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The Future of Student Accommodation: Insights from Saurabh Arora

By
Amala Sree Murali
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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.

Aspire gains capital markets services licence to offer regulated investment solutions

By
BRL Editor
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(L-R) Andrea Baronchelli and Giovanni Casinelli, Co-founders, Aspire

ASG2 Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of the financial platform Aspire, has been granted a Capital Markets Services Licence (CMS) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

As stated in a press release, this capital markets services licence will enable Aspire to expand its offerings to include investment solutions designed to help businesses in Singapore optimize their capital.

Aspire has announced the upcoming launch of Aspire Yield, an investment solution integrated into the Aspire Business Account. This solution aims to provide businesses with a unified platform to access investment opportunities and manage their finances.

Aspire Yield offers flexible investment options with no minimum investment requirement, no lock-up period, and next-business-day liquidity.

Through this initiative, Aspire aims to help small businesses overcome the challenge of being excluded from “competitive” investment opportunities, typically reserved for large corporations with strong banking relationships.

“Without access to investment options, these businesses struggle to optimize their funds while ensuring liquidity, limiting their ability to grow sustainably,” Aspire said in a press release.

Aspire Yield will close this gap by allowing startups and small businesses to earn competitive returns on idle capital while ensuring that funds remain easily accessible for operational requirements.

Aspire Yield aims to empower small businesses and startups by allowing them to earn competitive returns on their idle capital while maintaining liquidity for operational needs. This solution seeks to level the playing field, giving businesses typically excluded from such opportunities a chance to optimize their capital effectively.

Aspire’s new offering reflects its commitment to supporting small businesses and startups. It helps them access financial solutions that were once reserved for larger corporations, thus driving growth and financial empowerment within the sector.

Digital storytelling platform Pratilipi secures $20 Mn for US expansion

By
BRL Editor
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Sahradayi Modi, Prashant Gupta, Ranjeet Pratap Singh, Sankaranarayanan Devaranjan and Rahul Ranjan (left to right), Founders, Pratilipi

Pratilipi, an Indian-language digital storytelling platform, announced on April 3 that it has secured $20 million in a Series E funding round. The company intends to use the capital to speed up its international growth, particularly focusing on the US market while also exploring new storytelling formats like animation and vertical drama shows.

Jungle Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Singapore, led the round. The round values Pratilipi at $100 million, a decrease from its previous valuation of $265 million. The funding includes $12 million in primary and $8 million in secondary investments.

Pratilipi has raised $108 million with this latest round from investors such as Krafton, Nexus Venture Partners, and Omidyar Network. The company anticipates this will be its final primary funding round before a potential public listing.

Pratilipi co-founder Ranjeet Pratap Singh said that Chinese investors Qiming Venture Partners and Shunwei Capital will exit the firm following this investment. “We wanted to clean our cap table before an IPO…We intend to go for an IPO sooner rather than later,” he said. Pratilipi has previously expressed its intention to go public in 2026.

“At Pratilipi, our mission has always been to empower storytellers and connect them with audiences worldwide,” Singh said. “As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating a platform where every storyteller, regardless of language or medium, can find their voice and reach millions”.

Singh stated that Pratilipi recently launched its core online literature product in the United States and plans to gradually introduce other products to the country in the long term. He also highlighted that the company intends to establish a small regional team.

“We just launched two or three days ago and are still figuring things out. We’ll only know exactly how this will work after a few iterations. In the long term, we want it to be exactly like our literature business in India,” he said.

Pratilipi’s recent fundraising comes after a challenging period for the digital storytelling startup. The startup experienced a funding crunch that delayed salary payments for employees for some months. To manage this situation, the company reduced its marketing expenses by more than 90% and scaled back on intellectual property (IP) licensing, which required advance investments, according to Singh.

The company also shared that its core online literature business is now profitable and generating positive cash flow, with a monthly free cash flow of Rs 3 crore.

“Our literature business itself was fundamentally so good that all I had to do was not panic. Otherwise, literature itself pays off for everything else,” Singh said.

The company saw its revenue rise 65.8 per cent to Rs 57.8 crore in FY24 from Rs 34.9 crore in FY23, while its net loss shrank by 61.9 per cent to Rs 58.1 crore in FY24 from Rs 152.6 crore in FY23.

“With over 2 hours of daily engagement per user and a rapidly growing user base, Pratilipi has cracked the code to building something truly rare, with massive potential both in India and globally,” said Arpit Beri, Partner, India Investments, Jungle Ventures.“Ranjeet and the team have built a culturally resonant, creator-first platform unlocking the true power of vernacular storytelling,” he said.

The Bengaluru-based digital storytelling startup also mentioned that its audio vertical, Pratilipi FM, has started to “scale meaningfully, driven by increasing consumption among younger, mobile-first audiences”. The product competes with cross-town rivals such as Pocket FM and Kuku FM.

Trinity to invest Rs 1,200-Cr in luxury residential project in Gurugram

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BRL Editor
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Avinash Nagpal, Sr. Vice President Projects, Trinity

Gurugram-based real estate developer Trinity is set to invest Rs 1,200 crore in developing a luxury residential project in Gurgaon. The project, which received RERA approval last month, is situated along the Dwarka Expressway. Trinity plans to complete the project ahead of schedule while maintaining high standards of quality and efficient construction.

Spanning across 11 acres over multiple phases, the development will feature 345 units, with construction already underway.

”The construction of Sky Palazzo Residences has commenced at a rapid pace. Excavation was completed within one month from RERA, and we have already started piling in full swing and mobilized the required machinery to complete the piling as scheduled. Apart from that we are also onboarding our construction partner soon,” said Avinash Nagpal, Sr. Vice President Projects, Trinity.

Trinity will partner with globally renowned brands for the clubhouse and tower lobbies. Additionally, the project will be built by an A-grade or A+ grade construction partner.

Trinity’s luxury residential project in Gurugram is set to redefine high-end living along the Dwarka Expressway, with a focus on timely delivery and top-notch construction quality. With the project already underway and significant milestones like excavation and piling completed within a month, Trinity is on track to complete this ambitious development ahead of schedule.

By collaborating with globally renowned brands and A-grade construction partners, the company is ensuring that Sky Palazzo Residences will offer an unparalleled living experience for its future residents.

Transit retail chain Yatrikart secures investment from MMG Group

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BRL Editor
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Shivangee Sharma and Gaurav Rana, Co-founders, Yatrikart

Tech-driven transit retail chain Yatrikart has secured strategic funding from MMG Group for its Series A funding round. MMG Group, an Indian partner of global brands like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, has acquired a stake in the company at a valuation of Rs 100 crore. This investment marks a significant milestone for Yatrikart’s expansion.

Previously, Yatrikart raised $2.8 million from existing investors, including Artha Venture Fund, Fox Software Ventures, She Capital, and Shuru Up. With the new capital, Yatrikart plans to expand its franchise network through FOCO (Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated) and FOFO (Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated) models. The funds will also enhance its tech infrastructure and streamline supply chains via its Quick Commerce for Transit app.

Co-founded in 2021 by Gaurav Rana and Shivangee Sharma, Yatrikart is revolutionizing retail at transit hubs by empowering hawkers and small retailers to adopt a “retailing-on-the-go” model. The company aims to become the “WH-Smith for Bharat” by offering travellers essential and non-essential products at railway stations, metro hubs, airports, and highways.

The company’s product range includes snacks, beverages, personal care items, confectionery, tobacco, ready-to-eat foods, micro ATMs and charging stations. Yatrikart is on track to establish over 5,000 smart kiosks and stores, enhancing its technology-driven retail ecosystem. While Yatrikart faces no direct competition, it indirectly competes with unorganized kiosks and carts at transit locations.

With its recent strategic investment from MMG Group, Yatrikart is well-positioned to expand its innovative transit retail model and enhance its technology infrastructure. By empowering local hawkers and retailers, the company aims to revolutionize the convenience shopping experience for millions of travellers across India. As it continues to grow and expand its network of smart kiosks, Yatrikart looks forward to becoming a leader in the transit retail industry, providing essential products to those on the move.

Lemon Tree Hotels rebrands and opens hotel in Pune

By
BRL Editor
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Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the rebranding of its Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels property in Pimpri, Pune, to Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels. The hotel has undergone significant renovations to enhance the guest experience as part of this rebranding.

The upgraded hotel now boasts 101 newly refurbished rooms and suites, offering modern amenities for a more comfortable stay. Key features include Keys Café, a multi-cuisine coffee shop, the Keys Patio al fresco dining area, Unlock Bar, a resto-bar, and a fully equipped fitness centre. Additionally, the management has upgraded public areas such as the lobby and reception to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests upon arrival.

For business and events, the hotel provides spacious banquet halls and conference facilities, catering to the diverse needs of corporate guests.

Lemon Tree Hotels, which opened its first property with 49 rooms in May 2004, now operates a portfolio of over 210 hotels. This includes over 110 operational hotels and 100 hotels slated for future openings across India and internationally.

The company has located its properties in major metropolitan cities such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, as well as in key tier I, II, and III cities including Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and more. Lemon Tree Hotels has expanded internationally, with properties in Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal.

The rebranding and renovation of Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels, Pimpri, Pune, underscores Lemon Tree Hotels’ commitment to enhancing guest experiences through modern amenities and upgraded facilities. With a growing portfolio of over 210 hotels in India and international locations, Lemon Tree Hotels continues expanding its reach, offering exceptional hospitality and versatile accommodations for leisure and business travellers. The company’s ongoing investment in property upgrades and expansions demonstrates its dedication to maintaining a high standard of service and meeting the evolving needs of its diverse customer base.

Stance Health raises $1M in pre-seed round led by General Catalyst

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BRL Editor
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Rohit Arora, Co-founder, Stance Health

Stance Health, a healthtech startup, has secured $1 million in its pre-seed funding round, led by Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm General Catalyst. Other investors include Antler, DeVC (backed by Z47), angel investors such as Sriharsha Majety and Nandan Reddy, and Onsurity co-founder Kulin Shah.

The funds will be used to expand its services in India, enhance its tech platform, and establish additional physical centres in Bengaluru and other cities.

Founded in 2024 by Rohit Arora and Ninad Karandikar, Stance specializes in musculoskeletal (MSK) care, addressing pain in muscles, bones, and joints. The startup offers a combination of in-person care at its centres and online recovery programs.

Having conducted over 12,000 sessions in just eight months since launching its first centre, Stance plans to open six more centres by December and expand to another city in the coming year.

Stance Health’s successful funding round and ambitious growth plans demonstrate strong investor confidence in its approach to musculoskeletal care. With a focus on blending in-person and online services, the startup is poised to expand its reach and impact in India. As it continues to grow, Stance aims to further revolutionize the MSK care space, providing accessible and effective solutions for those suffering from musculoskeletal issues.

Qualcomm acquires VinAI’s generative AI division

By
BRL Editor
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Hung Bui, Founder and CEO, VinAI

Qualcomm announced on Monday that it had acquired the generative AI division of VinAI, an AI research firm based in Hanoi, for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition highlights Qualcomm’s ongoing push into the AI tools market. Founded by former DeepMind research scientist Hung Bui, VinAI specializes in various generative AI technologies, such as computer vision algorithms and language models.

“This acquisition underscores our commitment to dedicating the necessary resources to R&D that makes us the driving force behind the next wave of AI innovation,” Qualcomm SVP of Engineering Jilei Hou said in a press release. “By bringing in high-calibre talent from VinAI, we are strengthening our ability to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions that will benefit a wide range of industries and consumers.”

Founded by Bui in 2019, VinAI primarily concentrates on AI-driven automotive products while engaging in advanced AI research. Supported by VinGroup, a Vietnamese conglomerate, the company develops in-cabin monitoring, security, and “smart parking” systems for automakers and clients in other industries.

Bui said that he expects VinAI to contribute to several of Qualcomm’s product families, including its software and chips for smartphones, PCs, and vehicles. “Our team’s expertise in generative AI and machine learning will help accelerate the development of innovative solutions that can transform the way we live and work,” he added in a statement.

According to the press release, Bui, the CEO of VinAI, will join Qualcomm after the acquisition is finalized.

This acquisition of VinAI marks Qualcomm’s second purchase this year, following its acquisition of Edge Impulse, a German AI and IoT company, in early March. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon recently described edge AI—AI that operates on devices without relying on data centre infrastructure—as a “tailwind” for the company.

THRS expands into Japan and Azerbaijan with strategic partnerships

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BRL Editor
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Yeishan Goel, Group CEO of THRS

India’s leading luxury hospitality and tourism representation firm, THRS (Travel and Hospitality Representation Services), is expanding its global presence with new partnerships in Japan and Azerbaijan. This move reinforces THRS’ commitment to delivering exclusive travel experiences to the growing Indian outbound market.

As part of this expansion, THRS is now the exclusive sales representative for FAUCHON L’Hôtel Kyoto and Start Travel.

Yeishan Goel, Group CEO of THRS, commented on the expansion, saying, “India’s luxury travel market is evolving, with travellers seeking unique and immersive experiences. Japan and Azerbaijan have become increasingly popular, and our collaboration with FAUCHON L’Hôtel Kyoto and Start Travel reflects our dedication to offering unparalleled luxury experiences. FAUCHON L’Hôtel Kyoto blends Japanese tradition with French elegance, while Start Travel leads Azerbaijan’s tourism sector. Together, we aim to redefine luxury travel for Indian travellers.”

FAUCHON L’Hôtel Kyoto, part of The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), is a distinctive hotel offering a fusion of Parisian gourmet artistry and Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Kyoto, the hotel pioneers the ‘Kyo-French’ cuisine, providing an exclusive and refined experience. Nobu Sugimura, General Manager of FAUCHON L’Hôtel Kyoto, added, “India is a key strategic market for us, with its growing demand for fine dining and cultural experiences. Our partnership with THRS will enhance our engagement with Indian travellers and introduce them to the unique charm of FAUCHON L’Hôtel Kyoto.”

Based in Baku, Azerbaijan, Start Travel is a premier Travel Management Company (TMC) specializing in inbound and outbound tourism across Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Uzbekistan. Since its establishment in 2015, the company has offered comprehensive travel services, including ticketing, hotel reservations, visa facilitation, MICE solutions, and curated cultural experiences.

Nadir Farajov, Commercial Director of Start Travel, remarked, “With India’s growing interest in immersive travel, our partnership with THRS will increase awareness of Azerbaijan’s rich history and vibrant culture, offering Indian visitors a truly unique experience.”

India’s outbound tourism sector is expected to reach $18.8 billion in 2024 and grow at an 11.4% CAGR, hitting $55.4 billion by 2034. With rising demand for luxury and experiential travel, Japan and Azerbaijan are emerging as top destinations for culturally driven Indian travelers. THRS aims to expand its footprint in India’s premium travel market through these new partnerships, offering more bespoke and high-end travel experiences.

BorderPlus Acquires Onea Care to Strengthen Indian Nurse Recruitment in Germany

By
BRL Editor
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0

Mumbai-based workforce mobility platform BorderPlus has acquired German healthcare recruitment firm Onea Care to enhance job opportunities for Indian nurse professionals in Germany. While the financial details remain undisclosed, this strategic move aims to establish a clear, structured pathway for Indian healthcare professionals seeking international careers.  

With a $10 million investment in mergers and acquisitions, BorderPlus is expanding its presence in India, Germany, and key global markets. The company is set to introduce digital-first hiring solutions, improve language training, and ensure seamless workforce integration for healthcare professionals.  

“This acquisition is a major step toward ensuring that Indian nurses and healthcare professionals have access to structured, fair, and high-quality job opportunities in Germany. We will continue to explore such opportunities across key markets to expand our presence and support Indian skilled healthcare talent to explore global career prospects,” BorderPlus co-founders Ayush Mathur and Mayank Kumar said in the statement. 

Germany faces a critical nursing shortage, with an estimated 150,000 additional nurses needed by 2025. To meet this demand, the country plans to recruit 500,000 nurses by 2030 through ethical, structured migration programs. India, known for its highly skilled nurses, is well-positioned to bridge this gap and benefit from growing international healthcare opportunities.  

“Such an approach is a critical part of our growth strategy, allowing for a transparent and trustworthy route for Indian nurses to get recruitment opportunities. This will help remove the adverse conditions they fall in via illegal recruitment traps. Ethical recruitment and quality training are at the core of our mission, and we are doubling down on our commitment to transform global workforce mobility,” they added.  

“BorderPlus shares our deep commitment to quality and fairness in healthcare recruitment. I believe this acquisition will be a game-changer in addressing workforce shortages while upholding the highest ethical and quality standards,” said Leon Bauer, founder of Onea Care. 

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