Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Home Blog Page 201

EaseMyTrip launches ‘EasyVijay’ to promote battlefield tourism in India

0
Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip

EaseMyTrip has launched EasyVijay, a new initiative to offer immersive battlefield tourism experiences, allowing travellers to explore historic battle sites in person and virtually.

Introduced on January 26, 2025, to mark Republic Day, EasyVijay gives travellers a unique opportunity to delve into history by visiting iconic battlefields across India and internationally.

The program goes beyond traditional site visits, blending history and travel to provide immersive experiences. It includes curated tours with guided storytelling, exclusive interactions with war veterans and defence experts, and deep insights into key military events. EasyVijay is best for history lovers, military strategy enthusiasts, and those interested in learning about India’s legacy of bravery and sacrifice.

The initiative offers a dual experience, combining physical travel packages to historic battlefields with virtual tours powered by VR and AR technology. Travellers can visit these legendary sites in person or enjoy realistic digital recreations of historical battles from anywhere in the world. AI-driven personalization tailors each itinerary to individual preferences, enhancing engagement with interactive storytelling and in-depth accounts of the battles that shaped history.

In addition, EasyVijay organizes exclusive dining events where travellers can interact with war veterans, military strategists, and historians, offering direct insights into the battles that have shaped nations. These engagements provide participants with a deeper connection to history, making their experiences both informative and emotionally impactful.

Commenting on the new initiative, Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, mentioned, “EasyVijay reflects our mission to create transformative travel experiences. Through this initiative, we aim to make history come alive, enabling our customers to emotionally and intellectually connect with the courage and strategy behind these significant events.”

Shift4Good’s first fund closes at €220 million to drive sustainable transportation solutions

0

Shift4Good, a global venture capital fund focused on sustainable transportation, has successfully closed its inaugural fund at €220M, exceeding its initial target. This achievement is well above the €115M average for European cleantech VC funds from 2020–2024. It is one of only four first-time cleantech funds in Europe to raise over €170M during this period, highlighting its strong potential impact on sustainable transport.

The fund has garnered support from a diverse range of investors, including top-tier corporates, institutional investors, and family offices such as Renault Group, BNP Paribas Group, the European Investment Fund (EIF), Edenred, PSA Ventures (part of the Port of Singapore Authority), ComfortDelGro, Capricorn, and Candriam.

The fund’s diverse investor base includes Tier-1 corporates, institutional investors, and family offices in Europe and Asia. Notable LPs include Renault Group, BNP Paribas Group, Bpifrance, European Investment Fund (EIF) and Capricorn. 

“My main message is that sustainable transportation is a valid topic for a VC in 2025,” Yann Marteil, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Shift4Good, said.

The fund significantly exceeds the €115 million average for first-time cleantech European VC funds (2020-2024). It is one of just four first-time, clean-tech-focused funds in Europe to surpass €170 million during this period. 

“We are the largest fund dedicated to that cause but probably one of the only ones specializing in impact and sustainable transportation,” said Yann. 

Further, he commented, “This is quite a surprise for us because we have a tremendous quantity and quality of deal flow in all Europe, but also the rest of the world, and the requests that we’re getting from the large corporations to adopt this solution and to get insight about what we see, well the demand is enormous. So I think there is a strong, strong, strong current pushing us, and this is why we’ve been able to raise €220 million when no one is raising so far.”

Shift4Good launched the fund in 2022 and has already invested in 13 companies. These include London-based Laka, an insurance provider for micro-mobility; Helsinki-based Vapaus, a leader in corporate mobility solutions; and Paris-based Shippeo, which provides real-time supply chain visibility to optimize logistics and reduce emissions.

With the fund’s growth, Shift4Good seeks to invest in 10-15 additional startups across Europe, the UK, and Southeast Asia. The company focuses on Series A and Series B investments, with funding amounts ranging from €4 million to €20 million.

Shift4Good’s successful closure of its €220M fund underscores the growing investor confidence in sustainable transportation innovation. With a diverse group of backers and a strategic focus on high-impact startups, the fund is well-positioned to accelerate the development of sustainable mobility solutions across Europe, the UK, and Southeast Asia. As Shift4Good continues to seek promising companies for investment, its commitment to advancing cleantech and reducing emissions will play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.

Shadowfax acquires CriticaLog to strengthen logistics capabilities

0
Shadowfax founders (left to right) Vaibhav Khandelwal, Praharsh Chandra, Gaurav Jaithliya & Abhishek Bansal

Shadowfax, a leading logistics provider specializing in e-commerce express parcel deliveries, has acquired CriticaLog, renowned for managing high-value and sensitive logistics. 

This acquisition highlights Shadowfax’s strategic focus on enhancing its capabilities in the high-value logistics segment. Currently offering services like reverse logistics, same-day delivery, and 10-minute quick commerce solutions, Shadowfax plans to leverage CriticaLog’s expertise to expand its portfolio with tailored solutions for high-value items. Shadowfax’s extensive network covers 2,500 cities and over 18,000 pin codes across India.

CriticaLog, which supports over 400 organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, is well-regarded for its specialized handling of delicate goods such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobile spare parts, and jewellery.

“We are excited about the merger with Shadowfax. By leveraging their expansive reach and advanced technology capabilities, we can bring Criticalog’s premium logistics solutions to a wider customer base. This partnership will enable us to not only strengthen our existing relationships but also introduce our critical logistics services to a new and growing audience,” expressed Sujoy Guha, CEO of CriticaLog.

Abhishek Bansal, CEO and Co-founder of Shadowfax, described the acquisition as a step toward addressing logistical challenges in handling high-value shipments. “We are thrilled to welcome the exceptional team at CriticaLog into the Shadowfax family. Their expertise in managing high-value product movements with an industry-leading 0% loss rate is unparalleled. This move aligns perfectly with our mission to solve India’s most challenging last-mile problems today. With this acquisition, we are excited to expand our capabilities to deliver high-value items safely and reliably to more pin codes, benefiting our existing clients and opening new opportunities.”

CriticaLog’s investors also shared their thoughts on the acquisition. Charles-Antoine Gondrand, CEO of LoGon Investments, a key backer of CriticaLog since its founding in 2013, emphasized the potential synergies between the two companies. CriticaLog’s expertise and robust customer relationships, paired with Shadowfax’s advanced technological capabilities, are well-positioned to fuel future growth.

Managing over 2 million packages daily, Shadowfax aims to meet the rising demand for secure and reliable logistics solutions for high-value goods in India through this acquisition.

InvAscent invests Rs 110-Cr in integrated geriatric care provider Geri Care

0
Lakshmipathy Ramesh, founder and managing director of Geri Care Health Services

Geri Care Health Services, India’s first integrated geriatric care provider dedicated to senior citizens, announced on Monday that InvAscent, a private equity firm specializing in healthcare and life sciences, has invested ₹110 crore through its India Life Sciences Fund IV (ILSF IV) for a minority stake. This investment marks Geri Care’s first institutional funding round.

Founded in 2018 by renowned geriatrician Dr. Lakshmipathy Ramesh, Geri Care delivers a holistic 360-degree care model tailored for senior citizens. Its offerings include multi-speciality hospitals, assisted living centres, home care services, and exclusive senior citizen clinics. With over 50 years of combined expertise in geriatric care, Geri Care has established itself as a trusted leader in eldercare, serving tens of thousands of seniors across South India, especially in Chennai.

Geri Care plans to use the funds to broaden its services across major cities in southern India, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Coimbatore. This quarter, the company aims to open new assisted living facilities in Ulsoor, Bengaluru, and Velachery, Chennai. Additionally, it is developing specialized centres of excellence in geriatric oncology, urology, cardiology, and ortho-geriatrics as part of its network of multi-speciality hospitals dedicated exclusively to elderly care.

Lakshmipathy Ramesh, founder and managing director of Geri Care Health Services, said, “At Geri Care, we strive to make best-in-class geriatric care accessible to our senior community and their families and to enhance the quality of their life, promote independence, well-being, and dignity. We are excited to partner with InvAscent to further our mission of providing holistic and compassionate care to the elderly. The InvAscent team, with their deep understanding of the healthcare space, will be valuable partners in this growth journey. Their investment and partnership will enable us to expand our services and reach more seniors needing specialized healthcare.”

Nithya Govind, managing director of InvAscent, said, “Geri Care is a pioneer in creating an innovative continuum care model, redefining eldercare in India. We are very excited to partner with Dr Ramesh and the team of Geri Care in their growth journey. Our investment aims to support Geri Care’s expansion plans and enhance its capabilities to address the growing needs of the elderly population in India.”

Veda Corporate Advisors acted as the sole financial advisor to Geri Care for this transaction.

slice Bank eyes $250M to fuel digital banking expansion

0
Rajan Bajaj, Founder, slice

slice is in active talks to secure $250–300 million from financial investors and family offices, aiming to accelerate its digital banking expansion. This marks its first major fundraising effort after merging with North East Small Finance Bank, which received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Slice has already notified the RBI about its fundraising plans for this year. The Bengaluru-based company also got regulatory clearance to operate under its new name, slice Bank, allowing it to expand its focus beyond fintech into digital banking. In October, the RBI approved its merger with the Assam-based North East Small Finance Bank.

Currently, slice is rolling out banking services for select users, offering attractive interest rates on savings accounts. Backed by Tiger Global, the company plans to enhance its digital banking and physical presence in 2025. To fund this growth, it has started raising capital.

In addition to its consumer services, slice aims to launch a dedicated app for merchant lending and payment settlements. This app will provide full-stack solutions, helping the company boost its fee-based income. With this move, slice directly competes with platforms like BharatPe, which also focuses on merchant lending.

“They (slice) are about to start expanding operations with the critical approvals in the new identity, which for a fintech startup is noteworthy. It intends to be a national digital small finance bank,” a person aware of the matter told ET.

“There are fintech-focused funds as well as family offices of both new-age and traditional business houses that have held talks with the bank for the new funding round,” another person aware of the matter said.

Founded in 2016 by Rajan Bajaj, slice began as a “buy now, pay later” platform under the name slicepay, offering prepaid payment instruments similar to credit cards. The company is undergoing several developments, signaling a transformative phase.

In October 2024, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved slice’s merger with North East Small Finance Bank, which was finalized on October 27. This merger unified the operations, assets, and branding of both entities into one banking institution. 

slice announced that the merger would support expanded operations, better risk management, and enhanced customer service. It also plans to strengthen NESFB’s presence in the Northeast.

Recently, slice received approval to raise ₹71.73 crore through partly paid-up shares. Earlier in June, it introduced ‘slice Personal Loan,’ a lending product offering loans of up to ₹5 lakh with a tenure of up to 60 months.

Vaishali Gupta: Leading the Way in Personalized Investment Services and Smart Financial Planning

0
Vaishali Gupta, Founder, Desire Achiever Investment Services

In a field often seen as complex and daunting, Vaishali Gupta, the founder of Desire Achiever Investment Services, is transforming financial advisory. She is making it accessible, personalized, and effective. Drawing from her experience as a financial advisor and her time at Angel Broking, Vaishali recognized the urgent need for financial literacy in India. This insight sparked her mission to help individuals and families reach their financial goals through disciplined planning and smart investments.

Since its founding, Desire Achiever Investment Services has stood as a symbol of trust, resilience, and ambition. The firm helps clients navigate the unpredictable global markets while prioritizing long-term goals. In this insightful conversation, Vaishali reflects on her journey, the hurdles she overcame as a female entrepreneur in a competitive industry, and her approach to turning financial dreams into reality. She also discusses her firm’s use of technology, its focus on educating the younger generation, and its strategy to stay ahead in the ever-changing financial landscape.

Join us as we explore Vaishali’s inspiring path and see how Desire Achiever Investment Services is making a lasting impact in the financial advisory world.

BRL– Your journey as a founder is inspiring. What led you to establish Desire Achiever Investment Services, and how has your background shaped your approach to financial advisory?

While studying Certified Financial Planning (CFP) and working at Angel Broking, I noticed a huge lack of financial awareness among people. Many didn’t know how to invest wisely or manage their finances. In India, I observed individuals taking big risks without understanding their long-term consequences. This gap in financial literacy motivated me to take action. Growing up in a family without a professional business background, I had to create my own path. My father’s lack of attention to financial savings taught me the importance of planning and saving. This experience drove me to start Desire Achiever Investment Services. My goal is to help people achieve their financial dreams with the right advice and strategies.

BRL– With growing interest in women entrepreneurship, what challenges did you face as a woman leader in the investment domain, and how did you overcome them?

The challenges were significant. I started without financial support or a client base, relying solely on my determination to move forward. Along the way, I faced moments of doubt, experienced betrayal, and balanced numerous responsibilities. Marriage and motherhood added more complexity. However, I stayed focused on my vision and refused to give up. In the beginning, earning even Rs. One per SIP felt like a monumental task. Over time, persistence brought success, and I established a flourishing business. Balancing family and work taught me resilience and reinforced the value of staying committed to my goals.

BRL– Desire Achiever sounds ambitious and visionary. How did you come up with the name, and what does it signify about your mission?

The name “Desire Achiever” represents my belief that every great accomplishment starts with a strong desire. Clear goals are essential for achieving success. My mission is to guide clients in fulfilling their financial dreams through proper planning and support. Helping others reach their goals has also allowed me to achieve my own.

BRL– With global economic uncertainty and rising interest in alternative investments, how do you guide clients in navigating such volatile markets?

Volatile markets may feel overwhelming, but I encourage clients to stay committed to their long-term goals. I stress the importance of diversification and effective risk management. Mutual funds, for example, are a reliable option for building wealth over time. I create balanced portfolios tailored to each client’s specific needs, whether they involve insurance, fixed-income plans, or mutual funds. When markets dip, I remind clients that these moments often provide valuable opportunities to invest in quality assets at discounted prices.

BRL– There’s a growing trend toward sustainable and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investments. How do you educate your clients about these options, and do you see them gaining traction in India?

ESG investments are becoming more popular worldwide, including in India. I guide clients to understand the long-term benefits of investing in companies that follow sustainable practices. These investments not only match ethical values but also provide strong financial returns. Moreover, the Indian government promotes ESG investments by encouraging mutual funds and tax-saving tools. With ESG principles, clients can grow their wealth while helping build a sustainable future.

BRL–  In an era where AI tools are reshaping financial advisory services, how is Desire Achiever leveraging technology to enhance its offerings?

Technology is transforming the financial advisory landscape. AI offers quick insights and analyzes data effectively. However, it cannot replace the personalized touch of a financial advisor. At Desire Achiever Investment Services, we harness technology to simplify processes, assess portfolios, and provide data-driven recommendations. Even so, the human connection is irreplaceable. Building trust and understanding each client’s unique needs are tasks that AI cannot achieve alone. Our mission is to combine the power of technology with the warmth of personalized service.

BRL– Financial literacy is a significant concern in India. How does your firm approach educating first-time investors, especially millennials and Gen Z clients?

Our mission focuses on educating first-time investors. I make it a priority to build strong client relationships while simplifying financial concepts. Since Millennials and Gen Z favor digital interaction, I use Instagram and LinkedIn to share practical tips and insights. I break down complex financial terms into simple language and provide relatable examples. This approach helps clients make confident and informed decisions. They trust me because I do more than just manage their portfolios—I actively guide them through every step of their investment journey.

BRL–  How do you address clients’ behavioral biases, such as panic during market dips or overconfidence during rallies, and ensure they stay on track with their long-term plans?

Behavioral biases often affect decision-making. For example, overconfidence during market rallies and panic during dips can disrupt even well-planned strategies. However, it is essential to stay calm and focused on long-term goals. Market dips, in particular, provide opportunities to buy quality assets at lower prices. Regularly reviewing portfolios and maintaining clear communication help clients stay disciplined. I always highlight that patience and consistency are crucial for achieving financial goals.

BRL– What’s your vision for Desire Achiever in the next five years, and how do you see the role of financial advisory evolving in India’s growing investment ecosystem?

I aim to grow Desire Achiever to manage an impressive AUM (Assets Under Management) of ₹250 crores. My goal is to positively impact the financial well-being of over 1,000 families. To achieve this, I will expand our presence through social media and promote financial literacy. India’s investment landscape is constantly evolving, and the need for trusted financial advisors is growing. As markets become more sophisticated, individuals will look for personalized solutions to handle complex financial choices. I am dedicated to being a reliable partner, guiding clients toward long-term financial success.

Nirala World buys 2.5 acre land in Greater Noida for Rs 175-Cr

0

Nirala World, a real estate firm, has secured 2.5 acres in Greater Noida for an 8 lakh square feet commercial development. Acquired through a GNIDA auction, this move highlights the company’s strategy to strengthen its presence in Delhi-NCR and explore new markets such as Gurugram.

Nirala World, a prominent real estate company, is taking strategic steps to address the growing demand for office and retail spaces in Greater Noida. The firm recently acquired a 2.5-acre plot to develop an extensive 8 lakh square feet commercial project.

The land, purchased for ₹175 crores through a competitive auction by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), represents Nirala World’s second commercial endeavour in the region.

Suresh Garg, Chairman and Managing Director of Nirala World, shared that the project will include diverse facilities such as retail outlets, a high street, a food court, a multiplex, and office spaces. The company also plans to expand further within Delhi-NCR and enter the commercial and residential markets in Gurugram.

With its latest acquisition and ambitious plans, Nirala World is positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly growing commercial real estate sector of Greater Noida. By catering to the rising demand for modern office and retail spaces and exploring new markets like Gurugram, the company aims to strengthen its presence in Delhi-NCR and drive its vision of delivering state-of-the-art developments in India’s real estate landscape.

Gabriel India acquires Marelli Motherson assets worth ₹60 crore

0

Auto components major Gabriel India has acquired assets from Marelli Motherson Auto Suspension Parts Pvt Ltd for ₹60 crore, expanding its annual manufacturing capacity by 3.2 million shock absorbers and 1 million gas spring units.

The acquisition strengthens Gabriel India’s position in the suspension business, with a total purchase consideration of ₹60 crore, subject to closing adjustments.

Gabriel India, a leading manufacturer of automotive components, focuses on creating and selling passive shock absorbers, specifically semi-corner modules and gas springs, for both passenger cars and larger commercial vehicles.

The company has partnered with Marelli Suspension Systems Italy to expand its advanced suspension technology offerings to car manufacturers. This collaboration involves a licensing agreement and technical support from Marelli.

The ANAND Group and Gabriel India Ltd Executive Chairperson, Anjali Singh, commented, “This acquisition marks another milestone for Gabriel India, as it enhances our technological capabilities and broadens our product portfolio and customer base.” 

She said, “By integrating MMAS advanced suspension technologies through this acquisition, we are poised to strengthen our market position and deliver greater value to our shareholders.” 

Gabriel India said the acquisition aims to bolster its market position in the suspension business.

Amplience raises €37.9M to revolutionize e-commerce content solutions

0
Bart Cloyd, Co-CEO and CFO of Amplience

Amplience, a London-based startup provider of headless content management solutions, has secured €37.9 million in funding to strengthen its platform and advance its product roadmap, delivering enhanced value to enterprise clients across EMEA and North America.

The funding, provided by AshGrove’s €650 million Specialty Lending Fund II, will fuel Amplience’s growth plans and platform improvements.

This latest investment brings the company’s total funding to more than €249 million.

Bart Cloyd, Co-CEO and CFO of Amplience shared the company’s vision: “This funding will help support our growth and fuel further investment in our platform, product roadmap, and most importantly, in delivering enhanced value to our customers. By strengthening our ability to meet their evolving needs, we aim to deepen our partnerships and support their success.”

Founded in 2008 by James Brooke and Rory Dennis, Amplience was an early pioneer in promoting headless content management. Its platform combines Content Management Systems (CMS) and Digital Asset Management (DAM) to enhance user experiences, drive higher conversion rates, and lower content production costs.

The company caters to top-tier clients across EMEA and North America, offering solutions for creating, managing, and distributing content seamlessly across websites, emails, apps, and social media platforms.

Recently, Amplience has integrated AI into its platform to scale content production efficiently, further cementing its leadership in the composable architecture domain.

AshGrove Capital’s investment builds on Amplience’s previous backing from Farview Equity Partners and Octopus Ventures. This funding strengthens the company’s financial position and underscores AshGrove’s confidence in the growing adoption of composable architectures.

James Cunnah, Director at AshGrove Capital, stated: “Amplience is a business we have known for a number of years. We were approached directly by the shareholders, who valued the edge we bring through our understanding of the business and the sector. We are excited to support their growth journey from here and look forward to working with Farview, Octopus, and the management team.”

Guy Sochovsky, Founder and Partner of Farview Equity Partners, commented on the development: “This investment marks a defining moment for Amplience as we continue to innovate and expand. Both Farview and Octopus are grateful for AshGrove’s partnership and their commitment to our shared vision.”

The investment bolsters Amplience’s commitment to revolutionizing e-commerce content experiences, especially as the industry transitions from traditional CMS to adaptable, composable solutions. This evolution enables businesses to respond swiftly to changing consumer demands while ensuring operational efficiency.

Arvind SmartSpaces signs agreement for 92-acre realty project in Khopoli near Mumbai

0
Kamal Singal, MD & CEO of Arvind Smartspaces

Arvind SmartSpaces has agreed to a large-scale horizontal mixed-use realty project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), spanning an estimated 92 acres with a projected topline potential of ₹1,500 crore.

The project near Khopoli in the Mumbai 3.0 area marks the company’s first venture in the MMR region. It has been signed under a joint development model, with Arvind SmartSpaces receiving a 70.5% revenue share, ensuring low capital investment and higher returns.

Mumbai 3.0 is emerging as a key destination for horizontal developments, such as plots and villas, driven by transformative infrastructure projects like the Atal Setu bridge and JNPT Port, redefining the MMR landscape.

Additionally, the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, the Mumbai-Pune-MTHL Interchange, and other major infrastructure upgrades will significantly improve connectivity, linking Mumbai 3.0 to major economic hubs and reducing travel times.

“We are optimistic about the large opportunity the MMR plotted and the villa market presents. Entering the Mumbai region reinforces our strategy of balanced geographic diversification across Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. With this acquisition, the cumulative new business development topline potential stands at Rs 2,500 crore for the current year to date,” said Kamal Singal, MD & CEO of Arvind Smartspaces.

With this acquisition, the total topline potential for new business development in the current year has reached ₹2,500 crore. The company aims to expand further in the coming quarters by adding more realty projects in MMR and other target markets, including Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.

Arvind SmartSpaces is a prominent real estate development company with approximately 78 million square feet of projects across India. The company quickly became a leading corporate real estate player focused on delivering value-driven solutions. Its developments span cities such as Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, and Pune.