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  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 11 August 2025: Truemeds Raises $85M, Graas.ai Secures $9M, Tesla Charging Expansion & More

    India’s startup and business ecosystem saw a mix of high-value funding deals, strategic investments, and notable corporate developments on 11 August 2025. From multi-million-dollar raises in AI, biotech, and e-commerce to IPO market activity, EV infrastructure expansion, and regulatory updates, here’s your quick roundup for the top funding deals and key business highlights in India today.

    Daily Indian Funding Digest – 11 August 2025

    Company Round / Type Amount (local / USD) Lead investor(s) Sector
    Graas.ai Pre-Series B $9.0 million Tin Men Capital (lead) Commerce / AI
    Eyestem Research (Eyecyte-RPE™) Oversubscribed funding round $10.0 million Existing + strategic investors (not fully named) Clinical-stage biotech / cell therapy
    Truemeds Series C (closed in two tranches) $85.0 million Accel; Peak XV Partners E-pharmacy / telehealth
    Neuralzome Cybernetic Pre-seed $2.4 million 8X Ventures (lead) Deeptech robotics / autonomy
    FincFriends Debt funding (tranche) Rs 41.5 crore (debt) Existing lenders (IBL Finance, Moneywise, others) NBFC / digital lending
    Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds Strategic investment / ambassador appointment Undisclosed (Shilpa Shetty invested) Shilpa Shetty (strategic investor & brand ambassador) Jewellery / lab-grown diamonds

    Graas.ai – $9.0M pre-Series B for agentic commerce growth

    Graas.ai, an AI-native commerce data and automation firm, raised over $9 million in a pre-Series B round led by Tin Men Capital, with participation from Incred Wealth, Orzon and existing backers including Integra Partners and Yuj Ventures. The company says the capital will accelerate its Agent Foundry product and regional expansion across India and Southeast Asia.

    Eyestem Research – $10.0M to advance Eyecyte-RPE™ (Phase 2 / US IND prep)

    Clinical-stage biotechnology company Eyestem Research Pvt Ltd secured an oversubscribed funding round totalling $10 million to complete its ongoing Phase 2 trial for Eyecyte-RPE™ in India and to prepare for a US FDA IND filing. Company statements highlighted promising Phase 1 safety and early efficacy signals and said proceeds will support trial completion and regulatory readiness.

    Truemeds – $85.0M Series C (closed in two tranches)

    Mumbai-based e-pharmacy and telehealth platform Truemeds has closed a $85 million Series C, led by Accel and Peak XV Partners; the round was completed in two tranches and included participation from WestBridge Capital and Info Edge Ventures. The company plans to expand fulfilment centres in non-metro areas, scale product and engineering teams, and roll out diagnostics services and an iOS app. Financial context reported: Truemeds doubled revenue to INR 315 crore in FY24 while narrowing losses.

    Neuralzome Cybernetic – $2.4M pre-seed to build no-code teachable agents for robots

    Bengaluru-based deeptech startup Neuralzome Cybernetic raised $2.4 million in a pre-seed round led by 8X Ventures, with participation from Turbostart, Avinya Ventures, Saka Ventures, Appreciate Capital, Astir Ventures, IIM-Ahmedabad’s CIIE, SIDBI and Heston Castelino. The funds will support R&D in multi-agent autonomy, vision-based navigation, manufacturing scale-up and expansion to North America and Europe. The company follows a Robot-as-a-Service model.

    FincFriends – INR 41.5 Cr debt facility to grow lending in smaller towns

    RBI-registered NBFC FincFriends raised INR 41.5 crore of debt from existing investors (including IBL Finance, Moneywise Financial Services, Usha Financial Services, Shine Star Build Cap, Realtouch Finance and UC Inclusive Credit) in Q1 of FY26. The company said the capital will be used to scale lending through its RupeeRedee platform, focusing on Tier-II and Tier-III markets.

    Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds – Shilpa Shetty onboarded as investor & brand ambassador

    Mumbai-based jeweller Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds announced that actor-entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has joined as a strategic investor and brand ambassador. Limelight currently operates over 50 stores across more than 45 Indian cities and intends to scale to 100 stores by 2026. Earlier fundraising in February 2025 saw nearly $11 million (INR 90 crore) raised; this recent Shilpa Shetty investment was not disclosed in monetary terms.

    Key News Highlights for 11 August 2025

    BlueStone Jewellery IPO Sees Strong Debut with QIB Demand

    The initial public offering (IPO) of BlueStone Jewellery opened on a positive note, achieving 39% subscription on its first day. Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) led the charge with 57% subscription, followed by retail investors at 38% and non-institutional investors at 4%. The employee quota saw no bids on day one. The IPO, open from 11 to 13 August 2025, is priced between ₹492 and ₹517 per share. Strong institutional demand suggests confidence in the company’s growth prospects.

    Tesla Expands Supercharger Network in Key Indian Cities

    Tesla is accelerating its charging infrastructure rollout in Delhi–NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru ahead of its scheduled vehicle deliveries in September 2025. New Supercharging stations are planned in locations such as Gurugram, Saket, Noida, Lower Parel, Navi Mumbai, and Thane. The initiative follows the recent opening of Tesla’s second experience centre in Delhi Aerocity and is aimed at ensuring early adopters have reliable charging access.

    CCI Seeks Additional Evidence in Quick-Commerce Antitrust Review

    The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has requested more details from the petitioner in its initial review of alleged anti-competitive practices by quick-commerce players Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto. The case is currently in the evidence-gathering stage, and no formal investigation has been launched yet. The request for further documentation indicates that the regulator is assessing whether the matter warrants a deeper probe into potential market dominance issues.

    Indian Startup Funding Updates for 2025 (Updated Weekly)
    Get weekly updates on Indian startup funding for 2025! StartupTalky is here to provide you with a clear and simple overview of the latest funding news.
    StartupTalkyApoorva Bajj

  • Vinod Khosla: The Billionaire Tech Investor Who Bets Big on the Future

    Vinod Khosla stands out from most billionaires with his fearless approach to investing in bold, high-risk ideas. From founding Sun Microsystems in the 1980s to establishing Khosla Ventures, one of the most forward-thinking venture capital firms today, he has consistently believed in big, bold ideas. 

    While some investors are growing cautious about green technology due to shifting regulations and declining valuations, Khosla stayed optimistic during a recent conversation in London. Let’s take a closer look at his life, mindset, and the daring moves that made him one of the most respected names in global innovation.

    Vinod Khosla – Biography
    Vinod Khosla – Early Life and Education
    Vinod Khosla – Career Journey
    Vinod Khosla – The Rise of Khosla Ventures
    A $14 Billion Vision – Where Khosla Ventures Stands in 2025?
    Vinod Khosla – Why Bold Ideas Matter More Than Ever?
    Vinod Khosla – Commitment to Social Impact

    Vinod Khosla – Biography

    Name Vinod Khosla
    Born January 28, 1955
    Nationality American (Born in India)
    Profession Venture Capitalist, Entrepreneur
    Education B.Tech from IIT Delhi, MS from Carnegie Mellon University, MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business
    Spouse Neeru Khosla
    Net Worth (2025) $10 Billion

    Vinod Khosla – Early Life and Education

    Growing up in an Indian army household without business connections or any knowledge of technology, Vinod dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. He has always wanted to build his own tech company ever since he first read about how Intel was started when he was 16. After earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in New Delhi, Vinod Khosla tried to launch a soy milk business in India. His goal was to serve families without access to refrigeration. The idea didn’t work out, but it sparked a bigger ambition. 

    He moved to the United States to continue his education, earning a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Still driven by his passion for innovation, Khosla eventually found his way to Silicon Valley and completed an MBA at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business which provided him with the stage for his future as a tech entrepreneur.

    Vinod Khosla – Career Journey

    After finishing his MBA, Vinod Khosla co-founded Daisy Systems, a company that developed computer-aided design tools for electrical engineers. The venture did well, but it was just the beginning. His real breakthrough came in 1982 when he launched Sun Microsystems. As CEO, Khosla introduced open systems architecture and commercial RISC processors, innovations that helped shape the future of computing. Sun quickly became a go-to platform for software developers and a major force in Silicon Valley’s tech boom.

    In 1986, Khosla shifted gears and joined the prestigious venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB) as a general partner. There, he made bold bets that paid off big. He backed Nexgen, which was later acquired by AMD, and played a key role in scaling Juniper Networks, a startup that competed with Cisco in the router space. Both ventures delivered massive returns and cemented Khosla’s reputation as a brilliant investor. The deal became one of KPCB’s biggest wins, generating a 2,500x return.

    Vinod Khosla – The Rise of Khosla Ventures

    In 2004, Vinod Khosla launched Khosla Ventures with a simple but powerful goal to have the freedom to back both high-impact startups and socially driven ventures. He wanted to work with smart, curious entrepreneurs, build companies that could truly make a difference, and do it alongside a team that shared his values. 

    His passion lies in supporting early-stage technologies, especially the potential to create positive change and real economic value. Khosla remains deeply involved with many of his portfolio companies, often stepping in during key transitions or turning points to help guide big decisions.

    Vinod also played a key role in shaping Excite’s early advertising-based search strategy, helping the company find a path toward monetization. Later, he helped shake up the stagnant telecom sector through his involvement with Cerent Corporation, a company that aimed to modernize outdated SONET infrastructure. The bet paid off. Cisco Systems acquired Cerent in 1999 for $7.2 billion, making it one of the biggest acquisitions of its time.

    A $14 Billion Vision – Where Khosla Ventures Stands in 2025?

    As of 2025, Khosla Ventures manages approximately $14 billion in assets, continuing its mission to back bold and transformative technologies (Dealroom, Wikipedia). The firm recently raised about $3.5 billion across three new funds, a flagship fund, a growth fund, and a seed fund, with a strong focus on AI, robotics, carbon removal, and mental health tech (Wall Street Journal).

    Khosla Ventures has made hundreds of early-stage investments to date. Among its most notable portfolio companies are:

    • OpenAI 
    • Impossible Foods
    • QuantumScape
    • Helion Energy / Commonwealth Fusion Systems

    These companies reflect the firm’s interest in frontier technologies across energy, AI, and deep tech.

    Vinod Khosla – Why Bold Ideas Matter More Than Ever?

    Vinod Khosla has built his career by betting on ideas others thought were impossible. “Skeptics never did the impossible,” he says, a reminder that real progress comes from bold thinking and persistence.

    His predictions may sound extreme, but his track record proves they’re worth attention. Khosla imagines a world where anyone can build software without coding, powered by tools like Replit and AI interns from Cognition.

    Soon, he says, every professional, from doctors to lawyers, will have AI teammates to handle tasks like research, diagnosis, and planning, freeing humans to focus on creativity and care. In healthcare, AI could take over much of the clinical work, while doctors focus more on people.

    He also sees robots replacing most manual labor. Bipedal machines could become as common as smartphones, working nonstop at a fraction of the cost. In energy, he backs fusion and super-hot geothermal as clean, affordable solutions ready to scale faster than expected.

    Even advertising is set to change. With AI agents acting for consumers, manipulative marketing may give way to useful, filtered information, pushing brands to rethink how they reach people.

    Vinod Khosla – Commitment to Social Impact

    Beyond business, Vinod Khosla has made a strong mark in philanthropy and social impact. He serves on the board of Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which backs clean energy solutions, and is a charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), a global network supporting startup founders. He also helped establish the Indian School of Business (ISB) as a founding board member, reflecting his long-standing commitment to education and innovation.

    Khosla’s journey shows that big ideas, persistence, and the courage to take risks can lead to remarkable success. From early failures to building a $6 billion venture firm, he’s proven that setbacks are part of the path forward. For anyone with a dream, his story is a powerful reminder to stay curious, keep learning, and keep pushing ahead.

    Vinod Khosla – Interesting Facts for 2025

    • Cautious Optimist on AI: Though a major investor in artificial intelligence, Vinod Khosla has openly cautioned against overhyping the sector. He believes that while many AI startups may fail, the few that succeed will more than make up for the losses. He’s also warned investors to avoid blindly funding ideas without depth or real-world application.
    • Climate Strategy: Khosla believes in a long-term approach, focusing on breakthrough technologies that can scale and sustain themselves without heavy subsidies. He sees economic growth, not limitations, as the real driver of climate progress. For him, the goal isn’t just meeting short-term emission targets, but creating lasting, transformative impact.
    • Advocate for Deep Tech in Healthcare: The Khosla Foundation has consistently championed the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, predicting a time when machines primarily handle diagnostics and treatment plans.

    Mohnish Pabrai: From Buffett Copycat to Billion-Dollar Philanthropist | Career | Biography | Investments
    Discover how Mohnish Pabrai transformed $1M into over $2B by cloning Buffett’s value investing principles. Explore his focused portfolio strategy and philanthropic mission with the Dakshana Foundation. Learn more about his career, biography and more.
    StartupTalkySakshi Jadhav

    FAQs

    Who is Vinod Khosla?

    Vinod Khosla is an American billionaire venture capitalist and entrepreneur, originally from India. He is the founder of Khosla Ventures and co-founder of Sun Microsystems.

    What is Khosla Ventures ?

    Founded in 2004, Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage, high-impact technologies.

    What is Vinod Khosla’s educational background?

    Vinod Khosla holds B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi, M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

  • Nirmala Sitharaman Tables Revised Income Tax Bill 2025 in Parliament to Boost Fairness and Clarity

    The majority of the suggestions made by the Parliamentary Select Committee, which was led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, were incorporated into the Revised Income Tax Bill 2025, which Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 11, 2025.

    Background of the Revised Bill

    The revised bill seeks to improve fairness and clarity in the nation’s income tax system, streamline India’s tax rules, and lower litigation for people and MSMEs. In the midst of opposition clamour, the introduction was made. Sitharaman stated that the amendments were required to accurately express the legislative content when he tabulated the measure. In order to prevent confusion, the previous bill was withdrawn, she added.

    Commenting on the move, Suraj Aiar, Founder & CEO, QWR said, “The revised Income Tax (No. 2) Bill, 2025 by Finance Minister Sitharaman represents a much-needed shift in India’s fiscal structure toward transparency, fairness and future-readiness. By reducing complexity including halving the number of sections and mandating faceless, digital-first assessments, the reforms showcase a modern, taxpayer-centric approach that is both timely and strategic.”

    “For startups especially in the AI and XR space, these changes go beyond being just the procedural updates, instead they represent a strong foundation for ease of compliance, scalable innovation and trust. At QWr, we believe that this new bill will act as a growth enabler, empowering more entrepreneurs to focus on building, not bureaucratising,” he added.

    Key Changes in the New Income Tax Law

    “There are corrections in the nature of draughting, alignment of phrases, consequential changes, and cross-referencing,” she said. According to the Finance Minister, the revised draft aims to bring the law into compliance with current regulations while enhancing justice and clarity.

    Now, lawmakers will have access to a single, revised version that incorporates all recommended modifications. The Parliamentary Select Committee’s 285 recommendations have been incorporated into the updated draft. It aims to rectify past inadequacies, streamline tax procedures, and possibly alter the nation’s income tax structure.

    How the Bill Benefits Taxpayers and MSMEs

    Panda claims that the new law will help individual taxpayers and MSMEs avoid needless litigation, simplify India’s decades-old tax system, and lessen legal ambiguity. With over 4,000 modifications and more than five lakh words, the present Income Tax Act, which was passed in 1961, is extremely complicated.

    Panda pointed out that the new measure makes the legislation much easier for regular taxpayers to read and comprehend by simplifying it by almost 50%. The committee pointed out several draughting mistakes and recommended changes to clear up any confusion. Slabs and rates have all been changed in the updated law to benefit all taxpayers.

    Key Changes in the New Income Tax Law

    According to the administration, the new structure will significantly lower middle-class taxes, giving them more discretionary income and encouraging investment, savings, and consumption. The Income Tax Bill, 2025, which was first presented in the Lok Sabha on February 13 to replace the current Income Tax Act, 1961, was formally withdrawn by the government last week.

    Why the Old Version Was Withdrawn?

    The Centre had stated that it would present a modified version of the New Income Tax Bill that included recommendations from the 31-member Select Committee of the Parliament after dropping the previous version.

     After abandoning the first version of the New Income Tax Bill, the Centre had promised to create a revised version that incorporated suggestions from the 31-member Select Committee of the Parliament.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Union
    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Revised Income Tax Bill
    2025 in the Lok Sabha on August 11, 2025.

    •Aims
    to improve fairness, clarity, and streamlining of India’s tax rules, reduce
    litigation for individual taxpayers and MSMEs, and replace the Income Tax
    Act, 1961.

    •The
    earlier bill (introduced on Feb 13, 2025) was withdrawn to correct drafting
    errors, align phrases, and avoid confusion

  • Tesla Opens New Delhi Showroom at Aerocity, Showcases Model Y for India Launch

    On August 11, 2025, Tesla formally opened its second dealership in India at Worldmark 3, Aerocity, New Delhi. The well-liked Model Y electric SUV, which is available in two versions—Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range RWD—will be on display at the new Tesla dealership in Delhi. This development comes after last month’s opening of Tesla’s first Indian store in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.

    Tesla Model Y India Price and Variants

    The Long Range RWD variant costs Rs 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom), while the basic Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model costs Rs 59.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The third quarter of 2025 is anticipated to see the start of deliveries for both.

    Performance, Range, and Battery Specs of Model Y

    The Model Y basic RWD can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds and has a stated driving range of 500 km on a full charge. The Long Range RWD accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.6 seconds and extends the range to 622 km. The maximum speed for both is 201 kmph.

    Business Operations of Delhi Unit

    Under a nine-year contract, Tesla has secured around 8,200 square feet of space at Worldmark 3 for the Aerocity showroom. According to reports, the lease starts at INR 17.22 lakh a month, with rate increases planned every three years. The space in Mumbai is roughly 4,000 square feet.

    The New Delhi Experience Centre will serve as a venue for both client interaction and display. Prospective customers will be able to see Tesla cars, read through the specs, and look into charging and buying possibilities. The launch of the Delhi showroom, according to industry observers, is a step towards Tesla’s goal of growing its retail network throughout important Indian cities.

    Tesla’s Retail Expansion Plans in India

    As part of its India plan, the corporation is anticipated to open additional showrooms and service locations. The Model Y is imported by Tesla as a completely constructed unit (CBU) into India. It is one of the more expensive EVs in the Indian market since import taxes almost quadruple the retail price when compared to international markets.

    Impact on Tesla’s Global Sales Strategy

    At a time when its sales in China and Europe are declining, Tesla is making its debut in the Indian market with the vehicle Y as its flagship vehicle. The business reportedly transported its first shipment of Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs to India from its China plant.

    Additionally, before deliveries start, the business plans to deploy superchargers in India. It would initially concentrate on Mumbai and Delhi.

    Battery packs are available for the Tesla Model Y rear-wheel-drive variant in India: a 60 kWh and a larger 75 kWh model. One electric motor producing 295 horsepower powers this RWD model. With a full charge, the 60 kWh battery is supposed to have a WLTP range of 500 km, whilst the long-range model promises a range of 622 km.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Tesla
    opened its second dealership in India on August 11, 2025 at Worldmark 3,
    Aerocity

    •Displaying
    Model Y electric SUV in two variants

    •Expected
    to start delivering by Q3 2025

  • Protrainy Emerges as India’s Leading Platform Empowering Core Engineers to Upskill and Accelerate Careers

    New Delhi [India], August 11: Protrainy, India’s fastest-growing upskilling platform for core engineers, is reshaping the career paths of professionals in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering by equipping them with the skills and industry exposure they need to transition into better-paying, high-growth roles. With a sharp focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Protrainy is bridging a long-standing gap in the country’s technical education system by delivering job-aligned, practical training, helping engineers not just skill up, but move up.

    India produces over 1.5 million core engineering graduates every year. However, despite explosive growth across sectors like construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, oil & gas, and renewables, a majority of these graduates remain underemployed or stuck in low-paying jobs. Many begin their careers earning between ₹15,000–₹20,000 a month, not due to a lack of talent, but because traditional engineering education often fails to prepare them for the First Program launched in 2021 by Biswajit Shaw, designed Protrainy to make engineers “industry ready” through rigorous, hands-on learning. It’s a live, cohort-based model that connects learners with experienced industry mentors and covers key areas like project planning, QA/QC, MEP systems, safety management, and design tools, ensuring engineers are equipped with high-demand, job-relevant skills. Bishal Shaw later joined as co-founder, helping the company scale its operations and deepen its national footprint.

    Since its inception, Protrainy has empowered over 20,000 paid learners across India, particularly in cities like Surat, Ranchi, Nagpur, and Coimbatore. More than 70% of its learners have seen measurable career progress, including promotions, salary hikes, and successful role transitions. Alumni have moved into positions such as planning engineers, site managers, and safety officers, with some even landing overseas assignments and experiencing salary jumps of up to 70%.

     In addition to technical training, the platform offers support in resume building, interview preparation, job referrals, and alumni networking, making it a comprehensive solution for core engineers seeking growth. Unlike mainstream edtech platforms that focus predominantly on IT and coding, Protrainy is singularly focused on India’s underserved but crucial core engineering workforce.

    The platform’s credibility has been further cemented through recognition under AICTE’s NEAT 4.0 initiative, course validation by EICT Academy at IIT Guwahati,I Hub Divya Sampark IIT Roorkee and support from the Nexus Incubator, US Embassy India establishing Protrainy as a trusted name in outcome-based upskilling.

    Protrainy has also successfully raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding from IIMA Ventures and a distinguished group of Indian and US-based angel investors, including Dhiraj Sinha (Founder, SucSEED Ventures), Suresh Reddy (Vibrant US), Avantika Sahay, AIC Nalanda, and others. The funding will be instrumental in scaling Protrainy’s reach, enhancing its tech platform, and expanding placement partnerships.

    “Our vision is simple: no core engineer in India should earn less than ₹40,000 per month,” said founder Biswajit Shaw. “With the right training, mentorship, and exposure, India’s engineers can become the backbone of the nation’s growth story, building infrastructure, driving sustainability, and powering manufacturing excellence.”

    Protrainy has built a thriving community of over 1,00,000 learners across India. The company aims to upskill over 1 million core engineers by 2030, expand its placement network, and deepen its presence in both metro and non-metro regions. The long-term goal is to make Protrainy the default destination for core engineering upskilling in India.

    As India doubles down on its infrastructure push, smart city projects, and renewable energy expansion, the demand for practically skilled core engineers has never been higher. Protrainy is rising to meet this challenge, empowering engineers not just to find jobs, but to lead industries.

  • TikTok Replaces Human Content Moderators with AI, Cutting Jobs Worldwide

    German TikTok workers have organised fresh strikes in protest of widespread layoffs in the company’s safety and trust division. As part of a broader strategy the firm has been implementing across offices worldwide, the social media giant has announced intentions to dismantle its entire Berlin moderation section, which is in charge of eliminating damaging content, and transfer the work to artificial intelligence and outside contractors.

    Berlin Moderation Team Faces Complete Shutdown

    According to German media reports, the relocation will result in the loss of 150 jobs. In recent weeks, the trade union that represents the employees has pressed TikTok for negotiations.

    Union Response to TikTok Job Cuts

    The union issued the company a list of demands, including severance pay for impacted employees and prolonged notice periods of up to a year, according to Kalle Kunkel, ver.di’s representative for the Berlin-Brandenburg region. TikTok hasn’t responded as of yet. In essence, they replied, “We don’t want to talk to you,” Kunkel recalled. “We went on two strikes after that, but nothing has changed.”

    40% Reduction of German Workforce

    The Berlin moderating staff caters to the approximately 32 million active users who speak German. Despite having offices in multiple locations in Germany, TikTok’s major base is the capital, where it employs about 400 people.

    Its local workforce would be reduced by nearly 40% if the trust and safety workers were cut. The proposed cuts are intended to “streamline workflows and improve efficiency”, according to TikTok spokesperson Anna Sopel, who also emphasised that “we remain fully committed to protecting the safety and integrity of our platform.”

    Like teams throughout the world, Germany’s trust and safety team is responsible for making sure videos don’t contain offensive material like violence, pornography, false information, or hate speech, or they don’t break corporate policies. The union claims that each moderator examines up to 1,000 videos every day, frequently with the assistance of AI techniques.

    Global Impact — Netherlands, Malaysia, and Beyond

    TikTok has been reducing its trust and safety activities worldwide over the past year, gradually substituting automated technology for human moderators. The entire 300-person content moderation crew in the Netherlands was fired by the firm in September.

    AI vs Human Moderators — The Debate Over Safety

    It revealed intentions the following month to install AI-powered systems in Malaysia to replace about 500 moderators. Significant numbers of trust and safety employees throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa were being trimmed, according to a February Reuters story.

    The German layoffs come after Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, testified before the US Congress in 2024 and promised to raise funding for safety and trust. He pledged more than $2 billion at the time to help a team of more than 40,000 individuals worldwide.

    Quick
    Shots

    •TikTok
    replacing human content moderators with AI systems and external contractors.

    •Part
    of a global cost-cutting and efficiency drive

    •Entire
    Berlin trust & safety division to be shut down.

    •About
    150 jobs to be lost, affecting moderation for 32M German-speaking users.

  • House of Elorra – India’s First Luxury Bridal Nightwear Brand

     Brides plan everything for their big day – the dress, the jewellery, the décor – but when it comes to luxurious nightwear for the wedding night or honeymoon, the options are… ordinary.

    House of Elorra is here to change that.

    We believe nightwear should be a reflection of elegance, femininity, and grace. Our premium satin nightwear collection is not just something you wear – it’s an experience. Each piece is designed to elevate your evenings and transform your nights into moments you’ll treasure forever.

    The Look: From Ordinary Basics to Effortless Elegance

    Most nightwear is created simply to “do the job” – plain, unremarkable, and far from special. House of Elorra is different.

    We work exclusively with feather-light premium satin, chosen for its smoothness, breathability, and natural drape. Satin has always been a symbol of luxury, and we bring it to life with:

    • Flowing silhouettes that flatter every body type
    • Delicate lace trims for romance and charm
    • Handworked Swarovski crystals that sparkle with every movement

    Each nightdress is a wearable work of art, designed to flatter, comfort, and inspire.

    The Fit: Relaxed Luxury for the Perfect Fit

    Typical nightwear often comes in “one-size-fits-all” designs that never feel truly yours.At House of Elorra, we know comfort is personal.

    Our kimono-style relaxed fits are tailored to move with you – perfect for lounging, stretching, and sleeping without restriction. Plus, our pieces are effortlessly low-maintenance – staying fresh, beautiful, and wrinkle-free, wash after wash.

    The Emotion: Turning Routine into Ritual

    Wearing House of Elorra satin nightwear isn’t just about changing clothes – it’s about transforming your mood. Whether it’s your bridal morning, honeymoon evening, or a slow Sunday at home, our designs wrap you in elegance and softness.

    Every touch of satin, every shimmer of Swarovski, and every fall of lace is a reminder that you deserve to feel beautiful, even in your most private moments.

    The Perfect Couple’s Gift

    When celebrating love, the best gifts combine beauty, comfort, and intimacy. While jewellery and vacations are memorable, luxury satin nightwear offers something unique – a romantic experience she can enjoy again and again.

    Every House of Elorra piece is:

    • Sensual without being overbearing
    • Elegant without losing comfort
    • Romantic without losing timeless appeal

    Perfect for anniversaries, honeymoons, or spontaneous surprises.

    Why Every Bride Deserves Luxurious Nightwear

    Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration – but your bridal nightwear will live on in your memories forever. That’s why we design pieces to make every moment extraordinary.

    Key Features of House of Elorra Nightwear

    • Premium Satin & Silk – Breathable, feather-light, gentle on skin
    • Designer Embellishments – Swarovski crystals, fine lace trims, intricate beadwork
    • Bridal-First Concept – India’s first dedicated luxury nightwear line for brides
    • Flattering Fit – Kimono-inspired silhouettes to suit all body shapes
    • Easy Care – Always fresh, wrinkle-resistant, low-maintenance

    Why Choose House of Elorra?

    We blend luxurious fabrics, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless design to create nightwear that’s more than sleepwear – it’s a celebration of you.

    From bridal satin robes to designer nighties in India, each piece inspires confidence, elegance

    Transform Your Nights with House of Elorra.

  • Microsoft Unveils Copilot 3D: AI Tool to Instantly Convert Photos into 3D Models

    Microsoft has unveiled Copilot 3D, an AI-powered feature that has the ability to convert standard 2D images into 3D models, just one day after the GPT-5-powered Smart Mode was implemented in Copilot.

    The technology giant claims that Copilot 3D is “designed to make 3D creations fast, accessible, and intuitive.” Copilot 3D, a component of Copilot Labs, is incredibly useful if you want to test a concept, explore new ideas, or direct hands-on learning without the complexity and inconvenience of traditional 3D tools. For “a subset of users”, the feature is now free, but in order to access it, you must log in using your Google or Microsoft account.

    How to Access and Use Copilot 3D?

    Microsoft advises users to test the feature on a desktop computer because using a mobile browser may cause problems. Simply navigate to Copilot.com in their preferred browser and click the sidebar button that shows up in the upper left corner of the window to begin using Copilot 3D.

    After selecting Labs, click the “Try now” box beneath Copilot 3D. Users can currently only upload PNG or JPG files that are less than 10MB in size, although Microsoft may eventually expand the size limit and allow additional file formats. After uploading an image, users only need to click the “Create” button and wait a few seconds to a minute for the 3D version of the image to appear.

    Key Features and File Support

    According to Microsoft, the pictures users wish to turn into 3D models should have a distinct backdrop or background-subject distinction. The Verge claims that while Copilot 3D may have trouble distinguishing animals and some things, it does admirably with furniture and items like bananas and umbrellas.

    Best Practices for Creating Accurate 3D Models

    All of the 3D models produced by Copilot 3D are compatible with the majority of 3D viewers, tools, and engines because they are saved in GLB format and may be exported to an augmented reality app. These 3D models are accessible from the My Creations tab and are stored for a period of 28 days.

    Copilot 3D and the Growing AI Creativity Trend

    Additionally, Microsoft advises against submitting any photographs that depict persons because doing so could result in users’ accounts being blocked for breaking terms and conditions. Instead, only upload images that users own the rights to. Additionally, nothing unlawful will be automatically prohibited, but these creations won’t be used to train future AI models.

    Additionally, this launch fits into a larger trend in the AI sector. Businesses are competing not just on the basis of how “smart” their AI is, but also on how innovative and practical it can be. AI is evolving beyond merely providing answers to queries to assist humans in creating, constructing, and imagining completely new things.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Microsoft
    introduces Copilot 3D, an AI feature that converts 2D images into 3D models
    instantly.

    •Arrives
    a day after GPT-5-powered Smart Mode in Copilot.

    •Part
    of Copilot Labs, aimed at making 3D creation fast, accessible, and intuitive.

  • Eyestem Raises Funds to Advance Eyecyte-RPE™ Through Phase 2 Clinical Trial and Towards US IND

    Eyestem Research Pvt Ltd has raised funds in a significantly oversubscribed funding round to support the next stage of development for its investigational retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell therapy, Eyecyte-RPE™. 

    The capital will enable completion of the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial in India and support preparations for filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

    “Strong participation by internal investors and addition of a strategic investor, underline the shared belief in Eyestem’s long-term vision of creating an innovative cell therapy platform providing scalable solutions for incurable diseases worldwide. This $10 million fundraise will support the next leg of development and strengthen the foundation for global expansion. We continue to prioritize rigorous clinical progress and the capabilities needed to ensure global patient access to this therapy,” said Dr. Jogin Desai, Founder and CEO, Eyestem.

    In a joint statement, Mr. Raju Barwale, Chairman, Mahyco  and Mr. Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Alkem Laboratories Ltd, added, “ Eyestem’s pioneering treatment is delivering remarkable outcomes that set a new benchmark in ophthalmic cell therapy. The results observed in Phase 1 not only demonstrate promising efficacy compared to other ongoing global trials but also validate India’s potential as a leader in advanced cell therapy innovations. We are privileged to support a breakthrough that has the potential to redefine treatment outcomes for millions suffering from dry AMD.”

    Eyecyte-RPE™ is being developed for patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). In the recently concluded Phase 1 trial in subjects with advanced GA and severe vision loss, the therapy showed a strong safety profile with no serious adverse events and early signs of clinical benefit, with an average improvement of 15.8 letters for six subjects at the end of six months and  an average improvement of 11 letters in  the first two subjects over a one year period. The upcoming Phase 2 trial will further assess the efficacy and safety of the product in a larger group of subjects with moderate GA and vision loss. 

    The company has submitted its Phase 1 clinical study report to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and is awaiting approval to initiate Phase 2. 

    About Eyecyte-RPE™

    Eyecyte-RPE™, derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), is a proprietary retinal cell therapy product with a novel composition, developed and patented by Eyestem Research. The product can help replace the damaged or lost retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and potentially enable tissue regeneration in the diseased retina. This unique formulation is allogeneic, scalable, and can be stored as a frozen vial for long periods of time.

    About Geographic Atrophy

    Dry AMD is the leading cause of blindness for people over 50. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to progressive and irreversible loss of central vision, characterized by the death of cells in the macula, the central part of the retina. Approximately 196 million people suffer from dry AMD globally, five million of whom suffer from GA.

    About Eyestem Research

    Headquartered in Bangalore and Delaware, Eyestem Research is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, which was started by a founding team with several decades of experience in pharmaceutical product development, retinal surgery, and cell biology. It has won significant accolades with the most recent one being named the top innovator in India across all sectors in 2022 by the prestigious The Economic Times newspaper. It is also the recipient of several prestigious grants and awards from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and has been feted at high-profile government events as one of the most successful and innovative biotechnology companies in the country.

  • Nvidia and AMD Agree to 15% China Chip Sales Levy to US Government Amid Trade Tensions

    According to an insider who spoke to the BBC, chip giants Nvidia and AMD have agreed to give the US government 15% of their sales of semiconductors in China. The contract is a component of an agreement to obtain export licences to the second-largest economy in the world.

    Financial Impact on Semiconductor Leaders

    Nvidia informed the BBC that it will abide by the regulations put forth by the US government in order to participate in global markets. Nvidia expects that export control laws will let America compete in China and around the world, even if it hasn’t exported H20 to China in months.

    Nvidia also stated in a statement to the BBC that America cannot lose its position as the leader in telecommunications by replicating 5G. If Nvidia races, America’s [artificial intelligence] tech stack might become the norm globally.

    H20 and MI308 Chips in the Chinese Market

    According to the agreement, AMD will provide the US government the same percentage of its MI308 chip income as Nvidia will from its H20 chip sales in China, as first reported by the Financial Times. “Unprecedented” is how Charlie Dai, vice president and chief analyst at the international research firm Forrester, described this deal.

    The agreement, he continued, highlights the steep price of market access in the face of growing tech trade disputes, putting significant financial strain and strategic uncertainty on tech providers. Nvidia recently declared that it will remove a previous prohibition by Washington on the sale of its H20 chips to Beijing due to security concerns.

    Applications for artificial intelligence (AI) make use of these potent devices. “You either have a national security problem or you don’t,” stated Deborah Elms, the Hinrich Foundation’s head of trade policy. “If you have a 15% payment, it doesn’t somehow eliminate the national security issue,” Ms Elms stated to the BBC.

    Following the Biden administration’s 2023 imposition of US export restrictions, the H20 chip was created especially for the Chinese market. In April of this year, the Trump administration essentially outlawed its sale. Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, has been pleading with both parties for months to resume selling the chips in China.

    U.S.–China Trade War: A Temporary Truce?

    Last week, he reportedly met with US President Donald Trump. Chip sales to China have resumed at a time when trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have been decreasing. The US has removed limitations on chip design software companies that operate in China, while Beijing has loosened controls on exports of rare earth elements.

    The two largest economies in the world reached a 90-day truce in their tariff war in May. Top trade officials from both sides have since met several times, but there has been no confirmation of an agreement to prolong the tariff truce before the deadline of August 12.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Nvidia
    and AMD to give 15% of China semiconductor sales revenue to the U.S.
    government.

    •Part
    of an agreement to secure export licences for sales in China.

    •Agreement
    follows U.S.–China tech trade tensions and export restrictions.