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BOULT partners with Cashify to expand retail presence across India

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BOULT, India’s No.1 rated audio brand, has entered into a strategic, long-term partnership with Cashify, India’s largest e-commerce platform for buying, selling, and repairing pre-owned smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and other devices. This collaboration aims to extend BOULT’s reach by offering cutting-edge audio products across Cashify’s vast retail network of over 200 stores nationwide. Moreover, this partnership will strengthen BOULT’s retail footprint, providing customers all over India with easier access to high-quality audio products. 

With Cashify’s strong presence in the retail market, BOULT has a unique opportunity to connect with a broader audience and enhance its brand visibility across the country. This move will drive BOULT’s growth in the competitive audio market by leveraging Cashify’s established network and extensive customer base.

“We are thrilled to work with Cashify to bring our products to more customers across India. This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding our reach and making our innovative audio products accessible to audio enthusiasts everywhere,” said Varun Gupta, Co-founder of BOULT. “By leveraging Cashify’s vast retail presence, we are excited to provide customers with more touchpoints to experience and purchase our products.” 

Sibgathulla Zeeshan, Business Head (Retail) at Cashify, shared, “We see tremendous potential in this partnership, as BOULT’s products align perfectly with our mission to provide customers with high-quality, innovative tech solutions. Together, we look forward to building a strong, positive relationship that benefits both brands while enhancing the overall customer experience.” 

As part of its collaboration with Cashify, BOULT, India’s top-rated audio brand, will make its range of products—including True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones, smart wearables, and neckbands—available in all 200 Cashify stores across India. This significant expansion will greatly enhance the visibility and accessibility of BOULT’s popular products, allowing more customers to explore its innovative audio solutions.

Additionally, the partnership aligns with BOULT’s goal of continuous growth as Cashify expands its retail network. As new Cashify stores open, BOULT’s products will be featured, ensuring its presence keeps pace with the growing retail landscape. BOULT’s products, known for their performance, affordability, and sleek designs, are set to gain even more attention through this collaboration.

Moreover, both companies are exploring opportunities to enhance the in-store experience, potentially offering demo units of BOULT’s products. This collaboration will allow customers to experience the full range of BOULT’s audio solutions firsthand. The partnership with Cashify will boost both brands’ retail presence and improve customer engagement, benefiting audio enthusiasts across India.

Orange Health Labs raises $12M funding from Amazon Smbhav, others

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Dhruv Gupta &Tarun Bhambra, Cofounders , Orange Health Labs

Orange Health Labs has raised $12 million in funding, with Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund among the investors, including Accel, General Catalyst, Bertelsmann India Investments, and Y Combinator. Furthermore, this round brings the total funds raised by the company to $47 million. 

The company plans to use the funds to enhance its technology, scale its operations, and drive innovation in diagnostics to meet the growing demand for efficient and accessible healthcare solutions in India.

The company plans to use the funds to expand its products, grow its team, and drive innovation in diagnostics. Known for its at-home sample collection within an hour, extended operating hours, and six-hour report delivery, Orange Health Labs focuses on convenience and speed. 

Founded in December 2020 by Dhruv Gupta and TarunBhambra, Orange Health has established itself as an on-demand diagnostic leader, providing at-home sample collection services in cities such as Bengaluru, Gurugram, Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad. With a customer base exceeding 1 million and partnerships with over 1,000 clinics, the firm claims a 3x growth over the last two years and projects 100% growth this year.

“Today’s consumers want things available to them at their convenience, and quick commerce is the biggest example of this in the last four or five years. While you could wait 20 minutes for your chips, speed matters more when you’re sick,” cofounder Dhruv Gupta said.

“This process typically takes 18 hours in a traditional lab. Over time, we have streamlined the whole process to bring it down to six hours,” he added.

In June 2022, Orange Health secured $25 million in its Series B round, spearheaded by General Catalyst and Bertelsmann India Investments. Three months later, the company launched its first employee stock option plan and equity buyback program worth $1 million, highlighting its commitment to employee growth.

Currently operating in four metro cities, the company aims to strengthen its presence before expanding to other tier-1 cities.

Gupta said these four metro cities account for 25% of the diagnostic market. “Our primary focus right now, rather than pursuing wide geographic expansion, is to serve customers in these cities and build greater dominance. Probably over the next year or so, we will expand to the next set of metros and tier 1 cities, and then beyond that,” he added.

Additionally, Orange Health recently surpassed an annual revenue run rate of ₹100 crore and achieved profitability in Bengaluru. Orange Health operates six labs and is now poised to accelerate its innovation journey. Amazon’s $250 million Smbhav Venture Fund, which has previously backed startups like The Good Glamm Group and Smallcase, strengthens its confidence in the transformative potential of Indian startups. 

Commenting on the investment, Abhijeet Muzumdar, vice president corporate development and head of Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund, said, “Dhruv, Tarun and their team at Orange Health Labs have created a robust diagnostics service and we are excited to back them for the next phase of their growth.”  

Musk’s xAI secures $6 Billion in funding in latest round

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Elon Musk’s xAI recently secured $6 billion in fresh funding, as revealed in a regulatory filing. This marks the conclusion of a long-anticipated funding round that valued the AI startup at over $40 billion. 

The equity financing involved contributions from 97 investors, with investments as low as $77,593. However, the filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission did not disclose the investors’ names, valuation details, or revenue figures. In October, Bloomberg News reported that xAI aimed to raise funds at a $40 billion valuation.

Elon Musk, who founded xAI in 2023, has been actively raising funds for the venture. He previously closed a $6 billion funding round in May, which valued the company at $24 billion, including the raised amount. Notable investors such as Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, who are also linked to Musk’s other businesses, have participated in these funding efforts.

Part of this investment supported xAI’s supercomputer facility in Memphis, which opened earlier this year. Local officials hailed it as the “largest multibillion-dollar investment in Memphis’s history.” This growing facility is now attracting major tech players like Nvidia Corp., Dell Technologies Inc., and Super Micro Computer Inc.

The startup’s flagship product, Grok, is a chatbot available exclusively to paying users of X, formerly known as Twitter.

WeWork India achieves 1 Lakh desks, opens IWF Campus in Bengaluru

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WeWork India, a high-end flexible workspace provider, leased around 3.43 lakh square feet in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi, increasing the number of operational desks in India to one lakh. 

The three properties are the IWF Campus in Whitefield, Bengaluru, which spans 1 lakh square feet; WeWork Building 6 in DLF Cybercity Gurugram, which spans 1.17 lakh square feet; and WeWork Building 10 in DLF Cybercity Chennai, which spans 1.26 lakh square feet. The other two properties are anticipated to be operational by the first quarter of 2025, but the Bengaluru property is currently operational.

“We opened our first building in 2017 in Bengaluru and have since expanded across 8 cities. As we open another building in Bengaluru, it gives us absolute joy to hit the 1 lakh+ desk with the same city. As the demand for flexible workspaces continues to rise, we aim to empower businesses to scale and achieve sustained growth with our comprehensive suite of services,” said Arnav S. Gusain, Chief of Supply, WeWork India.

DLF Building 6 in Gurugram, WeWork India’s fourth building under the new lease, has more than 1,400 desks. DLF Building 10 in Cybercity, the flexible operator’s second location in Chennai, has more than 1,900 desks across 1.26 lakh square feet. 

“Both Chennai and Gurugram have thriving business sectors with entrepreneurs and enterprises from diverse industries. With WeWork Building 6 in Gurugram and WeWorkBuilding 10 in Chennai, we are building workspaces that offer tailor-made solutions for our members and a thoughtfully designed environment that blends traditional and modern elements,” he said.

With over 1 lakh desks, WeWork India is present in 8 cities and serves Fortune 500 corporations, startups, and solopreneurs. With 62 locations in Chennai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad, WeWork India has grown since its founding in India in 2016.

Dubai-based digital platform offers $134 entry into Saudi real estate market

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Rami Tabbara, co-founder, Stake

Stake, a fractional ownership firm, plans to finalize property deals worth 1 billion riyals ($266 million) in Saudi Arabia within six months. This move aims to attract growing interest from foreign investors eager to explore a once inaccessible market. By targeting these opportunities, Stake seeks to capitalize on the increasing global demand for entry into Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector.

According to Rami Tabbara, a co-founder of the Dubai-based digital platform, the company is currently paying 187 million riyals for a fully rented mall in Riyadh. It intends to pay 200 million riyals for a residential tower that would house more than 140 apartments.

Investors such as Saudi Aramco’s venture capital division and Abu Dubai sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co. support the company, which offers real estate investments starting at roughly $134. 

He said that since its soft launch in the kingdom, Stake has seen “amazing demand” from investors looking to enter the market. “Investors want to participate because they see strong demand, capital appreciation, and high rental yields of as much as 7% to 8%,” Tabbara said. 

On December 9, it will formally begin operations in the kingdom. 

The largest economy in the Gulf is gradually opening its real estate market to overseas purchasers after long being restricted to outside investors. Although Saudi Arabia has begun to provide permanent residence to foreigners who purchase real estate valued at 4 million riyals, potential purchasers still do not have easy access to the market. 

However, the prospect is attractive for individuals who want to invest in the emerging sector, where international corporations progressively set up offices and relocate employees. According to Knight Frank LLP, the value of apartments in Riyadh has increased by 62% over the last three years, while the cost of single-family homes, or villas, has risen by 37%.

The company said in a report last month that the kingdom will have to construct 115,000 homes annually for six years to meet the soaring demand from a largely young population as the government seeks to increase home ownership.

Saudi Arabia has announced significant expenditure and investment commitments to finance Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil. However, because oil prices are still considerably below what is required to balance the budget, the nation has begun scaling back some ambitious projects.

Since its inception in 2021, Stake has raised $28 million and purchased over 330 properties in Dubai worth around $150 million, according to Tabbara. According to its website, it has 832,000 users from over 200 nationalities. 

It is planning to launch in Abu Dhabi early next year, Tabbara, the co-chief executive officer, said. 

Stake pays investors rental income and requires a lock-in period of one year: “We ask investors to hold on for five years for real estate appreciation,” he said. “But for those that want to exit after one year, they’re able to do it on the platform by selling their stake to others.”

Neuranics raises $700K in seed funding to transform blood diagnostics

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(L-R) Ashutosh Patra & Praveen Kumar Bhagat, Cofounders, Neuranics

Neuranics, a healthcare diagnostics startup, recently raised USD 700K in a seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The startup plans to use the funds to enhance its technology and validate clinical applications. This funding will help Neuranics achieve its mission to transform blood diagnostics and speed up healthcare solutions.

The company is building a cutting-edge point-of-care blood analyzer that delivers complete blood count (CBC) results in under 10 minutes. The device requires just a finger-prick sample and is ideal for primary and emergency healthcare settings. Its low-maintenance design and high efficiency make it a revolutionary tool for the healthcare industry.

Providing immediate CBC results directly to physicians enables quicker and more informed decisions on patient care. This eliminates delays caused by transporting and processing clinical samples. Physicians benefit from the confidence to diagnose and treat conditions promptly. Patients experience improved outcomes, while the healthcare system saves costs by avoiding unnecessary treatments like inappropriate antibiotics. Additionally, life-saving interventions for conditions like sepsis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia can begin without delay, especially for critical cases like dengue patients.

Neuranics’ innovative design integrates compact, dry hematology technology with unmatched efficiency, allowing it to meet the growing demand for accurate and fast diagnostics.

Founded in 2021 by Praveen Kumar (CEO) and Ashutosh Patra (CTO), Neuranics addresses key gaps in diagnostic technology. Praveen, an IIT Delhi graduate, has extensive experience in healthcare tech and has worked on government initiatives like Corona Kavach and Aarogya Setu. Ashutosh, an alumnus of the SiB program at AIIMS, drives product innovation with expertise in optical sensing and mechanical engineering. Together, they’ve achieved milestones such as securing a patent, obtaining the CDSCO Test License, and receiving ethical approvals from AIIMS Delhi. The team is currently advancing through clinical trials.

Mitesh Shah, Co-founder of IPV, says, “Neuranics is tackling the problem of lengthy and complex blood testing processes with their point-of-care blood analyzer that makes complete blood count diagnosis faster and easier. This significantly improves patient care, especially in urgent cases. IPV believes in the startups innovative technology and envisions a future where the startups bring out more such necessary tools”.

Dr Megha Sharma, MD Pathologist and Chief Medical Evangelist at Neuranics, says, “Our point-of-care CBC analyzer represents a significant leap forward in diagnostic convenience and accessibility. By utilizing a simple finger-prick capillary blood sample. We have effectively eliminated the need for traditional venipuncture, making blood testing faster, less invasive, and more patient-friendly. This technology empowers healthcare providers to deliver immediate, actionable insights, even in resource-limited settings, ultimately improving patient outcomes especially in Primary health care centres for screening and at emergency setups for triage. ”

Neuranics has gained recognition through accolades like YourStory Tech30, Amazon-Sambhav, and the India-Sweden Innovation Challenge. These achievements highlight its potential to decentralize routine diagnostics, making tests for anemia, thalassemia, malaria, and leukemia faster and more accessible. 

Praveen Kumar, Co-founder & CEO of Neuranics, says, “We are re-imagining how we approach diagnostics by bringing instant, accurate blood analysis closer to the patient without compromising quality. Our technology empowers clinicians with real-time data, transforming care delivery and elevating patient outcomes.

By leveraging AI on de-identified pathological imaging data generated by our analyzer, we aim to set a new gold standard for national screening programs. This innovative technology will elevate healthcare quality in India and establish the country as a global leader in point of care blood analyser.

We thank IPV for being with us in this journey. Working with IPV has been a streamlined and transformative experience. Their investment and guidance have empowered us to scale faster, innovate further, and bring our vision to life. IPV’s efficient processes and industry connections have been instrumental in our journey.”

In the $50 billion global CBC market, Neuranics is poised to lead the next wave of diagnostic technology. The company is setting new standards in healthcare diagnostics by focusing on precision robotics, machine vision, and microfluidics.

Sarovar launches its second property in Amritsar

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Sarovar Hotels and Sarb Alliance Hospitality proudly open Sarovar Premiere Amritsar, their second property in Amritsar and seventh in Punjab. Located near iconic attractions like the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Wagah Border, the hotel blends modern elegance with Amritsar’s vibrant cultural heritage. This prime location makes it a convenient choice for travelers exploring the city’s rich history.

Sarovar Premiere Amritsar features 70 beautifully designed rooms and suites, including Deluxe, Executive, and Premium Rooms, along with Junior and Royal Suites. Guests can enjoy dining at 365, a multi-cuisine restaurant with alfresco seating for 120 people. Exciting upcoming additions include a rooftop restaurant offering stunning city views and a curated shopping arcade showcasing Punjabi craftsmanship. The hotel also includes versatile banqueting and conference facilities for up to 600 guests, making it an ideal venue for weddings, events, and corporate gatherings.

Ajay K Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India, commented: “We are thrilled to unveil Sarovar Premiere Amritsar, our second hotel in this vibrant city that embodies history, spirituality and culture. Amritsar holds a special place in our vision for growth and this launch reaffirms our commitment to expanding our footprint in the region. By blending exceptional hospitality with a celebration of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, we aim to create experiences that resonate deeply with our guests and further strengthen Amritsar’s standing as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.”

Adding to this, Sukhamrit Singh, Vishal Mehta & Gurinder Bhati – Managing Director, Sarb Alliance Hospitality stated: “Our partnership with Sarovar Hotels marks a significant milestone in bringing world-class hospitality to Amritsar. This hotel embodies our shared vision of excellence and will enhance the city’s reputation as a thriving hub for tourism and business.”

Google to establish its first Safety Engineering Center in Hyderabad

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Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu in a meeting with Google team including Royal Hansen, CIO; Arijit Sarkar, VP Global Google Tech, Hyderabad; Sreenivasa Reddy, managing director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google India; Mangla Seshadri, senior director and Head - Global cybersecurity, and Apurva Chamaria, head of Startups for Google, in Hyderabad.

Google signed an agreement with the Telangana government on Wednesday to establish its Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in Hyderabad. This initiative marks a significant step in advancing cybersecurity and digital safety.

Hyderabad will host Google’s second GSEC in the Asia-Pacific region after Tokyo and its fifth worldwide, following Dublin, Munich, and Malaga. This specialized hub will be key in developing advanced security and online safety tools tailored to India’s needs.

The GSEC will prioritize research, AI-powered security solutions, and collaboration with top cybersecurity experts and researchers. According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the centre aims to drive innovation in digital safety while fostering partnerships.

Google’s new centre in Hyderabad will focus on developing skills, creating jobs, and strengthening India’s cybersecurity infrastructure. The company already has its largest employee base in Hyderabad and is also constructing its biggest global office outside of its headquarters in the city.

The announcement of GSEC on October 3, during the Google for India 2024 Conclave, sparked intense competition among states. Telangana stood out due to its proactive efforts, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who discussed the project during his visit to Google’s headquarters in the USA.

“We are very proud that Google has chosen Hyderabad for setting up the GSEC. This partnership is a testament to Hyderabad’s standing as a leading IT and innovation hub in the country, and world,” Revanth said.

Welcoming Royal Hansen, CIO, Google, the chief minister, said: “Telangana has always been at the forefront of digital skill development. Hyderabad has been the epicenter of IT / ITES development globally. Our city is already home to five of the most valuable tech companies in the world Alphabet (Google), Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Meta (Facebook). Now, with this partnership, I hope we can rapidly solve the global problems of cybersecurity from Hyderabad”.

This facility will address cybersecurity challenges by bringing together safety engineers. It will also improve digital safety for businesses, governments, and citizens while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Hyderabad is already leading in cybersecurity initiatives across India. He also highlighted how the Telangana Fiber (T-Fiber) project transforms rural connectivity by linking over 47 lakh homes. The partnership with Google will enhance digital safety for these homes, integrating secure Android TV and smart TV systems. The GSEC will strengthen these efforts, ensuring a safer, connected future for the citizens of Telangana.

Speaking on the occasion, Royal Hansen said: “Google’s GSEC in Hyderabad will become a hub for safety engineering, including cyber and digital security. Hyderabad, with this partnership, can become a global centre and cater to needs of the world in security.” Revanth extended special thanks to Royal Hansen for his support and for joining hands with the government.

Solar energy startup Glow secures $30 million in funding 

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David Vorick, cofounder and chief executive officer, Glow

Glow, a solar energy startup, secured $30 million in funding from Framework and Union Square Ventures. The startup plans to use this investment to grow its operations in new markets and advance blockchain-based solutions.

Launched in 2023, Glow leverages blockchain technology to build a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN). This network connects solar farms to create an efficient and sustainable energy system. Additionally, Glow incentivizes energy generation, cuts carbon emissions, and offers financial support to solar farms in need.

The company operates globally with teams in San Francisco, Mexico City, and Lisbon. It focuses on regions with abundant sunlight and low electricity costs. This strategy helps Glow produce premium carbon credits, which it sells to fund growth and sustain its subsidy program.

“India’s ambitious solar targets and the supportive policy environment make it an exciting time to be a part of this market. “We see great potential to integrate our solutions into the region’s ecosystem and contribute to its renewable energy growth,” said cofounder and chief executive David Vorick.  

“This investment will enable us to scale our operations, expand our network of solar farms, and empower communities around the world with clean, affordable energy, starting with India,” he added. 

So far, Glow has launched three solar farms in Rajasthan, generating 21.3 MW of solar power. These farms are set to cut 300,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over their lifetime and power 34,000 Indian homes annually.

Recently, more climate-conscious investors and venture capital firms have been pouring funds into this growing sector, reflecting its rising importance.

Oyo’s premium hotel brand ‘SUNDAY’ unveils its first international hotel

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SUNDAY, a luxury hotel brand owned by OYO’s parent company and SoftBank Group, has significantly increased its premium property portfolio internationally. OYO announced on Wednesday that the brand has launched its first properties abroad in the UK and UAE. This move aligns with OYO’s broader mission to expand its global premium property offerings.

In London, SUNDAY Lansbury Heritage, located near the bustling business hub of Canary Wharf, is now managed by Oravel. This 35-room hotel is a Grade II listed building with a rich history dating back to 1628 when the East India Company established a chapel and almshouses at the site. 

Similarly, the SUNDAY Holiday International Hotel has opened in Dubai, marking another milestone for the brand.

Initially launched in India in May 2023 through a partnership between SoftBank and Oravel Stays, SUNDAY already operates three properties within the country. 

The brand plans to scale up to 25 properties in India by March 2025, showing its commitment to growth and innovation.

“Our data indicates a growing demand for premium, experience-driven accommodations. This strategic move allows us to tap into the luxury segment while maintaining our commitment to delivering value across all price points,” Puneet Yadav, Head of Oravel’s UK business, said.

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