Dunzo which is a Chat-based hyperlocal services app has raised $12 Mn funding from Google against a minority stake in the startup. The deal has been done under Google’s Next Billion Users (NBU) push.
February 2017, Google also announced that it has begun talks with Indian startups to make direct investments and acquisitions. This is Google’s first direct investment in the Indian startup ecosystem. Prior to that Google has been funding and mentoring the Indian startups majorly through its Launchpad Accelerator program.
About Dunzo
Dunzo is a Bangalore based startup started in 2015. The company was founded by Ankur Aggarwal, Dalvir Suri, Mukund Jha, and Biswas. It is a chat-based task management app that allows users to create to-do lists through its app and fulfills tasks such as picking up groceries or providing home services. The platform leverages both artificial intelligence and human operators to provide solutions.
The app is currently providing major solutions in four categories such as shipping packages, buying, repairing stuff and home services.
Dunzo Fundings:
Dunzo has raised 12.3 million Dollars (Rs 80.8 crore) in a Series B funding round led by Google. Existing investors Aspada Investment Advisors and Blume Ventures also participated in the round.
Prior to that in March 2016, it also raised 650K dollars in Pre-Series A round of funding led by Aspada Investment Advisors and Blume Ventures. Rajan Anandan and Sandipan Chattopadhyay also participated in this round.
Dunzo Competitors:
there are players like DoneThing, Haptik, HelpChat, Lookup, Joe Hukum, Niki.ai, Zootout, Instagetit.in, Hike’s personal assistant bot Natasha, and Facebook’s personal assistant bot, M, which as well are trying to disrupt this space.