News Update
Bengaluru Startup Introduces zPod, India’s First Fully Autonomous Vehicle
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ByStartupStory | June 5, 2023
Minus Zero, an autonomous driving startup based in Bengaluru, introduces India’s inaugural fully autonomous vehicle. Named the ‘zPod’, Minus Zero’s groundbreaking prototype represents India’s first fully autonomous vehicle. This all-electric innovation relies on an advanced camera-sensor suite and AI algorithms, enabling it to navigate traffic autonomously, devoid of a human driver or even a steering wheel. Additionally, the zPod offers seating for up to four passengers, arranged in a face-to-face configuration.
Rather than being an automotive OEM, Minus Zero is primarily a technology firm with a focus on offering its autonomous technology to other manufacturers. Their objective is to assist these manufacturers in enhancing their Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite.
In contrast to conventional vehicles equipped with ADAS capabilities, the zPod by Minus Zero distinguishes itself by eschewing LIDAR technology in favor of six monocular cameras. The company asserts that this prototype possesses the potential to achieve level 5 autonomy, signifying its ability to operate independently under any environmental or geographical constraints.
In addition, Minus Zero has unveiled their innovative concepts of NIA (Nature Inspired AI) and TVA (True Vision Autonomy), which they assert to be the most secure and expandable methods for autonomous driving, capable of scaling up to level 5 autonomy. TVA, which is not bound to any specific vehicle, harnesses the power of real-time data obtained from cameras as its primary sensors, enabling it to navigate effectively in real-world scenarios.
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Clean-label food brand Anveshan has raised Rs 150 crore (nearly $16 million) in a Series B funding round led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India. The round also saw participation from International Finance Corporation (IFC), Swiggy co-founder Sri Harsha Majety, and existing investors including Wipro Consumer Care Ventures, Titan Capital Winners Fund, Force Ventures, and boAt co-founders Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta. Entrackr had exclusively reported the development last week. According to Entrackr’s estimates, the funding valued the company at over $90 million. The fresh capital will be used to strengthen manufacturing capabilities, accelerate product development, expand offline distribution, and deepen its digital presence. The company also plans to invest in sourcing infrastructure, procurement systems, quality assurance, and testing capabilities while expanding partnerships with micro entrepreneurs and traditional producers. Founded in 2020 by Kuldeep Parewa, Akhil Kansal, and Aayushi Khandelwal, Anveshan sells minimally processed food products including A2 bilona ghee, cold-pressed oils, raw honey, atta, and other traditional nutrition-focused products. The startup operates through a network of rural producers and micro entrepreneurs across the country. Anveshan claims to be operating at an annual revenue run rate of Rs 280-300 crore and is targeting Rs 1,000 crore in revenue over the next 24-30 months. The company plans to expand its atta portfolio, strengthen its owned digital channels, scale offline distribution, and continue investing in product innovation. For the fiscal year ended March 2025, Anveshan reported a 64.6% increase in operating revenue to Rs 77.08 crore from Rs 46.84 crore in FY24. Its losses widened to Rs 11.88 crore in FY25 from Rs 5.74 crore in the previous fiscal year....
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