India’s AI Dreams, NoPaperForms Hires Bankers, and Satellite Internet To Come By June

India’s AI ambitions take center stage as PM Modi reaffirms plans to develop a domestic LLM, while the country gears up for satellite internet services by June, intensifying competition in the telecom space. Meanwhile, Info Edge-backed NoPaperForms has appointed bankers for its upcoming IPO, and Tech Mahindra is launching its own LLM for telecom operators, aiming to enhance network operations.

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“Ho Raha Hai Bharat Nirman”: PM Modi Reiterates Strengthening Of AI Research, Says India Will Set Up LLM

PM Modi has once again emphasized India’s commitment to AI research, announcing plans to develop a domestic large language model. With INR 500 Cr set aside for AI-driven education and research, the government is pushing for deeper innovation in the sector.

As part of the larger INR 10,037 Cr IndiaAI Mission, the call for Indian startups and researchers to build foundational AI models signals a strategic move toward technological self-reliance.

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“Ab Aayega Maza”: India May Launch Satellite Internet Services By June

India is gearing up for a satellite internet rollout by June, with Trai set to finalize its recommendations soon.

This could spark a competitive race among Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Starlink, all vying for spectrum and pricing advantages. As satellite broadband edges closer to reality, the battle for India’s digital skies is only beginning.

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“Sapne Dekhe Bade Bade”: Info Edge-Backed NoPaperForms Sets The IPO Ball Rolling, Appoints Bankers

NoPaperForms, the edtech startup backed by Info Edge, has taken the first steps toward its IPO by appointing IIFL Capital and SBI Capital.

The company aims to raise INR 500-600 Cr at a valuation of INR 2000 Cr, signaling strong investor interest. Meanwhile, Info Edge seems content holding onto its stake, choosing to stay invested as the startup moves toward the public markets.

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“Hum Bhi Hai Josh Mein”: Tech Mahindra Announces LLM For Telecom Operators

Tech Mahindra has unveiled a telecom-focused LLM built on NVIDIA AI and AWS, using Meta’s Llama 3.1 8B model.

Initially, it aims to enhance operational efficiency with AI-powered network observability. Coming right after Jio’s AI partnership with AMD, Nokia, and Cisco, the telecom sector’s AI race is clearly heating up.

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1. Darwinbox has secured $140 Mn from investors like Partners Group and KKR to fuel its global expansion and tech upgrades. With a 58% revenue boost in FY24, the HRtech startup is doubling down on its international push.
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2. Zetwerk has raised INR 43 Cr from Arc Investments and Oriental Biotech ahead of its anticipated $500 Mn IPO. As the B2B manufacturing unicorn gears up to file draft papers, its pre-IPO momentum is building.
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3. Prime Venture Partners has raised $100 million for its latest fund to support India’s growing startups. With plans to invest $2-4 million in early-stage companies, the VC firm is set to deploy capital across 16-18 ventures starting mid-2025.
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4. Home appliance brand Nuuk has raised $5 million in a Series A round led by Vertex Ventures SEAI, with support from investors like Good Capital and several prominent angels. The funding will help fuel the brand's growth, backed by key industry figures from Swiggy, Boat, and KPMG India.
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