Nykaa raises stake in Earth Rhythm as beauty portfolio expansion continues

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September 5, 2026

Beauty and fashion platform Nykaa has completed a transaction to increase its ownership stake in personal care brand Earth Rhythm, according to a filing with the exchanges on Sunday. As part of the transaction, Nykaa has increased its stake in Earth Rhythm by around 25%, with the company receiving the newly issued shares.

Earlier, Nykaa’s board had approved the proposal to increase its ownership in Earth Rhythm in May.

Notably, Nykaa first invested in Earth Rhythm in April 2022, when it acquired an 18.51% stake in the personal care brand for Rs 41.65 crore. Subsequently, in November 2024, it was reported that Nykaa’s parent company had acquired a majority stake in the clean beauty and personal care brand.

Founded in 2015 by Harini Sivakumar, Sivakumar Varadarajan, and Arun Kumar, Earth Rhythm was formerly known as Soapworks India. Since its inception, the internet-first brand has built a portfolio of organic beauty products across skincare, haircare, and makeup.

However, Nykaa did not disclose the financial details of the latest transaction or specify its total ownership stake in Earth Rhythm following the deal.

Meanwhile, Nykaa has continued to invest in and acquire smaller beauty and wellness brands as part of its broader expansion strategy in India’s online retail market. For instance, in August, Nykaa’s board of directors approved the acquisition of a 51% stake in Mumbai-based skincare brand Aminu for Rs 32 crore.

Financially, Nykaa’s parent company reported a net profit of Rs 80 crore in the June quarter, compared with Rs 24 crore in the corresponding period a year earlier. Furthermore, its operating revenue increased 29% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 2,782 crore in Q1 FY27, up from Rs 2,155 crore in the same quarter a year earlier.

Including other income of Rs 9.3 crore during the quarter, the company’s total income stood at Rs 2,791.3 crore.

Mamaearth parent Honasa Consumer sets Rs 5,550-Cr revenue target for FY31

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September 5, 2026

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Mamaearth parent Honasa Consumer sets Rs 5,550-Cr revenue target for FY31 — Ghazal Alagh and Varun Alagh, co-founders, Honasa Consumer

Honasa Consumer Ltd, the parent company of beauty brand Mamaearth, expects to more than double its revenue to Rs 5,550 crore by FY31. Meanwhile, the company also expects its EBITDA margin to expand to 15 percent over the next five years, according to its founders.

Looking ahead, Honasa Consumer founders Ghazal Alagh and Varun Alagh said they aim to “become the fastest-growing company in Indian FMCG to reach the Rs 5,000 crore revenue mark.”

Furthermore, the company plans to reach around Rs 5,500 crore in revenue by FY31 by “building brands that are loved by Indian consumers.” Honasa Consumer also targets a 15 percent EBITDA margin, “unlocking a further 500 basis points as mix and scale move our way,” the founders said in their message to shareholders in the Annual Report.

Meanwhile, Honasa Consumer reported a total income of Rs 475.53 crore in FY26, registering 15.37 per cent year-on-year growth. However, the founders clarified that revenue and margin targets do not represent the company’s sole objectives.

Instead, the company plans to drive growth through a focused portfolio of categories, including face cleansers, shampoos, sunscreens, moisturisers, face serums, lipsticks, and baby care. These categories currently contribute around 80 percent of Honasa Consumer’s revenue. At the same time, the company plans to expand into “newer partitions within existing and new categories.” “So, we directed the great majority of our brand investment at a focused set of categories,” they said.

Additionally, the founders highlighted the performance of the company’s flagship brand, Mamaearth. During FY26, the brand increased both its Value Market Share and Share-Amongst-Handlers in Face Cleansers and Shampoos across General Trade and Modern Trade channels, according to NielsenIQ.

“The brand that built this company is growing again and is better built now for what comes next,” it said.

At the same time, the founders pointed to changing consumer behaviour in the beauty market. They said “discovery has moved to our mobiles, where beauty is found and debated through creators rather than told through mass media communication”. Moreover, consumers are increasingly trading up and prioritising product efficacy and transparent ingredients.

Meanwhile, Gen Z consumers continue to influence market trends by adopting products earlier and raising expectations. “We have watched this story unfold before, in the US, in China, and in Indonesia: wherever e-commerce has surged, it is the home-grown challengers who gain the most. India’s online share of retail is still in its early innings and set to roughly double by the turn of the decade. We intend to be standing exactly where that wave breaks,” they said.

Founded in 2016, the Gurugram-based company operates through a house-of-brands model focused on millennial and Gen Z consumers. Subsequently, Honasa Consumer went public in November 2023 and now owns brands including Mamaearth, The Derma Co, Aqualogica, and Dr Sheth’s.

Araiya Hotels & Resorts opens Soul by Araiya Paithalmala in Kerala

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September 5, 2026

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Araiya Hotels & Resorts opens Soul by Araiya Paithalmala in Kerala — Amruda Nair, founder and CEO, Araiya Hotels and Resorts

Araiya Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Soul by Araiya Paithalmala – A Vihaara Resort, the latest addition to its growing portfolio of boutique hotels and retreats across India.

Owned by Subhakaran K V and family, the new property strengthens Araiya Hotels & Resorts’ focus on delivering thoughtfully curated hospitality experiences across emerging leisure destinations. Furthermore, the resort aims to celebrate authenticity, wellness and a deep connection with its natural surroundings.

Nestled amid the scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats, Soul by Araiya Paithalmala offers guests a tranquil retreat where nature sets the pace. Moreover, the property invites travellers to slow down, reconnect and experience the restorative beauty of one of Kerala’s most serene mountain destinations.

Surrounded by cool mountain air, panoramic valley views, and lush forests, the resort offers a sense of quiet luxury. Moreover, this tranquil setting continues to attract discerning travellers seeking immersive and nature-led experiences.

The resort features 18 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, including 17 Deluxe Rooms and one Honeymoon Suite. Each accommodation offers expansive views of the surrounding hills while prioritising privacy and comfort.

Furthermore, warm interiors, contemporary amenities, and nature-inspired design come together to create an experience that seamlessly balances luxury with relaxation.

Beyond accommodation, Soul by Araiya Paithalmala encourages guests to explore the destination and, in turn, experience Paithalmala beyond its scenic landscapes.

The resort offers curated experiences, including guided nature walks, sunrise and sunset trails, stargazing sessions, and mindfulness programmes. Moreover, these experiences allow travellers to immerse themselves in the rhythms of the surrounding landscape while also fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Furthermore, guests can explore nearby mountain treks, visit coffee estates, and discover the region’s rich biodiversity. These experiences offer travellers an opportunity to explore northern Kerala at a slower and more meaningful pace.

Amruda Nair, founder and director – Araiya Hotels and Resorts, said, “Soul by Araiya began with a simple observation: Indian travellers are done paying for the ceremony. Soul promise is quality without theatre good rooms, honest food, and places worth the journey. Most of India discovers Kerala from the backwaters up; we wanted to introduce it from the hills down. Paithalmala is one of the state’s most cherished highland escapes, with shola forests, rolling coffee estates, and mornings that arrive through mist, and it deserves hospitality at its own scale: eighteen rooms, a spa, and trails in every direction. We are pleased to partner with the Shubakaran family to bring Soul by Araiya to Kerala. The best properties come from owners with deep roots in their destination, and Vihaara’s commitment to Paithalmala matched with Araiya’s operating discipline is exactly that pairing. There was no better address for Soul’s debut, and no better way to bring Araiya to Kerala.”

Subhakaran KV, director, Vihaara Resort, said, “Paithalmala is one of the most extraordinary yet undiscovered corners of South India, and Soul by Araiya, Paithalmala, A Vihaara Resort was built to honour that — its landscapes, its culture, and the sense of calm that defines this hill retreat. Our vision has always been to create a retreat where guests can reconnect with nature without compromising on comfort, wellness, and thoughtful service. We are delighted to announce that this property will be managed exclusively by Araiya Hotels & Resorts, whose expertise and commitment to exceptional hospitality will bring this vision to life. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the unique charm of Paithalmala and the warm hospitality that defines Soul by Araiya, Paithalmala, A Vihaara Resort.”

With the opening of Soul by Araiya Paithalmala – A Vihaara Resort, Araiya Hotels & Resorts marks its entry into Kerala while expanding its boutique hospitality portfolio across emerging leisure destinations in India.

The new resort also reflects the growing demand for experiential travel, wellness-focused stays, and nature-led hospitality, particularly among travellers seeking destinations beyond conventional tourist circuits.

SUGAR Cosmetics raises ₹144.47-Cr at 75–80% lower valuation

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September 5, 2026

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SUGAR Cosmetics raises ₹144.47-Cr at 75–80% lower valuation — Vineeta Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee, co-founders, SUGAR Cosmetics

D2C beauty brand SUGAR Cosmetics has raised ₹144.47 crore in a fresh equity funding round from venture capital firm A91 Partners at a sharply lower valuation, according to the startup’s Ministry of Corporate Affairs filings accessed by media reports.

The Mumbai-based company allotted 1.12 lakh Series D7 compulsorily convertible preference shares to A91 Emerging Fund III at ₹12,871 per share. The shares will convert into equity upon listing or one day before 20 years from the issue date.

The company’s board approved the transaction on September 1.

The latest funding round values SUGAR Cosmetics at a post-money valuation of ₹550–600 crore. This represents a 75–80% decline from the ₹2,600–2,700 crore valuation that the startup commanded during its November 2024 fundraise.

Meanwhile, SUGAR’s pre-money valuation for the latest round stood at ₹433.6 crore. The company’s valuation had previously peaked at around ₹3,000 crore in 2022.

The fresh funding comes as the beauty startup faces mounting financial challenges. SUGAR’s net loss nearly doubled to ₹135 crore in FY25 from ₹68.4 crore in the previous financial year.

At the same time, the company’s operating revenue declined by 20% to ₹404.4 crore in FY25 from ₹505.1 crore a year earlier.

Furthermore, SUGAR’s EBITDA losses more than doubled to ₹116 crore from ₹48.5 crore during the same period. The company has yet to report its FY26 financial results.

“The company has demonstrated a sustained and worsening pattern of financial deterioration over the past two financial years,” wrote registered valuer Sayali Deshkar in a June 30, 2026, valuation report attached to the filings.

Media reports have attributed the financial pressure to SUGAR’s aggressive offline expansion strategy. A report stated that the company shut down 30–40% of its newly opened physical stores after the outlets reported per-store losses.

Founded in 2015 by Vineeta Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee, SUGAR Cosmetics sells beauty and personal care products through its website, physical stores, and e-commerce platforms.

The company has raised approximately $90 million to date from investors, including Elevation Capital, A91 Partners, Anicut Capital, and IndiaQuotient.

SUGAR currently operates four brands—SUGAR, POP, ENN, and Quench Botanics—and competes with companies such as Nykaa, Mamaearth, and Renee Cosmetics.

The latest funding round comes as India’s D2C sector enters what industry observers describe as a “3.0” phase. Beauty and personal care have emerged as key growth categories, attracting more than $1.1 billion across 201 deals between 2015 and Q1 FY26.

Summit Hotels & Resorts launches three new collections to drive growth

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September 3, 2026

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Summit Hotels & Resorts is reshaping its growth strategy around three distinct travel segments: spiritual tourism, lesser-known leisure destinations, and premium experiential hospitality.

The hospitality company has launched three new portfolio verticals—Mandir Collection, Offbeat Collection, and Signature Collection—which will increasingly guide how Summit positions its existing hotels and identifies destinations for future expansion.

The move marks a strategic evolution for the 18-year-old hospitality company. After building a strong presence across the Eastern Himalayas and leisure destinations, Summit now aims to create differentiated hospitality formats based on why people travel rather than simply where it can establish another hotel.

The Mandir Collection marks Summit’s entry into the spiritual hospitality segment. The company will launch the collection with the upcoming Summit Salasar, The Mandir Collection, in Salasar, Rajasthan.

The new format will combine accommodation with Satvik dining, wellness offerings and dedicated spaces for spiritual and community experiences. Furthermore, Summit plans to expand the Mandir Collection into other prominent pilgrimage destinations.

Meanwhile, the Offbeat Collection formalises a strategy that Summit has already pursued across the Himalayas. Through this portfolio, the company focuses on identifying destinations beyond established tourism circuits and entering these markets at an early stage.

The collection currently includes Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahatta, Summit Sherpa Mountain Hotel & Spa in Deolo, Kalimpong, Summit Bougainvillea Tea Resort in Kurseong, and Summit Tashi Ghang Heritage Resort in Pelling.

Additionally, Samthar, which remains relatively unfamiliar to mainstream travellers, represents the next phase of Summit’s offbeat destination strategy.

At the premium end, the Signature Collection brings together hotels that build luxury experiences around the unique character of their destinations.

The portfolio includes Summit Norbu Ghang, The Signature Collection, in Gangtok, and Rungkhung Village Resort – The Signature Collection, in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.

Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “India’s next hospitality opportunities will not necessarily emerge only from destinations that are already established. We see considerable potential at the intersection of changing travel motivations and destinations that are still evolving. These three collections give us a sharper framework for that growth. Mandir addresses journeys driven by faith, Offbeat allows us to identify places before they enter the mainstream, and Signature gives us a distinct premium proposition. The strategy is ultimately about being early in markets where we believe travel demand will deepen over time.”

Through the Signature Collection, Summit aims to deepen its premium hospitality presence across the Northeast while offering destination-led luxury experiences.

With these three distinct portfolio verticals, Summit Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself to capture evolving travel preferences across spiritual tourism, emerging leisure destinations, and premium experiential stays.

Bizz Nextgen Finance raises ₹215-Cr to scale MSME lending business

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September 3, 2026

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Bizz Nextgen Finance raises ₹215-Cr to scale MSME lending business — Pankaj Poddar, Promoter, MD & CEO, BNF

Bizz Nextgen Finance Private Limited (BNF), a new-age Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) focused on providing secured credit to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), has successfully raised ₹215 crore in equity capital from a marquee group of institutional and strategic investors.

The equity funding round was led by Beams Fintech Fund I and its affiliates, Baring Private Equity India Fund 6, Saison Capital Pte. Ltd. and UNLEASH 1st Investment Partnership, along with other investors. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has provided prior approval for the transaction.

Founded by Pankaj Poddar, BNF received its RBI Certificate of Registration in September 2025. Since then, the company has focused on building a differentiated, technology-led MSME lending platform targeting underserved and under-penetrated markets.

BNF provides secured credit facilities to MSMEs and aims to deepen access to formal financing for businesses across India.

The fresh capital infusion marks a significant milestone in BNF’s growth journey. The funding will strengthen the company’s capital base and support its plans to scale its secured lending business, expand its geographic footprint and invest further in technology.

Additionally, BNF plans to use the capital to deepen access to formal credit across India’s growing MSME ecosystem, particularly in underserved markets.

Pankaj Poddar, Promoter, Managing Director & CEO, Bizz Nextgen Finance, said, “The successful completion of our ₹215 crore equity raise is a significant milestone for BNF. The confidence demonstrated by marquee institutional and strategic investors reinforces our belief in the opportunity to build a differentiated and responsible MSME lending platform. We are focused on combining disciplined credit underwriting, technology and strong execution to become a trusted financial partner for India’s MSME entrepreneurs. This capital will enable us to accelerate our growth while remaining firmly committed to strong governance, sustainable profitability and long-term value creation for all our stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, the investors highlighted the significant opportunity within India’s underserved MSME lending market.

Sagar Agarwal, Partner, Beams, said, “We are excited to partner with Pankaj and the BNF team in their journey to build a high-quality MSME lending franchise. The significant credit gap in India’s underserved MSME segment presents a compelling opportunity for a differentiated lender with strong underwriting, technology and customer-centricity. We believe BNF is well positioned to build a scalable and sustainable platform and look forward to supporting the Company in its next phase of growth.”

BNF plans to combine technology, disciplined credit underwriting and strong execution to build a scalable and sustainable lending platform.

Debanshi Basu, Partner, Baring Private Equity India, said, “We are very impressed with Pankaj and his extensive experience in the space, especially in the way he is building out BNF in a uniquely differentiated manner—particularly in the way he envisions leveraging technology within a conventional touch-and-feel underwriting product to drive best-in-class, risk-based underwriting decisions while creating a sustainable opex advantage. This approach will create a sustainable competitive advantage as BNF grows its presence. We are very pleased to partner with Pankaj and the BNF team and look forward to supporting the Company as it scales its presence across India’s underserved MSME markets.”

The investment brings together a strong group of institutional investors with expertise across financial services, fintech and growth capital.

Following the completion of the proposed transaction, Beams Fintech Fund I and its affiliates will collectively hold more than 26% of BNF’s paid-up equity share capital on a fully diluted basis.

Importantly, the transaction will not result in any change in the management or day-to-day control of BNF.

With its strengthened capital base and support from institutional investors, BNF is well positioned to accelerate its next phase of growth.

The company aims to emerge as a trusted financial partner for India’s MSME entrepreneurs while expanding its presence across underserved and under-penetrated markets.

CFO Leadership Summit South Africa 2026 Set to Convene Finance Leaders in Johannesburg on 17 September

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September 3, 2026

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17 September 2026 | Johannesburg, South Africa

Intelligent Finance for a Digital-First Economy

Johannesburg, 2nd September 2026: With the CFO Leadership Summit South Africa 2026 just weeks away, senior finance and business leaders from across the country are preparing to gather in Johannesburg on 17 September 2026 to examine how finance leadership is evolving in an increasingly digital, data-driven, and unpredictable business environment.

Taking place at Focus Rooms – Universe, Johannesburg, the 27th edition of the CFO Leadership Summit South Africa is expected to bring together 200+ CFOs, Finance Directors, Group Finance Executives, Controllers, Treasury Leaders, Risk & Compliance Heads, Tax Leaders, Digital Finance Experts, business leaders, and technology innovators for a day of strategic discussions, peer networking, and knowledge exchange.

As organisations continue to navigate economic uncertainty, cost pressures, evolving regulations, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the summit will focus on how finance leaders can strengthen financial resilience while using technology and data to create greater business value.

The Countdown to a New Era of Finance Leadership

The role of the CFO is undergoing significant transformation. Beyond financial stewardship and compliance, finance leaders are increasingly expected to influence enterprise strategy, drive operational efficiency, improve forecasting, manage risk, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.

The upcoming summit will provide a platform for finance leaders to discuss these changing responsibilities and share practical experiences around building agile, technology-enabled finance functions.

Key conversations will focus on how organisations are using AI, automation, predictive analytics, real-time FP&A, intelligent treasury management, and financial data to improve decision-making and respond more effectively to changing market conditions.

Key Conversations Ahead:

The summit’s agenda will bring together finance experts and business leaders to explore some of the most pressing priorities facing today’s CFOs, including:

● Building Financial Agility in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable economic environment

● Strengthening Cash Flow and Liquidity Management while controlling costs and improving financial efficiency

● Advancing FP&A through predictive analytics, scenario planning, and real-time financial intelligence

● Leveraging AI and Automation to transform finance operations and enhance productivity

● Repositioning the CFO as a Growth Architect through strategic capital allocation and value creation

● Strengthening Governance, Risk, and Compliance while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment

● Integrating ESG and Sustainable Finance into long-term profitability and business strategy

● Driving Finance Transformation through digital technologies, analytics, ERP, and intelligent automation

The discussions are designed to move beyond theoretical conversations, giving delegates practical perspectives on how leading organisations are approaching finance transformation and responding to emerging business challenges.

Insights from Leading Finance Executives:

The summit will feature senior finance leaders representing some of South Africa’s prominent organisations, providing delegates with an opportunity to learn from executives who are actively shaping the future of finance.

The confirmed speaker line-up includes:

● Mikaeel Tayob- Regional CFO, Bridgestone Middle East & Africa

● Polani Sokombela- Chief Financial Officer, Auditor-General of South Africa

● Qiniso Mthembu- Chief Financial Officer, Johannesburg Stock Exchange

● Akesh Bansee- Chief Financial Officer, Unilever

● Bradley Wentzel- Chief Financial Officer, Barloworld Equipment

Through keynote presentations, executive panel discussions, fireside conversations, and interactive sessions, these finance leaders will share perspectives on financial strategy, technology adoption, risk, innovation, and the changing expectations placed on modern finance functions.

More Than a Conference: A Meeting Point for Finance Leadership

With the event approaching, the summit is set to provide an important meeting point for South Africa’s finance community, enabling senior executives to connect with peers, exchange experiences, discuss common challenges, and explore emerging technologies and solutions.

The networking environment will also bring finance leaders together with experts and solution providers across AI, FP&A, treasury, ERP, analytics, automation, ESG, risk management, and digital finance transformation.

As organisations move towards more intelligent and digitally enabled finance functions, the summit will offer an opportunity for decision-makers to assess emerging trends, exchange practical ideas, and identify strategies that can support stronger financial performance and sustainable growth.

CFO Leadership Summit South Africa 2026

With the event now fast approaching, the CFO Leadership Summit South Africa 2026 is positioned to bring together some of the country’s leading finance minds for a focused day of strategic conversations and executive networking.

The summit will provide finance leaders with a platform to explore how intelligent finance can strengthen organisational resilience, enable better decisions, and position finance at the centre of business transformation.

Event Details

Event: CFO Leadership Summit South Africa 2026
Edition: 27th Edition
Theme: Intelligent Finance for a Digital-First Economy
Date: 17 September 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Venue: Focus Rooms – Universe, Johannesburg, South Africa
Expected Attendance: 200+ senior finance and business leaders

About Exito Media Concepts

Exito stands for “success,” a principle reflected in every experience we create. With over 16 years of expertise, Exito Media Concepts is a globally recognised B2B events organisation delivering more than 240 conferences annually across technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, healthcare, finance, human resources, and other emerging enterprise sectors.

Through carefully curated agendas, globally recognised speakers, and market-driven insights, Exito creates high-impact platforms that foster strategic collaboration, accelerate innovation, and enable business leaders to address the evolving challenges of their industries.

For more details on the CFO Leadership Summit South Africa 2026, visit:

https://cfoleadershipsummit.com/south-africa/

For Media Enquiries

Ashrith Shetty
Senior Marketing & PR Executive
Exito Media Concepts
Email: ashrith.shetty@exito-e.com

HR World Summit South Africa 2026 Set to Bring 200+ HR Leaders Together in Johannesburg

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September 3, 2026

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16th September 2026 | Johannesburg, South Africa

Two Weeks to Go: HR Leaders Prepare to Address AI, Talent, Leadership, and the Future of Work

Johannesburg, 2 September 2026: With just two weeks remaining until the 5th Edition of HR World Summit South Africa 2026, leading HR and business professionals from across South Africa are preparing to gather in Johannesburg on 16 September 2026 to discuss the workforce priorities shaping the future of organisations.

Organised by Exito Media Concepts, the summit will take place at Focus Rooms – Universe, Johannesburg, bringing together more than 200 CHROs, HR Directors, People & Culture Leaders, Talent Acquisition Heads, Learning & Development Executives, Employee Experience Specialists, business leaders, and solution providers for a day of strategic discussions, knowledge exchange, and executive networking.

As organisations continue to navigate rapid technological change, evolving employee expectations, skills shortages, and shifting business priorities, HR is increasingly moving beyond its traditional role to become a key driver of organisational transformation. The summit will provide a platform for senior HR leaders to explore how people strategies can support business resilience, innovation, and long-term growth.

AI, Skills, and Employee Experience Take Centre Stage

Artificial intelligence, automation, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making are rapidly changing the workplace. At the same time, organisations are facing increasing pressure to attract and retain talent, strengthen employee engagement, develop future-ready skills, and create workplaces where employees can perform and grow.

HR World Summit South Africa 2026 will bring these issues into focus through keynote presentations, panel discussions, fireside conversations, interactive sessions, and real-world industry perspectives.

Key discussions at the summit will include:

● The evolving role of HR in driving organisational transformation

● Exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence on HR and workforce planning

● Building future-ready skills for an increasingly digital workplace

● Strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing top talent

● Strengthening employee wellbeing and workforce engagement

● Creating cultures of continuous learning and development

● Navigating leadership, organisational change, and evolving employee expectations

● Building inclusive workplaces that encourage innovation and performance

● Leveraging HR technology to improve workforce strategy and employee experience

The discussions are designed to provide HR professionals with practical insights, industry perspectives, and actionable approaches that can be applied to today’s workforce challenges.

Insights from Leading HR Decision-Makers

The summit will feature senior HR and business leaders from some of South Africa’s leading organisations, offering delegates an opportunity to learn directly from executives who are navigating workforce transformation within their organisations.

The speaker lineup includes:

● Tebogo Maenetja – Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN

● Michele Seroke – Chief Human Resources Officer, Mediclinic

● Nomsa Lewisa – CIO Group Human Technology, FirstRand

● Mikateko Nkuna – Managing Executive: Talent & Culture, Vodacom

● Lerato Thelejane – Executive: People Change Readiness and Enablement, Absa Group

Through their experiences and perspectives, speakers will share insights into leadership, people strategy, organisational culture, talent management, change readiness, and preparing workforces for the future.

A Strategic Meeting Point for South Africa’s HR Community

Beyond the conference sessions, HR World Summit South Africa 2026 will provide opportunities for senior HR professionals to connect with peers, exchange experiences, explore emerging workforce practices, and engage with organisations providing HR and workplace solutions.

The summit is designed to encourage meaningful conversations around the challenges facing today’s organisations while creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing among South Africa’s HR community.

With the event now only two weeks away, the summit is set to bring together HR decision-makers for a focused day of conversations around people, technology, leadership, skills, culture, and the future of work.

Event Details

Event: 5th Edition of HR World Summit South Africa 2026

Date: 16 September 2026

Time: 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Venue: Focus Rooms—Universe, Johannesburg, South Africa

About Exito Media Concepts

Exito Media Concepts is a global B2B events organisation with over 16 years of experience delivering conferences across technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, healthcare, finance, human resources, and other industries.

Exito brings together business leaders, solution providers, and decision-makers through conferences focused on knowledge sharing, collaboration, and executive networking.

For more details on HR World Summit South Africa 2026, visit:

https://exito-e.com/hrworldsummit/south-africa/

For Media Enquiries, please contact:

Ashrith Shetty | Senior Marketing & PR Executive, Exito Media Concepts

Email: [ashrith.shetty@exito-e.com](mailto:ashrith.shetty@exito-e.com)

AI smart crib startup Cradlewise raises $12 Mn to expand AI-powered smart crib business globally

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September 3, 2026

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AI smart crib startup Cradlewise raises $12 Mn to expand AI-powered smart crib business globally — Radhika and Bharath Patil, cofounders, Cradlewise

D2C smart crib brand Cradlewise has raised $12 Mn (approximately ₹100 Cr) in a Series A funding round led by 3one4 Capital and Prudent Investment Management.

The San Francisco-headquartered startup plans to use the fresh capital to accelerate growth, expand its distribution channels, strengthen product research and development, and enter new international markets.

Currently, Cradlewise sells its products through its own website and ecommerce marketplaces. However, the startup now plans to broaden its distribution network through offline retail stores, partnerships, and other channels.

The company said the expanded distribution strategy will help it reach parents across multiple touchpoints while reducing its dependence on a single route to market.

Founded in 2019 by husband-wife duo Radhika and Bharath Patil, Cradlewise develops and manufactures an AI-enabled smart crib. The crib uses sensors and an integrated monitor to detect when a baby starts stirring and automatically bounces to help soothe the baby back to sleep.

The crib also connects to a mobile app that enables parents to monitor their baby remotely, track sleep patterns, and access sleep-related insights. Additionally, the system learns a baby’s individual sleep patterns over time and personalises its response accordingly.

Cradlewise currently designs its products for children aged up to 24 months. The startup said patents protect its hardware and sensing systems.

Meanwhile, Cradlewise’s connected products have generated more than 75 Mn hours of sleep data. The company uses this data to improve sleep detection, predict when a baby may begin stirring, and personalise the overall sleep experience.

With the fresh funding, the D2C startup also plans to expand its product portfolio beyond smart cribs and develop sleep-focused products for older children.

Its future roadmap includes software-led sleep routines, additional child sleep hardware products, and lower-priced entry-level offerings. Furthermore, the startup plans to develop reusable sensing and electronics modules that could reduce the time required for future product development cycles.

The latest funding round takes Cradlewise’s total funding to $26 Mn. The startup’s existing investors include Sean O’Sullivan Ventures, Footwork VC, Charles River Ventures, 3one4 Capital, and Prudent Investment Management.

Previously, Cradlewise raised $7 Mn in a seed funding round in 2021.

With its latest Series A funding, Cradlewise aims to strengthen its position in the growing baby technology market while expanding its global footprint and developing new AI-powered sleep solutions for children.

AssetPlus expands wealth management offering with PMS for MFD Partners

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September 3, 2026

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AssetPlus expands wealth management offering with PMS for MFD Partners — L-R: Vishranth Suresh & Awanish Raj, co-founders, AssetPlus

AssetPlus, a fully digital wealth management platform designed for India’s Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs), has launched Portfolio Management Services (PMS) to help its certified partner MFDs serve eligible high-net-worth clients.

With dedicated support at every stage, certified partner MFDs can now onboard, track, manage, and report PMS investments for eligible clients directly through AssetPlus. However, partners must obtain the NISM Series-XXI-A certification mandated by SEBI to distribute PMS products. To support this requirement, AssetPlus Academy provides end-to-end training and assistance.

The HNI-focused PMS segment has witnessed significant growth in recent years. According to SEBI data, PMS assets, excluding EPFO and provident fund money, have crossed ₹10 lakh crore, compared with approximately ₹5 lakh crore in FY21.

Meanwhile, the client base has also expanded to around 2.2 lakh, according to SEBI and APMI data. In addition, SEBI has simplified PMS distribution by introducing formal registration for distributors through the APRN framework.

As MFDs’ clients increasingly reach the investment threshold required for PMS, partners have often needed to manage those relationships through separate and disconnected systems. AssetPlus aims to address this gap by enabling partners to manage their clients’ PMS relationships directly through its platform instead of transferring them to another system.

“Some of our partners have worked with the same client since AssetPlus’s earliest years, when their first investment was a modest SIP,” said Vishranth Suresh, Co-founder and CEO, AssetPlus. “A decade on, that client’s wealth has grown many times over, and with PMS, so has their partner’s ability to serve them. That’s the kind of platform we want AssetPlus to be: one that partners build their entire practice on, not just where they start.”

Unlike mutual funds, which follow a pooled investment structure, PMS provides clients with individually managed portfolios based on their financial goals and risk profiles. A SEBI-registered Portfolio Manager manages these portfolios, while the investments remain directly held in the client’s demat account.

Through the new PMS offering, AssetPlus partners receive end-to-end NISM Series-XXI-A certification training and support through AssetPlus Academy, helping them prepare for PMS distribution.

Furthermore, the platform provides a single dashboard and app for partners and clients, covering the entire journey from onboarding to reporting.

AssetPlus also offers daily portfolio updates, including holdings, performance, and valuation, through a single view. The company claims this feature marks a first for PMS distribution platforms in India.

As mandated by SEBI, PMS requires a minimum investment of ₹50 lakh. The offering operates under the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020, while the respective Portfolio Managers provide disclosure documents and regulatory information.

“Every Portfolio Manager reports holdings and valuations in a different format; most systems reconcile that periodically,” said Awanish Raj, Co-founder and CTO, AssetPlus. “We built AssetPlus PMS to reconcile it daily instead, so partners and clients see an updated portfolio every day, not once a month. That makes us the first PMS distribution platform in India to do it, and it’s the piece we spent the most engineering time getting right.”

AssetPlus currently works with more than 22,000 MFD partners across India. Together, these partners manage over ₹9,000 crore in assets under management, operate a monthly SIP book exceeding ₹150 crore, and serve approximately 2 lakh investing customers.

Since its founding in 2016, AssetPlus has expanded beyond mutual fund distribution into insurance, NPS, LAMF, CFDs, and SIFs. With the launch of PMS, the company has added another service to its growing wealth management ecosystem.

Ultimately, the PMS offering, supported by AssetPlus Academy’s certification training, represents the company’s latest effort to help MFD partners serve clients throughout every stage of their wealth management journey.

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