Ramee Group enters wildlife tourism with Ramee Vanam Resort in Sasan Gir

By

-

March 31, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has signed an agreement for Ramee Vanam Resort in Sasan Gir, Gujarat, signaling its bold entry into India’s wildlife and experiential travel destinations.

Strategically positioned to tap into surging demand for nature-centric getaways, the resort sits near Gir National Park—famous for its majestic Asiatic lions—and draws a steady stream of domestic and international visitors.

Moreover, the property will deliver accommodations that harmoniously blend with the natural surroundings, complemented by dining options showcasing authentic regional cuisine. Additionally, guests will enjoy seamless access to thrilling jungle safaris, nature walks, cultural programs, and other curated outdoor adventures.

Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President – India, Ramee Group of Hotels, said, “Sasan Gir is gaining prominence as a preferred destination for experiential travel, the resort presents an opportunity to offer a distinctive stay rooted in nature. He highlighted that the property will feature thoughtfully designed rooms that seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape. Guests can look forward to locally inspired dining with authentic Gujarati flavours, immersive cultural evenings featuring Dhamaal and Siddi tribal performances, and curated outdoor experiences including nature walks, bonfire gatherings, and guided safaris through Gir National Park, creating a well-rounded and memorable stay.”

Furthermore, the resort will feature dedicated spaces for social gatherings and corporate offsites, emerging as a fresh alternative for events beyond crowded urban hubs.

This signing perfectly aligns with Ramee Group’s expansion strategy into high-growth, experience-rich locales, bolstering its leisure portfolio across India.

Ramee Vanam Resort promises to redefine luxury wildlife stays in Sasan Gir, captivating adventure seekers and nature lovers while fueling the group’s nationwide growth in experiential hospitality.

Coforge gets RBI nod for $1B+ overseas investment in Encora acquisition

By

BRL Editor

-

March 31, 2026

0

Coforge Ltd. has secured Reserve Bank of India approval for overseas direct investment surpassing $1 billion, paving the way for its proposed acquisition of Encora, as disclosed in a stock exchange filing.

Moreover, this nod under the Foreign Exchange Management (Overseas Investment) Rules removes a major regulatory barrier for the deal involving Encora US Holdco Inc. and Encora Holdings Ltd.

Building on its prior announcement, Coforge entered a share subscription and share purchase agreement with the target entities, Encora Holdco Ltd. and AI Altius Parent (Cayman) Ltd.

Previously, the company obtained several clearances, including U.S. approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act; shareholder nod through postal ballot for preferential allotment and debt funding; and competition approvals in places like Australia.

Now, with RBI approval secured, “the remaining approvals are in advanced stages,” Coforge stated in its filing.

Thus, this milestone accelerates Coforge’s global expansion through the Encora acquisition, thereby strengthening its position in the tech services landscape amid rising M&A activity.

Proho raises $1M pre-Seed to slash resale friction with AI-powered guaranteed sales

By

BRL Editor

-

March 31, 2026

0

Proho raises $1M pre-Seed to slash resale friction with AI-powered guaranteed sales — Saurav Suman, Alaukik Kumar, and Shalin Gandhi, co-founders, Proho

AI Powered guaranteed home resale platform Proho secured $1 million in a pre-seed funding round, backed by Bharath Vivek Chandhok and other investors. The company will channel these funds into bolstering its valuation and pricing intelligence, scaling distribution networks, and rolling out its resale model to more micro-markets.

The company revolutionizes residential resale transactions in India, where deals often drag on for months due to uncertainties plaguing sellers and buyers alike. Sellers grapple with unclear market-supported prices and prolonged selling timelines, while buyers worry about property verification, trustworthy data, and secure closings.

Proho tackles these pain points head-on with AI-driven, unit-level valuation models that scrutinize historical transactions, real-time market signals, and buyer engagement data to decode pricing dynamics in every micro-market.

Moreover, Proho pairs this sharp intelligence with a robust distribution system, ensuring homes undergo proper refurbishment and connect seamlessly with qualified buyers. The platform thus operates as a guaranteed sell service that commits to completing transactions once it prepares properties for the market and positions them optimally.

This powerful combination of pricing smarts and disciplined execution slashes sale cycles and eases inventory bottlenecks in resale deals. Consequently, Proho delivers some of the quickest home sale turnarounds in key Noida micro-markets, all while upholding strong unit economics and fueling steady expansion.

Founders Saurav Suman, Alaukik Kumar, and Shalin Gandhi blend entrepreneurial grit, product prowess, and tech expertise. Saurav Suman, an IIT Bombay alum and repeat founder, co-created Pocket52—India’s pioneering online poker network—before its acquisition by Gameskraft; his real estate investing adventures spotlighted resale flaws, sparking Proho. Fellow IIT Bombay graduate Alaukik Kumar excels in product innovation at firms like Bewakoof, Pocket52, and PDI (US). Shalin Gandhi, a tech veteran with over a decade building startups, spans B2C and B2B at Pocket52, Gameskraft, and Yubi (Spocto).

“Uncertainty is the biggest friction in resale,” said Saurav Suman, CEO and Co-founder of Proho. “In a market exceeding $60 Billion annually, our focus is to bring clarity and predictability to home transactions so both sellers and buyers can make decisions with confidence.”

Proho’s AI-powered guarantees and rapid execution herald a new era for India’s $60B resale market, empowering faster, frictionless home sales and setting the stage for nationwide dominance in real estate innovation.

Lords Hotels & Resorts Ends 2025 on a High Note with Strong Financial Performance and Growth Momentum

By

BRL Editor

-

March 31, 2026

0

Lords Hotels & Resorts Ends 2025 on a High Note with Strong Financial Performance and Growth Momentum — Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts

During FY 2025–26, the hotel industry was shaped by strong domestic tourism growth in India, which led to recovery in occupancy and RevPAR. The GST rate revision brought in uniformity & simplicity that enhanced affordability & occupancy, particularly for mid-scale hotels. However, the geopolitical tensions such as Operation Sindoor and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East raised energy costs. Tariff increases and U.S. trade disputes affected inbound travel patterns. Extreme weather events continued to disrupt business at several key destinations.

Despite the above challenges, evolving guest expectations, and increased competition, Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced a stellar year-end performance for 2025 and reported double-digit revenue growth across its portfolio, driven by strong occupancy rates and enhanced average room revenues, underscoring its resilience, strategic expansion, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In 2025, Lords Hotels & Resorts expanded its footprint with 18 new properties across emerging markets, including Bettiah, Bhopal, Chintpurni, Gir, Goa, Joshimath, Katra, Kota, Mandi, Nanded, Purulia, Rajkot, Sagara, Salangpur, Sanand, Shivamogga, Udaipur, and Chitwan (Nepal), bringing the brand closer to its long-term vision of 100 operational hotels by 2030. This expansion not only strengthens market presence but also reflects the brand’s commitment to accessible, quality hospitality for business and leisure travellers alike.

Financial and Operational Highlights

* Revenue Growth: Sustained double-digit increase in top-line performance, driven by higher RevPAR and strong F&B contributions.

* Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes and technology adoption enhanced profitability while maintaining service excellence.

* Guest Experience: Innovative service protocols and curated experiences elevated satisfaction scores across properties.

* Sustainability: Eco-conscious initiatives, including energy-efficient operations and waste reduction programs, reinforced the brand’s pledge to responsible hospitality.

Mr. Pushpendra Bansal- COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts, commented, “2025 has been a landmark year for Lords Hotels & Resorts. Our strong financial performance reflects not only the resilience of the hospitality sector but also the trust our guests and partners place in us. With continued expansion, sustainability-driven initiatives, and a focus on authentic guest experiences, we are confident of sustaining this growth momentum into 2026 and beyond.”

Looking Ahead

With a robust pipeline of new openings, enhanced digital integration, and a sharpened focus on sustainability, Lords Hotels & Resorts is poised to further consolidate its position as a leading hospitality brand in India and emerging international markets.

About Lords Hotels & Resorts

Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s fastest-growing mid-market hospitality chains, having a presence across business, leisure, pilgrimage, and wedding segments, operating 3000 rooms in 70 hotels, 57 destinations across India and Nepal. The company is known for its True Value Hospitality, comfortable stays, warm and personalized service, and delivering consistent experiences across its growing portfolio.

Fanon secures $1M pre-Seed in funding to revolutionize fan storytelling

By

BRL Editor

-

March 31, 2026

0

Fanon secures $1M pre-Seed in funding to revolutionize fan storytelling — Jatin Nayak, Arvindmani Satyanarayan, and Nesar Rao, co-founders, Fanon

Bengaluru-based social community platform Fan, moreover, Fanon, successfully raised $1 million in a pre-seed funding round co-led by Kalaari Capital and Gruhas Venture Capital. Founders Jatin Nayak, Arvindmani Satyanarayan, and Nesar Rao launched the company in February 2024.

Fanon empowers fans to craft and dive into alternate versions of their favorite stories, all within a single vibrant platform. For instance, if you’ve binge-watched a show and pondered what might happen if two characters sparked a romance or the plot twisted in an unexpected direction, creators on Fanon build those imaginative scenarios as episodes, videos, or comics. Meanwhile, other fans follow, interact, and even contribute to these dynamic universes.

Currently, the platform thrives on web, Android, and iOS devices, boasting around 125,000 users and approximately 20,000 monthly active users. Its primary audience consists mainly of Gen Z, with a strong tilt toward women. “Most of our users today are Gen Z, and a large share of them are women,” Nayak said.

With this new funding, Fanon plans to expand its user base beyond a million, enhance product development—especially its recommendation engine—and develop robust monetization tools for creators, Nayak added. Furthermore, Nayak highlighted that fandom content already drives significant online engagement, yet it remains scattered across various platforms.

Fanon’s innovative approach to fan-driven storytelling positions it as a game-changer in social media, poised for explosive growth and deeper community connections in the digital entertainment space.

ASPHL signs Zone Connect by The Park Dehradun with Hilton Infratech

By

BRL Editor

-

March 30, 2026

0

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) has announced the signing of a hotel management agreement for the development of Zone Connect by The Park Dehradun in partnership with Hilton Infratech Private Limited. This move further strengthens the brand’s expansion strategy in high-growth regional markets.

The upcoming hotel will cater to both leisure and business travellers, offering a well-rounded hospitality experience. Additionally, the property will feature a conference room for meetings, along with flexible indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces. These facilities will support a wide range of events, including social gatherings, weddings, and corporate functions.

Sharing his views on the development, Vikas Ahluwalia, AVP & National Head, Zone by The Park Hotels, said, “We are delighted to expand our footprint with the signing of Zone Connect by The Park, Dehradun. As our third hotel in the state, this reinforces our growing presence in Uttarakhand and underlines our focus on tapping high-potential emerging destinations while delivering vibrant and engaging hospitality experiences. Zone Connect by The Park is the quintessential metropolitan hotel, albeit more tasteful and affable to the wallet, offering contemporary spaces that foster connections, collaboration, and a sense of community.”

Meanwhile, Sudhir Kumar, Director at Hilton Infratech Private Limited, highlighted the significance of the partnership. He stated, “We are pleased to collaborate with Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited, known for its distinctive hospitality. This partnership allows us to leverage their expertise and brand strength to create a compelling offering for modern travellers in Dehradun.”

Located in Dehradun, a rapidly growing destination for both tourism and business travel, the project aligns with ASPHL’s strategy to expand in emerging markets. Furthermore, the collaboration will enhance the city’s hospitality ecosystem by introducing a contemporary, experience-driven hotel offering.

As demand for quality accommodation rises in emerging destinations like Dehradun, this development will cater to evolving traveller preferences and contribute to the region’s hospitality growth.

A.S Hotels signs Wyndham Garden Khajuraho Airport Road, opening set for 2027

By

BRL Editor

-

March 30, 2026

0

A.S Hotels, led by Ashok Gautam, has announced the signing of Wyndham Garden Khajuraho Airport Road, a 92-key hotel being developed in collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The property will open in the third quarter of 2027, thereby strengthening the region’s branded hospitality infrastructure.

Strategically located near the airport, the upcoming hotel will feature 92 well-appointed guest rooms. In addition, it will include an all-day dining restaurant, meeting and event spaces, a fitness centre, and a swimming pool. Furthermore, the property aims to serve both leisure and business travellers by combining modern amenities with the established service standards of the Wyndham Garden brand.

Sharing his perspective, Ashok Gautam, Promoter, A.S Hotels, said, “We are proud to partner with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to introduce Wyndham Garden to Khajuraho. With its proximity to the airport and world-renowned monuments, we see strong potential for high-quality, branded accommodation in this market. This development reflects our commitment to bringing internationally recognised hospitality standards to key cultural destinations in India.”

Meanwhile, Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director – Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the destination’s appeal. He stated, “Khajuraho is one of India’s most distinctive and culturally rich destinations, with strong appeal for both domestic and international travellers. As connectivity continues to improve, we are seeing growing demand for trusted, high-quality accommodation in locations like this. Through our partnership with A.S Hotels, Wyndham Garden Khajuraho Airport Road will offer guests a comfortable, reliable base from which to experience the destination, while supporting the continued evolution of India’s heritage tourism markets.”

Notably, Khajuraho, known for its UNESCO-listed temples and cultural heritage, continues to attract both domestic and international tourists. Therefore, the addition of a globally branded hotel will enhance the region’s hospitality offerings while supporting the growth of heritage tourism in India.

As connectivity improves and tourism demand grows, this development is likely to play a key role in elevating Khajuraho’s hospitality landscape and strengthening India’s midscale hotel segment.

Luxembourg startup Terraspark secures €5M pre-Seed to advance space-based solar power technology

By

BRL Editor

-

March 30, 2026

0

Terraspark, a Luxembourg-based startup focused on developing space-based solar power, has successfully completed its pre-seed funding round, raising over €5 million. The company will use the capital to further advance its modular technology while also preparing for initial pilot applications and live demonstrations.

The funding round attracted backing from notable investors, including Daphni, Sake Bosch, Better Ventures, Hans(wo)men Group, Luxembourg Business Angel Network, and Karaoke Club.

“Space-based solar power has long been considered something for the distant future. Across Europe, energy resilience is now a practical concern, not an abstract one. With our step-by-step approach and starting with commercially viable systems on Earth, we are convinced that space-based solar power can become real infrastructure within a realistic timeframe,” said Jasper Deprez, founder and CEO of TerraSpark.

Deprez, Dr. Sanjay Vijendran (CTO), and Matthias Laug (COO) founded Terraspark in 2025, and the company is building space-based solar power (SBSP) systems with a long-term vision to transmit solar energy from orbit. The company aims to create a continuously operational, weather-independent, and globally accessible energy infrastructure.

The founding team brings deep domain and entrepreneurial expertise. Deprez previously built Tradler into a global HRTech platform. Meanwhile, Dr. Vijendran led the Solaris programme on space-based solar energy at the European Space Agency and also contributed to the Mars Sample Return Mission. In addition, Laug co-founded Lieferando and Tier Mobility, gaining extensive experience in scaling large European platform businesses.

Fragile grids, rising electricity demand, and overloaded transmission systems continue to make reliable energy distribution increasingly complex. Furthermore, the rapid expansion of data centres driven by AI adoption is placing additional pressure on energy systems.

Terraspark also points out that the International Energy Agency expects global data centre energy demand to more than double by 2030. In off-grid environments, where diesel generators remain common, electricity costs can range between €0.70 and €1.50 per kilowatt hour. Even in regions with abundant clean energy, inefficient transmission infrastructure often prevents effective distribution. Therefore, long-term solutions must address both sustainable generation and global energy transmission.

To solve this, Terraspark is developing space-based solar energy systems that capture solar power in orbit. The company then transmits this energy to Earth using radio frequency waves, enabling global accessibility. Although the concept has existed since the 1970s, falling launch costs and advances in satellite manufacturing and orbital robotics now make it economically viable.

However, instead of immediately deploying large-scale orbital systems, Terraspark is initially focusing on Earth-based applications. Specifically, it is commercialising radio frequency-based wireless energy transmission for industrial use cases. This phased approach allows the company to demonstrate safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance before scaling to orbital systems.

Explaining its operational model, Terraspark captures solar energy in space and transmits it to Earth via a steerable radio frequency beam. A ground-based rectenna converts these radio waves into usable electricity, while the system uses batteries only to manage short, predictable interruptions.

“In the coming months, TerraSpark will prepare its first pilot applications and demonstration use cases—including wireless power supply for a live event. An orbital technology demonstrator is also planned for 2027. At the same time, the company is laying the groundwork for its first space-to-Earth power transmission, planned for 2028,” the company stated in its press release.

Looking ahead, Terraspark has outlined a three-phase roadmap. In Phase 1 (2026), it will wirelessly transmit power over controlled distances on Earth to validate alignment accuracy, energy density, and atmospheric tolerance. Subsequently, Phase 2 (2027–2028) will involve demonstrating power beaming from orbit using an SBSP satellite prototype. Finally, in Phase 3 (2030), the company aims to achieve full-scale commercial deployment by launching a constellation of satellites capable of delivering continuous, reliable energy worldwide.

While its phased, modular strategy reduces execution risk, its success will depend on technological validation and regulatory alignment. If achieved, space-based solar power could redefine global energy distribution by offering a continuous, weather-independent, and scalable solution to rising energy demand.

Grand Continent Hotels enters Gurugram, expands footprint in Delhi NCR

By

BRL Editor

-

March 30, 2026

0

Grand Continent Hotels Limited has officially launched a new hotel in Gurugram, thereby marking its strategic entry into the Delhi NCR hospitality market while expanding beyond its stronghold in South India. Located in Sector 45, Greenwood City, the property is will cater to corporate travellers, long-stay guests, and domestic leisure demand. Moreover, its proximity to major business hubs and transport connectivity strengthens its positioning as a practical and efficient mid-market hospitality option.

With this launch, the company continues to scale its footprint, now operating 30 properties across more than 17 cities, with a combined inventory of over 1,800 keys. Furthermore, the group has consistently focused on urban-centric locations and standardised service offerings, enabling operational efficiency and a reliable guest experience across its portfolio.

Commenting on the expansion, Ramesh Siva, Founder and Managing Director, Grand Continent Hotels Limited, said, “The launch in Gurugram marks an important step in our growth journey. Having established a strong foundation in South India, we are now focused on expanding across key North Indian markets, including Delhi NCR, Ayodhya, Jaipur, Varanasi, Somnath, and Rameswaram. Strengthening our presence in the city further, we have also signed a 56-key hotel, strategically located near the Google office in Gurugram. Over the next two years, we plan to add 15 hotels across these key cities as we continue to build a scalable and sustainable hospitality network.”

Additionally, the newly launched hotel features 38 well-appointed rooms, complemented by a restaurant, fitness centre, and dedicated meeting spaces, thereby catering to both business and leisure segments.

Grand Continent Hotels Limited is steadily strengthening its national footprint by entering high-demand urban markets like Gurugram. While the company continues to focus its expansion strategy on scalability and operational efficiency, it aims to enhance brand visibility and capture the rising demand in the mid-market hospitality segment across North India.

B2B manufacturing marketplace Zetwerk plans Rs 5,000-Cr IPO, seeks fresh capital amid stable valuation

By

BRL Editor

-

March 30, 2026

0

B2B manufacturing marketplace Zetwerk plans Rs 5,000-Cr IPO, seeks fresh capital amid stable valuation — Amrit Acharya, Srinath Ramakkrushnan, Rahul Sharma, and Vishal Chaudhary, co-founders, Zetwerk

B2B manufacturing marketplace Zetwerk is currently in discussions to raise around Rs 500 crore in pre-initial public offering (IPO) funding from Bharat Value Fund, along with participation from a group of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), according to sources familiar with the matter.

However, the proposed funding round is expected to value the company at Rs 25,000–26,000 crore (approximately $3 billion), which remains largely unchanged from its previous valuation. As a result, this signals cautious investor sentiment as the company moves closer to its anticipated public market debut.

At the same time, Zetwerk is preparing to confidentially file its draft IPO papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), as per people aware of the development. The IPO size is likely to be around Rs 5,000 crore, including Rs 2,700–2,800 crore in fresh capital, while the remaining portion will come through an offer for sale (OFS). “We have no comments to offer regarding our capital raising plans,” said a Zetwerk spokesperson.

Founded in 2018 by Amrit Acharya, Srinath Ramakkrushnan, Rahul Sharma, and Vishal Chaudhary, Zetwerk operates a managed marketplace that connects enterprise buyers with manufacturing suppliers across sectors such as industrial machinery, electronics, renewables, and aerospace.

Meanwhile, the company has appointed leading financial institutions, including Kotak Mahindra Bank, Goldman Sachs, Pantomath Investment Banking, Morgan Stanley, HSBC, and JM Financial, as merchant bankers for the IPO.

Earlier, in July 2025, founders Acharya and Ramakkrushnan infused Rs 600 crore into the company by raising personal debt, thereby increasing their combined stake by 2 percentage points. Prior to that, in December 2024, Zetwerk raised $70 million in a funding round led by Khosla Ventures, Rakesh Gangwal, cofounder of IndiGo, and Baillie Gifford. Notably, this round valued the company at $3 billion, up from $2.7 billion in 2023.

Financially, Zetwerk reported an 11% decline in operating revenue to Rs 12,798 crore for FY 2024-25. Nevertheless, the company managed to significantly narrow its net loss to Rs 371 crore, compared to Rs 918 crore in the previous fiscal year. Furthermore, in April last year, CEO Acharya wrote to employees, stressing the importance of improving productivity, eliminating inefficiencies, and ensuring profitability across all business units.

On the leadership front, Zetwerk witnessed a key executive movement in February this year when electronics business head Josh Foulger, previously a senior executive at Foxconn, exited the company to join rival Dixon Technologies. In comparison, Noida-based Dixon Technologies reported a robust financial performance, with consolidated operating revenue of Rs 38,860 crore and a net profit of Rs 1,233 crore for FY 2024-25. Additionally, the company currently commands a market capitalisation exceeding Rs 60,000 crore.

Zetwerk is entering a critical phase as it prepares for its IPO, balancing growth ambitions with financial discipline. While steady valuation and reduced losses indicate progress, investor caution and rising competition underline the importance of sustained profitability and execution. If the company successfully strengthens its fundamentals, it could emerge as a significant player in India’s manufacturing and B2B marketplace ecosystem post-listing.

CONNECT WITH US