Zulu Club raises $250,000 in pre-seed funding round

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July 16, 2025

Gurugram-based fashion quick commerce startup Zulu Club has secured $250,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by early-stage VC firm TDV Partners.

Unlike traditional e-commerce, which depends on guesswork, static product images, and faces high return rates, Zulu Club offers a unique solution by enabling shoppers to order from trusted malls and outlets.

The company stated that customers can receive pre-curated Try-at-Home kits within 100 minutes, allowing them to try four to five items before making a purchase. This model aims to tackle key challenges in fashion e-commerce—such as high return rates and low profitability—while driving cross-selling and upselling opportunities to increase average order value.

“Most online fashion platforms are built for speed and variety—but that often comes at the cost of experience and confidence. We’re building Zulu Club to reintroduce trust and experience into fashion shopping, especially for millennial consumers who crave convenience and personalization,” said Adarsh Bhatia, Founder of Zulu Club.

Adarsh, who previously headed business operations at Fashinza—a tech-driven apparel manufacturing startup—brings extensive industry expertise to this new venture.

Zulu Club adopts an experience-first approach, enabling shoppers to browse collections from nearby malls directly via its app. Users can schedule live assistance to view products in real time, receive curated Try-at-Home kits, and place orders either after trying items or during a call with a stylist.

Zulu’s in-house delivery network handles all orders and ensures 100-minute fulfillment. According to the startup, its latest app update enhances the overall shopping journey with a smoother user flow, improved customer coordination, and optimized logistics, all designed to deliver a faster and more seamless experience.

“Zulu Club is tackling a fundamental friction in fashion e-commerce—shoppers want to try before they buy. Their Try-at-Home kits and instant delivery are built for today’s mobile-first, experience-led consumer,” said Ujwal Sutaria, General Partner at TDV Partners. “We’re excited to back a team that blends deep fashion expertise with grassroots execution. Zulu isn’t building another marketplace—it’s reimagining fashion retail for the next generation.”

S Hotels & Resorts joins Global Hotel Alliance to expand global reach

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July 16, 2025

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S Hotels & Resorts joins Global Hotel Alliance to expand global reach — Michael Marshall, the CEO of S Hotels & Resorts

S Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), thereby joining its exclusive network of independent hospitality brands through GHA DISCOVERY—a multi-brand loyalty programme powered by a unified technology platform.

Currently, GHA stands as the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, encompassing 45 brands and 850 hotels across 100 countries. Furthermore, its award-winning loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, provides members with unparalleled access to premium hospitality experiences.

Beginning in July 2025, S Hotel & Resorts will roll out SAii DISCOVERY, its own loyalty programme integrated within the global GHA DISCOVERY platform. Guests at properties such as SAii Laguna Phuket, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, SAii Koh Samui Villas, and Santiburi Koh Samui will gain access to exclusive benefits, rewards, and personalised experiences from day one. These perks include instant savings, complimentary room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and unique local experiences that immerse travellers in the culture of each destination.

SAii Laguna Phuket, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, and Santiburi Koh Samui are proud members of GHA’s Green Collection—a group of hotels and resorts dedicated to reducing environmental impact and safeguarding the ecosystems they call home. Furthermore, these properties align closely with S Hotels & Resorts’ sustainable development strategy, actively supporting responsible tourism, implementing conservation initiatives, and driving community-focused programs. As a result, they create meaningful positive impacts across every destination in which they operate.

“Our partnership with Global Hotel Alliance and our inclusion in GHA DISCOVERY, with its over 30 million loyal members, opens up exceptional opportunities for SHR. From increased direct bookings and revenue to data-driven insights into guest preferences, the team is gaining invaluable advantages while benefiting from GHA’s powerful marketing and CRM initiatives. GHA DISCOVERY drives loyalty beyond traditional boundaries, connecting properties to a global network of like-minded independent hotels and iconic brands.” said Michael Marshall, the CEO of S Hotels & Resorts.

He continued, “For our valued guests, the partnership offers exclusive member rates, early check-in, late check-out, and complimentary room upgrades. With DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), they can earn and spend rewards on their next stay, including rooms, experiences, dining, and wellness at their convenience, choosing from 850 hotels in 100 countries—all under one seamless loyalty umbrella. The GHA DISCOVERY app further enhances ease and convenience in managing travel experiences.”

“We are thrilled to welcome S Hotel & Resorts to Global Hotel Alliance. The stunning SAii and Santiburi properties, located in some of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations, are a perfect complement to our alliance. We’re excited to connect these unique resorts with our 30 million GHA DISCOVERY members who value authentic, responsible travel experiences. This partnership not only enriches our global collection but also reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and culturally immersive hospitality,” said Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance.

The partnership between S Hotels & Resorts and Global Hotel Alliance represents a significant milestone in enhancing guest experiences and expanding global reach. Moreover, by introducing SAii DISCOVERY within the GHA DISCOVERY programme, S Hotels & Resorts aims to deliver unparalleled benefits, personalized services, and authentic local experiences to its guests.

Kettleborough VC raises ₹35-Cr in first close of ₹80-Cr second fund

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July 16, 2025

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Kettleborough VC raises ₹35-Cr in first close of ₹80-Cr second fund — Nisarg Shah, Founder, Kettleborough VC

Mumbai-based venture capital firm Kettleborough VC, founded by early-stage investor Nisarg Shah, has launched its second fund with a target corpus of ₹80 crore. The fund has secured its first close at ₹35 crore, backed by a combination of family offices and entrepreneurs from India and the US.

Kettleborough Fund II will continue the firm’s focus on supporting highly experienced founders at the early stage. It seeks entrepreneurs with over a decade of domain expertise and a proven track record of execution. The fund plans to invest between $300,000 and $500,000 in around ten startups, while also reserving sufficient capital for follow-on investments in high-growth companies.

“We only back founders for whom the startup is a natural outcome of a decade-long journey in their domain. Fund I has validated this thesis with strong portfolio traction and early PMF. Fund II doubles down on this conviction,” said Shah.

Kettleborough VC, founded in 2021, has quickly established itself as a conviction-driven, sector-focused fund recognized for providing hands-on support and building a concentrated portfolio. In fact, in its first fund, Kettleborough invested in 12 startups, including Zippmat, InPrime, Finhaat, and Elivaas. Notably, nine of these companies received their first institutional cheque from Kettleborough.

Several of these startups have since secured follow-on funding from prominent investors such as Omnivore, Lightspeed, 3one4 Capital, and Bessemer Venture Partners—highlighting the success of Kettleborough’s founder-first approach.

The firm’s investment philosophy centers on “Dhandha-first” businesses—startups driven by strong business fundamentals and aligned with real-world market dynamics. Furthermore, its primary areas of interest include financial services, commerce infrastructure, and vertical SaaS or AI platforms.

Nisarg Shah, Kettleborough’s founder, has personally invested in over 30 startups, achieving 10 exits and 80 follow-on rounds. His portfolio includes companies like Foxtale, Onebanc, and Homeville.

With ₹35 crore already committed, Kettleborough now aims to close the remaining amount in the coming months and subsequently begin capital deployment. Moreover, Fund II’s focus on domain-led founders and capital-efficient businesses strategically positions it for success in today’s selective yet opportunity-rich early-stage ecosystem.

Sarovar launches Royal Tulip Kathmandu, Nepal

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July 16, 2025

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Sarovar launches Royal Tulip Kathmandu, Nepal — Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India

Sarovar Hotels has announced the launch of Royal Tulip Kathmandu, thereby marking the debut of the Royal Tulip brand in Nepal. Positioned as a landmark property, it is poised to become the country’s largest hotel as well as the premier MICE destination in Kathmandu.

Developed by The Massif Hotel Pvt. Ltd, this project brings the globally renowned Royal Tulip brand to Kathmandu, combining world-class 5-star luxury with the rich vibrancy of Nepalese culture. Positioned as a key offering within the Louvre Hotels Group’s premium portfolio, Royal Tulip not only represents refined elegance but also offers sophisticated amenities and exceptional international service standards.

Strategically positioned on Ring Road, only 3.5 km from Tribhuvan International Airport, Royal Tulip Kathmandu boasts 308 rooms and suites, earning the distinction of being Nepal’s largest hotel by room count. Designed to serve both business and leisure travelers, the property combines contemporary accommodations with premium amenities to deliver a seamless and exceptional guest experience.

Royal Tulip Kathmandu sets a new benchmark for the city’s MICE infrastructure by introducing its largest convention center, spanning over 30,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space. Moreover, the facility features two expansive banquet halls of 11,000 sq. ft. each, along with multiple meeting rooms and breakout areas. As a result, the property emerges as an ideal choice for international conferences, destination weddings, exhibitions, and large-scale corporate events.

The hotel will initially open with 104 keys and introduce two outstanding F&B venues. Lalitpur Café, an elegant all-day dining restaurant, offers a bright, welcoming atmosphere where every meal feels special. With abundant natural light and warm hospitality, it serves as the perfect spot to relax, connect, and savor exquisite cuisine. The Alpine Lounge & Bar, on the other hand, provides a refined setting for guests to unwind with handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits, and fine wines, complemented by live music and a stylish ambiance.

Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India, shared: “Royal Tulip Kathmandu is a bold expression of our brand’s evolution in South Asia. It represents not just our largest opening in Nepal to date but also a strategic response to the rising demand for high-quality hospitality and large-format event venues in emerging global cities. This property strengthens our presence in a high-growth market and reaffirms our commitment to bringing international hospitality standards to destinations with untapped potential. We’re excited to partner with The Massif Hotel Pvt. Ltd. to make this vision a reality.”

Rajendra Shakya, Chairman, The Massif Hotel Pvt. Ltd., added, “We are delighted to open the doors to Royal Tulip Kathmandu, a project that reflects our commitment to transforming Nepal’s hospitality scene. With the largest room inventory and the city’s most comprehensive event facilities, this hotel will set new standards in comfort, service, and scale.”

The launch of Royal Tulip Kathmandu marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s hospitality sector. By combining world-class luxury with rich cultural elements, the property sets new standards for premium stays and MICE infrastructure in the region. Furthermore, its strategic location, expansive event spaces, and exceptional dining options position it as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travelers. With this debut, Sarovar Hotels and Louvre Hotels Group strengthen their commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences in South Asia.

Alivaa Hotels & Resorts Invests in Xenious Hotels

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July 16, 2025

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New Delhi, 16 July 2025 – Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, an upscale hospitality brand backed by Ananta Capital, today announced a strategic investment in Xenious Hotels, a growing chain of mid to upscale properties. The move marks the formal launch of Xenious as a distinct brand under the Alivaa umbrella, further strengthening the group’s presence in India’s high-potential hospitality landscape.

Xenious Hotels, which currently operates 11 hotels with 7 more in the pipeline, will now be integrated into the Alivaa platform. This strategic integration expands Alivaa’s reach and advances its multi-brand strategy to serve a wider spectrum of travellers across the country.

Currently, Alivaa has a portfolio of 16 hotels in key Indian markets. The company has outlined an ambitious five-year roadmap to scale to 100 hotels across the length and breadth of the country, under three distinct brands:

– Alivaa—contemporary lifestyle stays

– Hoften—modern stays designed for the young traveller

– Xenious—dependable, quality accommodation for business and leisure

The strategic move strengthens Alivaa’s position as a formidable player in India’s hospitality sector, offering distinct experiences tailored to diverse travel needs.

“This deal is more than just an expansion—it is a decisive step toward our mission of building one of the fastest-growing mid-market hospitality platforms in India,” said Mr. Vikramjit Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, Alivaa Hotels & Resorts.

“Xenious is regarded for its warm service, well-maintained properties, and eclectic dining options. By integrating it into our portfolio, we will amplify its strengths and bring high-quality hospitality to more markets across India.”

This investment reflects Alivaa’s long-term commitment to scale with purpose, enhance guest experience, and build a resilient, future-ready platform.

Mr. Inder Pal Batra, co-founder of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, shared:

“Our investment in Xenious Hotels reflects our focus on building a scalable mid-market brand. Together with the Xenious team, we aim to set new benchmarks in affordable hospitality by combining their local expertise with our operational excellence and innovative approach.”

Mr. Sanjay Kaw, owner of Xenious, added:

“We are thrilled to partner with Alivaa Hotels & Resorts. This collaboration opens new doors for Xenious Hotels, allowing us to enhance guest experiences while benefitting from Alivaa’s operational excellence and strategic vision. Together, we are poised to create something truly remarkable in the mid to upscale hospitality segment.”

Lululemon enters India through strategic partnership with Tata CLiQ

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July 16, 2025

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Lululemon enters India through strategic partnership with Tata CLiQ — André Maestrini, Executive Vice President, International, Lululemon

Canadian athleticwear giant Lululemon is set to enter the Indian market for the first time through a franchise partnership with Tata CLiQ. Scheduled for launch in the latter half of 2026, the brand’s India debut will feature its first brick-and-mortar store in the country, along with exclusive online storefronts on Tata CLiQ Luxury and Tata CLiQ Fashion.

Through this collaboration, Indian consumers will now gain access to Lululemon’s full range of athletic and lifestyle offerings. This includes apparel, footwear, and accessories specifically designed for activities such as yoga, running, training, tennis, and golf. Moreover, the partnership ensures a curated shopping experience both in-store and online, aligning with the brand’s global standards of performance and style.

“Bringing Lululemon to India has been part of our market expansion roadmap for a number of years and represents an exciting milestone in our international growth journey,” said André Maestrini, Executive Vice President, International, at Lululemon.

“As a brand rooted in wellbeing, we look forward to connecting with India’s guests and communities and supporting their active lifestyles through incredible products and experiences.”

Lululemon’s India foray goes beyond just retail. In addition to launching stores and online platforms, the brand aims to build deeper connections with local consumers by introducing wellness-focused initiatives and community-driven events. Lululemon designed these efforts—focused on movement, mindfulness, and social engagement—to foster a sense of belonging and align with its holistic lifestyle approach.

This entry supports the brand’s global “Power of Three x2” strategy, which emphasizes international growth, innovative product development, and digital transformation. With this move, India becomes part of Lululemon’s global footprint, which spans over 30 markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Mainland China.

As India’s wellness economy expands and demand for premium activewear continues to rise, more international brands are increasingly eyeing the market. Against this backdrop, Lululemon’s partnership with Tata CLiQ reflects growing confidence in India’s potential as a long-term hub for luxury athletic and lifestyle wear. Currently, the brand operates 770 stores worldwide and has recently ventured into footwear, offering a diverse range that includes running shoes, training sneakers, recovery footwear, and casual lifestyle options.

Ramada Encore to launch new hotel in Haridwar’s Jwalapur by 2026

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July 15, 2025

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Hospitality firm Majestic Om has teamed up with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to introduce a new Ramada Encore hotel in the Jwalapur area of Haridwar, with the opening scheduled for 2026. The 82-room hotel is being developed as a brownfield project and is designed to serve both spiritual seekers and leisure tourists.

Situated in one of Haridwar’s prominent neighborhoods, the upcoming property will cater to both domestic and international pilgrims, along with business travelers. It will offer contemporary guest rooms, an all-day dining venue, meeting spaces, and a range of modern amenities tailored to the needs of today’s guests.

Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director – Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, “Haridwar is one of North India’s most significant spiritual and cultural destinations. We are excited to partner with Majestic Om to bring Ramada Encore by Wyndham to the city. This signing is part of our broader strategy to expand thoughtfully into emerging cities across India.”

This project reflects Wyndham’s ongoing efforts to expand into India’s fast-growing secondary markets, with a particular focus on spiritual tourism destinations like Haridwar. It aligns with the company’s broader global strategy of growing its presence through strategic partnerships and strong local collaborations.

As the world’s largest hotel franchising company, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts operates in over 95 countries, with a network of approximately 9,300 hotels across 25 brands. It also boasts a loyalty program with over 115 million Wyndham Rewards members. The upcoming Haridwar property further solidifies Wyndham’s position in India, combining international hospitality standards with local cultural relevance in one of the nation’s most frequented pilgrimage spots.

Cox & Kings strengthens presence in tier 2 markets with five new franchise outlets

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July 15, 2025

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Cox & Kings strengthens presence in tier 2 markets with five new franchise outlets — Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings

Cox & Kings has opened five new franchise outlets in Faridabad, Gurgaon, Dharamshala, Agra, and Ahmedabad, underscoring its strategic focus on catering to the growing travel ambitions of India’s Tier 2 and emerging urban markets.

Emphasizing accessibility, local engagement, and customer convenience, these new franchises align with the company’s broader goal of establishing 200 outlets within the next two years. The initiative aims to make travel planning more seamless and reliable across the country.

Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings, said, “There’s a major shift underway in the Indian travel landscape. Aspirational travel is no longer confined to metros. People in Tier 2 cities and upcoming urban centers are increasingly looking for curated, reliable travel experiences, both domestic and international. Our franchise expansion is aimed precisely at addressing this growing demand with trusted service and local touchpoints.”

Cox & Kings strategically selected the five newly opened outlets based on their market potential and demographic significance. For instance, Faridabad serves as a crucial link between the city’s expanding middle class and the affluent, travel-enthusiastic population of neighboring South Delhi. Likewise, Gurgaon—with its dynamic blend of corporate professionals and upwardly mobile families—demonstrates strong demand for premium and personalized holiday experiences.

The new franchise in Dharamshala aims to blend leisure travel offerings with strong community-driven engagement, capitalizing on the city’s steady tourist traffic and youthful, transient population. Similarly, Agra—long established as a major tourist destination—is now witnessing a growing interest in outbound travel among its local residents.

Lastly, Ahmedabad—one of the fastest-growing economic centers in western India—offers a unique mix of global curiosity, family-oriented travel planning, and a cultural shift toward international exploration. Collectively, these cities represent a well-curated balance of mature and emerging travel markets across the country.

The newly opened franchises will provide a wide range of travel services, including group tours, fixed departures, luxury holidays, and tailor-made itineraries. In addition, customers can access standalone offerings such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, visa assistance, and travel insurance—ensuring flexibility and personalized trip planning.

Indian travelers are increasingly seeking experiential journeys, self-curated plans, and hassle-free booking solutions, prompting Cox & Kings to align its expansion with these evolving preferences. Whether catering to first-time travelers or seasoned globetrotters, Cox & Kings’ local franchises plan to serve as comprehensive travel partners for every customer segment.

Plum commits ₹200-Cr to healthcare, rolls out health checkups in expansion drive

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July 15, 2025

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Plum commits ₹200 Cr to healthcare, rolls out health checkups in expansion drive — L-R: Abhishek Poddar & Saurabh Arora, co-founders, Plum

Bengaluru-based employee health benefits provider Plum is undergoing a major transformation, shifting its focus from an insurtech model to a healthcare-first platform. As part of this strategic move, the company has committed an investment of ₹200 crore (approximately $25 million) over the next five years to develop a wide range of digital health services that extend beyond conventional insurance offerings.

Central to this shift is the introduction of Plum Health Checkups, an at-home diagnostic service aimed at the early detection of chronic conditions. The service features analysis of over 200 biomarkers, AI-powered health reports, and follow-up consultations with healthcare professionals, promoting a more preventive and proactive approach to employee well-being.

“This is just the beginning of our investment period here in healthcare,” said Saurabh Arora, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Plum. “We’ve been building this vertical for over a year and a half now, and last year, we grew 125 percent in healthcare alone with strong gross margins.”

The new service builds on Plum’s existing telehealth infrastructure, which currently facilitates approximately 100,000 consultations annually across 20 medical specialities. Furthermore, its diagnostic network extends to 4,000 pin codes across India, ensuring wide accessibility. In addition, the latest health checkup offering features advanced screening tools designed to detect heart disease, cancer markers, kidney conditions, and stress-related biomarkers, enhancing early diagnosis and preventive care.

“Today, chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and early-onset heart disease are showing up as early as age 35,” Arora noted. “From our health camps, we found that 71 percent of participants carried undiagnosed chronic risks.”

To spearhead its healthcare expansion, Plum has appointed Prayat Shah, the former founder of Wellthy Therapeutics. With his extensive experience in managing chronic conditions through digital health platforms and care management programs, Shah is well-positioned to lead this strategic shift. As a result, Plum aims to accelerate its transition toward a more comprehensive and preventive healthcare offering.

“We’re investing across the stack—doctors, labs, software, and care protocols,” Arora added. “We’re setting up a board of medical experts and building the product and engineering muscle to deliver a world-class digital health experience.”

Plum is funding the investment entirely through its internal resources, following its recent achievement of EBITDA profitability. This move signifies a strategic shift away from a purely insurance-focused model, with a new emphasis on preventing medical crises through proactive healthcare solutions.

“Insurance is about financial well-being during a crisis,” said Arora. “With healthcare, we want to ensure you never get to that crisis in the first place.”

According to Plum’s internal data, only 20% of Indian employers currently offer annual health checkups, while employee participation remains below 40%. In response, the company aims to reverse this trend by actively increasing employer adoption and improving employee engagement in preventive healthcare initiatives. Through this approach, Plum seeks to foster a culture of proactive health management in the workplace.

“The Indian workforce deserves better than fragmented, reactive healthcare,” said Abhishek Poddar, Plum’s Co-founder and CEO. “This commitment allows us to deliver integrated, preventive, and personalised care at scale.”

WeWork India gets SEBI nod for IPO; Embassy to sell stake via OFS

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July 15, 2025

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A week after the regulator removed its draft IPO papers from abeyance, WeWork India Management received approval for its public listing. The regulator granted the IPO clearance more than three months after initially pausing the process.

In late March, the Securities and Exchange Board of India had temporarily placed the draft documents in abeyance without providing a specific reason. At the time, the regulator noted that the “issuance of observations (has been) kept in abeyance.”

The Embassy-backed workspace provider filed its draft red herring prospectus for a stock market debut via a pure offer-for-sale (OFS) in February. Through the IPO, Embassy Buildcon LLP and WeWork Global affiliate 1 Ariel Way Tenant Ltd. plan to offload up to 4.4 crore shares.

At present, promoter Embassy Buildcon holds a 73.8% stake in WeWork India, while 1 Ariel holds 22.7% on a fully diluted basis. The average acquisition cost per share stands at ₹161.83 for Embassy and ₹65.88 for 1 Ariel.

As this is a pure OFS, the company will not receive any proceeds from the IPO. JM Financial Ltd., ICICI Securities Ltd., Jefferies India Pvt., Kotak Mahindra Capital Co., and 360 ONE WAM Ltd. are serving as the lead managers for the issue.

WeWork India, launched in 2017 by its then Adam Neumann-led parent company, began operations through a strategic partnership with Karan Virwani’s Embassy Group. As of September 30, 2024, the company operated 94,440 desks across 59 centres in eight cities. Its client portfolio includes major names such as Amazon Web Services, JP Morgan Services, Deutsche Telekom, and Grant Thornton Bharat.

In June 2024, India’s competition regulator approved WeWork Inc.’s exit from the Indian business through a sale to Real Trustee Advisory Company. This two-step transaction paved the way for a shift in the ownership structure of the Indian coworking firm.

Once listed, WeWork India will compete with other players in the segment, including Awfis Space Solutions Ltd. and IPO-bound Smartworks Coworking Spaces.

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