Since its inception in 2008, IIIT Hyderabad has been dedicated to commercializing cutting-edge technologies developed at its research centers. The foundation’s role expanded in 2012 when it was recognized as an incubation facility by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, allowing it to support startups beyond the institute. By 2015, leveraging the expertise of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), the Telangana State Initiative T-Hub was established within IIIT-Hyderabad, eventually becoming the country’s largest incubator. In 2016, CIE launched its deep-tech accelerator program, AVISHKAR, marking the beginning of a successful journey in supporting and mentoring startups with a focus on deep-tech and med-tech.
Among the startups nurtured by AVISHKAR is DaveAI, a Bangalore-based company specializing in AI-powered sales augmentation. Recently, DaveAI raised a pre-Series Seed funding round led by Mumbai Angels Network, GHV Accelerator, IIIT Technology Venture Partners, and Mr. Mohan Kumar, CEO of Crestere Technologies.
DaveAI replaces traditional chatbots with virtual avatars to create contactless customer experiences in physical spaces, enhancing product discovery through kiosks, VR, AR, and web platforms. Founded by Dr. Ananthakrishnan Gopal, Ashok Balasundaram, and Sriram P.H., the startup’s patent-pending “Empathetic AI Technology” is revolutionizing virtual sales solutions. Dr. Gopal, Co-founder and CTO, emphasized their commitment to advancing their platform in collaboration with technology partners like Intel and Nvidia, as well as academic institutions like IIIT-Hyderabad.
Sriram P.H., Co-founder and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, noting its role in expanding into new markets and supporting global growth. Amid the global pandemic and economic challenges, DaveAI achieved a 230% revenue growth last quarter and secured notable clients including Maruti Suzuki, Pidilite Industries, and Landmark Group. Maruti Suzuki’s Executive Director, Mr. Shashank Srivastava, highlighted the partnership’s potential to set new benchmarks in customer experience.
GHV Accelerator’s Chief Mentor, Mr. Vikram Upadhyay, praised DaveAI for its impactful technology and industry validation through the Maruti Suzuki MAIL program. Nandini Mansinkha, Co-promoter and CEO of Mumbai Angels Network, lauded DaveAI’s innovative use of digital human avatars and its potential to transform customer interactions through AR/VR technology.
Explore how DaveAI’s virtual sales avatars can elevate your brand by visiting their website.