Hyderabad-based microdrama OTT platform Chai Shots is in the process of raising $5 Mn in its maiden funding round, with General Catalyst and Info Edge reportedly in advanced talks to lead the round, alongside participation from a few angel investors.
Chai Shots offers short-video streaming with episodes under two minutes, catering to audiences in multiple Indian languages. The platform is an offshoot of the team behind Chai Bisket, a well-known digital media and storytelling brand. Over the past nine years, the Chai Bisket team has developed a diverse content ecosystem, spanning reels, podcasts, films, and regional stories through various initiatives including First Show, Mutiny Talent, Studio Panchatantra, and now Chai Shots.
Currently still under development, Chai Shots is expected to launch soon, with the official launch and funding announcement anticipated in the coming weeks.
Interest in the short-form video space is heating up, with several startups expected to close funding rounds shortly. Chai Shots will enter a competitive market alongside players like Flick TV — which recently raised $2.3 Mn in seed funding led by Stellaris Venture Partners — as well as Kuku FM’s Kuku TV, ShareChat’s QuickTV, Reel Saga, and Reelies.
General Catalyst, which merged with India-focused venture firm Venture Highway last year to boost early-stage investments, has been actively backing startups in sectors like healthcare, AI, and senior living. Its potential investment in Chai Shots marks another strategic bet on India’s growing digital content ecosystem.
