Founder Aayush Agarwal revealed in an interview that the company’s previous funding round valued the startup at $180 million.

Notably, startups that promise household help within as little as 10 minutes have attracted strong investor attention despite India experiencing a prolonged venture funding slowdown. Investors continue to focus on the growth potential of these platforms because they cater to the country’s expanding middle-class population.

According to Redseer Strategy Consultants, India’s home services market will likely grow to nearly $100 billion by the end of the decade, increasing from the current estimated value of about $60 billion. The research firm expects the sector to grow at an annual rate of around 10%. Additionally, Snabbit estimates that the top 60 million urban households in India spend approximately $750 every year on household services.

“We expect it to go to $100 billion,” Agarwal said, citing rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and the emergence of the apps. “When something that was otherwise not as accessible becomes readily accessible, the overall pie also increases in size. We’ve seen this with food delivery.”

Furthermore, Redseer estimates that online platforms currently facilitate less than 1% of paid household-help services in India. As a result, digital platforms still have massive room to expand their market share.

Agarwal conceived the idea for Snabbit after he personally struggled to find reliable home help for several months. Eventually, he asked his mother to handle the search using traditional methods. She waited near apartment gates, spoke with domestic workers heading to other jobs, and negotiated informal arrangements during morning walks.

“In a world where everything is a button-click away, this was an irrational amount of effort,” Agarwal said at his company’s headquarters. The office features pink-colored walls and furniture, which match the uniforms worn by thousands of Snabbit’s domestic workers.

To ensure faster service and efficient worker allocation, Snabbit has divided cities into smaller micro-markets based on factors such as walkability, traffic flow, and physical barriers. Additionally, the platform even considers which side of the road a customer lives on because heavy traffic congestion can significantly impact service speed.

However, the sector still faces regulatory challenges, particularly regarding gig-worker protection. For instance, stricter regulations could introduce mandatory base pay requirements along with additional costs for training, insurance, and regulatory compliance. These changes could eventually put pressure on the profit margins of gig platforms. India has already started implementing welfare measures for gig workers, including social-security contributions from digital platforms.

Currently, Snabbit guarantees minimum monthly wages that typically range between $270 and $380, depending on shift structures and city locations. This pay level remains competitive because India’s average monthly salary stands at approximately $350, according to job portal Shine.

At present, the company continues to operate with negative margins because it is investing heavily in building worker supply ahead of expected demand growth. Nevertheless, Agarwal stated that Snabbit could already achieve profitability in some of its more mature markets if the company paused its rapid expansion plans.

Snabbit’s planned funding round reflects the growing momentum in India’s digital home-services ecosystem. As urbanisation, rising incomes, and app-based convenience reshape consumer behavior, platforms like Snabbit aim to organise a largely informal market. With strong investor backing and a massive untapped customer base, the company could play a significant role in transforming how Indian households access domestic services in the coming years.

1...606162...538Page 61 of 538

CONNECT WITH US

About Us Career Contact Us Advertise With Us

© Business Review Live | Marcom Media Services International.