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Curefoods strengthens portfolio with nationwide Krispy Kreme partnership

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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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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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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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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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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.

Hyatt to launch Grand Hyatt Indore, expanding luxury presence in India

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Hyatt has signed a management agreement with Krivish Hospitality Private Limited to launch Grand Hyatt Indore, a landmark luxury hotel set on an 11.5-acre site in one of India’s fastest-growing cities. This development marks a key step in Hyatt’s expansion across high-growth markets, introducing the Grand Hyatt brand to Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Grand Hyatt Indore will feature 250 upscale rooms and suites, five distinctive dining venues, and over 53,000 square feet (5,000 square meters) of meetings and events space, including a grand 27,986-square-foot (2,600-square-meter) ballroom. The hotel will cater to both business and leisure travelers by offering a full range of recreational amenities, including a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and dedicated entertainment areas for children, teens, and adults.

“We are delighted to announce plans for Grand Hyatt Indore, the economic center of Madhya Pradesh,” said Dhruva Rathore, Vice President, Development for India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt. “The signing of Grand Hyatt Indore underscores our commitment to expanding Hyatt’s luxury portfolio in key destinations across India. With its exceptional location and world-class amenities, we believe this hotel will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Central India.”

Indore, the largest city in Madhya Pradesh, is rapidly emerging as a prominent hub for industry, commerce, and education. In particular, the city supports a robust ecosystem encompassing banking, financial services, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, and IT sectors. Furthermore, Madhya Pradesh is poised for accelerated economic growth, thanks to its well-developed infrastructure, strategic proximity to key industrial zones such as the Super Corridor, Dewas Industrial Corridor, and Pithampur, as well as ongoing enhancements at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport.

“We are thrilled to work with Hyatt to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Indore,” said Sanjay Shukla, Director, Krivish Hospitality Private Limited. “This association reflects our shared vision of delivering world-class hospitality experiences. Grand Hyatt Indore will be a game-changer for the city, offering a sophisticated blend of luxury, comfort, and splendor, while also catering to the growing demand for elevated accommodations and event spaces in the region.

Once it opens, Grand Hyatt Indore will not only showcase the brand’s hallmark grandeur, but also deliver outstanding service and immersive experiences. Moreover, it will provide both global travelers and local guests with a seamless fusion of luxury hospitality and world-class business amenities—all under one roof.

Egypt’s Nawy raises $52 Mn to expand across MENA region

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L-R: Nawy Co-foundoers Aly Rafea, Mohamed Abou Ghanima, Ahmed Rafea, Mostafa El-Beltagy and Abdel-Azim Osman

Africa’s leading proptech platform, Nawy raises $52 million in Series A funding, led by Partech Africa—a venture capital firm focused on the continent. This funding round also includes $23 million in debt financing from Egypt’s top banks, pushing the total to $75 million—making it one of the largest Series A rounds ever for an African startup.

Earlier, in 2022, Nawy raised a $5 million seed round led by the prominent Sawiris family.

Mostafa El Beltagy co-founded Nawy in 2019 to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the real estate market. His journey into proptech began with personal experience. After working in corporate roles across several countries, including a position at Vodafone, he decided to invest in Egypt’s real estate market—widely seen as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation. However, he quickly faced opaque processes and biased recommendations, which motivated him to launch Nawy.

“I had no way to look at the market and understand what’s out there, aside from going almost developer by developer, picking up their brochures and asking their salespeople questions, which was highly inefficient,” the CEO El Beltagy recounted. “In this sector, everyone is incentivized to push you one way or another.”

To tackle these challenges, El-Beltagy launched Nawy—a platform that simplifies the process of buying, selling, investing in, financing, and managing property. By blending a digital property listing platform with in-house brokerage services, Nawy offers a more transparent and efficient alternative to an industry still largely driven by traditional, offline agents and networks.

El-Beltagy co-founded the company with Abdel-Azim Osman, Ahmed Rafea, Mohamed Abou Ghanima, and Aly Rafea, bringing together a team committed to reshaping the real estate landscape in the region.

Additionally, the proptech platform draws over a million visitors each month, making it a competitive space for hundreds of developers vying for visibility. According to El Beltagy, around 150 developers dominate the majority of Egypt’s new-build real estate market, which is valued at approximately $30 billion and sees nearly 100,000 transactions annually.

In recent years, Nawy expanded beyond its core offerings of listings and brokerage to build a comprehensive, full-stack real estate ecosystem. The company introduced Nawy Shares, a fractional ownership product that lets users invest in real estate with as little as $500. With this initiative, Nawy aims to democratize property investment and open up access to Egypt’s middle-income population, who have traditionally faced barriers due to high entry costs.

Nawy introduced a mortgage solution called “Move Now, Pay Later,” enabling users to purchase property through installment plans and tailored financing options. This solution fills a significant gap in Egypt’s real estate market, where traditional banks rarely offer accessible mortgage loans to buyers.

“The real estate market is very lopsided in the sense that most people are buying new build, not resale. We believe enabling this product will cause a bit of a shift,” El Beltagy said of the embedded finance product. “It’s mortgage packaged differently because mortgages are almost non-existent here.” He added that Nawy’s $23 million debt facility backs this offering.

With its newly secured capital, Nawy aims to expand beyond Egypt into North Africa and the broader Middle East—regions that are quickly becoming some of the most dynamic real estate markets globally. The company is setting its sights on Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as its next target markets. In the UAE, for example, established platforms like Huspy and Property Finder already have a significant foothold, highlighting the competitive landscape Nawy is preparing to enter.

CEO El Beltagy explained that the Series A round—raised in two tranches—will fuel Nawy’s ambitious expansion plans, support ongoing product development, and drive the integration of AI across its operations.

Several prominent investors joined the round, including Development Partners International’s Nclude Fund, e& Capital, Endeavor Catalyst, HOF Capital, March Capital Investments, Outliers, Plug and Play, Shorooq Partners, VentureSouq, and Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures.

“We’re excited to support Nawy as they build the foundation for a modern, tech-driven real estate experience,” said Tidjane Deme, general partner at Partech. “Their team has deep market insights, coupled with ambitious regional expansion plans and exceptional execution, positioning them as the clear proptech champion in Africa and the Middle East.”

Farmley raises $40 Mn in funding round led by L Catterton

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Akash Sharma & Abhishek Agarwal, Co-founders, Farmley

Farmley, the snack brand, raises $40 million in a funding round spearheaded by global consumer-focused investment firm L Catterton.

In addition, existing investor DSG Consumer Partners also participated in the round.

According to co-founder Abhishek Agarwal, 70% of the funds came from primary capital, while the remaining portion included secondary sales by early-stage investors such as Insitor, Samunnati, and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).

The company plans to use the funds for capital expenditure, expanding its distribution network across India, and accelerating export growth.

“We will also invest in formulations and cutting-edge technologies to develop high-quality products with the right ingredients, health benefits, and taste,” Agarwal said.

Founded in 2017 by Akash Sharma and Abhishek Agarwal, the Noida-based company offers a diverse range of snacks, including makhana-based munchies, date bites, seeds, trail mixes, and roasted nuts. It sources ingredients directly from approximately 5,000 farmers across various regions and operates five processing units to ensure quality and efficiency.

“We’ve been strong so far in the online space, including ecommerce and quick commerce. We’ve also entered offline distribution, including modern trade and general trade. The response has been very positive, so we plan to scale up that vertical in this financial year,” he said.

According to Abhishek Agarwal, e-commerce currently contributes 35% to Farmley’s overall business, while quick commerce leads with a 40% share. Modern trade accounts for 10%, general trade contributes 7–8%, and the remaining revenue comes from institutional channels, including airlines.

In FY25, Farmley achieved 55% revenue growth, reaching ₹370 crore, with average monthly sales hovering around ₹40 crore throughout the year.

“We’ve been growing almost double on all the quick commerce channels, so we will continue that growth in the quick commerce space. However, the idea is to expand as much as possible in the offline distribution channel. These two will be the primary channels for scaling up over the next year and a half,” Agarwal said.

Farmley is also setting its sights on global expansion, with pilot product launches already underway in key international markets such as the US, Australia, Canada, and Singapore.

Previously, the startup raised $6.7 million in a funding round led by the BC Jindal Group. With the latest round, Farmley’s total funding has reached approximately $55 million.

Commenting on the investment, L Catterton partner and head of India Anjana Sasidharan said, “Farmley has been able to astutely capitalise on long-term consumer trends with its better-for-you positioning and high-quality products which resonate with customers. Its robust dried fruit and nut sourcing capabilities, prolific new product development engine, and strategic partner status across key sales channels have been vital drivers of the company’s growth in its category.”

With strong investor backing and a sharp focus on innovation, Farmley is aims for significant growth both in India and international markets. Its consistent revenue surge, expanding distribution channels, and strategic global pilots highlight the brand’s ambition to become a key player in the healthy snacking segment.

Rosewood Hotel Group appoints Anthony Ingham as COO and Luca Finardi as VP of EMEAC operations

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Rosewood Hotel Group, a prominent name in global hospitality and lifestyle, has announced the addition of two key executives to its leadership team as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in the luxury travel space and enhance operational excellence.

Effective September 1, 2025, Anthony Ingham will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer, reporting directly to Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of the Group. With a rich background in hospitality, Anthony will play a central role in guiding Rosewood’s operations and strategic direction. His focus will include enhancing the guest experience, improving operational efficiency, and driving commercial growth across all properties. He will also oversee global teams in areas such as operations, commercial, CRM, retail, wellness, digital, and e-commerce.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Rosewood team at a pivotal moment in the Group’s substantial growth phase, as it develops one of the most robust luxury pipelines in the industry,” said Anthony Ingham. “It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute further to the extraordinary work that has been done to date to position Rosewood as one of the most innovative and creative brands in the luxury lifestyle space.”

With extensive experience in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector, Anthony Ingham has held senior leadership positions at top-tier global hotel brands including InterContinental, Starwood, and Marriott International. His expertise spans brand strategy, experience design, operational transformation, and commercial development across large-scale luxury hotel portfolios. He notably played a key role in the revitalization of the W Hotels brand following its acquisition by Marriott, shaping its positioning, guest experience, and marketing strategy for more than 120 Luxury Collection Hotels worldwide. Before joining Rosewood, Anthony worked at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, overseeing membership services, hospitality operations at two world-renowned racecourses, and leading initiatives in brand, marketing, and customer experience.

Alongside Anthony’s appointment, Rosewood Hotel Group also welcomes Luca Finardi as Vice President of Operations for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Caribbean Atlantic (EMEAC), effective June 1, 2025. Luca brings over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience, having spent the last decade shaping Mandarin Oriental’s Italian presence. Most recently, he served as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Paris and Area VP of Operations for France, Italy, and the Czech Republic, where he significantly contributed to operational excellence and regional brand expansion.

“I am honored to join Rosewood and look forward to contributing to the Group’s success by embracing its vision and values as it pursues its quality growth strategy,” said Luca Finardi. “This is a definitive moment for the Group, and it is a privilege to be part of the team, shaping its operational ethos and bringing positive impact in our communities.”

At Rosewood Hotel Group, Luca Finardi will operate under the leadership of Anthony Ingham, working closely with Managing Directors across the EMEAC region. In his role as Vice President of Operations, Luca will lead strategic initiatives to drive growth and uphold Rosewood’s commitment to operational excellence.

He will play a key role in aligning regional operations with the Group’s global objectives, ensuring consistent quality and performance as the company expands. His responsibilities also include strengthening internal collaboration, coordinating with operational leaders in the Americas and Asia Pacific, and identifying opportunities to refine business practices.

Luca’s mission is to implement best-in-class operational standards across Rosewood’s portfolio, helping the Group stay ahead of industry trends and reinforcing its position as a global luxury hospitality leader.

The appointments of Anthony Ingham as Chief Operating Officer and Luca Finardi as Vice President of Operations for EMEAC mark a significant step in Rosewood Hotel Group’s strategic growth journey.

Italian EdTech startup Tutornow raises €1M to expand personalised learning platform

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Andrei Braila, Riccardo Fabio Sciortino, Nicola De Carlo & Luca Dei Rossi, Co-founders, Tutornow

Lomazzo-based Tutornow, an EdTech startup focused on digital education and training solutions, has announced the successful closure of a €1 million funding round. The investment will support the development of an AI-driven algorithm designed to improve the matching process between tutors and students, as well as help the company grow its team.

Entrepreneur Mario Peveraro, co-founder of ONE4—a firm offering services in cybersecurity, AI, business intelligence, and data analysis, including for Tutornow—led the round. Additional support came from Techstars, where Tutornow completed its acceleration programme in 2023; Invitalia, via its Smart&Start initiative aimed at fostering innovative startups in Italy; and Kf-invest.

“This funding round marks a key moment for Tutornow: it will allow us to accelerate our growth, further invest in technology and AI, and expand our impact in the education and​ digital training sector. We strongly believe that personalised learning, supported by innovative tools, can make a real difference for students, families, and businesses, making education more accessible, effective, and tailored to individual needs. We are thrilled to have the support of high-level investors who share our vision and commitment,” comments Riccardo Sciortino, Co-founder and CEO, and Nicola De Carlo, Co-founder and CFO.

Founded in 2021 by Riccardo Sciortino, Nicola De Carlo, Andrei Braila, and Luca Dei Rossi, Tutornow is an EdTech startup based in Lomazzo that has developed a digital learning platform designed to make education more accessible and effective. The platform combines personalised lessons with interactive tools to enhance student outcomes.

Nicola De Carlo and Luca Dei Rossi, who previously co-founded Educo, a non-profit supporting students with learning disabilities (DSA) and special educational needs (BES), have brought their experience into Tutornow’s inclusive educational approach. The platform provides targeted tutoring, language certification prep, academic recovery programmes, and skills development aimed at helping students and families improve academic performance. On the B2B side, Tutornow also offers custom corporate training solutions and employee support services through welfare programmes.

Since its launch, Tutornow has shown impressive growth, reporting a 100% year-over-year revenue increase. What began with four founders has expanded into a 30-member team, with plans for strategic hires to strengthen its commercial, tech, operational, and financial divisions. To date, the company has delivered over 150,000 hours of lessons with the help of more than 15,000 qualified tutors.

Tutornow continues to position itself as a leading platform for students with DSA and BES, offering a user-friendly experience backed by the expertise of its academic coordination team. Its personalised, AI-powered model ensures that students receive the most suitable tutors to meet their learning needs.

With the recent €1 million funding round, Tutornow plans to further develop its AI-driven tutor-student matching algorithm, expand into new markets, and enhance its product offerings. The investment round was led by Mario Peveraro, co-founder of ONE4, and supported by Techstars, Invitalia’s Smart&Start programme, and Kf-invest.

Tutornow is also growing its presence in the corporate sector, offering learning solutions through platforms like Edenred and Double You (part of the Zucchetti Group), and has already launched welfare initiatives with leading Italian companies.

Looking ahead, Tutornow aims to consolidate its leadership in the Italian EdTech space and expand internationally, leveraging new technologies and partnerships to become a key player in the global digital learning market.