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Urban Company shares soar 58% on stock market debut, investors cheer strong listing

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Urban Company shares had a strong debut on the Indian stock exchanges on Wednesday, September 17. The stock opened at ₹161 on the BSE and ₹162.25 on the NSE, reflecting a premium of 56% and 57.5%, respectively, over the issue price of ₹103.

The debut surpassed market expectations, as analysts and grey market trends had indicated a 40–50% listing gain. Prior to the listing, Urban Company IPO shares were trading with a premium of ₹51 in the grey market.

Shivani Nyati, Head of Wealth at Swastika Investmart, advised investors to book partial profits following the stellar market debut.

“For those who received allotment, consider booking partial profit and holding the rest for long-term gains with a stop loss of 120. Urban Company, formerly known as UrbanClap, is a leading tech-enabled home services platform offering a wide range of services, including beauty and wellness, appliance repair, cleaning, and maintenance. In FY25, Urban Company reported Revenue of ₹1,144 crore (38% YoY growth) and ₹240 crore (a significant turnaround from a ₹93 crore loss in FY24),” Niyati said.

Urban Company’s IPO witnessed robust demand from investors across categories, with the overall issue subscribed 103.63 times. Retail investors oversubscribed their quota 39.25 times, while Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) subscribed 74.04 times. The strongest response came from Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs), who subscribed 140.20 times.

Urban Company’s IPO opened on Wednesday, September 10, and closed on Friday, September 12, with allotments finalized on September 16.

Investors gave an overwhelming response, subscribing to the issue over 100 times. According to reports, it ranks as the most heavily subscribed public offering in India so far this year.

The ₹1,900 crore Urban Company IPO included a fresh issue of 4.58 crore equity shares worth ₹472 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 13.86 crore shares amounting to ₹1,428 crore. The company set the price band for the issue between ₹98 and ₹103 per share.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Co. Ltd. acted as the book-running lead manager for the Urban Company IPO, while MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd. served as the registrar.

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd to Provide ‘Tatkal’ Electricity Connections within 24-hours for Ram Leela, Durga Puja and other festivals

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New Delhi, September 17, 2025: Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL), a leading power utility supplying electricity to a populace of around 9 million in North Delhi, is providing ‘tatkal’ electricity connections for organizing Ram Leela, Durga Puja and other festivals within 24-hours.

To obtain a ‘tatkal’ temporary electricity connection from Tata Power-DDL, consumers simply need to visit the customer care centre at the division office to complete easy formalities. Alternatively, consumers can also apply for and make payments for the temporary connection online through Tata Power-DDL’s official website – www.tatapower-ddl.com.

To facilitate a smooth process and hassle-free experience, meters are readily available at zonal offices. Once the customer submits the application along with the demand note.

Tata Power-DDL is also putting safety of people in mass gatherings on top priority. The concerned team is conducting inspections of electrical installations such as poles, streetlights, towers, wires, substations, and feeder pillars to identify and rectify safety hazards, if any. It has also issued advisory to its consumers to take due precautions with their wiring and avoid any loose connections, as these can lead to accidents. It is also crucial to install an ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) to protect both people and equipment from electrical shocks and fires by detecting and stopping electrical currents that leak to the ground.

Speaking on the matter, a Spokesperson from Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd said, “We have systems in place for temporary electricity connections for festivals such as Ram Leela, Durga Puja, etc., wherein we provide an electricity connection within 24 hours of completing the formalities. This facility can be availed for marriages and other events. Additionally, our teams will remain on high alert during upcoming festive seasons to handle any untoward incidents. Our priority is to ensure seamless operations, and we hope everyone enjoys a safe and joyful festive season.”

The discom is also implementing several measures, including placing its operations and maintenance teams on high alert, to ensure a reliable power supply during the upcoming festive season.

About Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited:

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited is a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of NCT of Delhi. Tata Power-DDL distributes electricity in North Delhi and serves a populace of around 9 million. Tata Power-DDL has been a frontrunner in implementing power distribution reforms and is acknowledged for its consumer-friendly practices. Since privatization, the Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses in Tata Power-DDL areas have shown a record decline. Today, AT&C losses stand at 5.5%, which is an unprecedented reduction from an opening loss level of 53% in July 2002. To learn more about Tata Power-DDL, please visit www.tatapower-ddl.com

Pelocal raises $5M in Series A funding

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Vikas Garg and Vivekanand Tripathi, co-founders, Peloca

Mumbai-based fintech startup Pelocal announced on Tuesday that it has raised $5 million in a Series A funding round, led by UNLEASH Capital Partners, Unicorn India Ventures, and several angel investors. The funding will support the company’s efforts to scale its payments orchestration platform.

Founded in 2021, Pelocal allows enterprises to acquire, engage, and collect payments from customers directly via WhatsApp, which boasts over 700 million active users in India. The startup currently serves more than 40 large enterprises across banking, transit, and utilities, providing services to over 5 million users each month.

“Until now, digital communications have largely been limited to peer-to-peer messages or one-way notifications. Our vision is to bring last-mile payments to the masses via WhatsApp by leveraging AI and advanced technologies. This fundraise enables us to execute that mission, and we’re thrilled to have the support of investors who share our conviction,” said Vivekanand Tripathi, Founder and CEO, Pelocal, in a statement.

Vikas Garg, Co-founder of Pelocal, said, “With strong market demand and the backing of our investors, we’re committed to delivering world-class products at the intersection of payments, communication, and enterprise technology.”

“Pelocal is redefining how enterprises interact and transact with customers by embedding payments into conversational interfaces like WhatsApp. With AI at the core, the company is solving a large-scale problem for Indian businesses and has the potential to scale globally,” said Natsuki Sugai, Managing Partner at UNLEASH Capital Partners.

Anil Joshi, Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, added, “The surge in conversational commerce and embedded payment solutions presents a massive opportunity, and Pelocal is well-positioned to lead this transformation.”

Pelocal, in October 2024, raised $2 million in a seed round led by Unicorn India Ventures.

Atmosphere Core embarks on new horizons to drive future growth

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Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director of Atmosphere Core.

Against the backdrop of a booming international travel and hospitality sector, Atmosphere Core convened its top 30 leaders in Dubai on September 9–10, 2025 for its annual leadership summit, with a clear focus on global expansion.

During the two-day event, senior executives aligned on strategic priorities and strengthened collaboration, exploring opportunities beyond the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, and setting their sights on new destinations across Asia and Europe. The sessions highlighted the company’s progressive leadership approach and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Atmosphere Core’s Managing Director, Salil Panigrahi, commented on the summit event, “Global expansion is our new direction. As global nomads, we carry with us the Joy of Giving philosophy, the spirit that defines our brands and our people. This annual gathering ensures we remain united, focused, and motivated to move forward. Leadership is about knowing when to push with clear goals and when to pull by guiding and inspiring. Reliability builds trust, and emotional intelligence connects us to our teams and guests. Together, these qualities will drive us as we extend our vision across continents.”

Founded in the Maldives just 12 years ago, Atmosphere Core has steadily grown to operate nine private island resorts and one heritage hotel in India. Moreover, it has a pipeline of 17 hotels across the country, along with upcoming projects in Italy, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In 2026, the group plans to launch six new properties, further strengthening its international presence. Additionally, Atmosphere Core is widely recognized for redefining the all-inclusive resort experience through its innovative ‘Holiday Plan’ concept, which has set new benchmarks for luxury, indulgence, and personalized service in the Indian Ocean region.

The Atmosphere Core Leadership Summit reinforced the company’s focus on nurturing strong leaders capable of building resilient teams, delivering exceptional hospitality, and strengthening the brand’s global footprint.

Royal Orchid Hotels launches ICONIQA Mumbai

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Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. has launched ICONIQA Hotels & Resorts, its innovative upscale lifestyle brand. The brand’s flagship property, conveniently located near Mumbai International Airport’s Terminal II, represents a strategic foray into the premium hospitality segment, offering cutting-edge design, technology-driven services, and immersive experiences tailored for the modern traveler.

In addition, ICONIQA Hotels & Resorts redefines the traditional hotel experience by seamlessly combining striking aesthetics, smart technology, and personalized guest engagement. ICONIQA’s thoughtfully crafted brand ethos enables the brand to expand seamlessly from urban city locations to resort destinations.

The Mumbai flagship property boasts 291 meticulously designed rooms and introduces several firsts in the hotel industry, including in-room smart laundry closets and a 24/7 WhatsApp concierge. The hotel also emphasizes diverse food and beverage experiences, featuring Mumbai’s first poolside day club, along with a range of thoughtfully curated facilities and design elements throughout the property.

“ICONIQA is a bold vision of what hospitality can be, where every element is designed for the new-generation traveler who craves experiences over conventions. Today’s guests seek vibrant spaces that reflect their lifestyles, spark inspiration, and elevate every moment. With ICONIQA, we’re not just launching a brand; we’re setting a new standard for immersive, intuitive hospitality that delivers extraordinary value at every touchpoint,” said Chander K Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd.

Royal Orchid Hotels plans to expand its portfolio to over 345 properties by 2030, accelerating growth across its collection of brands. In the upscale lifestyle segment, ICONIQA—operating primarily through flexi-lease and ownership models—will strengthen the group’s focus on future-ready hospitality while ensuring high ROCE. This ambitious expansion strategy positions the company to capitalize on India’s booming travel market and explore select international opportunities.

“Mumbai is a city on the move, a nexus for business, culture, and global connectivity. ICONIQA answers its energy and ambition with future-ready design, smart technology, and thoughtful experiences that go beyond traditional hotel stays. We’re proud to unveil a hospitality concept that is as dynamic as the destinations it serves, redefining upscale lifestyle travel for India and beyond,” added Arjun Baljee, Founder of ICONIQA Hotels & Resorts and President, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd.

Furthermore, ICONIQA will be integrated into Royal Orchid Hotels’ rapidly growing loyalty program, Regenta Rewards, which currently boasts over 600,000 members and is projected to surpass one million by March 2026. By leveraging data-driven personalization, the program not only enhances guest retention but also delivers tailored experiences that consistently appeal to today’s modern travelers.

The launch of ICONIQA at Mumbai International Airport marks a significant milestone in Royal Orchid Hotels’ mission to redefine hospitality. ICONIQA plans to expand across major Indian cities and select international markets, positioning itself to lead the upscale lifestyle segment while blending global sophistication with India’s rich cultural heritage.

Smartphone startup Nothing raises $200 Mn at $1.3 Bn valuation

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Carl Pei, CEO, Nothing

London-based smartphone company Nothing announced on Tuesday that it has raised $200 million in funding, led by Tiger Global, valuing the startup at $1.3 billion. The fresh capital will help the company advance its plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its devices.

The global smartphone industry remains dominated by Apple and Samsung, with only a few European players such as Fairphone and HMD Global attempting to break into the market.

Founded in 2020 by Swedish entrepreneur Carl Pei, who previously co-founded OnePlus, Nothing introduced its first smartphone in 2022.

Since its debut, the company has expanded its product line to include earbuds, shipped millions of devices worldwide, and surpassed $1 billion in cumulative sales.

“For AI to reach its full potential, consumer hardware must reinvent itself alongside it,” Pei said in a statement.

“We are starting with smartphones, audio products, and smartwatches … in the future, our operating system will carry into smart glasses, humanoid robots, EVs, and whatever comes next.”

Existing investors including GV, Highland Europe, EQT, Latitude, I2BF, and Tapestry also participated in the latest funding round.

Prior to this, the company had raised nearly $100 million in 2023.

Saudi fintech startup Tamara bags $2.4 Bn funding boost for fintech expansion

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Saudi-based fintech startup Tamara has announced securing a financing package of up to $2.4 billion from global investors, including Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Apollo funds. The funding will support the company’s plans to scale its credit and payment solutions, it said on Monday.

The Shariah-compliant facility will refinance and expand Tamara’s earlier $500 million arrangement. The package consists of an immediate $1.4 billion commitment, with an additional $1 billion available over three years, subject to further approvals.

“The asset-backed facility will increase Tamara’s lending power and help the platform grow well beyond its current 20 million customers,” the company said.

Tamara is one of the Gulf region’s leading buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) providers, enabling consumers to split payments for high-value purchases. While some players in the sector impose late fees, Tamara competes with rivals such as Tabby, another prominent fintech in the space that surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The startup achieved unicorn status in late 2023, reaching a valuation of $1 billion following a $340 million Series C funding round. The round drew participation from major investors, including SNB Capital and Sanabil Investments, the latter owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

Startup India-DPIIT partners with CarDekho group to boost mobility, fintech & emerging tech startups

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Amit Jain, CEO and Co-Founder, CarDekho Group

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CarDekho Group, a leading platform for autotech and financial solutions, to bolster India’s startup ecosystem across mobility, fintech, insurtech, and emerging technology sectors.

Through this collaboration, DPIIT and CarDekho Group aim to accelerate the growth of DPIIT-recognized startups by offering strategic mentorship, market access, technological infrastructure, and funding opportunities. Startups will be able to leverage CarDekho’s extensive platforms—including CarDekho, InsuranceDekho, rupyy, BikeDekho, ZigWheels, PowerDrift, Revv, CollegeDekho, and Crack-ED—facilitating collaboration and expanding customer reach.

The partnership also plans to organize innovation challenges under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, promoting entrepreneurship in areas such as electric mobility, auto-tech, finance, and sustainability. Startups will gain access to CarDekho’s leadership network for domain-specific guidance, along with co-investment opportunities through the Girnar Vision Fund (GVF). CarDekho brands will collaborate to conduct skill development programs that enhance the entrepreneurial and technical capabilities of founders and their teams.

Speaking at the event, DPIIT Joint Secretary Shri Sanjiv stated that, by combining the expertise of leading corporates with the innovation potential of Indian startups, it is possible to generate impactful solutions in mobility, finance, and sustainability. Furthermore, he noted that the partnership with CarDekho will not only facilitate collaboration and capacity building but also expand market access across India.

CarDekho Group Co-founder and CEO Amit Jain emphasized the company’s commitment to co-creating with India’s most promising startups and driving innovations that positively impact millions of lives. Moreover, he added that by collaborating with DPIIT and integrating with the Startup India platform, CarDekho will be able to mentor, fund, and provide market access to emerging entrepreneurs in mobility, fintech, and related sectors.

The MoU was formally signed by DPIIT Director Dr. Sumeet Jarangal and CarDekho Group Co-founder & CEO Amit Jain, while senior officials from both organizations looked on, marking a significant step in the collaboration.

Increased AI adoption can add $500-600 billion to GDP by 2035: NITI report

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BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog

According to a NITI Aayog report released on Monday, faster AI adoption across industries could boost India’s GDP by $500–600 billion by 2035, driven by higher productivity and workforce efficiency.

The report, titled “AI for Viksit Bharat: The Opportunity for Accelerated Economic Growth,” also noted that AI integration across global sectors over the next 10 years is projected to add $17–26 trillion to the world economy.

“India’s combination of a large STEM workforce, expanding R&D ecosystem, and growing digital and technology capabilities position the country to participate in this transformation, with the potential to capture 10-15% of global AI value,” it said.

NITI Aayog highlighted that although AI will generate numerous new employment opportunities, it will also lead to the displacement of several existing jobs, especially in clerical, repetitive, and low-skilled roles.

“Accelerated adoption of AI across industries can contribute $500 billion -$600 billion over and above India’s current GDP growth by 2035, driven by increased productivity and efficiency in the workforce,” the report said.

The report indicated that sectors like financial services and manufacturing are likely to experience the greatest impact, with AI potentially accounting for 20–25% of their sectoral GDP by 2035.

In financial services alone, AI-driven gains in productivity and efficiency could contribute an additional $50–55 billion beyond the sector’s projected growth by 2035.

“AI could power automated compliance, fraud detection, and risk management through advanced anomaly detection techniques and privacy-preserving analytics such as secure multi-party computation and federated learning,” the report said.

The report stated that AI-powered systems have the potential to transform credit assessment, loan recovery, and portfolio management. By utilizing alternative data sources, banks can enhance the accuracy, adaptability, and inclusiveness of their lending decisions.

It further observed that India’s immediate AI adoption opportunity lies across industries to boost productivity and efficiency, which could help close nearly 30–35% of the existing gap.

“These effects are expected to materialize across both domestic consumption and export markets,” it said.

The report further highlighted that advancements in technology services could strengthen India’s position as a global tech leader, contributing an additional 15–20% uplift through the creation of higher-value solutions and innovative business models, thereby boosting India’s global competitiveness.

In the manufacturing sector, AI-driven improvements in productivity and efficiency will generate $85–100 billion beyond the sector’s projected growth by 2035.

At the current annual growth rate of 5.7%, India’s GDP will reach $6.6 trillion by 2035. However, under the government’s Viksit Bharat vision, which targets an aspirational 8% growth rate, GDP could rise to $8.3 trillion—an increase of $1.7 trillion compared with the existing trajectory.

NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam in his foreword said,”If India is to accelerate its growth to the 8% annual rate required for the realization of Viksit Bharat, we have no option but to significantly raise productivity across the economy and unlock new growth through innovation. Artificial Intelligence can be the decisive lever.”

Subrahmanyam emphasized that with a targeted, sector-specific strategy, industries like banking and manufacturing can begin AI adoption immediately to enhance efficiency, elevate service quality, and strengthen competitiveness—laying the foundation for broader, long-term transformation.

“At the same time, India must nurture frontier innovation, from Al-enabled drug discovery to software-defined vehicles, building the next engines of growth.

The path to 8% growth runs through decisive Al adoption and innovation, he added.

Accenture to train 700K employees worldwide in agentic AI

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Julie Sweet, CEO, Accenture

Accenture Plc has begun training its workforce of over 700,000 employees in agentic AI, as the consulting major moves to meet rising client demand.

The initiative, launched this month, introduces staff to the fundamentals of the technology, according to CEO Julie Sweet.

“Every new wave of technology has a time where you have to train and retool,” Sweet said. “Accenture’s core competency is to do that at scale.”

More companies are adopting agentic AI — systems capable of working independently to execute complex tasks. In response to this rising demand, Accenture has been expanding its AI capabilities and scaling its offerings across industries.