Hyderabad-based microdrama OTT startup Chai Shots is close to securing $5 million in its first-ever funding round. According to insiders, the round is being led by General Catalyst and Info Edge, with participation expected from angel investors.

Although the platform hasn’t officially launched, Chai Shots plans to deliver short-form video content under two minutes, targeting India’s mass-market OTT viewers in regional languages. The idea comes from the team behind Chai Bisket, a well-known digital media brand in South India.

OTT Platform Grows

Chai Bisket already runs OTT platforms like Studio Panchatantra and First Show, producing reels, films, and podcasts. With Chai Shots, they aim to tap into the rising demand for microdramas, a segment gaining traction among younger Indian audiences.

Investor excitement in this niche is growing. Other platforms like Flick TV recently raised $2.3 million, while players like Kuku TV, QuickTV, and Reelies are also expanding quickly. A formal announcement of Chai Shots’ launch and funding is expected soon.

Pehle Jaisa Expands

In parallel, Gurugram-based startup Pehle Jaisa has raised $300,000 in a pre-Series A round, led by Pantnagar Capital and Climate Angels. The 2022-founded company turns village organic waste into natural fertilizer, creating sustainable income for rural communities.

Pehle Jaisa focuses on decentralized waste-to-fertilizer models, cutting transportation costs and enhancing soil-specific product design. Their approach aims to boost local farming productivity and reduce dependency on external inputs.

Revenue and Goals

The startup has already sold over 2,000 metric tons of fertilizer, earning Rs 2.5 crore in FY25. With its eco-conscious model and grassroots appeal, Pehle Jaisa is preparing to scale operations and cross Rs 100 crore in revenue in the near future.

Their mission includes building self-sustaining rural economies by promoting renewable energy, organic inputs, and sustainable agriculture. Backed by strong early traction, Pehle Jaisa joins a growing wave of climate-tech and agri-tech startups drawing investor attention in India.

Momentum Builds Up

The success of Chai Shots and Pehle Jaisa reflects a broader investor appetite for early-stage innovation in India. Whether it’s microdrama entertainment or eco-friendly farming, new-age startups are proving that sharp ideas, backed by strong execution, can win market and capital both.