Exclusive: Cautio to acquire Nikhil Kamath WTFund-backed Bytes

Bengaluru-based visual telematics startup Cautio is set to acquire Bytes, an AI-powered two-wheeler safety technology startup backed by Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund, two sources aware of the development told Entrackr.

According to sources, the transaction will be a 100 percent acquisition, with Cautio buying out Bytes entirely. “The terms of the deal have been sealed and, if nothing changes at the last moment, the transaction could be completed in the next two to three weeks,” said one of the sources, requesting anonymity as details are yet to be public.

Founded to build AI-based Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for two-wheelers, Bytes has been working on improving rider safety through real-time alerts and computer-vision-led solutions. The startup gained early visibility after receiving non-dilutive funding support from Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund, which backs early-stage founders.

For Cautio, which primarily operates in the four-wheeler segment with its AI-driven dashcam and visual telematics platform, the acquisition is expected to be strategically significant. “By integrating Bytes’ two-wheeler-focused technology, Cautio aims to cover the entire on-road safety category across vehicle types, " said the source mentioned above.

Queries sent to Cautio and Bytes remained unanswered till the publication of the story. We will carry their comments if and when they respond.

As per sources, the deal would allow Cautio to expand its addressable market and deepen its offerings for partners across mobility, logistics, and insurance, among others. 

The company is present across nearly 50 cities and has built partnerships with a mix of traditional logistics players and new-age mobility startups. Its clients include established operators such as Steel House and Rinku Logistics, as well as startups like ZingBus, RedBus, Shoffr, Namma Yatri, and Cityflo, among others. 

Cautio had raised $3 million in its seed round led by Amal Parikh, with participation from 8i Ventures, AU Small Finance Bank, Venture Catalysts, Vibha Chetan (Cheravi Ventures), Raveen Sastry (Multiply Ventures), Vivekananda Hallekere (Bounce), and Nishchay AG (JAR).