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Century Real Estate raises ₹1,850-Cr from Ares Asia & SC Lowy

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Ravindra Pai, Managing Director, Century Real Estate

Century Real Estate has raised ₹1,850 crore through structured debt funding in a round led by global investors Ares Asia and SC Lowy. This marks one of the largest private debt deals secured by a regional real estate developer in recent quarters.

The capital infusion will allow the Bengaluru-based developer to activate projects with a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of ₹14,000 crore over the next five years.

Ares Asia has committed ₹1,600 crore across two tranches, while SC Lowy contributed ₹250 crore. The company stated that it will use the funds to scale up residential and Grade A commercial developments across Bengaluru’s high-demand micro-markets.

“With Bengaluru’s real estate market witnessing unprecedented demand for both residential and Grade A commercial spaces, this capital infusion empowers us to accelerate our expansion, deliver world-class developments, and reinforce our leadership in the industry. Balancing both residential and commercial growth, we are committed to meeting the high demand for premium living and business spaces. Our strong FY25 performance has set the foundation for an ambitious year ahead, and we remain dedicated to shaping Bengaluru’s skyline with innovative, high-quality spaces,” said Ravindra Pai, Managing Director, Century Real Estate.

Century Real Estate has sustained a strong growth trajectory, recording over 2x year-on-year growth, driven by the surging demand for branded residential spaces in Bengaluru. In H1FY25 alone, the developer reported pre-sales of ₹1,024 crore, reflecting a 121% increase in residential bookings compared to FY24.

This latest fundraising highlights the renewed investor confidence in India’s real estate sector, particularly in core urban markets like Bengaluru, where demand for lifestyle-centric housing and institutional-grade office spaces continues to outstrip supply.

Bengaluru is rapidly emerging as a key player in India’s luxury real estate market, with Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2025 noting that investors can acquire significantly more square footage for $1 million in Bengaluru compared to Mumbai and Delhi. This cost advantage, combined with the city’s rising status as a destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs)—including major firms like Google — is further reinforcing Bengaluru’s reputation as a business and innovation hub.

Century Real Estate boasts a land bank exceeding 3,000 acres and a development portfolio of over 20 million sq. ft. This includes a diverse mix of premium residential and commercial assets, such as hotels, office spaces, luxury residences, educational institutions, and integrated townships.

Krafton India invests in hyperlocal community app Shuru

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Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India

KRAFTON India has invested in Shuru, a rapidly expanding hyperlocal community app that connects users across India by delivering real-time local updates. The Series A funding round, led by KRAFTON India, also saw continued support from Omidyar Network India and Eximius Ventures.

In addition to trending updates, Shuru offers users a diverse range of localized content—including shop listings, buy-sell classifieds, and community news. As a result, the platform fosters strong local engagement and currently serves over 2 million monthly active users across India.

As hyperlocal platforms continue to thrive both in India and globally, this partnership will further enable KRAFTON India to deepen its connection with regional audiences, enhance grassroots-level engagement, and ultimately expand the visibility of its gaming portfolio across local markets. Backed by KRAFTON’s industry expertise, Shuru also plans to integrate high-engagement gaming features to enrich user experience and drive further growth.

Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India, commented, “The hyperlocal digital ecosystem in India holds immense promise, and we see it as a vital driver of connectivity and community engagement. Shuru is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation in India. Shuru’s user-centric approach aligns with KRAFTON India’s vision of providing tailored experiences for local users across the country. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership will unlock in reaching grassroots audiences.”

Mayank Bhangadia, CEO & Co-Founder of Shuru App, added, “Imagine an India where every village, town, and city is connected, empowered, and thriving. Shuru App is making this vision a reality. With 650,000+ locations on board and recently crossing 1 crore installations, we’re creating a platform that will redefine the way Indians live, work, and interact. As we continue to grow, we’re unlocking unprecedented opportunities for civic engagement, local updates, and business development—and we’re just getting started. The partnership with KRAFTON India opens unparalleled opportunities for Shuru to innovate and scale. Their expertise in engaging diverse user bases, particularly in gaming and entertainment, complements our vision of building India’s leading hyperlocal platform. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to empower and resonate with users across India.”

Nihansh Bhat, Lead – Corporate Development, KRAFTON India, emphasized, “This investment is a natural extension of our strategy to partner with Indian startups and emerging ecosystems like hyperlocal platforms. By working closely with Shuru, we aim to enhance user experiences, amplify regional connect, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving Indian hyperlocal digital landscape.”

With approximately $200 million already invested in Indian startups, KRAFTON India’s partnership with Shuru marks yet another milestone in its ongoing commitment to supporting and nurturing India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem.

360 ONE Asset launches ₹500 Cr VC fund to back early-stage startups

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Sameer Nath, CIO & Head, Private Equity & Venture Capital, 360 ONE Asset

360 ONE Asset, the investment arm of wealth management firm 360 ONE WAM, has launched a ₹500 crore early-stage venture capital fund to back early-stage startups. The fund has already invested in four startups across various industries, strengthening the firm’s comprehensive “Idea to IPO” investment approach.

According to a press release, the fund will primarily target seed and Series A rounds in sectors like consumer technology, fintech infrastructure, generative AI, and frontier technologies such as space tech, defense, and precision manufacturing.

Backed by 360 ONE Asset’s $3 billion private equity platform, the new early-stage startups strategy not only emphasizes active involvement, including board participation, but also aims to provide long-term capital support to portfolio companies throughout their growth journey.

“As India approaches its next wave of startup-led economic transformation, 360 ONE Asset’s early-stage strategy aims to be at the forefront, identifying, backing, and shaping the companies that will define the next generation of unicorns,” said Sameer Nath, CIO & Head, Private Equity & Venture Capital, 360 ONE Asset.

Abhishek Nag, Senior Fund Manager and Strategy Head of Early-Stage VC at 360 ONE Asset, stated that the firm aims to bridge the gap between India’s micro-VC ecosystem and large global investment funds. Moreover, he emphasized that 360 ONE Asset will offer patient, long-term capital, thereby ensuring consistent support for startups throughout their growth journey.

“We follow a disciplined investment process with rigorous diligence, clear value creation plans, and defined exit strategies. We also offer active co-investment opportunities for strategic partners, all while staying focused on long-term macro trends like domestic consumption, financial infrastructure, healthcare, AI-led services, and deep tech innovation,” Nag added.

The early-stage investment strategy is already underway, with several deals in advanced stages of due diligence. These include a hybrid-casual gaming startup whose India-focused title garnered 10 million downloads in just three months, a hot sauce brand promoting Indian flavors in global markets, a SaaS company offering a “mutual fund AMC in a box” solution, and a space tech firm developing indigenous Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology leveraging ISRO expertise, the company revealed.

Backing these investments is an advisory board comprising prominent entrepreneurs and tech leaders such as Gaurav Kushwaha, Nigel Vaz, Vaibhav Domkundwar, and Ashwin Mittal.

With the launch of its ₹500 crore early-stage VC fund, the firm is poised to become a significant player in India’s startup investment ecosystem.

Data Sutram raises $9 Mn from B Capital, Lightspeed

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L-R: Aisik Paul, Rajit Bhattacharya & Ankit Das, co-founders, Data Sutram

Regulatory technology startup Data Sutram has raised $9 million in Series A funding, with global venture capital firms B Capital and Lightspeed co-leading the round.

The company plans to use the capital to enhance its AI-driven fraud detection and compliance platform, targeting expansion into new sectors and global markets.

According to a statement, the funds will support the company’s efforts to extend its fraud prevention solutions beyond the banking industry into areas like insurance, gaming, and cryptocurrency, while also growing its team and scaling international operations.

Founded in 2019 and based in Mumbai, Data Sutram leverages alternative data and artificial intelligence to help financial institutions identify fraud, stay compliant with regulations, and reduce non-performing assets.

Data Sutram’s platform analyzes over 110 million individual identities, delivering real-time risk insights through its proprietary “Trust Score.” This score evaluates behavioral patterns across digital footprints to flag potential threats like synthetic identities, collusion, and identity theft.

When a user enters basic details—such as a name, phone number, or email—the system scans millions of digital and social data points from sources including government records, telecom providers, ecommerce platforms, logistics, and payment networks to instantly generate a fraud risk profile.

“Our USP is external intelligence,” said Rajit Bhattacharya, co-founder and CEO. “Most of our partners had never sold data before.”

Data Sutram aims to provide deep insights into a customer’s behavior beyond traditional banking environments—right from the first interaction. Whether it’s opening a new account, applying for a loan, or purchasing insurance, the platform helps institutions determine the trustworthiness of each transaction from the outset.

With its recent $9 million Series A funding, Data Sutram aims to strengthen its position in the regulatory technology space, expanding its AI-driven fraud detection and compliance solutions across diverse sectors and global markets.

By offering deep behavioral insights and real-time risk assessments, the company is redefining how financial institutions identify fraud and ensure trust—right from the very first customer interaction.

Aarthi Ramamurthy launches Schema Ventures with $20 Mn fund

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Startup investor and podcast host Aarthi Ramamurthy officially announced on Wednesday the launch of her $20 million venture fund called Schema Ventures. The fund will specifically focus on sectors such as industrial software, workflow intelligence, and developer tools and infrastructure.

In a LinkedIn post, Ramamurthy explained that she intends this strategic focus to address key areas of innovation and growth that the current venture landscape often overlooks. Therefore, her approach aims to fill these gaps and ultimately drive meaningful progress in the industry.

Notable investors, including former Google executive Gokul Rajaram, angel investor Elad Gil, Marc Andreessen of Andreessen Horowitz, and Y Combinator’s fund of funds, among others, actively back the fund.

“I grew up an outsider. I moved to San Francisco, built two startups, and shipped products at Microsoft, Netflix, and Meta. My story – figuring it out without a roadmap – is the blueprint for Schema,” Ramamurthy said in the post.

“Schema backs exceptional outsiders: early-stage founders building from lived experience, not from pedigree or proximity. Sometimes there’s no pitch deck yet, no co-founder, no capital — just conviction and technical insight. That’s where we come in,” she added in the post.

At Fortune’s Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh, Aarthi Ramamurthy discussed the launch of her fund. Many in the VC community believe there are already too many funds; however, she emphasized that startup founders often highlight a gap in available support. As a result, Schema Ventures aims to bridge this divide by backing early-stage startups. Schema Ventures aims to address this disconnect by providing much-needed backing for early-stage companies.

With the launch of Schema Ventures, Aarthi Ramamurthy aims to bridge a critical gap in the venture capital landscape by specifically supporting early-stage startups in underserved tech segments.

Consequently, this initiative could foster greater innovation and growth within these areas. Moreover, high-profile investors back the $20 million fund, which further strengthens its potential to empower innovative founders working in industrial software, workflow intelligence, and developer infrastructure.

Google and Volvo Cars expand partnership to enhance Android software in vehicles

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Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Software Engineering at Volvo Cars

Volvo Cars and Google’s parent company Alphabet announced on Wednesday that the Swedish automaker has become the primary development partner for Android software. This collaboration will allow Volvo customers to access the latest software updates well ahead of competitors in the automotive industry.

“We’re going to be able to be fast in bringing new capabilities, new features and new experiences to our customers,” Alwin Bakkenes, Volvo’s head of global software engineering, said. “This really gives us an edge in building fantastic customer experiences.”

The two companies have been working together for a decade, but the deeper partnership means Google engineers will drive Volvo cars with the latest android software to “experience how their product behaves in a real context much earlier and much faster”, Bakkenes said.

He said on average the auto industry was about two Android software releases behind mobile phones, which “means things you can do on your mobile phone, in many cases you cannot do in the car”.

Volvo vehicles currently run on Android 13, but at Google’s I/O developer conference in Mountain View, California, the company showcased its flagship EX90 electric SUV operating on Android 15—the newest version of Google’s mobile OS. This upgraded system is expected to be featured in production models later this year.

“Others might have to wait two years to get” that latest version of Android, Bakkenes said.

At the I/O conference, Volvo and Google also showcased the integration of Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence model in the EX90. Volvo plans to introduce this AI feature across its vehicles equipped with Google built-in systems.

Bakkenes explained that instead of drivers manually searching their phones for a destination, they can simply ask Gemini to look through their emails or messages to find it. Additionally, drivers can, for example, request Gemini to search for recipes and then add the ingredients to a shopping list on their phone, creating what Bakkenes described as “a human-centric experience.”

The deepening partnership between Volvo Cars and Google marks a significant leap in automotive innovation, combining cutting-edge Android software with powerful AI capabilities. With Volvo becoming the lead development partner and integrating the latest Android 15 and Gemini AI into its vehicles, drivers can look forward to a more personalized, intuitive, and connected driving experience.

Mythik raises $15 Mn from Sakal group and Shah Rukh Khan’s family office

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Jason Kothari, Founder, Mythik

Jason Kothari-led Mythik announced on Wednesday that it has raised $15 million in a seed funding round, which the company claims is the largest of its kind in India’s media tech sector.

The round saw participation from a range of investors, including Sakal Media Group, BITKRAFT, VC Grid, Visceral Capital, Shah Rukh Khan’s Family Office, the Patni Family Office, Saif Saeed Ghobash (Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council), Jaynti Kanani (Co-founder of Polygon), Pravin Jain (Founder of Tridiagonal AI), Marc Younan (former Principal at Redbird Capital), and Deepen Parikh (Co-founder of Courtside Ventures).

Last month, Kothari—formerly CEO of Housing.com—launched Mythik, a global entertainment company based in India. The company aims to bring Eastern mythology, folklore, and history to global audiences and aspires to become a “Disney from the East,” according to a company statement.

“We are excited about the world-class and strategic investors we have brought together and look forward to realising Mythik’s vision and mission to bring Eastern mythology, history and folktales to the forefront of global entertainment and inspire happiness, peace and hope,” said Kothari, who also invested in the company.

“These ancient stories have a total built-in audience of 3.5 billion people globally and will be brought to life in a modern, immersive way using cutting-edge technology,” the company said.

Moreover, Mythik’s founding team features former senior executives from leading global entertainment and tech companies, including Disney, Netflix, Amazon Studios, Jio, and Tencent.

By blending Eastern mythology and storytelling with modern media formats, Mythik aims to create a global entertainment brand rooted in Indian heritage—positioning itself as a “Disney from the East.”

VedaOils: The Indian Brand Quietly Powering the Global Natural Skincare Boom

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In recent years, more people are ditching harsh chemicals and turning to natural skincare and chemical-free beauty alternatives. Honestly, it’s no surprise. Consumers are reading labels, doing research, and realizing that what they put on their skin matters just as much as what they eat. 

Clean beauty isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, wellness, and getting back to nature. More and more people are swapping out harsh, chemical-heavy products for gentler, natural options, and That is where VedaOils truly shines. Think cold-pressed oils, soothing soap bases, and plant-powered extracts all crafted with purity and sustainability in mind! Whether you are experimenting with your first DIY face mask or running your own skincare line, VedaOils makes it easy to create products that are kind to both skin and the planet.

In a world that is craving cleaner choices, VedaOils is proving that natural can also mean powerful and professional.

Inside VedaOils: From Local Supplier to Global Enabler

What started as a modest operation in India has now turned into a global enabler of clean beauty. VedaOils started with just a few pure essentials: lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, the kind of oils you turn to for extracting soothing, natural benefits. What began as a small offering has now grown into a full-fledged hub with over 1,000 ingredients for skincare and wellness.

And they are not just selling oils anymore. Their extensive range includes:

  • Cold-pressed carrier oils like jojoba and almond
  • Raw butters such as shea and cocoa
  • Herbal powders, waxes, and soap bases
  • Natural clays and exfoliants
  • DIY skincare kits and ready-to-use cosmetic bases

Whether you are a weekend DIY enthusiast or running a full-fledged natural beauty brand, VedaOils has the right ingredients to support your vision.

VedaOils ensures smooth international shipping, delivering premium-quality products worldwide. Backed by trusted global quality certifications like ISO, GMP, and USDA Organic, we guarantee purity, safety, and consistency so customers everywhere receive only the best, hassle-free.

Bridging B2B and D2C Needs

One of the things that really sets VedaOils apart is how seamlessly it caters to both small and large-scale needs. Most of us in the clean beauty space know the struggle of sourcing ingredients in flexible quantities. Too often, bulk suppliers ignore the little guys, while hobby shops fall short on quality and range. VedaOils bridges that gap beautifully.

You can start with a 100g pouch to test a formulation or go all-in with a 25kg drum for manufacturing. No complicated minimum orders. No compromises on quality. That is a big deal for indie brands trying to find their footing or small-batch makers experimenting with new recipes.

Its transparent labeling, spill-proof packaging, and easy online ordering make the whole process feel less like a supply run and more like a curated shopping experience.

Supporting the DIY and Handmade Skincare Movement

What makes VedaOils stand out isn’t just its massive product catalog, it’s how it makes its products. Backed by advanced R&D facilities and modern production units, VedaOils ensures that every ingredient is crafted with care, consistency, and science. 

These oils are extracted through traditional techniques like cold press and steam distillation. VedaOils is successful due to its commitment and vision. It also contributes to environment welfare and also is pollution free due to no use of harsh chemicals which damages skin.

Spotlight: Soap Base Segment 

The soap bases are free from sulfates, gentle on the skin, and ready to use straight out of the pack taking the guesswork out of clean, conscious beauty.

Whether you are making face masks, soaps, or scrubs, you can feel good knowing you are working with clean beauty ingredients that are gentle yet effective. If you are just starting a soap-making business or running a cozy home-based skincare brand, VedaOil soap base is like a secret weapon.

Growing Global Footprint

Planning to take your brand global? VedaOils is built to grow with you. From seamless logistics to international shipping and customizable private labeling, they make scaling up feel effortless. With a solid footprint in markets like the US, UK, UAE, and Southeast Asia, VedaOils supports everything from B2B and D2C to white-label solutions making it a trusted partner no matter your business model or stage.

What Makes VedaOils Stand Out?

In the clean beauty world, transparency isn’t just a bonus, it is a must. That is where VedaOils shines. Every product includes clear, honest details so you know exactly what you are using. New to formulating? It’s easy DIY guides and educational blogs help you learn as you go. With low minimum orders and sample kits, testing your ideas feels exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you are a hobbyist or launching your own line, VedaOils is more than a supplier as it can be your partner in creativity.

Industry Outlook: A Booming Market for Natural Ingredients

VedaOils brings clarity and confidence to clean beauty. Each product includes clear instructions and safety info, making it easy to use and trust. New to formulating? The DIY guides, blogs, and tutorials of VedaOils simplify the learning process. With low MOQs and sample packs, you can test ideas without overspending. VedaOils offers more than quality ingredients as it provides the tools, knowledge, and support to help you grow your natural skincare journey with ease.

Final Thoughts

Their success lies not in hype, but in heart. They’ve built trust through consistency, supported innovation with quality, and opened doors for creators who want to do better for their skin, their customers, and the planet. So whether you are a hobbyist testing your first shea butter balm or a beauty brand, you can always seek their help and expertise to grow your brand worldwide! 

Leela Hotels parent Schloss Bangalore plans ₹3,500-Cr IPO

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Schloss Bangalore, the operator of the renowned “The Leela Hotels” luxury hotel brand in India, is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on May 26, 2025. The IPO aims to raise ₹3,500 crore, comprising a fresh issue of ₹2,500 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of ₹1,000 crore.

The company will close the three-day public issue on May 28 and expects to list its shares on both the BSE and NSE on June 2. The company has not yet disclosed the price band or lot size. Backed by Brookfield, the hospitality major reduced its IPO size by 30% from the initially proposed ₹5,000 crore.

Anchor investors will be able to place their bids on May 23. Although the company has not explained the reason for reducing the issue size, JM Financial, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, Morgan Stanley, and SBI Capital are managing the IPO, while KFin Technologies is serving as the registrar.

The company has reserved up to 75% of the IPO for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs), allocating up to 60% of that portion—around ₹1,575 crore—for anchor investors. It has also allocated 15% of the issue to non-institutional investors and set aside the remaining 10% for retail investors.

Founded in 2019, Schloss Bangalore ranks among India’s largest luxury hospitality companies by room count. As of May 2024, it operates 12 properties with a total of 3,382 keys under The Leela Hotels, Palaces, and Resorts brand.

Five of these properties—located in Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, Jaipur, and Udaipur—are fully owned by the company. These hotels combine traditional Indian architectural elegance with modern luxury, catering to premium business and leisure travellers.

In addition to its hotel accommodations, Schloss Bangalore operates 67 fine-dining restaurants and bars, along with 12 wellness centres. Its flagship spa at The Leela Palace Bengaluru is being developed in partnership with luxury wellness brand Soneva.

The company will issue fresh shares worth ₹2,500 crore—revised down from the initially planned ₹3,000 crore—while Brookfield will sell shares worth ₹1,000 crore, half of its original offer size. The company will primarily use the proceeds from the fresh issue to repay debt, allocating ₹2,300 crore for loan repayment and the remaining amount for general corporate purposes.

A consortium of top investment banks—including JM Financial, BofA Securities India, Morgan Stanley India, JP Morgan India, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, Citigroup Global Markets India, IIFL Capital Services, ICICI Securities, Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, and SBI Capital Markets—is managing the IPO. KFin Technologies serves as the registrar to the issue.

The upcoming IPO of Schloss Bangalore marks a significant step for the company as it looks to strengthen its financial position and expand its footprint in India’s luxury hospitality sector.

Operating under the iconic “The Leela” brand, Schloss Bangalore has established itself as a major player with a portfolio of premium properties, fine-dining experiences, and wellness offerings. The public issue not only reflects investor confidence in the luxury hotel space but also signals growth potential for The Leela Hotels brand as it continues to cater to high-end business and leisure travelers across the country.

InsuranceDekho to merge with RenewBuy

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Ankit Agrawal, co-founder & CEO, InsuranceDekho

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy have signed merger documents through a share swap deal, valuing the combined entity at ₹7,400 crore, according to sources familiar with the development. Leading private equity investors back both companies, which remain unlisted.

In October 2024, report reveals that the two companies were discussing a potential merger.

“InsuranceDekho, the insurance marketplace backed by CarDekho, is acquiring insurtech startup RenewBuy in a share-swap deal,” said a source.

All four founders from both companies are expected to continue leading the merged organisation. Ankit Agrawal, the founder of InsuranceDekho, is likely to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer.

As part of the merger agreement, the companies will allot shares in InsuranceDekho to RenewBuy’s investors based on the relative valuations of the two firms, according to sources familiar with the deal.

Once the merger receives regulatory approval, the combined entity will become one of the top three physical insurance distributors in India by annual premium. The merged company is expected to manage a premium book of ₹6,000 crore — five times larger than the standalone scale of each platform.

“In insurance distribution space, some players are pursuing inorganic growth to drive scale, unlock cost synergies, and strengthen market share,” said Sanjay Doshi, partner, KPMG.

The insurtech sector in India has experienced rapid expansion, with over 150 startups now active—among them, 10 unicorns and soonicorns, and more than 45 minicorns, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group. The industry’s revenue has grown 12 times over the past five years, reaching $750 million annually, and it now boasts a combined valuation of $13.6 billion.

Deal discussions value InsuranceDekho, a competitor of Policybazaar, at ₹5,400 crore, while valuing RenewBuy at ₹1,800 crore. Established in 2015, RenewBuy specializes in digital insurance distribution and has built a network of over 125,000 advisors spanning more than 1,500 towns across India.

The merger of InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy marks a significant milestone in India’s insurtech industry, creating a stronger, more competitive player with a combined valuation of ₹7,400 crore.