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Taj’s parent company IHCL opens New luxury resort in Coorg

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

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has unveiled the launch of Gateway Coorg, a serene getaway set amidst the lush landscapes of Karnataka’s coffee-growing region.

Deepika Rao, executive vice president, New Businesses and Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Coorg has fast emerged as one of India’s sought-after leisure and wellness destinations. Opening of Gateway Coorg captures this growing demand and strengthens IHCL’s multi-brand presence in the region.”

Surrounded by lush rainforests and picturesque trails, Gateway Coorg offers 55 well-appointed rooms and suites designed to embody the serenity of the region. Guests can savour local and international cuisine at Ghat’s Café, relax with a drink at Coorg Cellar, or enjoy handcrafted brews at the Coffee Lounge. A culinary delight for food lovers, the resort highlights the rich, bold flavours of traditional Kodava dishes alongside modern favorites. The retreat also emphasizes wellness and leisure, featuring a spa, an outdoor pool, and a fully equipped fitness center.

R Subbaiah Pandian, general manager, Gateway Coorg, said, “Gateway Coorg is thoughtfully designed to provide a deep sense of connection with nature and local culture. We look forward to welcoming guests to this quiet escape in the lap of nature.”

Known as the ‘Scotland of India,’ Coorg’s lush hills and sprawling coffee plantations provide a stunning setting for adventure and relaxation.

With this new opening, IHCL’s portfolio in Karnataka grows to 26 properties, including 13 currently under development.

Indonesia’s Kopi Kenangan opens first India outlet in Delhi, eyes expansion

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Edward Tirtanata, co-founder and group CEO at Kenangan Brands

Indonesian coffee brand Kopi Kenangan, with a valuation exceeding $1 billion, has made its entry into the Indian market, aiming to offer a more affordable option compared to international names like Starbucks and Tim Hortons. The company opened its first café in Delhi earlier this month and has plans to expand into Mumbai and Bengaluru in the coming years.

“For any retail brand, it would be such a waste if you miss the train in India,” said Edward Tirtanata, co-founder and group CEO at Kenangan Brands. The company is backed by Peak XV Partners and B Capital, which was co-founded by Meta co-founder Eduardo Saverin.

With its large population, expanding economy, and increasing consumer spending in key urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, India has become a prime destination for both global and regional brands. According to Tirtanata, these favorable conditions create ample opportunity for new entrants in the highly competitive café industry.

In contrast to markets like Singapore and Australia, Kopi Kenangan has adopted a more budget-friendly pricing strategy in India to better connect with local consumers. The brand is focusing on students, Gen Z, and young millennials—especially those early in their careers—who are more inclined toward cost-effective coffee choices.

Prices begin at ₹99 for an espresso shot and stay below ₹150 for larger servings—₹80-100 less than what Starbucks or Indian premium chains like Blue Tokai typically charge. “Our price points are far more accessible than other international chains. We are positioned well within a gap that exists in the Indian market,” Tirtanata said.

To keep its prices affordable, Kopi Kenangan is sourcing most of its ingredients locally—a move that not only reduces costs but also allows the brand to tailor its menu to Indian preferences. Tirtanata emphasizes that connecting with the local palate is crucial for establishing a loyal customer base in India.

Although India’s café culture is still in its early stages compared to more mature Asian markets, coffee consumption is steadily increasing. Global players like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and Pret A Manger have been expanding their presence, while homegrown brands such as Third Wave Coffee and Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters are gaining significant traction. Traditional chains like Barista and Café Coffee Day (CCD) continue to operate, though CCD has experienced a drop in market share and is scaling back its store network due to financial challenges.

Meanwhile, quick service restaurants like McDonald’s and KFC are also entering the coffee market by adding beverages to their existing menus. However, rising inflation and subdued consumer spending in recent quarters have slowed the growth trajectory of premium brands like Starbucks.

Kopi Kenangan is confident that its strategic pricing and market positioning will enable it to establish a foothold in India’s competitive yet expanding coffee market.

Roseate Hotels & Resorts plans India expansion, eyes UK hotel acquisition

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Roseate Hotels & Resorts, a division of the Bird Group, is accelerating its international expansion with new acquisition plans in the UK while simultaneously strengthening its presence in India. After adding Beechfield House in Wiltshire as its fifth property in the UK, the brand is moving forward with several projects in India, including a new development near Noida International Airport, a 31-villa expansion at its Rishikesh resort, and a boutique retreat in Goa.

Roseate is also stepping into the branded residences market in Ayodhya and Dehradun, catering to affluent clients and non-resident Indians. Additionally, the group is venturing into senior living communities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, exploring government collaborations on ice rink projects, and embracing an asset-light model in key markets—redefining the luxury hospitality experience both in India and abroad.

As part of its global growth strategy, Roseate Hotels & Resorts, the premium hospitality arm of the Bird Group, is eyeing further property acquisitions in the United Kingdom. This initiative follows its recent acquisition of Beechfield House in Wiltshire, bringing its total number of UK hotels to five and its overall portfolio to eight worldwide.

In India, Roseate is rapidly advancing its growth strategy through a series of high-impact developments. The company has acquired a 2.6-acre site near the upcoming Noida International Airport, where it plans to construct a modern hotel equipped with a cutting-edge convention center. In Rishikesh, Roseate will expand its current resort by adding 31 luxury villas post-monsoon. Meanwhile, in Goa, work is underway on a boutique high-end property that will further strengthen its presence in key leisure destinations.

Extending its footprint beyond traditional hospitality, Roseate is entering the branded residences market with new projects in Ayodhya and Dehradun. These premium residences, aimed at high-net-worth individuals and non-resident Indians, are expected to command a 20–30% price premium over average market rates. The group is also venturing into the senior living sector, focusing on opportunities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Roseate is currently in talks with the Himachal Pradesh government and other state authorities to develop and operate ice skating rinks. Leveraging its internal capabilities, the brand aims to deliver top-tier recreational infrastructure, including a potential rink inside a Delhi shopping mall.

While Roseate has traditionally followed an asset-heavy model—purchasing land and constructing its own properties—the company is now embracing a more flexible, asset-light approach. This new strategy focuses on forming partnerships in high-potential locations with the right development collaborators.

Roseate Hotels & Resorts is reinforcing its footprint in the UK through strategic property acquisitions, while simultaneously accelerating its expansion across India with a diverse portfolio of luxury hotels, private villas, branded residences, and senior living developments. This dual-growth approach targets prominent locations such as Noida, Goa, Rishikesh, Ayodhya, and Dehradun.

In a move to diversify its offerings, Roseate House New Delhi ventured into the flexible workspace segment in December 2019 by opening its first premium coworking club at Aerocity. This initiative marks another step in broadening the brand’s hospitality services under the Bird Group umbrella.

Pliant expands fintech footprint with strategic acquisition of hi.health

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(L-R) Fabian Terner and Malte Rau, Founders, Pliant

Berlin-based FinTech Pliant has acquired Vienna-based Insurtech startup hi.health, aiming to bring its advanced payment capabilities into the insurance space while tapping into hi.health’s sector-specific expertise.

This is Pliant’s second strategic acquisition, following its 2023 purchase of Friday Finance. While hi.health will maintain its independent operations, it will leverage Pliant’s infrastructure and backing to enhance the robustness, scalability, and efficiency of its product offerings.

“hi.health has developed an impressive solution at the intersection of FinTech and insurance. By embedding a payment option into the submission process, they are revolutionising what has traditionally been a cumbersome reimbursement workflow and creating real value in the process. That’s exactly our ambition: to make complex operational workflows digitally simple,” said Malte Rau, CEO of Pliant.

Founded in 2020, Pliant serves over 3,500 businesses and collaborates with more than 20 global partners. As a licensed e-money institution (EMI), the company issues Visa-backed credit cards in 11 currencies across 30+ countries, making business payments more seamless and efficient.

Pliant’s modular, API-first platform is built to simplify spend management, enhance cash flow, and embed payments into financial operations. Tailored for industries with complex transaction needs—like travel and fleet—it empowers companies with better control, increased efficiency, and improved profitability.

Pliant has introduced a digital interface that connects insurance providers directly with their customers. By utilizing a payment card, insured users can bypass upfront payments and instead submit healthcare-related invoices—such as medical bills and prescriptions—through a streamlined mobile app for direct reimbursement.

hi.health, the acquired company, was established in 2019 by Fredrik Debong (Co-founder of mySugr) and Sebastian Gruber, a former McKinsey consultant.

“Our partnership with Pliant allows us to think even bigger about our mission. Together, we have the opportunity to transform financial processes in the insurance and healthcare industries – eliminating the cumbersome reimbursement procedures and significantly improving the experience for both users and healthcare providers,” said Sebastian Gruber, CEO and Co-founder of hi.health.

This strategic acquisition strengthens Pliant’s vision of merging a robust payments platform with specialized industry expertise. While Pliant already powers digital card and payment infrastructure for banks, the addition of hi.health brings valuable insurance-sector knowledge, positioning the company to better serve the evolving needs of the insurtech space.

JLL India partners with ISH to elevate hospitality standards in indian real estate sector

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JLL India, a leading real estate consultancy, has teamed up with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) to nurture next-generation talent for the country’s dynamic real estate landscape. Together, they’ve launched a specialized one-year Postgraduate Programme (PGP) in Hospitality Management, designed to close the skill gap in real estate operations and human capital.

The programme features a blend of six months of classroom learning at ISH and five months of hands-on training within JLL India’s operational ecosystem. This dual approach ensures participants gain a strong foundation in both theory and real-world experience—catering to the increasing demand for qualified professionals in real estate-driven service sectors, as the industry becomes more customer-focused and sophisticated.

“At JLL, we are committed to investing in future-ready talent. By funding 50 per centof the programme fee for each participant, we are ensuring that selected candidates are well-equipped for long-term careers within our real estate advisory ecosystem. This investment aligns perfectly with our growth and talent strategy in India. This collaboration exemplifies JLL’s commitment to shaping the future of real estate through education and industry partnerships. By aligning academic excellence with practical industry experience, we are creating a talent pool which is future ready and ready to handle the dynamic and ever evolving FM sector,” said Ajit Kumar, Managing Director, Work Dynamics Accounts, West Asia, India, JLL, emphasizes the significance of this partnership.

With this initiative, JLL and ISH seek to cultivate a new generation of professionals skilled in managing the service and operational dimensions of contemporary real estate assets—including premium residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. This collaboration represents a strategic move to infuse hospitality-driven excellence into real estate services, elevating industry benchmarks while opening up robust career pathways for students in a rapidly evolving sector.

“This is what industry-academia collaboration should look like, where education aligns with employment, and industry takes the lead in shaping future talent. In every strong economy, real progress begins when institutions and companies come together to create pathways that lead to growth. This partnership creates opportunities that lead to careers, with clear visibility on progression and purpose. It gives young professionals the return they seek on their invested time, and the confidence to build their future with intent,” said Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Indian School of Hospitality.

Nutrition startup Good Monk raises $2 million from RPSG Capital Ventures, others

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Amarpreet Singh Anand and Sahiba Kaur, Founders, Good Monk

Good Monk, the flagship brand of Superfoods Valley, has raised $2 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by RPSG Capital Ventures, with continued support from existing backers including Multiply Ventures, Sharrp Ventures, and ThinKuvate.

This round follows a previous raise of $841K from Multiply Ventures and others. The brand recently gained national attention on Shark Tank India Season 4, where it secured a deal with Vineeta Singh, co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics.

According to a company statement, the fresh capital will be directed toward R&D and product development, allowing Good Monk to introduce more effective and accessible nutritional solutions.

Founded in 2022 by Amarpreet Singh Anand and Sahiba Kaur, the Bengaluru-based startup offers a wide range of health-focused products—including multivitamin and probiotic blends, fiber supplements, and over 50 targeted nutrition mixes for seniors. Its clinically backed formulations are tailored for kids, adults, and those over 50, with an emphasis on transparency and accessibility.

Rooted in a mission to make nutrition simple and inclusive, Good Monk actively supports underserved communities through contributions to mid-day meal programs. The brand is currently available via its own website as well as major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, and is working to strengthen its omnichannel presence.

“At Good Monk, we believe that nutrition should be easy, effective, and clean. Our mission is to empower Indian families to take control of their health without compromising on taste or convenience,” said Amarpreet Singh Anand.

“The partnership with RPSG Venture Capital will facilitate investing in R&D and product development to present better nutritional alternatives,” said Sahiba Kaur.

With a reported 11X growth over the past year, the brand has built a loyal customer base. Its backer, RPSG Capital Ventures, continues to deepen its footprint in the health and wellness space, having also invested in Nutrabay, Plix, and True Elements.

Accor expands footprint in India with two new hotels in Indore

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Accor has unveiled plans for two new hotel signings in Indore—Novotel Indore Super Corridor and ibis Styles Indore Super Corridor—highlighting the group’s continued growth in Central India. Set to open in 2029, the dual-branded property will offer a combined 310 rooms, reinforcing Indore’s emergence as a key hub for both business and lifestyle travel.

Developed by Pitraparvat Developers Private Limited, the project will rise in Indore’s Super Corridor, a rapidly developing commercial and IT zone. The Novotel will feature 170 rooms, while ibis Styles will add 140 rooms, together catering to business travelers, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) guests, and leisure tourists.

Aniruddh Kumar, Vice President of Development, India & South Asia at Accor, stated, “Indore is rapidly emerging as a dynamic hub for business, technology, and lifestyle, making it a perfect location for Accor’s continued growth in the country. The signing of Novotel and ibis Styles Indore Super Corridor aligns with our strategic vision to bring world-class hospitality to key urban hubs. With its well-connected metro and road infrastructure, the new hotels will redefine Indore’s hospitality landscape. These properties will seamlessly blend comfort, efficiency, and quality service to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers.”

Both hotels will offer a range of amenities, including diverse dining venues, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a swimming pool, and versatile event and banquet facilities—reflecting Accor’s ongoing commitment to delivering premium hospitality experiences across various market segments.

With a global presence of over 590 properties, Novotel is recognized for promoting balanced lifestyles tailored to both families and business travelers. Meanwhile, ibis Styles, part of the broader ibis brand with more than 2,500 hotels across 79 countries, is known for its vibrant, design-forward accommodations that deliver exceptional value in prime locations.

This dual-hotel agreement highlights Accor’s expanding presence in India and deepens its roots in Madhya Pradesh, a fast-growing and strategically important region in the country.

AI cybersecurity startup Pillar Security secures $9M in seed round

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Dor Sarig and Ziv Karliner, Co-founders, Pillar Security

Pillar Security, an AI cybersecurity startup specializing in comprehensive AI application security, has exited stealth mode with a $9 million seed funding round. The investment, aimed at closing a critical security gap in the enterprise AI landscape, was led by Shield Capital with participation from Golden Ventures, Ground Up Ventures, and several strategic angel investors.

Founded in October 2023 by Dor Sarig and Ziv Karliner, Pillar is positioning itself as the core security infrastructure for AI-native applications—particularly those involving autonomous, decision-making agents and interactive systems.

“AI is fundamentally changing the way we build software — it doesn’t just add another step to traditional processes; it introduces an entirely new lifecycle.” said Dor Sarig, CEO & Co-Founder at Pillar Security. “In the intelligence age, data is executable and software has agency. Pillar’s technology, backed by real-world AI threat intelligence, is built with this understanding, delivering a new class of protection designed explicitly for AI-related security risks. We are redefining application security to match the agentic and autonomous software of the Intelligence Age.”

Pillar takes a holistic approach by treating AI systems as dynamic, high-risk assets. It maps every layer of the AI stack—from training data and prompts to the underlying runtime infrastructure. Using this foundation, the platform conducts red-team simulations, implements adaptive guardrails, and continuously monitors live threat data to assess operational risks in real time. According to the company, this enables it to detect and block AI-specific attacks with a level of precision that traditional security tools lack.

As enterprises increasingly integrate AI into core operations, the need for specialized security solutions has never been greater. With its end-to-end platform and a fresh injection of capital, Pillar Security is positioning itself at the forefront of AI-native cybersecurity—aiming to become a critical layer of defense in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Smartworld and Tribeca to develop ₹2,200-Cr Trump luxury homes in Gurugram

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Kalpesh Mehta, Founder, Tribeca Developers

Real estate companies Smartworld Developers and Tribeca Developers announced on Wednesday their collaboration to develop an ultra-luxury residential project in Gurugram under the ‘Trump’ brand, with a total investment of approximately ₹2,200 crore.

The newly launched ‘Trump Residences’ project in Gurugram, a joint venture between M3M Group’s Smartworld Developers and Tribeca, will feature 298 units and span a total saleable area of 12 lakh square feet.

This marks the second Trump-branded residential project in Gurugram and the sixth in India.

The first Trump project in Gurugram, developed by M3M Group, is set to begin handover this month.

“The total project cost will be around Rs 2,200 crore for this new Trump-branded project,” Smartworld Developers co-founder Pankaj Bansal said.

He said the project will be completed in five years.

Kalpesh Mehta, Founder of Tribeca Developers, said, “Trump returns to Gurugram with second project. This reflects the strength of the Gurugram market and also the partnership.”

Additionally, Bansal stated that the project is being launched at a rate of ₹27,000 per square foot, with apartment prices ranging between ₹8 crore and ₹12 crore.

The development will feature two towers, each rising 51 storeys and reaching a height of approximately 200 metres.

Smartworld Developers will handle the construction of the project, while Tribeca Developers, the official representative of the Trump brand in India, will oversee the design, marketing, sales, and quality project management consultancy (PMC).

The collaboration between Smartworld Developers and Tribeca Developers marks a significant addition to Gurugram’s luxury real estate landscape with the launch of the ₹2,200 crore Trump Residences project. Featuring premium apartments priced between ₹8–12 crore, and two iconic 51-storey towers, the development aims to set new standards in ultra-luxury living.

With Smartworld managing construction and Tribeca leading design and sales under the prestigious Trump brand, the project reinforces India’s growing appeal for high-end global real estate ventures.

InterGlobe’s hospitality brand Miiro expands internationally with UK launch

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Neena Gupta, CEO of Miiro and executive director of Group Strategy and International Hospitality at InterGlobe Enterprises

Miiro, the lifestyle hotel brand by InterGlobe Enterprises, has announced the launch of Templeton Garden, marking its debut in the UK and the brand’s fourth property in Europe within a year.

Situated in the historic Earl’s Court, once home to iconic literary figures, the new hotel reflects Miiro’s vision of redefining hospitality by seamlessly combining modern design with classic English charm, according to the company’s statement.

Neena Gupta, CEO of Miiro and executive director of Group Strategy and International Hospitality at InterGlobe Enterprises, comments: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Templeton Garden, the latest addition to Miiro’s growing collection of characterful boutique hotels across Europe. It beautifully embodies our promise to deliver ‘Brilliantly Considered Stays’ that connect guests with the local community. With its elegant design and lush garden oasis, Templeton Garden is set to become London’s newest local favourite.”

Templeton Garden, the newest property under InterGlobe’s international lifestyle hotel brand Miiro, offers 156 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, many of which overlook a lush garden at the heart of the hotel—paying homage to the leafy heritage of Earl’s Court.

The hotel’s interiors were created in collaboration with renowned British designers, delivering a serene, modern retreat for both guests and locals. With inspiration drawn from British seasons, the on-site restaurant and bar face the private garden, enhanced by a hand-painted mural by a decorative artist, adding to the tranquil ambiance.

Guests can enjoy curated spaces such as The Library, featuring works by iconic authors, a state-of-the-art gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room. A neutral-toned art collection showcasing local talent further adds to the hotel’s peaceful charm.

Launched in 2024, Miiro offers a collection of uniquely designed hotels across some of Europe’s most vibrant cities. With Templeton Garden, London, now open, Miiro’s growing portfolio includes properties in Paris, Barcelona, and Gstaad, with upcoming launches in Vienna. InterGlobe’s broader hospitality footprint also spans cities like Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne.

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