Healthcare startup CENT enters clinical infrastructure with AI-based prevention centre in Bengaluru

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April 22, 2026

Healthcare startup CENT enters clinical infrastructure with AI-based prevention centre in Bengaluru — Anshul Khandelwal, Shashank ND & Arpit Garg, co-founders, Cent

Preventive healthcare startup CENT, founded by Practo founder Shashank ND, has launched its first clinical prevention centre in Bengaluru. With this move, the company has entered the owned infrastructure space to standardise AI-driven early disease detection across India, thereby strengthening its position in the rapidly evolving healthtech and preventive diagnostics market.

The company has developed the 7,000 sq. ft. Bengaluru facility as a dedicated, single-purpose prevention centre aimed at identifying life-threatening conditions in asymptomatic individuals. Unlike traditional diagnostic laboratories and hospital-based check-up units that conduct fragmented testing within shared infrastructure, CENT has designed this centre to deliver an integrated and focused screening experience.

At the core of CENT’s offering lies its proprietary CCNM Protocol, which covers cardiac, cancer, neurological, and metabolic screenings. The company delivers these services through a tightly integrated workflow, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in preventive diagnostics.

Each screening session combines advanced diagnostic tools, including whole-body MRI, ultra-low-dose cardiac CT, DEXA scans, and ECG, along with more than 120 blood and biomarker tests. Subsequently, the system compiles the results into an AI-powered ‘Tru10’ organ-level risk report, followed by a physician consultation, all within a two-hour timeframe, according to the company.

CENT has stated that its system operates at an ‘early detection index’ of 83%, which it claims ranks among the highest globally for screening protocols. This metric highlights the company’s focus on leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare to improve early diagnosis and patient outcomes.

Meanwhile, CENT has strengthened its collaboration with Siemens Healthineers to enhance imaging and diagnostic capabilities across its planned network. The company stated that the partnership extends beyond equipment supply and focuses on co-developing preventive imaging protocols while deploying advanced software solutions to improve scan efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.

Additionally, the collaboration aims to reduce costs as the company scales operations, thereby addressing one of the major barriers to the widespread adoption of preventive healthcare services in India.

“Early detection cannot be a side feature of a multipurpose diagnostic centre. It needs its own infrastructure,” said Anshul Khandelwal, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer at CENT, describing the Bengaluru facility as a blueprint for future centres.

CENT’s founder Shashank ND said the company’s strategy is a structural shift in healthcare delivery.

“Healthcare today is built to respond to illness. That is the wrong starting point for most of what kills people,” he said, arguing that existing technologies are underutilised due to the lack of standardised delivery systems.

Following the Bengaluru launch, the company has planned to establish additional centres in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. Furthermore, CENT aims to expand its presence to 15 cities across India, with a long-term vision of enabling 10 million scans and contributing to saving 1 million lives by 2035.

Preventive healthcare in India has gained momentum due to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases and increased consumer awareness around early diagnosis. However, the sector continues to face challenges such as fragmentation, lack of standardisation, and inconsistent clinical depth. CENT’s hub-based model seeks to address these gaps by offering a structured and technology-driven approach to preventive screening.

The company reported that its existing partner-led network has already conducted more than 2,000 scans across seven cities since early FY26. Notably, 26% of these scans identified clinically meaningful findings, while 3% flagged critical conditions requiring immediate medical intervention, primarily among individuals without visible symptoms.

CENT’s entry into clinical infrastructure marks a significant step in transforming India’s preventive healthcare landscape. By combining AI-driven diagnostics, integrated screening protocols, and scalable infrastructure, the company aims to redefine early disease detection and improve healthcare outcomes. As demand for preventive health solutions rises, CENT’s model positions it as a key player in advancing accessible, efficient, and technology-led healthcare in India.

Eco Hotels scales operations in FY2026, strengthens hospitality portfolio

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April 22, 2026

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Eco Hotels scales operations in FY2026, strengthens hospitality portfolio — Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman of Eco Hotels & Resorts Limited

Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited has announced its audited financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026, reporting a sharp increase in revenue driven by operational expansion and growth in hotel assets. For Q4 FY2026, the company recorded total revenue of Rs 247.39 lakh, compared to Rs 94.18 lakh in Q4 FY2025. However, total expenses rose to Rs 860.72 lakh, resulting in total comprehensive income of Rs (546.73) lakh.

For the full financial year FY2026, Eco Hotels reported total revenue of Rs 498.91 lakh, up from Rs 109.24 lakh in FY2025. At the same time, total expenses stood at Rs 1,645.76 lakh, while total comprehensive income came in at Rs (1,080.24) lakh, reflecting continued investment in expansion initiatives.

On a standalone basis, the company posted total revenue of Rs 248.77 lakh for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, significantly higher than Rs 10.09 lakh in Q4 FY2025. Meanwhile, total expenses reached Rs 838.47 lakh, and total comprehensive income stood at Rs (552.70) lakh.

For the full FY2026 standalone performance, Eco Hotels recorded revenue of Rs 491.88 lakh, compared to Rs 13.71 lakh in FY2025. Additionally, total expenses amounted to Rs 1,520.18 lakh, while total comprehensive income for the year stood at Rs (991.29) lakh. These figures underline the company’s aggressive scale-up strategy during the year.

The company stated that FY2026 marked a period of significant operational expansion and asset base growth as part of its long-term strategy. Furthermore, the company supported this growth through increased right-of-use assets and continued investments in new properties, thereby strengthening its hospitality portfolio.

Eco Hotels also emphasized its continued focus on an asset-light business model while expanding through a diversified multi-brand portfolio. In addition, the company reinforced its balance sheet through equity infusion, which will support its future growth plans and enhance financial stability.

Vinod K. Tripathi, Chairman, Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, said, “FY2026 marks a pivotal year for Eco Hotels and Resorts as we accelerated our expansion strategy and significantly scaled up our operations. The strong growth in revenues reflects increasing traction across our portfolio and the strength of our business model. We remain focused on building a resilient and high-quality hospitality platform that will deliver long-term value.”

Vikram Doshi, Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, added, “Our performance reflects a phase of calibrated investments aimed at strengthening operational capabilities and supporting future growth. The increase in expenses is aligned with our expansion plans and portfolio build-out. As our properties stabilize and operating leverage improves, we expect a stronger alignment between scale and financial performance.”

Looking ahead, Eco Hotels confirmed that it will continue expanding its hotel portfolio across key markets while improving operating leverage as newly added properties stabilize. At the same time, the company plans to strengthen its asset-light strategy further and focus on improving margins through scale, efficiency, and cost optimisation.

Business Icons of Asia 2026: A Landmark Celebration of Leadership and Regional Excellence

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April 22, 2026

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As the global economy undergoes a significant recalibration driven by geopolitical shifts and evolving trade alliances, Asia has emerged as the world’s most consequential growth corridor. To honour the architects of this transformation, the Business Icons of Asia 2026, organized by Team Marksmen Network, is set to be held in the scenic locale of Phuket.

Centered around the theme “Asia Ascendant: Leadership, Trade & Trust in a Multipolar World,” this gala industry celebration serves as a high-level, invitation-only platform, bringing together a rare gathering of Asia’s most influential minds to shape the future of regional and global growth.

The evening is designed to spotlight a new era of leadership, where Asian economies move beyond individual market focus to prioritize shared opportunities and collective resilience. The narrative of the event will unfold through a series of high-impact exchanges and strategic keynotes, exploring how the region, which currently contributes over 60% of global growth, can leverage its demographic advantage to define the next decade. This prestigious gathering will see Rewat Areerob, Chief Executive, Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation, grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, offering a local and regional perspective on Thailand’s role within this burgeoning digital and economic gateway.

The celebration’s intellectual core will be driven by a robust agenda that delves into the mechanics of regional success. A high-level dialogue on “Trade, Trust & Transformation” will explore the strengthening of intra-Asian trade and the realignment of supply chains across ASEAN, South Asia, and East Asia. This will be complemented by an intimate fireside chat titled “From Borders to Bridges,” focusing on the diplomacy required to unlock cross-market synergies. These sessions aim to move beyond traditional business metrics, focusing instead on building trust-led partnerships in a fragmented global economy.

Adding to the intellectual depth of the celebration, Prof. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Chairman of the Nation-Building International Institute, will join as the Guest of Honor. He is set to deliver a special session on “Leadership for Tomorrow,” providing a masterclass in navigating geopolitical realignment and fostering the multilateral cooperation necessary to guide Asia through an evolving global order. His insights will serve as a cornerstone for the evening’s discussions, bridging the gap between historical trade foundations and a future built on cross-border trust.

The celebration will reach its pinnacle with the Business Icons of Asia felicitation ceremony, a gala tribute recognizing leaders who have demonstrated exceptional impact across at least two Asian markets over the past decade. By honoring those who have successfully navigated market volatility with institutional credibility, the event aims to map the contours of a progressive future. This gala draws up a roadmap for a multipolar world, powered by a robust leadership core that serves as the “rocket fuel” for Asia’s ascent to the upper echelons of the global pecking order.

To know more about this unique initiative, write to us at contact@teammarksmen.com.

About Team Marksmen Network

Team Marksmen Network is India’s fastest-growing B2B media firm, dedicated to creating impactful platforms that inspire thought leadership and foster collaboration. Through initiatives like Marksmen Daily, they help organizations and leaders navigate critical issues and create meaningful change through unique brand solutions.

Hilton signs 10 Spark by Hilton Hotels in India with Olive Hospitality, targets massive expansion across key cities

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April 22, 2026

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Hilton has announced the signing of its first 10 Spark by Hilton hotels in India through a strategic partnership with Olive Hospitality. Furthermore, the agreement aligns with the company’s broader expansion roadmap unveiled in 2024, which aims to develop 150 Spark by Hilton franchised hotels across the country.

The company has planned these hotels across a mix of business and leisure destinations, including Bengaluru, Goa, Jaipur, Nashik, Mathura, Pune, Rajkot, and Hyderabad. Through this expansion, Hilton continues to strengthen its footprint beyond major metropolitan cities while tapping into emerging urban centres where business activity and travel demand are steadily increasing.

Spark by Hilton operates as a mid-market hospitality brand that focuses on delivering simple, reliable service combined with practical and efficient design. In addition, the hotels will feature flexible public spaces that accommodate dining, working, and social interactions. Guests will also benefit from complimentary breakfast options tailored to local preferences, along with access to a 24-hour retail area that enhances convenience and accessibility.

Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President, Development, Asia Pacific, at Hilton, said the signings support the company’s focus on expanding in India’s mid-market segment while engaging a broader network of hotel owners and travellers. Meanwhile, Andrew Ling, Regional Head for Focused Service and All-Suites Brands, the Asia Pacific at Hilton, noted that the brand is designed to offer consistency and comfort while adapting to local market preferences. At the same time, Kahraman Yigit, Co-founder and CEO of Olive Hospitality, added that the partnership aims to support scalable growth across varied markets in India, with an emphasis on efficient conversions and operational consistency.

Moreover, this agreement forms a key part of Hilton’s larger growth strategy in India. The company has already partnered with NILE Hospitality to develop 75 Hampton by Hilton hotels, while it has also collaborated with Royal Orchid Hotels to add another 125 Hampton by Hilton properties. As a result, Hilton is actively working towards building a portfolio of more than 400 operational hotels in India over the coming years.

In addition, Spark by Hilton hotels will integrate with Hilton’s global loyalty programme, Hilton Honors. This integration will allow members to access multiple benefits, including seamless booking options, flexible payment methods, and digital services such as mobile check-in and room selection, thereby enhancing the overall guest experience.

Hilton’s latest partnership with Olive Hospitality marks a strategic move to strengthen its presence in India’s fast-growing mid-market hospitality segment. With aggressive expansion plans, strong partnerships, and a focus on customer-centric services, Hilton continues to reinforce its long-term commitment to the Indian hospitality market.

Mobile gaming startup Spill Games raises $3.1 Mn to expand casual gaming portfolio

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April 22, 2026

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Mobile gaming startup Spill Games has secured $3.1 Mn (approximately ₹28 Cr) in a seed funding round co-led by Centre Court Capital and PeerCapital, while existing investor All In Capital also participated. The funding marks a significant step for the Bengaluru-based company as it strengthens its position in the rapidly evolving mobile gaming ecosystem.

The company plans to utilize the newly raised capital to accelerate customer acquisition, strengthen brand visibility, and expand its workforce. As competition intensifies in the casual gaming segment, Spill Games aims to scale its operations strategically and capture a larger share of global users.

Founded in 2024 by Om Misra, Tapan Ranjan, and Harsh Garg, Spill Games focuses on casual and puzzle-based mobile games. Its current portfolio includes five titles: Cozy Finds, Sticker by Number, Zen Math Crossword, Bird Rescue Jam, and Grill Master. These games cater to a broad audience base and align with global trends favoring lightweight, engaging mobile experiences.

Mr. Ranjan explains that Spill Games follows a rapid development and deployment model. The company builds games based on strong initial hypotheses and quickly releases them to gather real user feedback. It then leverages in-game analytics and player insights to refine gameplay and improve retention over time.

“If you take too long to ship, you lose valuable time to learn—players can’t give feedback until they actually experience the game. That’s why speed matters for us,” Ranjan said.

Although the company did not disclose detailed financial metrics, Ranjan revealed that Spill Games achieved an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $1.5 Mn in February. The startup has also built a strong international presence, with nearly 50% of its user base coming from the US, followed by Brazil at 15% and Japan at 10%.

Currently, Spill Games generates revenue through in-game advertisements and in-app purchases, which remain dominant monetization strategies in the casual gaming segment. Looking ahead, the startup plans to test more than 20 prototypes over the next 18 months and aims to launch 5 to 10 profitable titles, thereby strengthening its product pipeline and revenue streams.

However, Spill Games’ funding round comes at a time when the Indian gaming industry faces a relatively slow growth phase. The sector experienced a major setback after the government imposed restrictions on real-money gaming (RMG), leading to significant operational challenges. As a result, several major players, including Games 24×7, Junglee Rummy, and Head Digital Works, shut down their RMG divisions.

Despite these challenges, the broader gaming ecosystem has started shifting its focus toward mobile gaming, interactive content, and AI-driven gaming infrastructure. This transition reflects changing consumer preferences and regulatory clarity in the sector.

At the same time, industry players continue to show optimism. For instance, gaming company NODWIN is reportedly planning to raise $100 Mn in a pre-IPO funding round, signaling sustained investor interest in India’s gaming market.

As regulatory pressures reshape the industry, startups that emphasize rapid iteration, user-centric design, and global scalability are likely to emerge as key growth drivers. With a strong roadmap and international traction, Spill Games appears well-positioned to capitalize on evolving gaming trends and expand its footprint in the competitive global market.

KRAFTON and Naver launch ₹6000-Cr unicorn growth fund to invest in Indian tech startups

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April 21, 2026

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KRAFTON Inc. and Naver Corporation, two of South Korea’s leading technology companies, have announced the launch of the Unicorn Growth Fund, a ₹6000 crore investment vehicle dedicated to Indian technology startups. With this move, the companies have created one of the largest India-focused capital pools ever raised by an Asian technology-led platform, thereby signaling strong global confidence in India’s startup ecosystem.

The companies made the announcement following a high-level meeting that included Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry; Jung-Kwan Kim, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Resources of the Republic of Korea; global CEOs of KRAFTON and Naver; and the CEO of Mirae Asset Venture Investments (India) Private Limited. The meeting took place in New Delhi on the sidelines of the President of the Republic of Korea’s official visit to India, which included strategic bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and senior cabinet members.

Moreover, the Unicorn Growth Fund will be managed and advised by Mirae Asset Venture Investments (MAVI), the private investment platform of the Mirae Asset Group. In addition, by leveraging its strong on-ground presence and deep operational expertise across Indian and Korean technology markets, MAVI will effectively drive the fund’s investment strategy and execution.

The fund will focus on four high-conviction themes that will shape the next decade of India’s technology economy. These include technology platforms such as consumer internet, digital marketplaces, and next-generation infrastructure; consumer discretionary segments featuring digitally native brands and new-age consumer businesses; AI and software sectors including generative AI, enterprise SaaS, and developer tools; and deep tech areas such as semiconductors, space technology, robotics, advanced materials, and frontier science.

Moreover, the fund will primarily invest in growth-stage companies and partner with Indian founders who are building category-leading businesses with global ambitions. In addition, it will bring together KRAFTON and Naver’s expertise in product development, artificial intelligence, gaming, and platform innovation, while also enabling access to Korean and broader Asian markets.

Commenting on the development, Puneet Kumar, CEO, Mirae Asset Venture Investments (India) Private Limited, said, “India is at an inflection point. Over the next decade, we expect a new generation of Indian technology champions built in India for the world. As fund manager and advisor of the Unicorn Growth Fund, Mirae Asset is privileged to bring together KRAFTON’s and Naver’s strategic capabilities with our on-the-ground investing platform in India.”

Sharing further insights, Soo-yeon Choi, Global CEO, Naver Corporation, said, “India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for digital innovation, powered by exceptional talent and a vibrant startup ecosystem. Building on our experience investing in leading Indian platforms, NAVER sees strong potential to support the next generation of AI-driven companies with global ambition. Through the Unicorn Growth Fund, we aim to combine capital, technology, and strategic partnerships to help Indian innovators scale globally.”

Adding to this, CH Kim, CEO, KRAFTON Inc., said, “India is one of the most important markets for KRAFTON, not just for its scale but for its potential as a global game development hub. With a strong base of young, skilled technology talent and improving digital infrastructure, we see India evolving from a consumption-driven market to a creator economy for gaming. The Unicorn Growth Fund reflects our long-term commitment to this ecosystem.”

The launch of the ₹6000 crore Unicorn Growth Fund marks a significant milestone in strengthening India-South Korea technology collaboration. By combining capital, advanced technology expertise, and cross-border market access, KRAFTON and Naver aim to accelerate the growth of India’s next generation of unicorns and position the country as a global innovation powerhouse.

Sotrue hits ₹100-Cr ARR, targets ₹200-Cr revenue with digital-first beauty strategy

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April 21, 2026

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Sotrue hits ₹100-Cr ARR, targets ₹200-Cr revenue with digital-first beauty strategy — Gautam Khosla, Founder, Sotrue

Sotrue has reached an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of ₹100 crore, thereby marking a significant milestone soon after its market entry. The company attributed this rapid growth to disciplined execution, efficient capital allocation, and a strong understanding of evolving consumer demand across India’s beauty and personal care market.

The brand has strategically positioned itself around simplified, glow-focused beauty products while consciously avoiding complex skincare and makeup routines. Notably, its strobe cream has emerged as an early growth catalyst and has significantly contributed to the company’s product-led expansion strategy.

Commenting on the achievement, Gautam Khosla, Founder, Sotrue, said, “Reaching Rs 100 crore ARR so quickly is a reflection of staying true to one clear vision, building for real women with real needs. We focused on creating products that deliver instant results while being rooted in authenticity and trust. As we scale, our mission remains the same: to build India’s most loved glow-first beauty brand without compromising on what makes us relevant to our consumers.”

Furthermore, Sotrue has maintained a lean marketing strategy while prioritising authentic influencer collaborations and consumer-driven campaigns. As a result, the company has maximised engagement without incurring excessive marketing spend. Its digital-first approach continues to drive growth, with nearly 90 percent of its revenue generated through online channels, complemented by a growing offline distribution network.

In addition, the company has anchored its product development strategy in deep consumer insights, particularly from Tier II and Tier III markets. This feedback has actively shaped product formulations, expanded colour ranges, and influenced upcoming launches. Consequently, Sotrue has aligned its offerings closely with diverse customer preferences across geographies.

Looking ahead, the company aims to achieve ₹200 crore in turnover in the next fiscal year. Moreover, it plans to diversify its portfolio by expanding into multiple categories, including face, eyes, lips, and body care products, thereby strengthening its position in the competitive beauty and cosmetics industry.

Raise Financial Services acquires Stratzy to expand algorithmic trading and investing capabilities

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April 21, 2026

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Raise Financial Services, the parent company of Dhan, has acquired algorithmic investing and trading platform Stratzy through a cash-and-stock deal. The company announced the acquisition on April 21; however, it did not disclose the financial details of the transaction.

Stratzy currently offers more than 100 approved algorithms across equities, indices, futures and options (F&O), and commodities. Moreover, the platform allows users to deploy pre-built, research-backed trading strategies, thereby positioning itself as a critical bridge between retail investors and systematic, rule-based trading approaches.

Commenting on the development, Pravin Jadhav, Founder and CEO, Raise Financial Services, said, “Algorithmic trading adoption among retail traders is expected to rise significantly. Stratzy’s strength in strategies and execution aligns with our vision of building a tech-first platform.”

Following the acquisition, Stratzy will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Raise while continuing to function independently. At the same time, the company will prioritise expanding its product portfolio, strengthening its technology infrastructure, and enhancing overall user experience to meet growing demand in the algorithmic trading space.

Sharing his perspective, Mohit Bhandari, Co-founder and CEO of Stratzy, said the partnership would provide access to scale and infrastructure. Additionally, Gaurav Sangle, CTO, Stratzy, added that Raise’s support would help improve the platform’s technology and execution capabilities.

Notably, this acquisition comes at a time when retail participation in algorithmic trading continues to grow rapidly. This trend is further supported by clearer regulatory frameworks and increased access to APIs and automation tools, which enable more investors to adopt systematic trading strategies.

Raise Financial Services, which also operates platforms such as Fuzz AI, Upsurge, and Filter Coffee, has steadily expanded its ecosystem of technology-driven financial solutions. In addition, Dhan is reportedly in discussions to acquire Bengaluru-based wealth-tech firm Infinyte Club for approximately $10 million in a cash-and-equity deal, signaling a broader inorganic growth strategy.

Furthermore, its API stack, DhanHQ, and its marketplace for algorithmic strategies already include integrations with platforms such as Stratzy. Therefore, the latest acquisition strengthens existing synergies within Raise’s ecosystem.

With this strategic move, Raise plans to introduce a curated and managed layer of algorithmic investing on Dhan. Consequently, the company aims to make rule-based, system-driven investment strategies more accessible to a wider base of retail investors, thereby accelerating adoption of fintech innovation in India’s trading landscape.

Raise Financial Services’ acquisition of Stratzy highlights its commitment to advancing algorithmic trading and expanding its fintech ecosystem. As retail investors increasingly adopt automated and data-driven investment strategies, this move positions Raise to capitalise on the growing demand for scalable, technology-first trading solutions in India.

Ascentis launches hospitality consulting service to strengthen hotel development strategy and execution

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April 21, 2026

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Ascentis launches hospitality consulting service to strengthen hotel development strategy and execution — Ritu Chawla as Executive Director – Hospitality Advisory & Development, Ascentis

Ascentis has introduced its hospitality consulting service, thereby expanding its capabilities in hotel development advisory. Through this strategic move, the company aims to support hotel owners and investors from the earliest stages of project planning while effectively bridging the gap between strategy and execution in the hospitality sector.

With this launch, Ascentis will guide stakeholders in early-stage decision-making across critical areas such as feasibility analysis, brand strategy, investment advisory, and development planning. As a result, hotel owners can make more informed and structured decisions before committing significant capital to projects.

Furthermore, the new vertical will structure hospitality projects from initial planning through full-scale execution. It will cover key functions, including strategic planning, feasibility studies, brand advisory, operator selection, investment and valuation analysis, and overall development planning. In addition, the platform will offer asset management services that align operational performance with owner objectives. To ensure consistency across the lifecycle, Ascentis will deploy its proprietary “Innsight” framework, which leverages data-driven insights to guide early-stage advisory and execution.

To lead this initiative, Ascentis has appointed Ritu Chawla as Executive Director – Hospitality Advisory & Development. She brings nearly three decades of experience spanning hotel operations, asset management, financial advisory, and strategic consulting.

Over the course of her career, Ritu has held senior leadership roles with global hospitality brands and has advised hotel owners on market feasibility, asset positioning, and brand integration. Moreover, her expertise extends across pre-openings, revenue optimisation, and service design, which enables her to understand how early strategic decisions directly influence long-term operational outcomes.

Commenting on the development, Cyril Jacob, Managing Director, Ascentis, said, “Many hotel projects face challenges because critical decisions are made too late or based on incomplete information. With this vertical, we are stepping in earlier to help owners define the right product, align with the right brand, and plan capital more realistically from day one.”

Adding further perspective, Ritu Chawla said, “Hotels are long-term capital-intensive investments. Getting the fundamentals right at the beginning, market positioning, brand fit, and capital planning have a direct impact on performance. Having worked across hotel operations, pre-opening, advisory, and development, I’ve seen how early-stage decisions directly shape long-term performance. Our focus is to help owners not just make these decisions with clarity and confidence but also carry that thinking through to execution with accountability. That continuity is still rare in the industry and is what we are building at Ascentis.”

Ascentis is positioning itself as a comprehensive hospitality consulting partner by integrating early-stage advisory with execution-driven strategies. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, this move is likely to help hotel owners and investors improve project outcomes, optimise capital allocation, and drive sustainable growth through data-led decision-making and expert advisory.

AI cloud startup NudgeBee secures $3M to scale enterprise context layer and AI-SRE automation

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April 21, 2026

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AI cloud startup NudgeBee secures $3M to scale enterprise context layer and AI-SRE automation — Rakesh Rajendran and Shiv Pratap Singh, co-founders, NudgeBee

NudgeBee, an AI-driven cloud operations platform, has secured $3 million in seed funding led by Kalaari Capital, along with participation from prominent tech founders. The company will use this fresh funding to strengthen its core technology and expand its footprint in the rapidly evolving cloud computing ecosystem.

With this investment, NudgeBee will accelerate the development of its enterprise context layer while simultaneously scaling its partnership-led distribution model. Moreover, the company will invest in customer success and deployment capabilities so that enterprises can realise value faster from their cloud infrastructure investments.

Founded in 2024 by Rakesh Rajendran and Shiv Pratap Singh, NudgeBee focuses on solving a critical inefficiency in modern computing environments. As organisations increasingly adopt cloud-native and multicloud architectures, their monitoring capabilities have improved significantly. However, execution—the ability to resolve issues effectively—has not advanced at the same pace.

Consequently, engineering teams often struggle with fragmented tools and an overwhelming volume of alerts, which leads to delayed responses and rising operational costs. To address this challenge, NudgeBee leverages a semantic knowledge graph to map complex relationships across multiple data points within cloud systems.

Furthermore, by integrating telemetry data—automatically collected from distributed systems—with infrastructure topology, NudgeBee builds a unified operational foundation. This approach enables the platform to analyse historical patterns while understanding the real-time state of systems, thereby improving decision-making and execution.

The co-founders emphasised that while modern teams have access to numerous dashboards, they still lack connected context and reliable execution mechanisms. They highlighted that operational inefficiencies persist because critical knowledge remains fragmented across tools and teams, ultimately slowing down engineering workflows.

By consolidating these elements, NudgeBee empowers AI agents to not only detect system issues but also take actionable steps within existing workflows. In addition, the platform offers specialised tools such as AI-SRE agents, which apply Site Reliability Engineering principles to maintain system stability, and an AI FinOps assistant that optimises cloud spending by identifying and executing cost-saving opportunities.

“NudgeBee stands out in its ability to connect signals across the stack and translate them into reliable action while integrating seamlessly with existing engineering workflows. With strong early traction, the team is building a platform that reflects how modern cloud teams actually operate,” said Sampath P, Partner, Kalaari Capital.

NudgeBee’s latest funding round highlights the growing demand for AI-powered cloud operations platforms that go beyond monitoring to enable intelligent execution. As enterprises continue to scale their cloud infrastructure, solutions like NudgeBee are poised to play a crucial role in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing system reliability.

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