In a groundbreaking development, co-founders Farid Ahsan and Bhanu Pratap Singh of ShareChat have successfully secured $3 million in seed funding for their new robotics venture, General Autonomy. This significant funding round involved prominent investors like India Quotient, Elevation Capital, and notable angel investors, marking a major move just one year after Ahsan and Singh stepped down from their executive roles at ShareChat, a social media unicorn.
About General Autonomy
General Autonomy, initiated by Ahsan and Singh, is on a mission to revolutionize the future of factories by employing AI-driven machines to automate intricate tasks in labor workflows. Drawing inspiration from the efficiency of software development, the company aims to introduce agility and distribution to mass manufacturing. Headquartered in Bengaluru, General Autonomy holds a global perspective.
About the Founders
Bhanu Pratap Singh, former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at ShareChat, and Farid Ahsan, previously the Chief Operating Officer (COO), have transitioned into the world of robotics with General Autonomy. Meanwhile, Ankush Sachdeva, the third founder of ShareChat, remains at the helm as the CEO of the social media unicorn.
About the Funding
The funding round witnessed participation from venture capital firms India Quotient and Elevation Capital, as well as support from key angel investors such as Srinath Ramakkrushnan (Zetwerk), Ramakant Sharma (Livspace), and Ankush Sachdeva (ShareChat). The substantial funds, totaling $3 million, are poised to propel General Autonomy in its mission to develop AI-driven machines for factory automation.
General Autonomy’s Mission
Ahsan and Singh's mission is crystal clear: they aspire to revolutionize factory complexities through automation. Focused on AI-driven machines, General Autonomy seeks to elevate safety, efficiency, and standardization in production processes. The term 'general autonomy' underscores the company’s commitment to automating a diverse range of industrial equipment across various applications.
Key Milestone
General Autonomy Private Limited was officially incorporated on May 10, 2023, in Bengaluru, as per Ministry of Corporate Affairs records. With a paid-up capital of INR 1 Lakh, the company is poised to be a game-changer in the realm of factory automation.
Trend of Second-Time Founders
Ahsan and Singh now join the ranks of second-time founders who, post their tenure at previous ventures, are venturing into new opportunities. This trend is palpable in the startup ecosystem, with examples like Teachmint’s Anshuman Kumar and GoMechanic’s Rishabh Karwa embarking on fresh journeys. The rapid securing of funding for these new ventures underscores the dynamic nature of the entrepreneurial landscape.
