GoPllay, which is part of BreatheSports, a Pune-based tech startup that specializes in sports technology, launched its platform. The pre-seed funding round saw 11 angel investors invest in the company, including four women angels. Google has recently provided funding for the company, with US$ 100K as credits through its Google for Startups Cloud Programme. The funds raised will be used to build a team, develop technology for the app, as well as user acquisition. The app is available for download on Google Play and IOS.
GoPllay is an online social network that allows recreational sports enthusiasts to connect and play wherever they are. This includes rooftops and backyards, offices and homes, as well as on courts and other grounds. Dhruv, an IIM Lucknow alumnus and Harvard Business School (HBS), alumnus, founded the startup in April 2021 with Nishant Oberoi, an alumnus of University of Wales.
Oberoi, one the founders of GoPllay, said, “This is very special as one of our objectives was to promote more women in active recreation sports. Having women believe and invest in a startup in sport-tech like ours, is a big part towards this goal.”
GDG to Host 10th Edition of ‘Devfest 202022’ December 11
Google Developer Group (GDG), an organization that fosters creativity among young techies, will organize the 10th Edition of “Devfest2022” at JW Marriot in Pune on Senapati Bapat Road on 12/12.
Mahaveer Muttha is the organizer of Devfest Pune and Google Developer Group Pune. He said that the conference was a good platform for young developers. It features a full-day of talks, workshops, and networking sessions with some of the most prominent industry experts and top practitioners, all focusing on different technologies.
Swapnil Jathar (co-organiser) stated that the fest will host more than 1,200 young technologists, including women entrepreneurs.
Namrata More (Women Techmakers), Pune Ambassador stated, “The fest also includes projects showcase booths for companies and communities; career fair – an opportunity for local developer groups; and a community Lounge which will be dedicated to informal sessions that give like-minded attendees the chance to gather and discuss topics and tools in a relaxed environment.”
Pranoti Nagdurkar, the co-organizer, said that the event will focus on product innovation, open-source, and ML/AI to help companies succeed and solve the big issues that affect us all. Devfest2022 is expected to have more than 45 industry specialists discussing over 20 technologies across three tracks.
Droneacharya AI opens 12 training centres
DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations (Droneacharya AI), a Pune-based company, has announced its plans for 12 new training centres. The company has already trained more than 180 drone pilots in the past three years.
Droneacharya AI announced that it will launch its initial public offering on December 13th, and close on Dec 15. The shares of Droneacharya AI will be listed at the BSE SME Exchange. The company will use the funds to purchase and build drones, sensors, processing infrastructure, and other equipment. Shankar Sharma, along with other notable investors, took a minority interest in the company during the pre-IPO financing. Several angel investors, including Jay Vishwanathan (VC Kartik), Samit Bhartia and Samit Bhhartia have also invested.
Shankar Sharma stated, “Drones have been widely used in the country across all industries for surveys and deliveries, surveillance, and this segment will perform strongly in coming years.” We see great value in the company’s ability to quickly scale up its operations, and has ambitious plans.
Marquardt Group launches global R&D centre at Hinjewadi
Marquardt India established its Hinjewadi R&D Centre to serve the automotive needs of both local and international customers. The new R&D centre was built by Marquardt India, which has invested over 100 crore rupees. The R&D Centre is spread over approximately 300,000 sq. feet and is located at Hinjewadi Phase 3 in Pune. R&D centres are also located in India, Germany and Romania.
Harald Marquardt was the chief executive of the Marquardt Group management board. He said that India is a significant market and that he has worked hard to increase his presence. A state-of-the art plant in Talegaon is also being built. It will be finished by the middle of 2024. The plant will be spread over five acres and will house electronics and production as well as logistics and training rooms. There is also a staff restaurant. We will create hundreds more jobs.
Marquardt India managing director Vishal Navekar stated, “The new R&D Centre in Pune is more that just a facility. Our Pune R&D Centre has more than double the capacity and currently employs over 450 people. The team designs solutions for electric vehicles, entry and authorization systems, human-machine interfaces and human-machine interfaces.