HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has announced a strategic investment in CoRover, the innovative startup behind BharatGPT, in August 2025. This marks HDFC’s first foray into the world of generative AI, putting the spotlight on cutting-edge Indian technology at a time when the startup ecosystem is abuzz with excitement over homegrown AI solutions. CoRover, led by Founder and CEO Ankush Sabharwal, is known for developing BharatGPT—a sovereign, enterprise-grade Large Language Model designed entirely in India to address the country’s diverse linguistic landscape.
CoRover’s technology stands out for enabling seamless information exchange in multiple Indian languages, catering to both enterprises and over a billion end-users globally. Their portfolio includes AI assistants like VideoBot, VoiceBot, ChatBot, and Telephony AI solutions, all powered by the versatile and domain-adaptable BharatGPT platform. With more than 25,000 enterprises leveraging CoRover’s AI products, the startup has demonstrated real impact across sectors such as banking, insurance, transport, and public services.
During the announcement, HDFC Bank’s Group Head of Treasury, Arup Rakshit, highlighted the strategic value of supporting a technology that brings inclusiveness and adaptability for vernacular users—a crucial factor in a diverse country like India. Rakshit noted that BharatGPT’s capacity to facilitate information flow in regional languages set CoRover apart from the crowd, aligning with HDFC Bank’s vision to enhance customer experiences and digitize operations across India’s heartland.
Ankush Sabharwal, CEO of CoRover, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “We are honoured to have the trust and support of HDFC Bank, along with other investors, as we expand the reach and impact of BharatGPT. This partnership signals a shared commitment to building AI that is sovereign, secure, inclusive, and capable of scaling across India’s most critical sectors.” The alliance is expected to accelerate BharatGPT’s deployment not only in fintech but also in rural and infrastructure-limited regions with innovations like BharatGPT Mini, capable of running AI on low-end devices without reliable internet access.
The financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, but the partnership arrives on the heels of CoRover’s successful $4 million Series A round in September 2024. Today, CoRover finds itself trusted by leading enterprises and backed by marquee investors as well as the IndiaAI Mission. With HDFC Bank’s support, CoRover is well-poised to scale its AI-driven transformation, pioneering a future where language is no longer a barrier for India’s digital progress.
