Cautio, a startup specializing in visual telematics, announced today that it has raised INR 6.5 crore in pre-seed funding. The round was co-led by Antler, 8i Ventures, and AU Small Finance Bank, with additional support from early customers and notable angel investors.
Founded by Ankit Acharya, a former senior executive at Namma Yatri, Bounce, and Bounce Infinity, and Pranjal Nadhani, a former senior engineer at Virtualness, Dream11, and Urban Company, Cautio focuses on enhancing safety in India’s mobility and transportation sectors. The company provides affordable video telematics solutions, including customizable dash cams and an AI-powered operating system, aimed at improving driver behavior, minimizing revenue loss, and ensuring accountability through an API-first approach.
Ankit Acharya, Co-founder and CEO of Cautio, noted the evolution of telematics in India from GPS and Bluetooth to embedded connectivity, highlighting the need for real-time responsiveness due to high accident rates. India recorded 1,68,491 road fatalities in 2022, with overspeeding causing 70% of these deaths. Acharya emphasized the importance of video telematics and dash cams, particularly for the commercial vehicle sector, in enhancing road safety.
Pranjal Nadhani, Co-founder and CTO of Cautio, expressed gratitude for the support from Antler, 8i, and AU, which will help the company expand its advanced safety solutions across India.
Cautio’s clients include prestigious institutions and companies in the mobility and logistics sectors, and the startup is involved in several pilot projects nationwide.
Nitin Sharma, Partner at Antler, praised the founders for their innovative approach to road safety, highlighting their customer focus and adaptability. He noted that Cautio’s model transforms telematics data into actionable insights, improving driver behavior and paving the way for autonomous vehicles.
Vishwanath V, General Partner at 8i Ventures, commended the founders’ clear vision and emphasized that Cautio’s solution addresses a critical issue for vehicle owners and drivers, potentially leading to widespread adoption of video telematics.
Ranjan Agarawal, EVP and National Business Manager at AU Small Finance Bank, expressed excitement about supporting Cautio, emphasizing the bank’s belief in technology’s role in enhancing safety and efficiency. He noted that Cautio’s impressive client list and pilot projects are just the beginning of its potential.
As India moves towards active surveillance in mass transportation, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka endorsing in-vehicle monitoring, the adoption of dash cams in Bengaluru is increasing, driven by law enforcement recommendations.
Cautio’s commitment to safety has garnered significant interest from cab, auto, and fleet owners and drivers, underscoring the need for proactive safety measures in transportation.