early stage startups

Sam Altman announced OpenAI will invest $2 million in AI tokens in each startup from the latest Y Combinator batch in exchange for equity. This move aims to reduce startups' AI infrastructure costs and encourage the use of OpenAI's technology.

AI firm Anthropic is reportedly in early discussions with Microsoft to rent server space powered by the tech giant's custom-designed AI processors. This move aims to diversify Anthropic's hardware backend and reduce reliance on Nvidia, following a significant infrastructure deal with Google. The potential partnership underscores a broader industry trend of reducing dependence on Nvidia's dominant AI chips.

At Galgotias University, students are building careers across leading global organisations, startups, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship-driven ventures.

US-based Silicon Road Ventures and veteran banker Ajay Mahajan have launched a Rs 150 crore fund targeting startups in agentic AI for commerce and retail. The Sebi-registered fund will back early-stage companies in e-commerce, supply chain, fintech, and retail operations, focusing on automated decision-making solutions rather than capital-intensive ventures.

Google for Startups and Antler India launched an AI-focused Immersion program for Indian startups with live products. Applications are open until May 22, 2026, for the two-phase hybrid program designed to enhance AI development and scaling. The initiative aims to equip founders and technical leaders with advanced AI tools and business strategies.

A former American football coach, David Steele, sees India's sports tech potential as immense. He believes the nation's ability to connect its vast grassroots networks with technology is key. Steele, now scouting startups, highlights how Indian innovators are building entire sporting systems, unlike the US focus on optimizing existing ones. This approach promises to democratize talent identification and development.

AI giant Anthropic is seeking an "Applied AI Claude Evangelist" to champion its chatbot Claude among venture capitalists and startup founders. This pivotal role involves leading developer onboarding, creating technical content, and driving adoption through hands-on sessions and events, aiming to convert ecosystem relationships into active platform users.

A startup founder is spending ₹8 lakh monthly on non-revenue generating employees, challenging the common startup hiring mindset. He realized that by delegating operational tasks, he frees up his valuable founder bandwidth to focus on scaling the business. This approach ensures the company functions smoothly, allowing revenue-generating teams to perform effectively.

Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi are a very recognizable tennis pair, and they have an estimated net worth in 2026 of $290 million. They’ve become wealthy by winning Grand Slams, signing multiyear contracts and other investments. Both benefited from the brand equity, business pursuits and financial planning that they developed during and after their successful professional tennis careers.

Companies often chase numbers for hyper-growth, overlooking a critical step. Airbnb's early success stemmed from understanding users one by one, not just data. This intimate approach built trust and loyalty. Focusing on individual experiences creates sustainable growth. This customer-centric model is key for brand representation and long-term success in any industry.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasizes operational rigor, learned from washing dishes, as crucial for hyper-growth, debunking the myth that only engineering brilliance and funding suffice. He advocates for first principles thinking and meticulous attention to mundane tasks, arguing that this foundational discipline builds resilient, scalable tech companies capable of sustainable excellence.

Telangana's booming food sector, encompassing processing, agri-tech, and exports, has spurred demand for skilled professionals. The state's higher education council has launched a new BBA in Food Technology, Food Security, and Agriculture, integrating science, business, and policy. This interdisciplinary program aims to equip graduates for evolving industry needs, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical market demands.

IDFC FIRST Bank launched a Business Multiplier Credit Card for entrepreneurs, addressing the gap in credit access for startups. Issued against a fixed deposit, the secured card offers a lower interest rate, zero forex markup, and a 100% credit limit, simplifying financial management for small businesses.

A 23-year-old entrepreneur, Shreepoorna S Rao, is revolutionizing Earth observation with Arctus Aerospace's high-altitude, long-endurance UAVs. His innovative aircraft aim to provide affordable, real-time, high-resolution imagery, challenging the dominance of satellite technology. Rao's journey from a childhood dream to securing significant investment highlights a new era in aerospace innovation.

Former NITI Aayog member Arvind Virmani advocates for India to leverage Artificial Intelligence to boost human productivity, not replace workers. He emphasizes combining AI with India's vast workforce, focusing on practical applications in healthcare, education, and agriculture, rather than solely pursuing robotics. Virmani also stresses early AI education integration and government support for AI research and development.

Amaravati, the newly anointed capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is still under construction, but its Quantum Valley project is already luring deeptech startups, scientists and engineers to move in as the first settlers and work on the next frontier of technology

Indian designer Ritu Beri, a pioneer in global fashion, has shifted her focus from international acclaim to championing conscious creation and slow fashion. Her work with Khadi and pre-loved collections demonstrates a commitment to craftsmanship, artisans, and sustainability, proving that responsible fashion is the ultimate luxury.

Skyroot Aerospace has achieved unicorn status, valued at $1.1 billion after raising $60 million. This funding propels India's first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, closer to launch. The capital will scale production and develop future rockets, marking a significant leap for India's burgeoning private space sector and its global ambitions.

Elon Musk's 2001 trip to Russia to buy used rockets for SpaceX failed, prompting him to build his own. This pivotal moment, before SpaceX's official founding, shifted his strategy from acquisition to in-house manufacturing. The initial setback ultimately led to SpaceX's revolutionary approach to cost-effective spaceflight and its current industry leadership.

New technologies are allowing people to interact with digital versions of deceased loved ones. Platforms like HereAfter AI and StoryFile create AI personas that can converse and offer advice. This 'grief tech' offers comfort but raises concerns about avoiding reality and the ownership of digital selves. Legal frameworks are still developing to address these posthumous digital interactions.

Teenagers' emotions are often dismissed as drama or phases, but they can signify real stress, loneliness, or anxiety. A significant gap exists between how teens and adults communicate and experience pressure, especially with the rise of social media and intense academic competition. Understanding and listening without judgment are crucial for bridging this disconnect.