1Mn Downloads for WAVES, BluSmart Comes To Mumbai, BHASKAR Portal Gain Traction

BluSmart gears up to launch its EV ride-hailing service in Mumbai, while Ola Electric faces leadership exits and probes, all while piloting a 10-minute grocery delivery in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Hero Electric finds itself in legal hot water as insolvency proceedings kick off over unpaid dues.

On the digital front, Prasar Bharati’s WAVES OTT app has surpassed 1 million downloads in a month, and the Indian government’s BHASKAR portal continues to gain traction with over 4.8 lakh registrations in just two months. As a backdrop to these developments, the legacy of former PM Manmohan Singh’s economic reforms, which laid the groundwork for India’s startup boom, remains an enduring influence.

Grab your simmering cup of StartupChai.in and unwind with our hand-brewed memes.

“Rest In Peace”: Manmohan Singh And His Contribution To India’s Startup Revolution

Manmohan Singh, the visionary economist and former Prime Minister, planted the seeds of India’s modern startup revolution through his transformative 1991 economic reforms.

By dismantling restrictive controls, he unleashed a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship, laying the foundation for India’s thriving services sector and startup ecosystem. His foresight also set in motion the UIDAI project, which became the backbone of India’s digital economy, forever shaping the nation’s journey into the future.

Read more here

“Abhi Toh Hum Zinda Hai”: Prasar Bharati’s OTT App WAVES Breaches 1 Mn Downloads In A Month

Prasar Bharati’s OTT app WAVES is making waves indeed, surpassing 1 million downloads within just a month of its launch.

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the milestone, showcasing the app’s early success. Looks like India’s national broadcaster has found its groove in the streaming era.

Read more here

“Ye Achha Baat Nahi Hai”: Ola Electric’s CMO & CTPO Quit and Ola Pilots 10-Minute Grocery Delivery In Bengaluru

Ola Electric is back in the spotlight, but not for the best reasons—its CMO and CTPO have stepped down, adding to a string of high-profile exits.

Meanwhile, Ola is switching gears in Bengaluru, piloting 10-minute grocery deliveries after testing rapid food delivery just weeks ago. With consumer complaints piling up and a CCPA probe underway, it seems Ola is juggling both exits and experiments.

Read more here and here

“Hum Honge Kamyab”: EV ride-hailing service provider BluSmart is set to begin operations in Mumbai on January 1

BluSmart is revving up for a green ride into Mumbai, set to launch its EV cab services on January 1. The initial rollout will be an exclusive affair, giving select users a sneak peek before the city joins in.

Fresh off raising ₹200 Cr from big names like responsAbility and MS Dhoni’s Family Office, BluSmart is clearly driving into 2024 with confidence.

Read more here

“Maamla Legal Hai”: NCLT Initiates Insolvency Proceedings Against Hero Electric Over Pending Vendor Dues

Hero Electric’s ride just hit a legal speed bump as the NCLT greenlights insolvency proceedings against the company.

This comes after vendor Metro Tyres filed a petition over unpaid dues totaling ₹1.85 Cr. As the EV pioneer navigates this rough patch, all eyes are on how it plans to recharge its financial engine.

Read more here

“Waah Kya Scene Hai”: Indian Govt’s BHASKAR Garners 4.8 Lakh Registrations In 2 Months

The Indian government’s BHASKAR portal, launched in September under the 'Startup India' initiative, has garnered 4.8 lakh registrations in just two months.

Spanning 28 states and drawing over 7 lakh views, the platform reflects significant early interest. As a resource for budding entrepreneurs, it signals a cautious but promising step forward in fostering innovation.

Read more here

1. Shiprocket is set to secure ₹219 Cr ($26 Mn) in a funding round led by US-based KDT Ventures. With participation from MUFG Bank, Tribe Capital, and others, the logistics startup is gearing up for its next growth phase.

   Read more here

2. Nazara Technologies has increased its stake in Absolute Sports to 81.94% with a ₹73 Cr investment. This acquisition adds another 10.26% to its previous holding in the gaming platform’s subsidiary.

   Read more here