Zaggle partners with Mesh Payments to enter global spend management market

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May 15, 2025

Zaggle partners with Mesh Payments to enter global spend management market — Avinash Godkhindi, MD & CEO , Zaggle

Financial technology company Zaggle announced on Thursday that it has joined forces with travel and expense management provider Mesh Payments to explore opportunities in the global spend management market.

According to a company statement, this collaboration will enable Indian multinational companies to efficiently manage international expenses across regions such as the US, Europe, and Latin America by leveraging Mesh’s capability to issue corporate cards globally. Moreover, it will streamline expense management processes and enhance financial control for these companies.

Additionally, Mesh’s international clients with Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India can also benefit from Zaggle’s robust spend management solutions, which include prepaid cards, forex cards, and corporate credit cards. Furthermore, this collaboration enhances the overall financial management capabilities for these global businesses operating in India.

Zaggle Founder and Executive Chairman Raj P. Narayanam calls the partnership a strategic step to expand the platform’s influence globally.

Referring to a Deloitte report, Zaggle highlighted that India’s top 100 companies collectively spend over $2.2 billion on business travel.

Mr. Avinash Godkhindi, MD & CEO, Zaggle, added, “India’s digital transformation is creating unprecedented demand for intelligent spend solutions, and we are uniquely positioned to meet that need. This collaboration has empowered us to expand our reach and provide Mesh’s global customers a seamless footprint in India by leveraging our Integrated Spend Solutions, deep understanding of Indian businesses, and navigation of India’s unique regulatory landscape. Together, we aim to redefine how businesses control and optimize their spending across borders.”

Zaggle stands among India’s leading issuers of prepaid cards, working closely with banking partners to power its diverse card-based offerings.

Oded Zehavi, CEO and co-founder of Mesh Payments, added, “This partnership with Zaggle marks a key milestone in our international expansion. India is a dynamic and rapidly growing business market, and this collaboration allows us to support our global clients as they enter India with confidence. Together, we’re helping companies scale faster—empowered by localized expertise in India and world-class spend management across the globe. At the same time, Zaggle’s customers gain access to our cutting-edge platform to manage global operations with agility and control.”

Zaggle’s partnership with Mesh Payments marks a significant and strategic step toward global expansion. By joining forces, they aim to offer intelligent spend solutions not only for Indian MNCs but also for international businesses operating in India, thereby strengthening their presence in the global market.

NapTapGo raises ₹2-Cr to expand Pod Hotels into religious cities like Katra

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BRL Editor

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May 15, 2025

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Naptapgo, a pod hotel startup aiming to transform affordable hospitality, has secured ₹2 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Gurugram-based angel investment firm Inflection Point Ventures. This follows a $500,000 investment the startup received in March from T9L Qube, one of India’s leading venture studios.

The newly raised funds will support Naptapgo’s growth in critical areas such as franchise expansion, marketing efforts, technological upgrades, and the development of innovative solutions to improve customer experience.

This strategic funding will also fast-track the startup’s expansion into both urban centers and popular religious destinations.

Founded by Nitin Malhotra (founder & CEO) and Himanshu Shukla (co-founder & VP Ops), Naptapgo is a pod hotel startup that provides clean, hygienic, and budget-friendly accommodations tailored for modern travelers. Currently serving the NCR’s business district, the startup plans to expand into religious destinations such as Katra and Amritsar in FY26, with a target of reaching 20 properties by FY27.

Naptapgo differentiates itself in the competitive hospitality space through its innovative offerings, including flexible check-in options, hourly stay models, and eco-conscious operations focused on sustainability.

Currently operating in the NCR region, Naptapgo plans to expand its footprint by launching new properties in Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Katra, and Amritsar, aiming to scale up to 20 properties by FY27.

A major strength of the startup lies in its affordable luxury model, which blends strategic location choices, space-efficient design, and flexible stay options supported by robust technology integrations.

“At Naptapgo, our goal is to be a significant player in the $1300 billion global hotel market, starting with India, and to redefine the perception of the Indian affordable hotel segment. Customer experience remains our key differentiator as we strive to create value for both our franchises and shareholders,” said Nitin Malhotra & Himanshu Shukla, co-founders of NapTapGo.

Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO, IPV, said, “The hospitality industry is at its peak with globalization and digital connectivity, yet customer satisfaction has not kept pace. Over time, hotel prices have surged while service standards have remained stagnant.”

“NapTapGo is changing this by offering an innovative pod-hotel experience at an economical price without compromising on quality. Its accessibility and affordability for luxury spaces connect with millions of travelers seeking short-stay accommodations. At IPV, we believe NapTapGo is poised to tap into a massive market of travelers looking for smart, cost-effective lodging solutions,” Bansal added.

With its innovative approach to affordable luxury, tech-driven operations, and focus on both business and religious tourism hubs, NapTapGo is positioning itself as a disruptor in the budget hospitality space.

The latest funding will fuel its expansion plans and further its mission to redefine the Indian pod hotel experience—delivering convenience, flexibility, and value to modern travelers and franchise partners alike.

FlexiBees unveils FlexiBees Marketplace for fast, AI-vetted remote hiring

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BRL Editor

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May 15, 2025

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FlexiBees unveils platform for fast, AI-vetted remote hiring — L-R: Rashmi Rammohan, Shreya Prakash, Deepa N Swamy, co-founders, Flexibees

FlexiBees, a leading Indian provider of part-time, project-based, and remote women professionals, unveils FlexiBees Marketplace, a platform that enables global employers to easily hire top-tier, pre-vetted remote talent.

With this new marketplace, employers can create a remote job listing in just two minutes and onboard AI-vetted candidates within two days, thanks to a flexible, pay-per-use model.

The platform’s process is both innovative and user-friendly. Employers simply post a job, schedule interviews, and hire the most suitable candidates—all within a streamlined system.

This ease of use has made FlexiBees a preferred hiring partner for over 800 businesses.

FlexiBees combines AI-driven screening with human-led evaluations to vet candidates, assessing their skills and flexibility to deliver high-quality matches that meet each business’s specific needs. The FlexiBees Marketplace also offers competitive pricing, allowing companies to pay only for the time they use—by the hour or by the month—without adding any hidden costs.

Speaking on the development, Shreya Prakash, CEO and co-founder of FlexiBees, said, “Vetting talent on their capabilities has become a considerable factor for employers these days. But it can be a tedious process, and it takes a lot of time, which is a real business loss. With FlexiBees Marketplace, we aim to help businesses hire high-quality, pre-vetted professionals quickly to be more responsive to growth opportunities. Posting a job on the FlexiBees Marketplace is entirely free, and by allowing businesses to pay for the hours or months they require the services for, it integrates the aspect of cost efficiency, allowing global businesses to get the best candidates out there without spending prolonged time or resources to hire.”

FlexiBees sets its Marketplace apart with vetting technology that helps businesses hire highly experienced, best-matched talent ready to contribute from day one.

Employers cut up to 90% of their hiring time and skip the hassle of sifting through countless resumes. Instead, FlexiBees delivers 3–5 sharply vetted candidates per job, each matched precisely to the required skills and availability.

Another key advantage lies in cost-efficiency—FlexiBees enables businesses to hire talent at 40% to 60% lower than traditional hiring costs through its flexible pay-per-use pricing model. This blend of top-quality talent, time savings, and reduced effort drives 70% of FlexiBees’ business from repeat clients.

FlexiBees is also on a mission to redefine how work gets done by promoting flexibility through part-time, flexi-time, and remote roles, along with other non-traditional work arrangements. This model helps businesses operate more agilely, stay competitive, and focus more on their customers. FlexiBees empowers underutilized talent pools—especially women outside the traditional workforce—by providing them with opportunities to achieve financial independence and build self-worth.

Where Young Travelers Crave Connection and Culture: Shashank Negi’s Hospitality Revolution

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Amala Sree Murali

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May 15, 2025

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Where Youth Crave Connection and Culture: Shashank Negi’s Hospitality Revolution — Shashank Negi, Co-Founder & CEO of The Social Stays

Every journey begins with a spark — a moment of inspiration that changes everything. For Shashank Negi, Co-Founder and CEO of The Social Stays, that spark ignited from a simple but powerful realization: young travelers don’t just want a place to sleep; they crave connection, culture, and community. Fueled by this insight, Shashank set out to transform the way India’s young travelers explore the world, creating vibrant spaces that feel like home — no matter where the road leads.

From navigating the challenges of a bootstrapped startup to pioneering a new era of youth hospitality, Shashank’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Under his visionary leadership, The Social Stays has emerged as a game-changer, blending innovative design, technology, and social experiences to craft stays that resonate deeply with the young travelers.

In this exclusive interview, Shashank opens up about the company’s unique mission, its impact on India’s hospitality scene, and the future of social travel. Join us as we explore how The Social Stays is reshaping travel — one connection at a time.

1. How is The Social Stays tailoring its offerings for Gen Z and millennial travelers seeking hyper-local, culturally immersive experiences?

At The Social Stays, we understand that young travelers today seek more than just a place to crash — they’re chasing experiences, memories, and meaningful connections. That’s why every one of our properties is designed to reflect the soul of the city. From handpicked local artwork and authentic regional flavors to guided walking tours led by locals, we make sure guests don’t just visit a destination — they feel it.

More than a stay, we offer a sense of belonging. Whether they’re a solo traveler looking to make new friends or a group seeking unforgettable stories, The Social Stays is their home away from home. Here, travel isn’t just about places — it’s about people, culture, and creating moments that stay with them long after they have checked out.

2. How do you balance affordability, experience, and profitability in a lifestyle-driven hostel brand?

At The Social Stays, we follow a hybrid model that goes beyond traditional hostels. While hostel stays remain our core, we complement them with vibrant café-coworking spaces and community-driven experiences. This mix offers young travelers an affordable yet elevated stay — think design-forward interiors, smart technology, and meaningful social connections.

We’re budget-friendly, but never basic. Every detail is crafted to deliver high value without inflating costs. As a proudly bootstrapped company, we run lean and smart — keeping a close eye on efficiency and profitability. These aren’t just business metrics for us; they’re proof that passion, purpose, and performance can thrive together.

3. How is The Social Stays using technology to enhance guest experience while preserving a human-centric atmosphere?

At The Social Stays, our tech stack is built for ease and efficiency. From seamless online bookings and digital check-ins to a WhatsApp-based concierge and an internal dashboard for team coordination — we use smart tools to simplify operations and enhance the guest experience.

But we also know that in hospitality, technology can’t replace human warmth. While tech helps us run smoother, it’s genuine human interaction that truly leaves a mark. Our guests feel most valued when their concerns are heard and handled by a real person — not a bot. It’s this balance of innovation and empathy that sets us apart.

4. How do you use data to personalize experiences while maintaining guest privacy?

At The Social Stays, we personalize every experience using guest preferences and behavioral insights — from suggesting local events to tailoring how we communicate. But we draw a clear line when it comes to privacy. We never sell or share data.

Our approach to personalization is thoughtful and respectful — designed to feel intuitive, not intrusive. It’s all about making guests feel seen, not tracked.

5. What sustainability practices have The Social Stays adopted?

At The Social Stays, sustainability is woven into our everyday choices. We actively reduce single-use plastics, promote water conservation, and compost food waste wherever possible. Our spaces are designed to stay clean, green, and free of litter — inside and out.

But we don’t stop there. We involve our guests too — through conscious travel tips, volunteering opportunities, and partnerships with eco-friendly local vendors. For us, going green isn’t a trend — it’s a shared responsibility.

6. How do you build community within your properties?

Community is at the heart of everything we do — it’s what truly sets The Social Stays apart. That’s why we underwent a full branding overhaul to align with what today’s young travelers really seek: social, meaningful connections on the road.

We knew early on that today’s young travelers are drawn to experiences and the people they meet along the way. Our properties are designed to spark interaction, with shared spaces that bring guests together. Guests often become friends over a game of pool or while swapping stories during breakfast in our cafés.

To keep the vibe alive, we also host daily events — from music nights and games to bonfires — creating moments that turn a stay into a memory.

7. What leadership principles guide you as a young founder?

Clarity, adaptability, and empathy drive my leadership style — because I’m building for Gen Z, and leading with the same values. That means staying transparent with my team, staying flexible as the market shifts, and always listening — to our guests, our staff, and our partners.

In a world full of uncertainty, conviction is my constant. It keeps us grounded, focused, and ready to grow.

8. How did the pandemic reshape your long-term vision?

The pandemic reshaped the hospitality industry in ways we couldn’t have imagined. After a steep decline, the rise of revenge travel brought a shift in how people explore and where they stay. Hostels, once favored mainly by international travelers, began welcoming a surge of domestic guests.

Travelers started seeking unique stays — villas, hostels, camps — over standard hotels. The focus moved from just accommodation to immersive experiences. That shift became our guiding light, and we’ve built The Social Stays to reflect exactly that — travel that’s memorable, meaningful, and experience-driven.

9. What sets The Social Stays apart in day-to-day guest experience?

It’s the vibe that sets The Social Stays apart. Not a hotel, nor a typical hostel, but a living, breathing space where every guest feels seen, welcomed, and inspired.

That energy comes through in the morning playlist, the thoughtfully designed coworking zones, the local art on the walls, and the friendships that form in the dorms. It’s more than just a stay — it’s a shared community where stories begin and friendships last.

10. What untapped opportunities excite you in youth travel?

India’s youth travel market remains largely underserved. From digital nomads to weekend intercity travelers, a new wave is emerging — and The Social Stays is poised to lead it.

The current model holds significant potential, with ample room for growth. Looking ahead, expansion into broader hospitality segments like hotels and resorts is planned — all with a strong focus on social experiences that connect travelers.

Databricks acquires Neon for $1 Bn to boost AI agent capabilities

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BRL Editor

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May 15, 2025

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Databricks acquires Neon for $1 Bn to boost AI agent capabilities — Ali Ghodsi, Co-founder and CEO at Databricks

Databricks, a leading data and AI company, acquires Neon, a cloud-native serverless Postgres platform, in a deal valued at approximately USD 1 billion. This acquisition will aim at bolstering Databricks’ capabilities in supporting AI-native applications and agent-driven workloads.

Nikita Shamgunov, Heikki Linnakangas, and Stas Kelvich founded Neon in 2021 to offer a managed, open-source Postgres solution optimized for cloud and AI applications. Moreover, the platform lets developers clone databases, test changes in isolated environments, and restore data from any point in time. Additionally, Neon’s architecture automatically scales compute, memory, and storage, providing a flexible, pay-as-you-go model that suits the fast-paced demands of AI-generated, short-lived databases.

Data from both companies shows that AI agents, not humans, provision over 80% of the databases created on Neon. This shift highlights a significant transformation in how developers build and deploy applications, as AI agents increasingly require fast, flexible infrastructure to operate effectively.

Ali Ghodsi, co-founder and CEO at Databricks, said, “The era of AI-native, agent-driven applications is reshaping what a database must do. Neon proves it: four out of every five databases on their platform are spun up by code, not humans. By bringing Neon into Databricks, we’re giving developers a serverless Postgres that can keep up with agentic speed, pay-as-you-go economics, and the openness of the Postgres community.”

Neon’s architecture is set to enhance Databricks’ existing Data Intelligence Platform by enabling developers to launch isolated Postgres instances in under 500 milliseconds. It also offers branching and forking capabilities at both the schema and data levels, facilitating experimentation without affecting live production environments.

Traditional architectures that couple compute and storage have limited flexibility, especially for the dynamic needs of AI agents. By decoupling these components, Databricks and Neon plan to reduce latency, improve cost efficiency, and simplify infrastructure management—key advantages for organizations building AI systems at scale.

“Four years ago, we set out to build the best Postgres for the cloud that was serverless, highly scalable, and open to everyone. With this acquisition, we plan to accelerate that mission with the support and resources of an AI giant,” said Nikita Shamgunov, CEO of Neon. “Databricks was founded by open-source pioneers committed to making it easier for developers to work with data and AI at any scale. Together, we are starting a new chapter on an even more ambitious journey.”

Once they complete the acquisition—pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions—Databricks will integrate Neon’s team, who will continue developing their database technology and engaging with their developer community. The companies plan to share more details at the upcoming Data + AI Summit in San Francisco, scheduled for June 9 to 12.

Neon has raised USD 129.5 million from investors including Microsoft’s M12, Menlo Ventures, General Catalyst, and Notable Capital. Databricks has secured over USD 19 billion in funding to date, with a USD 15.3 billion round earlier this year boosting its valuation to USD 62 billion. By acquiring Neon—following its recent purchases of Tabular and MosaicML—Databricks continues to accelerate its expansion into the AI and data infrastructure space.

Capillary Technologies acquires key assets of loyalty firm Kognitiv

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May 15, 2025

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IPO-bound enterprise tech startup Capillary Technologies has acquired Canadian martech company Kognitiv for an undisclosed sum.

According to a statement from Capillary, the acquisition will allow the company to “significantly” broaden its global presence and bolster its foothold in the North American region. The move is in line with Capillary’s broader strategy of growth through mergers and acquisitions.

With Kognitiv’s capabilities, Capillary Technologies aims to strengthen its technology infrastructure and consumer engagement, while also offering “data-driven personalisation” throughout the customer journey.

“Kognitiv’s expertise in omnichannel loyalty solutions and their presence in North America complements our global expansion strategy,” Capillary founder and CEO Aneesh Reddy said.

Capillary Technologies’ latest acquisition of Kognitiv marks its fourth deal in the customer engagement sector since 2021. The enterprise tech firm made its entry into the US market by acquiring customer experience platform Persuade in September 2021. This was followed by the acquisition of Texas-based Brierley+Partners in April 2023, and later, the purchase of Tenerity’s Digital Connect product, also for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2008, Kognitiv provides AI-powered tools that help businesses retain customers. The company strengthened its technology capabilities and expanded its offerings through a 2020 merger with Aimia Loyalty Solutions. Kognitiv claims a client base of over 200 companies across more than 50 global markets.

Capillary, also founded in 2008 by Reddy, delivers comprehensive customer engagement solutions that help brands improve retention through personalised, omnichannel communication. Its offerings include a customer data platform and a loyalty rewards network. The startup serves over 100 brands such as IndiGo, Domino’s Pizza, Pantaloons, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Vishal Mega Mart, with operations spanning India, the US, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Capillary last secured $45 million in a Series D round backed by Avataar Ventures, Filter Capital, and InnoVen Capital. Sequoia Capital and Warburg Pincus are also among its notable investors.

The acquisition comes as the SaaS company revives its plans for a $200 million IPO, having shelved an earlier attempt in 2021. As reported by Inc42, Capillary aims to file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) by June 2025. It intends to raise $12–24 million through a fresh issue of shares, with the remainder to be raised via an offer for sale (OFS).

According to data from Tofler, Capillary’s India entity reduced its consolidated net loss to INR 59.4 Cr in FY24 from INR 87.7 Cr in FY23. Additionally, the company’s operating revenue surged by over 82%, reaching INR 590.2 Cr in FY24, up from INR 322.7 Cr in the previous financial year.

Exhicon Events Media Solutions Ltd. reports bumper results for FY 2024-25

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May 14, 2025

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Mumbai, May 14, 2025 – India’s first and only 360° solution provider company for Exhibitions, Tradeshows & Event Management, Exhicon Events Media Solutions Ltd., reported a stellar set of numbers for the financial year ending March 31, 2025. The BSE-listed company, which operates in the exhibitions, events, and media services sector, has delivered record profitability, solid revenue growth, and achieved a debt-free balance sheet.

On a consolidated basis, Exhicon Events Media Solutions Ltd. achieved its revenue for FY 2024-25, jumping by more than 62% to Rs 143.51 crore from Rs 88.46 crore in FY 2023-24, while its EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation) shot up by 74.55% to Rs 35.12 crore from Rs 20.12 crore in the same period, with its EBITDA margin at an impressive 24.48%.

The company’s PAT (Profit After Tax) more than doubled, recording an increase of 113% in FY 2024-25 to Rs 30.26 crore, from Rs 14.23 crore in FY 2023-25.

On a standalone basis, Exhicon Events Media Solutions Ltd. saw its revenue jump over 69% in FY 2024-25, to Rs 69.67 crore, from Rs 41.18 crore in FY 2023-24, while its PAT, on a standalone basis, nearly doubled to Rs 12.10 crore in FY 2024-25, from Rs 6.31 crore in FY 2023-24.

Debt-Free Status Achieved

The company also achieved an unparalleled financial milestone in FY 2024-25 as it became 100% debt-free as of 31st March 2025, further reinforcing its long-term sustainability and readiness for future expansion.

Commenting on the company’s performance, Mr. Sushil Shah, CFO, Exhicon Events Media Solutions, said, “This has been a breakthrough year for Exhicon with strong growth across all verticals, resulting in higher margins. Moreover, our clean and debt-free balance sheet demonstrates the resilience and scalability of our business model. We are now well-positioned for aggressive but sustainable growth.”

Future Outlook

With a robust pipeline, strong demand for integrated event solutions, and a debt-free status, Exhicon is set to accelerate its domestic and international expansion while maximizing shareholder value. The company last month also approved a strategic capital outlay of Rs 50 crore for the design, development, and deployment of temporary and semi-permanent event structures. This will be used to procure and commission semi-permanent modular event venues, large-span hangars and superstructures, indoor pre-fab maxima and octanorm systems, portable hospitality suites, restrooms, box offices and registration arenas, and modular staging and rigging solutions.

About Exhicon Events Media Solutions Ltd.

Exhicon is India’s only fully integrated company offering infrastructure, execution, and media solutions for exhibitions and events. It partners with governments, global trade bodies, and private organizations to deliver world-class event experiences.

Media Contact:

Rashid Khan

Sr. Manager

Corporate Communications

Exhicon Events Media Solutions Ltd.

Email: communications@exhicongroup.com

Airbnb targets India’s Gen Z, millennials to drive growth: Co-founder

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May 14, 2025

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Airbnb targets India's Gen Z, millennials to drive growth: Co-founder — Nathan Blecharczyk, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Airbnb

Airbnb is targeting India’s large millennial and Gen Z population to fuel its expansion, said Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Nathan Blecharczyk. The online accommodation platform has rolled out new offerings like Airbnb Services and Airbnb Experiences, along with a redesigned app.

Blecharczyk expressed confidence that the Experiences feature—which lets travelers discover cities through local guides—holds strong growth potential in the Indian market.

“India is an incredibly important market for Airbnb…to state the obvious, the largest (population-wise) country in the world, and the largest population of young people, specifically millennials and Gen Z—that’s the target audience for Airbnb,” he said when asked how it is looking at the Indian market.

Blecharczyk added that these young travelers—driven by a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the world—are drawn to the idea of staying in unique homes and sharing memorable experiences with friends.

“So that’s our target audience, and we’ve seen great success with India. We’ve seen a 40 percent increase in the number of millennials and Gen Z booking on Airbnb year over year. If you look at Q4 of 2024 relative to Q4 of 2023, we’ve seen a 40 percent increase in those young people using Airbnb. That is a great growth trajectory,” he asserted.

He further said, “We see that 90 percent of our first-time guests from India are these young people. They are the ones adopting Airbnb. This is really a great sign for us that we’re tapping into this huge population. It is our target audience, and we’re seeing great traction with them.”

Stating that 90 percent of Indian travelers on Airbnb choose “their destination, having a certain idea in their mind of what they want to experience,” he said, “…they want to go to the top spots, the top destinations that are trending right now for summer international travel. It’s London, it’s Amsterdam, it’s Paris, it’s the places that they see the (Bollywood) stars going to.”

He further said, “Getting to meet a local person, getting to meet other travelers over making pasta or pastries with a Michelin-star chef or someone who’s a real expert, I think that’s going to be an exciting experience for young Indian travelers.”

As part of Airbnb Services, the company has introduced 10 distinct service categories that travelers can book. These include fully customizable in-home meals prepared by professional chefs, personalized photo sessions with experienced photographers, massages provided by certified therapists, and fitness training sessions such as yoga and strength training with personal trainers—including renowned fitness experts and world champion athletes.

Commenting on the Indian domestic market, he said it is “certainly very large in India and growing very quickly. We see great growth there as well, and we think that’s an opportunity for sure, especially even with experiences.”

Elaborating, Blecharczyk said, “When we did surveys, Indian travelers told us that 50 percent of them would be interested in doing these experiences on their own in their own city. We talked about it as a travel use case, but actually, people are looking to have interesting things to do and meet people in authentic ways.”

Asked about the impact of the India-Pakistan military conflict, he did not offer a specific comment while wishing a “swift and peaceful resolution,” but said, “Around the world, disruptions happen, and what we see is that there’s still a strong interest to travel.”

There might be a change in the travel pattern. The people decide they are not going to go to one place but to another, but they still travel, he added.

“We saw this during Covid, and we’ve seen this with other conflicts. From the Airbnb perspective, we have homes in over 190 countries, and wherever you might want to go, we have something to offer you,” Blecharczyk.

Airbnb’s latest offerings—including Airbnb Services and Experiences—highlight the company’s strategic focus on India’s millennial and Gen Z travelers. By catering to their desire for authentic, immersive, and personalized experiences, Airbnb is positioning itself not just as a stay provider but as a comprehensive travel lifestyle platform. With an expanding suite of services and a revamped app, Airbnb aims to deepen engagement, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth in one of its most promising emerging markets.

Realtex.ai introduces predictive investment intelligence platform to revolutionize global property investment

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BRL Editor

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May 14, 2025

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Realtex.ai, an innovative platform harnessing the power of AI to deliver real estate trend forecasting and property risk analytics, has officially launched. Built to support investors, hedge funds, financial institutions, family offices, and real estate professionals, Realtex.ai offers predictive insights and comprehensive risk assessments for property markets worldwide.

The platform integrates advanced machine learning, big data, and geospatial analytics to generate precise property value predictions, neighborhood trend insights, and market performance ratings—empowering users to make faster, smarter, and data-backed investment choices.

Realtex.ai aims to address core issues in real estate investing, such as information gaps, outdated data, and market instability. By detecting trends and opportunities ahead of conventional methods, the AI-driven platform gives investors a strategic edge.

The platform offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to transform how real estate investments are evaluated and managed. Its real-time predictive analytics forecast property values, rental yields, and investment risk scores, providing users with data-driven insights for smarter decision-making. The platform’s risk analysis tools deliver in-depth assessments and ratings for selected real estate portfolios, while market comparison tools allow users to evaluate performance across various regions and asset types side by side.

Interactive dashboards offer a customizable experience tailored to the needs of agents, investors, and institutional users. Built on an enterprise-grade backend, Realtex.ai ensures seamless, secure, and scalable infrastructure, coupled with strong data governance protocols. The platform also includes stress-testing capabilities, simulating market conditions under various economic scenarios to evaluate portfolio resilience. Additionally, Realtex.ai provides AI-generated investment recommendations based on real-time data, comparative analysis tools, and profitability modeling that considers cap rates, net operating income (NOI), and appreciation potential—empowering users with a complete, intelligent investment toolkit.

Realtex.ai targets real estate professionals, private equity and hedge fund firms, banks, and family offices, positioning itself as the go-to platform for portfolio optimization and market intelligence. By leveraging its advanced analytics and AI-driven insights, the platform aims to streamline investment strategies and reduce decision-making time. Clients who have already adopted Realtex.ai report significant improvements in the speed of due diligence processes and a notable boost in investment confidence.

AI Infrastructure startup Flam raises USD 14 Mn in Series A funding

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BRL Editor

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May 14, 2025

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AI Infra startup Flam raises USD 14 Mn in Series A funding — L-R: Amit Gaiki, Shourya Agarwal, and Malhar Patil, Co-Founders of Flam

AI infrastructure startup Flam raises USD 14 million in a Series A funding round led by RTP Global, with participation from Dovetail and other strategic investors. The San Francisco and Bengaluru-based company has raised a total of USD 22 million since its inception in 2021.

Flam will use the new capital to expand its operations in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, while also strengthening its presence in Asia. It will support the scaling of infrastructure, the development of new products, and the launch of a comprehensive enterprise suite focused on GenAI-powered mixed reality (MR) tools.

Shourya Agarwal, Malhar Patil, and Amit Gaiki, BITS Pilani alumni, founded Flam to create foundational infrastructure that delivers real-time 3D and MR experiences directly to users, without requiring app downloads or redirects, and with latency under 300 milliseconds.

“Series A capital brings in laser focus to ship the GenAI tool-chain that brands and enterprises have been begging for—an enterprise suite across channels to make experiences engaging, measurable, and interactive,” said Shourya Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of Flam.

The AI infrastructure startup will offer upcoming tools that include automated 3D asset generation, a self-serve publishing platform for MR content, an integrated advertising suite, and analytics dashboards. These tools are designed specifically for use in sectors such as retail, sports, broadcasting, and live events.

Over 100 major brands, including Google, Samsung, Emirates, Dabur, AJIO, Flipkart, and Tanishq, already use Flam’s platform. The company has also deployed its technology in high-profile political campaigns, such as the US Presidential Elections. Flam’s technology enables brands to transform static touchpoints—such as packaging, digital ads, and TV broadcasts—into engaging and interactive MR experiences.

Nishit Garg, Partner at RTP Global, said, “What excites us is not just the technology, but the clarity of vision and speed of execution. Shourya, Malhar, and team are building a category-defining company—and we’re excited to be part of their journey in this next phase of growth.”

The AI infrastructure startup is further expanding its partner ecosystem by enabling creative studios and platforms to rapidly build and launch MR content at scale. This move represents a bold step towards reshaping how brands engage with consumers in the GenAI era, offering more dynamic and immersive experiences.

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