Bhavish launches Krutrim AI Labs🔬
Niyogin announces demerger, OpenAI-Kakao to jointly develop AI products, TEAL bets big, Funding Deals and more.
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday’s edition of Rise & Shine!
“Life without pain has no meaning.”
— Arthur Schopenhauer
Arthur’s words today remind us that pain, while often unwelcome, plays a crucial role in shaping our growth, resilience, and deeper understanding of life.
Instead of fearing pain, we should embrace it as part of the journey.
Tech Updates
Bhavish Aggarwal launches Krutrim AI Labs with Rs 2,000 Cr investment
Ola’s founder and chief, Bhavish Aggarwal, has announced the launch of the Krutrim AI Labs, which will develop artificial intelligence specifically designed for India. As part of this initiative, he has committed an initial investment of Rs 2,000 crore, with a larger commitment of Rs 10,000 crore by next year. The funding will be used to establish the AI lab and develop advanced AI models tailored for Indian users.
Niyogin announces demerger: NBFC and iServeU to list independently
Publicly listed fintech platform Niyogin has revealed a strategic shift with the approval of a composite scheme of arrangement and amalgamation. The scheme involves the separation of its NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) business and iServeU (iSU), which will now become individually listed entities.
OpenAI, Kakao to jointly develop AI products for South Korea
OpenAI is done putting all its eggs in the Microsoft basket, it would appear. Its CEO, Sam Altman, has spent the best part of his Asia tour—Japan and South Korea thus far—building key strategic alliances with internet giants in those markets to drive enterprise growth. OpenAI announced on Tuesday that it would jointly develop AI products for South Korea with Kakao, one of Korea’s largest technology companies.
Titan's TEAL bets big on semiconductor & aerospace exports
Titan Engineering and Automation Limited (TEAL), a subsidiary of Titan, sees substantial growth opportunities in semiconductor and aerospace equipment manufacturing and is optimistic about both sectors.
Funding Deals
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) hair extensions and wig brand HairOriginals has raised $5 million (Rs 43.5 crore) in its Series A round, which was co-led by Anicut Growth Fund and 12 Flags Consumer Holdings. Lenskart co-founder and CEO Peyush Bansal also participated in the round.
Quicklend, a secured lending platform, has Rs 6.75 crore (around $774K) in its pre-seed round led by Inuka Capital, Eximius Ventures, Upsparks Capital, GrowX, and a group of strategic angel investors.
܍ Short Story: The Unfinished Sculpture
Lena, a sculptor, once abandoned a piece of art because carving it became too difficult. Frustrated by her mistakes, she left it unfinished.
Years later, she revisited the sculpture and realized that every challenge she had faced while working on it had been part of the creative process.
With renewed patience, she completed it, turning imperfections into unique details. Like in art, life’s struggles shape us into something meaningful.
Tweet of the day🐥
Today, instead of resisting challenges, we see them as opportunities for growth. Pain isn’t meaningless—it’s a sign that you’re evolving.
Rise & Shine reminds you that life’s depth and meaning come from joy and struggle.
Have a resilient and purpose-filled Wednesday!
Thanks for reading till the end!