India real estate sees $1.4 Billion institutional investment in Q1 2026: Vestian

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April 1, 2026

India real estate sees $1.4 Billion institutional investment in Q1 2026: Vestian — Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian

India’s real estate sector recorded its highest first-quarter institutional investment inflow since 2022, reaching $1.4 billion during January–March 2026, according to a report by Vestian.

Although investments declined 62 per cent on a quarterly basis due to an exceptionally high base in the previous quarter, they increased sharply by 74 per cent compared to the same period last year. This trend highlights sustained investor confidence in India’s real estate market despite intensifying global headwinds.

Moreover, commercial assets dominated investment activity in Q1 2026, accounting for 80 per cent of total inflows, a significant rise from 38 per cent a year earlier. Strong demand from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) primarily drove this surge, reinforcing the attractiveness of office and commercial spaces.

Commenting on the trend, Shrinivas Rao, CEO of Vestian, stated, “With a sharp uptick in domestic investments, India’s real estate sector continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of rising geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic headwinds.” He further added, “As foreign participation moderates, domestic capital is sustaining the market momentum, while GCC-led demand continues to bolster confidence in commercial assets—reinforcing India’s appeal as a long-term investment destination.”

In value terms, commercial real estate attracted over $1.1 billion in investments, marking a substantial 266 per cent year-on-year growth, even though it witnessed a 51 per cent decline compared to the previous quarter.

On the other hand, residential real estate investments declined significantly. Specifically, inflows into residential assets dropped 53 per cent quarter-on-quarter and 59 per cent year-on-year to $0.2 billion in Q1 2026. However, despite the decline in absolute figures, the segment’s share in total investments increased slightly to 15 per cent from 12 per cent in the preceding quarter.

At the same time, domestic investors emerged as key drivers of growth in an increasingly volatile global environment. Their share in total investments rose sharply from 22 per cent in the previous quarter to 72 per cent in Q1 2026, indicating a strong shift toward local capital supporting the market.

India’s real estate sector continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, supported by robust domestic participation and strong commercial demand. While global uncertainties and declining foreign investments pose challenges, the sustained momentum in commercial assets and rising domestic capital position the sector for steady long-term growth.

FirstCry parent raises stake in Candes to 92% in strategic buyout

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April 1, 2026

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Brainbees Solutions, the parent entity of FirstCry, has announced that its subsidiary Globalbees Brands has acquired an additional stake in Candes Technology, further consolidating its presence in the consumer electronics segment.

The company executed the transaction as a cash deal at Rs 37,250 per share. Specifically, Globalbees purchased an additional 30% stake from existing shareholders, thereby increasing its total shareholding in Candes from 62% to 92%. As a result, the move significantly strengthens Globalbees’ controlling interest in the brand.

Founded in January 2021, Candes Technology operates as a home appliances company that manufactures and sells a range of smart electrical products, including fans, geysers, heaters, and kitchen appliances. Notably, the brand focuses on delivering affordable consumer electronics to a wide customer base.

The acquisition, which concluded on March 31, 2026, strategically enhances Globalbees’ footprint in the electronics category. Moreover, this move aligns with its broader strategy of scaling high-growth digital-first brands across multiple segments.

Meanwhile, Brainbees Solutions reported a 12% year-on-year increase in revenue for the quarter ended December 2025. However, despite revenue growth, the company’s losses widened significantly during the same period. FirstCry’s revenue from operations rose to Rs 2,424 crore in Q3 FY26, compared to Rs 2,172 crore in Q3 FY25, according to its unaudited financials filed with the National Stock Exchange.

In terms of cost structure, procurement expenses accounted for 64% of total expenditure and increased by 15% to Rs 1,580 crore from Rs 1,369 crore a year earlier. Additionally, employee benefit expenses stood at Rs 197 crore in Q3 FY26, which included Rs 57 crore in ESOP-related costs.

Consequently, losses expanded to Rs 38 crore in Q3 FY26, up from Rs 15 crore in Q3 FY25. However, for the nine-month period ending December 2025, losses remained largely stable at Rs 154 crore, compared to Rs 153 crore in the corresponding period last year.

While Brainbees Solutions continues to strengthen its portfolio through strategic acquisitions like Candes, the company must address rising costs and profitability challenges to sustain long-term growth in an increasingly competitive consumer and electronics market.

Rethinking Hospitality Through Private Homes

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April 1, 2026

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Rethinking Hospitality Through Private Homes — Devendra Parulekar, the Founder of SaffronStays

In an evolving travel landscape shaped by digital transformation, changing consumer behaviour, and the growing demand for personalised experiences, the idea of “home” is being redefined, with the rise of the private home segment transforming modern travel choices. Beyond traditional hospitality models, a new category is emerging where emotional connection, authenticity, and curated living spaces are becoming central to decision-making. This shift is not only influencing where people stay but also how they choose to connect, celebrate, and unwind, positioning experiential travel and premium villa stays at the forefront of India’s hospitality evolution.

At the centre of this transformation is Devendra Parulekar, the Founder of SaffronStays, who has built a distinctive brand rooted in trust, emotional value, and consistent quality. In an exclusive interview with Business Review Live, the conversation explores key insights into India’s evolving travel ecosystem, including the rise of private, self-contained stays, the growing relevance of hinterland destinations, and the balance between technology, marketing strategy, and human connection. The discussion offers a forward-looking perspective on how data-driven decision-making and authentic guest experiences are shaping sustainable growth in the modern hospitality landscape.

1. When was the moment or experience that inspired you to build SaffronStays and convinced you that India needed a curated network of private luxury homes?

SaffronStays was born out of a deeply personal insight shaped by early experiences of the warmth and authenticity found in private guest houses associated with the Tata Group. These homes stood out for their intimacy, thoughtful service, and genuine sense of hospitality. Over time, it became clear that such experiences were limited and would no longer be accessible in the same way, prompting a broader question around why these carefully managed private homes were not available to a wider audience of families.

A decade later, in 2016, this realisation led to a decisive shift away from corporate careers to build what had long been envisioned. The outcome was SaffronStays, a curated network of private villas and bungalows designed to offer families a space to come together, slow down, and create meaningful connections.

2. How does the SaffronStays business model function behind the scenes, and what makes it sustainable in the long run?

The model is built on a clear understanding of the emotional and personal significance attached to private homes. Homeowners are not typical property owners; they are custodians of spaces built over time or inherited across generations. The approach focuses on partnering with them to unlock the full potential of these homes while managing operations end-to-end, including staffing, food, maintenance, and the overall guest experience.

Instead of relying on lease-based structures or minimum guarantees, the model ensures that incentives remain closely aligned. When a property performs well, both the homeowner and the brand benefit, creating a shared sense of ownership. This alignment strengthens long-term discipline, fosters trust, and supports sustainable growth.

3. With so many stay platforms today, what differentiates SaffronStays for guests and homeowners?

The differentiation lies in a strong foundation of emotion and consistency. The model does not operate as a listings platform, nor does it aim to span every price segment. Instead, the focus remains on building a legacy brand firmly positioned within premium, upscale, and luxury villas.

For guests, the experience is defined by trust, personalised home-style hospitality, and a consistent standard across hygiene, safety, food, and service. For homeowners, the approach ensures that the identity of each home is preserved, the asset is protected, and operations are professionally managed without converting a personal space into a conventional hotel environment.

4. Each home is unique. How do you ensure a consistent guest experience across your portfolio?

Consistency is delivered by standardising the essentials while preserving the unique character of each home. Every guest is welcomed by trained caretaking families and supported by spotless linen, clean bathrooms, strong safety standards, and authentic home-cooked meals prepared using local ingredients.

At the same time, the approach deliberately avoids hotel-style butler service. These spaces are positioned as homes rather than hotels, allowing guests to feel at ease while relaxing, cooking together, swimming, or simply enjoying the natural charm and individuality of the environment.

5. How is technology, especially AI, shaping your operations from pricing and bookings to guest experience and home management?

Technology plays a critical role in managing a wide and geographically diverse portfolio with efficiency. It enhances capabilities across forecasting, pricing optimisation, operational audits, team training, and seamless booking workflows, enabling more structured and scalable operations.

At the same time, technology is positioned as an enabler rather than a replacement for what truly defines the experience. The human warmth of caretakers, the authenticity of home-cooked food, and the emotional comfort of real homes remain at the core, ensuring that the essence of hospitality is preserved.

6. What emerging travel trends do you believe will dominate 2026?

The next phase of Indian travel is being shaped by three distinct and powerful shifts. Celebration-led travel is witnessing rapid growth, with villas increasingly becoming the preferred choice for occasions such as birthdays, reunions, bachelorettes, rokas, photoshoots, and even pet-centric celebrations. This reflects a broader move towards more personalised and experience-driven travel.

At the same time, group travel is playing a key role in democratising premium stays. By sharing the cost of a villa, groups are able to transform what would traditionally be high nightly rates into more accessible per-person contributions, making upscale experiences attainable for a wider audience.

Additionally, hinterland destinations are gaining strong momentum. Improved infrastructure, including highways, expressways, and Vande Bharat connectivity, is expanding access to previously underexplored locations such as lakes, mountains, and coastal regions, further diversifying travel preferences.

7. How have guest expectations evolved since 2020, and what major shifts are shaping how India travels today?

Private, self-contained stays have moved firmly into the mainstream, reflecting a clear shift in guest preferences. There is a growing emphasis on safety, hygiene, reliable Wi-Fi, home-style food, and the freedom to enjoy spaces exclusively within one’s own group. Travel patterns are also evolving, with a noticeable rise in multi-generational trips, women-led groups, and pet-friendly experiences.

At the same time, improved road connectivity has significantly influenced behaviour, leading to a strong increase in driveable vacations as travellers seek convenience, flexibility, and more personalised journeys.

8. What is the most underrated or misunderstood challenge in the premium homestay segment?

A significant yet often overlooked aspect of the business lies in the deep emotional connection homeowners have with their villas. These are not transactional assets, but highly personal spaces built with care or passed down as cherished legacies. Building trust and enabling homeowners to open these homes to guests remains one of the most complex and sensitive challenges.

At the same time, guest expectations continue to align with hotel-grade standards. Balancing these two worlds requires a thoughtful approach grounded in sensitivity, empathy, transparency, and strong operational systems that can uphold quality without compromising the personal essence of each home.

9. How do you balance expectations between homeowners and guests when their priorities often differ?

Balance is achieved through transparent communication and a deep respect for both stakeholders. Homeowners prioritise the protection and integrity of their homes, while guests seek consistency and predictability in service.

The approach maintains strong backend discipline through structured training, regular audits, and well-defined processes, ensuring reliability at scale. At the same time, the individuality and emotional warmth of each home are carefully preserved. This balance creates a foundation of trust that supports both homeowner confidence and guest satisfaction.

10. What is next for SaffronStays—new regions, categories, or experiential verticals?

India’s interior travel landscape is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by the development of new highways, expressways, and enhanced rail connectivity. This shift is enabling a deeper presence across regions such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra’s lake belts, Goa, and key religious corridors including Vrindavan.

Alongside this geographic expansion, there is a growing focus on strengthening a curated portfolio of heritage homes and investing in experiential villas that immerse guests in regional culture, local food traditions, and natural surroundings. This evolving approach reflects a broader belief that the next phase of Indian travel will be shaped by these emerging and previously underexplored hinterlands.

11. What economic or social impact does SaffronStays create for local communities, caretakers, and service staff?

Each home functions as an ecosystem that supports multiple livelihoods, including caretakers, cooks, housekeeping teams, local farmers, drivers, vendors, and other regional service providers. Many caretaking families have been associated with these estates for generations, and the introduction of structured professional management enables more stable and sustainable long-term income opportunities.

At the same time, there is a conscious effort to revive and sustain regional culinary traditions. This includes bringing forward pahadi flavours from Uttarakhand and Goan and coastal cuisines, as well as influences from the Nilgiris, ensuring that local food heritage continues to be preserved and experienced by guests.

12. What advice would you offer first-time hospitality entrepreneurs in India?

Hospitality as a sector rewards patience, trust, and a high degree of emotional intelligence. The approach emphasises respecting the integrity of each home, investing meaningfully in people, and maintaining a clear focus on a well-defined niche rather than attempting to cater to every segment.

Consistency, genuine value creation for homeowners, and authenticity in guest experiences remain central to this philosophy. The model is not driven purely by return on investment but by return on emotion. When that foundation is established effectively, it naturally drives all other outcomes.

OpenAI raises $122 Billion, eyes IPO amid explosive AI growth

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April 1, 2026

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OpenAI announced that the startup reached a staggering valuation of $852 billion following the successful closure of a $122 billion funding round. Notably, the funding exceeded earlier projections, highlighting the rapidly rising costs of computing infrastructure while also underscoring ongoing concerns about whether AI firms can sustainably generate enough revenue to offset these expenses.

Moreover, OpenAI emphasized the broader impact of this capital infusion, stating, “The capital being deployed today is helping build the infrastructure layer for intelligence itself.” The company further added, “Over time, that value will flow back into the economy, to companies, to communities, and increasingly to individuals.”

At the same time, the ChatGPT developer revealed that its revenue run rate has reached $2 billion per month and continues to grow at a fast pace. In addition, the funding round drew participation from a diverse mix of strategic partners, including Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, and SoftBank. Interestingly, around $3 billion of the total funding reportedly came from individual investors, marking an unusual move for a deal of this scale.

Meanwhile, ChatGPT continues to dominate the consumer AI landscape, boasting over 900 million weekly active users and approximately 50 million paid subscribers. Furthermore, OpenAI noted that usage of ChatGPT’s online search capabilities has tripled over the past year, reflecting increasing reliance on AI-powered tools.

Commenting on this growth trajectory, the company stated, “These are not just growth milestones—they show that frontier AI is becoming part of everyday life for people around the world.”

In addition to scaling its core offerings, OpenAI has started diversifying its revenue streams. For instance, the company began rolling out advertising for non-premium users earlier this year to boost monetization. Simultaneously, it is working on building a comprehensive “superapp” that aims to integrate ChatGPT, web browsing, a Codex coding assistant, and advanced agentic capabilities designed to autonomously perform tasks.

Looking ahead, the funding round arrives amid growing speculation that OpenAI is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) later this year. However, competition in the AI sector continues to intensify. Rival firm Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI employees, has been gaining traction with its Claude AI models and recently secured a $30 billion funding round. Likewise, Google’s Gemini AI and Elon Musk’s xAI are emerging as strong contenders, attracting both users and investment.

Ultimately, OpenAI’s latest funding milestone not only cements its leadership position in the global AI race but also signals a broader shift toward AI becoming a foundational layer of the digital economy. As investments accelerate and competition deepens, the coming months will likely determine how effectively these companies can translate technological advancements into sustainable business models.

Workspace solutions firm IndiQube signs Rs 75-Cr workspace deal with healthcare GCC in Bengaluru

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March 31, 2026

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Workspace solutions firm IndiQube signs Rs 75-Cr workspace deal with healthcare GCC in Bengaluru — Rishi Das and Meghna Agarwal, co-founders, IndiQube

IndiQube Spaces Limited, an integrated tech-enabled workspace solutions provider, has announced the signing of a workspace leasing agreement with a leading Global Capability Centre (GCC) in the healthcare technology sector. This development highlights the growing demand for flexible and scalable office solutions among global enterprises.

Under the agreement, the client has leased over 48,000 sq. ft. of premium Grade A workspace along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) corridor in Bengaluru, one of the city’s most sought-after commercial micro-markets. Notably, the valuation stands approximately a Rs 75 crore over a five-year tenure, reflecting strong leasing momentum in India’s office space market.

Commenting on the deal, Rishi Das, Cofounder of IndiQube, said, “We are seeing a clear acceleration in demand from GCCs, especially in sectors like healthcare technology, where India is becoming a hub for global innovation and delivery. These organizations are setting up highly specialized teams and are looking for workspace partners like IndiQube who can support them with speed, flexibility, and reliability.”

Adding further perspective, Meghna Agarwal, Cofounder of IndiQube, said, “GCCs today account for close to 40% of our portfolio, and what stands out is their clear preference for strategically located, high-quality workspaces within established talent catchments like ORR. With a ‘follow the talent’ approach, we have focused on building depth within key talent catchments, enabling us to support GCCs across different stages of growth and evolving operational needs.”

Financially, IndiQube has demonstrated strong growth momentum. For Q3 FY26, the company reported revenue of Rs 395 crore, marking a 45% year-on-year increase, while total income stood at Rs 403 crore. Furthermore, for the first nine months of FY26, revenue reached Rs 1,063 crore. The workspace solutions company also reported a profit after tax of Rs 40 crore for the December quarter and Rs 95 crore for the nine-month period on a reported basis.

IndiQube’s latest leasing deal underscores the rising importance of India as a GCC hub, particularly in high-growth sectors like healthcare technology. As demand for flexible, high-quality workspaces continues to surge, the company will capitalise on this trend and strengthen its presence in key commercial corridors like Bengaluru’s ORR.

Ramee Group enters wildlife tourism with Ramee Vanam Resort in Sasan Gir

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March 31, 2026

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Ramee Group of Hotels has signed an agreement for Ramee Vanam Resort in Sasan Gir, Gujarat, signaling its bold entry into India’s wildlife and experiential travel destinations.

Strategically positioned to tap into surging demand for nature-centric getaways, the resort sits near Gir National Park—famous for its majestic Asiatic lions—and draws a steady stream of domestic and international visitors.

Moreover, the property will deliver accommodations that harmoniously blend with the natural surroundings, complemented by dining options showcasing authentic regional cuisine. Additionally, guests will enjoy seamless access to thrilling jungle safaris, nature walks, cultural programs, and other curated outdoor adventures.

Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President – India, Ramee Group of Hotels, said, “Sasan Gir is gaining prominence as a preferred destination for experiential travel, the resort presents an opportunity to offer a distinctive stay rooted in nature. He highlighted that the property will feature thoughtfully designed rooms that seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape. Guests can look forward to locally inspired dining with authentic Gujarati flavours, immersive cultural evenings featuring Dhamaal and Siddi tribal performances, and curated outdoor experiences including nature walks, bonfire gatherings, and guided safaris through Gir National Park, creating a well-rounded and memorable stay.”

Furthermore, the resort will feature dedicated spaces for social gatherings and corporate offsites, emerging as a fresh alternative for events beyond crowded urban hubs.

This signing perfectly aligns with Ramee Group’s expansion strategy into high-growth, experience-rich locales, bolstering its leisure portfolio across India.

Ramee Vanam Resort promises to redefine luxury wildlife stays in Sasan Gir, captivating adventure seekers and nature lovers while fueling the group’s nationwide growth in experiential hospitality.

Coforge gets RBI nod for $1B+ overseas investment in Encora acquisition

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March 31, 2026

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Coforge Ltd. has secured Reserve Bank of India approval for overseas direct investment surpassing $1 billion, paving the way for its proposed acquisition of Encora, as disclosed in a stock exchange filing.

Moreover, this nod under the Foreign Exchange Management (Overseas Investment) Rules removes a major regulatory barrier for the deal involving Encora US Holdco Inc. and Encora Holdings Ltd.

Building on its prior announcement, Coforge entered a share subscription and share purchase agreement with the target entities, Encora Holdco Ltd. and AI Altius Parent (Cayman) Ltd.

Previously, the company obtained several clearances, including U.S. approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act; shareholder nod through postal ballot for preferential allotment and debt funding; and competition approvals in places like Australia.

Now, with RBI approval secured, “the remaining approvals are in advanced stages,” Coforge stated in its filing.

Thus, this milestone accelerates Coforge’s global expansion through the Encora acquisition, thereby strengthening its position in the tech services landscape amid rising M&A activity.

Proho raises $1M pre-Seed to slash resale friction with AI-powered guaranteed sales

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March 31, 2026

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Proho raises $1M pre-Seed to slash resale friction with AI-powered guaranteed sales — Saurav Suman, Alaukik Kumar, and Shalin Gandhi, co-founders, Proho

AI Powered guaranteed home resale platform Proho secured $1 million in a pre-seed funding round, backed by Bharath Vivek Chandhok and other investors. The company will channel these funds into bolstering its valuation and pricing intelligence, scaling distribution networks, and rolling out its resale model to more micro-markets.

The company revolutionizes residential resale transactions in India, where deals often drag on for months due to uncertainties plaguing sellers and buyers alike. Sellers grapple with unclear market-supported prices and prolonged selling timelines, while buyers worry about property verification, trustworthy data, and secure closings.

Proho tackles these pain points head-on with AI-driven, unit-level valuation models that scrutinize historical transactions, real-time market signals, and buyer engagement data to decode pricing dynamics in every micro-market.

Moreover, Proho pairs this sharp intelligence with a robust distribution system, ensuring homes undergo proper refurbishment and connect seamlessly with qualified buyers. The platform thus operates as a guaranteed sell service that commits to completing transactions once it prepares properties for the market and positions them optimally.

This powerful combination of pricing smarts and disciplined execution slashes sale cycles and eases inventory bottlenecks in resale deals. Consequently, Proho delivers some of the quickest home sale turnarounds in key Noida micro-markets, all while upholding strong unit economics and fueling steady expansion.

Founders Saurav Suman, Alaukik Kumar, and Shalin Gandhi blend entrepreneurial grit, product prowess, and tech expertise. Saurav Suman, an IIT Bombay alum and repeat founder, co-created Pocket52—India’s pioneering online poker network—before its acquisition by Gameskraft; his real estate investing adventures spotlighted resale flaws, sparking Proho. Fellow IIT Bombay graduate Alaukik Kumar excels in product innovation at firms like Bewakoof, Pocket52, and PDI (US). Shalin Gandhi, a tech veteran with over a decade building startups, spans B2C and B2B at Pocket52, Gameskraft, and Yubi (Spocto).

“Uncertainty is the biggest friction in resale,” said Saurav Suman, CEO and Co-founder of Proho. “In a market exceeding $60 Billion annually, our focus is to bring clarity and predictability to home transactions so both sellers and buyers can make decisions with confidence.”

Proho’s AI-powered guarantees and rapid execution herald a new era for India’s $60B resale market, empowering faster, frictionless home sales and setting the stage for nationwide dominance in real estate innovation.

Lords Hotels & Resorts Ends 2025 on a High Note with Strong Financial Performance and Growth Momentum

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March 31, 2026

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Lords Hotels & Resorts Ends 2025 on a High Note with Strong Financial Performance and Growth Momentum — Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts

During FY 2025–26, the hotel industry was shaped by strong domestic tourism growth in India, which led to recovery in occupancy and RevPAR. The GST rate revision brought in uniformity & simplicity that enhanced affordability & occupancy, particularly for mid-scale hotels. However, the geopolitical tensions such as Operation Sindoor and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East raised energy costs. Tariff increases and U.S. trade disputes affected inbound travel patterns. Extreme weather events continued to disrupt business at several key destinations.

Despite the above challenges, evolving guest expectations, and increased competition, Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced a stellar year-end performance for 2025 and reported double-digit revenue growth across its portfolio, driven by strong occupancy rates and enhanced average room revenues, underscoring its resilience, strategic expansion, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In 2025, Lords Hotels & Resorts expanded its footprint with 18 new properties across emerging markets, including Bettiah, Bhopal, Chintpurni, Gir, Goa, Joshimath, Katra, Kota, Mandi, Nanded, Purulia, Rajkot, Sagara, Salangpur, Sanand, Shivamogga, Udaipur, and Chitwan (Nepal), bringing the brand closer to its long-term vision of 100 operational hotels by 2030. This expansion not only strengthens market presence but also reflects the brand’s commitment to accessible, quality hospitality for business and leisure travellers alike.

Financial and Operational Highlights

* Revenue Growth: Sustained double-digit increase in top-line performance, driven by higher RevPAR and strong F&B contributions.

* Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes and technology adoption enhanced profitability while maintaining service excellence.

* Guest Experience: Innovative service protocols and curated experiences elevated satisfaction scores across properties.

* Sustainability: Eco-conscious initiatives, including energy-efficient operations and waste reduction programs, reinforced the brand’s pledge to responsible hospitality.

Mr. Pushpendra Bansal- COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts, commented, “2025 has been a landmark year for Lords Hotels & Resorts. Our strong financial performance reflects not only the resilience of the hospitality sector but also the trust our guests and partners place in us. With continued expansion, sustainability-driven initiatives, and a focus on authentic guest experiences, we are confident of sustaining this growth momentum into 2026 and beyond.”

Looking Ahead

With a robust pipeline of new openings, enhanced digital integration, and a sharpened focus on sustainability, Lords Hotels & Resorts is poised to further consolidate its position as a leading hospitality brand in India and emerging international markets.

About Lords Hotels & Resorts

Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s fastest-growing mid-market hospitality chains, having a presence across business, leisure, pilgrimage, and wedding segments, operating 3000 rooms in 70 hotels, 57 destinations across India and Nepal. The company is known for its True Value Hospitality, comfortable stays, warm and personalized service, and delivering consistent experiences across its growing portfolio.

Fanon secures $1M pre-Seed in funding to revolutionize fan storytelling

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March 31, 2026

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Fanon secures $1M pre-Seed in funding to revolutionize fan storytelling — Jatin Nayak, Arvindmani Satyanarayan, and Nesar Rao, co-founders, Fanon

Bengaluru-based social community platform Fan, moreover, Fanon, successfully raised $1 million in a pre-seed funding round co-led by Kalaari Capital and Gruhas Venture Capital. Founders Jatin Nayak, Arvindmani Satyanarayan, and Nesar Rao launched the company in February 2024.

Fanon empowers fans to craft and dive into alternate versions of their favorite stories, all within a single vibrant platform. For instance, if you’ve binge-watched a show and pondered what might happen if two characters sparked a romance or the plot twisted in an unexpected direction, creators on Fanon build those imaginative scenarios as episodes, videos, or comics. Meanwhile, other fans follow, interact, and even contribute to these dynamic universes.

Currently, the platform thrives on web, Android, and iOS devices, boasting around 125,000 users and approximately 20,000 monthly active users. Its primary audience consists mainly of Gen Z, with a strong tilt toward women. “Most of our users today are Gen Z, and a large share of them are women,” Nayak said.

With this new funding, Fanon plans to expand its user base beyond a million, enhance product development—especially its recommendation engine—and develop robust monetization tools for creators, Nayak added. Furthermore, Nayak highlighted that fandom content already drives significant online engagement, yet it remains scattered across various platforms.

Fanon’s innovative approach to fan-driven storytelling positions it as a game-changer in social media, poised for explosive growth and deeper community connections in the digital entertainment space.

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