Zocalo launches co-living platform CoHo
Brokerage free living space listing startup Zocalo has launched a co-living platform CoHo reports Vccircle. The platform is focused on young working professionals who move to different cities for jobs. Currently, it is operational only in Delhi NCR where the rent ranges from Rs 13,000 to Rs 25,000 per month depending upon the type of living facilities chosen. All the users are verified prior to moving into the living spaces.
CoHo offers two kinds of living spaces: CoHo Villas and CoHo flats. While villas have a residency of 20-25 people, flats have 3-5 residents. Zocalo is responsible for converting the villas and flats into fully furnished living spaces. The startup is in talks with home service providers for providing services such as housekeeping, WiFi, repairs and maintenance. For third-party tie-ups Zocalo is launching CoHo partners where its responsibility would be to manage and market the brand.
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HelpChat App gets 1M downloads
Personal assistant app HelpChat claims that it has completed 1 million downloads, reports Vccircle. HelpChat provides mobile and DTH recharge services, gadget tech support, travel ticket booking, holiday package guidance, coupons, deals, product search, stylist support, at home beauty services, movie tickets, gift orders and suggestions, on demand laundry, ordering from local grocery shops, home services and direct chat with businesses through the app.
Other developments: Founded in May 2015 by Ankur Singla, the company recently laid off 100 employees. In August, HelpChat had appointed Deena Jacob as its Chief Financial Officer. The company claims to have grown 30 times in the last six months. In September, Helpchat acquired the Mumbai-based startup Niffler for an undisclosed amount, to expand its services to Mumbai and Pune. Akosha, the Delhi-based online customer feedback platform rebranded to Helpchat in July.
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UrbanPro launches Q&A feature
Online services provider UrbanPro has launched a Q&A feature that lets users inquire about the skill set and education of the experts listed on the platform, reports Vccircle. UrbanPro offers the services of tutors and training institutes for students across middle school, high school, graduation and post graduation, as well as tutors for competitive exam preparations and IT classes as well as services across categories like health & fitness, events, interior designers and photographers.
In May 2015, UrbanPro raised $2 million from Nirvana Venture Advisors. The company said it would expand its categories. It also claimed to deploy the funds to improve the platform, hiring and increase visibility in the mobile space. In April, e-learning marketplace ThinkVidya.com rebranded to UrbanPro.com, and pivoted to become a services marketplace.
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HeyBiz ties up with Zo Rooms
B2C chat-based application platform HeyBiz has tied up with Zo Rooms for providing stay option to its users. The company claims that with this move it would be able to provide its users with discounts and deals at Zo Rooms. HeyBiz claims to have more than more than a lakh users, generating 3,000-4,000 queries everyday while growing at a rate of 35% per month.
In August, Zo Rooms raised $30 million from existing investors Tiger Global Management and Orios Venture Partners. In July, the company raised an undisclosed amount from the same investors, an amount pegged at $5 million.
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CISF launches an app for its troops
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched an Android app called m-Power for its troops to allow them to check pay related queries and launch complaints, reports TOI. The app is an extension of the CISF’s technology facility and provides location details, contact info or all force units, employee pay, complaint portal, status monitoring and info on service related details. The CISF technology wing developed the mobile app and the force is expanding its IT footprint. The CISF has ~ 147,000 personnel across 59 civil airports, Delhi Metro and historical monuments.
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With inputs from Sneha Johari
