Dantewada Steps Into Blockchain, Karnataka’s Push For Startups, and Swiggy Expands

Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada takes a leap into the future by securing land records with blockchain, while Karnataka’s budget push promises a boost for startups, including deeptech ventures. AI4Bharat is collecting a staggering 10 trillion tokens to shape the next-gen of AI, and as IPL 2025 looms, JioHotstar rolls out flexible ad opportunities for startups. Meanwhile, Swiggy expands its delivery service to 100 railway stations, making in-transit meals even more convenient.

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

“Naya Yug, Nayi Niti”: Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada Adopts Blockchain To Avoid Tampering Of Land Records

Dantewada, a district in Chhattisgarh, is leading the way in land record transparency by adopting blockchain technology.

Over 7 lakh records, some dating back to the 1950s, have been moved to the secure Avalanche blockchain, ensuring tamper-proof access. This digital leap marks a significant step in modernizing land management and protecting public records.

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“Aa Dekhe Zara”: Startups Get Karnataka Budget Push

Karnataka is making a bold move to strengthen its startup ecosystem with a ₹1,000 Cr push for an accelerator program and ₹100 Cr set aside for deeptech ventures. The state is also launching a ₹300 Cr Fund-of-Funds to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship.

With these strategic investments, Karnataka is positioning itself as a key player in India’s startup landscape.

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“AI Avengers Assemble”: AI4Bharat Collecting 10 Tn Tokens To Build Next Generation Of AI Services

AI4Bharat is quietly assembling a vast linguistic repository—ten trillion tokens sourced from daily conversations to intricate technical texts across India's major languages.

This massive dataset is set to shape the future of AI services, grounding them in India's linguistic diversity. As cofounder Mitesh Khapra notes, the goal is clear: an AI deeply attuned to India's voices.

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“Dil Jumping Japang Jumpak Jumpak”: Gearing Up For IPL 2025, JioHotstar Rolls Out Red Carpet For Startups

With IPL 2025 on the horizon, JioHotstar is opening its doors to startups, offering flexible ad slots to fit every budget.

From display banners to snappy 10-second video ads, brands can now grab prime digital real estate. Plus, with Nielsen onboard, India gets its first third-party-validated audience measurement for live sports—setting a new standard for digital viewership.

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“Ghar Ghar Swiggy”: Swiggy Expands Its Delivery Service To 100 Railway Stations

Swiggy has expanded its reach to 100 railway stations across India, promising passengers a seamless pre-ordering experience and guaranteed delivery to their seats.

The initiative aims to streamline in-transit dining, with a full refund policy ensuring reliability. As rail travel evolves, Swiggy’s move underscores the growing role of tech-driven convenience in everyday journeys.

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1. Ayurveda-powered beauty brand indē wild secures $5M from Unilever Ventures to fuel global expansion, eyeing a stronger Sephora partnership in the UK and an upcoming US debut. Founded by Diipa Büller-Khosla in 2021, the brand blends tradition with modern skincare.
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2. Bootstrapped D2C footwear brand Bacca Bucci secures $2.5M in its maiden funding round, backed by JP Taparia’s family. With a ₹66 Cr FY24 revenue and 4K+ daily sales, the brand steps up its growth game.
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3. As Shadowfax gears up for its IPO, cofounders Abhishek Bansal and Vaibhav Khandelwal inject ₹65 Cr, valuing the startup at $750M. Meanwhile, IMM India Fund pitches in with ₹10.9 Cr via Series F CCPS.
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4. Furniture rental startup Furlenco secures $7M in debt from Northern Arc and CredAvenue as it navigates financial hurdles. Despite a ₹130 Cr loss in FY24, the company eyes stability post its $140M Series D raise in 2021.
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5. Kids' audio startup Vobble secures fresh funding, led by MIXI Investments, to launch an AI-powered pocket player in the US. Designed for ages 6-12, it promises interactive storytelling, audio games, and personalized content.
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