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EkoStay scales operations in India’s leisure segment with curated premium stays

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Varun Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, EkoStay

EkoStay has achieved a major expansion milestone by onboarding and launching multiple premium villas across India’s leading leisure destinations, thereby strengthening its presence in high-demand holiday markets nationwide.

Over the last two months, the company has added eight new villas to its expanding portfolio, including three in Panchgani, one in Igatpuri, one in Dahanu, and three in Alibaug, and thus it has reinforced its footprint across Maharashtra’s most sought-after getaway corridors.

Building on this momentum, EkoStay will launch five additional villas this month, including one in Palghar, two in Kodaikanal, and two in Goa, and consequently, it will expand into both emerging coastal markets and established luxury leisure hubs.

Furthermore, the brand has accelerated growth in its premium category by closing three Luxe category villas in Ooty, featuring expansive 4, 5, and 6 BHK configurations. These properties are currently undergoing final readiness procedures, and the company expects to make them live next month.

Speaking about the expansion, Varun Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, EkoStay, said, “India’s travel behaviour has fundamentally shifted towards private, experience-led stays where travellers seek space, flexibility, and curated hospitality. Our recent expansion reflects both growing consumer demand and strong homeowner confidence in professionally managed vacation rentals. We are focused on building depth within high-performing micro-markets while simultaneously unlocking new leisure destinations that show strong long-term potential.”

Additionally, Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director and Co-Founder, EkoStay, highlighted the brand’s partnership-driven model. “Our vision has always been to simplify hosting for homeowners while delivering consistent guest experiences. Every new property onboarding represents a partnership built on trust. As more second home owners look at structured asset monetisation, professionally managed homestays are becoming a strong alternate income stream, and we see tremendous opportunity ahead.”

Commenting on acquisition strategy and market trends, Zishan Khan, Chief Acquisition Officer and Co-Founder, EkoStay, said, “We are seeing accelerated interest from homeowners across destinations that were previously considered niche leisure markets. Our acquisition strategy is focused on quality inventory rather than scale alone. The Luxe villas in Ooty represent the next phase of curated expansion where design, location, and experiential value come together.”

Moreover, Sohail Mirchandani, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, EkoStay, emphasized operational consistency amid rapid growth. “As we expand, maintaining standardization alongside personalisation remains critical. Each property undergoes a structured operational and guest experience integration process before going live. Our goal is to ensure that regardless of destination, guests experience the same reliability and service quality that defines EkoStay.”

EkoStay’s latest expansion underscores the accelerating demand for professionally managed private villas across India’s top leisure destinations. By combining curated inventory, homeowner partnerships, and standardized operational processes, the company strengthens its competitive position in the premium vacation rental market. As experiential travel gains momentum, EkoStay’s focus on quality-led growth and emerging lifestyle destinations positions it for sustained long-term expansion.

Premium beauty brand RAS Luxury Skincare raises $7.5 Mn to strengthen luxury skincare presence across India

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Shubhika, Suramya and Sangeeta Jain, co-founders, RAS Luxury Skincare

RAS Luxury Skincare has secured USD 7.5 million in a Series B funding round led by Dabur Ventures, while Unilever Ventures also participated in the round, thereby reinforcing investor confidence in India’s premium skincare segment.

Previously, the Raipur-based brand raised more than USD 6.5 million, including a Series A round that Unilever Ventures led. Now, the company will deploy the fresh capital to accelerate its omnichannel expansion strategy across both digital and offline formats. Specifically, it will scale its direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform, strengthen its presence on e-commerce and quick commerce marketplaces, expand Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs), deepen HORECA partnerships, and enhance curated retail distribution, as the company stated in a press release.

Founded in 2021 by Shubhika, Suramya, and Sangeeta Jain, the brand operates a vertically integrated business model that spans botanical cultivation on family-owned farms, in-house research and development, and small-batch manufacturing. Consequently, the company maintains quality control across its supply chain while reinforcing its luxury positioning. Its product portfolio includes face elixirs, serums, and moisturizers formulated with essential oils and plant-based actives, thereby targeting consumers seeking premium, clean beauty solutions.

Moreover, the company plans to intensify brand-building and marketing initiatives to deepen engagement within the premium luxury skincare segment. Simultaneously, it intends to expand its internal teams across product development, marketing, and operations to support its next phase of growth.

RAS reports a three-year revenue CAGR of approximately 75 percent, and it currently records an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of around Rs 100 crore. Additionally, the company maintains strong gross margins while it serves a consumer base of more than 5 lakh unique customers. It supports this growth through a steadily expanding multi-channel presence across D2C, e-commerce, quick commerce, and premium offline retail formats.

Overall, the Series B funding positions RAS Luxury Skincare to consolidate its footprint in India’s fast-growing premium beauty market while it scales distribution, strengthens brand equity, and leverages its vertically integrated supply chain to drive sustained growth.

With USD 7.5 million in fresh capital, RAS Luxury Skincare accelerates its omnichannel expansion and sharpens its focus on the premium luxury segment. By combining vertical integration, strong revenue growth, and strategic investor backing, the brand strengthens its competitive position in India’s evolving beauty and personal care industry. As demand for clean, plant-based, and luxury skincare products rises, RAS appears well-positioned to capture a larger share of the premium market.

Zostel launches in Varanasi to tap Gen Z demand for spiritual travel

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Zostel has launched Zostel Varanasi, thereby marking its strategic entry into Varanasi, one of India’s most significant spiritual destinations, as demand for culturally immersive and youth-driven travel continues to rise.

The launch directly aligns with the brand’s focused expansion across India’s spiritual and heritage circuits. According to internal 2025 booking data, Gen Z and millennial travellers account for more than 95 percent of bookings across Zostel’s spiritual destinations, while international travellers contribute approximately 10 percent of total demand. Consequently, the company is strategically positioning itself to capture the growing appetite for experience-led travel among younger demographics.

Strategically located near Dashashwamedh Ghat and the old city area, the property offers a combination of dormitories and private rooms, and it also provides shared social spaces along with a rooftop area designed for community engagement. Moreover, the hostel integrates local design influences into its architecture and interiors, thereby reflecting the cultural identity of the city. In addition, the programming includes guided heritage walks, curated participation in the Ganga Aarti, and neighborhood-led cultural experiences that immerse travellers in the spiritual and historical fabric of Varanasi.

Aviral Gupta, Founder and CEO of Zostel and Zo World, emphasized the deeper intent behind the expansion. “India’s sacred cities are being rediscovered by its youth. Varanasi is not a place you visit for convenience; it is a city that reshapes perspective. Our launch here reflects a clear strategic direction: we are investing in destinations that offer depth, cultural intensity, and transformative experiences. The future of travel in India will belong to places that leave a lasting imprint,” he said.

Furthermore, the Varanasi launch follows the brand’s recent expansion into Kufri, and it forms a key part of the company’s 2026 strategy that prioritizes experience-led destinations over conventional tourism hubs. Through this approach, Zostel continues to strengthen its presence in culturally rich and spiritually significant locations that resonate strongly with India’s evolving travel preferences.

Amber – A Unit of Sayaji opens in Bhopal, expands its portfolio in Madhya Pradesh

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Amber – A Unit of Sayaji, the newest addition to the Sayaji portfolio, has officially opened in Bhopal. Strategically located in Chinar Fortune City near Vidya Nagar Phase 2, Bawadiya Kalan, the hotel introduces contemporary comfort and warm, intuitive hospitality to the capital of Madhya Pradesh, and it caters to business travellers, short leisure visitors, and guests planning intimate celebrations.

The hotel features 22 thoughtfully designed rooms that prioritize comfort and functionality for modern travellers. It offers 20 superior rooms, each spanning 280 sq. ft., along with two expansive family rooms measuring 552 sq. ft., and therefore it accommodates solo guests, couples, and families who seek additional space and convenience.

Moreover, the property enhances the guest experience through its in-house dining venue, Cafene, which serves a breakfast buffet as well as an à la carte menu. The restaurant accommodates 52 guests in total, including 34 indoor seats and 18 al fresco covers, and it provides an inviting setting for easy breakfasts, productive working lunches, and relaxed dinners. Additionally, the culinary offerings combine familiar favourites with flavour-forward regional inspirations, thereby delivering a balanced and satisfying dining experience.

Furthermore, the hotel strengthens its appeal by offering versatile event venues for weddings, social gatherings, and corporate meetings. Aurum, the hotel’s banquet hall, spans 2,736 sq. ft., and it accommodates up to 150 guests in theatre-style seating. The venue also supports multiple configurations, including classroom-style seating for up to 60 guests and cluster seating for up to 80 guests, which enables hosts to customize events according to their requirements.

In addition, Vatika Lawn extends across 24,850 sq ft, and it accommodates up to 1,000 guests for large-scale celebrations. The lawn also supports mid-sized event formats, including cluster seating arrangements for up to 500 guests, and thus it provides flexibility for grand weddings and expansive social events.

Speaking about the launch, Manoj Kumar Golani, co-owner of Amber – A Unit by Sayaji and Chief Operating Officer at Satyam Builders & Developers, shared his perspective on the new opening. “We’re excited to open Amber – A unit of Sayaji—in Bhopal and welcome guests to a hotel that’s intimate in size but big on detail. From the comfort of our rooms to the ease of hosting at Aurum and Vatika, we’ve built this space for people who want a stay that feels effortless—and genuinely warm,” he expressed.

Echoing this sentiment, Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager at Sayaji Hotels, highlighted the brand’s emotional connection with the region. “Madhya Pradesh is home for the Sayaji brand, so every opening here feels personal. With Amber—A unit of Sayaji—we’re bringing our signature hospitality to a contemporary address in the city—crafted for stays, dining, and celebrations and delivered with the kind of warmth that comes naturally in our home state,” he said.

With the opening of Amber – A Unit of Sayaji in Bhopal, the Sayaji brand deepens its footprint in Madhya Pradesh and enhances the city’s hospitality offerings. The hotel combines modern accommodations, versatile event infrastructure, and signature regional warmth, and therefore, it positions itself as a preferred destination for business stays, leisure visits, weddings, and corporate gatherings in the state capital.

Quick home services startup Pronto raises $25 Mn in funding to scale instant household help across India

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Anjali Sardana, Founder & CEO, Pronto

Quick home services startup Pronto has raised $25 million in a Series B funding round led by Epiq Capital, as investor interest accelerates in instant household services platforms competing to scale rapidly across Indian metros. Existing investors Glade Brook Capital, General Catalyst, and Bain Capital Ventures also participated in the round, which values the company at $100 million post-money, founder Anjali Sardana confirmed.

Earlier, reports indicated that the company was in advanced discussions to raise $25 million at a $100 million valuation, and the latest development formalizes that growth plan.

Notably, the funding arrives amid an aggressive expansion race in India’s quick home services market, where startups are building dense hyperlocal networks of trained domestic professionals who can reach households within minutes. Founded in 2025, Pronto connects urban households with background-verified professionals for services such as cleaning, laundry, utensil washing, and basic meal preparation. Within just seven months, the company expanded from operating in one city to 10 cities, while it scaled from five micromarkets to more than 150 micromarkets.

Meanwhile, daily bookings surged dramatically from around 1,000 to 18,000, and demand continues to grow at over 20 percent week-on-week. In February alone, 4,500 active professionals completed at least one booking during the month, while 2,500–3,000 professionals worked on any given day.

Despite this rapid scale-up, Sardana emphasized disciplined capital deployment. “We’ve only burned $8 million in the first kind of year of the company. That being said, we’re doubling down on growth, and that will require capital, especially around scaling supply,” she said.

Furthermore, Sardana acknowledged that the company faces significant supply constraints. “We’re deeply supply constrained,” she said, explaining that professionals currently complete an average of seven bookings per day. “We’re growing demand at 20 percent week on week. But there’s only so much juice you can squeeze from increasing utilization. The rest has to come from scaling supply.”

At the current burn rate, the fresh capital provides substantial operational visibility. Sardana stated that the new funding gives the company “well over two years of runway.”

Unlike quick commerce companies that invest heavily in physical dark stores, Pronto operates on a predominantly variable-cost structure. Consequently, the company will allocate most of the new capital toward top-of-funnel supply acquisition, particularly referral incentives. Sardana explained that referrals now serve as the company’s largest channel for onboarding professionals, supported by strong net promoter scores among workers, whom the company refers to as “Pros.”

“If demand is growing 20 percent week-on-week, supply also needs to grow 20 percent week-on-week. Vendors and field recruiters are relatively static. Referrals are the one channel that compounds,” she said.

Currently, the company maintains a customer acquisition cost of approximately Rs 400, although Sardana declined to share overall marketing expenditure figures.

At the micromarket level, typically covering a 1.5–2 kilometre radius, Pronto has already built clusters delivering more than 500 bookings per day. In Gurugram, utilization crossed 60 percent in January, and older micromarkets have already surpassed break-even levels, according to Sardana.

“Utilization is the name of the game,” she said, adding that quality and frequency, rather than aggressive discounting, will ultimately drive sustainable growth. “In a lot of ways, there are similar dynamics,” Sardana said. “But total aggregate burn should be lower because there’s less capex and more variable cost. The cost structure is more in our favour.”

As multiple well-funded competitors expand simultaneously, Sardana stressed that service quality will define long-term differentiation rather than capital alone.

“It’s 100 percent quality,” she said. “Here we have a person coming inside your home and performing a service. Quality matters a ton. Quality compounds over time. It’s not something you can flip on and off.”

Importantly, user behavior indicates strong retention dynamics. Sardana revealed that the company’s top 1 percent of customers use the platform more than 23 times per month, while the top 10 percent use it nine or more times monthly, demonstrating that usage frequency increases significantly once customers establish trust.

Although industry consolidation may occur over time, Sardana stated that it remains “very difficult to tell today” whether the market will eventually narrow to only a few dominant players.

For now, the company will focus on scaling supply, strengthening density within existing micromarkets, and expanding into additional cities over the next 12–18 months.

Overall, as investor appetite intensifies and competition escalates, startups and investors are rapidly transforming India’s traditionally informal domestic help ecosystem into a capital-backed, technology-driven marketplace that prioritizes frequency, trust, and operational efficiency inside urban homes.

 

India’s Lemon Tree Hotels plans overseas expansion as global travel rebounds

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Lemon Tree Hotels is gearing up to accelerate its overseas expansion over the next three to five years as more Indians choose international destinations for leisure travel, according to a senior company executive. As outbound tourism gathers pace, the company aims to align its global footprint with evolving travel patterns.

India is on track to become the world’s fourth-largest outbound tourism market by 2035, moving up from tenth place and ranking behind the United States, China, and Germany, according to reports. Against this backdrop, Lemon Tree Hotels sees a clear opportunity to follow Indian travellers into key international markets. “We would like to go where the Indian traveller is going,” said Neelendra Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, in an interview, while pointing to destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore as natural extensions for the brand.

Currently, the midscale hospitality chain operates five hotels outside India, including two properties in Nepal and Bhutan and one in the UAE, out of a portfolio that exceeds 120 hotels globally. In comparison, other Indian hotel groups with luxury brands, such as Indian Hotels Company and EIH Limited, also maintain relatively limited international presences.

Despite its overseas ambitions, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to prioritise domestic growth and has a pipeline of more than 120 hotels, with India remaining its core market for the near term. The company owns and operates multiple brands, including Aurika, Red Fox, and Keys Select, and currently ranks as India’s third-largest homegrown hotel chain by number of rooms, behind Indian Hotels and ITC Hotels, which operates the Fortune and Welcomhotel brands. Singh reiterated that the company remains committed to its existing strategy and views international expansion as a medium-term objective.

Meanwhile, within India, Lemon Tree Hotels is exploring opportunities to integrate unbranded properties into its network through a predominantly franchise-led approach. This move targets India’s large independent hotel segment, nearly half of which remains unbranded, according to industry estimates. Additionally, in January, the company announced plans to transfer all hotel ownership to its subsidiary Fleur and transition into a fully asset-light model, a step that will result in two publicly listed entities within the next 12 to 15 months.

IHCL launches Gateway Dehradun, debuting Gateway Brand in Uttarakhand

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Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced the launch of Gateway Dehradun, thereby marking the Gateway brand’s entry into the capital city of Uttarakhand. With this opening, the company continues to expand its presence across key leisure and emerging business destinations in India.

Leah Tata, Vice President and Brand Leader, Gateway Hotels & Resorts, IHCL, said, “We are pleased to bring the Gateway brand to Uttarakhand with the opening of Gateway Dehradun. The city has long been a gateway to a range of leisure, adventure, and spiritual experiences, with proximity to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. As it continues to grow into a leisure and business hub, this opening strengthens the brand’s footprint while reflecting the character of the destination.”

The 100-key hotel is located in the scenic Doon Valley and offers expansive views of the surrounding natural landscape. Moreover, the property features multiple dining options, including The Pavillion, an all-day restaurant serving Indian, Continental, and Asian cuisines, and Aanch, a North Indian speciality restaurant. In addition, the hotel provides a swimming pool, fitness center, spa, and wellness facilities, while also offering event infrastructure such as a spacious banquet hall for social and corporate gatherings.

Vineet Soni, General Manager, Gateway Dehradun, said, “Gateway Dehradun is designed as an inviting space for travellers exploring the region. We look forward to welcoming guests to the hotel.”

Located between the Shivalik foothills and the Himalayas, Dehradun serves as a key gateway to destinations such as Mussoorie and Rishikesh. Furthermore, visitors can explore popular local attractions, including Robber’s Cave, Mindrolling Monastery, and Sahastradhara, which collectively enhance the city’s appeal for leisure and spiritual tourism.

The opening of Gateway Dehradun underscores IHCL’s continued focus on strategic expansion in high-potential destinations.

Nothing Before Coffee secures $400K on India’s startup funding reality show

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Indian coffee chain startup Nothing Before Coffee has raised $400,000 (approximately ₹37 million) after appearing on the startup funding reality show Bharat Ke Super Founders. With this development, the brand has strengthened its growth capital while gaining national visibility through the platform.

The founders featured on Episode 11 of the show, where they secured backing and endorsements from a panel of well-known investors, including Dr. A. Velumani, Nitish Mittersain, and Shanti Mohan, alongside other prominent figures from India’s startup ecosystem. As a result, the pitch resonated strongly with the panel due to its clarity and execution.

During the episode, investors underscored the company’s strong visibility on unit economics, consistent store-level profitability, and a clear Bharat-first strategy targeting underserved markets. Moreover, the panel noted that the startup’s structured roadmap for nationwide expansion added further confidence to its long-term growth potential. Notably, the brand has maintained 100% EBITDA-positive stores even while entering operationally challenging markets, which reflects the resilience and scalability of its business model.

Previously, Nothing Before Coffee had raised $2.3 million in a pre-Series A funding round, which helped accelerate its physical expansion and brand presence. At present, the company operates 100 outlets across India and now plans to scale aggressively, with a target of reaching 160 locations by the end of 2026.

The latest funding win on Bharat Ke Super Founders marks an important milestone for Nothing Before Coffee as it continues to expand its footprint across India. With strong fundamentals, disciplined execution, and growing investor confidence, the brand appears well-positioned to capitalise on India’s evolving café and quick-service beverage market.

Thomas Cook India expands Nature Trails portfolio with new resort in Hampi

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Nature Trails, the experiential hospitality arm of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of its sixth resort, Nature Trails Ashoka, in Hampi. With this addition, the company continues to align its growth strategy with the rising demand for slow, experience-driven travel among domestic tourists across India.

Set amid Hampi’s striking rocky terrain, the resort offers travellers direct access to heritage-led and nature-based experiences. As a destination that once formed the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi continues to draw visitors for its historical depth and distinctive landscape.

The property features a range of accommodation options, including Superior Rooms, Classic Rooms, Bamboo Cottage Rooms, and dormitory-style facilities designed for group travellers. Additionally, the resort provides amenities such as an open-air multi-cuisine restaurant, poolside dining, and a hillside swimming pool that overlooks the surrounding scenery.

The resort also enables guests to explore curated experiences, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Anjanadri Hill, and nearby villages, while also offering immersive nature-based activities. Furthermore, the property supports social gatherings and intimate celebrations through indoor venues and expansive outdoor lawns.

Mahesh Iyer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “India’s domestic travel continues to showcase a growing interest in culturally rich destinations that offer meaningful engagement with heritage, nature, and local traditions. With the addition of Nature Trails Ashoka Resort, Hampi, we are deepening our focus on experience-led stays that encourage slower, more immersive travel. Hampi’s powerful blend of history, mythology, and distinctive landscapes makes it an ideal destination for curating authentic, locally rooted experiences. This resort reflects the Nature Trails philosophy of thoughtful hospitality—where design, setting, and experiences come together to create stays that are both enriching and restorative for today’s domestic traveller. Following our acquisition of Nature Trails last year, we have moved swiftly on an aggressive expansion agenda to tap the growing domestic tourism opportunity. This Hampi launch follows our recent opening in Rishikesh, with several more additions planned for the Nature Trails portfolio in the near term.”

The launch of Nature Trails Ashoka in Hampi strengthens Thomas Cook India’s focus on experiential hospitality and reinforces its commitment to India’s growing domestic tourism market. As travellers increasingly seek immersive and culturally meaningful stays, the Nature Trails portfolio continues to position itself at the intersection of heritage, nature, and thoughtful design.

Quick commerce startup Inamo secures $8 Million to scale dark stores and power India’s quick commerce boom

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Sumit Anand & Rupesh Thakare, co-founders, Inamo

Quick commerce enablement platform Inamo has secured $8 million in fresh funding in a round led by Prime Venture Partners, while existing backers Shastra VC, Antler India, and Gemba Capital also participated. Notably, the round comprises $6 million in equity alongside $2 million in venture debt, thereby strengthening the company’s balance sheet for its next phase of growth.

The startup plans to deploy the new capital to scale its network of dark stores, onboard additional consumer brands, and introduce new product categories. Cofounder Rupesh Thakare told that this investment will accelerate Inamo’s expansion strategy and reinforce its operational capabilities across markets.

Founded in 2025 by Sumit Anand and Thakare, the company provides end-to-end infrastructure for quick commerce, including inventory management, fulfilment operations, and proprietary technology solutions. At present, Inamo processes nearly 1.8 million orders every month, which highlights the platform’s growing traction among brands and sellers.

“Established brands and platforms are still recalibrating their legacy fulfilment models for a channel that requires speed and data integration by design. We are building that backbone to modernise systems by providing purpose-built full-stack capabilities in quick commerce,” said Anand, the firm’s chief executive, who previously worked with Dunzo, Ola, and ApnaKlub.

Currently, the startup operates 80 dark stores across six cities. However, it aims to expand this footprint significantly and plans to reach 200 outlets in 10 towns by the end of 2026, thereby deepening its presence in India’s fast-evolving quick commerce ecosystem.

“Many brands use their e-commerce tech stack for quick commerce, and there is a clear need for a stack suitable for quick commerce. So, we will continue to invest in our tech,” said Thakare, who earlier worked with Goldman Sachs, Ninjacart, and ApnaKlub.

Before this funding round, Inamo had raised $3 million in September 2025, which helped it build early-stage infrastructure and refine its technology platform.

Commenting on the investment, Brij Bhushan, managing partner at Prime Venture Partners, said in a statement, “Inamo is building critical infrastructure for the next wave of e-commerce in India. Their ability to combine deep operational execution with a modular technology stack while scaling rapidly makes them uniquely positioned in a large, fast-growing market.”

This latest funding round marks a significant milestone for Inamo as it strengthens its role as a full-stack enabler in India’s quick commerce sector. As demand for faster delivery and integrated fulfilment systems continues to rise, the company appears well-positioned to support brands and platforms seeking scalable, purpose-built solutions for rapid commerce growth.