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Artificial Intelligence

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak criticizes Tesla’s self-driving efforts

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has expressed strong criticism of Tesla’s self-driving efforts, stating that those interested in studying “AI trying to kill you” should “get a Tesla.” Wozniak has had a mixed relationship with Tesla over the years, having initially purchased a Model S and publicly praised the electric vehicle, before later considering replacing it with a Chevy Bolt EV. He ultimately purchased a second Model S after Tesla released Autopilot 2.0, despite being critical of the system.

Wozniak’s latest comments came during a recent CNN interview, in which he expressed skepticism about Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s promises of self-driving capabilities through future software updates. When asked about these claims, Wozniak suggested that Tesla vehicles on FSD were attempting to “kill” people, adding that such claims were “not even close to reality.”

The comments mark a significant departure from Wozniak’s previous support for Tesla, and highlight growing concerns over the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. While Tesla’s Autopilot system has been praised by some for its advanced features and convenience, it has also faced criticism for its lack of transparency and perceived overreliance on drivers to monitor the system.

As the race to develop self-driving cars continues, experts and industry insiders are calling for greater regulation and oversight to ensure that the technology is developed safely and responsibly. Whether Tesla will be able to address these concerns and maintain its position as a leader in the self-driving car market remains to be seen.

by Vivek Kumar

Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI has submitted a surprise $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, CNBC confirmed on Tuesday. The offer comes despite being nearly double Perplexity’s most recent valuation, thanks to backing from several major investors. In July, Perplexity was valued at $18 billion, following an earlier valuation of $14 billion earlier this year. No Response Yet from GoogleGoogle has not issued an official response to the takeover proposal. The Wall Street Journal first reported the bid. Perplexity’s AI ExpansionBest known for its AI-powered search engine, Perplexity delivers concise answers with direct links to source material. Last month, the company expanded into web browsing with the launch of Comet, its own AI-driven browser. Perplexity is competing in the rapidly growing generative AI market against companies like Meta and OpenAI, all offering lucrative incentives to attract top AI engineers. Major tech firms are investing billions annually in AI infrastructure, while startups are raising significant venture funding to secure advanced computing hardware and top talent. Earlier this year, Perplexity was approached by Meta for a potential acquisition, but no deal was finalized. DOJ Push for Chrome DivestitureThe timing of the bid follows a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recommendation that Google divest Chrome. The suggestion comes after Google lost an antitrust lawsuit in which a judge ruled the company had maintained an illegal monopoly in internet search. The DOJ argues that removing Chrome from Google’s control would level the playing field for rival search engines. Google, however, criticized the proposal as part of a “radical interventionist agenda” and described it as “wildly overbroad.” Launched in 2008, Chrome plays a key role in Google’s ad targeting by collecting valuable user data. Not Perplexity’s First Big SwingThis isn’t the first time Perplexity has pursued a bold deal. In January, the company proposed a merger with TikTok, amid uncertainty over the platform’s U.S. operations due to legislation requiring its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest. That proposal has not moved forward. With the DOJ’s proposed Chrome divestiture still under discussion, Perplexity’s high-profile bid adds a new twist to the ongoing battle for dominance in AI and web browsing technology.

EV
by Team SNFYI

Are you considering investing in an electric vehicle? If so, you have made the right decision. Electric cars are gaining popularity due to their numerous benefits. However, before you buy an electric car, you must consider the factors discussed in the following sections. They will help you make an informed decision. 6 Points You Must Consider While Buying Electric Cars  Let’s take a look at the important points you must consider before buying electric cars in India:  Ideally, an electric car has a driving range of over 100 km, which is sufficient for daily driving. However, high-end electric vehicles offer a driving range of over 400 km.   Considering the maximum distance the vehicle can travel on a single charge will help you determine whether the car meets your requirements. To make your purchase stress-free, research the prices of the cars and know your budget. Consider applying for an electric vehicle loan to help you fulfil your dream of owning a car without denting your savings. Use a car loan EMI calculator to calculate your monthly instalment and formulate a financial plan, considering other liabilities.  The formula for calculating electric car loan EMI is as follows: EMI = [P x R x (1+R)^N]/[(1+R)^N-1] Here,  P = Principal sum of the car loan  R = Rate of interest charged by the lender  N = Tenure of the loan in months  As you can see, the calculation procedure is time-consuming and prone to errors. So, you can use an online car loan EMI calculator to get accurate results quickly.  The battery is the most important component of an electric car, and it’s quite expensive. Therefore, it is essential to check the battery life before purchasing an electric vehicle. Find out details about the battery range and other specifications.  Moreover, check how long the battery can last and how much it will take to replace it.  Remember that you won’t find an electric vehicle charging station as easily as you find a fuel station. This is because the electric vehicle charging infrastructure has yet to establish a strong footing in India. Fast chargers are quite expensive to install in the car, and your city might have very few charging stations for them. On the other hand, standard and slow-charging systems are more reasonably priced. So, before buying an electric car, check which charging system suits your vehicle and meets your budget. Electric vehicles are equipped with software, which must be updated regularly. While some manufacturers provide the software for free, others may charge a fee for it. Moreover, remember to ensure that your electric vehicle has the latest software upgrades/updates.  You must maintain your electric vehicle regularly, just as you would a conventional car. Otherwise, its performance will be affected. Electric cars have few moving parts, requiring less maintenance effort. Also, buying spare parts for an electric car will be more expensive than for conventional cars. So, consider the maintenance costs of an electric vehicle before investing in one.  Additional Important Things to Keep …

by Team SNFYI

Bharatsure, one of India’s leading Insurtech companies offering Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) solutions has raised INR 6 Crores from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) and other investors including Capital A and Atrium Angels. Bharatsure is pioneering transformation in India’s insurtech landscape, unlocking vast market potential while advancing health security and insurance penetration. As an Infra-as-a-Service (IaaS) Insurtech, Bharatsure empowers ecosystem partners with seamless group and embedded insurance distribution solutions. Bharatsure has doubled its revenues in FY25 breaking even at CM3 and is gradually progressing toward EBITDA profitability by the end of this year. With a clear growth trajectory, Bharatsure has set ambitious revenue milestones, targeting INR 100 Cr by FY28 and INR 1000 Cr by FY34, reflecting its bold vision and long-term scalability in the market. Anuj Parekh and Sanil Basutkar are the co-founders of Bharatsure. Anuj, a CA and IIM-Bangalore alumnus, brings deep expertise in finance and scaling ventures, while Sanil, a CA and an ISB alumnus, employs his fintech background to drive product innovation and distribution. Coinciding with the fundraise, Bharatsure announced a new partnership with Battery Smart, India’s largest battery-swapping network for electric two- and three-wheelers, to launch natural calamity insurance exclusively for its station partners. The initiative offers protection against events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, and storms alongside personal accident coverages to safeguard individual livelihoods.  Mitesh Shah, Co-founder, IPV says, “As India moves towards a greener and sustainable future with the widespread adoption of EVs, and the infrastructure that supports it, it is time that we adapt our insurance frameworks to suit the changing needs. Bharatsure’s futuristic mindset and farsight offers financial protection and peace of mind in the face of unexpected events. In a world that doesn’t always go according to plan, insurance doesn’t just offer protection, it also carries the burden of social responsibility.” Anuj Parekh, Co-Founder & CEO of Bharatsure, added: “These station partners play a frontline role in advancing sustainable mobility, and we’re proud to design coverage that genuinely addresses their needs. The funding allows us to further develop our infrastructure too ”  With over 1,500 stations and 70,000+ drivers across 50+ cities, Battery Smart’s station partners form the backbone of India’s growing EV infrastructure. This insurance plan ensures partners are equipped with financial protection to overcome unforeseen disruptions while continuing to power the country’s EV transition.  “Our station partners are at the heart of our operations,” said Ms. Sumi Jain, AVP – Network Strategy and Operations, Battery Smart. “This insurance partnership is not just about protecting assets, it’s about empowering the individuals who are driving India’s EV revolution. Together with Bharatsure, we are fortifying the backbone of our network.”  As EV adoption picks up pace in India particularly across two- and three-wheelers, battery swapping stations are emerging as a critical part of the ecosystem. To strengthen safety for its partners, this insurance initiative complements Battery Smart’s existing safety framework, which includes a 24×7 support helpline, in-app issue reporting, mandatory onboarding training and ongoing awareness campaigns.   About Battery Smart:  Battery Smart …