Microsoft, OpenAI allege DeepSeek⚔️
Govt opens artificial intelligence plan, Zepto completes reverse flip, Ixigo logs 52% fall in Q3, Funding Deals and more.
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday’s edition of Rise & Shine!
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
— Confucius
Today, Confucius’ timeless wisdom reminds us that when we strip away unnecessary complications, we create space for clarity, peace, and progress.
Simplifying our approach—focusing on what truly matters—can lead to greater ease and happiness.
Tech Updates
Microsoft, OpenAI allege DeepSeek used proprietary data to power its breakout models
US tech giants Microsoft and OpenAI have raised questions about the overnight success and fame of Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek, alleging that the company used the ChatGPT maker's proprietary models without permission.
Now government departments open artificial intelligence plan
India’s central and state government departments are planning to deploy AI to improve efficiency, respond more effectively to public needs, redress grievances, and improve access to welfare programmes, among other objectives.
Zepto completes reverse flip from Singapore to India
Quick commerce platform Zepto has concluded its reverse merger from Singapore to India, a crucial step in preparing for an initial public offering (IPO).
Ixigo logs 52% fall in Q3 net profit at Rs 15 crore
Le Travenues Technology, the parent company of online travel aggregator Ixigo, saw its net profit decline 52% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 15 crore for the quarter ended December 2024.
Funding Deals
Leap, a full-stack international student mobility platform, has raised $65 million through a mix of primary and secondary equity, led by Apis Growth Markets Fund III and Apis Global Growth Fund III. Existing investors, including Owl Ventures, Jungle Ventures, and Peak XV Partners, also participated in the round.
B2B SaaS startup Atomicwork has raised $25 million in its Series A round round led by Silicon Valley-based Khosla Ventures and Z47 (formerly Matrix Partners India). The round also saw participation from Battery Ventures, Blume Ventures, and Peak XV Partners.
Bizloan, a non-banking finance company (NBFC) dedicated to providing credit solutions for small businesses, has raised Rs 35 crore ($4.16 million) in Series A funding round co-led by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and BLinC Invest.
Console gaming startup MetaShot has secured Rs 11 crore in a combination of equity and debt financing led by Sauce.vc, along with Sharrp Ventures and Panthera Peak Capital.
Fresh produce brand Origin Fresh has secured $1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Aeravti Ventures, with participation from a group of Ultra HNIs.
Deeptech startup ThinkMetal has raised $800,000 (about Rs 6.7 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round led by YourNest Venture Capital as part of the YourNest-SanchiConnect Velocity Program 2024, along with participation from Concept Communications and Sanchi Connect.
Healthtech platform MedMitra AI has raised Rs 3 crore in a funding round co-led by venture capital firms All In Capital and WEH Ventures.
Cloud kitchen startup Curefoods has made a strategic investment in packaged ice solutions provider Dras Ice, but did not disclose the financial details.
☑️ Short Story: The Minimalist Change
Ravi, a tech entrepreneur, found himself overwhelmed by his packed schedule and constant distractions. Feeling burned out, he decided to simplify his routine. He prioritized his top three daily tasks, minimized unimportant commitments, and adopted a more focused mindset.
To his surprise, not only did his productivity improve, but his stress levels dropped, and he began to enjoy life more. Simplicity became his secret to balance.
Tweet of the day🐥
As you go through your day, look for ways to simplify your life. Focus on what truly matters and let go of unnecessary complications.
Rise & Shine reminds you that clarity and peace come from embracing simplicity.
Have a simple and focused Wednesday!
Thanks for reading till the end!