Accel and Prosus launch India Cohort with bold bets on space, health, and climate startups

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March 25, 2026

Accel and Prosus launch India Cohort with bold bets on space, health, and climate startups — (L) Pratik Agarwal, Partner at Accel & (R) Ashutosh Sharma, Head of India Ecosystem at Prosus

Accel and Prosus have selected six startups for their first joint cohort in India, backing what they describe as “off-the-map” ideas—ventures tackling problems where markets remain undefined and progress is inherently hard to measure.

Notably, the inaugural cohort spans healthcare, climate, space, and longevity. This breadth underscores a deliberate focus on science-led themes that typically involve long development timelines and uncertain commercial pathways. The firms chose these six startups from a highly competitive pool of more than 2,000 applications.

Among the selected companies, Praan is developing advanced air infrastructure systems designed to improve indoor air quality through purification, sensing, and automated controls. Based in Mumbai, the startup has already secured backing from investors such as Social Impact Capital, Aera VC, and Avaana Capital, along with strategic investors and family offices.

Meanwhile, QOSMIC is building optical communication systems to enable high-speed data transfer between satellites and Earth. The Bengaluru-based company is working to significantly increase bandwidth while reducing latency in space-based networks.

In the space-tech segment, Ethereal Exploration Guild (EtherealX) is developing reusable orbital launch vehicles aimed at lowering the cost of accessing space. The startup recently raised $20.5 million in a Series A round led by TDK Ventures and BIG Capital, achieving a valuation of $80.5 million.

Additionally, Dognosis is innovating in cancer diagnostics by detecting multiple cancers through breath analysis. Its product, BreatheEasy, leverages dogs’ olfactory capabilities combined with robotics and AI. Patients breathe into a mask, and the system later analyzes samples in a lab to identify cancer-linked markers.

Further expanding into longevity, Ferra is developing a home-based strength-training system that helps individuals maintain mobility as they age.The system dynamically adjusts resistance levels based on a user’s performance.

In parallel, a sixth startup—currently operating in stealth—is working on brain-computer interfaces to enable direct communication between the human brain and external systems, signaling a bold step toward next-generation human-machine interaction.

Importantly, Accel and Prosus announced the program in October with the intention of backing startups that fall outside the traditional venture capital playbook. Instead of prioritizing ideas that are easiest to fund, the firms are focusing on high-risk, high-impact innovations.

As part of the initiative, Accel and Prosus are co-investing in each startup, with Prosus matching Accel’s contribution. Investment checks range from $500,000 to $2 million. Moreover, the firms structure the funding model to reduce early dilution for founders by deferring a portion of the capital, allowing founders to give up equity at a later stage.

According to Pratik Agarwal, partner at Accel, the model aligns with the needs of deep-tech startups. “More than capital, they require time to make those breakthroughs,” he said.

Similarly, Ashutosh Sharma highlighted the unique growth trajectory of such ventures. These companies often follow a non-linear path, where progress depends on achieving critical technical breakthroughs rather than steady, predictable growth.

Consequently, this cohort reflects a broader shift in venture investing toward long-horizon innovation, where patient capital and technical milestones take precedence over rapid scalability.

Accel and Prosus are not only redefining early-stage investing in India but also signaling strong confidence in deep-tech innovation. By backing unconventional ideas and restructuring capital deployment, they are enabling founders to pursue breakthrough technologies that could shape the future across industries.

jüSTa Hotels expands Uttarakhand portfolio with jüSTa Nature’s Nest

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March 24, 2026

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jüSTa Hotels expands Uttarakhand portfolio with jüSTa Nature’s Nest — Mr. Ashish Vohra, Founder & CEO, Onora Hospitality

Onora Hospitality, the parent company of jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, has announced the signing of a new riverfront resort in Dehradun, thereby reinforcing its expansion strategy in Uttarakhand. The upcoming property, jüSTa Nature’s Nest will open in April 2026 and aims to tap into the region’s growing demand for destination weddings and experiential travel.

Strategically located just 12 minutes from Jolly Grant Airport, the resort also offers convenient access to key spiritual and tourism hubs such as Haridwar and Rishikesh. As a result, the property is well-positioned to attract both leisure travelers and event-driven guests. Moreover, the development will feature landscaped surroundings along with three dedicated banqueting lawns designed to host weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings.

“Dehradun is emerging as a premier destination for weddings and experiential travel due to its scenic charm and strong connectivity. With its riverfront setting, expansive lawns, and thoughtfully planned leisure infrastructure, jüSTa Nature’s Nest reflects our vision of creating distinctive destinations that combine celebration, nature, and hospitality. We see strong potential for the property to become a preferred venue for weddings and lifestyle events in Uttarakhand,” said Ashish Vohra, Founder and CEO, Onora Hospitality.

In addition, the resort will offer a comprehensive range of amenities to enhance guest experience. These include a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bistro and bar, a swim-up bar, a fully equipped gymnasium, indoor gaming zones, and outdoor sports facilities. Consequently, the property aims to deliver a balanced mix of leisure, wellness, and entertainment for diverse guest segments.

Importantly, this signing further strengthens Onora Hospitality’s footprint in Uttarakhand, where it already operates properties in Corbett, Mukteshwar, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Rishikesh. Therefore, the addition of jüSTa Nature’s Nest aligns with the group’s broader vision of building a strong presence in high-potential leisure destinations across India.

As Uttarakhand continues to emerge as a hotspot for weddings and experiential tourism, Onora Hospitality’s latest signing positions it to capitalize on this trend. By combining scenic locations with thoughtfully designed hospitality experiences, the group is steadily strengthening its appeal among modern travelers and event planners.

Kerten Hospitality enters India with ambitious 1,000-key expansion plan

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March 24, 2026

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Kerten Hospitality enters India with ambitious 1,000-key expansion plan — Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality

Kerten Hospitality, the Ireland-headquartered lifestyle hospitality group, has officially announced its entry into the Indian market, thereby marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. As part of its initial phase, the company aims to develop 1,000 keys across India, introducing its signature blend of bespoke lifestyle and community-driven hospitality to the country for the first time.

This strategic move follows a strong performance in 2025, during which Kerten Hospitality recorded a 55% increase in operating revenues, while its gross operating profit (GOP) rose by 69% and management fees grew by 44% year-on-year. Furthermore, in January 2026, the group signed 1,000 new keys across the Middle East, Africa, and other high-growth markets. At present, it boasts a robust pipeline of 60 projects spanning three continents and operates 12 proprietary lifestyle brands, with India emerging as its latest key market.

At the core of Kerten Hospitality’s strategy is its owner-first philosophy, which differentiates it from traditional hospitality operators. Instead of rigid brand standards, the group adopts flexible guidelines that empower asset owners to shape their projects while benefiting from Kerten’s expertise in operations, recruitment, and marketing. In the Indian market, developers will have access to three of its flagship brands—The House Hotel, Cloud7 Hotels, and HOSME—each designed to cater to evolving lifestyle and experiential travel preferences.

To accelerate its India expansion, Kerten Hospitality has already established a dedicated local office and is actively collaborating with asset owners across key destinations. Consequently, the group aims to rapidly scale its presence by bringing its diverse portfolio of lifestyle hotel brands to major travel hubs across the country.

Highlighting the company’s focus on India, Marloes Knippenberg stated, “It’s well known that India is one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world, with robust tourism fundamentals and an increasing appetite for lifestyle-driven hospitality experiences. As travellers increasingly seek destinations that combine culture, design, and community, we see significant potential for innovative hospitality concepts that reflect the spirit and diversity of the country. At Kerten Hospitality, our business model is based on developing destinations that go beyond the realm of traditional hospitality, bringing together culture, creativity, and meaningful guest experiences. We are already seeing a strong demand from developers and owners and will soon be able to cater to the vast diaspora of Indian consumers with Kerten-managed properties across the country.”

Overall, Kerten Hospitality’s India entry underscores the growing attractiveness of the country’s hospitality sector, particularly in the lifestyle and experiential segments.

Araiya Hotels strengthens boutique hospitality presence with Amaraya Resort near Nainital

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March 24, 2026

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Araiya Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Amaraya Resort into its Araiya Anthology collection, thereby marking a significant milestone in the brand’s strategic expansion across India’s top leisure destinations. With this move, the company continues to strengthen its presence in experiential boutique hospitality while focusing on unique, design-led properties.

Nestled in the tranquil Himalayan foothills near Nainital, Amaraya Resort offers a serene and intimate escape spread across 2.5 acres of beautifully terraced orchards. Moreover, the retreat aligns with the Araiya Anthology philosophy by offering just 11 thoughtfully designed suites. Each suite integrates seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, providing panoramic mountain views, ample natural light, and a fluid connection between refined interiors and the outdoors. As a result, guests can experience both luxury and tranquility in equal measure.

In addition, the resort curates immersive and sensory-rich experiences for its guests. From bespoke culinary offerings at signature dining venues to wellness rituals such as sunrise yoga and guided meditation, Amaraya ensures a holistic retreat. Furthermore, adventure seekers can explore the rugged Himalayan terrain through private guided treks and authentic local interactions. Whether guests choose to enjoy a peaceful morning tea overlooking the mountains or celebrate under a starlit sky, the resort consistently delivers on Araiya’s experiential luxury promise.

“Quote from the founder of Araiya Hotels and Resorts—At Araiya, we are drawn to places that evoke something deeper, where landscape and emotion intersect. As part of the Araiya Anthology—a collection of stories shaped by place—Amaraya near Tagore Top, Nainital, reflects our belief in creating spaces that are not just destinations but experiences of pause, reflection, and connection. The design is intentionally understated, with thoughtful interventions, natural light filtering through skylights, warmth underfoot, and materials that respond to the mountain climate, coming together to create a sense of effortless comfort.”

Ultimately, this signing reinforces Araiya’s commitment to expanding its footprint through distinctive properties that prioritize design, location, and meaningful guest experiences.

Araiya Hotels & Resorts continues to elevate India’s boutique hospitality landscape by blending curated experiences with thoughtfully designed spaces. With Amaraya Resort joining its Anthology collection, the brand takes another step toward redefining leisure travel through immersive and emotionally resonant destinations.

OZi raises $6.2M Series A to transform baby & kids shopping experience

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March 24, 2026

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OZi raises $6.2M Series A to transform baby & kids shopping experience — Amit Sah, founder and CEO, OZi

OZi, a quick commerce platform focused on baby and kids’ products, has raised $6.2 million in a Series A funding round, thereby strengthening its mission to simplify shopping for modern parents.

The round was led by RTP Global, while existing investors Blume Ventures, Huddle Ventures, and Zeropearl VC also participated. In addition, the round attracted prominent angel investors, including Kishore Biyani and founders from leading startups such as Unacademy, Mosaic Wellness, Livspace, Vetic, Magicpin, Spinny, Pristyn Care, and Handpicked.

Notably, this Series A round follows OZi’s $3.3 million seed funding raised in October 2025, which Blume Ventures led with participation from Huddle Ventures, Zeropearl VC, and Untitled Ventures. As a result, the early capital enabled the company to launch operations in Gurugram, build a strong cross-functional leadership team, and validate its core thesis that convenience for modern parents remains significantly underserved.

Founded in 2025 by Amit Sah, OZi addresses a problem the founder observed closely within his own family. Today, parents have more choices than ever; however, they have far less time. Consequently, completing a single shopping basket often requires switching across multiple platforms, while many essential products still take days to arrive. Moreover, dual-income households increasingly manage both careers and childcare without extended family support. Therefore, OZi aims to eliminate this friction by offering a curated product selection, trusted brands, product demos, reliable delivery, and seamless returns—all within a single platform.

Importantly, Amit Sah, a second-time founder, brings extensive operational experience to the venture. Earlier, at Zoplar, a B2B healthcare technology startup, he made the strategic decision to return capital to investors after regulatory changes restricted the import of refurbished medical devices, which fundamentally altered the business model. Furthermore, as a graduate of BIT Mesra and IIM Bangalore, he contributed to the national launch of Ola Auto; led international expansion for OYO across Mexico, the United States, Brazil, and Canada; and joined Pristyn Care early in its growth journey toward unicorn status.

With the fresh capital infusion, OZi plans to deepen its footprint across Gurugram and the broader NCR region. At the same time, the company will invest in strengthening brand trust, enhancing technology and operational capabilities, and expanding its curated product assortment.

“I’ve seen how parents today move across platforms just to complete one basket,” said Amit Sah, founder and CEO, OZi. “Convenience is not just about a ten-minute delivery. It is about finding the right product, at the right time, from a trusted brand, without compromise, all in one place. Scale will be the natural outcome of solving convenience consistently for young parents. We’re grateful for the continued support of our investors who believe in this vision and our model.”

Additionally, Madhur Makkar, principal at RTP Global, highlighted the company’s strategic approach and long-term potential. “Amit brings strong, hands-on operational experience and a clear understanding of how modern parenting behaviour is evolving—from search-led transactions to trust-led, convenience-driven platforms. The discipline and clarity with which he is building OZi, investing early in leadership, systems, and capability, are creating a strong foundation for scale. We’re excited to partner with him as he builds a focused platform in a category that requires both deep consumer insight and operational rigor.”

OZi’s successful Series A round underscores growing investor confidence in niche quick-commerce platforms tailored to specific consumer needs. While the company focuses on solving real-world convenience challenges for modern parents, its long-term success will depend on consistent execution, trust-building, and scalability in a highly competitive market in the kids segment.

Food delivery startup Swish raises $38M to scale 10-minute food delivery model in India

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March 24, 2026

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Food delivery startup Swish raises $38M to scale 10-minute food delivery model in India — Aniket Shah, Ujjwal Sukheja, and Saran S. co-founders, Swish

Swish, a Bengaluru-based food delivery startup, has secured $38 million in a fresh funding round, thereby reinforcing investor confidence in its ultra-fast 10-minute fresh food delivery model. Notably, the 18-month-old startup continues to gain traction in a segment where scalability and sustainability remain key challenges.

The Series B round, led by Hara Global and Bain Capital Ventures, also attracted participation from Accel, Stride Ventures, and Alteria Capital. As a result, the round values Swish at $139 million post-money—more than double its valuation from a year ago—and pushes its total funding to $54 million. Meanwhile, the investment comes at a time when ultra-fast food delivery continues to face operational and financial hurdles in India. In fact, larger platforms such as Swiggy, Zepto, and Zomato have recently scaled back or shut down their rapid-delivery experiments, citing cost pressures and execution complexities.

Founded in 2024, Swish operates a full-stack business model; in other words, it owns its kitchens, supply chain, and delivery network. Consequently, the company focuses on dense, hyperlocal clusters with delivery radii of approximately 1 kilometer. According to the startup, this approach enables stronger unit economics compared to marketplace models that depend on third-party restaurant commissions.

At present, Swish delivers nearly 20,000 orders daily, a significant jump from around 5,000 orders just four months ago, as it steadily expands across 10 micro-markets in Bengaluru. Additionally, the company has prioritized automation in kitchen operations to enhance speed and maintain consistency. Co-founder and CEO Aniket Shah emphasized this strategy during an interview.

“We are very dense, very close to the customer, ensuring that we are able to almost act like a restaurant kitchen, bringing food to your table,” he said.

Furthermore, Swish offers a diverse menu of over 200 items spanning meals, snacks, and beverages, with an average order value ranging between ₹200 and ₹250 (approximately $2–$3). Importantly, the platform reports strong repeat usage, with its most active users placing more than 10 orders per month. This trend is especially visible among urban consumers aged 20 to 35, as the company targets multiple daily consumption occasions—from breakfast and teatime to late-night cravings. Moreover, Shah noted that older kitchen clusters have already reached profitability, although he did not disclose per-order margins.

Looking ahead, Swish plans to deepen its presence in Bengaluru while simultaneously expanding into major markets such as Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. However, its growth trajectory remains closely tied to maintaining high order volumes within densely populated urban clusters. Therefore, while investor enthusiasm remains strong, the long-term viability of the model will depend on whether Swish can sustain its operational efficiency in a segment where even established players have pulled back.

Swish’s rapid growth and fresh capital infusion highlight a renewed push toward ultra-fast food delivery in India. Nevertheless, the food delivery startup must continue balancing speed, cost efficiency, and scalability to justify investor confidence and carve out a durable position in an increasingly competitive market.

Why AI Alone Won’t Define the Next Digital Transformation

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March 23, 2026

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Why AI Alone Won’t Define the Next Digital Transformation — Sriram Manoharan, Founder and CEO of CONTUS TECH

The accelerating momentum of artificial intelligence has led many organisations to assume that the next phase of digital transformation will be defined solely by the adoption of AI. However, a more nuanced perspective emerges from Sriram Manoharan, Founder and CEO of CONTUS TECH, who has built and scaled enterprise-grade digital solutions across industries. In a detailed and professionally articulated exchange, he shared his individual insights on how AI will shape the next phase of digital transformation, offering a perspective that reflects his experience as a builder and industry leader rather than a broad organisational position.

A central concern highlighted in his perspective is that many businesses are approaching AI adoption incorrectly. The current wave of enthusiasm has led organisations to prioritise speed over strategy, often integrating AI features without a clear understanding of their purpose or long-term value. This reactive approach is frequently driven by competitive pressure rather than a deliberate growth strategy. As a result, companies risk investing in capabilities that fail to align with customer needs or core business objectives.

At the heart of this viewpoint lies a simple yet powerful principle: the importance of asking the right questions. Rather than focusing on when to adopt new technologies, organisations are encouraged to prioritise understanding how those technologies create value. This shift represents a deeper level of digital transformation, one that moves beyond surface-level adoption toward architectural thinking. It requires businesses to examine how systems interact, how data flows, and how decisions are made within an increasingly complex digital ecosystem.

A critical distinction in this conversation is the difference between automation and true artificial intelligence. The misuse of the term AI has become widespread, with many products labeled as intelligent despite relying on static, rule-based processes. While both automation and AI can deliver efficiency gains, they are fundamentally different in capability. Automation follows predefined instructions, whereas AI systems are designed to learn, adapt, and improve over time through continuous feedback loops.

This distinction has significant implications for long-term business value. Systems powered by machine learning, large language models, and advanced data processing frameworks can evolve dynamically, enabling organisations to respond to changing conditions and uncover new opportunities. In contrast, rule-based systems often reach a performance ceiling, limiting their ability to scale or generate sustained competitive advantage. For organisations investing in marketing technology, performance marketing, and broader digital transformation initiatives, this difference determines whether AI becomes a growth engine or merely a cost-efficiency tool.

Understanding the broader context of digital transformation further clarifies this shift. The evolution of digital capabilities has occurred in distinct phases. The infrastructure era of the 1990s focused on digitising workflows and establishing foundational systems such as databases and networks. The internet era of the mid-2000s transformed the web into a primary business channel, enabling companies to build digital experiences and reach global audiences. The acceleration phase around 2020, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, forced rapid adoption of digital tools, from remote work to cloud-based operations, fundamentally altering how businesses operate.

The current phase represents a departure from these earlier stages. Rather than isolated technological advancements, the focus has shifted to convergence. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and blockchain are increasingly interconnected, forming integrated ecosystems where data flows seamlessly across platforms. This convergence enables real-time decision-making and opens new possibilities for innovation. However, it also introduces complexity, making it essential for organisations to understand how these technologies interact rather than treating them as standalone solutions.

Within this evolving landscape, the concept of agentic AI is gaining prominence. This refers to systems capable of executing multi-step workflows autonomously, without requiring constant human intervention. For example, an agentic AI system in customer service could handle an inquiry, log the issue, escalate it if necessary, generate a response, and update internal systems in real time. Such capabilities extend beyond traditional automation, creating end-to-end processes that combine intelligence, adaptability, and execution.

The implications of this shift are far-reaching across industries. In customer support, agentic AI can reduce response times while maintaining quality through intelligent escalation. In sales, it enables more effective lead qualification and personalised outreach based on behavioural data. In operations, it facilitates seamless coordination between digital systems and human teams. Organisations that design their infrastructure with these capabilities in mind are likely to achieve significantly higher levels of efficiency and scalability in the coming years.

However, the successful implementation of AI is not uniform across sectors. Each industry presents unique challenges related to compliance, data sensitivity, and user behaviour. As a result, a one-size-fits-all approach to AI deployment is unlikely to succeed. Instead, organisations must adopt a contextual approach, tailoring AI models to their specific domain. This involves training systems on proprietary data, establishing appropriate guardrails, and designing outputs that align with industry requirements.

For instance, the application of AI in healthcare differs fundamentally from its use in e-commerce or fintech. Healthcare systems must prioritise accuracy, privacy, and regulatory compliance, while e-commerce platforms may focus on personalisation and conversion optimisation. This level of precision is critical for achieving meaningful outcomes and underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in modern digital transformation strategies.

Despite the rapid advancement of AI, the human element remains central to its success. Technology is most effective when it enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them. Leadership plays a crucial role in this process, shaping organisational culture and guiding the adoption of new tools. Without strong leadership and a clear vision, even the most advanced AI initiatives are unlikely to deliver sustained impact.

This emphasis on leadership extends to the broader organisational mindset. Digital transformation is not solely a technological challenge but also a cultural one. Teams must be encouraged to experiment, learn from data, and adapt to changing conditions. Building a culture that supports innovation and continuous improvement is essential for unlocking the full potential of AI and other emerging technologies.

From a practical standpoint, organisations seeking to navigate this landscape must take a disciplined approach. This begins with an honest assessment of existing AI capabilities, distinguishing between true intelligence and basic automation. It also requires investment in robust data infrastructure, as the quality of AI outputs is directly tied to the quality of input data. Proprietary, well-structured datasets represent a significant competitive advantage, enabling more accurate insights and better decision-making.

In addition, businesses should begin preparing for agentic workflows by identifying processes that can be fully or partially automated in the future. While not all systems need to be implemented immediately, designing with scalability in mind ensures that organisations are well-positioned to adopt more advanced capabilities as they mature. Equally important is fostering internal alignment, ensuring that teams understand and support the transformation journey.

Ultimately, the next phase of digital transformation is not defined by technology alone. It is shaped by the decisions organisations make about how to use that technology, why they adopt it, and how it integrates into their broader strategy. As the noise surrounding AI continues to grow, clarity of purpose becomes increasingly valuable.

The perspective shared by Sriram Manoharan reinforces a critical insight: artificial intelligence will not transform businesses that lack a clear vision of what they aim to achieve. Instead, success will depend on the ability to align technology with strategic intent, leveraging data and intelligence to drive meaningful outcomes.

The transition to this new phase is already underway. The defining question for organisations is no longer whether to adopt AI, but whether they are building with intelligence or simply building at speed.

IHG signs Crowne Plaza Resort Gurgaon Sohna, expands India presence

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March 23, 2026

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IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Harisons Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd. to launch Crowne Plaza Resort Gurgaon Sohna near Palwal in the National Capital Region. The company has scheduled the resort to open in the first quarter of 2029, marking yet another important step in IHG’s ongoing expansion across India.

Commenting on the development, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “Sohna represents a compelling growth opportunity, situated within a high-potential corridor defined by sustained wedding and social celebration demand, alongside expanding corporate activity, making it an ideal fit for our Crowne Plaza brand. We are confident this resort will deliver exceptional experiences for guests while generating long-term value for our partners, M/s. Harisons Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd.”

Furthermore, in a joint statement, Rajesh Gupta and Raman Gupta, Directors at Harisons Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd., added, “Our partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts reflects a shared ambition to create a unique hospitality destination in Palwal. Backed by IHG’s global systems, brand recognition, and operational expertise, we are confident the resort will attract both domestic and international travellers while delivering long-term value to the region’s hospitality landscape.”

Once operational, Crowne Plaza Resort Gurgaon Sohna will offer 150 contemporary and well-appointed rooms designed to provide comfort, connectivity, and flexibility for modern travellers. Additionally, the resort will feature four distinct dining options, including a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a bar. Moreover, it will include expansive banqueting and meeting venues, along with a health club, spa, and swimming pool. At the same time, indoor and outdoor leisure spaces will further enhance the overall guest experience, thereby positioning the property as a comprehensive lifestyle and events destination.

By partnering with established regional players and leveraging strong brand equity, the company continues to strengthen its footprint while catering to the evolving demands of both leisure and business travellers.

AI startup Mayson secures funding to bridge prototype-to-production gap

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March 23, 2026

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AI startup Mayson secures funding to bridge prototype-to-production gap — Akshay Srivastava & Akshansh Gusain, co-Founders, Mayson

Mayson, an AI startup focused on full-stack application development, has secured pre-seed funding to scale its platform. The platform enables users to build and deploy production-grade applications directly from natural language prompts. As vibe-coding continues to transform how developers build traditional software, Mayson actively addresses the critical gap between rapidly generated AI prototypes and fully functional, production-ready software.

Moreover, the platform allows users to convert ideas into complete products by generating not only the frontend but also the backend infrastructure required to run, scale, and deploy applications reliably. As a result, the AI startup is positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for modern software development.

“Software creation should be as simple as describing what you want to build,” said Akshay Srivastava, Co-Founder & CEO of Mayson. “With Mayson, we are building a platform where a single prompt can generate a complete application with the backend infrastructure required to run, scale, and evolve in the real world.”

At the same time, Akshansh Gusain, Co-Founder & CTO of Mayson, highlighted the company’s mission to simplify product development. “Founders shouldn’t have to choose between ‘hacky but fast’ and ‘solid but slow.’ That’s why we built Mayson,” he said. “This pre-seed funding accelerates our vision: To lower the barrier to entry for building products. Every day, brilliant ideas stall simply because founders can’t access engineering talent. We’re changing that. The capital will strengthen our vibe-to-code engine, build reusable patterns for common product surfaces, and grow our founding engineering team in India.”

He further added, “Our goal is simple: help hundreds of teams ship production-ready experiences directly from Mayson in the coming months. The best ideas shouldn’t wait for an engineering team. We’re here to change that.”

Additionally, the investment reflects the investors’ strategy of backing high-conviction entrepreneurial teams that are building differentiated and scalable businesses. The combined strength of Mayson and NovoStack highlights both strong product capabilities and execution excellence, thereby positioning the company for sustained long-term growth.

Furthermore, Mayson will utilize the newly raised capital to enhance its core AI systems, expand backend automation capabilities, and strengthen its engineering team in India. Consequently, the company aims to accelerate innovation while delivering scalable and reliable development solutions.

Mayson is emerging as a key player in the evolving AI-driven software development landscape. By bridging the gap between idea generation and production-ready deployment, the AI startup is not only simplifying app creation but also democratising access to high-quality engineering capabilities.

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Talera Kota set to open by 2029

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March 23, 2026

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Ramada Resort by Wyndham Talera Kota set to open by 2029 — Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director – Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Ramada Resort by Wyndham Talera Kota, a 200-room hospitality project being developed in partnership with Lalit Singh Muktawat. The company has scheduled the property to open in March 2029, marking a significant addition to its growing footprint in India.

Strategically located along the riverfront in Kota, the upcoming resort will cater to a diverse mix of corporate, leisure, and group travelers. Notably, Kota has established itself as a prominent educational hub; however, it also plays a crucial role as an industrial center, with sectors such as chemicals, cement, engineering, and power contributing significantly to its economic landscape. Consequently, ongoing infrastructure development and improved connectivity are increasing the demand for branded accommodation in the city.

Furthermore, the project will be located approximately 10 kilometres from the proposed Kota Airport, which will enhance connectivity to major domestic and international destinations. In addition, Kota continues to attract visitors for its rich cultural heritage, including forts, palaces, havelis, and stepwells, thereby strengthening its appeal as a tourism destination.

The resort will feature 200 guest rooms and villas, along with a comprehensive range of amenities. Additionally, it will include an all-day dining restaurant and a bar, while also offering meeting and event facilities as well as banqueting spaces. Moreover, the property will provide a fitness center, a swimming pool, a spa, and multiple recreational areas, thereby ensuring a well-rounded hospitality experience for guests.

Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director – Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, “With Kota emerging as a prominent commercial and educational center in Rajasthan, we are pleased to strengthen our presence in the region with a globally recognized and trusted brand. By focusing on tier-II and tier-III cities, we aim to tap into new growth opportunities and cater to the evolving preferences of guests across India’s rapidly expanding markets.”

Wyndham’s latest signing underscores its strategic focus on expanding into high-growth tier-II and tier-III cities. As infrastructure improves and travel demand rises, Ramada Resort by Wyndham Talera Kota will capitalize on the city’s dual strength as an educational and industrial hub while also enhancing the region’s hospitality landscape.

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