Introduction
Bhavish Aggarwal, the dynamic founder of Ola Electric, is once again in the headlines — this time for a bold financial maneuver and a major AI investment. Despite recent challenges in the electric vehicle market, Aggarwal has pledged a portion of his shares to fuel his artificial intelligence ambitions through Krutrim AI.
Why Ola Shares Were Pledged
In May 2025, Ola Electric’s stock saw a major dip, trading 35% below its IPO price. To support his personal investment in the Krutrim AI data center startup, Aggarwal pledged around 8% of his Ola Electric holdings. He also topped up ₹20 crore in collateral as part of this funding round. This move was viewed with mixed reactions by investors and analysts.
Krutrim AI: The Next Big Thing?
Krutrim AI, a generative AI company co-founded by Aggarwal, raised ₹250 crore recently and is positioning itself as India’s answer to OpenAI. According to Bloomberg, this venture is one of Aggarwal’s biggest personal bets and signals a diversification beyond mobility.
Hyundai and Kia Pull Back from Ola
In parallel, Reuters reported that Hyundai and Kia have exited or reduced their stake in Ola Electric in a recent $80 million share sale. While this may look like a red flag, industry analysts see it as a natural portfolio readjustment amid changing EV economics in India.
Investor Sentiment & Market Outlook
While some investors express concern over Aggarwal’s growing personal and financial entanglements with Ola Electric, others see it as a bold founder doubling down. With plans for mass-market EVs, rapid factory expansion, and now a leap into AI — Aggarwal is betting big on innovation.
Conclusion
Bhavish Aggarwal’s recent moves reflect an aggressive and visionary strategy. While Ola Electric faces headwinds, the founder’s investment in AI could open a new era of tech leadership in India. Time will tell whether these decisions pay off — but for now, Aggarwal is all-in.
