CircleChess
Overview
CircleChess is an innovative education technology company focused on revolutionizing chess learning and tournament management through AI and advanced technology. Founded in May 2023, and headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the company was established by Kumar Gaurav and Swati Agrawal. The startup aims to bridge the technological gap in chess education by integrating AI-driven personalized learning and tournament management solutions.
Recent Developments
- March 26, 2025: CircleChess received recognition by winning the Elevate 2024 Startup Program under the Education and Ed-Tech category, marking a significant milestone. With this recognition, the company received undisclosed grant support, mentorship, and access to a network of industry experts and venture capital partners.
- February 20, 2025: The third edition of the CircleChess Bullet Bash tournament, an online chess event with a prize pool of ₹1,10,000, was announced. The tournament, hosted on the Lichess platform, highlighted an exciting format that tested the skills of both titled and untitled chess players.
- July 31, 2024: CircleChess announced the assembly of an elite team of global chess coaches to enhance its AI chess coach project aimed at redefining the chess learning journey.
- June 1, 2024: The inaugural CircleChess Bangalore Rapid Rating Open tournament took place with significant success, symbolizing CircleChess's entry into organizing rated chess tournaments.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | May 9, 2023 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Founders | Kumar Gaurav, Swati Agrawal |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Unfunded as of current data |
| Industry | Education Technology, Chess |
| Number of Employees | 34 |
Early History
CircleChess was founded in January 2024 with the aim to transform the chess education landscape using technology. The founders, Kumar Gaurav and Swati Agrawal, motivated by their experiences as parents of chess enthusiasts, recognized a significant technological gap in chess compared to other sports. They developed initial features to address fragmented touchpoints like tournament registrations and pairing updates. These efforts culminated in CircleChess's official launch in 2023, focusing on integrating cutting-edge AI technology into chess learning and tournament management.
Company Profile and Achievements
CircleChess operates as a tech-enabled chess education platform, integrating AI to offer personalized chess instruction. It combines traditional chess teaching with modern technology to offer tailored learning paths and mentorship. The platform is associated with renowned chess personalities, such as Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna bringing credibility and expert insights to the learning process.
- Milestones:
- Founded in 2023 and quickly recognized in the Indian ed-tech scene.
- Selected as a winner by the Karnataka Government's Elevate 2024 Startup Program.
- Organized the successful CircleChess Bullet Bash with significant national participation.
- Key Achievements:
- Built partnerships with well-known chess entities and educators.
- Introduced an AI-driven chess learning experience that personalizes training.
Current Operations and Market Position
CircleChess continues to leverage technology within the chess education sector, aiming to provide a seamless experience for coaches, players, and organizers. It operates India's largest offline chess tournament aggregator and fosters a community of over 70,000 users.
- Market Position: CircleChess has not raised external funds yet but holds a strong position in the niche educational and chess technology sectors, primarily focusing on innovation, technology integration, and personalized learning strategies.
- Strategic Initiatives: The company aims to expand its offerings through continuous platform improvements and partnerships with prestigious chess professionals.
Conclusion
As of June 2025, CircleChess stands out in the niche of chess-focused education technology in India. Its innovative application of AI and collaborations with chess champions like Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna has set a new paradigm in how chess education is approached and implemented worldwide. Looking forward, CircleChess aims to further enhance its technological offerings and broaden its market reach, continuing to impact the chess community positively and influence the conventional chess learning experiences profoundly.