What began as a major success for India’s startup ecosystem has turned into a complex legal dispute less than a year after VideoVerse was acquired for $250 million.
The deal was announced in September 2025 by VideoVerse and international sports publisher Minute Media. VideoVerse had developed AI-powered software for turning sports broadcasts into short clips, with plans to expand the technology internationally.
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The deal has since unravelled. Investors are still waiting for proceeds, while founder Vinayak Shrivastav faces multiple legal claims. In May, Minute Media terminated its agreement with VideoVerse, citing “significant discrepancies” in the company’s representations.
Investors Seek Millions
Bluestone Capital, which backed VideoVerse in 2023, is suing the company for fraud and alleges that it failed to distribute acquisition proceeds as required.
Another creditor is seeking $64 million from a loan Shrivastav took out shortly after the acquisition. The complaint alleges that fraudulent merger documents were used to secure shareholder approval.
Former COO Sabya Das has separately accused Shrivastav of forging his signature on loan and share-repurchase agreements that allegedly resulted in tens of millions of dollars being extracted from the company.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Shrivastav did not respond to requests for comment.
Loan Raises Further Questions
In October 2025, Shrivastav arranged a $55 million structured loan from investment firm Lingotto. According to court filings, $53 million was transferred to an account controlled by VideoVerse.
Lingotto now alleges that documents supporting the loan were forged, including papers supposedly signed by Minute Media’s CEO, while screenshots showing company bank balances were also allegedly fabricated.
After a $4 million payment due in March was missed, Lingotto demanded repayment and discovered other creditors were also awaiting payments. Shrivastav was removed as CEO by the end of April.
From AI Startup To Legal Dispute
VideoVerse had built a strong position in automated sports content through its Magnifi platform, which uses AI to identify key moments and players and create short-form clips. Its customers included the Indian Premier League, FIFA+ and Nippon TV.
Minute Media had hoped to use the technology to expand internationally. Instead, the acquisition has triggered multiple legal battles over missing funds, disputed agreements and the conduct of the company’s leadership.
Cases involving Minute Media, Lingotto, Bluestone Capital and former executives are now being heard in Delaware Chancery Court, leaving investors and creditors seeking answers about what happened to the money and whether the $250 million deal received adequate due diligence.
