In a landmark achievement for Indian chess and the startup
ecosystem, CircleChess has been selected as a winner of the
prestigious Elevate 2024 Startup Program under the Education and Ed-Tech
category. This marks the first time a chess-focused company in India has
received government-backed recognition and funding, firmly positioning CircleChess as
a national trailblazer in tech-enabled sports education.
Elevate 2024, Karnataka’s flagship initiative, aims to identify and
support the state’s most innovative startups by providing resources,
mentorship, and financial backing. This program aligns seamlessly with
CircleChess’s mission of driving meaningful change through technology and
fostering socio-economic impact. With over 1,000 startups vying for top honors
this year, CircleChess’s selection is not only a validation of its unique
mission - but also a proud moment for the Indian Chess community.
“This is a historic milestone - not just for CircleChess, but for chess
in India. We’re incredibly honored to be the first Chess startup recognized by
the Government of Karnataka, and this fuels our mission to make chess learning
accessible, impactful, and future-ready”, said Kumar Gaurav and Swati Agrawal
(Founders of CircleChess)
The startup received grant support (amount undisclosed), along with
incubation, mentorship, startup resources, and access to a vast network of
industry experts and venture capital partners.
A Competitive,
Expert-Driven Selection Process
The Elevate 2024 program followed a rigorous multi-stage process - from
eligibility screening and pitch deck reviews to multi-city presentations.
Finalists pitched before a grand jury featuring leaders from NASSCOM, TiE,
IESA, and ABAI. CircleChess was selected among 1,000+ startups, standing out
for its innovation and impact.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Karnataka,
Startup Karnataka, and K-tech for this incredible opportunity. Their belief in
our mission strengthens our resolve to push boundaries and elevate the chess
experience for learners and players worldwide. This achievement is also a
testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and the trust placed in us
by the vibrant chess community.” - Kumar Gaurav and Swati Agrawal (Founders of
CircleChess)
Revolutionizing Chess
Education
CircleChess blends cutting-edge technology, coach-led programs, and
community engagement to create a world-class chess learning experience. The
platform has been widely applauded for transforming how chess is taught and
experienced - especially in the way it seamlessly integrates technology with
traditional chess education. By leveraging AI, data-driven learning paths, and
personalized mentorship, CircleChess is redefining how players learn, grow, and
connect through Chess.
In a remarkably short period, CircleChess has achieved what few have -
redefining chess education at scale and earning national recognition through
government-backed innovation.
Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna- The guiding force behind
many of the country’s top talents, including World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju -
serves as the Chief Chess Officer at CircleChess, shaping its
strategic chess vision. The platform is also proudly endorsed by World
Champion Gukesh, whose association adds immense credibility and
inspiration to CircleChess’s mission of transforming global chess
education.
Today, CircleChess is not only redefining online chess learning but
also stands as India’s largest offline chess tournament aggregator, bringing
together events, players, and organizers across the country. With a rapidly
growing community of over 70,000 users, CircleChess is building one of the most
vibrant and inclusive chess ecosystems in the world.
With this historic recognition, CircleChess stands at the forefront of
a new era in chess education, where innovation, accessibility, and excellence
converge. As the first chess startup in India to be backed by the Government of
Karnataka, CircleChess is not only breaking new ground but also paving the way
for future generations to experience chess in powerful, transformative ways.
This is just the beginning.
For more information,
visit, https://circlechess.com/