Overview
Chai Bisket is a Hyderabad-based digital content company focused on creating regional media content, especially in Telugu. It was co-founded by Sharath Chandra and Anurag Reddy in 2015. The company has raised $5 million in seed funding led by InfoEdge Ventures and General Catalyst to launch a new OTT platform, Chai Shots, which is set to offer short-form, fictional microdramas. The development represents a significant step forward in Chai Bisket's mission to amplify regional storytelling through innovative digital platforms.
Recent Developments
- July 2025: Chai Bisket raised $5 million from InfoEdge Ventures and General Catalyst to launch Chai Shots, a mobile-first OTT platform for microdramas. This funding round also included angel investors such as actor Rana Daggubati and Swiggy co-founders.
- Launch of Chai Shots: The platform is designed to deliver two-minute microdrama episodes, initially in Telugu, with plans to expand to other regional languages such as Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.
- Investor Support and Strategic Vision: The platform aims to release over 100 original shows in the first six months. Kitty Agarwal from InfoEdge Ventures expressed optimism about the format’s potential in regional markets, noting a high demand and willingness to pay for original content.
- Market Positioning: Chai Shots distinguishes itself by blending the emotional storytelling power of traditional media with the compact, engaging format of modern social media content.
Company Information
Attribute | Information |
---|
Founding Date | 2015 |
Headquarters | Hyderabad, India |
Founders | Sharath Chandra, Anurag Reddy |
Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
Key Investors | InfoEdge Ventures, General Catalyst, Rana Daggubati |
Industry | Digital Media and Entertainment |
Number of Employees | Approximately 100 |
Early History
Chai Bisket was founded in 2015 by Sharath Chandra and Anurag Reddy as a digital content platform aimed at celebrating and amplifying Telugu culture through creative storytelling. The company quickly became a significant player in the Telugu digital media landscape, leveraging platforms like YouTube to distribute content that resonated with audiences. Chai Bisket's focus on culturally relevant and emotionally engaging content helped them build a strong viewer base, leading to over 2 billion content views and 50 million monthly video views.
Company Profile and Achievements
Chai Bisket's business model revolves around creating and distributing engaging digital content that highlights regional Telugu culture.
- Content Production: The company produces short films, web series, and other digital content, often characterized by its unique narrative style and regional flair.
- Major Projects: They have produced several successful web series and short films, like "30 Weds 21." They also co-produced the theatrical film "Major."
- Expansion into Films: In recent years, Chai Bisket expanded into film production with the creation of Chai Bisket Films.
- Launch of Chai Shots: The launch of Chai Shots marks a new chapter, focusing on microdramas that cater to modern digital consumption habits, particularly among Gen Z and audiences in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Current Operations and Market Position
Chai Bisket currently operates as a leading digital content creator within the Telugu-speaking regions and is recognized for its innovative storytelling approaches.
- Market Share: It has a significant presence in the regional digital content market, leveraging a vast audience base across various digital platforms.
- Competitive Advantage: Its primary advantage lies in its deep understanding of regional content preferences, allowing it to produce highly relatable and engaging content.
- Strategic Initiatives: Chai Shots is a strategic move to capture the growing market for short-form video content, particularly appealing to younger audiences who prefer mobile-first entertainment solutions.
Conclusion
Chai Bisket stands as a testament to the power of regional digital media in India. With a robust foundation in storytelling and a strategic move into the burgeoning microdrama space, it continues to shape the digital content landscape. The launch of Chai Shots reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and its potential to redefine entertainment for regional audiences. As it expands its content offerings across various platforms, Chai Bisket is well-positioned to captivate and grow its audience in the competitive digital entertainment industry.
References
- VCCircle Article on Funding
- Economic Times: Chai Bisket Raises $5 Million
- MoneyControl: Chai Bisket Secures Seed Funding
- CXO Digital Pulse News
- Inc42 Article on Seed Funding
- Chai Bisket Official Site
- Crunchbase Profile
- RocketReach Information