Bengaluru leads India’s startup ecosystem with 21 founders on Hurun U30 List

July 4, 2026

Bengaluru has emerged as India’s leading hub for young entrepreneurs, with 21 founders from the city securing places on the Avendus Wealth-Hurun India U30 List 2026, compared with just seven in the previous edition. The significant increase highlights Bengaluru’s growing dominance in India’s startup ecosystem and reinforces its position as the country’s innovation capital.

Priyank Kharge, Minister of Home, e-Governance, Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, shared the findings while highlighting the state’s expanding innovation landscape. According to the Avendus Wealth-Hurun India U30 List 2026, which recognizes 102 outstanding business leaders aged 30 years and below, 18 companies featured on the list are headquartered in Bengaluru, the highest among all Indian cities.

The report includes first-generation entrepreneurs who have built startups valued at USD 25 million or more, along with next-generation business leaders managing family-owned enterprises valued at USD 50 million or more.

Priyank Kharge, Minister of Home, e-Governance, Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, said, “The list reflects how Bengaluru continues to lead from the front. This is a testament to Bengaluru’s entrepreneurial spirit, world-class talent, and collaborative innovation ecosystem.”

The latest report also highlights a strong shift toward DeepTech and HardTech startups. Nearly one in every four founders featured on this year’s list represents sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Electric Vehicles (EVs), Auto Components, SpaceTech, Aerospace & Defence, and Cybersecurity.

Furthermore, the number of entrepreneurs building AI and Machine Learning companies nearly doubled to eight this year. The SpaceTech sector contributed six founders from startups, including Pixxel, Digantara, and Apolink, while the Automobile and Auto Components category also doubled to seven entrepreneurs, all of whom focus on electric vehicles and EV component manufacturing.

Kharge emphasized that the findings align closely with Karnataka’s long-term innovation strategy.

He said, “As we continue to invest in deeptech, R&D, skilling, and founder-friendly policies, our focus remains on ensuring that Karnataka is the best place for ambitious entrepreneurs to build globally competitive companies.”

The report also revealed that India’s startup ecosystem continues to become younger and more diverse. The average age of entrepreneurs featured on the list stands at 28 years, while 84% of them are first-generation entrepreneurs, reflecting the growing strength of India’s independent startup ecosystem.

At just 20 years old, Onkar Singh Batra of Apolink and Dhravya Shah of Supermemory emerged as the youngest entrepreneurs featured in this year’s rankings.

Meanwhile, entrepreneurship continues to spread beyond metropolitan cities. The report found that 40 founders come from non-metro cities, highlighting the rapid expansion of India’s startup ecosystem across emerging innovation hubs.

Collectively, companies represented on the Hurun India U30 List 2026 have achieved a combined valuation of approximately ₹2.9 lakh crore and employ more than 75,000 professionals across multiple industries.

Additionally, the top 10 companies led by entrepreneurs on the list have collectively raised more than USD 3.5 billion in funding. Startups such as Zepto and BharatPe continue to lead this group, demonstrating strong investor confidence in India’s next generation of technology-driven businesses.

Congratulating the entrepreneurs, Priyank Kharge, Minister of Home, e-Governance, Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, said, “Congratulations to all the young founders shaping the future from Karnataka.” He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure, research capabilities, and policy support for DeepTech, AI, and hardware innovation.

The report further reinforces Bengaluru’s leadership in India’s startup landscape as the city continues to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and technology talent. Backed by a robust innovation ecosystem, government support, and increasing investments in emerging technologies, Bengaluru remains at the forefront of India’s journey toward becoming a global startup and technology powerhouse.

OPO Hotels unveils Rahitya Premier Anant to expand hospitality presence in Ayodhya

BRL Editor

July 4, 2026

OPO Hotels & Resorts has launched Rahitya, its premium hospitality brand designed for the midscale and upper-midscale hotel segment, marking a major step in the company’s national expansion strategy. The brand has made its debut with Rahitya Premier Anant, Ayodhya, strengthening OPO Hotels’ presence in one of India’s fastest-growing religious tourism destinations.

The company developed the property under a Management Agreement signed on 24 June 2026, making the launch OPO Hotels & Resorts’ strategic entry into Uttar Pradesh. Located at Anant Palace, Chandpur Harbans, Prayagraj Road, Ayodhya, the hotel combines modern hospitality with the city’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage to deliver a premium guest experience.

Rahitya Premier Anant will begin operations during the second week of July 2026. Initially, the hotel will offer 50 well-appointed guest rooms, while the company plans to expand the inventory to 150 rooms in the next development phase.

Additionally, guests will have access to a 70-cover all-day dining restaurant, a 150-guest banquet hall, and a 300-guest landscaped lawn. Furthermore, OPO Hotels will soon introduce a gymnasium, spa, and kids’ zone, enhancing the property’s premium hospitality offerings.

The company launched Rahitya at a time when Ayodhya continues to experience unprecedented growth in religious tourism. Improved air, rail, and road connectivity, coupled with significant infrastructure investments, has driven a sharp rise in domestic and international pilgrim arrivals. Consequently, demand for branded hotels and premium accommodation has increased substantially across the city.

Rahitya Premier Anant has been designed to serve a diverse customer base, including pilgrims, leisure travellers, destination wedding guests, family groups, corporate travellers, and group tourists. The property’s facilities and services align with Rahitya’s premium positioning while delivering a blend of comfort, convenience, and authentic local experiences.

Sandeep Basu, Chief Executive Officer, OPO Hotels & Resorts, said, “The launch of Rahitya marks a defining milestone in OPO Hotels & Resorts’ growth journey. As our premium hospitality brand, Rahitya has been created to address the evolving needs of today’s discerning travellers who seek elevated experiences, thoughtful service, and exceptional value. We are delighted to introduce the brand with Rahitya Premier Anant in Ayodhya—a destination that beautifully represents India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage while emerging as one of the country’s fastest-growing tourism markets.”

He further added, “Ayodhya’s remarkable transformation presents a compelling opportunity for quality hospitality brands. Through Rahitya, we aim to create hotels that seamlessly combine contemporary comfort with authentic local experiences. This launch not only strengthens our presence in North India but also lays the foundation for expanding the Rahitya brand across key spiritual, leisure, and emerging business destinations nationwide.”

The launch of Rahitya Premier Anant also expands OPO Hotels & Resorts’ hospitality portfolio under its asset-light management model. Moreover, the company continues to accelerate its growth strategy by signing hotel management agreements across both established and emerging destinations throughout India.

With tourism witnessing sustained growth across religious and leisure destinations, OPO Hotels aims to capitalize on increasing demand for premium branded accommodation. The introduction of Rahitya reflects the company’s long-term vision to strengthen its footprint in India’s hospitality sector while offering guests high-quality experiences across key travel destinations.

BikeWo Green Tech signs MoU to acquire 51% stake in PositiEV Mobility to build integrated EV ecosystem

BRL Editor

July 3, 2026

Electric mobility company BikeWo Green Tech has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to acquire a 51% stake in PositiEV Mobility Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant step toward building a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem in India.

The proposed acquisition will combine Hyderabad-based BikeWo’s expansion strategy with PositiEV Mobility’s expertise in electric vehicle (EV) distribution, leasing, and mobility infrastructure. As a result, the combined entity aims to create an integrated platform that offers EV retail, vehicle financing, leasing, charging infrastructure, battery swapping, fleet management, and after-sales services under one ecosystem.

The strategic partnership aligns with the rapidly growing demand for sustainable transportation and reinforces BikeWo’s long-term commitment to strengthening India’s electric vehicle industry through technology-driven mobility solutions.

Manideep Katepalli, Chairman & Managing Director, BikeWo Green Tech, said, “This MoU marks an important step in BikeWo’s long-term growth strategy. PositiEV Mobility has built strong capabilities across EV distribution, leasing, and mobility infrastructure, making it an excellent strategic fit with BikeWo’s vision. We look forward to working closely with the PositiEV team as we progress through due diligence and the necessary approvals.”

He further added, “We believe this partnership has the potential to create one of India’s most integrated EV mobility platforms. Hiten’s deep understanding of the EV ecosystem, combined with his entrepreneurial experience and execution capabilities, makes him the ideal leader to drive BikeWo’s next phase of growth. Together, we are committed to building an integrated electric mobility ecosystem.”

Founded by Hiten Pal Saklani, PositiEV Mobility has developed a technology-enabled commercial EV platform that integrates vehicle financing, EV charging infrastructure, maintenance services, fleet management, and leasing solutions. The company also connects original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), automobile dealers, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), fleet operators, and infrastructure partners, creating a collaborative ecosystem for commercial electric mobility.

Following the completion of the transaction and subject to Board approval, Hiten Pal Saklani, Founder, PositiEV Mobility, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of BikeWo Green Tech. His appointment is expected to strengthen the company’s leadership while accelerating the development of its integrated EV business.

The acquisition reflects the increasing consolidation within India’s electric mobility sector as companies seek to expand beyond vehicle sales into comprehensive mobility services. By combining EV retail, financing, leasing, charging, battery swapping, and fleet management, BikeWo aims to deliver seamless solutions for businesses and consumers while supporting the country’s transition toward clean transportation.

BikeWo Green Tech’s proposed acquisition of a majority stake in PositiEV Mobility represents a strategic move to establish one of India’s most integrated electric mobility platforms. By combining expertise in EV distribution, financing, leasing, charging infrastructure, and fleet management, the company aims to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing electric vehicle ecosystem. Subject to regulatory approvals and due diligence, the partnership is expected to accelerate innovation and support the widespread adoption of sustainable mobility solutions across India.

Max Estates records ₹1,100-Crore sales in Q1 FY27

BRL Editor

July 3, 2026

Real estate developer Max Estates Ltd reported a more than fivefold increase in sales bookings to ₹1,100 crore during the first quarter of the current financial year, driven by robust demand for its premium residential projects across Delhi-NCR.

The company had recorded ₹217 crore in housing sales during the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year, highlighting a significant year-on-year improvement in its residential business performance.

As part of the Max Group, Max Estates released its operational update for the April-June quarter and reported strong momentum across its housing portfolio. During the June quarter, the company launched a new residential project in Gurugram with an estimated revenue potential of ₹500 crore, further strengthening its pipeline of premium developments.

Nitin Kansal, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Max Estates, said, “Built on the momentum of the last fiscal, we have registered more than five times growth in sales bookings in the June quarter as against the corresponding period of 2025-26 because of homebuyers’ overwhelming response.”

He further added, “The sales figure reflects that Max Estate is one of the most trusted brands in the Delhi-NCR, particularly in the micro markets of Gurugram and Noida.”

Kansal emphasized that the company witnessed strong customer demand across its newly launched housing projects as well as under-construction developments. According to him, homebuyers continue to prefer reputed developers with a proven track record of timely project execution and strong financial stability.

Although Max Estates achieved record sales of ₹5,305 crore during the previous financial year, compared with ₹5,321 crore in the preceding fiscal, the company remains optimistic about sustaining its growth trajectory. Consequently, it has lined up a strong pipeline of residential launches for the current financial year to capitalize on healthy market demand.

Kansal also highlighted that residential real estate demand continues to remain resilient, particularly in the premium housing segment. He noted that buyers increasingly prefer established developers capable of delivering high-quality projects within committed timelines.

In addition to expanding its project portfolio, Max Estates continues to pursue strategic land acquisitions. The company plans to acquire two to three land parcels with a combined development potential of nearly 3 million square feet of saleable area during the current financial year.

While the company did not acquire any land during the first quarter, Kansal confirmed that Max Estates is actively evaluating multiple acquisition opportunities across key markets.

Apart from residential developments, Max Estates continues to strengthen its commercial real estate portfolio. The company currently operates three completed office complexes across Delhi and Noida, which generated approximately ₹150 crore in rental income during the previous financial year.

Furthermore, the developer currently has three residential projects under construction and is simultaneously developing two mixed-use projects that combine residential and commercial spaces. Overall, Max Estates has built a diversified portfolio comprising 18.4 million square feet of completed and ongoing developments.

On the financial front, Max Estates reported a net profit of ₹15.5 crore on a turnover of ₹200 crore during the previous financial year, reflecting its continued focus on profitable and sustainable growth.

The company’s latest operational performance reinforces the strong momentum in the Delhi-NCR real estate market, where premium housing demand continues to remain resilient despite evolving market conditions. With an expanding project pipeline, strategic land acquisition plans, and sustained buyer confidence, Max Estates appears well-positioned to maintain its growth trajectory in the coming quarters.

JW MARRIOTT MUMBAI JUHU APPOINTS ANKITA THAKUR AS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

BRL Editor

July 3, 2026

Mumbai, July 2026: The JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is pleased to announce the appointment of Ankita Thakur as Director of Marketing. A seasoned luxury hospitality marketing leader with more than a decade of experience, Ankita joins the hotel’s leadership team with a strong background in brand strategy, integrated marketing, communications, digital transformation, partnerships, and destination-led storytelling across some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands.

In her new role, Ankita will lead the strategic direction of marketing for JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, overseeing brand positioning, integrated communications, public relations, digital marketing, content strategy, partnerships, and guest engagement initiatives. She will play an integral role in strengthening the hotel’s market presence, driving commercial growth, enhancing brand visibility, and creating thoughtful campaigns that reflect the spirit of JW Marriott while reinforcing the hotel’s position as one of India’s most iconic luxury hospitality destinations.

Ankita’s most recent role was with JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, where she served as Director of Marketing & Communications and was part of the pre-opening leadership team. In this capacity, she led the resort’s global launch strategy, brand positioning, digital marketing, strategic partnerships, and integrated communications, shaping a distinctive market presence for the brand. Her career spans an impressive portfolio of luxury hospitality and lifestyle brands, including Raffles Maldives, Huvafen Fushi Maldives, Hyatt Regency Dharamshala, FashionTV, and Hidesign India. Across these roles, Ankita has built and delivered thoughtful, brand-led strategies that elevated brand equity, deepened guest engagement, and improved business performance.

Widely recognized for her ability to shape compelling brand narratives and deliver high-impact marketing campaigns, Ankita has been named among the Top 25 Stars in Marketing & Communications across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa in both 2021 and 2024. Her expertise spans luxury brand marketing, integrated communications, digital strategy, media and influencer engagement, destination positioning, and meaningful storytelling that brings brands closer to their audiences.

With her appointment, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu continues to build on its legacy of warm hospitality, mindful experiences, and meaningful guest connections, further strengthening its place as a leading destination for luxury stays, dining, celebrations, and memorable experiences in Mumbai.

About JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole—present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit—through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in over 30 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections, and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits, including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Shamoyel Ozair Elevated to Associate Director of Rooms & Sustainability at Fairmont Mumbai & Roswyn, A Morgans Originals Hotel

BRL Editor

July 3, 2026

Mumbai, July 2026 – Fairmont Mumbai has announced the elevation of Shamoyel Ozair to Associate Director of Rooms & Sustainability for Fairmont Mumbai and Roswyn, A Morgans Originals Hotel. Having played a pivotal role in the successful pre-opening and operational journey of the hotel, Shamoyel has been instrumental in driving excellence across rooms operations, housekeeping, guest experience, and sustainability initiatives.

His elevation reflects the hotel’s confidence in his leadership capabilities, operational expertise, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences while championing sustainable hospitality practices across the property.

With over 16 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Shamoyel brings extensive expertise spanning rooms division operations, housekeeping leadership, sustainability and ESG programs, quality assurance, budgeting, pre-openings, and team development. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the industry’s most respected hospitality brands, including Fairmont, Raffles, and The Leela, consistently delivering operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and strong brand compliance.

Prior to his current role, Shamoyel served as Director of Housekeeping & Sustainability at Fairmont Mumbai, where he oversaw laundry operations, procurement, landscaping, and brand standard execution.. He was also a key member of the pre-opening team at Fairmont Mumbai and also managed third-party contracts and supported large-scale events and weddings.

His career journey also includes progressive leadership roles at Fairmont Jaipur, where he spent over seven years advancing through multiple positions from Assistant Housekeeping Manager to Executive Housekeeper. During his tenure, he successfully managed large-scale housekeeping operations, achieved leading audit scores, and drove impactful sustainability initiatives. He has also held key roles with The Leela Mumbai and The Leela Palace New Delhi, further strengthening his expertise in luxury hospitality operations.

Over the years, Shamoyel has been recognised for his contributions to the hospitality industry, receiving accolades including Housekeeping Person of the Year at the Accor India Hotel Awards 2018, Executive Housekeeper of the Year – North at the IHE Excellence Awards 2020, and being named Runner-Up at the BW Hotelier Awards 2023. He has also been associated with several landmark hotel pre-openings, including Raffles Udaipur, Raffles Jaipur, and Fairmont Mumbai.

Speaking on his elevation, Shamoyel Ozair said, “Luxury hospitality today goes beyond delivering exceptional service; it is about creating meaningful guest experiences while embracing responsible and sustainable practices. Being part of Fairmont Mumbai’s journey from its pre-opening phase has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I look forward to continuing to enhance our guest experience, strengthen operational excellence, and further our sustainability commitments as we continue to establish Fairmont Mumbai as one of the city’s leading luxury hospitality destinations.”

In his role as Associate Director of Rooms & Sustainability, Shamoyel will oversee all aspects of rooms division operations, including housekeeping, laundry, guest service standards, and sustainability initiatives across Fairmont Mumbai and Roswyn. He will also be responsible for driving ESG goals, enhancing operational efficiencies, ensuring compliance with luxury brand standards, and fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous development across teams.

This elevation reflects Fairmont Mumbai’s commitment to nurturing internal talent and empowering leaders who contribute significantly to the growth, innovation, and long-term success of the brand.

“We are delighted to elevate Shamoyel Ozair to the role of Associate Director of Rooms & Sustainability for Fairmont Mumbai and Roswyn, A Morgans Originals Hotel. His dedication, operational expertise, and strong focus on guest experience and sustainability have played an integral role in the hotel’s journey since pre-opening. We look forward to his continued leadership as we strengthen our commitment to exceptional hospitality and responsible luxury.” — Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Mumbai & Roswyn, A Morgans Originals Hotel

About Fairmont Mumbai

Fairmont Mumbai opened its doors in April 2025 as Mumbai’s Grand Entrance—a dazzling destination where grandeur and extraordinary theatre meet the timeless elegance of the 1920s. Located near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the hotel offers 446 luxurious rooms and suites, one of the city’s largest event spaces, and seamless connectivity for global travellers, corporate guests, and leisure seekers alike.

Designed to make special happen, the hotel blends legacy and innovation through exceptional dining, pioneering wellness, and thoughtful hospitality. At its heart is Blu Xone at Fairmont Spa and Longevity, India’s first longevity-focused wellness space in a luxury hotel—redefining modern self-care through personalised healing, rejuvenation, and purposeful living.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand’s unrivalled portfolio of more than 94 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures, and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful, and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture, and community of its destinations—renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Fairmont Doha, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai.

Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their cities—iconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, a booking platform and loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services, and experiences.

Mynd Fintech acquires C2FO India to strengthen supply chain finance business

BRL Editor

July 3, 2026

Supply chain financing platform Mynd Fintech, a subsidiary of M1xchange, has acquired fintech company C2FO India for an undisclosed amount. The strategic acquisition strengthens Mynd Fintech’s position in India’s rapidly growing supply chain finance (SCF) market while expanding its customer base, workforce, and transaction capabilities.

Under the acquisition agreement, approximately 100 employees and 140 clients from C2FO India will join Mynd Fintech’s operations. Consequently, the combined entity will process nearly ₹60,000 crore worth of annual transactions across both the buy-side and sell-side financing ecosystem, significantly enhancing its presence in the digital lending and working capital finance market.

M1xchange operates as a Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-licensed Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform that facilitates invoice financing for businesses. Similarly, C2FO operates C2TReDS under the same regulatory framework. However, following the acquisition, C2FO may surrender its TReDS licence, allowing Mynd Fintech to operate C2FO India’s platform while integrating its technology, employees, and customer network.

C2FO India Technologies specializes in on-demand working capital solutions, dynamic discounting, and invoice financing for businesses. As a subsidiary of the US-based C2FO, the company accelerates invoice payments for suppliers operating across more than 180 countries, helping businesses improve cash flow and strengthen supply chain operations.

Sundeep Mohindru, chief executive officer, M1xchange, said, “The combined entity will process ₹60,000 crore worth of transactions annually on both the buy and sell side.” However, he did not disclose additional financial details related to the acquisition.

The C2FO India marketplace enables vendors to access affordable working capital while receiving early invoice payments without complicated documentation or hidden charges. Moreover, the platform serves nearly 50% of the Nifty50 companies and supports the supply chain financing requirements of approximately 200,000 suppliers across multiple industries, including cement, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and several other sectors.

Basant Kaur, country head, C2FO, said that the company currently serves around 50% of the Nifty50 corporations and manages the supply chain financing needs of nearly 200,000 suppliers across sectors such as cement, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. She highlighted the company’s extensive reach within India’s corporate ecosystem and its commitment to improving supplier liquidity through digital financing solutions.

Based in Gurugram, Mynd Fintech operates as a leading digital lending marketplace focused on supply chain finance. As part of the Mynd Group, the company leverages the RBI-licensed M1xchange TReDS platform to offer automated, off-balance-sheet, and unsecured working capital solutions for enterprises, suppliers, and financial institutions.

Furthermore, the acquisition reinforces Mynd Fintech’s long-term growth strategy by combining complementary technologies, expanding its client portfolio, and strengthening its leadership in the trade finance, invoice discounting, and working capital financing segments. The integration also positions the company to deliver faster, technology-driven financing solutions to businesses across India while supporting the country’s growing digital financial ecosystem.

As India’s fintech sector continues to witness rapid adoption of digital lending and supply chain finance platforms, the acquisition reflects the increasing consolidation within the industry. By combining operational capabilities, technology infrastructure, and an extensive customer base, Mynd Fintech aims to enhance efficiency, improve supplier financing, and accelerate the digital transformation of business payments.

Institutional investments in Indian real estate rise 50% to $4.5 Bn in H1 2026

BRL Editor

July 3, 2026

Institutional investments in Indian real estate rise 50% to $4.5 Bn in H1 2026 — Badal Yagnik, CEO and Managing Director, Colliers India

Institutional investments in India’s real estate sector climbed 50% year-on-year to $4.5 billion during the first half of 2026, marking the strongest first-half capital inflows in six years, according to a report by Colliers India. The robust growth reflects rising investor confidence in the Indian real estate market, despite ongoing global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

Investment activity remained resilient throughout the first six months of the year. Quarterly investments increased 70% year-on-year to $2.9 billion during the April-June quarter, demonstrating sustained confidence among both domestic and international investors. According to the report, strong participation from domestic investors, a revival in foreign capital through strategic transactions, and growing investments in mixed-use and alternative assets collectively drove this impressive performance.

Moreover, institutional investors continued to view India as an attractive long-term investment destination. The report also highlighted that the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) upward revision of India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.5% further strengthened investor sentiment toward the country’s real estate sector.

Domestic investors emerged as the largest contributors during the first half of 2026 by investing $2.6 billion, representing an 80% increase compared with the previous year. Consequently, they accounted for nearly 57% of total institutional investments, reflecting growing confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the Indian property market.

Meanwhile, foreign investment also recovered strongly, particularly during the second quarter. Overseas investors deployed $1.9 billion during H1 2026, recording a 24% year-on-year increase. Strategic equity investments, stake acquisitions, and investments across mixed-use and alternative assets primarily drove this growth.

Badal Yagnik, CEO and Managing Director, Colliers India, said, “Institutional investments in India’s real estate sector stood at $2.9 billion in Q2 2026, witnessing a 70% year-on-year rise. This growth was led by equally strong participation from domestic as well as foreign investors.”

He further explained that domestic investors have consistently contributed between 40% and 60% of total real estate investments in recent quarters by expanding their portfolios across multiple asset classes. At the same time, foreign investors have become increasingly selective and now focus more on mixed-use developments and alternative assets. According to Yagnik, balanced participation from both investor groups will remain essential for sustaining the sector’s long-term growth.

The office segment continued to dominate institutional investment activity by attracting over 40% of total capital inflows during H1 2026. Investors deployed approximately $1.9 billion into office properties, with domestic investors largely targeting operational commercial assets that generate stable returns.

However, the residential real estate segment experienced a slowdown. Investments declined 43% year-on-year to $500 million as investors adopted a cautious approach amid rising construction costs, moderating housing sales, and concerns regarding project viability.

In contrast, mixed-use developments and alternative real estate assets emerged as the fastest-growing investment categories. Each segment attracted nearly $800 million, contributing roughly 20% of total institutional investments individually. Foreign investors led these categories through equity stake acquisitions, highlighting their strategy of diversifying beyond traditional commercial and residential assets.

Additionally, the hospitality sector delivered strong growth by attracting $300 million in institutional investments during H1 2026. Although the sector started from a relatively lower base, investments more than tripled compared with the same period last year.

Vimal Nadar, National Director and Head of Research, Colliers India, said, “During the second quarter, office assets accounted for about 37% of total capital inflows at $1.1 billion, followed by mixed-use and alternative segments. Quarterly investments across all three segments increased by close to or more than four times compared with a year ago.”

He also noted that investors continued to favour operational office assets. Furthermore, the recent listing of another office REIT strengthened confidence in India’s commercial office market. With office leasing activity expected to improve during the second half of 2026, Nadar believes institutional investment momentum will likely remain strong throughout the year.

Among India’s Tier-I cities, Chennai and Bengaluru emerged as the leading investment destinations. Together, the two cities attracted nearly $1.2 billion, accounting for approximately 27% of total institutional investments during H1 2026. Each city received close to $600 million, with office assets contributing between 85% and 95% of total investments.

Furthermore, the report highlighted the increasing significance of multi-city transactions, which represented 46% of total institutional investment inflows during the first half of the year. At the same time, Tier-II and Tier-III cities, including Coorg, Hosur, Coimbatore, Kochi, and Ujjain, witnessed growing investor interest across hospitality, industrial and warehousing, and residential developments.

India’s real estate sector continues to attract substantial institutional capital as investors capitalize on the country’s strong economic fundamentals, expanding commercial property market, and growing demand for diversified real estate assets. The combination of resilient domestic participation, recovering foreign investments, and rising opportunities across office, hospitality, and alternative asset classes positions the sector for sustained growth through the remainder of 2026.

Pecan Realty acquires multiple projects from Insolvency Banks, with cumulative institutional transactions worth over Rs 150 Cr

BRL Editor

July 3, 2026

Mumbai, July 02, 2026: Pecan Realty, a leading real estate developer creating spaces with lasting impact, has successfully acquired multiple projects from insolvency banks across four institutional transactions, aggregating over Rs 150 crore in the last two years. The resolution of these important transactions strengthens Pecan’s positioning as an execution-led real estate platform through resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions, and capital partnerships.

The transactions by Pecan Realty span resolution-led acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), providing repayment/exits to both private and public sector lenders. Collectively, they demonstrate the company’s ability to resolve complex project situations, work closely with institutional stakeholders, and execute disciplined exits across its portfolio.

One of the most significant transactions involved Pecan Yura, a Grade A commercial development off Juhu Circle on the Juhu-Versova Link Road in Andheri West. The project comprises premium office spaces, retail outlets, and food and beverage destinations.

Pecan Realty acquired the asset through the NCLT process following approval of its resolution plan in May 2023. The company partnered with Certus Capital to provide an exit to ICICI Prudential Real Estate AIF. In March 2026, it fully exited Certus Capital as well, through internal cash flows.

The company also completed its first debt closure with a public sector bank by taking over the loan secured against a stuck residential building property in Borivali West. Last quarter, it successfully delivered the building to the residents, showing Pecan Realty’s ability to efficiently resolve projects across a diverse lender base.

Founded in 2012 by Rohit Garodia, Pecan Group is led by first-generation entrepreneurs and supported by a team of more than 150 professionals across its real estate and e-commerce businesses. The group has executed sales exceeding Rs 3,500 crore over the past five years and continues to strengthen its platform through disciplined execution, prudent capital deployment, and long-term value creation.

Commenting on the milestone, Rohit Garodia, Founder, Pecan Realty, said, “Over the past two years, we have remained focused on disciplined execution, responsible capital management, and building long-term credibility with institutional partners. Whether through resolution-led acquisitions, debt closures, or structured financing, every transaction has reinforced our commitment to timely execution and financial discipline. As we continue to expand our development portfolio, strengthening relationships with institutional capital providers will remain central to our long-term growth strategy. Building on these transactions, we hope to execute deals that are far more complex, unlock larger value, and deliver successful outcomes on a bigger scale to our institutional stakeholders.”

As Pecan Realty continues to expand its footprint across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Thane, it remains focused on creating long-term value through project turnaround, redevelopment, and execution while deepening partnerships with banks, NBFCs, and institutional investors to support its next phase of growth.

AI data center startup Crusoe eyes $3 Bn in funding round to expand AI infrastructure business

BRL Editor

July 3, 2026

AI data center startup Crusoe has entered advanced discussions to raise nearly $3 billion in a fresh funding round that could almost triple its valuation, according to a news report that cited people familiar with the matter. The proposed investment highlights the growing demand for AI infrastructure, AI cloud computing, and high-performance data centers as businesses continue to accelerate their artificial intelligence initiatives.

The report stated that Crusoe currently supplies AI computing power to leading technology companies, including Meta and Oracle. Consequently, the startup has positioned itself among the fastest-growing providers of specialized AI infrastructure. As generative AI (GenAI) adoption expands worldwide, major technology companies continue to invest billions of dollars in advanced data centers to support increasingly complex computing workloads.

Meanwhile, Crusoe continues to negotiate with prospective investors, and the company has not finalized its valuation. However, investors reportedly expect the startup’s enterprise value, including the proposed investment, to reach approximately $30 billion.

Previously, Crusoe secured $1.38 billion during its Series E funding round in 2025, achieving a valuation exceeding $10 billion. Valor Equity Partners and Mubadala Capital co-led that investment round, reinforcing investor confidence in the company’s long-term AI infrastructure strategy.

Crusoe originally launched in 2018 as a cryptocurrency-focused business. However, the company later shifted its business model and now develops AI infrastructure solutions that power next-generation artificial intelligence applications. As a result, Crusoe has become one of the emerging neocloud providers that specialize in AI cloud services, GPU computing, and hyperscale data center operations.

Furthermore, Crusoe announced in June that it had secured contracts covering 4.9 gigawatts of computing capacity. In addition, the company revealed that its overall project pipeline had expanded to more than 40 gigawatts, demonstrating strong customer demand and a rapidly growing portfolio of AI infrastructure projects.

Crusoe’s proposed $3 billion funding round underscores the accelerating investment in AI data centers, cloud infrastructure, and high-performance computing. If the company completes the fundraising at the expected valuation, Crusoe will further strengthen its position as a leading AI infrastructure provider while capitalizing on the rapidly expanding global demand for generative AI computing capacity.

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