Zomato’s Shares Dip, Bansal Eyes Exit, and Nadella Announces $3B push

Andhra Pradesh CM launched the 'Telugu Angels' fund to fuel entrepreneurial dreams, while Zomato’s shares dipped 5% after a Jefferies downgrade. Sachin Bansal is eyeing a $100 Mn Ola stake sale as he doubles down on Navi, and Udaan cofounder Amod Malviya unveiled his new venture, ‘Pre6.’ Meanwhile, Orbit Startups and Sanabil Investments are backing MENA startups with a fresh accelerator, and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella announced a $3B push to supercharge AI and cloud in India.

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“Kaddu Katega, Sab Mein Batega”: Microsoft to pump $3B to boost AI and cloud in India, Says CEO Satya Nadella"

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a whopping $3 billion investment to expand Azure capacity in India, marking the tech giant’s largest-ever expansion in the country.

Speaking at the Microsoft AI Tour in Bengaluru, Nadella highlighted the move as a boost for AI and cloud innovation. A recent meeting with PM Modi added a touch of collaboration to this ambitious venture.

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“Ho Jaayegi Balle Balle”: Andhra CM Launches Angel Fund To Back Telugu Entrepreneurs

In a bid to bolster entrepreneurial talent, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu launched the 'Telugu Angels' fund today, aiming to empower Telugu entrepreneurs to scale their ventures globally.

While the move reflects the state's commitment to fostering innovation, the fund's size remains undisclosed, leaving questions about its potential impact. Only time will reveal how this initiative shapes the entrepreneurial landscape.

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“Abhi Hum Zinda Hai”: Udaan Cofounder Amod Malviya Floats New Venture ‘Pre6’

Two months after stepping down from Udaan’s board, cofounder Amod Malviya is back in the game with a new venture, ‘Pre6.’

Announcing the launch on LinkedIn with a team picture and the words “New beginnings!”, Malviya has sparked curiosity. While details are sparse, all eyes are on what this seasoned entrepreneur will build next.

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“Ek Kadam Safalta Ki Aur”: Orbit Startups and Sanabil Invest launch new accelerator for tech startups in MENA

Orbit Startups and Sanabil Investments have joined forces to launch the Sanabil Accelerator, targeting early-stage startups across fintech, healthcare, ecommerce, and mobility in MENA.

The programme, rooted in Orbit’s track record with 45 regional startups, aims to nurture local talent and attract global players eyeing expansion. It’s a move that syncs perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to lead in digital innovation.

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“Mai Chali, Mai Chali”: Sachin Bansal Looks To Sell $100 Mn Ola Stake

Sachin Bansal is reportedly exploring the sale of his $100 Mn stake in Ola, aiming for a premium with the ride-hailing giant now valued at $4 Bn.

Back in 2019, Bansal had invested when Ola was valued at $3 Bn, marking a potential gain. The move aligns with his growing focus on Navi, his ambitious fintech venture.

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“Bas, Nikal Gayi Hawa”: Zomato Shares Dip 5% After Jefferies Downgrade To ‘Hold’

Zomato shares took a 5% hit after Jefferies downgraded its rating from ‘Buy’ to ‘Hold,’ setting a revised price target of INR 275.

The cautious stance follows earlier optimism in November over Zomato’s ‘District’ app for the ‘going-out’ business. With the new target just 4% above yesterday’s closing, the market seems to be recalibrating its expectations.

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1. Zoplar, a B2B medical supply platform, has raised $3.4 Mn in a Series A round led by Blume Ventures, with backing from BEENEXT, Saison Capital, and others. The funds aim to bolster its growth in the healthcare supply chain space.

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2. EMO Energy has raised $6.2 Mn to scale its energy solutions for two- and three-wheelers, targeting 1 Lakh vehicles and 1 GWh of energy storage in two years. The funds will also enhance R&D for its battery health software and support team expansion.

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