Crypto platform FalconX partners with Standard Chartered

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May 14, 2025

Crypto prime brokerage firm FalconX and global banking giant Standard Chartered announced on Wednesday that they have entered into a strategic alliance aimed at catering to institutional cryptocurrency investors.

The partnership represents FalconX’s inaugural collaboration with a major global traditional bank, signaling a rising institutional interest in accessing digital assets via established financial institutions.

Matt Long, FalconX’s General Manager for APAC & the Middle East, stated that the company will utilize Standard Chartered’s banking and foreign exchange services—including its broad access to global currencies—to better support its institutional clients.

“Our clients will be able to engage more efficiently in fiat currency settlements, which means a lot faster settlement, better capital efficiency, and overall reduced operational risk,” he said.

The California-based firm, which specializes in crypto-focused prime brokerage services, reported that its clientele includes some of the world’s largest asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, and family offices.

Standard Chartered cited the growing adoption of digital assets by institutional clients as the key reason behind forming the partnership with FalconX.

Luke Boland, Standard Chartered’s Asia head of fintech, stated that the bank’s partnership with FalconX would initially launch in Singapore, with plans to gradually expand into other regions, including Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.

The Hong Kong-headquartered multinational bank has been steadily expanding its footprint in the digital asset space. Last year, it launched a digital asset custody service in the United Arab Emirates. More recently, in April, it partnered with crypto exchange OKX to enable institutional clients to use cryptocurrencies as collateral.

In November, the global cryptocurrency market soared past $3 trillion in market capitalization, following the election of crypto-friendly Donald Trump as U.S. President. As a result, this development has sparked widespread optimism about a potential golden era for digital assets.

Standard Chartered expects the overall value of digital assets to reach $10 trillion by 2026.

Founded in 2018, FalconX’s last valuation was at $8 billion after a $150 million funding round in 2022. It is backed by prominent investors, including Wellington Management, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, and Tiger Global Management.

Dream11 parent to invest $50 Mn in Cricbuzz and Willow TV

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May 14, 2025

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Dream11 parent to invest $50 Mn in Cricbuzz and Willow TV — Harsh Jain, Co-founder and CEO, Dream Sports

Mumbai-based gaming firm Dream Sports has announced a $50 million (approximately Rs 427 crore) investment in Cricbuzz and Willow TV — the cricket-focused media platforms owned by Times Internet.

As part of the deal, Dream Sports will acquire a strategic minority stake in both platforms, which together reach 185 million monthly users across over 150 countries, according to a joint press release issued on Tuesday.

In March 2023, Willow TV renewed its agreement to broadcast International Cricket Council (ICC) events in the US and Canada through the end of 2027. This extends a partnership that originally began in 2016.

Willow TV, the leading cricket broadcaster in North America, delivers over 1,500 live matches annually to audiences in the US and Canada. It has also broadened its reach, emerging as a prominent cricket broadcasting platform in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

According to the statement, Dream Sports’ investment in Cricbuzz and Willow TV is strategically aimed at enhancing fan experiences. Consequently, the companies plan to collaborate on delivering real-time analysis and statistics, while also deepening audience engagement. Additionally, they intend to introduce integrated commerce features and AI-powered predictions to enrich Cricbuzz’s global user base.

Times Internet serves as the digital division of The Times of India Group, which also publishes The Economic Times.

Commenting on the investment, Dream Sports cofounder and CEO Harsh Jain said, “Dream Sports’ mission is to ‘Make Sports Better’ for Indian sports fans. Cricbuzz and Dream11 have worked together for over a decade, and with this investment, all cricket fans can expect much more fan engagement, interactive streams, and integrated commerce experiences that will bring them closer to the action and to each other.”

Avendus Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor for the transaction.

With a user base of 200 million, Dream Sports — the operator of fantasy platform Dream11 — has been actively expanding its international footprint. Earlier this month, the company further expanded its international footprint by joining the ownership group of English football club Salford City FC.

As part of this move, it became a member of a high-profile consortium led by football legends David Beckham and Gary Neville, along with prominent business leaders Declan Kelly and Lord Mervyn Davies.

In addition to Dream11, Dream Sports also operates FanCode, a sports content and commerce platform, and DreamSetGo, an experiential sports travel venture.

On March 31, reports revealed that Dream Sports had shifted its domicile from the United States to India via a reverse merger, making it one of the first new-age companies to utilize the fast-track route for cross-border mergers.

Dream Sports’ strategic investment in Cricbuzz and Willow TV marks a significant step forward in its mission to enhance the global sports fan experience. By expanding its portfolio with leading cricket platforms and shifting its domicile back to India through a reverse merger, the company is clearly positioning itself for long-term growth and deeper market integration. Moreover, with its additional ventures like FanCode and DreamSetGo, Dream Sports continues to diversify its offerings — ultimately strengthening its presence in both digital sports media and fan engagement worldwide.

ILP 4 India 1 Private Limited Acquires Land Parcel in Mumbai for Rs. 193.5 Crore: Square Yards

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May 13, 2025

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ILP 4 India 1 Private Limited has purchased a land parcel in Kurla, Mumbai, for Rs. 193.5 crore from Shri Aditya Finwealth Private Limited, according to property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) https://igrmaharashtra.gov.in. The agreement was officially registered in May 2025.

Kurla, located in the heart of Mumbai, is a commercial and residential hub with excellent connectivity to key business districts such as BKC, Andheri, and Lower Parel. The locality benefits from its strategic position along the Central and Harbour railway lines, as well as proximity to international airports and major roads like the Eastern Express Highway and the upcoming metro corridors. With a mix of commercial and industrial estates, retail centers, and residential developments, Kurla continues to reinforce its role as a vital growth corridor in the city.

According to IGR property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards, the transaction, valued at Rs. 193.5 crore, involves a land parcel spread across 15,985 square meters (~1.60 hectares/~3.95 acres). The transaction also includes multiple existing buildings on the acquired land parcel with a total built-up area of ~4,519 sq. m (~48,641 sq. ft.).

The deal incurred a stamp duty of Rs. 11.61 crore and a registration fee of Rs. 30,000. As per the Development Plan 2034, the land parcel is categorized under the industrial land use.

ILP 4 India 1 Private Limited is a private infrastructure and construction company incorporated in 2019 under the Companies Act, 2013. ILP 4 India 1 is engaged in the Real Estate and Construction Industry. Shree Aditya Finwealth Private Limited is a private, unlisted, non-government company incorporated on 28th January 1955. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, it has been primarily engaged in the finance sector. The company remains actively operational to date.

TGI Hotels and Resorts Launches ‘The Shore Trishvam—A Pondy Beach Resort’ in Partnership with Jayaram Hotels

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May 13, 2025

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Puducherry, India— TGI Hotels and Resorts proudly announces the grand launch of The Shore Trishvam—A Pondy Beach Resort, an exquisite beachfront retreat nestled along the serene coastline of Puducherry. This premium property is owned by Jayaram Hotels, a trusted name in the regional hospitality landscape, known for its legacy of excellence.

Perfectly located by the peaceful, sunny beach, The Shore Trishvam offers a stylish and relaxing getaway where you can enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of Pondicherry. The resort has 65 beautifully designed rooms and 6 luxurious private pool villas, along with top-class facilities such as expansive event spaces, including a 2,000-capacity lawn and state-of-the-art conference hall, gourmet dining experiences, a rejuvenating spa and wellness center, and easy access to the beachfront.

The Shore Trishvam is part of the Trishvam brand, which represents a new dimension of soulful leisure and refined hospitality by TGI Hotels. With its core philosophy of “Recrafting Memories,” Trishvam properties are thoughtfully designed to offer curated experiences that evoke nostalgia, serenity, and a sense of belonging—making every stay not just enjoyable, but truly memorable.

Tailored to meet the needs of both leisure seekers and event planners, the resort is perfect for destination weddings, MICE events, and luxurious getaways.

This opening marks TGI Hotels and Resorts’ second venture in Puducherry, following the success of Atithi TGI Grand, a city-based favorite known for its service excellence and guest satisfaction.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in Puducherry with the launch of The Shore Trishvam,” said Amit Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Hotels and Resorts. “This collaboration with Jayaram Hotels reflects our shared vision of delivering world-class hospitality experiences to discerning travelers. With The Shore Trishvam, we aim to redefine beachfront luxury while celebrating the cultural soul of Pondicherry.”

With this launch, TGI Hotels and Resorts continues to strengthen its footprint in South India, reaffirming its commitment to offering exceptional hospitality across key leisure destinations.

Reverdin Consulting Partners with MergerWare to Navigate the Complexities of Global Business Transformation

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May 13, 2025

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MergerWare collaborates with Mercer to redefine M&A deal execution — Dharmendra Singh, CEO, MergerWare

Rome, Boston, Bangalore | May 13, 2025 — In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tension, economic realignment, and evolving societal expectations, Reverdin Consulting is proud to announce its strategic collaboration with MergerWare, the leading digital M&A platform, to deliver integrated solutions at the intersection of strategy, governance, and transformation.

At Reverdin Consulting, we guide leaders and organizations through today’s most pressing challenges — from global regulatory shifts to cross-border competition and multi-stakeholder complexity. Our mission is to help decision-makers navigate uncertainty with confidence, foresight, and a commitment to long-term value.

In partnership with MergerWare, we bring together cutting-edge technology with deep strategic insight. By combining MergerWare’s digital capabilities in deal management with our strengths in political risk analysis, public affairs, and global business strategy, we enable clients to

Anticipate and manage geopolitical risks
Navigate complex regulatory environments
Drive alignment in cross-border M&A
Build stakeholder trust and institutional resilience

Marc Reverdin, Chief Executive Officer, Reverdin Consulting:

“In today’s turbulent global landscape, leadership demands more than operational excellence — it demands geopolitical awareness, stakeholder empathy, and strategic agility.

Our collaboration with MergerWare represents a critical step forward in empowering our clients to lead in complexity. Together, we are creating a new playbook for global transformation — one that is digitally enabled, politically informed, and deeply human-centric.”

Dharmendra Singh, Chief Executive Officer, MergerWare:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Reverdin Consulting — a partner that brings unmatched geopolitical and strategic depth. M&A today is not just about financial synergy; it’s about navigating regulatory risk, managing perception, and aligning global stakeholders. This partnership allows us to deliver a more holistic solution to our clients — one that blends advanced technology with contextual intelligence.”

Together, we’re enabling organizations to execute deals with greater speed, precision, and confidence in a highly complex world.” This partnership underscores both companies’ shared commitment to empowering global organizations with the tools, intelligence, and alliances needed to lead with clarity and conviction in times of transformation.

About Reverdin Consulting

Reverdin Consulting is a global strategy advisory firm specializing in helping organizations navigate complex geopolitical, economic, and regulatory landscapes. With a deep understanding of multi-stakeholder governance and political risk management, Reverdin Consulting empowers leaders to anticipate and respond to cross-border challenges with foresight, agility, and resilience. The firm works across industries and regions to help clients make informed decisions, shape policy environments, and build strategic alliances. Reverdin Consulting’s expert team combines years of experience in global business strategy, public affairs, and digital transformation to deliver sustainable results in an increasingly complex world.

Learn more: https://reverdin-consulting.com

About MergerWare

MergerWare is a leading provider of digital solutions for mergers, acquisitions, and integration management. Leveraging advanced technology and artificial intelligence, MergerWare streamlines the M&A process, offering businesses a platform to manage deal execution, integration, and value capture with precision and efficiency. The platform provides end-to-end solutions, enabling real-time collaboration, deep analytics, and powerful reporting tools. With a mission to transform the way businesses approach M&A, MergerWare empowers organizations to navigate complex transactions, mitigate risks, and drive value creation with greater speed, accuracy, and ease.

Learn more: https://www.mergerware.com

For media inquiries, please contact
Shruti Singh
Shruti.singh@mergerware.com

Etienne Saboly
esaboly@reverdin.eu

Curefoods strengthens portfolio with nationwide Krispy Kreme partnership

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May 13, 2025

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Curefoods strengthens portfolio with nationwide Krispy Kreme partnership — Ankit Nagori, Founder, Curefoods

Bengaluru-based cloud kitchen startup Curefoods has acquired the pan-India rights for doughnut and coffee chain Krispy Kreme.

This strategic move will enable Curefoods to expand into North India and take charge of Krispy Kreme’s growth across the country, the company said in a statement.

Previously holding exclusive distribution rights for South India, Curefoods has now broadened its reach by taking over 11 Krispy Kreme outlets in the Delhi NCR region.

These include seven retail stores and four cloud kitchens in prominent locations such as Worldmark Aerocity, Select City Walk Mall in Saket, Ambience Mall in Gurgaon, Promenade Mall in Vasant Kunj, and Mall of India in Noida.

Looking ahead, Curefoods plans to strengthen its footprint in other regions of the country, including western markets like Mumbai.

Following this expansion, Curefoods will operate more than 100 Krispy Kreme locations nationwide, comprising both dine-in stores and cloud kitchens.

Ankit Nagori, founder, Curefoods, said, “With full national rights now under our umbrella, we are excited to build a unified strategy for brand growth, customer experience, and innovation across the country. Delhi NCR is the beginning, and we are committed to scaling Krispy Kreme in a way that’s sustainable, accessible, and exciting for our consumers.”

Nagori founded Curefoods in 2020, and since then, the company has built a diverse portfolio of brands, including EatFit, CakeZone, Nomad Pizza, Sharief Bhai Biryani, and Frozen Bottle. Currently, Curefoods operates over 200 cloud kitchens and offline outlets, offering more than 10 cuisines across 15 cities in India.

In recent months, Curefoods strengthened its brand presence by bringing Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan on board as both an investor and brand ambassador for its flagship brand, EatFit. Furthermore, the company has repositioned EatFit under a broader umbrella called ‘Kitchens of EatFit.’ This umbrella now houses eight sub-brands: EatFit (EF), HRX by EatFit, Great Indian Khichdi (GIK), Homeplate, Chaat Street, Rolls on Wheels, Millet Express, and Madras Curd Rice Company.

Meanwhile, Curefoods has started gearing up for a public listing. It recently began discussions with bankers to pitch its upcoming IPO and expects to finalize advisers in the coming days. As part of its preparation, the company has already converted into a public entity.

Looking ahead, Curefoods plans to launch its initial public offering in the second half of the financial year 2025–26 (FY26). Backed by Accel, the startup reportedly aims to raise between $300 million and $400 million through its IPO, aligning itself with the growing wave of startup listings anticipated in 2025.

Backing the Future: Google launches program to empower AI startups

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May 13, 2025

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Backing the Future: Google launches program to empower AI startups — Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google

On Monday, Google introduced the AI Futures Fund, a new initiative aimed at supporting AI startups that are developing solutions using the latest AI technologies from Google DeepMind, its advanced AI research lab.

The fund will invest in companies across all stages, from seed to late-stage ventures. It will provide a range of support, including early access to DeepMind’s AI models, collaboration opportunities with experts from Google DeepMind and Google Labs, and credits for Google Cloud services. Additionally, select AI startups may receive direct financial investment from the company.

“The AI Futures Fund doesn’t follow a batch or cohort model,” a Google spokesperson said. “Instead, we consider opportunities on a rolling basis — there’s no fixed application window or deadline. When we come across companies that align with the fund’s thesis, we may choose to invest. We’re not announcing a specific fund size at this time, and check sizes vary based on the company’s stage and needs — typically early to mid-stage, with flexibility for later-stage opportunities as well.”

The AI Futures Fund has already showcased early success stories, with startups like the meme-generation platform Viggle and the webtoon app Toonsutra participating in the program. Startups began submitting applications for the fund on May 12.

This initiative is part of Google’s broader commitment to advancing AI innovation and talent. Over the past several months, the company has made significant investments to foster AI research and education. In November, Google.org—Google’s philanthropic arm—committed $20 million to directly support scientists and researchers.

In September, CEO Sundar Pichai launched a $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund to expand AI training and education worldwide. Additionally, Google.org created a $20 million generative AI accelerator to provide funding to nonprofits developing AI-driven solutions.

In addition to launching the AI Futures Fund, the company also operates the Google for Startups Founders Funds, which actively supports entrepreneurs from diverse industries and backgrounds, including those building AI-driven companies. Notably, in February, a spokesperson announced that the fund would begin investing in AI-focused startups in the U.S. this year. Furthermore, they indicated that additional details would be shared in the coming months.

Israeli quantum computing firm Classiq raises $110 Mn in private funding

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May 13, 2025

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Israeli quantum computing firm Classiq raises $110 Mn in private funding — L-R: Dr. Yehuda Naveh, Nir Minerbi and Amir Naveh, Co-founders, Classiq

Israeli quantum computing startup Classiq announced on Monday that it has secured $110 million in a mid-stage private funding round, raising its total capital to $173 million.

Quantum computing has the potential to perform computations that would take today’s most advanced systems millions of years, potentially revolutionizing fields like medicine, chemistry, and beyond.

The latest investment round was led by Entree Capital, with additional support from Norwest, NightDragon, Hamilton Lane, Clal, Neva SGR, Phoenix, Team8, IN Venture, Wing, HSBC, Samsung Next, QBeat, and other new and existing backers.

Classiq, founded in 2020, has rapidly scaled its operations by consistently tripling both its revenue and customer base each year. Moreover, leading global companies such as BMW, Citi, Deloitte, Mizuho, and Toshiba actively use its technology. In addition, the company collaborates with industry giants like Microsoft, Nvidia, and AWS, as well as several academic institutions, to drive further innovation in the quantum computing space.

“We are building the Microsoft of quantum computing,” said Nir Minerbi, CEO and co-founder of Classiq, adding that the group is “delivering the essential software stack” for the development of real-world quantum applications.

Classiq’s successful $110 million funding round underscores growing investor confidence in the transformative potential of quantum computing. With a rapidly expanding customer base, strong industry partnerships, and innovation, the company is aims to play a leading role in shaping the future of quantum technology.

LTIMindtree secures $450 Mn deal with global agribusiness giant

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May 12, 2025

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LTIMindtree secures $450 Mn deal with global agribusiness giant — Venu Lambu, CEO (Designate) and whole-time director of LTIMindtree

LTIMindtree, a leading Indian IT consulting firm, announced on Monday that it has landed a $450 million multi-year contract with a major global agribusiness player.

This agreement, the largest in the company’s history, will span a period of seven years.

LTIMindtree revealed that it will implement an AI-powered operating model to deliver application management, infrastructure support, and cybersecurity services, although it did not disclose the name of its partner.

“Securing this large deal marks a pivotal milestone as we transform to an AI-driven business model, helping our clients enhance productivity. We are proud to be the trusted partner for one of the world’s most respected agribusiness companies,” said Venu Lambu, CEO (Designate) and whole-time director of LTIMindtree.

Meanwhile, Samir Gosavi, Chief Business Officer – Retail and CPG, said that the deal marks a major breakthrough for their consumer services business. “Our AI-driven operating model will drive measurable business impact in an industry that is evolving rapidly,” Gosavi said.

LTIMindtree, part of the Larsen & Toubro Group, employs 84,000 professionals across more than 40 countries and serves over 700 clients worldwide. The company specializes in assisting enterprises in reimagining their business models through digital transformation initiatives.

LTIMindtree has achieved a significant milestone in its growth by securing a record-breaking $450 million deal, reinforcing its leadership in driving digital transformation for enterprises. By delivering AI-powered solutions, the company aims to boost its clients’ operational efficiency, scalability, and global expansion, further strengthening its reputation as a trusted partner in the global IT consulting space.

Logistics startup JustDeliveries raises ₹5.5-Cr in funding round

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May 12, 2025

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Logistics startup JustDeliveries raises ₹5.5-Cr in funding round — Mansi Mahansaria, CEO & Founder, JustDeliveries

Cold-chain mid-mile logistics startup JustDeliveries announced on Monday that it has raised ₹5.5 crore in a funding round co-led by VC Grid and NABVentures.

The round also saw participation from investors such as LetsVenture, Anay Ventures, and FAAD Network, among others.

JustDeliveries stated that it will use the new capital to strengthen its technology platform and expand operations into three additional cities, including Lucknow and Chennai.

JustDeliveries stated that its upcoming expansion into three new cities will increase its presence to eight major distribution hubs, aligning with client demands for pan-India reach.

Founder Mansi Mahansaria emphasized that addressing the challenges in the food and beverage industry goes beyond infrastructure. “Solving these gaps requires a complete rethink of logistics partnerships. By combining technology with a flexible asset-light network, we’ve built a scalable platform that meets our clients’ evolving needs while ensuring both cost efficiency and reliability,” she said.

“This funding enables us to deepen our tech stack, become net profitable, and take our services to three new cities by FY26,” she added.

According to JustDeliveries, nearly 90% of India’s $200 billion logistics sector remains unorganised and susceptible to inefficiencies.

As the country’s cold chain logistics market aims to grow at a CAGR of 23.5% through 2030—primarily driven by rising demand for perishable foods and pharmaceuticals—JustDeliveries’ tech-driven model, therefore, aims to address a critical infrastructure gap.

With its recent funding and strategic expansion plans, JustDeliveries is now well-positioned to transform mid-mile cold-chain logistics in India. Moreover, by integrating technology with a scalable, asset-light model, the startup aims to enhance efficiency, ensure reliability, and introduce structure to an otherwise fragmented sector—thereby effectively meeting the growing demands of India’s perishable goods market.

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