Accor signs Novotel Lucknow Convention Centre in Golf City, expanding India MICE portfolio

June 15, 2026

Accor has announced the signing of Novotel Lucknow Convention Centre, Golf City, further strengthening its meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) portfolio in India. Scheduled to open in 2031, the 160-key hotel will feature nearly 4,000 sq. m. of banqueting and event space, reinforcing Lucknow’s emergence as a key destination for business events, conventions, and social gatherings.

The upcoming hotel will rise within the rapidly developing Golf City–Ekana corridor, one of Lucknow’s fastest-growing commercial and lifestyle hubs. Thanks to its strategic location, the property will offer convenient access to major institutional centres, residential communities, the airport, and the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Moreover, the hotel will cater to a diverse mix of guests, including business travellers, MICE delegates, sports teams, leisure visitors, and transit travellers. To support these segments, the property will combine contemporary accommodation with a wide range of dining, wellness, and social experiences.

The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant and bar, creating a vibrant culinary destination for guests. Additionally, visitors will have access to recreational amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. These offerings align with Novotel’s global focus on balanced dining, wellness, and contemporary hospitality experiences.

Commenting on the signing, Ranju Alex, CEO, South Asia, Accor, said, “Lucknow is rapidly emerging as a key commercial and lifestyle destination, with the Golf City–Ekana corridor evolving into one of the city’s most dynamic growth hubs. The signing of Novotel Lucknow Convention Centre, Golf City, underscores Accor’s continued commitment to expanding its presence in high-potential markets across India. Strategically located and supported by robust MICE infrastructure and contemporary hospitality offerings, the hotel is well-positioned to meet the growing needs of business, sports, and leisure travellers alike.”

Furthermore, Alex emphasized that the property’s strategic location, convention facilities, and hospitality offerings will enable it to effectively serve the evolving requirements of business travellers, sports teams, and leisure guests visiting the city.

Highlighting the partnership, Dhiraj Amarnani, Director, and Kunal Amarnani, VP Hospitality, Amarnani Promoters Group, said, “We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring the globally recognised Novotel brand to Lucknow’s emerging Golf City district. With the rapid transformation of the Ekana corridor into a vibrant commercial and lifestyle hub, we believe this hotel will become a preferred destination for travellers, events, and large-format gatherings.”

The development forms an important part of Accor’s broader expansion strategy in India, which focuses on high-growth secondary markets and emerging urban centres. As a result, the company expects the project to contribute significantly to Lucknow’s evolving hospitality ecosystem while supporting the increasing demand for convention facilities, corporate events, and large-scale social gatherings.

In addition, the project highlights Accor’s long-term confidence in India’s hospitality sector and the growing demand for quality accommodation and event infrastructure across emerging cities. By introducing a globally recognized brand with extensive MICE capabilities, Accor aims to strengthen Lucknow’s position as a prominent destination for business tourism and events.

Currently, Accor India & South Asia operates 74 hotels across luxury, premium, midscale, and economy segments. Its portfolio includes globally recognized brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis, and ibis Styles. Meanwhile, the group continues to expand its lifestyle hospitality presence through Ennismore, which recently launched Roswyn, a Morgans Originals hotel in Mumbai.

With its large-scale convention facilities, strategic location, and comprehensive hospitality offerings, Novotel Lucknow Convention Centre, Golf City, expects to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Lucknow’s business tourism and events landscape.

Hospitality technology startup Bestie Bite raises €1.5 Mn to expand AI-powered restaurant discovery platform in the US

BRL Editor

June 15, 2026

Rome-based hospitality technology startup Bestie Bite has secured €1.5 million in fresh funding as it accelerates its expansion into the United States. The company, which aims to democratize marketing for restaurants and simplify restaurant discovery through authentic video reviews, completed the investment through a SAFE instrument.

The Grassi family, through its family holding company G&G, a shareholder of E80 Group S.p.A., led the funding round. Notably, Bestie Bite raised the additional capital less than four months after securing €700,000 in its first funding round led by Techstars. Consequently, the startup has now raised a total of €2.2 million since its inception.

Commenting on the milestone, Carlotta Robbe Di Lorenzo and Caterina Vertefeuille, co-founders of Bestie Bite, said, “We want to change this market. Authenticity is the most valuable and scarce asset on the web: we are building a new standard and a technological layer that brings the full power of artificial intelligence to restaurants, always starting from real content. With this round, we are accelerating from Italy to the United States to make this the global standard.”

Founded in 2024 by Carlotta Robbe Di Lorenzo and Caterina Vertefeuille, Bestie Bite helps consumers discover restaurants, bars, and hotels through short-form videos created by real users. At the same time, the startup supports hospitality businesses through an AI-driven video marketing platform specifically designed for the industry.

According to the company, both consumers and restaurant owners face significant challenges in today’s digital landscape. On one hand, consumers—particularly younger generations—often struggle to identify trustworthy dining and hospitality options due to unreliable written reviews, fragmented information, and content heavily influenced by sponsored promotions and influencers. On the other hand, many restaurants and local hospitality businesses lack the marketing expertise and budgets required to stand out online, making it difficult for potential customers to discover them.

To address these challenges, Bestie Bite has integrated artificial intelligence throughout its platform. For consumers, the application analyzes preferences and search intent to recommend suitable restaurants, bars, and hotels through authentic video content. As a result, users can make more informed decisions faster and with greater confidence.

Furthermore, the company differentiates itself by implementing strict verification standards and authenticity measures. These include authentication systems, fraud detection tools, and AI-powered video detection technology that help ensure the reliability of user-generated content.

The platform also encourages user participation through a gamified rewards system. Users who upload authentic video content receive cashback incentives, while partner restaurant campaigns known as Missions offer higher rewards directly linked to the platform’s business model. This approach helps generate high-quality content while strengthening trust within the community.

Meanwhile, Bestie Bite has introduced what it describes as an “AI Marketing Employee” for the hospitality sector. This artificial intelligence system can effectively replace traditional social media managers and marketing agencies by creating and executing marketing strategies for restaurants and hospitality venues.

Using a single authentic video from the Bestie Bite community, the AI automatically generates a comprehensive editorial calendar for the following month and publishes content across the venue’s digital channels without requiring involvement from the business owner. Additionally, the platform provides sentiment analysis and performance metrics, enabling businesses to monitor customer satisfaction and service quality in real time.

The startup has already demonstrated significant organic growth. Bestie Bite reports more than 100,000 users, over 120,000 uploaded videos, and a presence in more than 80 countries worldwide. One of its notable early enterprise use cases includes Pescaria, which uses the platform to acquire reusable video content while continuously analyzing customer experiences and feedback.

Looking ahead, the company plans to strengthen its presence in Italy while prioritizing expansion into the United States. To support this strategy, Bestie Bite has established a base in San Francisco, a market the founders explored earlier this year.

During its time in the city, the startup secured partnerships with prominent local establishments, including Tony’s Pizza and North Beach Restaurant. Moreover, the platform has already attracted thousands of users and accumulated reviews covering more than 500 restaurants in the San Francisco market.

Bestie Bite currently operates its headquarters in Rome at the House of Emerging Technologies and maintains a second innovation hub at OGR Tech in Turin. With fresh funding and growing international traction, the startup aims to establish a new global standard for restaurant discovery and hospitality marketing powered by authentic content and artificial intelligence.

The Residency Hotels to invest Rs 600-Cr in South India expansion

BRL Editor

June 15, 2026

The Residency Hotels to invest Rs 600-Cr in South India expansion — Rohit Ravi, managing director of The Residency Hotels

Hospitality group The Residency Hotels has unveiled plans to invest between Rs 500 crore and Rs 600 crore over the next three years to develop three new luxury hotels across South India. The strategic expansion comes as the company simultaneously advances two hospitality projects in Mysuru and develops its second property in the Maldives.

The investment forms part of the company’s broader growth strategy aimed at strengthening its presence in key markets across southern India. The Residency Hotels will develop the upcoming hotels in Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III cities and add between 450 and 500 rooms to its portfolio.

Speaking about the expansion plans, Rohit Ravi, managing director of The Residency Hotels, said, “An investment of about Rs 500 crore to Rs 600 crore has been earmarked for developing properties in new locations where we currently do not have a presence. The hotels will be located in Tier I, II, and III cities across South India and will collectively add 450-500 rooms.”

The Residency Hotels operates as the hospitality arm of Chennai-headquartered Appaswamy Real Estates. The group currently manages eight hotels across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, including properties in Chennai, Coimbatore, Karur, and Rameswaram.

Furthermore, the company recently strengthened its luxury hospitality portfolio by launching The Residency Signature, a luxury hotel-cum-convention centre in Madurai. With an investment of approximately Rs 450 crore, the group developed the 191-key property to capitalize on the growing demand for premium hospitality experiences in the region. Additionally, the hotel aims to attract leisure travelers, business guests, destination weddings, and MICE events, further enhancing the company’s presence in the luxury hospitality segment.

Moreover, Ravi said the Madurai property is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing opportunities in destination weddings, meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism. At the same time, the hotel aims to benefit from the rapid industrial growth taking place across southern Tamil Nadu, creating additional demand from business travelers and corporate events.

Highlighting the region’s tourism and business potential, Ravi said, “About one lakh to 1.5 lakh foreign tourists visit Madurai every year. Moreover, rapid industrialisation is taking place in Virudhunagar and Thoothukudi districts, including shipping-related projects, creating tremendous business opportunities for us. We will also introduce two robots for restaurant services at the Madurai property.”

The company also continues to strengthen its international presence through its Maldives expansion plans. The Residency Hotels has partnered with Marriott to manage its second luxury property in the island nation. The upcoming resort will feature between 90 and 100 villas and aims to attract premium leisure travelers from global markets.

Providing an update on the project, Ravi said, “The property, which is currently under construction, will be inaugurated in 2027.”

The latest investments underscore The Residency Hotels’ confidence in the long-term growth potential of India’s hospitality sector. Rising domestic tourism, increasing demand for luxury accommodations, expanding MICE activities, and infrastructure-led economic development across emerging cities continue to create new opportunities for hotel operators.

By expanding into untapped markets while strengthening its luxury and international portfolio, The Residency Hotels aims to establish a stronger presence in high-growth destinations and capitalize on evolving travel trends across India and overseas markets.

Orbio raises $21 Mn Series A to transform frontline workforce management with AI

BRL Editor

June 15, 2026

Orbio raises $21 Mn Series A to transform frontline workforce management with AI — Sergi Bastardas, Nacho Travesí and Antonio Melé, co-founders, Orbio

Enterprise AI startup Orbio has raised $21 million in a Series A funding round led by Dawn Capital, marking a significant milestone in its mission to transform frontline workforce management through artificial intelligence. Founded in 2025 by Sergi Bastardas, alongside co-founders Nacho Travesí and Antonio Melé, the company aims to help businesses recruit, onboard, manage, and retain frontline employees using AI-powered agents.

The idea for Orbio emerged from Bastardas’ decade-long experience at Amazon and floriculture startup Colvin, where he observed persistent inefficiencies in managing frontline workers. Recognizing the lack of effective “human infrastructure” behind workforce operations, he and his co-founders developed a platform designed to automate and optimize employee management processes.

Orbio currently serves a growing list of enterprise customers, including Poke and YUM! Brands—the parent company of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC. Bastardas said that many customers have moved beyond pilot programs and now use the platform across core business operations. He cited behavioral healthcare provider The Stepping Stones Group as an example, noting that Orbio now manages the company’s entire U.S. operation and has increased successful candidate hires by 20%.

At the heart of Orbio’s platform are AI agents named Maria, Daniel, and Claire. These virtual workforce assistants conduct candidate interviews, evaluate job fit, monitor employee performance, and perform daily check-ins throughout the employee lifecycle. By automating these critical workforce functions, Orbio enables organizations to operate more efficiently while maintaining stronger engagement with frontline employees.

The platform’s AI ecosystem continuously learns and improves through interconnected data flows. Each AI agent generates insights that inform the others, creating a feedback loop that enhances workforce management. Recruitment data influences hiring quality, exit interviews reveal employee turnover patterns that refine recruitment criteria, and engagement metrics help identify retention risks before they become significant challenges.

As businesses increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions, Orbio competes with workforce technology companies such as Paradox, which specializes in recruiting automation, and WorkJam, which focuses on frontline employee management. However, Bastardas believes the company’s primary competition comes from traditional workforce management methods that continue to rely on fragmented systems, spreadsheets, phone calls, and manual processes, particularly across healthcare, retail, and logistics sectors.

The rise of artificial intelligence is rapidly changing this landscape. By introducing autonomous workforce operations, Orbio seeks to replace outdated practices with scalable, data-driven systems capable of managing large employee populations more effectively.

To date, Orbio has secured a total of $26 million in funding from investors, including Visionaries and 2100 Ventures. The company plans to use the latest capital injection to expand its team and develop additional AI agents capable of handling more workforce management tasks.

Discussing the broader impact of AI on frontline workers, Bastardas emphasized the opportunity to bring advanced technology to a historically underserved workforce segment. “This will be [a] transformation for businesses, but also the workforce,” Bastardas said. “The 2.7 billion people who keep healthcare, retail, logistics, and hospitality running, most of whom don’t have a corporate email address, have previously got nothing. This is their AI moment.”

As organizations seek more efficient ways to manage large-scale workforces, Orbio’s AI-first approach positions the company at the forefront of a rapidly evolving HR technology and workforce automation market.

Meesho acquires Kirana Club for Rs 202-Cr to enter India’s B2B commerce market

BRL Editor

June 13, 2026

E-commerce platform Meesho has announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in Singapore-based Kirana Club along with an additional 0.41% stake in its Indian subsidiary, Retail Pulse Labs Private Limited (RPLPL), for a total consideration of Rs 202.08 crore. The move marks a significant strategic expansion for Meesho as it enters India’s rapidly growing B2B commerce segment focused on kirana stores and small retailers.

According to the company’s stock exchange filing, Meesho will complete the transaction in three tranches, with the entire acquisition expected to conclude by FY27. Following the completion of the deal, Kirana Club will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Meesho, while RPLPL will come under Meesho’s ownership through Kirana Club.

Founded by Anshul Gupta and Aishwarya Jain, Kirana Club has developed a digital platform designed specifically for kirana retailers. Meanwhile, RPLPL connects small retailers with fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands and distributors, with a strong presence across tier II, III, IV, and rural markets. The platform claims to have built a network of more than 4.1 million registered retailers across India.

Through this acquisition, Meesho gains a strategic foothold in the B2B commerce ecosystem and expands its reach into India’s vast grocery and general trade sector, which accounts for more than 90% of the country’s estimated $650 billion grocery market. The transaction aligns with the company’s broader ambition to deepen its presence beyond consumer e-commerce and strengthen its engagement with small businesses and neighborhood retailers.

Kirana Club currently operates an asset-light marketplace model that enables retailers to discover, compare, and purchase FMCG and grocery products from multiple brands and distributors. In addition, the platform provides valuable services such as pricing insights, product recommendations, and discussion forums, helping small retailers make informed purchasing decisions. These offerings have particularly resonated with retailers operating in non-metro and underserved markets.

Financially, Retail Pulse Labs Private Limited reported revenue of Rs 15.84 crore in FY26 while recording a net loss of Rs 30 lakh. Kirana Club generated revenue of Rs 33.27 lakh during the same period and reported a net loss of Rs 5.37 crore. Despite these losses, Meesho views the acquisition as a long-term strategic investment that strengthens its ability to serve India’s fragmented retail ecosystem.

Importantly, the acquisition provides a complete exit for Kirana Club’s existing investors. However, founders Anshul Gupta and Aishwarya Jain will continue to lead the business independently within the Meesho group, ensuring continuity in operations, customer relationships, and strategic execution.

Going forward, Meesho plans to leverage its extensive logistics capabilities, technology infrastructure, and marketplace expertise to improve category availability, supply chain efficiency, and order fulfillment for millions of small retailers. By integrating Kirana Club’s retailer network with its own operational strengths, the company aims to create greater value for retailers operating in underserved and emerging markets across India.

The acquisition underscores Meesho’s commitment to expanding its business ecosystem and strengthening its position across multiple segments of India’s digital commerce landscape. As competition intensifies in both consumer and business commerce, the deal places Meesho in a stronger position to capitalize on the growing digitization of kirana stores and traditional retail channels.

IHCL opens Ayodhyām, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions to cater to growing spiritual tourism

BRL Editor

June 13, 2026

India’s largest hospitality company, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), has announced the opening of Ayodhyām, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions in Ayodhya, further strengthening its presence in one of India’s fastest-growing spiritual tourism destinations.

The launch comes at a time when spiritual tourism continues to witness remarkable growth across the country, with Ayodhya emerging as one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations following significant infrastructure development and increased religious travel.

Commenting on the opening, Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Spiritual tourism in India continues to see strong momentum, with Ayodhya being among the country’s most revered destinations. Ayodhyām, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions is positioned to meet this demand, offering a stay experience that reflects the city’s spiritual significance while catering to the evolving expectations of today’s traveller.”

The 162-key Ayodhyām, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy. The hotel combines contemporary design with elements that celebrate Ayodhya’s heritage, creating a tranquil environment for pilgrims, leisure travellers, and cultural explorers alike. Expansive interiors filled with natural light further enhance the sense of serenity throughout the property.

Guests can enjoy a distinctive culinary experience at Divyam, the hotel’s signature dining venue. The restaurant presents a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by regional culinary traditions while emphasizing authenticity, local ingredients, and traditional flavours. Through this approach, the hotel aims to provide visitors with a deeper connection to the destination’s cultural identity.

In addition, the property features a range of modern amenities, including a fully equipped fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel also offers versatile event spaces designed to host weddings, conferences, corporate meetings, and social gatherings while reflecting the character and spiritual essence of Ayodhya.

Speaking about the collaboration, Ms. Shilpa Shorewala, Owner, said, “We are pleased to partner with IHCL and bring Ayodhyām, Ayodhya—IHCL SeleQtions to life with an experience that reflects the city’s deep spiritual character.”

Highlighting the guest experience, Mr. Brij Rajpali, General Manager, Ayodhyām, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions, said, “Ayodhyām has been designed to offer a stay that is calm and closely connected to its surroundings. We look forward to welcoming guests to this spiritual abode.”

Furthermore, Ayodhyām, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions offers a range of curated experiences that immerse guests in the city’s living traditions and sacred heritage. These include curated morning aartis, storytelling sessions led by kathavachaks, sattvic dining experiences, and guided spiritual trails featuring visits to the sacred Sarayu River. Through these offerings, the hotel seeks to create meaningful and authentic connections between travellers and the spiritual heart of Ayodhya.

The opening of Ayodhyām, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions reinforces IHCL’s strategy of expanding into high-potential cultural and pilgrimage destinations while delivering distinctive hospitality experiences that celebrate local traditions and heritage.

IHG opens Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Vijayawada

BRL Editor

June 13, 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vijayawada, bringing the brand’s signature blend of smart, comfortable, and value-driven hospitality to one of Andhra Pradesh’s fastest-growing cities. The launch further strengthens IHG’s presence in India while catering to the increasing demand for quality accommodation among business and leisure travellers.

Designed to deliver a seamless stay experience, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vijayawada combines comfort, convenience, and modern amenities to meet the expectations of today’s travellers. The property features 90 contemporary rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed to provide a relaxing and productive environment for guests.

Guests can access a range of essential services, including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, efficient housekeeping, and a complimentary buffet breakfast served daily at the Express Café & Bar. These offerings reflect the brand’s commitment to delivering a hassle-free and enjoyable stay experience.

Moreover, the hotel enjoys a strategic location in the heart of the city. Situated within walking distance of Vijayawada Railway Station, the Bus Stand, and the renowned Kanaka Durga Temple, the property provides easy access to key transportation hubs and major attractions. Additionally, it serves as the closest hotel for travellers heading to Amaravati via National Highway, while Vijayawada Airport is approximately a 40-minute drive away, ensuring excellent connectivity for domestic and international visitors.

The opening comes at a time when Vijayawada continues to strengthen its position as a major commercial, cultural, and connectivity hub in Andhra Pradesh. As a result, the hotel is well-positioned to support the accommodation needs of corporate travellers, tourists, government officials, and transit guests visiting the region.

Commenting on the launch, Maruthi Raj Narayana, general manager, said, “We are delighted to introduce Holiday Inn Express & Suites to Vijayawada, a city that continues to emerge as a key commercial, cultural, and connectivity hub for Andhra Pradesh. With its strategic central location and close proximity to Amaravati. The hotel is well positioned to serve the growing needs of business and leisure travelers. Backed by dependable service standards and smart design, we aim to offer guests a comfortable, efficient, and seamless stay experience.”

With its modern infrastructure, convenient location, and trusted global hospitality standards, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vijayawada aims to become a preferred accommodation choice for travellers seeking reliability, comfort, and value in the city.

Royal Orchid Hotels launches Regenta Devarayah Tirupati, expanding Andhra Pradesh presence

BRL Editor

June 13, 2026

Royal Orchid Hotels launches Regenta Devarayah Tirupati, expanding Andhra Pradesh presence — Chander K. Baljee, chairman and managing director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd.

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), through its subsidiary Regenta Hotels Private Limited, has launched Regenta Devarayah Tirupati, further strengthening its footprint in Andhra Pradesh. The new property marks a significant milestone in the hospitality group’s expansion strategy and offers a blend of contemporary luxury, modern amenities, and spiritual tranquility in one of India’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations.

Regenta, Royal Orchid Hotels’ upscale four-star brand, has built a reputation for delivering exceptional value, contemporary facilities, and personalized hospitality. With the tagline “Where Devotion Meets Comfort & Contemporary Luxury,” Regenta Devarayah Tirupati aims to cater to pilgrims, families, business travelers, and leisure guests seeking a seamless combination of spiritual fulfillment and modern comfort.

Strategically located in the heart of Tirupati at 20-7-27/101, DBR Hospital Road, Kothapalli, Subash Nagar, the hotel offers panoramic views of the sacred Seshachalam Hills. Additionally, the property enjoys excellent connectivity, situated just 2 km from Tirupati Railway Station and RTC Bus Stand, 9 km from Renigunta Railway Station, and 15 km from Renigunta (Tirupati) International Airport. Furthermore, the hotel stands among the nearest branded hospitality properties to key religious landmarks, including the renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tirupati Balaji), Sri Padmavathi Temple, and ISKCON Temple.

The hotel features 56 thoughtfully designed rooms that combine contemporary aesthetics with an atmosphere of spiritual serenity. Guests can access a range of modern amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ergonomic workspaces, LED televisions, tea and coffee makers, and premium bedding to ensure a comfortable stay.

Enhancing the guest experience, the hotel houses Pinxx, an all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant that serves South Indian specialties, North Indian dishes, vegetarian delicacies, and a variety of beverages. In addition, guests can avail themselves of round-the-clock in-room dining and refreshment services.

The property also offers several premium facilities, including a rooftop infinity swimming pool overlooking the surrounding hills, a fully equipped gymnasium and fitness center, a spa, and versatile banquet and event spaces capable of accommodating up to 200 guests. Moreover, the hotel features three boardrooms, making it suitable for corporate gatherings and business events. To support sustainable mobility, the property has installed electric vehicle charging stations.

Notably, Regenta Devarayah Tirupati has emerged as the first hotel in Andhra Pradesh and the ninth hotel in India to implement vertical solar technology with a capacity of 220 kW. According to the company, solar energy currently accounts for nearly 80% of the hotel’s total power consumption, highlighting its commitment to sustainable hospitality and environmentally responsible operations.

Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, chairman and managing director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, “The launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is a proud addition to our growing portfolio and aligns perfectly with our Vision 2030. Tirupati’s spiritual significance and rising tourism make it an ideal destination for the Regenta brand. We are excited to partner with the ownership group to deliver a comfortable, convenient, and spiritually enriching experience for guests while upholding the trusted service standards of Royal Orchid Hotels.”

The launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati reinforces Royal Orchid Hotels’ commitment to expanding its presence across high-growth travel destinations in India. By combining modern hospitality, sustainability initiatives, and proximity to major pilgrimage attractions, the property is well-positioned to cater to the increasing influx of domestic and international visitors to Tirupati while supporting the company’s long-term growth vision.

With its strategic location, modern facilities, sustainability-focused infrastructure, and proximity to Tirupati’s iconic temples, the hotel is poised to become a preferred destination for pilgrims, business travelers, and leisure guests seeking comfort, convenience, and a memorable hospitality experience.

Mistral AI eyes €3 Bn funding round at €20 Bn valuation amid global AI race

BRL Editor

June 13, 2026

Mistral AI eyes €3 Bn funding round at €20 Bn valuation amid global AI race — Arthur Mensch, CEO, Mistral AI

French artificial intelligence startup Mistral AI is currently negotiating a funding round of approximately €3 billion ($3.5 billion) at a valuation of nearly €20 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. The potential capital infusion could significantly strengthen Europe’s leading AI company as it competes against major artificial intelligence players in the United States and China.

However, discussions with investors remain in the early stages, and the final terms could still change, the sources said. They also indicated that investor demand could push the valuation even higher. Previously, the Paris-based AI startup secured funding in September at a valuation of €11.7 billion.

A representative for Mistral declined to comment. Likewise, a spokesperson for ASML Holding NV, the company’s largest shareholder, declined to comment. Notably, ASML invested €1.3 billion in Mistral during the previous funding round and acquired an 11% stake in the company.

Researchers from Google DeepMind and Meta Platforms Inc. founded Mistral AI in 2023. Since then, the startup has positioned itself as Europe’s answer to Silicon Valley’s dominance in artificial intelligence. Moreover, the company has focused on providing AI infrastructure solutions to European governments and enterprises. It is also developing and managing cloud-computing facilities in France and Sweden to strengthen Europe’s technological independence.

Recently, Mistral expanded its enterprise AI strategy by offering specialized artificial intelligence solutions for engineering and manufacturing operations. As a result, the company secured partnerships with major European industrial giants, including Airbus SE and BMW AG.

Despite these advancements, Mistral’s AI models and chatbot products have achieved considerably lower adoption among businesses and consumers than offerings from OpenAI, Anthropic PBC, and several Chinese AI competitors. Meanwhile, competition within the global artificial intelligence sector continues to intensify. OpenAI and Anthropic are reportedly preparing for public listings this year following the initial public offering of xAI owner SpaceX. Ahead of its first trading day on Friday, investors valued SpaceX at approximately $1.8 trillion. OpenAI last raised funding at an $852 billion valuation in March, while Anthropic reached a valuation of $965 billion last month.

In addition, Mistral has explored opportunities with European banks and financial institutions by presenting its alternative to Anthropic’s Mythos, an AI model known for identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Mistral Chief Executive Officer Arthur Mensch has highlighted the strategic importance of such technology and its implications for national security. “We must have control over this technology,” he said last month.

Mistral has also attracted support from several high-profile investors. Its early backers include France’s state investment bank, Bpifrance, along with leading American venture capital firms such as Lightspeed Venture Partners, General Catalyst, and Andreessen Horowitz.

Mistral AI’s planned €3 billion fundraising effort underscores Europe’s growing determination to build globally competitive artificial intelligence capabilities. As the AI race accelerates worldwide, the French startup continues to strengthen its infrastructure, enterprise partnerships, and technological offerings. If successful, the funding round could further elevate Mistral’s position as one of the most influential AI companies outside the United States and China, while reinforcing Europe’s ambition to achieve greater technological sovereignty in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Opptra partners with Unicommerce to accelerate e-commerce expansion across India, GCC and Southeast Asia

BRL Editor

June 12, 2026

Opptra partners with Unicommerce to accelerate e-commerce expansion across India, GCC and Southeast Asia — Binny Bansal, Founder, Opptra

Binny Bansal-founded e-commerce distribution platform Opptra has partnered with Unicommerce to strengthen and streamline its operations across India, the GCC region, and Southeast Asia. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to help consumer brands expand efficiently across multiple markets while simplifying operational complexities.

The partnership combines Opptra’s market expansion expertise with Unicommerce’s advanced e-commerce technology stack, including its flagship Uniware platform. Together, they will enable brands to manage orders, inventory, and fulfilment operations seamlessly across different geographies and sales channels.

As part of the agreement, Opptra will deploy Uniware to oversee operations across warehouses, retail stores, and online sales channels through a unified dashboard. This centralized approach will provide real-time visibility into inventory, orders, and fulfilment activities, helping brands scale faster and operate more efficiently.

Opptra positions itself as an AI-powered e-commerce distributor that manages end-to-end online operations for brands. Its services include marketplace management, pricing optimization, digital advertising, content management, fulfilment, and customer support. Additionally, the company serves as an Importer of Record across India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia, enabling brands to navigate regulatory requirements and enter new markets with ease.

The companies stated that the partnership leverages Unicommerce’s ecosystem of more than 350 integrations with marketplaces, logistics providers, shopping carts, point-of-sale systems, and accounting platforms across India, the UAE, and Southeast Asia. These integrations will allow brands to create a more connected and efficient commerce infrastructure.

Furthermore, Unicommerce’s support for local-language labels and invoices, along with UAE-specific taxation capabilities, will help businesses manage cross-border operations while maintaining compliance with regional requirements.

Highlighting the challenges of regional e-commerce expansion, Ranjit Babu, CEO for Electronics and General Merchandise at Opptra, said, “E-commerce in Asia isn’t one problem; it’s several. Fragmented marketplaces, market-by-market compliance, and fulfilment networks that don’t talk to each other. We take all of that on as our brands’ in-market operator, owning the commercial decisions and the execution end to end.”

He further added, “Running our operations on Unicommerce’s Uniware gives our teams one connected view of orders, inventory, and fulfilment across every market, so we can act on real-time data and scale brands faster and more consistently.”

Speaking about the partnership, Kapil Makhija, Managing Director and CEO of Unicommerce, said, “The next phase of e-commerce growth will be driven by brands that can scale seamlessly across channels, partners, and geographies without increasing operational complexity. At Unicommerce, we are building an AI-led commerce infrastructure layer that enables businesses to automate operations, improve decision-making, and scale more efficiently.”

He further stated, “Our partnership with Opptra brings brands across India and international markets onto a deeply integrated, AI-led commerce technology stack designed to help businesses automate operations and build globally scalable commerce capabilities.”

As brands increasingly seek international growth opportunities, the partnership between Opptra and Unicommerce addresses critical challenges such as inventory visibility, marketplace integration, compliance management, and fulfilment coordination. By combining AI-driven operational management with scalable commerce technology, the companies aim to create a robust foundation for cross-border e-commerce growth.

The collaboration between Opptra and Unicommerce marks a significant step toward simplifying global e-commerce expansion for consumer brands. By integrating AI-powered operational expertise with advanced commerce technology, the partnership will help brands navigate fragmented markets, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate growth across India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia. As cross-border digital commerce continues to expand, this alliance positions both companies to play a key role in shaping the future of international e-commerce.

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