Billionaire Ambani Wants AI in Every Call, App, and Home
TechCrunch AI39 days agoBusinessMukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries is integrating AI into its telecom infrastructure, targeting over 500 million subscribers across India. The initiative spans phone calls, mobile applications, and connected homes, reflecting Ambani's ambition to make AI a default layer of everyday connectivity. The move positions Reliance as a potential AI distribution platform at a scale rivaling the population of entire continents.
Canadian Pension Giant Acquires 8.2% Stake in India's CtrlS Data Centers
TechCrunch AI41 days agoBusinessA major Canadian pension fund is acquiring an 8.2% equity stake in CtrlS, one of India's largest data center operators with more than 15 facilities nationwide. The deal reflects surging institutional appetite for AI infrastructure assets in emerging markets. India has become a focal point for global capital as AI workload demand outpaces available data center capacity.
Sarvam Becomes India's Newest AI Unicorn with $234 Million Round Led by HCLTech
TechCrunch AI43 days agoBusinessSarvam, a Bengaluru-based AI startup, has achieved unicorn valuation after closing a $234 million funding round led by HCLTech. The Indian IT services giant contributed $150 million — more than 64% of the total raise — making it the dominant backer in the deal. The milestone places Sarvam among India's most heavily capitalized AI ventures and underscores growing strategic interest from established Indian corporations in domestic AI development.
Opendoor Exits India, Sparking Rethink of AI and Outsourcing Models
TechCrunch AI47 days agoBusinessOpendoor is shutting down its India operations less than two years after expanding there, citing a move to bring operations closer to U.S. customers and build smaller AI-native teams. The decision has drawn attention because India is the world’s largest Global Capability Center market, with millions employed in multinational offshore units. Still, Opendoor has also been cutting costs broadly, so the move is a complicated case study rather than clear proof of AI replacing outsourcing.