Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Home Blog Page 191

Quorum Club and Nucleus Office Parks unveil The Pavilion in Mumbai

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Vivek Narain, Founder & CEO of The Quorum

The Quorum has announced the launch of ‘The Pavilion,’ an exclusive hospitality-driven venue for events and experiences in the heart of Mumbai. Nucleus Office Parks, a wholly owned Blackstone India Real Estate subsidiary, collaborated with The Quorum to develop the 6,350-square-foot venue strategically located at One International Center in Lower Parel.

Backed by The Quorum’s expertise in hospitality and event curation, The Pavilion is designed to be a premier destination for hosting events, experiences, performances, and celebrations, according to a statement released by The Quorum.

With its hospitality-focused approach, adaptable design, and naturally lit ambiance, The Pavilion fills a crucial gap in Lower Parel’s amenities infrastructure, which has struggled to innovate and cater to diverse needs. Its flexible layout enables businesses, event organizers, and individuals to utilize the space as an experiential venue for various events.

The Pavilion is well-suited for corporate gatherings such as conferences, town halls, lectures, seminars, and social celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. Additionally, the statement added that it serves as an ideal venue for lifestyle experiences, including comedy shows, music performances, theater productions, and more.

Speaking on The Pavilion, Vivek Narain, Founder & CEO of The Quorum, said, “The Pavilion isn’t just a standalone venue—it represents a forward-thinking, design-led approach to hosting events and experiences. It capitalizes on the prime location and grade-A infrastructure of One International Center and offers a hospitality-integrated venue for events across the spectrum. Clients that host an event at The Pavilion are not merely renting a venue but a wholesome experience built on the back of our curatorial expertise built over the years at The Quorum.”

The Pavilion leverages The Quorum’s in-house expertise in event planning and production, offering clients a seamless, all-in-one solution. From customized menus and decor to curated artists, performances, and entertainment, the venue provides a comprehensive event experience, according to the release.

Strategically located, The Pavilion ensures easy accessibility for nearby businesses and visitors across Mumbai. Its contemporary design, abundant natural light, built-in screen, advanced sound system, custom-crafted bar, and dedicated serving stations distinguish it from traditional hotel banquet halls.

With a seating capacity of 200 guests, the venue’s tiered seating and panoramic views add a theatrical touch, creating an immersive and engaging experience for audiences.

The Pavilion will debut with a performance by world-renowned mentalist Nicolai Friedrich and aims to feature a dynamic lineup of events in the coming months. Backed by The Quorum’s experienced team—known for curating over 1,500 cultural events and 2,400 corporate gatherings—the venue promises to deliver exceptional experiences for every occasion, the release stated.

Mphasis, Hexaware, and ChrysCapital compete to acquire SLK Software

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Mphasis, Hexaware Technologies, TPG Capital-owned Altimetrik, and private equity firm ChrysCapital are among the companies that have expressed initial interest in acquiring a majority stake in Bengaluru-based technology services firm SLK Software, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Last week, potential buyers submitted non-binding bids in the range of ₹4,700 crore to ₹5,600 crore ($550-650 million). However, the Amin family, the promoters of SLK Software, are reportedly seeking a valuation of $800 million, as previously reported. Investment bank Avendus is managing the sale process. According to sources, SLK Software looks forward to achieving an EBITDA of $40 million in FY25.

Founded in 2000, the Cincinnati-headquartered company specializes in artificial intelligence (AI), intelligent automation, and analytics to deliver technology solutions. It offers software-related services across manufacturing, banking, insurance, and financial services.

SLK Software operates in seven countries, with key centers in Bengaluru, Pune, Cincinnati, and Chicago and locations in France, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and Singapore.

In 2021, the Amin family divested a controlling stake in SLK Global Solutions, a Bengaluru-based business process management (BPM) provider, to IT firm Coforge for ₹920 crore.

A Mphasis spokesperson said, “As you are aware, the company continuously evaluates various strategic opportunities in its ordinary course of business for its growth and expansion in line with the defined M&A Strategies. At this stage, there is no material event/information which requires disclosure under Sebi Regulations, 2015.”

The acquisition of SLK Software has attracted strong interest from major industry players, including Mphasis, Hexaware, Altimetrik, and ChrysCapital. With a growing focus on AI, automation, and analytics, SLK Software presents a valuable opportunity for strategic expansion in the technology services sector. As the bidding process unfolds, industry watchers await which contender will secure the deal and at what valuation.

Fintech startup Super.money acquires checkout financing platform BharatX

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Prakash Sikaria, CEO, Super.money

Flipkart-backed fintech startup Super.money announced on Tuesday that it has acquired checkout financing platform BharatX in an all-cash transaction. However, the company has not disclosed the financial details of the deal.

Since its launch last year, Super.money has expanded its payment and credit offerings. With this acquisition, the company aims to roll out checkout financing for direct-to-consumer (D2C) and e-commerce brands, including Flipkart. It will initially focus on consumer durables, offering a credit line through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

“This is largely a tech acquisition. We want to play this out via equated monthly installments (EMIs) and buy now, pay later (BNPL), largely for products such as consumer durables. The idea is to bring our depth on UPI and leverage what they have done on checkout financing,” said Prakash Sikaria, chief executive officer (CEO), Super.money. 

The company stated that BharatX’s core team will collaborate closely with Super.money, integrating their technology into the platform.

Sikaria aims to launch the product in the first quarter of the financial year 2026 (Q1FY26).

Super.money currently ranks as the sixth-largest third-party application provider (TPAP) on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The company has introduced fixed deposit (FD) and credit products, along with a secure co-branded credit card, and has amassed a user base of over 10 million.

Super.money plans to introduce a secured Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) offering, marking a first in the category.

Meanwhile, BharatX has collaborated with over 200 brands to provide checkout financing options and has four banking partners, as listed on its website.

Sikaria also mentioned that his company is in discussions with most of the brands previously onboarded by BharatX.

“We have not concluded the agreement migrations or the discussions with the brand. But, you will see a significant share of the D2C pool coming along as part of this discussion,” he said.

 On banking partnerships, he said that the firm will look at new partners to extend the offering.

 “I think their terms are very different from how we work with banks. So, we will operate at our terms, which will mean a new set of partners. Today, we work with 20-25 partners, so I don’t think partnership is an area we worry about,” he added.

Founded in 2019, BharatX has secured $4.75 million in funding to date, according to market intelligence platform Tracxn.

Checkout or embedded financing allows customers to split their payments into installments while purchasing partner brands.

“The approach is to eventually distribute various kinds of financial services. The way we think about BNPL or EMIs is that it becomes an introductory product for a lot of our consumers. It is the first financial services product they took from our stable and later on end up taking others,” he explained.

Atmosphere Core makes its India debut with Sardar Manzil Heritage

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Atmosphere Core, a renowned global hospitality brand, has officially entered the Indian market by launching its first couples-only hotel, Sadar Manzil Heritage by Atmosphere, in Bhopal. The much-awaited inauguration took place on Saturday, with the Honourable Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, presiding over a grand ceremony ahead of the hotel’s official opening to guests.

Nestled between Bhopal’s historic Old City and its bustling New City, Sadar ManzilHeritage by Atmosphere, Bhopal offers a unique blend of history and luxury. Once the grand audience hall for the Begums and Nawabs of Bhopal, this 19th-century residence has been meticulously restored to create an exclusive retreat for couples.

Honorable Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated, “Sadar Manzil Heritage by atmosphere Bhopal Stands as a testament to this city’s rich identity and pride and the entire state of Madhya Pradesh. With 126 years of history and heritage brought back to life, let us all embrace and celebrate this magnificent reminder of our past.”

Akshat Jain, CEO of RDB Bhopal Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, “This is the right time to introduce the award-winning Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand to India. Integrating innovative hospitality concepts from the Maldives with local heritage, we offer a unique, new experience at Sadar Manzil.” Speaking about redefining boutique luxury in India, Mr. Vinod Yadhuvanshi, Director of RDB Bhopal Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., added, “I am sure the timeless charm of Sadar Manzil will resonate with travelers seeking romance, international luxury, and a glimpse into the beauty of a bygone era.”

The property is adorned with antique furnishings and rich turquoise and cream accents. Guests are welcomed in style, starting with a traditional airport greeting, a chauffeured city tour, and a grand rose-petal reception at the mansion’s entrance.

Atmosphere Core’s renowned Holiday Plan, originally launched in the Maldives, has been customized for India as the exclusive Begum’s Plan. This lavish offering includes premium accommodation, airport transfers, vegetarian breakfast and dinner, unlimited premium spirits and wines, high tea, live music and dance performances, a champagne tour, and spa treatments based on the length of stay. Guests can opt for a full-board upgrade to enjoy all three meals. Additional facilities include the ELE|NA Ayur spa, a library, a fitness center, and a serene swimming pool.

Sadar Manzil strongly emphasizes vegetarian cuisine, offering a gourmet dining experience with global influences. At Diwan-I-Khas, an all-day dining venue adorned with frescoed ceilings and sparkling chandeliers, guests can savor exquisite meat-free dishes. The open-air Charbagh Courtyard serves a selection of local and international vegetarian specialties for lunch and dinner. For a more sophisticated touch, guests can explore the Maikhana wine cellar or relax at the stylish Madhushala Bar.

“Our extensive Maldives experience has naturally inspired us to expand our presence and bring the Joy of Giving ethos into India, which has been witnessing consistent growth in its tourism industry. As the first historical property in our portfolio, Sadar Manzil holds a special place in my heart,” said Salil Panigrahi, MD, Atmosphere Core. Speaking about the property’s unique concept, Souvagya Mohapatra, MD of Atmosphere Core for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, emphasized, “I am particularly proud of our all-women service team, whose grace and professionalism will undoubtedly craft unforgettable memories for our guests.”

Geniemode secures $50M in Series C funding led by Multiples

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Geniemode, a sourcing and supply chain platform specializing in apparel, has secured over $50 million in a Series C funding round. The round was led by Multiples Alternate Asset Management, with additional backing from Fundamentum, Paramark Ventures, and existing investor Info Edge Ventures, per a company press release. 

“We have created a profitable business while ensuring growth. We are closing FY 2025 at $140 million+ GMV with a positive EBITDA run-rate of over $2 million,” said Tanuj Gangwani, co-founder and CFO of Geniemode. “With this round, we intend to scale to new geographies and take the company public in coming years.”

According to Sridhar Sankararaman, MD, Multiples Alternate Asset Management, global macro trends are reshaping the apparel sourcing landscape and driving a rebalancing of supply chains. “Our investment in Geniemode is part of our active strategy to back leading new-age businesses that are disrupting large markets using technology,” he said. “The company’s asset-light, technology-driven approach enables its customers to optimize their sourcing strategies across Asia.”

Geniemode, with operations in New York, London, and Barcelona, stated that it seeks to solidify its role as a key sourcing partner for leading retailers.

“This investment accelerates our mission to build the most efficient, transparent, and scalable sourcing ecosystem, empowering brands with AI-powered design capabilities, speed, flexibility, and responsible solutions. We are committed to being the go-to global sourcing partner, driving innovation, sustainability, and unlocking new growth opportunities for our partners worldwide,” said Amit Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Geniemode.

Hornbill Capital submits $200M bid to invest in Dhan at $1.25 billion valuation

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Hornbill Capital, an India-focused hedge fund backed by Asian private equity firm Orchid Asia, has joined the race to invest in stock trading platform Dhan. According to sources familiar with the matter, the firm has submitted a $200 million bid at a pre-money valuation of $1.25 billion. This development introduces another strong contender shaping to be one of the most highly pursued funding deals.

Sources also indicated that ChrysCapital had been in discussions with Dhan for an investment between $100 million and $150 million, valuing the four-year-old startup at nine to ten times its previous valuation. With Hornbill Orchid now making its move, insiders revealed that this bid is the largest in total funding.

Hornbill Capital recently led a $210 million funding round for edtech firm PhysicsWallah in September, highlighting its increasing focus on new-age companies. Notably, the hedge fund is also an investor in Angel One, a competitor of Dhan. Additionally, Hornbill has acquired a stake in logistics startup Blackbuck through public market shares and has previously invested in gaming firm Nazara Technologies.

Manoj Thakur, the former CEO of Avendus Private Equity Investment, founded Hornbill Capital.

When approached for comments, Dhan’s chief executive, Pravin Jadhav, declined to respond, while an email sent to Hornbill Capital remained unanswered as of press time on Sunday.

Dhan, which competes with IPO-bound Groww and Zerodha, expects to finalize the structure of its investment round within the next 30-40 days once all bidders submit their offers.

According to sources familiar with the matter, this development coincides with a surge in fintech deals, with multiple transactions currently in progress and overall deal sizes increasing.

“Yes, they have given a bid for a $200 million round at a $1.5 billion post-money offer. This is a well-contested round with multiple bids for a profitable startup despite recent regulatory changes,” one of the sources aware of the matter said. Another person said the offer had a pre-investment valuation of $1.25 billion.

Once Dhan officially completes the funding round, it could become India’s first unicorn of 2025, with its valuation soaring from $125 million.

Founded in 2021 by former Paytm Money CEO Pravin Jadhav, the Mumbai-based stock trading platform ranks among the top five monthly new trader additions. The company has also achieved profitability, recording its first-ever profit of ₹155 crore in FY24 on a revenue of ₹380 crore.

Dhan’s co-founders include Jay Prakash Gupta and Alok Pandey. Mirae Asset VC, 3one4 Capital, and several prominent internet entrepreneurs and CEOs back the firm.

With intense competition in India’s stock trading space, Dhan’s latest funding round could significantly boost its market position, especially against established players like Groww and Zerodha. If the deal materializes, it will cement Dhan’s status as a unicorn and highlight the growing investor confidence in profitable fintech startups. As the funding landscape evolves, all eyes will be on Dhan’s next move in securing its place among India’s top trading platforms.

Alibaba to invest over $52 Billion in AI development over the next 3 years

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Alibaba announced on Monday that it plans to invest at least 380 billion yuan ($52.44 billion) in cloud computing and AI infrastructure over the next three years. While the Chinese e-commerce giant had previously indicated its intention to invest in the sector during its earnings announcement on Friday, it had not disclosed a specific figure then.

For the quarter ending December 31, Alibaba reported revenue of 280.15 billion yuan, slightly surpassing analysts’ expectations. The company stated that this planned investment exceeds its total spending on AI and cloud computing over the past decade.

Alibaba has emerged as a frontrunner in China’s AI race in 2025, attracting investors through strategic business deals. As a result, its stock has surged by over 68% this year as of its last closing price.

Other Chinese tech giants are also ramping up their artificial intelligence investments. ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has reportedly allocated over 150 billion yuan in capital expenditures for this year, with a significant portion directed toward AI, according to sources cited by Reuters in late January.

Open Source AI Foundation launches $10M advocacy initiative

By
BRL Editor
-
0

The Open Source AI Foundation has launched a $10 million campaign to advocate for open-source AI, urging lawmakers to prioritize transparency and auditability over proprietary systems.

Spearheaded by Brittany Kaiser, the foundation promotes the adoption of open-source AI in government to enable public scrutiny of algorithms.

Supporters such as Joe Merrill (OpenTeams), Shaw Walters (Eliza Labs), and Travis Oliphant (Quansight) stress the need for transparency and trust in public-sector AI. They encourage government agencies to reassess contracts with closed-source providers.

However, critics caution that open systems may pose risks due to oversight challenges.

Kaiser acknowledged that while the foundation has yet to secure significant funding from major tech firms, some companies have shown interest.

The organization remains open to partnerships with those who support the growth and development of open-source AI.

Seven & i Holdings chooses Bain as preferred buyer for asset sale: Reports

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Japan’s Seven & i Holdings, the operator of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, has selected Bain Capital as its preferred buyer for a stake in its non-core assets, according to local media reports on Saturday.

Since late last year, Bain has been competing with private equity firm KKR and local buyout firm Japan Industrial Partners to acquire a significant stake in York Holdings, an entity Seven & i plans to spin off.

According to reports from the Nikkei newspaper and Jiji news agency, Bain has reportedly offered a valuation exceeding 700 billion yen ($4.7 billion) for York Holdings. Nikkei cited an unnamed source, while Jiji did not disclose the origin of its information.

Seven & i, KKR, and Japan Industrial Partners were unavailable for immediate comment on Saturday, while Bain declined to provide a statement.

The retailer aims to streamline operations by divesting non-core businesses and consolidating them under York Holdings. This unit will encompass 31 subsidiaries, including the group’s superstore business, baby goods retailer Akachan Honpo, and the company managing Denny’s restaurants in Japan.

Arts Room restaurant opens in New Delhi

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Arts Room, a global cuisine restaurant by Navneet and Randeep Bajaj’s Ambrosia Hospitality, has officially opened at Eldeco Centre, New Delhi. Designed to offer more than just a dining experience, Arts Room blends culinary excellence with immersive sensory elements. According to a release from Ambrosia Hospitality, the restaurant is a carefully curated space where art, literature, flavors, and fragrances come together to create a multi-sensory feast.

“At Arts Room, we strive to bring the timeless charm of hospitality back to the forefront. Our approach is vintage and classical, reflecting the elegance of a bygone era while seamlessly embracing modern trends in our food and beverage offerings. It’s about creating an experience that is both nostalgic and contemporary, where every detail —from the locally sourced ingredients to the art-inspired cocktails—celebrates the artistry of dining,” says Randeep Bajaj, co-owner of Arts Room.

“We envisioned Arts Room as a place where the boundaries between dining and art blur, offering an experience that is both indulgent and enriching. From artisanal pizzas prepared in an Antonio Scirocco oven to partnerships with local producers, every element is designed to transport our guests into a world of culinary and cultural delight,” adds Navneet Bajaj, co-owner of Arts Room.

Arts Room is a global cuisine restaurant that redefines elevated dining by seamlessly combining flavor and visual artistry. Every aspect of the space, from the café and dining area to the expansive bar and patio, is designed for continuous discovery, offering a unique experience at every turn. Inspired by the charm of a classical French living room and the elegance of a Parisian courtyard, the restaurant combines diverse influences to create a vibrant, engaging, and immersive dining atmosphere, according to a release.

Arts Room strongly focuses on sourcing premium ingredients across India, collaborating with local experts to ensure top-quality produce. This dedication to sustainability and excellence aligns with the restaurant’s philosophy of reimagining global culinary traditions while showcasing India’s rich resources.

The thoughtfully curated menu caters to diverse tastes, offering a delightful experience for all age groups. It includes marked vegan-friendly and gluten-free options, with a simplified version available for guests with specific dietary preferences. Additionally, the restaurant features a dedicated breakfast menu.

According to the release, Arts Room’s cocktail program is a skillful fusion of creativity and technical expertise designed to engage guests on multiple levels.

The signature cocktails, crafted by in-house bar expert Kamal Kohli, take inspiration from legendary artists and their most iconic works. Each creation is a tribute to art and mixology, offering a storytelling experience with every sip.

1...190191192...518Page 191 of 518

CONNECT WITH US

About Us Career Contact Us Advertise With Us

© Business Review Live | Marcom Media Services International.