Nvidia closes in on Hugging Face acquisition

Source: Tech Crunch

Nvidia closes in on Hugging Face acquisition

Startups

Nvidia is reportedly acquiring Hugging Face, a leading open-source AI model hub, for approximately $12.9 billion. This strategic move aims to protect Nvidia's chip dominance by fostering an open-source ecosystem, reducing reliance on closed-source labs developing their own hardware. Additionally, the deal allows Nvidia to re-enter the cloud computing market and monetize unused capacity, significantly increasing Hugging Face's valuation from its previous $4.5 billion mark.

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Logistics tech startup TrucksUp raises $8.2M in growth funding

Startups

"Gurugram-based logistics platform TrucksUp has raised $8.2 million at a $42.3 million valuation from institutions, family offices, and its co-founders. The company plans to use the capital to enhance its technology stack, hire new talent, and optimize freight matching for SMEs. TrucksUp offers automated freight discovery, predictive telematics, and a used-vehicle program to help drivers become fleet owners within India's growing logistics market.".

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OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT Ads In India

Business

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT advertisements in India, targeting logged-in adults on Free and Go plans. Over 50 brands will participate, with a self-serve ads manager opening September 4 with daily budgets starting at ₹725. Paid subscribers will remain ad-free. OpenAI ensures ads will not influence AI responses or grant advertisers access to private user conversations, focusing instead on aggregate data to maintain user privacy and trust.

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Quad AI Bet on Patna First. Can It Rethink Tech Education in India?

Startups

Quad AI, founded by Mohit Choudhary and his team, is a technology and management school bridging the gap between talent and opportunity in non-metro regions. Starting in Patna and expanding to Bengaluru and Mangaluru, the school offers affordable, industry-led education. By utilizing practitioners from top tech firms and stackable programs, Quad AI aims to provide career-ready skills, focusing on early student outcomes before its first cohort graduates in 2029.

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BPCL Pilots Grocery Delivery With LPG Cylinders, Plans Payment Gateway

Business

"Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) is piloting an ecommerce model in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh to deliver groceries, FMCG products, and consumer durables alongside LPG cylinders. By leveraging its network of petrol pumps, convenience stores, and LPG dealerships as fulfillment centers, BPCL aims to expand its non-fuel business. Additionally, the company is developing a payment gateway integrated with its HelloBPCL app to streamline transactions at its fuel stations.".

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Commercial EV maker Omega Seiki Mobility raises additional Rs 50 Cr funding

Startups

Commercial EV manufacturer Omega Seiki Mobility has raised a total of Rs 100 crore this month to expand its manufacturing capacity, R&D, and dealer network. Backed by the Anglian Omega Group, the company aims to diversify from cargo three-wheelers into passenger mobility and premium electric two-wheelers. With plans to enter African markets and grow its Indian network to 250 touchpoints by FY28, the firm is valued up to Rs 2,833 crore. (74 words) -.

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TILT Launches Binny Bansal-Backed ₹250 Cr Fund For Impact Startups

Business

TILT, an impact investment platform by The/Nudge Foundation, has launched a ₹250 crore venture fund targeting seed to Series A startups serving India’s “Next Billion.” The fund provides patient capital, investing between ₹2 crore and ₹16 crore in sectors like agriculture, climate resilience, and financial inclusion. Backed by prominent investors and the Livelihood Impact Fund, TILT aims to support over 150 startups to improve 100 million lives.

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KollegeApply launches Orbit at Elevate Bengaluru to simplify AI-led student admissions

Startups

"KollegeApply has launched Orbit, an AI-powered conversational admissions assistant, at the Elevate Bengaluru event on August 22, 2026. Orbit streamlines college research by integrating data from over 10,000 institutions, 200 entrance exams, and 1,200 courses into a single interface. By offering predictive tools and contextual answers, the platform aims to help students make informed academic and career decisions, reducing the fragmentation of traditional search processes.".

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Astrology platform InstaAstro raises $12M in Series A

Startups

Noida-based astrology platform InstaAstro has raised $12 million in a Series A round led by Singularity AMC and Artha Venture Fund. The company plans to utilize the funding to develop AI-driven solutions, including sentiment analysis and multilingual support, while expanding its spiritual commerce and pooja services. With 12 million users and annualized revenue exceeding Rs 200 crore, InstaAstro continues to scale its global reach and expert network.

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InstaAstro Bags $12 Mn To Build AI Tools, Expand Online Pooja Services

Business

InstaAstro, an AI-led astrology and spiritual wellness platform, has raised $12 million in a Series A round led by Singularity AMC and Artha Venture Fund. The company plans to utilize the capital to enhance AI capabilities, expand its pooja seva and spiritual commerce offerings, and grow its presence in regional and international markets. With 12 million users and over ₹200 crore in annualized revenue, InstaAstro is scaling rapidly.

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Building Pharma Labs In Space, Zerodha’s Bland FY26 & More

Business

Usually, in these prompts, the first major section is the target, or a general summary of the whole newsletter is needed. However, the prompt says "Read the news article content.. and summarize it". The content is a newsletter. I should focus on the lead story or the overall themes. Given the structure, the space manufacturing piece is the "feature" article. Let's see if I can synthesize the main story or the whole thing. Usually, "the news article" refers to the main piece. Let's focus on the space manufacturing story as it's the most substantial "article" provided.).

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A cricket field where girls and boys are equals; Hiring intent among GCCs

Startups

India is positioned as the world's fastest-growing major economy, with government efforts to attract foreign investment and boost deeptech through initiatives in Tamil Nadu and partnerships with Japan. Meanwhile, global capability centres in India expect workforce expansion in FY27, prioritizing quality talent. Other highlights include the RISE Premier League promoting gender equality in Chhattisgarh, boAt's profit growth, and Wipro's entry into the pet food market.

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SugarStrings.ai uses simple cheek swabs to identify thousands of genetic disorders

Startups

Bengaluru-based startup SugarStrings has launched Healthstring, a non-invasive DNA sequencing test using cheek swabs to screen for over 7,442 genetic disorders. Founded by Tony Jose and his team, the company aims to shift healthcare from treatment to prevention through comprehensive genetic analysis. Utilizing machine learning for diverse populations, SugarStrings has partnered with several hospitals and plans to raise $1 million for research and global expansion.

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InspeCity Raises ₹100 Cr To Fund Four Space Missions

Business

Thane-based spacetech startup InspeCity has raised ₹100 crore in a pre-Series A funding round co-led by Ashish Kacholia and Speciale Invest. The company plans to utilize the capital for four in-orbit missions over the next 18 months, focusing on satellite servicing and de-orbiting solutions. With ISRO-cleared propulsion systems, InspeCity aims to advance its robotic and sensing technologies toward commercial deployment amidst India's rapidly expanding space economy.

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The/Nudge launches Rs 250 Cr TILT fund for early-stage impact startups

Startups

The/Nudge Foundation has launched TILT, a Rs 250 crore impact investment platform focusing on science and technology-led businesses. Backed by prominent entrepreneurs and the Livelihood Impact Fund, TILT targets seed to Series A startups with investments between Rs 2 crore and Rs 16 crore. The fund addresses the need for patient capital in sectors like agriculture, climate resilience, and financial inclusion to improve 100 million lives.

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InspeCity inches closer to orbit with Rs 100 Cr funding boost

Startups

Thane-based spacetech startup InspeCity has raised Rs 100 crore in pre-Series A funding, led by Speciale Invest and Ashish Kacholia. The company aims to provide in-orbit services, including satellite repair, refueling, and debris removal, using its autonomous platform VEDA. By integrating proprietary propulsion, AI sensors, and robotic arms, InspeCity plans to extend satellite lifespans and reduce orbital clutter through a series of upcoming validation missions.

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Viral AI startup Instinct has raised $350 million at a $2.5 billion valuation

Startups

"Instinct, an AI assistant startup founded by 23-year-old Noah Shinn, has reached a $2.5 billion valuation after raising $250 million in a Series B funding round co-led by Index Ventures and Benchmark. Total funding now stands at $350 million. The agent, offered by Spear Street Technology, helps users organize their lives by connecting to apps and devices to manage tasks like travel planning and grocery shopping.".

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Amazon just tripled its order of Nvidia chips over ‘surging demand’

Startups

"Amazon and Nvidia have expanded their partnership, with Amazon adding 2 million Nvidia GPUs to its AWS data centers by 2028. This deal includes the integration of Nvidia's networking hardware, Vera CPUs, and robotics platforms for warehouse automation. Despite developing its own AI chips, Amazon is deepening its reliance on Nvidia to meet surging demand from AI labs and enterprises as Nvidia reports record-breaking data center revenue.".

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Meta’s $18B child-safety deal hinges on age verification tech that doesn’t work well

Startups

Meta has reached an $18 billion settlement with 52 U.S. attorneys general to resolve lawsuits regarding children's safety on Instagram and Facebook. The agreement mandates sweeping design changes, including screen-time limits and overnight blocks for minors, though these rely on controversial age-verification technology. While Meta denies wrongdoing, the settlement avoids potential legal threats to platform liability and encourages other social media companies to adopt similar safety standards.

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Anthropic continues compute-gobbling streak in $45 billion deal with Nscale

Startups

"Anthropic has signed a $45 billion deal with British infrastructure firm Nscale to rent AI compute via Nvidia’s Vera Rubin chips. Starting in late 2027, the six-year agreement will utilize a West Virginia data center. This partnership follows other massive deals with Volta, AMD, SpaceX, Amazon, and Google, as Anthropic aggressively scales its capacity to compete with rivals like OpenAI in the global AI horsepower race.".

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