Uber Shakes Things Up, Zaggle Teams Up With Google, and Pocket FM’s AI-powered Comics

Uber is shaking things up by launching a zero-commission model for auto drivers, following Rapido’s lead. Meanwhile, the founders of Sirona are reacquiring their feminine hygiene brand from Good Glamm to regain control. Zaggle is teaming up with Google to streamline business operations with cutting-edge tech, while Temasek-backed Licious is setting its sights on a $2 Bn IPO. Lastly, Pocket FM’s parent company is diving into the future of storytelling with an AI-powered comics platform, merging creativity with technology.

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

“Tumhare Kadam Humse Milte Hue”: Uber Follows Rapido, Rolls Out Zero Commission Model For Auto Drivers

Uber is following in Rapido's footsteps with a bold move, rolling out a zero-commission model for auto drivers starting today, February 18. The shift means Uber will now focus solely on connecting riders with independent drivers, stepping back from controlling ride quality or execution.

After testing a subscription-based plan for auto drivers last year, this new model aims to boost driver earnings while keeping the tech platform running smoothly.

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“Waah Kya Scene Hai”: Pocket FM’s parent company rolls out AI-powered comics platform

Pocket FM’s parent company is diving into AI-powered storytelling with its new comics platform, Pocket Toons.

Powered by Blaze!, an AI-driven creative studio, the platform blends AI and human creativity to churn out stories at lightning speed. With AI promising 20x faster episodic content at a fraction of the cost, the comic world is about to get a serious tech upgrade.

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“Abhi Mujh Mein Hai Kahin”: Sirona Founders Reacquire The Feminine Hygiene Brand From Good Glamm

Sirona’s founders are taking back the wheel, reacquiring their feminine hygiene brand from Good Glamm after a rough ride.

Bought for ₹450 Cr in 2024, Sirona’s sales have since nosedived to one-eighth of their peak, sparking funding woes and vendor uncertainty. Now, with personal capital and debt repayment, the original team is stepping in to revive the brand’s lost momentum.

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“Hum Saath Saath Hai”: Zaggle Teams Up With Google To Boost Business Operations

Zaggle is joining forces with Google to give businesses a smoother ride in managing operations and cash flow.

The partnership brings predictable lease payments, tax perks, and a one-stop solution for device procurement and management. Plus, employees can grab Google Pixel devices at lower costs, complete with theft and damage coverage.

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“Ab Aayega Maza”: Temasek-Backed Licious Targets $2 Bn IPO

Licious is sharpening its knives for a massive $2 Bn IPO, eyeing profitability ahead of its 2026 listing.

The D2C meat unicorn, last valued at $1.5 Bn in March 2023, has already raised over $554 Mn from big names like Temasek and 3One4 Capital. If all goes well, Licious could soon serve up one of India's biggest public market debuts in the food space.

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1. Dynolt just snagged $1.7 Mn in seed funding from Transition VC to supercharge its clean energy charging solutions. With plans to expand into solar and hydrogen, the Bengaluru-based startup is gearing up for a greener future.
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2. The Energy Company just raised $2 Mn to supercharge EV adoption and battery intelligence for fleet operators. With a key partnership with Ather Energy, its Flexi batteries are set to power over 2,000 charging stations.
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3. Ecommerce enabler POP is in discussions with Razorpay to secure up to $15 Mn in funding, though an acquisition remains on the table. The outcome of these talks could shape the startup’s next phase amid an evolving market landscape.
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4. Spyne has secured $16 Mn in Series A funding to scale its GenAI-powered retail suite for auto dealers. With plans to expand its US dealer base to 3,000, the startup is betting big on AI-driven automotive commerce.
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5. Swish Club, an IT asset management startup, raised $4.5 Mn in a funding round led by Powerhouse Ventures, with support from Blume Ventures and others. The Gurugram-based platform, launched in 2023, aims to streamline enterprise laptop rentals and smartphone leasing with a combined equity and debt funding approach.
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6. Lightstorm, backed by I Squared Capital, has secured Rs 700 Cr in funding from NIIF Infrastructure Finance Limited to boost its network infrastructure offerings. The capital will support the company’s digital transformation initiatives and strengthen its connectivity business across India.
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