Panso launches hospitality’s first all-in-one customer experience platform

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January 15, 2025

Panso launches hospitality's first all-in-one customer experience platform — Britney Ziegler, the Founder and CEO of Panso

Panso, the first comprehensive hospitality management and customer relationship management (CRM) platform, officially launches today, set to transform how operators manage their businesses. Designed as an integrated solution, Panso offers restaurants, hotels, social clubs, food halls, and other hospitality businesses a complete view of their operations and customer interactions. The platform empowers businesses to streamline operations, enhance online and in-person guest experiences, and leverage data-driven insights to boost efficiency, foster customer loyalty, and drive sustainable growth.

Britney Ziegler, the Founder and CEO of Panso, drives innovation in the food and hospitality industry with her visionary leadership. As a semifinalist for Eater Young Guns and an active member of The James Beard Foundation’s Young Professional Committee, she brings 15 years of expertise to the table. Britney has collaborated with renowned chefs and food brands like David Burke and Carla Hall, excelling in strategy, concept development, and business growth. Her accomplishments have solidified her reputation as a leader steering progress and success in the industry.

“After years in the industry, I witnessed how challenging it was for operators to make sense of their data and truly understand their guests. I built Panso to address this challenge—a single platform designed to help operators streamline operations, unify customer data, and deliver personalized, impactful experiences. By combining creative strategy with robust, invisible technology, Panso minimizes the tech stack and empowers operators to transform customer attention into lasting retention”, said Ziegler.

Key Features of Panso

• Unified Operations Hub: Panso consolidates all revenue streams—reservations, takeout, catering, events, and e-commerce—into a single, integrated platform. This centralized solution simplifies managing websites, event experiences, ticketing, reporting, and marketing. Seamless integration with top reservation, point-of-sale, and financial systems enhances workflows, centralizes transactions, and delivers actionable insights to optimize operations.

• Website Management: Panso’s website management tools empower operators to take full control of their online presence. By tracking essential data points, businesses can improve SEO, drive conversions, and boost customer lifetime value (LTV). This feature helps operators connect with customers more effectively while maximizing their digital impact.

• Customer 360 + Data-Driven Personalization: Panso creates unified guest profiles by consolidating customer interactions into a single, data-rich view. This industry-first feature enables businesses to design highly personalized marketing and loyalty campaigns, enhancing customer engagement and retention.

Panso’s beta testing has already demonstrated its game-changing capabilities, processing over 1,200 transactions and generating $1.3 million in combined revenue. With 45 active users, the platform has created around 125,000 unique customer profiles and attracted more than 200,000 website views. Esteemed clients such as San Francisco’s Saluhall Market and Wayfare Tavern have experienced Panso’s transformative power in streamlining operations and enhancing customer engagement.

“What sets Panso apart is how seamlessly it brings together every aspect of our restaurant operations,” said Andrea Boyd, Director of Sales & Marketing of Wayfare Tavern. “Instead of juggling multiple systems, we now have one intuitive platform. But it’s more than just great technology – the Panso team is genuinely committed to understanding our needs and adapting their platform to work the way we do.”

Panso goes beyond being a software platform—it serves as a committed client partner. With a personalized, white-glove approach, Panso connects the dots between marketing, finance, and operations, delivering a seamless and intuitive solution for customer-centric businesses. Whether supporting hoteliers, restaurateurs, or multi-location operators, Panso empowers hospitality businesses to strengthen customer relationships while streamlining their operations. With its launch, Panso redefines hospitality management, setting a new benchmark for growth, engagement, and operational excellence.

Stashfin grants ESOPs worth up to INR 5 Lakh to every employee

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January 14, 2025

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Stashfin grants ESOPs worth up to INR 5 Lakh to every employee — Tushar Aggarwal, Co-Founder of Stashfin

Stashfin has announced the allocation of Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) valued at ₹5 lakh for employees with five years of service and ₹3 lakh for those with three years of service. This initiative is part of the company’s INR 600 crore ESOP pool, aimed at rewarding long-term commitment and promoting a culture of shared success to attract and retain top talent in the highly competitive fintech industry. All employees at Stashfin are eligible for ESOPs as part of their compensation package, with over 170 employees benefitting from this initiative.

Stashfin designed the ESOP program to enhance long-term employee engagement and reward sustained contributions. It features a four-year vesting period with a 12-month cliff, ensuring that employees who make meaningful contributions over time are well-compensated. In addition to tenure, performance is a key factor in determining further ESOP allocations, ensuring the program is fair and motivating. This structure recognizes employees and empowers high performers, reinforcing Stashfin’s commitment to shared success and collective growth.

Tushar Aggarwal, Co-Founder of Stashfin, commented, “At Stashfin, we are committed to fostering a culture where every teammate is a key contributor to our success. This ESOP allocation reflects our belief in creating meaningful value for our employees while recognizing commitment to driving our vision forward.”

Employees can redeem the vested ESOPs during liquidity events such as an IPO or an acquisition. Stashfin is committed to ensuring that its employees benefit from the wealth creation process as the company reaches significant milestones.

With a ₹600 crore ESOP pool, one of the largest in the Indian fintech sector, Stashfin emphasizes generating long-term wealth for its employees. The company continues to foster a culture of ownership and shared success, with ESOPs playing a central role in its employee benefits strategy.

Dusit International expands in Philippines with two new hotels in Mindanao

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January 14, 2025

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Dusit International, a leading hotel and property development company from Thailand, represented in the Philippines by Dusit Thani Philippines Inc., has entered into hotel management agreements with IDC Prime, a subsidiary of Italpinas Development Corp. (a developer of sustainable, design-focused properties in emerging Philippine cities). The partnership will oversee the management of two new hotels in Northern Mindanao under Dusit’s upper-midscale brand, Dusit Princess.

Dusit Princess Moena will be a centrepiece of the sustainability-focused Moena Mountain Estate, a mixed-use development set amidst the lush, forested mountains of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, near the Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park.

The hotel will feature a variety of premium amenities, including a lobby lounge, business centre, all-day dining restaurant, outdoor pool, fully equipped gym, yoga room, and versatile multipurpose space.

Located in Dahilayan, often called the ‘Baguio of Mindanao,’ the area is already a favourite among nature lovers for its breathtaking mountain views, cool climate, and outdoor activities. With its modern accommodations and comprehensive services, Dusit Princess Moena will elevate the destination’s appeal, complementing existing attractions such as Dahilayan Adventure Park and the sprawling Del Monte Pineapple plantations.

Further north, Dusit Princess Firenze plans to open in late 2029 as a key feature of IDC’s Firenze Green Tower project in the Limketkai area of Cagayan de Oro, strategically located near the city’s commercial and business hubs.

Capitalizing on Cagayan de Oro’s title as the “Adventure Capital of the Philippines” and its rapidly expanding business and leisure markets, this 14-story mixed-use green development will seamlessly integrate commercial, residential, and hotel spaces. Dusit will manage 180 rooms on the tower’s upper floors, offering guests stunning views along with Dusit’s renowned high service standards.

The project will offer unparalleled convenience, unforgettable experiences, and outstanding value, featuring premium amenities like a gym, spa, multipurpose spaces, commercial areas, and a swimming pool, all serving guests and residents.

“We are delighted and honoured to collaborate with IDC Prime to further expand our presence in the Philippines through these remarkable projects,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “The Philippines’ dynamic economic growth and thriving tourism sector offer unparalleled opportunities for innovation and advancement. With IDC Prime’s shared commitment to sustainability and positive impact, we are excited to bring our distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to these vibrant Mindanao destinations, delivering meaningful and memorable guest experiences while creating lasting value for the broader community.”

The Firenze Green Tower and Moena Mountain Estate are real estate joint ventures between IDC, the property developer, and the Go family, the original landowners. Integrating hotel components into these projects aims to enhance their overall appeal and establish Dusit Princess Moena and Dusit Princess Firenze as standalone destinations.

“IDC was founded on our belief in the Philippines’ growth story, particularly in areas such as these, which are full of potential for transformative development,” said Arch. Romolo Nati, CEO and Chairman, IDC Prime. “Our projects are recognized for their sustainability and architectural innovation, consistently delivering a ‘level-up’ in elegance and quality. Partnering with Dusit to bring world-class hotels to Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon is a natural extension of this vision, and we look forward to welcoming these exceptional properties to our portfolio.”

Dusit’s portfolio now spans 302 properties across 19 countries, including 58 under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas managed by Elite Havens, Asia’s top provider of luxury villa rentals. In the Philippines, Dusit currently operates several properties, including Dusit Thani Manila, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Dusit Thani Residence Davao, dusitD2 Davao, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort.

Riceberg Ventures announces $20M fund to accelerate deeptech startups

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January 14, 2025

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Riceberg Ventures, a global early-stage venture capital firm, announced the launch of a $20 million fund to support deeptech startups. The fund will target space tech, artificial intelligence (AI), health tech, cybersecurity, and novel energy sectors. With this new fund, the firm plans to invest in 25-30 Indian startups, offering an average ticket size of $500,000 per investment.

Established in 2023 by Ankit Anand, Mredul Sarda, Shubham Raj, and Lino Gandola, Riceberg Ventures has already backed startups like Manastu Space, Signatur Biosciences, EtherealX, Keyron Medical, and Arch0.

“We invest in deep tech startups developing foundational technologies that require extensive R&D to solve complex global challenges. Our focus is on supporting 30-40 startups, with a strong emphasis on founders building breakthrough technologies,” Ankit Anand, Founding Partner, Riceberg Ventures, said.

“Spacetech is going through the right triggers for innovation. The cost of space launches has reduced significantly, and Indian Space Policy 2023 delineates roles for entities like ISRO and NSIL, fostering a conducive environment for private enterprises, with a Rs 1,000 crore capital commitment from the government. We have observed seasoned entrepreneurs from ISRO, and institutes like IIST / IITs bring the right combination of hunger and experience, giving us a significant talent advantage as well,” he said.

The company said it has reserved capital for follow-up rounds from the new fund. “Additionally, our presence globally in Europe and SF not just helps with infrastructure access but also strategic growth capital from US and European growth funds, which the startups will have access to. We’ve co-invested in one of the largest VC funds globally,” said Mredul Sarda, founding partner of Riceberg Ventures.

With its $20 million fund, Riceberg Ventures will significantly impact the deeptech ecosystem, empowering innovative startups in high-growth sectors such as space tech, AI, and health tech. By focusing on early-stage investments and nurturing 25-30 promising Indian startups, the firm aims to drive technological advancements and create meaningful solutions for global challenges.

EV startup BGauss raises Rs 161-Cr to accelerate growth

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January 14, 2025

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BGauss raises Rs 161-Cr to accelerate growth — Hemant Kabra, founder and managing director of BGauss

BGauss, an electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has secured Rs 161 crore ($18.6 million) in funding from the Bharat Value Fund (BVF), consisting of primary and secondary capital. Previously, in April 2022, the EV startup, BGauss raised Rs 52 crore (around $6 million) from a group of investors led by Darshan Patel, the founder of Vini Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd.

The funds will expand BGauss’s footprint in India and internationally. The company plans to invest in capital expenditures, marketing, and strengthening its in-house research and development (R&D) for upcoming product launches.

“We look forward to expanding our dealer network, boosting manufacturing capacity, and delivering two new products fully designed, engineered, and made for India,” said Hemant Kabra, founder and managing director of BGauss.

Founded in 2020 by Hemant Kabra, BGauss focuses on integrating AI-driven technology in its scooters, offering features like comfort, low maintenance, fast charging, IoT integration, and convenience. The Pune-based startup serves around 45,000 customers and aims to increase its dealership network from 120 to 500 to set up over 1,000 touchpoints across India. Additionally, BGauss plans to scale its manufacturing capacity from 100,000 units per year as demand grows.

The EV startup will also introduce two new products this year. In June 2024, the company launched the RUV 350 scooter, which features a 3.5-kilowatt motor, 165 Nm peak torque, and a top speed of 75 km/h.

For the fiscal year ending March 2024, BGauss reported a revenue of Rs 177 crore from operations, up from Rs 110 crore in FY23. However, its losses nearly doubled to Rs 49.65 crore during the same period.

BVF, a Category II Alternative Investment Fund managed by Madhu Lunawat of Pantomath Capital Management, focuses on investing in growth-stage, profitable companies such as Haldiram Bhujiawala, Aniket Metals, and Millennium Babycares.

Databricks secures $5 Billion in private credit and bank funding

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January 14, 2025

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Databricks Inc., a prominent software company and one of the most valuable privately held firms globally, has secured over $5 billion in financing from lenders such as Blackstone Inc., Apollo Global Management Inc., and Blue Owl Capital Inc. This marks the company’s largest debt fundraising effort to date, according to sources familiar with the matter.

As reported by Bloomberg, the financing, arranged by JPMorgan Chase & Co. last year, is intended to help the company address tax obligations tied to employee stock sales. This debt raise follows a $10 billion equity funding round announced late last year, which boosted Databricks’ valuation to $62 billion.

According to sources familiar with the matter, direct lenders offer Databricks a $2.25 billion term loan and a $500 million delay-draw tranche, which the company can access later. The debt is structured around the company’s annual recurring revenue and carries an interest rate of 4.5 percentage points above the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).

Additionally, a consortium of banks, including JPMorgan, Barclays Plc, Citigroup Inc., Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Morgan Stanley, and BNP Paribas SA, has contributed to a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility as part of the overall debt package.

Representatives from Databricks, Blackstone, Apollo, Blue Owl, JPMorgan, Barclays, Citigroup, and BNP Paribas declined to comment, while Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley did not respond to requests for comment.

ARR loans have emerged as a favoured option for private credit firms to finance rapidly growing software companies that have not yet reached profitability. Creditors structure these loans with protections tied to a company’s recurring revenue, typically from long-term contracts rather than earnings.

In December, Databricks announced it expects to surpass $3 billion in annualized revenue and achieve positive free cash flow in its fourth quarter, which concludes on January 31. The company reported a sales growth of over 60% in the previous quarter, demonstrating remarkable expansion at a time when many software companies are facing slower growth.

The company will allocate proceeds from its $10 billion equity raise to develop new AI products, pursue acquisitions, and significantly expand its international go-to-market efforts. It will also use the funds to repurchase shares from current and former employees. Thrive Capital led the funding round, and firms such as Andreessen Horowitz and DST Global joined it.

Databricks specializes in software that enables businesses to ingest, analyze, and create AI applications using complex data from diverse sources. Its primary competitors include Snowflake Inc. and specific services offered by cloud infrastructure providers like Microsoft Corp.’s Fabric.

Stock broking startup Groww in talks for IPO valuing it at $6-8 billion: sources

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January 13, 2025

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Stock broking startup Groww in talks for IPO valuing it at $6-8 billion: sources — Lalit Keshre, CEO, Groww

Groww’s stock broking platform has reportedly engaged with several investment banks to explore the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO), according to sources familiar with the matter.

The sources revealed that the IPO expects to value the fintech company between $6 billion and $8 billion. Additionally, Groww anticipates raising approximately $700 million through the public listing insiders shared.

To prepare for its India listing, the Bengaluru-based startup recently transitioned its parent entity from the US back to India. As part of this process, Groww paid ₹1,340 crore ($160 million) in taxes to the US government, calculated based on the new fair market value (FMV). The sources added that this FMV represented a significant reduction of over 30% from the $3 billion valuation achieved during its last funding round in 2021.

Initially launched as a direct mutual fund platform, Groww shifted its focus to stock trading and quickly became the largest broking app in India. The platform now boasts over 12 million active traders.

In the last financial year, Groww reported a total revenue of ₹3,145 crore, with an operating profit of ₹535 crore. However, it posted a net loss of ₹805 crore, primarily due to a one-time tax payment related to its transition back to India.

Beyond stock trading, Groww operates an asset management company and provides credit services through its non-banking financial arm. Through Groww Creditserv Technology, the company offers consumer credit and checkout financing, with assets under management reaching ₹731 crores by March 2024.

Groww is among several Indian startups preparing to go public this year.

WelcomHeritage announces new luxury property in McLeod Ganj

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January 13, 2025

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WelcomHeritage has announced the launch of its boutique retreat, WelcomHeritage Natraj, situated in the heart of McLeod Ganj, affectionately called “Little Lhasa.” Just 200 meters from the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, McLeod Ganj, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual significance.

Originally established by the British, this historic town showcases a captivating blend of Tibetan and Himachali traditions. WelcomHeritage Natraj offers a harmonious blend of modern luxury and the warmth of Himalayan hospitality, creating a charming retreat that embodies the essence and vibrancy of this tranquil destination, according to a company statement.

Featuring 32 meticulously designed rooms, each offering a comfortable haven to unwind after a day of exploring the vibrant town, the retreat also boasts stunning views of the majestic Dhauladhar range. This serene escape combines tranquillity with adventure. The six-storey property includes a 950-square-foot meeting space, ideally suited for business events and intimate social gatherings.

“At WelcomHeritage Natraj, we are excited to welcome travellers to experience the magic of McLeod Ganj. We created a space where every visitor’s story can unfold amidst the splendour of the Himalayas,” said Abinash Manghani, CEO of WelcomHeritage Hotels.

The hotel offers exceptional dining experiences, where skilled chefs create dishes that showcase a harmonious blend of regional and international flavours. Guests can relax at the stylish and welcoming bar, which provides a cozy ambiance and breathtaking views of the majestic mountains. In addition to enjoying the temperature-controlled swimming pool or browsing the thoughtfully curated library, visitors can venture into the bustling local markets, rich with traditional Tibetan handicrafts, ensuring memorable experiences at every corner.

With the hotel as an ideal base, guests can enjoy a variety of experiences, including visits to the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, the serene Bhagsu Waterfall, and Nechung Monastery. They can also explore Tibetan history at the Norbulingka Institute and participate in cultural activities. The surrounding landscapes also offer opportunities for breathtaking hikes. In addition to providing luxurious accommodations, WelcomHeritage Natraj prioritizes sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices such as water conservation, sourcing local products, and promoting responsible tourism to support local communities.

Boba Bhai raises ₹30-Cr in funding round led by 8i Ventures

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January 13, 2025

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Boba Bhai raises ₹30-Cr in funding round led by 8i Ventures — Boba Bhai founder and chief executive Dhruv Kohli

Boba Bhai, a quick service restaurant (QSR) brand known for its bubble tea and other food offerings, has secured ₹30 crore in a funding round led by early-stage venture capital firm 8i Ventures. The round also saw participation from Titan Capital Winners Fund, Global Growth Capital, DeVC (backed by Z47), and other existing investors.

The funds raised will help the company expand into new cities, strengthen operations in existing markets, diversify its menu, and explore new sub-brands.

“Along with the expansion of outlets, the funds will be used to build a strong brand presence among consumers and our audience. We will also hire some key team members, and, of course, the funds will be deployed as part of R&D, where we will introduce new flavours and products into the market,” founder and chief executive Dhruv Kohli said.

Founded in 2023, Boba Bhai focuses on offering Bubble Tea and K-pop Burgers, with plans to launch its Korean-inspired ice cream range nationwide, currently in the pilot phase. Kohli stated that the brand anticipates that the ice cream segment will drive revenue and enhance overall earnings.

The company currently has 42 outlets spread across nine cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi. “Our investors have shown a great amount of trust, and the backing we received from them will help us scale beyond the current outlets and increase that number to 150 stores by the end of the year,” he said.

Approximately 70% of the brand’s orders are placed through its website and platforms, such as Zomato, Swiggy, and ONDC, while the remaining 30% come from its physical stores. The company currently processes over 80,000 orders monthly, with an average order value (AoV) of about ₹400 per order.

The brand also plans to start selling on quick commerce platforms soon. “Once we launch on quick commerce platforms, we believe that quick commerce can contribute around 25-30% of our sales,” Kohli added.

Commenting on the investment, Vishwanath V, general partner at 8i Ventures, said, “BobaBhai is the clear market leader of the bubble tea category and is a much-loved brand among the GenZ in India. We were struck by the velocity and the operational excellence demonstrated by Dhruv & team and is delighted to partner with them.”

Godrej Properties debuts in Hyderabad with its first residential project

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January 13, 2025

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Godrej Properties (GPL) has introduced its residential project, Godrej Madison Avenue, located in Kokapet, Hyderabad.

Gaurav Pandey, MD & CEO, said, “We are excited to launch our first project in Hyderabad, representing a significant step in our growth journey.”

The project, covering roughly three acres, anticipates reaching a booking value of approximately ₹1,300 crore. It will offer a saleable area of 1.2 million square feet, with 3 and 4 BHK residential apartments available.

“Thoughtfully planned to complement a modern lifestyle, the development features Manhattan-style landscaped spaces, a Central Park-inspired fountain and a triple-height lobby,” the company said.

The project boasts key features like exclusive terrace amenities, including a gym, badminton court, and lounge, all offering breathtaking views. Additional amenities include jogging tracks, pickleball courts, water features, and a three-level clubhouse. Located in the prime area of Kokapet on Golden Mile Road, the project enjoys excellent connectivity to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, top schools, premium retail outlets, healthcare facilities, and a community of well-established projects.

“Kokapet’s strategic location and infrastructure advantages make it an ideal destination for premium residential developments,” Gaurav Pandey, MD and CEO of Godrej Properties, said.

The company recently acquired a 24-acre land parcel in Indore to develop plotted residential units with an estimated saleable area of 6.20 lakh square feet.

These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to offering high-quality residential spaces in key cities, further strengthening its position in the real estate market. Godrej Properties will sustain growth and success in the residential sector with promising projects and significant saleable areas.

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