Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Home Blog Page 192

Head Digital Works to acquire Adda52 parent company for ₹491-Cr 

0

Head Digital Works (HDW), an online skill gaming company, announced on Friday its plan to acquire Deltatech Gaming Ltd (DGL), the parent company of online poker platform Adda52, for ₹491 crore. According to a company statement, the acquisition will occur in two phases.

“HDW will acquire 51 per cent of Deltatech Gaming, followed by a merger of DGL into HDW. Upon completion of the merger, DeltaCorp Ltd (“DCL”) will hold a 5.7 per cent stake in HDW,” it said.

HDW builds and manages real-money gaming platforms, including A23 Rummy and A23 Poker.

“We’re excited about this journey with Deepak and the team, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping the online rummy market in India. We believe that this transaction will help Adda52’s leading position in the online poker market,” said Ashish Kapadia, Managing Director, Deltatech Gaming.

With this acquisition, HDW aims to strengthen its position in the online gaming industry, expanding its portfolio and market reach. The deal is expected to enhance its offerings and provide a more diverse gaming experience for users.

EaseMyTrip and Korea tourism organisation partner to attract Indian tourists to South Korea

0

Travel tech company Easy Trip Planners Ltd announced on Friday that it has entered into an initial agreement with the Korea Tourism Organisation to promote South Korea as a prime travel destination for Indian tourists.

According to a regulatory filing, the collaboration aims to boost Indian tourist visits to South Korea by utilizing EaseMyTrip’s digital presence, industry knowledge, and large customer base.

EaseMyTrip and the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) will collaborate on a strategic marketing initiative to enhance awareness, improve travel accessibility, and provide seamless experiences for Indian tourists visiting South Korea, the company stated.

“Korea is a potpourri of history, vibrant city life, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a highly desirable destination for Indian travellers. Our partnership with Korea Tourism Organisation will allow us to bring exclusive travel opportunities to Indian tourists while ensuring seamless booking experiences and customized itineraries,” EaseMyTrip CEO and Co-Founder Rikant Pittie said.

Terming India as an important and growing outbound travel market, KTO Regional Director, India & SAARC Countries Myong Kil Yun said, “… Korea has immense potential as a preferred international destination. Through our collaboration with EaseMyTrip, we aim to introduce Indian travellers to Korea’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it an exciting and accessible travel choice.”

Under the agreement, EaseMyTrip will create a dedicated Korea microsite on its platform, featuring tailored travel itineraries, top attractions, and essential travel information designed specifically for Indian travellers.

The platform will produce destination-focused blogs, video content, and social media campaigns to further engage potential visitors and highlight Korea’s vibrant cultural heritage, modern cities, and scenic landscapes.

EaseMyTrip and the Korea Tourism Organisation will also launch co-funded marketing initiatives to maximize visibility and strengthen engagement in the Indian travel market.

KKR invests in Stockholm Multifamily Housing Development with Reliwe and Derome

0

Global investment firm KKR has announced a forward-purchase agreement with Swedish developers Reliwe and The Derome Group for three multifamily properties currently under development in Haninge, just south of Stockholm city centre. This investment is part of KKR’s European Real Estate strategy.

The project includes 382 residential units across three newly developed properties, set for completion between late 2026 and early 2027. Reliwe, a leading Swedish property developer, oversees the development, which features two sustainable timber construction buildings built by Derome, a top industrial company, alongside a high-specification concrete structure.

Strategically located near a bus terminal and railway station, the development offers seamless connectivity to Stockholm’s city centre. The project will provide affordable, modern urban living with premium amenities.

“We are thrilled to make our first residential investment in Stockholm, which is an attractive market where we are seeing strong momentum towards our objective of building a portfolio of residential units by partnering with best-in-class partners such as Reliwe and Derome,” said Alexander Thams, Head of Nordics Real Estate for KKR. “This development exemplifies the high-quality, sustainable residential properties we aim to invest in. With Stockholm’s strong residential market fundamentals and the innovative use of timber construction, we see significant potential to deliver value to our investors while contributing positively to the community.”

“KKR’s decision to make this their first residential investment in Stockholm alongside us is a strong endorsement of what we have built and the innovation we continue to bring to the Swedish residential market. We look forward to delivering high-quality, sustainable residential properties. Central Haninge is a prime growth location, and we see significant potential in developing attractive apartments,” says Gurmo Endale, Partner at Reliwe.

“We are pleased to partner with Reliwe in this transaction with a leading industry player, KKR. Together, we look forward to completing this unique development with a significant share of timber construction, contributing to sustainability. We are proud that KKR has chosen to invest in timber – a modern and environmentally responsible building solution with long-term benefits,” says Otto Martler, CEO of Derome BoPartner.

KKR collaborates with local operating partner Cavendo to manage and expand its Stockholm residential portfolio. Advisors on the transaction included Roschier, Svalner, Red Management, and Tango Capital Markets.

Over the past two years, KKR has invested approximately $550 million (SEK 6 billion) in Nordic real estate, focusing on acquiring premium residential and logistics properties while partnering with strategic local stakeholders.

As part of its global real estate strategy, KKR takes a thematic investment approach, leveraging a comprehensive mix of equity and debt strategies to acquire high-quality properties. With a team of 140+ real estate investment and asset management professionals across 16 global offices, KKR utilizes its extensive platform and expertise to drive value for clients and investors.

AI hiring startup Mercor raises $100M in funding 

0

San Francisco-based Mercor, an AI-driven hiring platform, has raised $100 million in its latest funding round, boosting its valuation to $2 billion. The investment was led by Felicis, with participation from General Catalyst, DST Global, Benchmark, and Menlo Ventures.

This funding marks a significant rise from Mercor’s $250 million valuation in September 2024. The company has also attracted high-profile investors such as Peter Thiel, Jack Dorsey, and Larry Summers.

According to CEO Brendan Foody, founded in 2023, Mercor is already profitable, with projected February 2025 revenue of $7 million and a $1 million profit with a 51% quarter-over-quarter revenue growth rate.

The funds will help Mercor expand its user base and enhance its AI capabilities. As part of this effort, the company plans to increase its workforce from 75 to 100 employees by the end of the year.

According to TechCrunch, Mercor counts the world’s top five AI labs, including OpenAI, among its users. 

With its AI-powered recruitment solutions, Mercor is transforming hiring efficiency, making it a leader in the future of AI-driven talent acquisition.

Beem becomes the first Venture-Backed Metaverse startup to choose Crypto over VC for growth

0
Janosch Amstutz, Beem Founder & CEO

Beem, a pioneer in spatial computing and decentralized holographic communication, has become the first venture-backed Metaverse startup to transition from traditional VC funding to a crypto-based model. Instead of raising additional venture capital, Beem has introduced $BEEM, a tech-backed utility token on the Solana blockchain.  

This move ensures long-term financial stability and fosters a highly engaged Web3-native community. By embracing blockchain technology, Beem is redefining Metaverse funding and reinforcing its commitment to decentralization.

This decision positions Beem as the first venture-backed Metaverse company to adopt blockchain-powered funding, highlighting a growing trend among deep-tech startups seeking alternative financial models beyond the limitations of traditional capital markets.

Over the last six years, Beem has secured more than $6 million from venture capital firms and private investors to build its patented holographic communication platform. While major tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Samsung continue investing heavily in the Metaverse, venture funding in the sector has slowed—primarily due to the surge in AI investments that have redirected investor attention.

“The venture finance model has been slow to evolve while technology continues to accelerate,” said Janosch Amstutz, Beem Founder & CEO. “Right now, investors are all-in on AI, while metaverse companies are overlooked—despite Apple, Meta, and Samsung making clear bets on the space.”

Instead of waiting for institutional investors to return to the sector, Beem has taken a proactive approach by harnessing blockchain technology for liquidity and global expansion. Launching $BEEM as an alternative to venture capital is more than just a funding strategy—it represents a deliberate move toward decentralization and community-driven growth. The crypto-based model offers unique advantages that traditional VC funding cannot match, including:

• Instant liquidity – Access to funding without prolonged VC negotiations or equity dilution

• A tech-native investor base – Support from Web3-savvy backers who understand decentralized technology

• Built-in adoption – Token holders serve as both investors and future users of Beem’sholographic communication platform 

Unlike conventional VC funding, which often requires startups to give up significant equity, Beem’s crypto-powered approach enables it to raise capital while maintaining full ownership and control over its technology.

Beyond funding, Beem is incorporating blockchain into its core technology, with plans to decentralize its infrastructure further. Upcoming on-chain features include:

• Decentralized identity solutions – Allowing crypto wallets to serve as personal profile IPs

• On-chain computing power – Leveraging decentralized compute networks for real-time holographic communication

• Tokenized access layers – Integrating blockchain-based payments and security measures into Beem’s platform

By transitioning on-chain, Beem aims to build a fully decentralized communication ecosystem, minimizing reliance on centralized infrastructure while enhancing security, privacy, and user ownership.

Key highlights of Beem’s transition to crypto-based funding:

• Among the first venture-backed tech startups to shift to blockchain-powered financing

• A Metaverse-focused company bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3

• Already trading on multiple Solana platforms, generating millions in volume

Beem’s entry into crypto establishes a new benchmark for deep-tech startups seeking alternatives to traditional venture capital constraints. 

As more companies navigate deep tech and Web3 convergence, Beem’s strategy could signal a broader shift toward blockchain-based funding. If metaverse and spatial computing startups face challenges securing venture capital, crypto may become the leading funding alternative and a core component of future business models. 

“We’re ensuring that Beem is positioned for long-term growth as spatial computing takes off. While others wait, we’re building—and doing it on-chain.” – Janosch Amstutz.

Beem’s shift marks a transformative change in how high-growth startups raise capital, emphasizing decentralization, liquidity, and community-driven adoption over the constraints of traditional venture funding.

The $BEEM token trades actively on major Solana exchanges, including Coinbase Wallet, Phantom, and other reputable platforms.

Alivaa expands footprint with new property in Mumbai

0

Alivaa Hotels has officially signed a new property in Mumbai, marking its debut in India’s financial capital. Strategically located near Terminal 1 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, this expansion represents a significant milestone for the brand established in 2024. 

The upcoming Alivaa Hotel Mumbai is a greenfield project featuring 94 rooms, secured under a long-term lease from Anupam Realities, owned by Rajesh N. Gala, Ankur H. Kotecha, and Vinod M. Gala. The hotel will offer a variety of modern amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and meeting facilities, catering to business and transit travelers.

Situated in Andheri East, the property boasts excellent connectivity to key business districts and transit points, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking convenience and comfort.

Vikramjit Singh, chairman & managing director of Alivaa Hotels, said: “Mumbai is a strategic market for any hotel company, and this new property aligns perfectly with our ongoing expansion efforts to provide accessible, high-quality spaces for travellers across India.”

Alivaa manages two hotels in Gurugram and is planning to launch a jungle resort in Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, shortly.

US real estate firm CoStar prepares $1.7 Bn bid for Australia’s Domain, source says

0

U.S. real estate giant CoStar is reportedly preparing an A$2.7 billion ($1.72 billion) takeover bid for Australian property classifieds company Domain Holdings, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

The source revealed that CoStar has been acquiring Domain shares at A$4.20 per share since Thursday, securing nearly 19% ownership. While CoStar declined to comment, Domain has yet to respond to a request from Reuters.

A term sheet reviewed by Reuters, which did not disclose the buyer, indicated plans for a full acquisition at A$4.20 per share—representing a 34.6% premium over Domain’s Thursday closing price of A$3.12.

CoStar’s bid could mark a major expansion into the Australian real estate market, strengthening its global presence in the property technology sector. Investors and industry experts will be closely watching for further developments.

Workplace SaaS Startup OneTab AI secures $3.3M in seed funding 

0
Saket Dandotia, Founder and CEO, Onetab

OneTab AI, a workplace SaaS startup, has secured $3.3 million (Rs 28.6 crore) in seed funding, with LIT Fund and Orbit leading the round. Additional investors include a Singapore-based family office, SOSV, Sunil Kumar Singhvi, and the company’s founding team.

The fresh capital will fuel the expansion and deployment of OneAsk, OneTab AI’s intelligent agent, designed to optimize the software development life cycle (SDLC). 

Founded in November 2023 by Saket Dandotia, Sonal Dandotia, and Alok Patil, OneTab AI integrates project management, communication, API development, CI/CD, and AI-driven automation into a unified platform. It aims to eliminate inefficiencies seen in traditional tools like Slack and Asana.

Leveraging proprietary large language models (LLMs) OneGPT and OneCode, the platform offers AI-powered project management, coding assistance, and workflow automation, ensuring data privacy through private hosting.

Its flagship AI agent, OneAsk, simplifies workflows by consolidating tools into a single intelligent system, enabling developers, project managers, and businesses to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Combining cutting-edge AI with seamless automation, OneTab AI is revolutionizing how software teams collaborate and develop solutions.

Breaking Barriers: The Future of Coaching with Honey Gudh

0

In a world racing toward digital transformation, where AI and automation redefine industries, one question stands tall—how do we retain the essence of human connection? Coaching, once seen as a personal development tool, is now a catalyst for transformational leadership, emotional intelligence, and holistic growth.  At the heart of this evolution is Honey Gudh, an ICF-MCC Credentialed Leadership Coach, Head Coach Trainer, and Co-founder of Cocoweave Coaching International. With a deep-rooted passion for human potential, she champions a future where coaching blends innovation with empathy, shaping individuals and teams to thrive in an ever-evolving world.  

In this exclusive conversation, Honey Gudh shares her insights on the future of coaching, the impact of AI, the need for inclusivity, and how Cocoweave is pioneering a shift toward human-centered leadership. Let’s dive into her transformative vision.

1. What inspired you to establish Cocoweave Coaching International, and how does your approach differ from traditional coaching methodologies?

Cocoweave Coaching International was founded to foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration that drives real change. We saw a major gap in traditional corporate learning, training, and development. Many workplaces were rigid and lacked the psychological safety needed for individuals to thrive. Our goal is to create environments—whether in corporate settings or personal interactions—where human connections come first. By using advanced tools and techniques, we promote a culture that is progressive, inspiring, and highly collaborative.  

What makes Cocoweave unique is our integrative approach. Unlike one-size-fits-all coaching models, we rely on evidence-based methods. We blend neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and spirituality to offer a holistic coaching experience. This powerful combination allows us to create deep, lasting transformations rather than just surface-level improvements.

2. In your experience, how can coaching serve as a catalyst for personal and professional transformation in today’s fast-evolving world?

Coaching acts as a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth by fostering introspection, self-awareness, and meaningful insights. It helps individuals align their actions with their values, bringing clarity, commitment, and a strong sense of purpose. At its core, coaching drives self-discovery and encourages goal-oriented action.  

In the professional world, coaching plays a key role in leadership development. We help leaders cultivate innovation, creativity, and emotional intelligence—essential skills for today’s fast-changing landscape. By focusing on both personal growth and professional excellence, coaching bridges the gap between individual potential and collective success, creating lasting transformation in all areas of life.

3. Coaching often requires a highly personalized approach. How do you balance personalization with the need for scalability in your services?

Balancing personalization and scalability in coaching requires a strategic approach. At Cocoweave, we use AI-powered platforms and advanced assessment tools to scale effectively while maintaining a personal touch.  

Beyond technology, our Integrative Coaching Diploma fosters collaboration among diverse professionals, promoting holistic growth. Through initiatives like the SUKUL Foundation, we blend innovation with human connection, ensuring our coaching remains impactful, scalable, and deeply personal.

4. Having worked extensively in HR and corporate training, what key lessons have you applied to life coaching and team coaching practices?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve gained from HR and corporate training is the power of psychological safety. When people feel safe to express themselves without fear, trust and collaboration thrive. This foundation empowers individuals and helps teams achieve clarity in their goals, driving both personal and professional success.  

Another key lesson is the importance of a people-first culture. By prioritizing empathy and understanding team dynamics, we create personalized coaching strategies that align individual aspirations with organizational goals. This ensures people feel valued and supported. These lessons have been essential in fostering goal-driven, empathetic environments where both individuals and teams can thrive.

5. What are the biggest challenges faced by life coaches today, and how do you guide aspiring coaches to navigate these challenges?

One of the biggest challenges life coaches face today is the perception of a saturated market. As coaching grows in popularity, many enter the field without fully grasping the depth and responsibility it requires. This can dilute its impact, as not everyone approaches coaching with the intent to drive meaningful change.  

Coaching isn’t for everyone—it’s for those committed to making a real difference. Aspiring coaches must engage in deep self-reflection, understanding their mindset, motivations, and alignment with the profession. When this alignment exists, learning becomes natural, continuous, and transformative.  

To help navigate these challenges, I encourage aspiring coaches to adopt a growth-oriented and curiosity-driven mindset. Staying updated with industry trends and treating coaching as a lifelong journey ensures they stand out and create lasting impact.

6. Can you share an example of an innovative project or impactful solution from Cocoweave Coaching International that has made a lasting difference?

One of Cocoweave Coaching International’s most impactful projects is Corporate Nirvana, created to bridge the gap between the world as it is and the world we aspire to—one rooted in values, ethics, simplicity, and service.  

This vision led to the SUKUL Foundation, dedicated to promoting diversity, intelligence, equality, and inclusion. Inspired by Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, the foundation embraces:  

1. Kirat Karo – Working with sincerity and dedication.  

2. Naam Japo – Staying connected to higher values through meditation.  

3. Wand Chhako – Sharing resources and fostering inclusivity.  

Through this initiative, we integrate human values with professional excellence, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive while making a meaningful impact. Corporate Nirvana continues to guide our mission of uniting personal growth, corporate responsibility, and community service.

7. Where do you see the future of life and team coaching heading, and how do you envision Cocoweave Coaching contributing to this evolution?

The future of life and team coaching lies in embracing human-centered values amid rapid technological advancements. As the world evolves, the focus will shift toward fostering empathy, sensitivity, and self-awareness to balance the fast-paced, data-driven lifestyle.  

At Cocoweave Coaching, we are committed to leading this transformation. Through innovative, holistic programs, we challenge limiting beliefs, reshape perceptions, and drive meaningful growth. By championing global collaboration and contributing to international well-being and resilience projects, we position ourselves as a leader in shaping the future of coaching worldwide.

Cryptocurrency platform Kraken plans to relaunch operations in India

0
Arjun Sethi, CEO, Kraken

San Francisco-based cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is planning a comeback in the Indian market and has appointed Shiprocket cofounder Vishesh Khurana as an advisor, according to multiple sources. One of the insiders revealed that Khurana will oversee Kraken’s operations in India.

Sources added that the company aims to initiate discussions with regulatory authorities soon to secure the necessary licenses for operating in the country.

Meanwhile, Nasdaq-listed Coinbase is also reportedly exploring a re-entry into the Indian market.

Khurana is the managing partner at venture capital firm Tribe Capital India. Notably, Tribe Capital’s founder, Arjun Sethi, is presently Kraken’s co-CEO.

“We can confirm we are looking to apply for authorisation and that Vishesh (Khurana) is serving as an advisor,” a spokesperson for Kraken said.

“We are looking to enter India officially and will build a team there,” one of the people cited above said.

Kraken and eight other cryptocurrency exchanges faced a ban in India in early 2024 due to non-compliance with the country’s anti-money laundering regulations.

Crypto exchanges must operate in India according to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This includes registering with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), following know-your-customer (KYC) guidelines, and reporting suspicious transactions.

Kraken’s decision to re-enter the Indian market comes amid a surge in major cryptocurrency prices, with Bitcoin trading near record highs. On Wednesday, Bitcoin’s valuation was over $96,000, according to CoinMarketCap.

On the same day, Kraken ranked as the world’s seventh-largest cryptocurrency exchange based on 24-hour trading volume, per CoinMarketCap data. Binance held the top position, followed by Bybit and Coinbase.

In 2024, Kraken generated $1.5 billion in revenue—more than double the $671 million it earned in 2023, a year when market conditions were relatively subdued, co-CEO Arjun Sethi disclosed in a blog post on January 31.

“During the year, clients entrusted us with $42.8 billion in assets on the platform and 2.5 million funded accounts. Total trading volumes in 2024 reached $665 billion, and our average revenue per customer is now well over $2,000 – far surpassing any comparable stat we’ve seen from traditional or crypto exchanges,” Sethi wrote.

“Today, with increasing regulatory clarity and industry tailwinds – not just in the US, but globally – we’re positioning ourselves for even greater acceleration,” he added.