Indian social media platform Koo is set to shut down following the breakdown of buyout negotiations. Initially launched as a local alternative to Twitter, Koo gained traction by allowing users to communicate in regional languages. Despite its early success and growing user base, financial difficulties led the company to seek an acquisition. However, the talks did not result in a deal, forcing Koo to halt its operations.The closure of Koo represents a blow to India’s ambitions of fostering homegrown tech solutions. Millions of users will be affected, raising concerns about the viability of domestic social media startups against global giants. Co-founders Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka expressed regret over the shutdown and thanked their users for their support, hinting at future ventures. The Indian tech sector is now contemplating the hurdles and potential for local digital platforms in an intensely competitive landscape.