Zerodha’s New Feature, Bhavish Cracks Down, Cornerstone Ventures’ Second Exit

Zerodha introduces a new feature allowing users to trade on borrowed funds, but warns of the risks tied to long-term positions. Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal is cracking down on poor office attendance, sending a stern message to his staff. Meanwhile, India Accelerator is gearing up for Cohort’25, with plans to invest up to $10M in tech startups.

Nazara's NODWIN Gaming now fully owns AFK Gaming, while KKR steps into Rebel Foods' cap table. Cornerstone Ventures marks its second exit with a $100M acquisition of Intelligence Node by IPG. On the regulatory front, SEBI now holds regulated entities accountable for their use of AI in the market.

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

“Kaam Par Dhyaan Do”: Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal Lashes Out At Staff Over Poor Attendance

Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal has expressed strong dissatisfaction with employees over declining office attendance, addressing the issue in a stern company-wide email.

He criticized the lack of discipline and urged staff to align with workplace commitments. The message underscored the need for renewed focus on accountability within the company.

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“Sabko Sabak Seekhana Padega”: SEBI Says Regulated Entities Will Now Be Responsible For AI Use

SEBI has mandated that regulated entities bear full accountability for the AI tools they develop or acquire, ensuring responsible usage in financial markets.

The move underscores the regulator’s commitment to mitigating risks associated with AI technologies. It’s a call for greater oversight as AI becomes integral to market operations.

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“Ek Nayi Scheme Hai”: Zerodha Rolls Out Facility For Users To Trade On Borrowed Money

Zerodha has introduced a feature allowing users to trade on borrowed funds, with up to 80% of the traded value available on credit.

However, CEO Nithin Kamath cautioned against overlooking the cost of borrowing, particularly for delivery trades, where extended holding periods can significantly erode profits. "The longer you hold, the more this eats into potential gains," he warned, emphasizing the financial risks involved.

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“Ab Hogi Tarikki”: India Accelerator Launches Cohort’25, Commits Up To $10 Mn For Tech Startups

India Accelerator has unveiled its Cohort’25 program, committing up to $10 million to nurture 30-35 tech startups.

Set to kick off in early 2025, the initiative targets transformative sectors like defence tech, sustainable mobility, ecommerce, and GenAI solutions. It's a significant push to drive innovation in India's fast-evolving startup landscape.

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“Hum Saath Saath Hai”: Nazara’s NODWIN Picks Up 100% Stake In AFK Gaming

Nazara Technologies' NODWIN Gaming has taken full control of AFK Gaming, acquiring the remaining 93% stake for INR 7.6 Cr through cash and equity swaps.

With this move, AFK Gaming becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary, strengthening NODWIN’s foothold in the esports and gaming media space. The deal marks a strategic expansion in India's gaming ecosystem.

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“Waah, Kya Scene Hai”: KKR Joins Rebel Foods Captable

Global private equity giant KKR has joined the cap table of Rebel Foods, marking a significant investment in the cloud kitchen unicorn.

The move comes shortly after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the stake acquisition. This partnership highlights the growing investor confidence in India’s thriving foodtech sector.

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“Ab Mera Waqt Aa Gaya Hai”: Cornerstone Exits Retail Analytics Startup Intelligence Node

Cornerstone Ventures has successfully exited retail analytics startup Intelligence Node, following its $100 Mn acquisition by global advertising giant Interpublic Group (IPG).

This marks Cornerstone’s second exit from Fund I, underlining its investment success. Intelligence Node, which previously raised $10.25 Mn from notable investors, now steps into a new chapter under IPG’s wing.

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1. ZunRoof has raised INR 20 Cr in a funding round led by Godrej family office and ANBG Enterprise LLP, with angel investor Ravindernath Chadha also participating. The solar rooftop specialist aims to expand its design, installation, and management solutions.

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2. QuiD Cash has secured $4.5 Mn in Pre-Series A funding from investors like Piyush Jain and MINTCAP to enhance its tech stack. The fintech startup has also launched QuiD Capital, an NBFC arm, to strengthen invoice financing for its 8,000 users in FMCG, automotive, and pharma sectors.

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3. Velocity has launched a INR 200 Cr fund to accelerate the growth of cloud kitchens by providing flexible, scalable financing solutions. The Bengaluru-based startup, which offers revenue-based financing, credit cards, and payment solutions, has already supported several F&B brands like IDC Kitchen and Smoor.

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4. Climate-tech startup Fitsol has raised $1M in seed funding from Transition VC to accelerate the growth of its decarbonisation platform for the manufacturing industry. The funds will help enhance its AI-driven Kyoto platform, expand talent acquisition, and develop a B2B sustainability marketplace.

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5. MBG Card has raised Rs 2.72 Cr in a funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures, with participation from Velocity and Klub. The SaaS company will use the capital to boost marketing, product development, and expand its team.

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6. Confido Health has raised $3M in seed funding, led by Together Fund, with support from MedMountain Ventures and others. The healthcare startup, co-founded by Chetan Reddy and Vichar Shroff, previously secured a pre-seed round from Momentum Capital.

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