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360 ONE raises Rs 2,300-Cr fund through real assets platform

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360 ONE Asset’s real assets platform has raised around ₹2,300 crore through its Category II alternative investment fund (AIF), achieving this milestone within just four months of commencing its fundraising exercise.

The fund focuses on investments across infrastructure and income-generating commercial real assets, aligning with investor demand for stable, long-term, yield-oriented opportunities. Notably, the platform has already deployed nearly the majority of its committed capital, while the remaining corpus is expected to be invested progressively over the coming months.

So far, key deployments include transactions with Knowledge Realty Trust, Vertis Infra Trust, Maple Infrastructure Trust, and Brookfield’s Bluegrass Business Park, highlighting the platform’s ability to partner with established and high-quality counterparties. In parallel, the real assets platform has mobilized capital from its proprietary network of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs) and family offices across India, further strengthening its investor base.

As a result of these efforts, the platform’s assets under management (AUM) have reached ₹10,000 crore as of September 2025, reflecting rapid scale-up and strong market acceptance. Commenting on the performance of the fund, Niraj Murarka, CIO – Real Assets, 360 ONE Asset, said, “The strong response to our fund reflects the confidence investors have in real assets as a durable, income-oriented allocation and in our ability to execute with discipline. Our early deployments with top-tier counterparties underscore the depth of our sourcing network and our focus on risk-adjusted value creation across market cycles.”

Overall, the swift fundraising, accelerated capital deployment, and growing AUM underscore 360 ONE Asset’s positioning as a significant player in India’s real asset investment landscape. Going forward, the platform aims to continue leveraging its sourcing strength and disciplined execution to deliver stable, risk-adjusted returns across economic cycles.

Analog watch startup Rotoris raises $3 Mn in seed funding

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Analog watch startup Rotoris has secured $3 million in seed funding in a round led by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, actor-investor Vivek Anand Oberoi, Venture Catalysts, 100 Unicorns, and Tanmay Bhat.

In addition, the round drew participation from over 30 startup founders, including Varun Alagh (Mamaearth), Gaurav Khatri (Noise), Siddharth Dungarwal (Snitch), Nitin Jain (OfBusiness), Vishesh Khurana (Shiprocket), Chirag Taneja (GoKwik), Akash Gupta (Zypp), and Arjun Vaidya (Dr. Vaidya’s), reflecting strong founder-led confidence in the brand.

The company plans to deploy the fresh capital to scale its manufacturing and assembly capabilities, enhance engineering processes, and expand supply chain partnerships. Furthermore, Rotoris will build its initial inventory and strengthen teams across product development, design, and branding. As part of its offline strategy, the brand is also preparing to launch its first experience store in New Delhi, which will function both as a retail destination and a brand showcase.

Founded by Aakash Anand, Prerna Gupta, Anant Narula, and Kunal Kapania, Rotoris positions itself as an engineering-first analog watch brand with a strong emphasis on mechanical movements and in-house assembly. Notably, Anand previously scaled the fragrance brand Bella Vita Organic, bringing prior consumer-brand building experience to the venture.

Looking ahead, Rotoris has lined up its commercial launch for January 2026. The debut lineup will include five collections—Auriqua, Monarch, Astonia, Arvion, and Manifesta. The watches will feature sapphire crystal, automatic and quartz movements, and 316L stainless steel cases, aligning durability with refined aesthetics.

Moreover, each timepiece will be produced in limited numbers and individually numbered, reinforcing the brand’s focus on exclusivity, craftsmanship, and precision engineering.

With this seed funding in place, Rotoris aims to carve out a distinct position in India’s premium watch segment by blending engineering excellence, luxury craftsmanship, and contemporary design to appeal to discerning watch enthusiasts.

Lords Hotels & Resorts Makes Its Debut in Himachal Pradesh with Two New Hotel Signings in Mandi and Chintpurni

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Lords Hotels & Resorts proudly announces its entry into the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh with the signing of two new properties—Lords Studio Inn Mandi and Lords Studio Inn Chintpurni. This strategic expansion marks the brand’s debut in the region and reinforces its commitment to strengthening its footprint across key leisure and pilgrimage destinations in North India. Both hotels are scheduled to open in January 2026.

Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Lords Studio Inn Mandi is situated along the serene riverbank, offering guests a peaceful retreat at the gateway to Kullu, Manali, and various adventure circuits. Lords Studio Inn Chintpurni is located near the revered Mata Chintpurni Temple, making it an ideal destination for pilgrims and travellers seeking comfortable and reliable accommodation in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Commenting on the significant milestone, Mr. Pushpendra Bansal, COO – Lords Hotels & Resorts, shared his excitement:

“We are delighted to enter Himachal Pradesh with two promising properties that reflect our commitment to expanding across emerging and high-potential destinations. We look forward to delivering Lords’ Exhilarating Hospitality to travellers visiting these beautiful hill towns.”

Speaking on the brand’s continued growth momentum, Vikas Suri, VP – Lords Hotels & Resorts, added:

“Signing two hotels simultaneously in Mandi and Chintpurni marks a proud moment for us. Himachal Pradesh holds immense tourism potential across pilgrimage, leisure, and adventure categories. With both hotels set to open in January 2026, we look forward to showcasing the Lords experience and contributing to the region’s tourism development.”

Highlighting the group’s development plans, Kumar Roushan, General Manager – Development, stated:

“Our expansion into Himachal Pradesh aligns with our strategy of thoughtfully entering high-demand circuits. These new signings strengthen our presence in North India and reaffirm our commitment to delivering warm, reliable hospitality across all destinations we operate in.”

About Lords Hotels & Resorts

Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s leading mid-market hospitality chains, known for delivering exceptional guest experiences across leisure, business, and pilgrimage destinations in India and Nepal. With a growing portfolio of hotels, the brand continues to expand with a commitment to quality, affordability, and warm hospitality.

Pride Hotels strengthens Gujarat footprint with Gandhinagar launch

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Pride Hotels Limited, in partnership with Ekarth Group, has announced the grand opening of Pride Elite Gandhinagar, further consolidating the group’s presence in Gujarat and the wider Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar corridor.

With this launch, Pride Hotels marks its second managed property in Ahmedabad’s immediate region, following the successful opening of Biznotel by Pride, Motera. Consequently, the new property represents another milestone in the brand’s calibrated expansion across high-potential urban centres and emerging destinations. Moreover, Pride Hotels Limited has now scaled its Gujarat portfolio to 19 operational hotels, underlining its focused market-penetration strategy across high-growth business hubs and key administrative locations.

Strategically located in Gandhinagar, Pride Elite Gandhinagar is designed to cater to business travellers, government officials, MICE groups, and leisure guests alike. In addition, the hotel offers contemporary interiors, efficient service delivery, and convenient access to major commercial and civic centres.

Commenting on the launch, Atul Upadhyay, Executive Director, Pride Hotels Limited, said, “The launch of Pride Elite Gandhinagar is a significant milestone in our growth journey. Gandhinagar is rapidly emerging as a key destination driven by governance, infrastructure development, and tourism initiatives, and we see strong potential for quality hospitality in the region. This addition reflects our strategy of strengthening our presence in high-growth markets while offering guests reliable service, well-located hotels, and thoughtfully designed experiences.”

Pride Elite Gandhinagar features 72 well-appointed rooms, crafted to deliver a balanced blend of comfort, functionality, and understated elegance. Notably, the hotel’s food and beverage offerings stand out as a key differentiator. Casablanca, the property’s train-themed, purely vegetarian fine-dining restaurant, brings together global favorites and regional flavours in a refined yet relaxed ambience.

Additionally, Café Pride serves as a lively all-day dining venue, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner through buffet and à la carte formats. The outlet also features an inviting rooftop dining experience with a strong emphasis on both global and regional cuisine.

Beyond dining, the hotel provides a range of flexible banquet and event spaces, making it suitable for corporate meetings, social gatherings, and celebrations. These include a private dining room for intimate events and a spacious open-air rooftop venue ideal for evening functions and wedding day setups. Furthermore, the rooftop dining area introduces a distinctive experiential element with a Jacuzzi paired with table setups, curated for candle-lit dinners, date nights, and special occasions such as haldi ceremonies and bachelorette celebrations.

Highlighting the regional strategy, Koustuva Mukherjee, Associate Vice President, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Goa & Telengana, said, “Gujarat continues to be a priority market for Pride Hotels Limited, and Gandhinagar, in particular, offers a unique blend of administrative importance, cultural depth, and proximity to Ahmedabad. Pride Elite Gandhinagar has been curated to meet the evolving needs of business and leisure travellers alike, with strong F&B offerings and versatile event spaces that cater to the city’s growing demand.”

Logistics startup Shiprocket moves ahead with Rs 2,342-Cr IPO plan

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L-R: Akshay Ghulati, Vishesh Khurana, Saahil Goel and Gautam Kapoor, co-founders, Shiprocket

E-commerce enablement platform Shiprocket has submitted an updated draft red herring prospectus to the Securities and Exchange Board of India for its proposed Rs 2,342.35 crore initial public offering.

According to the filing, the IPO includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 1,100 crore, along with an offer for sale of Rs 1,242.35 crore by existing shareholders, including both investors and founders. Earlier, the Gurugram-based startup had approached SEBI in May 2025 through the confidential filing route and subsequently received regulatory observations in the last week of October.

Founded in 2012 by Saahil Goel, Gautam Kapoor, Vishesh Khurana, and Akshay Ghulati, Shiprocket operates as a horizontal e-commerce enablement platform with a strong focus on direct-to-consumer and merchant-led online commerce. The company provides services such as courier integrations, real-time shipment tracking, and automated logistics solutions for merchants selling through their own websites, mobile applications, and social media platforms.

As outlined in the UDRHP, Lightrock will anchor the offer for sale and plans to divest shares worth Rs 258.49 crore. In addition, Arvind Ltd and Tribe Capital will sell shares valued at Rs 161 crore and Rs 120 crore, respectively. March Capital and Bertelsmann will also offload shares worth Rs 95 crore and Rs 85.43 crore, respectively. Furthermore, other selling shareholders include 500 Startups, Agility Global, AFOS Group, Moore Strategic Ventures, and boAt co-founder Sameer Mehta, among others. Co-founders Gautam Kapoor and Saahil Goel will each sell shares worth Rs 144 crore, while Vishesh Khurana will divest shares valued at Rs 36.93 crore. Notably, Eternal, formerly known as Zomato, will not participate in the offer for sale.

In terms of shareholding, Bertelsmann Nederland remains the largest shareholder with a 21.32% stake. Tribe Capital holds 14.14%, while Eternal and Temasek, through its subsidiary MacRitchie Investments, own 6.85% and 5.29% stakes, respectively. Meanwhile, the company’s ESOP pool represents 8.48% of the total shareholding.

Looking ahead, Shiprocket plans to utilise Rs 505 crore from the IPO proceeds to scale its platforms. This allocation includes Rs 294 crore towards marketing and customer acquisition and Rs 211 crore for strengthening its technology infrastructure. Additionally, the company will deploy Rs 210 crore for debt repayment. As of September 2025, Shiprocket’s total borrowings stood at Rs 233.8 crore. The remaining proceeds will support inorganic growth through acquisitions and meet general corporate requirements. The company may also explore a pre-IPO placement of up to Rs 220 crore as part of the fresh issue.

On the financial performance front, Shiprocket recorded a 15% year-on-year rise in operating revenue to Rs 942.7 crore during the six months ended September 2025. During the same period, the company reduced its losses to Rs 38.3 crore from Rs 42.3 crore a year earlier. For FY25, Shiprocket reported revenue of Rs 1,632 crore, reflecting a 24% increase over the previous year, while its net loss narrowed significantly to Rs 74.4 crore from Rs 595.1 crore in FY24.

Axis Capital, BofA Securities India, JM Financial, and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company are managing the IPO, while KFin Technologies has been appointed as the registrar.

India is now home to 2 lakh recognised startups: Piyush Goyal

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Piyush Goyal, Union Commerce and Industry Minister

India has crossed the milestone of more than two lakh government-recognised startups, with over 44,000 new entities added during the current year alone, marking the highest annual increase since the Startup India initiative was launched in 2016, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday.

Sharing the update in a post on X, Goyal underlined the expanding role of startups in driving employment generation, fostering innovation, and supporting inclusive economic growth across the country.

Highlighting key trends within the ecosystem, he said, “What makes this success sweeter is that nearly 48% of these startups have at least one woman director/partner. These startups have also helped generate over 21 lakh direct jobs.” Notably, the growing participation of women entrepreneurs has emerged as a defining aspect of India’s startup expansion, with almost half of all recognised startups now including at least one woman director or partner.

At the same time, sustained government-backed funding and credit support have played a crucial role in maintaining this momentum. Under the Fund of Funds for Startups, Alternative Investment Funds have invested more than Rs 25,320 crore across over 1,350 startups, thereby catalyzing additional private venture capital participation. In parallel, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups has provided guarantees exceeding Rs 775 crore, significantly improving access to debt financing for early-stage ventures.

Moreover, early-stage capital support has continued to scale through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme. Through incubators, the government has approved over Rs 585 crore for more than 3,200 startup applications, enabling founders to advance proof-of-concept development, enter markets, and begin initial scaling.

Beyond funding, recognised startups have increasingly integrated with government platforms and innovation ecosystems. Collectively, they have filed more than 16,400 patent applications, reflecting a growing emphasis on formal intellectual property creation. In addition, over 34,800 startups have onboarded onto the Government e-Marketplace, thereby gaining access to public procurement opportunities. Under the Startup India framework, eligible startups can also avail income tax benefits and regulatory relaxations, as well as mentorship and networking support.

Overall, the rapid rise in recognised startups aligns closely with the government’s broader vision of building an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat economy.

Looking ahead, Goyal said, “As we prepare to enter a new year, this spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship will continue to drive growth, opportunities, and prosperity for all.”

Lemon Tree Hotels strengthens footprint with Gurugram opening and Punjab signing

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Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the opening of Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram, marking the launch of its newest managed property in Haryana. With this addition, the company has further consolidated its footprint in the state, taking its total number of operational hotels in Haryana to ten.

Situated in Gurugram, within the National Capital Region, the hotel occupies a prime location in one of India’s leading business and commercial corridors. The property has an inventory of 246 rooms and suites, of which 151 rooms have become operational in the first phase. The company expects to open the remaining rooms in the second phase.

In addition, Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram, offers multiple dining options, including Citrus Café, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and Slounge, the brand’s recreation bar. The hotel also provides a range of guest amenities such as the Fresco spa, a fitness centre, a recreation room, and a swimming pool, thereby catering to both corporate and leisure travellers.

Commenting on the launch, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With the opening of Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram, we are delighted to strengthen our presence in the city, which already has eight hotels, including the first one from the brand at Udyog Vihar. Located in a key business hub, this hotel is perfectly suited for both corporate and leisure travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and an elevated stay experience.”

Meanwhile, the company has also announced the signing of Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Kartarpur, Punjab. This property will operate under a franchise model and will further expand the group’s presence in the state. Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Kartarpur, will feature 47 rooms, along with a restaurant, banquet and conference facilities, and a fitness centre. The hotel enjoys a strategic location near Kartarpur’s furniture market and lies close to Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Adampur Airport in Jalandhar is located approximately 31 kilometres away, while Kartarpur Railway Station is about four kilometres from the property.

Speaking on the development, Vilas Pawar, CEO of Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we are pleased to extend our pilgrimage portfolio in a place that holds deep spiritual resonance. Moreover, the vibrant tourism, rich cuisine, and growing hotel infrastructure make Punjab a magnet for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences. The state has two operational and nine upcoming hotels.”

Currently, Lemon Tree Hotels Limited operates more than 120 hotels across India and international markets. At the same time, the company continues to expand aggressively, with over 120 additional properties under development.

IHCL strengthens presence in Gujarat with launch of Ginger Ahmedabad, Kristar

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Deepika Rao, executive vice president, New Businesses and Hotel Openings, IHCL

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Ginger Ahmedabad, Kristar, located in the lively neighbourhood of Thaltej, further strengthening its presence in the city.

Commenting on the launch, Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Ahmedabad is one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres, driven by its thriving industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ginger’s lean luxe offering resonates with the city’s evolving preference for smart, contemporary stays. With five Ginger hotels present in multiple micromarkets of the city, the opening of Ginger Ahmedabad, Kristar, reaffirms our commitment to cater to its increasing demand for quality hospitality.”

At the same time, Ginger Ahmedabad, Kristar, combines comfort with convenience to serve both business and leisure travellers. The hotel offers thoughtfully designed rooms, a global cuisine restaurant, Soulinaire, and flexible meeting spaces. Moreover, guests benefit from easy connectivity to key destinations across Ahmedabad while enjoying Ginger’s signature mix of modern design and functional efficiency.

Intel in talks to acquire AI startup SambaNova in $1.6 Bn deal: Report

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Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan

Intel is holding advanced discussions to acquire artificial intelligence startup SambaNova Systems in a deal valued at $1.6 billion, including debt, as reported on Saturday.

According to the report, the companies have not yet disclosed the transaction, and Intel could initiate the deal as early as next month. However, the structure and timing remain subject to change. In parallel, SambaNova has signed term sheets with other potential financial investors and could still opt for an alternative course.

Based in Palo Alto, SambaNova develops custom AI chips and reached a $5 billion valuation in 2021 after raising $676 million in a funding round led by SoftBank Group’s Vision Fund II. Through this acquisition, Intel would significantly bolster its AI portfolio while gaining access to a long-sought platform at a steep discount to the startup’s previous valuation.

Notably, Intel chief executive officer Lip-Bu Tan also serves as chairman of SambaNova. In addition, his venture capital firm, Walden International, was among the startup’s founding backers and led its $56 million Series A funding round in 2018.

Meanwhile, during his first visit to India, Tan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. During the meeting, he said that India’s long-term success in artificial intelligence and chipmaking will depend on scale, strong domestic leadership, and deep engineering capability.

Separately, on Monday, Intel and Tata Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the manufacturing and packaging of Intel products at upcoming fab and OSAT facilities. These components will, in turn, support the production of AI-powered PCs built in India.

Moustache Group of Hotels strengthens portfolio with new Gangtok property

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(L to R) Abhishek Khandelwal and Deepak Agarwal, co-founders of Moustache Escapes

Moustache Group of Hotels has launched its latest backpacker hostel in Gangtok, marking the brand’s official entry into the Northeast and further strengthening its position in India’s youth-travel segment.

Moreover, the new property supports the company’s broader expansion strategy to add more than 40 hostels by FY 2028 across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, in addition to its current portfolio of 18 properties.

The Northeast continues to witness rising tourism momentum, driven by enhanced connectivity and increasing global visibility. Furthermore, industry data indicates that the region welcomed 12.781 million domestic tourists and 0.244 million foreign visitors in 2024, while air traffic reached 11.2 million passengers. These developments have reinforced the region’s emergence as a high-potential market for experiential, social, and community-oriented accommodations.

Explaining the rationale behind the Gangtok launch, Abhishek Khandelwal, Founder and Director of the Moustache Group of Hotels, said, “Gangtok is one of the most visited destinations in the Northeast, with over 1.6 million domestic travelers arriving in 2023. For Moustache, Gangtok offered the right launchpad for this region because it brings culture, community, and adventure into one place. We see a thriving traveler base here, and this hostel is built to serve that energy.”

Additionally, outlining the company’s regional pipeline, Founder and Director Deepak Agarwal said, “The Northeast is core to our long-term strategy. We are actively exploring Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, Pelling and Yuksom in Sikkim, Tawang in Assam, Dimapur in Nagaland, and Ziro in Arunachal as our next potential destinations. These locations have a growing backpacker culture, which makes them a natural fit for Moustache Hostels. Our hostel vertical will continue to lead this push since it is designed to be accessible, social, and traveler-first.”

Moustache Group currently operates across three verticals—Luxuria by Moustache, Moustache Select, and Moustache Hostels. Furthermore, the company aims to surpass 100 properties by 2028, with projected revenues expected to exceed Rs 200 crore.

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