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Indian exporters can now claim US tariff refunds worth over $150M with Skydo

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Skydo and Intoglo simplify access to tariff refunds owed to exporters under IEEPA by US Customs

Bengaluru, 30 April 2026: Indian exporters impacted by U.S. tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) will now have an opportunity to recover duties paid, following recent legal developments in the U.S. Skydo, in partnership with Intoglo, is helping exporters navigate this time-sensitive refund process by identifying eligible shipments, managing filings, and enabling access to US-local accounts to receive refunds directly.

The opportunity follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s February 20, 2026, ruling, in which the Court struck down the tariffs, overturning duties introduced under the Trump administration. As a result, duties paid between August 27, 2025, and February 6, 2026, are now eligible for refund claims, subject to filing requirements.

To operationalise these refunds, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching Phase 1 of its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal on April 20, 2026, which will serve as the official route for claims. U.S. Customs estimates that nearly $166 billion was collected under these tariffs globally, making this a significant refund opportunity for affected businesses.

According to Intoglo, the refund opportunity for Indian exporters alone is estimated at over $150 million, based on duties paid on US-bound shipments during this period. This represents meaningful capital that businesses can recover to improve cash flow, ease margin pressures, and reinvest into operations and growth. For many exporters, especially SMEs, timely access to these funds could provide critical financial relief.

“A significant amount of tariffs paid by Indian exporters is now eligible for refunds but is hard to claim simply because the CAPE system is cumbersome and requires exporters to have a US bank account,” said Srivatsan Sridhar, Co-Founder and CEO of Skydo. “In partnership with Intoglo, and through our RBI-regulated cross-border payments infrastructure, we’re removing that friction and giving exporters a clear way to access these funds through US-local accounts.”

Claiming these refunds requires navigating a new compliance process. Shipments must have been made under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms, where the exporter bore the tariff cost. Refunds are issued only to the entity listed as the Importer of Record (IOR), which may require coordination if a third party was used. Funds are typically credited to a U.S. bank account via ACH, making access to US-local banking infrastructure critical. Processing timelines are typically around 60–90 days after a valid claim is accepted, subject to further review if required.

“We’ve seen a sharp increase in exporters reaching out for guidance on the IEEPA refund process. With guidelines still evolving and multiple versions circulating, it’s been difficult for exporters to navigate with confidence. Importantly, not having a US bank account is not a blocker now. Through our partnership with Skydo, we aim to provide Indian exporters with up-to-date, verified, and actionable guidance on navigating the IEEPA refund process. For many mid- to large exporters, this could mean recovering crores of rupees that can be reinvested directly into their business,” said Sufal Roongta, Co-Founder and CBO of Intoglo.

Many exporters may be navigating a process like this for the first time, where recovering funds depends on filing correctly, coordinating with the Importer of Record, and receiving money into a U.S. account. For example, a mid-sized textile exporter shipping DDP goods to the U.S. may have paid $50,000 in tariffs during the affected period but can only recover it by successfully filing through CAPE and ensuring the funds are routed correctly. Through Skydo and Intoglo, exporters can now navigate this process with greater clarity and confidence.

“Imposed tariffs were never built into the original cost structure; they effectively eroded margins. Recovering them would restore profitability and serve as a key lever for reinvestment in growth and capacity,” said Mayur Khara, MD, Automark Industries. “The U.S. is a key market for us, but tariffs have slowed us down. Getting that money back would help us invest more and grow faster there,” said Suneet Yogesh Bhutta, MD, Vcare Medicines. With Phase 1 of the CAPE system now live within the U.S. Customs ACE portal, eligible exporters can search for “Skydo IEEPA Refunds” to check eligibility and begin their refund claim process.

About Skydo

Skydo is a cross-border payments platform that helps Indian exporters receive international payments. With US-local account infrastructure and automated compliance workflows, Skydo makes it easier to collect global payments. Backed by Elevation Capital and Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital, Skydo serves over 40,000 exporters and enables them to receive payments from 150+ countries.

Dreamteam AI CRM startup eyes $40 Mn in Series A funding, targets disruption in global SaaS market

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Anand Venkatraman, Senthil Kanthaswamy, and Ramesh Parthasarathy, co-founders, Dreamteam

Chennai-based AI startup Dreamteam is in advanced discussions to raise around $40 million in its Series A funding round, with Accel and Together Fund expected to lead the investment, according to sources. The company is reportedly seeking a valuation between $150 million and $200 million, thereby reflecting strong investor confidence in AI-native enterprise software.

Currently operating in stealth mode, Dreamteam is finalising investor negotiations, although the deal terms may evolve in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the startup is preparing to officially launch its product in May, signalling its entry into the highly competitive CRM software market.

Founded by former Freshworks executives Anand Venkatraman, Senthil Kanthaswamy, and Ramesh Parthasarathy, Dreamteam leverages artificial intelligence to automate customer relationship management workflows. Specifically, the platform deploys AI agents to capture and structure customer data, thereby eliminating manual data entry and enabling natural language interactions for businesses.

According to its website, the company is building an “AI-native CRM that understands your company context automatically, reasons like a human, and gets work done through specialized AI teammates.” As a result, Dreamteam positions itself as a next-generation CRM solution that directly competes with global leaders such as Salesforce and HubSpot.

Moreover, the startup has developed multiple AI agents to handle critical business functions, including lead qualification, meeting scheduling, prospect profiling, deal monitoring, and contextual data capture from calls, emails, and meetings. These capabilities allow companies to configure their CRM systems through conversational interfaces, significantly improving productivity and operational efficiency.

In addition, Girish Mathrubootham, who recently stepped down as chairman of Freshworks, is actively collaborating with Dreamteam to refine its product strategy. Notably, Mathrubootham played a key role in placing Chennai on the global SaaS map through Freshworks, and he is now working to replicate that success with an AI-first approach.

Furthermore, Dreamteam is part of the growing ecosystem of startups founded by former Freshworks employees, commonly referred to as the “Freshworks Mafia.” This network has expanded significantly, with around 360 startups launched by early 2026. Several successful ventures, including Rocketlane, SuperOps.ai, SurveySparrow, and Zuper, have emerged from this ecosystem, leveraging deep SaaS expertise to build global enterprise solutions.

At the same time, the funding discussions come amid a surge in investor interest in AI-driven enterprise platforms, particularly in CRM and customer experience technologies. Investors have increasingly backed AI-first startups that aim to disrupt legacy systems, as demonstrated by funding rounds such as Rocketlane’s $24 million Series B, Whatfix raising $125 million in 2023, and Uniphore securing $140 million in its last round.

Sources indicated that Dreamteam plans to use the fresh capital to enhance product development, expand its engineering and go-to-market teams, and accelerate global customer acquisition. Additionally, the company intends to strengthen its AI capabilities by improving agent accuracy and expanding use cases across sales and customer success functions.

Earlier known as Happy Sales, the company has since rebranded to Dreamteam following its seed funding from Together Fund. Through this transformation, the startup aims to redefine CRM systems by eliminating manual workflows and delivering fully automated, AI-powered solutions.

As businesses increasingly prioritise efficiency, data intelligence, and seamless workflows, startups like Dreamteam positions to reshape the future of customer relationship management globally.

Uber launches in-app hotel booking with Expedia, expands super app strategy in travel and mobility

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Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber

Uber Technologies has unveiled an in-app hotel booking feature in partnership with Expedia Group recently, thereby accelerating its push to become a one-stop platform for travel, ride-hailing, and food delivery services.

With this move, Uber aims to increase user engagement and unlock new revenue streams by integrating end-to-end travel services into its ecosystem. As competition intensifies in the mobility and lifestyle space, the company is actively positioning itself to capture a larger share of consumer spending across transportation, accommodation, and dining.

The company announced the feature at its annual GO-GET event, where it confirmed that U.S. users can now search and book from over 700,000 hotels worldwide directly within the Uber app. Expedia’s extensive travel inventory powers the feature, while vacation rental listings from Vrbo, owned by Expedia, will join the platform later this year.

Additionally, the partnership reflects strong executive alignment, as Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, previously led Expedia before joining Uber in 2017. This strategic connection further strengthens the collaboration between the two companies.

Moreover, Uber stated that members of its Uber One subscription program will receive at least 20% discounts on a selection of 10,000 hotels and earn 10% back in Uber Credits on bookings. Users can easily access the new “hotels” tab on the app’s home screen, apply filters based on price, ratings, and amenities, and complete bookings using their existing Uber wallet, thereby ensuring a seamless user experience.

Furthermore, Uber continues to expand its travel-focused offerings. Starting June, the company will extend Uber One benefits internationally, while it will introduce a new “travel mode” that provides location-specific ride guidance along with curated recommendations for dining and attractions.

In addition, Uber has rolled out several new features to enhance convenience and personalization. The “eats on the way” feature allows riders in select U.S. cities to pre-order snacks or drinks during premium rides. Meanwhile, the “shop for me” feature enables users to request items from stores that are not currently listed on Uber Eats.

The company has also introduced AI-powered voice booking and a unified search function that integrates rides, food, and retail services within a single interface. Through these innovations, Uber is actively advancing its ambition to become a “super app” that delivers multiple services through one platform.

Uber reported that its Uber One membership base reached 46 million users in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a 55% year-on-year increase. This growth underscores the rising adoption of subscription-based models and highlights Uber’s expanding ecosystem.

Uber’s integration of hotel booking services in partnership with Expedia signals a major step in redefining digital travel and mobility platforms. As consumers increasingly demand convenience, personalization, and integrated services, Uber’s super app strategy positions it to lead the next phase of innovation in the global travel and lifestyle economy.

Brigade Group and Bain Capital partner for ₹2,200-Cr premium mixed-use project in Bengaluru’s Whitefield

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Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director at Brigade Group

Brigade Group has partnered with Bain Capital to develop a premium mixed-use project in Whitefield, with a total investment of around ₹2,200 crore, the company said in a regulatory filing. This strategic collaboration highlights rising institutional investment in Indian real estate and strengthens Bengaluru’s position as a leading commercial hub.

The company stated that it will develop the integrated project across approximately 2 million sq ft, combining Grade A office space with a five-star hotel that an international hospitality brand will operate. Moreover, the partners will execute the development through a 50:50 joint venture on an 11-acre land parcel along ITPL Main Road, adjacent to the Whitefield Metro Station, thereby enhancing connectivity and accessibility.

Furthermore, Brigade Group emphasized that Whitefield continues to rank among Bengaluru’s most sought-after commercial corridors, driven by a strong presence of global technology companies and Fortune 500 occupiers. Consequently, the project aims to address the growing demand for premium office spaces, commercial real estate, and hospitality infrastructure in Bengaluru’s expanding technology corridors.

Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director at Brigade Group, said the partnership reflects increasing institutional confidence in Indian real estate, particularly in high-quality commercial and hospitality assets. She added that the collaboration will strengthen Brigade’s market presence while optimizing capital efficiency through global partnerships.

“We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to strengthen the Brigade footprint in key markets that we operate in. This resultant partnership demonstrates our strategic focus to aggressively expand our portfolio through institutional collaborations. By leveraging the financial strength of a fund managed by Bain Capital and our deep-rooted development expertise, we are optimizing our capital structure to accelerate high-value developments. This project is set to become a landmark development in the city’s urban landscape,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sarit Chopra, partner at Bain Capital, highlighted Whitefield’s strong long-term fundamentals, supported by consistent occupier demand, infrastructure growth, and limited supply of high-quality developments. “We are pleased to partner with Brigade Group, one of India’s leading developers, on a high-quality development that brings together premium office and hospitality in a supply-constrained location.”

In addition, Brigade Group has continued to expand aggressively across residential, commercial, and industrial real estate segments. On April 15, the company signed a joint development agreement (JDA) for an 8.63-acre land parcel in Gunjur to build a 39-acre integrated residential township. The company plans this large-scale development along the Whitefield–Sarjapur Road corridor, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of ₹7,200 crore. The township will include multi-generational housing options, senior living spaces, and integrated lifestyle amenities.

Earlier, Brigade Group launched Brigade Belvedere, a 10.75-acre residential project in East Bengaluru, with an estimated revenue potential of over ₹1,100 crore. Located on Budigere Main Road, off Old Madras Road, the development will offer 1, 2, and 3 BHK units, with sizes ranging from 715 sq ft to over 2,013 sq ft. The initial phase includes two of the five planned towers, comprising 773 residential units.

Additionally, the company has entered the industrial real estate segment with the launch of Brigade Industrial Park, a 25-acre development in Devanahalli in North Bengaluru. The project will cater to high-growth sectors such as aerospace and defense, IT/ITES, and data centers, thereby diversifying Brigade’s portfolio.

Moreover, Brigade Group has partnered with Primus Senior Living to develop three senior living communities across Bengaluru and other South Indian markets. The company expects the portfolio to exceed 600 units, significantly expanding its senior living platform. At the same time, Brigade has collaborated with Hyatt to strengthen its hospitality footprint through two new projects: a beachfront luxury hotel in Chennai and serviced apartments in Bengaluru’s airport corridor.

Brigade Group’s partnership with Bain Capital marks a significant step in scaling premium real estate development in Bengaluru. As demand for Grade A office spaces, luxury hospitality, and integrated townships continues to grow, such strategic collaborations will play a crucial role in shaping India’s urban infrastructure and real estate investment landscape.

CGH Earth launches Sanctuary Amaidiyana in Auroville, expanding eco-luxury wellness hospitality in India

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CGH Earth has launched Sanctuary Amaidiyana, a 23-key resort and spa located on the outskirts of Auroville. With this development, the group strengthens its footprint in the wellness hospitality segment while focusing on holistic well-being, local culture, and sustainable tourism practices.

Notably, the company has named the property after the Tamil word for “peace and tranquility,” thereby reinforcing its core philosophy of mindful living. Furthermore, Auroville-based architect Mona Doctor-Pingel has designed the resort with a strong emphasis on sustainability and regional identity. The property features locally crafted interiors, curated artworks by Auroville artists, dedicated wellness spaces, Ayurveda suites, and garden-facing rooms, which together create an immersive eco-luxury experience.

Moreover, the resort offers unique wellness amenities, including Heiwa, a dedicated wellness space, along with a Watsu pool maintained at 32–34°C to support warm-water therapy. These features enhance the growing demand for wellness tourism and experiential travel in India.

“At CGH Earth, we believe every space can tell a story when shaped with care,” said Michael Dominic, CEO & Managing Director, CGH Earth. “Sanctuary Amaidiyana is that story brought to life, a quiet refuge that restores balance while gently inspiring creative expression. In harmony with the spirit of Auroville, we have created a space where architecture is intertwined with the land, cuisine honors seasonality and craft, and wellness is a lived experience. Amaidiyana represents eco-luxury with purpose—rooted in awareness, connection, and the joy of meaningful living.”

In addition, the retreat integrates wellness with culinary excellence through its food philosophy. George Joseph, Vice President – Operations, CGH Earth, emphasized the integrated approach to well-being.

“Amaidiyana brings together the many dimensions of well-being into one harmonious, integrated space. It is not just a place for wellness but a philosophy that unifies healing practices, conscious tourism, and quiet restoration under one roof,” he said.

He further added, “The retreat’s culinary program is guided by CGH Earth’s Conscious Cuisine philosophy and the vibrant food cultures of Tamil Nadu and Auroville. Fresh herbs and vegetables are harvested from the on-site organic kitchen garden, complemented by artisanal Auroville cheeses, breads, chocolates, grains, and condiments.”

CGH Earth’s launch of Sanctuary Amaidiyana highlights the rising demand for eco-luxury resorts, sustainable hospitality, and wellness tourism in India. As travelers increasingly prioritize mindful experiences, sustainability, and holistic well-being, such developments will continue to redefine the future of the hospitality industry.

LinkedIn’s agentic AI hiring tools set to generate $450 Mn in sales, signaling strong growth in AI recruitment solutions

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Dan Shapero, CEO, LinkedIn

LinkedIn, the professional networking platform owned by Microsoft, announced that its agentic AI-powered hiring products will generate $450 million in sales over the next year. This projection highlights the growing impact of artificial intelligence in recruitment technology and talent acquisition solutions.

Notably, this marks the first time LinkedIn has disclosed sales figures for a core AI-driven product. The platform, which has surpassed 1 billion members globally, continues to generate a significant portion of its revenue by offering advanced tools to sales and recruiting professionals. Although Microsoft reports LinkedIn’s overall growth within its productivity and business processes segment, it does not provide standalone revenue figures for the platform.

Meanwhile, LinkedIn has introduced two major agentic AI-powered hiring solutions tailored for different business needs—one designed for large enterprises and another for small businesses. These systems enable an AI agent to interpret instructions from human recruiters, understand hiring requirements, and efficiently scan LinkedIn profiles to identify the most suitable candidates for further engagement. As a result, recruiters can streamline candidate sourcing and improve hiring efficiency.

Furthermore, LinkedIn stated that it extensively tested some of these AI-driven tools for nearly a year before officially launching them. The company emphasized that these solutions now help recruiters save time and achieve higher response rates when reaching out to potential candidates, thereby enhancing overall recruitment productivity.

“Recruiters told us half their day was low-value work, so we made a bet on understanding their pain to get our solution right,” Dan Shapero, LinkedIn’s new CEO who took over last week, said in a statement. “That focus on the customer, not racing to launch an AI agent, was the right one, and hitting this milestone shows it.”

LinkedIn’s strategic investment in agentic AI recruitment tools underscores a broader shift toward automation and intelligent hiring solutions in the HR technology landscape. As demand for faster and more effective talent acquisition continues to rise, AI-powered platforms like LinkedIn will play a critical role in shaping the future of work and recruitment.

ITC Hotels signs 100-key Fortune Hotel in Vrindavan, expands presence in spiritual tourism market

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ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a 100-key hotel under its Fortune Hotels brand in Vrindavan, thereby marking a strategic expansion into one of India’s premium spiritual tourism hubs.

With this addition, ITC Hotels will expand its portfolio in Uttar Pradesh to 17 properties, including both operational and upcoming hotels. These include prominent properties such as Welcomhotel Prayagraj, WelcomHeritage Badi Kothi, and Fortune Select Ayodhya, thereby reinforcing the company’s strong regional footprint.

The company plans to open the new hotel in April 2030; moreover, the property will feature well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, banquet facilities, and modern amenities. Consequently, the development aims to cater to both leisure and spiritual travellers while addressing the rising demand for premium hospitality in a market traditionally dominated by budget accommodations and dharmshalas.

Notably, Vrindavan continues to emerge as a high-growth destination, driven by increasing domestic travel and ongoing infrastructure development. The city attracts millions of visitors annually to key religious landmarks such as the Banke Bihari Temple and ISKCON Temple Vrindavan, along with its globally recognised cultural events and sacred ghats along the Yamuna River.

Anil Chadha said that the signing aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand in high-growth leisure and pilgrimage markets, as evolving travel patterns and increasing demand for branded accommodation continue to reshape the hospitality landscape.

Furthermore, with this development, the Fortune Hotels brand will continue to strengthen its pipeline by targeting a diversified mix of religious, leisure, and business destinations across India. As hospitality demand expands beyond traditional metro cities, ITC Hotels aims to capitalise on emerging markets with strong tourism potential.

By introducing branded, premium hospitality offerings in pilgrimage destinations, the company is well positioned to meet evolving traveller expectations while driving long-term growth in the sector.

IHG signs Holiday Inn Resort Alwar, expands India portfolio with new 150-key resort

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IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Yash Hotels & Resorts LLP to develop Holiday Inn Resort Alwar. The company plans to open the property in Q1 2030; consequently, this development will mark IHG’s entry into Alwar and further strengthen its resort portfolio in India, aligning with its strategy to expand across high-potential leisure and emerging destinations.

As one of IHG’s most recognised brands, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts focuses on delivering consistent and dependable service, thereby enabling guests to maximise their travel experiences. Moreover, the brand’s philosophy of creating brighter stays and meaningful experiences positions it strongly to cater to leisure travellers, wedding guests, and corporate groups visiting Alwar.

Located in Alwar, often referred to as the “Gateway to Rajasthan,” the 150-key resort will sit against the scenic backdrop of the Aravalli hills, where rugged landscapes meet green pockets and open spaces. Additionally, the property will benefit from its proximity to major hubs such as Delhi NCR, Jaipur, and the Sariska Tiger Reserve, thereby enhancing its appeal as a leisure and destination wedding venue.

The resort will feature multiple dining outlets, resort-style amenities, and dedicated meeting and event spaces; therefore, it will cater effectively to leisure stays, social celebrations, and corporate gatherings.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are pleased to partner with Yash Hotels & Resorts LLP to bring Holiday Inn Resort Alwar to market. This signing reflects our confidence in the long-term potential of emerging markets such as Alwar. With its scenic setting and the strength of the Holiday Inn Resort brand, the hotel will be well positioned to meet the evolving needs of travellers.”

Mukesh Gulati, Managing Partner, Yash Hotels & Resorts LLP added, “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce the Holiday Inn Resort brand to Alwar. The city’s proximity to key markets such as Delhi NCR and Jaipur, combined with its natural beauty and cultural heritage, makes it an ideal destination for hospitality development. With IHG’s global expertise and strong brand recognition, we are confident the resort will become a preferred choice for weddings, events, and leisure stays.”

Currently, IHG operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express. Furthermore, the company maintains a strong pipeline of 89 hotels scheduled to open over the next three to five years, thereby reinforcing its aggressive expansion strategy in the Indian hospitality market.

IHG’s signing of Holiday Inn Resort Alwar underscores its continued focus on tapping emerging leisure destinations and strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing hospitality sector.

Cognizant to acquire Astreya for $600 Mn to boost AI infrastructure capabilities

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Ravi Kumar S., CEO of Cognizant

Cognizant Technology Solutions has agreed to acquire Astreya in a deal valued at around $600 million, the company said. The acquisition will strengthen Cognizant’s capabilities in AI infrastructure and data center services as enterprises significantly increase spending on advanced technologies.

Furthermore, the deal, which the companies expect to close in the second quarter of 2026 pending regulatory approvals, will likely be announced on Wednesday. As organisations continue to accelerate investments in artificial intelligence, the acquisition positions Cognizant to capitalise on this structural shift across industries.

Notably, Cognizant has benefited from enterprise clients rapidly integrating AI and automation while migrating workloads to the cloud. In addition, the company has expanded strategic partnerships with Microsoft and AI startup Anthropic to strengthen its competitive positioning in the evolving IT services landscape.

Ravi Kumar S., CEO of Cognizant, said, “By acquiring Astreya and its proprietary AI tooling ⁠and production-grade infrastructure platform, which is complementary to Cognizant’s AI builder stack, we will be even better-positioned to help clients architect their platform-led AI systems and operationalise them at scale.”

Moreover, the Astreya acquisition builds on a series of strategic deals aimed at expanding Cognizant’s AI and cloud capabilities. Earlier, the company acquired 3Cloud in January to enhance its Microsoft Azure expertise and purchased Belcan in 2024 for nearly $1.3 billion, thereby reinforcing its digital engineering and consulting portfolio.

Founded in 2001, Astreya has spent nearly a decade managing data center infrastructure, AI lab environments, and enterprise networks for six of the so-called Magnificent Seven technology firms, underscoring its strong industry credentials.

However, despite its strategic expansion, Cognizant, currently valued at approximately $26 billion, has seen its market value decline by more than a third this year, primarily due to a weak demand outlook for IT services and concerns around AI-driven pricing pressures.

As enterprises continue to scale AI adoption and cloud transformation, the deal expects to enhance Cognizant’s ability to deliver end-to-end, platform-led AI solutions at scale.

Sprect raises ₹2-Cr to expand expert network and product capabilities

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Vishal Rupani, Rishabh Kathotia, and Mohit Khadaria, co-founders, Sprect

Sprect (Super Connect) has raised ₹2 crore in funding from Subhkam Ventures (I) Private Limited, a registered NBFC with over two decades of experience in public markets and private equity investments; consequently, the company will utilise the capital to accelerate product development, expand its network of verified professionals (PROs), and further increase seeker demand on the platform.

Sprect enables users to book focused one-on-one video calls with professionals who are otherwise difficult to access. Currently, thousands of verified professionals across finance, careers, business strategy, and technology actively offer their time on the platform. These professionals include alumni from leading institutions such as IIMs, IITs, ISB, and UCLA, as well as experts from organisations like Airtel, Google, Times Internet, and Warner Bros. Discovery, along with Formula car drivers and senior government officials.

Rishabh Kathotia said, “Expert access has historically been a privilege of the few,” said Rishabh Kathotia, Director at Subhkam Ventures. “Sprect is building the infrastructure to change that, with a credible PRO network, a clear institutional use case, and founders with the depth to execute on both sides of the platform. We are backing Vishal and Mohit for the long run.”

Accessing the right professionals has traditionally posed significant challenges. For instance, first-generation founders often struggle to connect with experienced CFOs who have navigated multiple funding cycles, while mid-career professionals face difficulty in reaching senior leaders within aspirational organisations. Sprect addresses this gap by enabling on-demand connections between users and relevant experts. Additionally, institutions such as SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) have partnered with the platform to strengthen alumni engagement across batches and years.

Mohit Khadaria said, “This funding round validates what we have always believed, that structured expert access is a real and growing need,” said Mohit Khadaria, Co-founder of Sprect. “Colleges want their alumni engaged and contributing. Organisations want curated knowledge flowing through their teams. We are already seeing this with multiple institutions, and this round lets us deepen that work significantly.”

On the supply side, Sprect allows professionals to control their availability, pricing, and engagement preferences. They can offer paid, free, or charity calls and define the topics they wish to address, while the platform manages scheduling, payments, and video infrastructure seamlessly.

Vishal Rupani said, “The right 10 minutes with the right person can change the trajectory of a career or a business,” said Vishal Rupani, Co-founder of Sprect. “India has millions of professionals who have spent decades building exactly that kind of expertise, yet there has never been a dignified, structured way for them to offer it. Sprect changes that, giving every professional a platform to make their knowledge accessible on their own terms. This raise is about getting that opportunity in front of many more professionals.”

As demand for personalised, on-demand professional guidance continues to rise across careers, business, and education, Sprect therefore aims to scale its network and, in turn, strengthen its position in India’s evolving knowledge-sharing and professional networking ecosystem.