Swiggy’s Snacc App partners with Blue Tokai Coffee for fast deliveries

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January 13, 2025

Swiggy India’s on-demand snacks app, ‘Snacc,’ has partnered with Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to offer users a variety of coffee options delivered within 15 minutes, according to an official statement from the company.

Snacc delivers breakfast staples, bakes, healthy food options, various beverages, and quick snacks to customers in 15 minutes. Satheesh Raman, Business Head, SNACC, noted that customers “sometimes want easy, quick, non-cumbersome fixes and solutions in their busy daily lives”.

He expressed excitement about the partnership with Blue Tokai, adding, “This is just the beginning. We will continue to explore partnerships with brands who will commit to offering the best quality food to our customers and further build the ecosystem.”

Regarding the partnership, Shivam Shahi, co-founder and COO of Blue Tokai, said they “recognise that the coffee category demands faster delivery, along with convenience and quality”. He believes the Snacc app will help them cater to a diverse range of new-age customers.

According to the statement, Swiggy’s SNACC app caters to young working professionals working from home or the office by providing easy access to high-quality and convenient food options. The app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Founded in 2014, Swiggy aims to “elevate the quality of life for the urban consumer by offering convenience, enabled by over 5 lakh delivery partners”, the release added.

Swiggy Food partners with more than 2 lakh restaurants across 680+ cities for food delivery. Meanwhile, Swiggy Instamart serves over 75 cities, offering groceries and other essentials across 20+ categories, all delivered within 10 minutes.

The statement highlighted that the company also develops and incorporates new services, such as Swiggy Dineout and Swiggy Genie, into its multi-service app.

Eco Hotels expands across India with sustainable launches in Bengaluru, Kota, and Nagpur

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January 10, 2025

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Eco Hotels and Resorts has officially entered the Bengaluru market by launching a 60-room property under its ‘EcoExpress’ brand. This milestone marks a significant step in the mid-segment hotel chain’s expansion across India.

The company is gearing up to open two additional properties by February 2025, including a 44-room hotel in Nagpur and a 63-room hotel in Kota, designed to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly hospitality in tier-2 cities.

The company also shared updates about upcoming properties in Baroda and Aurangabad, which are currently undergoing interior work and expected to open soon. The brand’s expansion into high-potential destinations like Mysore, Nagpur, and Shirdi reflects its commitment to serving environmentally conscious travellers.

Vinod K Tripathi, executive chairman of Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, said, “This new property at Bengaluru is yet another testament to our commitment towards sustainable and conscious growth. Through our expansion into fast-growing markets like Mysore, Nagpur, and Shirdi, we are strengthening our footprint and catering to the travel requirements of environmentally conscious hospitality aligned with modern needs. Our aim is to redefine the Indian hospitality industry, ensuring sustainability is an integral part of every guest’s journey.”

The company’s CFO, Vikram Doshi, commented, “This milestone aligns perfectly with the aggressive expansion strategy we are pursuing and our commitment to achieving profitability by March 2026. Dynamic decision-making, relentless excellence, and hardcore professional acumen will help us establish Eco Hotels as one of the leading hotel companies in India.”

With an aggressive growth plan, Eco Hotels aims to achieve profitability by March 2026 and has set an ambitious goal of operating 5,000 hotel rooms across India within the next five years. Plans are already in motion to identify prime properties in key markets such as Mumbai, Goa, and Pune to strengthen its presence in the western region.

Eco Hotels is positioning itself as a leading player in India’s mid-segment hospitality sector by prioritizing sustainable practices and focusing on emerging destinations.

Omni Nashville Hotel secures $300M refinancing with JLL’s support

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January 10, 2025

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JLL’s Capital Markets group has successfully facilitated a $300 million refinancing deal for the Omni Nashville Hotel, an 800-room luxury property in downtown Nashville’s heart.

Acting on behalf of the borrower, TRT Holdings, Inc., JLL arranged a fixed-rate, seven-year loan provided by a U.S.-based insurance company, with AllianceBernstein Commercial Real Estate Debt advising Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company.

Since its opening in 2013, the 21-story Omni Nashville Hotel has been a standout property, offering over 80,000 square feet of event space, including Nashville’s largest hotel ballroom spanning 23,800 square feet. This LEED Silver-certified hotel features various dining options, such as Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Kitchen Notes, and Barlines. Additional amenities include a 5,500-square-foot Mokara spa, a rooftop pool, and a cutting-edge fitness centre.

Located at 250 Rep. John Lewis Way South, the Omni Nashville Hotel boasts a premier location seamlessly connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and directly across from the sprawling 2.1 million-square-foot Music City Center convention facility. The property benefits from Nashville’s dynamic tourism sector and thriving corporate environment, drawing over 14 million visitors annually and supported by the city’s robust economic growth and corporate expansions.

The refinancing initiative was spearheaded by JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, with a team led by Americas CEO Kevin Davis. Key contributors included Senior Managing Directors Whit Johnson and Jim Curtin, Managing Director Mike Huth, Director ShalinPatel, Associate Luke Rogers, and Analyst Nick Warta.

“The Omni Nashville exemplifies the strength of Nashville’s hospitality market, consistently ranking at the top of its competitive set for RevPAR,” said Davis. “With its irreplaceable location next to Music City Center and high-quality amenities, the property is well-positioned to continue its market-leading performance as Nashville experiences tremendous growth in both leisure and business travel demand.”

JLL’s Capital Markets group offers a full range of global capital solutions tailored to real estate investors and occupiers. Leveraging deep local market expertise and an extensive international network, the team specializes in investment sales, debt and equity advisory, and recapitalization services. With 3,000 professionals operating in nearly 50 countries, the group provides exceptional client support worldwide.

WayCool raises $4.4M to revolutionize Agritech in India

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January 10, 2025

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Agritech startup WayCool has secured ₹38.2 crore (approximately $4.4 million) in funding, led by Trifecta Capital with contributions from Alteria Capital and Stride Ventures.

WayCool issued Series B optionally convertible redeemable preference shares (OCRPS) to raise funds following a resolution the company passed on December 30, 2024.

Established in 2015 by Karthik Jayaraman and Sanjay Dasari, WayCool markets food products under various brands and provides supply chain management solutions.

By leveraging technology, WayCool has significantly reduced inefficiencies in the farm-to-fork process while ensuring fair prices for farmers and high-quality produce for consumers.

The newly raised funds will further enhance the company’s supply chain infrastructure, expand its product portfolio, and invest in cutting-edge technology to drive operational efficiency. WayCool also plans to strengthen its sustainability initiatives, which include reducing food wastage and promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.

WayCool’s latest funding round highlights the growing confidence in the potential of agritech startups to address critical challenges in agriculture, including inefficiencies in supply chains, food security, and sustainability. As the company continues to scale, it aims to further its mission of transforming India’s food and agricultural landscape.

Soloviev Group & Kent Hospitality launch exclusive offerings at 9 West 57th

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January 9, 2025

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The Soloviev Group, a prominent real estate development firm, has partnered with Kent Hospitality Group (KHG) to further elevate luxury amenities at its iconic 9 West 57th Street office building. Set to debut in January 2025, the new food and beverage offerings—exclusively for building tenants and their guests—will include the highly anticipated Vista Restaurant and Bar and two upscale cafes. These additions will complement the building’s existing amenities, such as a cutting-edge fitness centre and premium conference and event spaces managed by Arch Amenities Group.

Perched within the Park View Lounge on the 27th floor, Vista Restaurant and Bar will offer breathtaking views of Central Park, providing a striking setting for both professional and social occasions. Accessible only to tenants through a membership-based club, the restaurant will enable members to book tables for themselves and their guests via the dedicated 9W57 building app. Operated by Kent Hospitality, known for crafting exceptional dining experiences, Vista will feature innovative, seasonal menus created by KHG’s culinary team, led by Chef Alfred Nebair of Crown Shy. Guests can also enjoy an expertly curated wine selection and signature craft cocktails.

In addition to Vista, KHG will oversee two on-site cafes: The Park View Café, also on the 27th floor, and Café V, located in the lobby near the 58th Street entrance. Both restaurants will serve Black Fox coffee, fresh pastries, a juice bar, and various grab-and-go meal options for tenants and guests.

The state-of-the-art fitness centre and event spaces, previously introduced at 9 West 57th Street, will remain under the management of Arch Amenities Group, a leader in luxury amenity services. With their expertise, Arch will continue providing tenants with world-class fitness facilities and seamless event planning to cater to professional and personal needs.

In addition, Kent Hospitality Group (KHG) will launch a new restaurant in the Cucina 8 ½ space in 2025, with further details will be shared in the coming months.

By integrating exclusive food and beverage options with its impressive suite of amenities, the Soloviev Group continues its mission to make 9 West 57th Street the premier destination and leading office location for New York City’s business community.

Employment Hero acquires Canadian employment platform for $69.6Mn

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January 9, 2025

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Global employment solutions provider Employment Hero has acquired Humi, a leading Canadian employment platform, in a deal valued at over CAD 100 million (US$ 69.6 million).

The acquisition represents a significant milestone in Employment Hero’s global expansion strategy, strengthening its presence in the Canadian market.

By combining Employment Hero’s innovative Employment Operating System (eOS) with Humi’s in-depth knowledge of the Canadian market, the partnership aims to deliver a tailored and localized solution for businesses across Canada.

Thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using Humi will now access a comprehensive platform that integrates payroll, HR, and benefits tailored specifically for the Canadian market. The partnership aims to double its customer base shortly, reinforcing its position as Canada’s leading provider of employment management solutions.

With over one million SMEs, Canada presents a significant opportunity to enhance productivity for employers and employees. This collaboration will drive further product innovation as Humi expands to meet the changing needs of Canadian businesses.

For nearly a decade, Humi has prioritized valuing, supporting, and inspiring employees by creating employment solutions driven by the belief that businesses succeed when they put their people first.

Ben Thompson, CEO and co-founder of Employment Hero, said: “The Humi team has a deep knowledge of Canadian employment and an impressive track record of supporting businesses in Canada. Humi will remain Canadian-operated, and their team will continue to serve the unique needs of local businesses.”

Employment Hero’s Employment Operating System (eOS) combines HR, payroll, recruitment, and employee engagement tools in a single platform. The platform supports over 300,000 businesses and manages over 2 million employees globally, easing administrative workloads and enabling companies to focus on growth and foster employee engagement.

In October 2023, Employment Hero raised SGD 229 million (approximately US$167 million) in a Series F funding round to fuel its global expansion efforts. The round was led by TCV, a global growth investment firm, with additional support from existing investors Insight Partners, AirTree, Seek, and OneVentures.

ASK Property partners with India Sotheby’s to launch ₹1,000-Cr luxury housing fund

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January 7, 2025

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ASK Property Fund and India Sotheby’s International Realty unveiled a ₹1,000-crore equity fund on Tuesday to invest in luxury residential projects.

In a joint statement, ASK Property Fund and India Sotheby’s International Realty said they have done a “strategic collaboration to launch India’s first luxury real estate investment platform ASK Curated Luxury Assets Fund”.

ASK Property Fund, the real estate private equity division of Blackstone-backed ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group, has launched the ASK Curated Luxury Assets Fund. This fund is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.

The statement said that this fund aims to invest in residential projects in India in the luxury segment.

The fund aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns for investors by investing in premium residential projects in major cities, holiday homes, and thriving second-home micro-markets, including religious destinations. It plans to raise third-party capital from institutional and individual investors in compliance with SEBI guidelines. Targeted investors include family offices, high-net-worth individuals, insurance companies, pension funds, banks, financial institutions, sovereign funds, multilateral institutions, and other sophisticated institutional investors.

“We are confident that India’s robust economic fundamentals and the increasing number of wealthy will continue to drive growth in the country’s luxury residential real estate market. We are excited to collaborate with India Sotheby’s International Realty, leveraging its strong brand presence and deep expertise in the luxury real estate segment, to launch India’s first luxury residential opportunity-focused fund,” said Amit Bhagat, co-founder, CEO & Managing Director at ASK Property Fund.

Amit Goyal, Managing Director of India Sotheby’s International Realty, said, “ASK Property Fund comes with an outstanding track record and profound investment insights from managing some of the top-performing real estate funds in the country. We are confident about the unique value proposition of this strategic collaboration.”

ASK Property Fund and India Sotheby’s International Realty will jointly act as co-sponsors, contributing equal capital to the luxury real estate fund. Since its inception in 2009, ASK Property Fund has raised approximately ₹7,200 crore, with its investor base comprising family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs), high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), and institutions.

Myntra partners with GetVantage to empower D2C brands

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January 7, 2025

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Myntra, India’s top fashion e-commerce platform, has strengthened its commitment to supporting a select group of portfolio brands by partnering with GetVantage as its preferred embedded B2B fintech and Growth Capital provider. Through this collaboration, GetVantage’s portfolio brands will gain exclusive access to Myntra’s D2C Rising Star initiative.

A select group of GetVantage portfolio companies will join Myntra’s exclusive invite-only program as part of this collaboration. Participating brands will benefit from Myntra’s Platform scale, trend-driven insights, and personalized account management services. Brands such as Tjori, Valkyre, Ornaz, Nua Woman, Jade Forest, Elaver Sports, and others from GetVantage’s portfolio will participate in Myntra’s D2C Rising Star initiative.

“This collaboration underscores GetVantage’s commitment to empowering emerging brands of India with growth-focused opportunities and strategic partnerships. Myntra’s platform will give our participating portfolio brands a good opportunity for better engagement with users,” said Bhavik Vasa, Founder of GetVantage.

GetVantage, launched in 2020, has revolutionized cash flow-based financing with its data-driven Embedded B2B finance platform, supporting nearly 2,000 small businesses across 18+ sectors. Myntra’s D2C Rising Star initiative will nurture India’s most innovative and fashion-forward D2C brands by offering exposure to over 150 million trend-focused users on its platform. Brands in the program will enjoy exclusive benefits, including a dedicated icon on Myntra’s homepage, access to a brand-store ecosystem, and personalized curation to boost customer engagement. As part of its efforts to accelerate the growth of made-in-India brands, Myntra aims to onboard 500 D2C brands in fashion, beauty, and grooming. Participating brands have already reaped significant rewards, with some achieving an average 2X growth in demand.

“We are looking forward to this collaboration as it will help us improve brand salience and integration. Social commerce and AI-generated purchasing tips will also help draw customers to shop for our products,” said Karishma Kewalramani, founder of FAE Beauty.

Brands joining Myntra’s D2C Rising Star initiative will benefit from enhanced platform conversion rates through faster deliveries and increased repeat orders. GetVantage’s participating portfolio brands will also gain access to tailored, consultative account management aimed at optimizing their performance. By leveraging Myntra’s platform, these brands can reduce customer acquisition costs and expand their audience reach. Additionally, the initiative focuses on delivering an exceptional customer experience, helping brands build lasting loyalty.

GetVantage is an AI-driven embedded B2B finance platform transforming India’s MSME ecosystem with quick and founder-friendly funding solutions. Founded by fintech innovators Bhavik Vasa and Amit Srivastava, the platform utilizes proprietary data tech and API technology to offer transparent, non-dilutive financing ranging from INR 2 lakhs to INR 20 crore. Focused on efficiency and fairness, GetVantage has empowered thousands of businesses across industries such as eCommerce, B2B SaaS, Edtech, and Cleantech, contributing to over $900 million in GMV.

Qavalli launches at Epicuria, Nehru Place, New Delhi

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January 7, 2025

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The heart of Indian hospitality lies in the tradition of ‘Mehmaan-Nawazi,’ the art of welcoming and entertaining guests, rooted in the ‘Virasaat’ of India’s rich food heritage and the ‘Zaika’ of its cherished spices. Qavalli, renowned as a steward of this vibrant culture of hospitality and Indian cuisine in the capital, has unveiled its second outlet in South Delhi.

Veteran restaurateurs Dinesh and Pooja Arora are all set to present the second chapter of Qavalli. Guests can look forward to the soulful melodies of ‘qawwalis,’ the enchanting aromas of rose, jasmine, nutmeg, cinnamon, and saffron, the masterful artistry of ‘khansamas,’ and a rich menu that showcases the finest offerings from the tawa to the tandoor, according to a statement released by the restaurant company.

Speaking about the launch of the second Qavalli, Dinesh Arora shared, “Qavalli is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that brings together the rich legacy of Indian food and culture in a magical setting. With this new edition, we aim to revive the forgotten treasures of our culinary heritage while providing a space where people can come together to create memories over timeless food and soulful music.”

Pooja Arora added, “Every detail of Qavalli has been designed with immense love and thought, from the menu to the décor, to ensure that our guests feel like they’ve been transported to another era. This initiative is our tribute to India’s culinary and cultural brilliance, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to life for South Delhi.”

The décor draws inspiration from Dinesh Arora’s admiration for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’sartistry and the exceptional work of renowned architect Abhiyan Neogi. Arora, a passionate admirer of the grandeur of ‘Heera Mandi,’ has channelled its unforgettable opulence into the design. Influenced by his travels, the space incorporates Moroccan elements, while his love for India’s historical architecture is evident throughout the sprawling 6,500 square feet, according to the release.

The team has thoughtfully crafted the menu to pair seamlessly with the cocktails while celebrating the richness of Indian produce. The Qavalli kitchen is a fusion of authenticity and innovation, preserving the essence and excellence of fine Indian cuisine.

Aramco’s investment arm joins in $30mn funding round for Saudi-based startup

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January 7, 2025

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Saudi Aramco’s early-stage venture fund, Wa’ed Ventures, and Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corp. have invested in Saudi consumer electronics startup Zension Technologies, bucking the downward trend in fundraising across the Middle East.

Riyadh-based Zension secured $30 million in a Series A funding round led by Wa’ed Ventures, with participation from Sumitomo and Dubai-based Global Ventures, as stated in an official release.

While Middle Eastern startups saw a 29% decline in funding last year, raising $1.5 billion according to private capital data firm Magnitt, Saudi Arabia stood out as a key growth area, accounting for nearly half of the region’s VC investments in 2024.

Zension provides customers with warranties, buy-back programs, and subscription-based technology upgrades for their devices. This model extends the lifespan of smartphones, contributing to waste reduction in Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy and mobile market.

By combining innovative services with a focus on sustainability, Zension is well-positioned to address consumer needs and environmental challenges, making it a key player in the Kingdom’s evolving tech ecosystem.

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