Cross-Border Tech Ties, E-Commerce Evolution, Leadership Shuffles, Star to Suspect: Today's StartupChai

From unlocking innovation with Thyrocare's INR 50 Cr startup fund to game-changing mandates urging Amazon and Flipkart to revamp their online storefronts; from fitness sensation Sahil Khan getting entangled in the Mahadev betting app controversy to Brillio's eye-popping INR 2,000 Cr investment spree - today’s StartupChai has it all. Besides, get the scoop on Ola's CEO shakeup and Oister Global's mammoth INR 440 Cr fund aimed at turbocharging VC/PE funds.

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

What Matters

“Zara Hatke, Zara Bachke”: China's Huaqin Seeks JV With Bhagwati For India Entry

China's Huaqin is eyeing an Indian entry, cozying up to Bhagwati for a joint venture. With their sights set on snagging projects from big players like Oppo, Vivo, and Realme, this collaboration could spell big moves in India's smartphone market.

And if you're wondering why Huaqin didn't seal the deal with Lava earlier, well, let's just say there were a few roadblocks, including some pesky investigations.

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“Sadak Se Uthake Star Banaunga”: Thyrocare Founder Partners YEA, Magnifiq Capital Trust To Float INR 50 Cr Startup Fund

Velumani, the brains behind Thyrocare, is teaming up with YEA and Magnifiq Capital Trust to launch a cool INR 50 Cr startup fund. His focus? Handpicking seed-stage startups primed for growth, especially those rocking at least INR 5 Cr in turnover.

With his track record and experience mentoring small businesses, Velumani's latest venture is set to make waves in the startup ecosystem.

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“Ab Hoga Dhamaal”: Centre Asks Amazon And Flipkart To Set Up ONDC Storefronts On Their Home Pages

Get ready for a shopping revolution as the Centre nudges Amazon and Flipkart to set up ONDC storefronts right on their homepages! This move is all about boosting the reach and efficiency of ONDC operations, ensuring smoother deliveries and quicker resolutions for any hiccups.

As talks are heating up and results seem to be on the horizon, brace yourself for a whole new level of convenience in online shopping.

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“Ye Fas Gaya”: Actor Sahil Khan Detained In Mahadev Betting App Case

Gymming heartthrob Sahil Khan finds himself in the hot seat as he gets nabbed in connection with the INR 15,000 Cr Mahadev betting app saga.

After a marathon 40-hour operation, Mumbai police pulled off the arrest in Chhattisgarh, putting Khan among the 32 faces linked to promoting the controversial betting app.

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“Safalta Ki Seedhi”: CII Unveils Corporate Governance Charter For Startups

CII steps up to the plate, unveiling a game-changing Corporate Governance Charter tailored just for startups. With guidance spanning from inception to the IPO stage, this roadmap is a lifeline for budding businesses, organized into four key stages.

And the cherry on top? An online self-assessment governance scorecard ensures startups stay on track every step of the way.

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“Hum Kissi Se Kam Nahi”: Oister Global Rolls Out INR 440 Cr Fund To Back VC/PE Funds

Oister Global is shaking things up with an INR 440 Cr fund, poised to back venture capital and private equity funds at every stage of the investment journey.

Founded by Rohit Bhayana and Sandeep Sinha, this initiative targets seasoned fund managers, riding the wave of India's burgeoning startup investor landscape, set to double by 2030.

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“Abhi Ke Liye Alvida”: Ola Cabs CEO Hemant Bakshi resigns; company to lay off 10% employees

Ola Cabs' CEO, Hemant Bakshi, hits the exit door just four months into the gig, sending shockwaves through the ride-hailing realm. As the company gears up for a major makeover, expect a 10% staff shakeup in the cards.

With Bakshi's sudden departure, the road ahead for Ola promises to be a wild ride.

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“Dus Ka Dum”: US-Based Digital Consulting Firm Brillio Eyes INR 2,000 Cr Investment In India

Brillio, the US-based consulting powerhouse, is gearing up to pump a whopping INR 2,000 Cr into the country over the next five years.

With plans to hit the $1 Bn revenue mark, Brillio's founder Raj Mamodia is eyeing new centers in key cities like Delhi NCR and Jaipur, doubling their Indian workforce for an even bigger impact on the digital landscape.

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Fundraising and Financials

1. BRISKPE secures a $5 Mn investment from PayU, propelling its mission to empower MSMEs worldwide with streamlined global operations.

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2. Portea Medical makes strategic moves towards its IPO journey, locking in $20 Mn through a successful rights issue, reinforcing its position in the healthtech arena.

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3. Assert AI accelerates its journey with INR 30 Cr funding infusion, spearheading the B2B domain with integrated AI-powered solutions.

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4. Reelo, the customer loyalty and marketing startup, secures $1 million investment from Silicon Valley luminary Gokul Rajaram, renowned for backing disruptive ventures like Faire and Airtable.

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5. Axis Bank fuels the electric mobility revolution in India, backing Everest Fleet with a hefty $12.1 Mn loan over four years. Partnering with GuarantCo, this initiative paves the way for sustainable transportation solutions.

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