Ola Eyes Shakeup, Chhattisgarh’s AI-powered Data Centre Park, and BluSmart Drivers Protest

Bhavish Aggarwal is eyeing a major shakeup by moving Ola’s brand IP to his family office, raising questions about the future of the brand. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh’s CM has launched the country’s first AI-powered data centre park, positioning the state as a tech hub. On the ground, BluSmart drivers staged a protest over unpaid wages and sudden job losses, highlighting the tensions in India’s EV mobility sector.

In a strategic move, upskilling platform FinX has acquired BSE Institute to broaden its tech-focused training offerings, further driving its ambition to fill gaps in AI and cybersecurity education. Besides, there’s also Startup Spotlight to savor.

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

“Ab Hogi Kranti, Jai Mahakal”: Chhattisgarh CM Unveils Country’s First AI-Based Data Centre Park

Chhattisgarh just made a power move—literally—with CM Vishnu Dev Sai laying the foundation for India’s first AI-based data centre park.

This isn’t your average server room; we're talking GPU-driven computing, AI processing, and real-time data streaming. Starting at 80 MW and aiming for 150 MW, the project could see ₹2,000 Cr in investment—making Raipur a surprise new stop on India’s tech map.

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“Sadda Haq, Aithe Rakh”: BluSmart Drivers Stage Protest Over Unpaid Salaries, Abrupt Job Losses

Tensions flared at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as around 80 BluSmart drivers protested abrupt job losses and unpaid salaries.

Some even called for a government takeover of operations to safeguard livelihoods. With BluSmart now scrambling to find a buyer, the road ahead looks bumpy for India’s electric cab hopeful.

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“Waqt Rehte Strategy Change Karo”: Bhavish Aggarwal Plans To Shift Ola Brand IP To Family Office

Ola’s brand IP remains with ANI Technologies for now, but a potential reorganization is raising tensions.

Shareholders at ANI are reportedly concerned about losing their royalty income if control shifts. The unease deepens as Ola Maps, valued at ₹40 Cr, was recently transferred from ANI to Krutrim AI, signaling a quiet but significant realignment.

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“Hum Saath Saath Hain”: Skilling Platform FinX Acquires BSE Institute To Expand Into AI Training

FinX just sealed a smart deal by acquiring BSE Institute, setting the stage to expand into hot segments like AI, cybersecurity, and data science.

The move not only beefs up its training arsenal but also strengthens client ties and infrastructure. From BFSI upskilling to future-proof tech education—FinX is clearly playing the long game.

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1. Volt14, the Indian battery tech startup, raised $1.87M in a Pre-Series A round led by Blume Ventures, bringing its total funding to $4.02M. The funds will fuel production of silicon-rich anodes, aimed at boosting battery energy density, and expand its workforce.
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2. Store My Goods, a storage solutions startup, secured Rs 4 Cr ($460K) in a growth funding round led by JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation. The funds will support geographic expansion, tech upgrades, and strengthening the leadership team as part of their ongoing $1M round.
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3. Lifechart, a health-tech startup, raised $360,000 in an extended seed round for its gut health brand Guttify, led by Prajay Advisors. This brings the total funding to over $1M, following a $500,000 seed round in October 2024 backed by investors like Expert Dojo and angel investors.
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