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Godrej Properties targets Rs 1,350-Cr revenue from Mumbai housing project

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Gaurav Pandey, Managing Director and CEO of Godrej Properties

Godrej Properties Ltd, a prominent real estate developer in India, announced a significant expansion of its Mumbai portfolio on Friday with a new project in the coveted Versova area in the city’s western suburbs. This expansion marks the company’s debut in this high-demand suburb.

The planned development will cover a saleable area of about 4.4 lakh square feet and primarily offer premium residential units. Based on current business projections, the project expects to generate an estimated revenue of Rs 1,350 crore.

Versova’s appeal is driven by its exceptional connectivity, with access to the Versova-Ghatkopar metro, Link Road, and the Western Express Highway. The upcoming Bandra-Versova Sea Link (BVSL) will further enhance links to Bandra and South Mumbai, boosting homebuyers’ attractiveness. Additionally, the neighbourhood boasts strong social infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, parks, and entertainment centres. Being close to the seafront, Versova also offers convenient access to the beach.

Gaurav Pandey, managing director and chief executive officer of Godrej Properties, emphasised the strategic importance of this acquisition, saying, “This is our first land acquisition in Versova and reflects our confidence in the area’s potential. It further strengthens our presence in Mumbai and aligns with our growth strategy, which focuses on delivering high-quality developments in high-demand micro-markets.”

With its prime location, excellent connectivity, and robust social infrastructure, Versova presents a promising opportunity for real estate development, making it an ideal destination for potential homebuyers and investors. This strategic project by Godrej Properties is poised to meet the growing demand for premium living spaces in one of Mumbai’s most sought-after locales.

B2B SaaS startup SpaceBasic acquires CAMPUS to boost AI solutions for Universities

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SpaceBasic, a B2B SaaS startup specializing in automating student housing and cafeteria operations for universities and educational institutions, has acquired CAMPUS, a B2B SaaS platform that automates attendance, simplifies check-ins and enhances student engagement for universities.

This strategic acquisition will bolster SpaceBasic’s goal of providing a fully connected campus experience for students, the company stated.

CAMPUS, founded in 2021 by Shahid M and Siva Sai, was developed to eliminate inefficient access systems and the hassle of manual attendance tracking. The platform enables smooth check-ins, automates administrative tasks, and tracks attendance for over 10,000 students daily.

“Universities today need more than just software—they need intelligent, connected systems that make campus life effortless. At SpaceBasic, our mission is to simplify and transform university operations. Integrating CAMPUS into our ecosystem accelerates our growth and reinforces our vision of building smarter, more connected educational institutions,” said Madhavi Shankar, CEO and Co-Founder of SpaceBasic.

Siva Sai, Co-Founder of CAMPUS, said, “We founded CAMPUS to help institutions reduce manual tasks and make data-driven decisions effortlessly. Our focus was towards streamlining classroom attendance and fostering a connected student community for better collaboration. With SpaceBasic, we are expanding our reach and enhancing our technological ability to empower campuses to operate with greater efficiency.”

SpaceBasic, a SaaS startup, automates essential student housing tasks such as room allocation, asset management, maintenance tracking, student approvals, payment processing, IoT-enabled smart ID integration, and digital cafeteria management, delivering a more efficient and streamlined experience. Focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency, SpaceBasic’s partner universities have achieved a fivefold boost in operational efficiency and a threefold decrease in waste.

In India, the platform collaborates with over 70 universities, including prestigious institutions such as IIM, O.P. Jindal University, Shoolini University, D.Y. Patil University, and Chanakya University.

As a SaaS startup, SpaceBasic is revolutionizing student housing and cafeteria management by offering automated, efficient solutions that drive operational excellence. With a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, the platform has significantly improved the performance of its partner universities, making it a valuable tool for educational institutions looking to optimize their operations and reduce waste.

Redpanda secures $100M in funding, unveils agentic AI platform for enterprises

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(L-R) Alexander Gallego, Founder, Redpanda and Dave Munichiello, Managing Partner and Board Member, GV

Redpanda, a San Francisco-based data platform provider, has secured $100 million in its Series D funding round, aimed at advancing its agentic AI solutions. The round was led by GV, the investment arm of Alphabet, with additional participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners. This funding increases the company’s total capital raised to $265 million and raises its valuation to $1 billion.

The funds will help Redpanda enhance its data platform, focusing on improving real-time data integration and processing capabilities for enterprise applications, including AI-powered solutions. In addition, the company has unveiled an agentic AI service designed to support multi-agent systems while ensuring traceability and strong data governance.

“Enterprise applications will be built in a fundamentally different way as we shift to autonomous agents and continuous computation,” said Alexander Gallego, founder and CEO of Redpanda. “The agentic enterprise will be multi-agent, highly orchestrated, and powered by private datasets with complete auditability and governance. Our focus from day one has been to empower the developer, giving them the tools to build frontier applications and enable the future. We are excited to introduce our new agentic runtime platform that is simple to use, scalable, and fully private for enterprise requirements. This latest round of funding gives us the opportunity to double down on our existing data streaming foundation while building the future state-of-the-art data platform for autonomous agentic applications. We are honored to have the continued backing of GV and Lightspeed as we power the future.”

“Redpanda is transforming enterprise data streaming with a faster, more scalable platform built for high-volume, low-latency workloads. Used in critical industries, from autonomous vehicles to financial markets, Redpanda is now poised to lead the AI-driven enterprise as real-time data demands surge,” said GV Managing Partner and Board Member Dave Munichiello. “Alex Gallego is an exceptional founder who is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these shifts, and we’ve proudly backed him in every round since Redpanda’s Series A funding. With AI as the next big opportunity, Redpanda is set to expand its total addressable market, solidifying its position as the platform of choice for today’s developers and enterprises.”

Redpanda offers a robust platform with over 300 data connectors and delivers low-latency performance, serving major clients such as Activision Blizzard, Cisco, Moody’s, Texas Instruments, and Vodafone.

With this significant funding, Redpanda is well-positioned to continue innovating in the real-time data integration space and solidify its presence as a leader in the industry. The company’s focus on expanding its platform, enhancing data governance, and supporting agentic AI solutions will help businesses unlock new capabilities in data processing and enterprise application management.

amã Stays & Trails unveils new cottage villa retreat in Bengaluru

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amã Stays & Trails, the premium homestay offering from Indian Hotels Company, has expanded its portfolio with a new cottage villa retreat in Kuteeram, Bengaluru. Set amidst the city’s lush greenery, this tranquil retreat spans seven acres of serene landscape, offering a perfect blend of rustic elegance and thoughtful design.

Inspired by traditional rural aesthetics, amã Stays & Trails features architecture made of stone, brick, and lime, with intricate details like statues, stone benches, columns, and vibrant coloured glass windows. At the heart of this peaceful retreat lies a serene lily pond beneath a majestic tree, providing a perfect relaxing setting. Each cottage boasts charming decks that offer scenic views of the surrounding lush landscape.

Guests at the Kuteeram retreat can indulge in holistic spa treatments to restore balance and well-being, while the meditation hall offers a serene space for guided or silent meditation. Nature walks and birdwatching amidst the lush greenery allow guests to explore the surrounding landscape, with nearby Hesaraghatta Lake as a peaceful retreat ideal for morning strolls and wildlife observation.

Dining at this homestay is a celebration of the region’s rich culinary heritage, served in a warm and inviting communal space. Guests can enjoy regional favourites like crispy masala dosas paired with coconut chutney, flavorful Mangalore fish curry, and sweet treats like the beloved Mysore Pak.

amã Stays & Trails’ new retreat in Kuteeram, Bengaluru offers a perfect blend of serene landscapes, traditional architecture, and authentic regional cuisine. With its tranquil atmosphere, holistic wellness offerings, and immersive cultural experiences, it promises an ideal escape for those seeking peace, relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature and local traditions.

Solartech startup Aerem raises Rs 100-Cr in funding

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Vikesh Agrawal and Anand Jain, Co-founders, Aerem

Solartech startup Aerem, which aims to simplify solar adoption for businesses and households, has raised ₹100 crore in its Series A funding round, led by UTEC (University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners), a Japan-based venture firm with a $700 million portfolio. The funds will help accelerate the company’s expansion across India and improve its solar financing and marketplace solutions.

Other key investors in the round include British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor; SE Ventures, the $1 billion+ climate and industrial tech fund supported by Schneider Electric; and Riverwalk Holdings, an early-stage venture fund focused on innovative fintech companies. Existing investors Blume Ventures and Avaana Capital also contributed to the round. This strategic equity investment of ₹100 crore is in addition to debt capital secured from prominent financial institutions, including IDFC, AU Small Finance, Axis Bank, Northern Arc, MAS Financials, and Vivriti Capital.

The Series A funding will drive the solartech startup’s distribution growth across India and enhance its presence in existing markets. It will also facilitate the expansion of its end-to-end platform, scaling its marketplace operations and broadening its lending portfolio to meet the growing demand.

Moreover, the investment will drive advancements in the company’s technology roadmap and support the creation of innovative financing solutions, furthering its goal of making solar energy more accessible.

Anand Jain, Founder and CEO of Aerem, said, “Getting a solar installation is complex for an Indian MSME or homeowner. From finding the right installer to the right price, right quality, and right financing, a massive trust deficit exists throughout the fragmented ecosystem. Conventional approaches treat financing, technical complexity, and supply chain barriers as separate challenges. We recognize these as interlocking parts of one ecosystem failure. Our end-to-end solution addresses the entire value chain, eliminating barriers to solar adoption.”

“Our installation partners are the backbone of our ecosystem. These solar entrepreneurs understand local markets, maintain customer relationships, and provide on-ground implementation. Our platform empowers them with access to financing, quality equipment, and digital tools they would not otherwise have—creating a win-win model that scales solar adoption while supporting local businesses. Our vision goes beyond just providing solar solutions—we are building a true institution as ‘Aapka Solar Saathi’, which partners with businesses throughout their energy independence journey,” said Vikesh Agrawal, Co-Founder and COO of Aerem.

Additionally, the investment will accelerate advancements in the solartech startup’s technology roadmap and help develop innovative financing solutions, advancing its mission to make solar energy more accessible.

With this significant capital infusion, the solartech startup looks forward to strengthening its leadership in the solar energy sector, driving innovation, and offering more accessible solar solutions to businesses and households across India. The strategic focus on expanding its platform and enhancing its financing options ensures that Aerem will continue to play a crucial role in the nation’s transition to sustainable energy.

Dusit International set to strengthen its presence in India

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L-R: Deepika Arora, Head – India; Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development Global, Dusit International

Thailand-based Dusit International has announced plans to introduce hotels under its luxury and upper midscale brands in India. The company returned to the Indian market by opening the upscale DusitD2 hotel in Fagu, near Shimla, in December. Additionally, Dusit has signed agreements for three more properties in Karnataka.

On Thursday, Dusit International revealed its plans to open six new hotels under its upper midscale Dusit Princess brand in Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavla, and Raipur. Additionally, two properties will be introduced under the Dusit Collection brand in Kasol and Manali, located in Himachal Pradesh.

“India represents an exceptional growth opportunity for Dusit across major metros and particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where premium hospitality options remain limited despite strong demand,” said Siradej Donavanik, Vice-President of Development (Global), Dusit International. 

Dusit International first entered the Indian market in 2010, managing the Dusit Devarana Hotel in Delhi in collaboration with the Bird Group. However, the two companies concluded their joint venture in 2016.

Dusit International’s renewed focus on expanding its presence in India highlights its commitment to tapping into the growing demand for luxury and midscale hotels nationwide. With new properties planned in key cities and tourist destinations, including Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavla, and Himachal Pradesh, the brand aims for significant growth in the Indian hospitality market.

The strategic launch of properties under the Dusit Princess and Dusit Collection brands aims to cater to diverse traveller needs and elevate the overall guest experience in emerging markets.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper to rival Starlink with first launch

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Amazon is set to launch its first entire batch of Project Kuiper satellites next week, marking a key step in its efforts to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink.

The mission, Kuiper Atlas 1, will deploy 27 satellites aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at noon EDT (1600 GMT) on Wednesday, April 9, as announced by Amazon.

The launch will be managed by the United Launch Alliance (ULA), a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Amazon stated that these satellites represent a major advancement compared to the two prototype satellites tested successfully during an October 2023 mission.

Similar to Starlink, the service aims to offer internet access to remote and underserved regions across the globe, including areas affected by conflict or disasters.

Project Kuiper aims to deliver “high-speed, low-latency internet to virtually any location on the planet,” with service expected to begin later this year, according to Amazon.

Upon completion, Amazon’s constellation will consist of over 3,200 advanced low Earth orbit satellites, according to the company.

This launch positions Amazon in direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink and other satellite internet providers.

SpaceX, led by Musk, launched the first batch of its more than 6,750 operational Starlink satellites in 2019, making it the largest player in the sector.

This will be alongside the European Union’s Iris project, which plans to deploy 170 satellites, and the 300-500 satellites that the US military’s Space Development Agency intends to launch.

The growing number of satellite internet projects, including Amazon’s Project Kuiper, SpaceX’s Starlink, and other global initiatives, signals a new era in satellite connectivity. These efforts aim to provide fast and reliable internet access to underserved and remote areas, potentially transforming global communication networks in the years to come.

Leisure Hotels Group expands its presence in Ayodhya with new property

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Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group

Leisure Hotels Group (LHG) has announced the signing of Bedzzz in Ayodhya, introducing its signature mix of modern comfort and hospitality to the historically significant city. The new Bedzzz property in Ayodhya will cater to the increasing number of domestic and international visitors to this city, which is renowned as the sacred birthplace of Lord Ram. The hotel will open in the second quarter of 2026.

Commenting on the expansion, Vibhas Prasad, director of Leisure Hotels Group, said, “With Ayodhya set to welcome a surge in visitors, we are excited to introduce our sociotel concept. Bedzzz, Ayodhya, will provide a dynamic yet comfortable stay experience, blending affordability, community engagement, and thoughtful hospitality. The addition of Bedzzz, Ayodhya aligns with our strategic growth following recent expansions in Goa and Manali. With this signing, the Group continues strengthening its footprint in culturally rich destinations, offering unique stays tailored to today’s travellers”.

Bedzzz is revolutionizing budget-friendly accommodations in India with its innovative “Sociotel” concept, where comfort and connection seamlessly blend. Each property boasts vibrant, minimalist interiors, efficient layouts, and inviting common spaces that encourage relaxation and social interaction.

With essential amenities such as the Signature rooftop restaurant Travel Diaries Café, a Recreational Lounge, and cosy, well-appointed rooms, Bedzzz offers the perfect balance of convenience and a lively social atmosphere. According to a release from Leisure Hotels, the brand embraces the ‘Stay, Play, Vacay’ ethos while maintaining excellent value.

Bedzzz Ayodhya will feature 20 beautifully designed rooms with stunning city views. Ideally located just 2.5 km from the iconic Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, the property provides easy access to the temple and other important landmarks. The property’s signature restaurant, the Travel Diaries Café, will offer a charming atmosphere with alfresco seating, allowing guests to connect over a selection of local and international dishes. This property will serve as a peaceful retreat for pilgrims and tourists.

Leisure Hotels Group’s portfolio includes a range of smart business hotels, boutique resorts, bespoke villas, and luxury camps. These offer experiences centred on leisure, adventure, wilderness, wellness, and spirituality. The Group remains committed to delivering exceptional, award-winning services, ensuring customer delight at the heart of every experience.

IHG Hotels & Resorts strengthens footprint in Maharashtra

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Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Haware Engineers & Builders to open the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pen Mumbai Goa Highway. The 126-room hotel aims to launch in the first quarter of 2028, further expanding IHG’s presence in Maharashtra and meeting the growing demand for high-quality accommodations.

With over 3,200 hotels globally, Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s largest and fastest-growing brand. Since its inception in 1990, the brand has pioneered simple, smart travel and remains a top choice for travellers on the move. Once operational, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pen Mumbai Goa Highway will offer the brand’s signature combination of modern comfort, smart solutions, and efficient service.

The upcoming Holiday Inn Express in Pen, a rapidly growing industrial hub in Raigad district, will cater to the expanding Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Upon opening, the hotel will offer 126 modern, well-appointed rooms, a dining area, banquet facilities, spacious meeting rooms, and a fitness centre, all designed to meet the needs of business travellers.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are delighted to debut the Holiday Inn Express brand in Pen, offering travellers smart, simple stays. The hotel’s strategic location will provide easy access to key destinations, making it an ideal choice for business travellers.”

He added, “We reinforce our commitment to strategically expanding in high-demand and emerging markets across India. Holiday Inn Express continues to be a globally trusted brand, and with this latest signing, we aim to meet the rising need for quality accommodation in Maharashtra’s industrial corridors.”

Ujjwala Haware, chairperson and director of Haware’s Lotus Hotels Private Limited, added: We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring Holiday Inn Express to Pen. With its proximity to major industrial hubs, the hotel is well-positioned to cater to a diverse segment of travellers. Together with IHG’s global expertise and our local insights, we look forward to creating a world-class stay experience in this emerging business destination.”

The Future of Student Accommodation: Insights from Saurabh Arora

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Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO of University Living

Finding the perfect student accommodation abroad has long been a challenge—high costs, limited options, and last-minute stress make the process overwhelming. But one visionary is changing the game. Saurabh Arora, the dynamic Founder & CEO of University Living, is on a mission to transform how students secure housing worldwide.  

Driven by his own experiences and a passion for innovation, Saurabh built a tech-driven, asset-light platform that offers seamless, verified, and affordable student accommodation solutions in over 640 cities. Through AI-powered tools, strategic partnerships, and real-time student support, University Living ensures a stress-free transition for international students.  

Under his leadership, the company has achieved remarkable milestones—₹100 crore ARR, $350 million in projected GBV, and millions of nights booked globally. But beyond numbers, it’s about impact—helping students feel at home, no matter where they study.  

In this exclusive Business Review Live interview, Saurabh shares his journey, the industry’s evolving landscape, and how University Living is reshaping student housing with innovation, accessibility, and a student-first approach.

1. University Living operates in a competitive landscape alongside other student accommodation platforms. What key differentiators set your platform apart from the competition, and how do you ensure sustained competitive advantage? 

University Living redefines student housing by offering a seamless, tech-driven experience tailored to students’ diverse needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

Extensive Accommodation Choices – From Purpose-Built Student Accommodations (PBSA) to private apartments and homestays, we provide a variety of housing options to match every preference and budget.

Comprehensive Student Support – We go beyond housing by assisting students before and after admission. Our services include visa guidance, airport transfers, and a cost-of-living calculator. Plus, our student enhancement programs help with internships, scholarships, and part-time job opportunities, making the study abroad journey smoother.

AI-Powered Study Abroad Assistance – Our Study Abroad Buddy platform leverages AI to provide personalized guidance on course selection, test preparation, and visa applications, helping students make informed decisions with ease.

A Strong Global Student Community – We foster a supportive environment through awareness initiatives and value-added services, ensuring students feel connected, informed, and confident throughout their academic journey.

2. Managing student accommodations across multiple locations requires seamless coordination. How does University Living streamline operations, and what role does technology play in ensuring efficient property management and student satisfaction? 

Managing student housing across multiple locations demands precision, efficiency, and reliability. At University Living, we leverage cutting-edge technology to simplify operations, enhance student satisfaction, and streamline property management.

Tech-Driven Efficiency – Our platform transforms the fragmented student housing market into a structured digital ecosystem, allowing students to search, compare, and book accommodations effortlessly.

Immersive Virtual Experience – With 360-degree live tours, students can explore properties remotely and make informed decisions before booking.

Real-Time Updates & 24/7 Support – From booking to move-in, automated alerts keep students informed at every step. Our on-ground support teams provide round-the-clock assistance for a stress-free transition.

UL Verified Properties – We personally inspect and verify each listed accommodation to ensure top-tier quality, safety, and compliance, setting us apart from other platforms.

AI-Powered Assistance & Engagement
SABIE Advisor (In-House LLM Tool):
Delivers unbiased recommendations on costs, study destinations, and curriculum choices.
Voice-Enabled AI Chatbot: Provides instant, real-time student support.
AI-Based Call Analysis: Enhances response accuracy by understanding student concerns and sensitivities.
Pre-Sales AI Bot: Uses voice AI to qualify leads and personalize accommodation recommendations.

Smart Property Management – Our Property Management Solution (PMS) brings order to an unstructured market, making it easier for landlords and accommodation providers to manage properties seamlessly.

Secure Digital Payments – With integrated safe and hassle-free payment solutions, students can make transactions with confidence, no matter where they are.

3. Student accommodation isn’t just about providing a place to stay—it’s about creating an experience. What measures do you take to enhance customer experience and build long-term relationships with students and universities? 

Student accommodation is more than just a place to stay—it’s about creating a fulfilling and supportive experience throughout a student’s academic journey. At University Living, we enhance this journey through a range of Value-Added Services (VAS) designed to make student life seamless, enjoyable, and stress-free.  

To ensure hassle-free mobility, we partner with trusted transportation services, helping students navigate their new cities with ease. Dining and lifestyle benefits, offered through platforms like Taste Card, provide exclusive discounts, making social experiences more affordable. Recognizing the need for daily essentials, we facilitate seamless access to food and groceries, giving students more time to focus on their studies.  

Entertainment and digital perks, including Amazon Prime memberships, offer students access to premium content and fast delivery services, enhancing their leisure time. To promote financial independence, we assist students in securing part-time jobs, helping them gain work experience while supporting their expenses.  

Our 24/7 customer support and live chat assistance provide immediate help whenever needed, ensuring students feel secure and connected. Exclusive deals and discounts make everyday living more affordable, while our UL-verified properties, rigorously inspected for safety and quality, offer peace of mind to both students and their families.  

Beyond housing, we collaborate closely with universities to align our services with academic goals, ensuring a seamless transition for students. Through transparent communication and consistent value, we build trust and long-term relationships with both students and educational institutions.  

At University Living, we go beyond student accommodation—we create a comprehensive support system that enhances student life and fosters lasting connections within the academic community.

4. Scaling a business in the student accommodation sector requires balancing costs and revenue. What strategies have you implemented to drive profitability while maintaining affordability for students? 

University Living operates a scalable, asset-light, and tech-driven model that keeps student accommodation affordable while ensuring profitability. As a managed marketplace, we partner with trusted providers, offering everything from premium stays to budget-friendly options like service apartments and homestays. This flexibility helps us scale efficiently with lean operations.  

We use AI-powered tools and automation to streamline operations, optimize resources, and minimize inefficiencies. Our smart asset acquisition strategy ensures we curate properties based on student demand, keeping prices competitive while offering a seamless booking experience.  

Instead of passing costs to students, we leverage partnerships and bulk negotiations to maintain affordability without compromising quality. Our digital-first platform lets students search, compare, and book accommodations easily, with 360-degree virtual tours, real-time updates, and 24/7 support for a hassle-free experience.  

As a profit-making, bootstrapped startup, we have reached ₹100 crore ARR, with $200 million in GBV sales last year and a goal of $350 million this year. With Indicorn status, we are among India’s fastest-growing startups, reshaping how international students find housing.  

With 18 million+ nights booked across 640 cities, we serve students from 120+ nationalities. Focused on scalability, efficiency, and tech-driven growth, we continue to make student housing affordable, seamless, and globally accessible.

5. Choosing the right property locations is critical for student convenience and demand. How does University Living evaluate and select properties to ensure accessibility to major universities and essential student services? 

At University Living, we prioritize convenience, security, and a seamless student experience. Our PBSA properties are near universities, ensuring easy access to classes and public transport.  

Every UL Verified property meets strict safety standards, with 24/7 security, CCTV, and inclusive utility bills. Virtual tours help students explore options remotely before booking.  

Beyond housing, we offer move-in assistance, daily essentials, and ongoing support. Properties are chosen for proximity to grocery stores, healthcare, and entertainment hubs, ensuring a hassle-free student life.  

By integrating accessibility, safety, and essential services, we create student-first accommodations, letting students focus on what matters—their education.

6. With evolving student needs and global mobility trends, how do you analyse market demand and adapt your offerings to cater to different student demographics across various regions? 

We stay ahead by analyzing global student mobility trends, regional preferences, and demand projections. According to the Indian Student Mobility Report 2024 (ISMR 2024), Indian students studying abroad surged from 10.9 lakh in 2019 to 11.8 lakh in 2022, with projections reaching 15 lakh by 2025. Currently, 8.5 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.  

With this rise, accommodation needs vary—budget-conscious students prefer homestays, while others opt for premium PBSAs. To meet this demand, we offer a flexible portfolio of PBSA, private apartments, and homestays, ensuring every student finds a suitable space.  

Our data-driven strategy maps student preferences by region. For instance, students in the UK and Australia prefer PBSA, while those in Canada and parts of Europe lean towards homestays and private apartments. By aligning supply with demand, we ensure convenience, accessibility, and a seamless experience.  

Regular surveys help us track student mobility trends and market shifts. With AI-driven insights, real-time data, and on-ground partnerships, we scale efficiently to provide safe, verified, and well-located housing for students of all backgrounds and budgets.

7. In a price-sensitive market like student accommodation, what pricing models and revenue strategies have you adopted to maintain affordability while ensuring profitability for property owners and investors? 

University Living ensures affordable student accommodation and profitable property partnerships through a tech-driven pricing strategy. By securing properties early, we lock in lower rental rates, preventing last-minute price surges and maximizing occupancy for property owners.  

We optimize demand-supply gaps, identifying high-demand areas with limited availability and negotiating competitive rates. Our data-driven pricing continuously tracks market trends, peak seasons, and student preferences, ensuring a dynamic yet student-friendly approach.  

Through early partnerships, flexible pricing, and real-time demand matching, we create a win-win ecosystem. Students get affordable, high-quality housing, while property owners enjoy steady occupancy and optimized revenue. This balanced marketplace makes University Living a trusted global student housing partner.

8. Collaborations with universities and property developers are essential for scaling student accommodation solutions. Can you share insights into how University Living builds and nurtures these partnerships to create a seamless experience for students? 

University Living collaborates with universities and property developers to ensure a seamless student accommodation experience. Our partnerships are built on trust, financial support, and student well-being.  

We work with universities to provide scholarships and financial aid, making housing more affordable. As a preferred accommodation partner, we offer safe, reliable, and well-located housing. Many top institutions, including UCL, University of Bristol, and University of Birmingham, officially recognize us as an alternate accommodation provider.  

By partnering with universities and property developers, we secure diverse, budget-friendly, and premium housing. This ensures students find trusted accommodations without hassle, allowing them to focus on their studies. Through these long-term collaborations, University Living remains the go-to platform for student housing worldwide.

9. With increasing demand for international student accommodations, what are your expansion plans for University Living, and how do you plan to penetrate new markets while ensuring consistent service quality? 

University Living is expanding globally to meet the rising demand for international student accommodation. Operating in 640 cities, we provide trusted, verified housing in key study destinations.  

Our goal is to become the go-to platform for student housing, covering every major university city. Beyond accommodation, we offer student support services, scholarships, job assistance, and lifestyle benefits to enhance the study abroad experience.  

By leveraging strategic partnerships with universities, property developers, and service providers, we quickly enter emerging and high-demand markets, ensuring students access safe and reliable housing from day one.  

We maintain consistent service quality through standardized processes, regular quality checks, and student feedback. With global expansion, strong networks, and high standards, University Living is set to become the world’s most trusted student housing platform.

10. The accommodation sector is evolving with smart technology, flexible leasing, and personalized services. How is University Living integrating new innovations to stay ahead of industry trends and meet the expectations of modern students?

University Living leverages AI-powered solutions and real-time market data to offer personalized, flexible student accommodation. UL Connect provides real-time assistance, while SABIE Advisor offers unbiased insights on costs, study destinations, and accommodations. AI-driven chatbots and call analysis enhance support and query resolution. Uninist enables flexible bookings based on academic timelines and budgets, and UL Marketplace offers diverse housing options. The Study Abroad Podcast shares expert insights and student experiences. With AI, data-driven insights, and a student-first approach, University Living is transforming global student accommodation.