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IKEA strengthens local presence with Plan & Order Point in east Bengaluru

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Susanne Pulverer, CEO & CSO, IKEA India

Swedish furniture giant IKEA has launched its first-ever Plan & Order Point (PaOP) in India, situated in East Bengaluru.

IKEA houses the new setup within its experience centre, covering 740 square metres. It offers personalized consultations, planning assistance, and installation services. With this new format, IKEA directly connects with customers, providing them access to tailored home furnishing solutions.

Customers choose from a range of service options—they may prefer a DIY approach, opt for guided planning support, or select a complete end-to-end design and installation experience. IKEA provides full access to its comprehensive home furnishing collection with all these services.

This initiative marks a key step in IKEA’s ongoing strategy to expand its presence across India.

Susanne Pulverer, chief executive officer and chief sustainability officer at Ikea India, said, “We are beyond excited to launch this new Ikea meeting point format in India. Bengaluru has been a strong growth market for us as the second biggest home furnishings market in India. With the new Plan & Order Point, we are strengthening our local presence and deepening our understanding of how people live at home. This is a strategic step in our continued investment towards scalable, omnichannel expansion in the region.”

Customers schedule a free appointment to begin the process. IKEA specialists then help them plan everything from individual rooms to entire homes—covering layouts, product selections, and more. Once they finalize the design, customers place orders directly at the site and choose from flexible fulfillment options such as home delivery, click-and-collect, or pick-up through local partners.

Customers have the choice to assemble the furniture themselves or use IKEA’s professional assembly service. Additionally, a curated selection of items will be available for immediate purchase.

“East Bengaluru is witnessing a surge in residential and commercial development, attracting a diverse population that is seeking well-designed, functional, and stylish homes. With deep insights into living situations gained through extensive home visits across the region, Ikea has studied how residents in the city live, their needs, and aspirations, and has designed the PaOP to meet these local needs,” the company said.

Orders placed through the Plan & Order Point will be processed and fulfilled through IKEA’s Nagasandra store in Bengaluru.

Back in 2013, the Indian government approved IKEA’s foreign direct investment (FDI) proposal of ₹10,500 crore, aimed at setting up 10 stores along with related infrastructure over a span of 10 years.

Separately, Ingka Centres — a division of the Ingka Group that manages IKEA retail operations — is investing €1 billion to establish two centres in Gurgaon and Noida under its new Lykli brand.

The launch of IKEA’s first Plan & Order Point in East Bengaluru marks a significant step in the brand’s India journey, aligning with its broader expansion strategy and commitment to making home furnishing more accessible and personalized.

With flexible service options, expert guidance, and integrated fulfillment through the Nagasandra store, IKEA continues to strengthen its local footprint while adapting to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.

The company’s ongoing investments, including the upcoming Lykli centres, underscore its long-term vision for growth and innovation in the Indian market.

IHCL expands in Bengaluru with new Ginger Hotel signing

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Suma Venkatesh, Executive vice president, Real Estate & Development, IHCL

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), a premier name in India’s hospitality sector, has announced the signing of a new Ginger hotel in Bommasandra, Bengaluru. The upcoming property will be developed as a greenfield project.

Suma Venkatesh, executive vice president, Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “With new infrastructure projects and enhanced connectivity, Bengaluru is one of the key cities in the country. This signing in the industrial area of Bommasandra in Bengaluru aligns strategically located in the heart of the Jigani Industrial Area, the 125-key Ginger Bommasandra, Bengaluru offers seamless access to commercial and industrial hubs. with our strategy to strengthen our presence in such emerging micro-markets. We are delighted to partner with Laxminarayan Sherugar for this project.”

Strategically positioned in the heart of the Jigani Industrial Area, the 125-room Ginger Bommasandra in Bengaluru will offer convenient access to key commercial and industrial zones.

Reflecting Ginger’s signature lean luxe design philosophy, the hotel will feature modern, vibrant spaces that seamlessly blend work and relaxation. In addition, guests will benefit from a range of amenities, including Qmin—the brand’s all-day dining restaurant—as well as a bar, well-equipped meeting rooms, and a fitness centre to ensure a comfortable and productive stay.

Laxminarayan Sherugar, founder and managing director, Mallik Group of Companies, said, “We are excited to collaborate with IHCL, to cater to the needs of the modern traveller.”

Bengaluru, widely recognized as the Silicon Valley of India, is a dynamic center for IT, biotechnology, aerospace, and a growing startup ecosystem.

With the addition of the Ginger Hotel Bommasandra, IHCL’s footprint in Karnataka will grow to 26 hotels, of which 13 are currently under development.

Laxminarayan Sherugar, a qualified mechanical engineer, is the founder and Managing Director of the Mallik Group of Companies. The group comprises Mallik Engineering (India) Pvt. Ltd., Mallik Multitechnologies Pvt. Ltd., and Sulax Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Collectively, these companies operate as trusted suppliers to OEMs. Moreover, they cater to a diverse range of sectors, including elevators, escalators, railways, and healthcare, thereby showcasing the group’s versatility and industry relevance.

Voice-first AI tutor startup Stimuler secures $3.75 Mn in funding

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L-R: Akshat Baranwal, Ankit Kumar Pandey, Akshay Akash and Anesh Srivastav, Co-founders, Stimuler

Stimuler, a voice-first AI tutor designed for English-as-a-second-language (ESL) learners, has secured $3.75 million in funding from global venture capital firms Lightspeed and SWC Global. The round also included contributions from MVP, Rebright, Force Ventures, and GradCapital.

The AI tutor Startup plans to use the capital to expand its proprietary AI infrastructure, strengthen its tech team, and boost efforts to acquire new users.

“It’s one of those markets that is fundamentally changing with the development of AI. Over a billion people around the world are learning English in some form. So, we believe the market is truly massive for us,” chief executive Akshay Akash said.

Founded in 2022, the Bengaluru-based startup provides a platform that enables users to practice English while receiving instant feedback on key language aspects such as fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. The platform also includes targeted exercises to help users enhance their language skills.

Stimuler has already achieved over four million app installs and boasts more than 45,000 paying users. According to co-founder Akash, the app currently sees between 500,000 and 600,000 monthly active users.

“India is our third-largest market. First is Latin America — including countries like Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Costa Rica — followed by Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, and then India. We are also experimenting in other regions,” said Akash, noting that Latin America accounts for 40% of the company’s revenue.

The platform is aiming to grow its monetisation by over five times within the next 12 to 18 months, signaling aggressive expansion and revenue growth plans.

“We saw around 25x revenue growth last year and expect another 8 to 10x this year. But those are secondary targets. Our primary focus, given how early we are, is to build the core team, establish AI capabilities, and set up distribution channels so we’re prepared to scale further from there,” Akash added.

Commenting on the investment, Harsha Kumar, partner, Lightspeed, said, “Stimuler is solving a universal need – making spoken English proficiency more accessible with sharp execution and deep product insight. As voice AI transforms learning, I believe Stimuler has built a platform to lead the category for the next billion users.”

“Consumer AI is an interesting category globally for us, and the team at Stimuler has built a global-ready product which is seeing a strong user engagement,” said Tuck Lye Koh, founding partner at SWC Global.

Stimuler is rapidly emerging as a key player in the voice-first AI tutoring space for ESL learners. With strong backing from prominent investors, a growing user base, and ambitious plans to scale its technology and monetisation, the Bengaluru-based startup is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the edtech landscape over the coming months.

Urban Company founders sell ₹780-Cr in secondary deals in pre-IPO phase

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L-R: Varun Khaitan, Raghav Chandra, Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Co-founders, Urban Company

Urban Company co-founders — Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Raghav Chandra, and Varun Khaitan — have sold shares worth nearly ₹780 crore through secondary transactions ahead of the company’s draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filing for its upcoming IPO. Each founder divested shares valued at around ₹260 crore between September 2024 and February 2025, according to the DRHP.

A portion of the post-tax proceeds was reportedly used to settle outstanding payments for shares allotted to them during a 2019 rights issue, which were only partially paid at the time and required full payment prior to going public. Notably, the founders will not be participating in the IPO’s offer-for-sale (OFS) component.

Buyers of these shares include institutional investors like Prosus Ventures, Dharana Capital, Think Investments, as well as individuals such as former ITC executive Sanjiv Rangrass and SailThru Ventures. Swiggy founder and group CEO Sriharsha Majety also purchased shares worth ₹88 lakh. Swiggy recently launched Pyng, a new platform focused on white-collar services like legal, accounting, nutrition, and therapy.

Following these deals, the three founders now hold a combined 20% stake in Urban Company. On Monday, the company officially filed for a ₹1,900 crore IPO, comprising a ₹429 crore primary issue and a ₹1,471 crore OFS from early investors like Accel, Tiger Global, and Elevation Capital.

In a related transaction last year, Dharana Capital had acquired nearly ₹400 crore worth of shares from early employees and investors, including Snapdeal founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, who reportedly exited with a 200x return on their early investment.

Urban Company posted a net profit of ₹242 crore in the first nine months of FY25, a significant turnaround from a ₹58 crore loss in the same period the previous year. While the company received a ₹215 crore deferred tax credit, it also reported profitability on a pre-tax basis. Operating revenue for April to December 2024 rose 41% year-over-year to ₹846 crore.

The platform recorded 6.51 million annual transacting customers and an average of 48,169 monthly active service professionals during the same period. Its Native product segment, which includes water purifiers and smart locks, generated ₹102 crore in net transaction value and ₹76 crore in revenue.

Kamat Hotels launches The Orchid Passaros in Goa

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Vishal Kamat, Director of Kamat Hotels India Ltd.

Kamat Hotels India has introduced The Orchid Passaros – Goa, a boutique luxury retreat designed to redefine tropical escapes with a focus on refined comfort and relaxation.

Located just minutes from the serene Benaulim beach in South Goa, the all-suite, eco-friendly property offers guests a stay centered on meaningful connections and effortless indulgence, according to the company’s announcement.

Vishal Kamat, director of Kamat Hotels India Ltd., said, “In a world that moves too fast, we wanted to create a space that gently invites you to slow down, not just in pace but in spirit. The Orchid Passaros is not about escaping life, it is about returning to it with greater presence and clarity. Every corner speaks the language of calm, and every detail is thoughtfully placed to remind you that true luxury lies in being fully present. At Passaros, nature, art and luxury come together in quiet harmony to offer something truly rare, not just a stay but a soulful pause.”

The Orchid Passaros – Goa features 58 thoughtfully designed rooms that embody a calm, sophisticated ambiance. Each suite serves as a tribute to Goa’s natural beauty, combining handcrafted décor, rainforest-inspired tones, and modern finishes. Warm wood accents, curated murals, and rich textures give the interiors a unique, understated luxury. Select suites open into private gardens with cozy lounge pods, while others boast rooftop sanctuaries with stargazing ceilings. From terrace jacuzzis to serene reading nooks, every space is crafted to encourage relaxation and a deeper sense of presence.

The dining experience at The Orchid Passaros – Goa is just as thoughtfully curated as its accommodations. The resort’s signature restaurant and bar, Tipsy Sparrow, stays open late into the night, offering an inviting setting for leisurely meals, heartfelt conversations, and relaxed late-night drinks. It serves as a vibrant yet cozy space where guests can unwind and savor the moment at their own pace.

Beyond its elegantly designed suites, The Orchid Passaros – Goa offers a range of immersive experiences tailored for couples. Splash, the resort’s pool and bar, provides a laid-back setting for refreshing swims and handcrafted cocktails. For deeper relaxation, the Feather Touch Couple Spa offers calming therapies in a serene atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Pebble Walk winds through peaceful, landscaped paths—perfect for quiet strolls and spontaneous, meaningful conversations amidst nature.

Petjio World eyes $1.5M seed round to expand pet care platform

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Pet care startup Petjio World is currently pursuing its first institutional funding round, aiming to raise $1.5 million. Company executives revealed that discussions are underway with venture capital firms like Capria Ventures, along with several family offices based in India, the UAE, and the US.

Founder Pratik Sen said the digital-first pet care platform is “a curated marketplace that combines services providers across boarding, grooming, training, vet consultations and adoption”.

Petjio World is strategically focusing on India’s tier-2 markets, where demand for quality pet care is on the rise, yet supply remains fragmented and inadequate. The startup aims to bridge this gap with its platform-driven approach. Petjio was co-founded by Satyajit Sen, former CEO of Zenith Optimedia, along with Dipankar Dey and Suvendu Das, who bring diverse expertise to support the company’s mission of redefining pet wellness and care in underserved regions.

“Our fundraising will support platform development, on-ground operations, marketing, and building a quality-first service network across cities,” Sen added.

India’s pet care market is currently valued at $3.5 billion and is projected to double to $7 billion by 2028, according to a report by Redseer Strategy Consultants. The surge is driven by rising pet ownership and a growing preference for premium, health-focused pet care products and services. The number of pets in Indian households has climbed significantly—from 26 million in 2019 to 32 million in 2024.

Key players in this fast-expanding sector include established brands and emerging platforms such as Pedigree, Purina, Supertails, Royal Canin, Petjio, Heads Up For Tails, and Drools.

“A significant trend driving the market is premiumisation… this is set to be a key driver of future market growth. While the majority of pet care spending in India remains through offline channels—such as veterinary clinics, retail pet stores and grooming centers—there is a growing trend towards digital channels for petcare,” the report added.

The report highlights that subscription-based services—offering regular delivery of pet food, grooming supplies, and healthcare products—are gaining strong traction, especially among urban consumers who prioritize convenience. This trend reflects a broader shift toward personalized and hassle-free pet care solutions, aligning with the evolving lifestyles of modern pet owners.

Hugging Face launches affordable 3D-printed robotic arm starting at $100

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Clement Delangue,Co-founder & CEO, Hugging Face

Hugging Face, widely recognized for its AI developer platform, has introduced a new programmable, 3D-printable robotic arm capable of performing basic tasks such as picking up and placing objects.

Named the SO-101, this model is the successor to last year’s SO-100, which launched at an affordable price point of around $100. The SO-101 was developed by Hugging Face’s robotics division, LeRobot, in collaboration with French robotics company The Robot Studio. The project also involved partnerships with robotics retailer WowRobo, IoT hardware provider Seeed Studio, and component supplier PartaBot.

The SO-101, priced similarly to its predecessor at $100, offers several key upgrades over the SO-100. It boasts a quicker assembly process and enhanced motors that minimize friction while enabling the arm to support its own weight more effectively. A built-in camera adds to its functionality, allowing the arm to be trained using reinforcement learning—a type of AI that helps it “learn” how to carry out tasks such as picking up Lego blocks and placing them into bins.

To clarify, the SO-101 robotic arm starts at a base price of $100, but final costs can range up to $500 depending on the supplier, build options, and added premiums such as full assembly and U.S. import tariffs on Chinese components.

Hugging Face is significantly ramping up its robotics ambitions. The company recently acquired French robotics startup Pollen Robotics for an undisclosed sum. With former Tesla Optimus engineer Remi Cadene now leading its robotics division, Hugging Face plans to commercialize Pollen’s humanoid robot, Reachy 2. In line with its open-source ethos, the company will also make Reachy 2’s code available for developers to download, test, and improve.

Metafin secures $10M Series A funding led by Vertex Ventures SEAI

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L-R: Aditya Shah and Sandeep Chopra, Co-founders, Metafin

Solar financing platform Metafin has raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India. The round, comprising both equity and debt, also saw participation from existing investors Prime Venture Partners and Varanium Capital, along with financial institutions such as Northern Arc and AU Small Finance Bank. According to Co-founder Aditya Shah, the majority of the capital raised is in equity, with a smaller debt portion.

Founded by Aditya Shah and Sandeep Chopra, the company blends financial innovation with technology to bridge the energy gap in underserved regions. With a proprietary IoT-based tech stack that enables real-time monitoring and remote control of solar installations, Metafin ensures operational efficiency and payment compliance. Under the leadership of Shah and Chopra, the company has rapidly scaled its operations, financing solar projects across thousands of villages and contributing to India’s green energy transition.

Metafin plans to use most of the funds as growth capital to expand its portfolio from approximately 3,500 to 10,000 solar installations over the next 12 to 18 months. A portion of the investment will also go toward strengthening its senior leadership team and enhancing its proprietary technology stack.

Currently, Metafin’s IoT-based tech system monitors over 1,100 plants every two seconds, providing real-time data on energy consumption and system performance. The platform also has remote control capabilities, including shutting down installations in case of payment defaults.

Metafin plans to leverage the newly raised funds to develop an advanced data mining system aimed at improving its risk management capabilities, reducing reliance on traditional methods like physical visits. The company primarily serves micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and rural households across India. So far, it has financed solar projects in over 2,500 villages in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Currently, Uttar Pradesh contributes approximately 80–85% of Metafin’s revenue, while Bihar accounts for around 10–12%. The company is set to expand into five additional states by the end of the year, targeting underpenetrated regions with high solar energy potential such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh.

Metafin achieved profitability in FY24 and aims to maintain this trajectory in FY25. The company has recorded a 4X increase in annual revenue and plans to triple that figure in the coming year while staying profitable.

“This raise marks a pivotal moment in our journey to democratise clean energy access across Bharat,” said Chopra and Shah in a statement.

They added, “We’ve proven that solar lending in rural India is not only impactful but also scalable and profitable. We’re thrilled to welcome Vertex as a partner in this mission as we deepen our presence, delight more customers, and move closer to our vision of empowering 1 million rural solar users by 2030.”

Backed by leading investors including Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, Metafin is well-positioned to accelerate its mission of democratizing access to solar energy in rural and underserved markets. With fresh capital, a strong leadership team, and a technology-first approach, the company aims to deepen its impact, expand across new geographies, and set new benchmarks in solar financing and energy inclusion.

Experion Developers to invest ₹2,000-Cr in new residential project in Gurugram

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Experion Developers is set to invest over ₹2,000 crore in a luxury residential project in Gurugram as part of its growth strategy, according to CEO Nagaraju Routhu. The project, named ‘The Trillion’, will feature 540 high-end apartments and will be developed in Sector 48, Gurugram.

“The total investment to develop this 5.5-acre project will be more than Rs 2,000 crore,” Routhu said.

Experion Developers plans to begin construction on its luxury housing project, The Trillion, in Gurugram soon, with completion expected over the next 5–7 years, according to CEO Nagaraju Routhu. He noted that demand in the Gurugram market remains strong.

In the first phase, around 180 apartments will be launched for sale, priced between ₹6–8 crore.

The company has already delivered nine projects across Delhi-NCR, Amritsar, and Lucknow, with two more residential developments underway in Noida and Gurugram.

Experion Developers is a fully FDI-funded real estate firm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Experion Holdings PTE Ltd, Singapore. It operates under the umbrella of AT Capital Group, a Singapore-based conglomerate with global investments across real estate, renewable energy, structured credit, and public markets. In India, AT Capital also manages Juniper Green Energy and Experion Capital, an NBFC focused on real estate and infrastructure financing.

With a ₹2,000+ crore investment in its new luxury project The Trillion in Gurugram, Experion Developers is reinforcing its commitment to India’s premium real estate market. Backed by strong demand and a solid track record across key cities, the company is strategically expanding its footprint under the global umbrella of AT Capital Group. As construction begins and high-value units enter the market, Experion is poised to further strengthen its presence in the fast-growing Gurugram housing sector.

Treebo Hospitality opens hotel in Zirakpur to strengthen north India portfolio

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Sidharth Gupta, Co-founder & CEO of THV

Treebo Hospitality Ventures (THV) has announced the launch of Medalio Boutique Chandigarh Zirakpur, marking the third property under its premium mid-market brand, Medalio.

Strategically situated near Chandigarh’s bustling Airport Road with convenient access to key commercial and leisure hubs, the new hotel strengthens THV’s position in the mid-market space and underscores its dedication to offering affordable luxury to today’s travelers, according to a company statement.

Commenting on the launch, Sidharth Gupta, co-founder & CEO of THV, said,”As the hospitality landscape evolves, travellers are seeking spaces that offer both sophistication and functionality. Medalio Boutique Chandigarh Zirakpur is a testament to our vision of blending world-class amenities with personalised experiences in emerging markets. This property is not just a place to stay; it is an experience designed to resonate with the modern professional, offering a perfect balance of comfort, connectivity, and style for those who appreciate the finer things in life.”

Positioned as a modern boutique hotel, Medalio Boutique Chandigarh Zirakpur delivers a carefully crafted stay experience that combines contemporary style with practical comfort. The property houses 25 well-designed rooms aimed at providing guests with a relaxing and memorable visit. Enhancing the guest experience is ‘The Rising Forks’, the hotel’s lively multicuisine restaurant, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of regional and international dishes in a “refined and inviting atmosphere.” The hotel also features ‘ToastRoom’, described as “an elegant banquet space ideal for hosting celebrations, offsites, or conferences.”

Ideally situated near Chandigarh’s lively Airport Road, Medalio Boutique Chandigarh provides convenient access to major landmarks including Elante Mall, Chhatbir Zoo, Mohali’s industrial and IT hubs, as well as prominent dining and shopping areas. Its strategic location makes it a perfect option for both business and leisure travelers visiting the tri-city region.

With the launch of Medalio Boutique Chandigarh Zirakpur, Treebo Hospitality Ventures continues to strengthen its foothold in North India’s mid-market hospitality segment. The new property reflects the brand’s focus on delivering stylish, comfortable, and affordable stays for both business and leisure travelers. Backed by modern amenities, a prime location, and a thoughtfully designed guest experience, Treebo’s latest addition reinforces its commitment to expanding premium offerings under the Medalio brand across key Indian markets.

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