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Quick commerce startup BazaarNow secures $7.8 Mn funding for Tier II and III expansion

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Priyanshu Jain, Arjun Harish, and Tarithnay Mandal, co-Founders, BazaarNow

Quick commerce startup BazaarNow has raised Rs 72 crore (approximately $7.8 million) in a fresh funding round led by Peak XV Partners. The round also attracted participation from Whiteboard Capital, Antler, and several prominent angel investors, strengthening the company’s position in India’s rapidly growing quick commerce sector.

With this latest investment, the Bengaluru-based startup has increased its total funding to Rs 80 crore, including capital secured during its pre-seed round.

Founded in January 2023 by Priyanshu Jain, Arjun Harish, and Tarithnay Mandal, BazaarNow focuses on serving middle-class households in tier II and tier III cities by providing fast and reliable access to daily essentials. The platform delivers groceries, fruits, vegetables, and locally preferred brands while addressing the unique needs of consumers in smaller Indian markets.

Unlike many urban-focused quick commerce platforms, BazaarNow has built its operations around regional consumers. The company offers a vernacular-first application experience supported by AI-powered local-language search capabilities, enabling users to shop comfortably in their preferred language. Additionally, the startup has developed an in-house logistics infrastructure specifically designed to improve efficiency and fulfillment in smaller cities and towns.

“Grocery buying in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities does not look like ecommerce in metros. It is more local, more habitual and much more value-conscious,” said Priyanshu Jain, Co-founder and CEO, BazaarNow. “Our view is that quick commerce for the next 700+ Indian cities has to be built differently. Customers should not have to navigate complicated coupons, wallets or discount constructs to buy everyday essentials. They should get the right local assortment, fresh produce, simple ordering and fair pricing every day. BazaarNow is being built around these existing habits, not against them.”

BazaarNow aims to simplify grocery shopping by removing complicated discount structures and offering a more transparent purchasing experience. Furthermore, the platform provides assisted shopping services, including call-to-order support, making online grocery purchases more accessible to customers who may be less familiar with digital commerce.

The company is also investing heavily in supply chain optimization. By improving inventory management and accelerating inventory turnover, particularly for fresh fruits and vegetables, BazaarNow seeks to enhance product availability and delivery reliability across regional markets.

According to the startup, its pilot city operations have demonstrated strong consumer demand. BazaarNow claims to have achieved more than 1,800 orders per day per store, highlighting the effectiveness of its localized product assortment strategy and operational model.

Following the funding round, the company plans to accelerate its expansion strategy over the next six to twelve months. BazaarNow intends to enter nearby towns and high-density regional clusters while simultaneously broadening its product portfolio. In addition, the startup will continue refining its AI-powered local-language shopping experience to improve customer engagement and accessibility.

The latest funding underscores growing investor confidence in the potential of quick commerce beyond India’s major metropolitan areas. As digital adoption rises across smaller cities, platforms that offer localized experiences, efficient logistics, and customer-centric services are increasingly attracting both consumers and investors.

BazaarNow’s successful Rs 72 crore funding round marks a significant milestone in its growth journey and highlights the rising opportunities within India’s Tier II and Tier III quick commerce market. With strong backing from Peak XV Partners and other investors, the company is well-positioned to expand its footprint, strengthen its supply chain, and enhance its vernacular-first shopping experience. As demand for convenient grocery delivery continues to grow in emerging markets, BazaarNow aims to play a key role in shaping the next phase of India’s quick commerce evolution.

EV startup Ather Energy Board to consider fresh fundraising on June 12

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Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, co-founders, Ather Energy

Electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy is preparing to explore fresh fundraising opportunities as its board of directors is scheduled to meet on June 12 to evaluate various capital-raising proposals.

According to a regulatory filing, the company will consider raising additional funds through multiple avenues, including a qualified institutional placement (QIP), a rights issue, or other legally permissible financial instruments.

The proposed fundraising initiative comes slightly more than a year after Ather Energy successfully completed its Rs 2,981-crore initial public offering (IPO), which marked a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey and strengthened its position in India’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.

Ather Energy may use the fresh capital to support business expansion, accelerate product innovation, strengthen manufacturing capabilities, enhance charging infrastructure, and deepen its presence across key domestic markets. However, the company has not yet disclosed the exact size of the proposed fundraising exercise or its intended utilisation of funds.

The Bengaluru-headquartered electric vehicle company currently commands a market capitalisation of approximately Rs 38,400 crore. Meanwhile, its shares were trading at Rs 1,011, reflecting continued investor interest in the fast-growing electric mobility sector.

India’s electric vehicle industry has witnessed significant momentum in recent years, driven by rising consumer demand, government incentives, and increasing investments in sustainable transportation solutions. Against this backdrop, Ather Energy continues to focus on expanding its product portfolio, scaling operations, and strengthening its competitive position within the electric two-wheeler segment.

Investors and market participants will closely monitor the outcome of the June 12 board meeting, as the proposed fundraising plans could play a crucial role in shaping Ather Energy’s next phase of growth. With the electric vehicle market evolving rapidly, additional capital could provide the company with greater flexibility to invest in innovation, infrastructure, and market expansion while reinforcing its long-term growth strategy.

Ather Energy’s decision to evaluate fresh fundraising options highlights its commitment to sustaining growth in India’s booming electric vehicle industry. Coming shortly after its successful IPO, the proposed capital raise could equip the company with additional resources to expand operations, invest in technology, and strengthen its market presence. The outcome of the upcoming board meeting will offer important insights into Ather Energy’s future expansion plans and strategic priorities.

Paytm to hire 4,000 employees as it expands AI and merchant business

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Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Paytm

Indian fintech major Paytm has announced plans to hire approximately 4,000 employees over the next nine months as the company accelerates efforts to expand its merchant ecosystem and strengthen its artificial intelligence-driven product portfolio.

The recruitment initiative will increase Paytm’s workforce by nearly 10%, taking its employee count beyond the current strength of around 40,000 professionals. At the same time, the company will streamline its workforce by reducing about 1% of its staff, or nearly 400 employees, following the ongoing performance appraisal cycle, according to a company spokesperson. The latest workforce adjustment follows significantly larger job cuts carried out last year.

The hiring push forms part of Paytm’s broader transformation strategy after Indian regulators took action against its banking affiliate two years ago. Under the leadership of founder and Chief Executive Officer Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the company continues to diversify its offerings by encouraging its vast user base to adopt financial products such as loans, investment services, and wealth management solutions.

Paytm plans to continue recruiting until March 2027 and will fill positions across product development, technology, artificial intelligence, and senior leadership functions.

“Over the last two months, we have added more than 800 people and are in the process of recruiting a further 4,000,” the company said in a statement.

The hiring announcement comes as Paytm demonstrates a strong financial recovery. The company has delivered four consecutive profitable quarters, successfully overcoming challenges that emerged after regulatory restrictions severely impacted its banking affiliate.

Following those regulatory actions, Paytm reduced its workforce by more than 4,500 employees. Subsequently, the Reserve Bank of India formally ended the operations of Paytm Payments Bank by canceling its operating license, forcing the affiliate to wind down its activities.

Over the past two years, Paytm Payments Bank has significantly reduced its workforce, although some employees transitioned to other businesses within the broader Paytm group. The remaining few hundred employees at the banking affiliate will also exit as the closure process reaches completion.

Founded in 2010 by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm initially focused on prepaid mobile recharge services before expanding into digital payments, financial services, and banking solutions. The company witnessed rapid growth following India’s currency demonetisation initiative in 2016, which accelerated digital payment adoption and strengthened Paytm’s position in the country’s fintech ecosystem.

Paytm later attracted investments from global technology investors, including SoftBank Group Corp. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. The fintech company entered public markets in 2021 through one of India’s most closely watched initial public offerings.

Although Paytm shares have gained around 7% over the past year, the stock continues to trade more than 50% below its IPO price, reflecting the challenges it faced following regulatory scrutiny and changing market conditions.

The latest hiring drive highlights Paytm’s confidence in its long-term growth strategy and its commitment to innovation in artificial intelligence, digital payments, and financial services. As the company continues to recover from regulatory challenges, it is investing heavily in talent, technology, and merchant expansion to strengthen its position in India’s highly competitive fintech sector. With sustained profitability and an aggressive recruitment plan, Paytm aims to accelerate growth and unlock new opportunities across digital finance and AI-powered solutions.

D2C Nutrition Brand BeastLife Targets Turnover of ₹250 Crore in FY27; Plans Expansion Through Offline Retail, Beast Cafés and Vending Machines

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Mr. Gaurav Taneja & Mr. Raj Vikram Gupta, co-Founders, BeastLife

New Delhi, June 08, 2026: Gurgaon-based D2C nutrition and sports supplement brand BeastLife has announced the successful closure of FY26 with a turnover of ₹105 crore, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey. The company has now set an ambitious revenue target of ₹250 crore for FY27, driven by expansion into offline retail channels, the launch of Beast Cafés, deployment of smart vending machines, and the continued growth of its digital-first business.

The company has also achieved a major operational milestone by becoming EBITDA-positive within just two years of its launch, underscoring the strength of its business model and growing consumer acceptance.

In a testament to its accelerating growth trajectory, BeastLife recently recorded net sales of ₹20 crore in a single month, surpassing its internal target of ₹15 crore. Notably, this figure represents actual net sales after adjusting for GST and returns, rather than gross merchandise value (GMV). The achievement has pushed the company’s annual revenue run rate (ARR) to approximately ₹240 crore.

Founded in 2024 by renowned fitness influencer Gaurav Taneja and former Mamaearth executive Raj Vikram Gupta, BeastLife is a new-age Indian nutrition brand focused on making high-quality, science-backed sports nutrition accessible to a wider consumer base.

The company operates primarily as a digital-first platform, offering a range of products including protein supplements, creatine, mass gainers, multivitamins, and wellness products, catering to fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and health-conscious consumers.

Recently, BeastLife raised ₹20 crore in funding to accelerate product innovation, strengthen research and development capabilities, and support its aggressive expansion plans across India and international markets.

As part of its next phase of growth, BeastLife plans to significantly strengthen its offline presence across India through strategic retail partnerships, experiential Beast Cafés, and technology-enabled vending machine networks at gyms, educational institutions, offices, and other high-footfall locations.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Gaurav Taneja, Co-Founder, BeastLife, said, “We set ourselves a target of ₹15 crore in monthly sales and were delighted to surpass it by achieving ₹20 crore in net sales in a single month. More importantly, we have achieved this while building a sustainable and profitable business. Our focus has always been on delivering high-quality products, maintaining transparency, and creating genuine value for our customers. As we move into FY27, we are confident of reaching our ₹250 crore revenue target through product innovation, deeper market penetration, and expansion into new consumer touchpoints.”

Mr. Raj Vikram Gupta, Co-Founder, BeastLife, added, “The next chapter of BeastLife’s growth will be driven by building a stronger omnichannel presence. While our digital business continues to perform exceptionally well, we see significant opportunities in offline retail, Beast Cafés, and vending solutions that can bring our products closer to consumers. We are investing in building a robust distribution ecosystem and creating unique brand experiences that go beyond traditional supplement retail. With strong fundamentals, a growing community, and a profitable business model, we believe BeastLife is well-positioned to become one of India’s leading nutrition and wellness brands.”

The company expects offline channels to contribute an increasing share of revenue over the coming years as demand for trusted nutrition brands continues to grow across metros as well as emerging markets.

With a strong product portfolio, growing brand recognition, and a rapidly expanding customer base, BeastLife remains focused on its mission of building a world-class nutrition brand from India while continuing to deliver sustainable and profitable growth.

About BeastLife

BeastLife is a Gurgaon-based D2C fitness and nutrition brand founded in 2024 by Gaurav Taneja and Raj Vikram Gupta. The company offers a range of sports nutrition products, including protein supplements, creatine, mass gainers, and multivitamins, catering to fitness enthusiasts across India.

Operating as a digital-first brand, BeastLife sells through its website, e-commerce marketplaces, and quick commerce platforms. The company has achieved a turnover of ₹36 crore in their inception year, 2024-25, and closed 2025-26 at Rs 105 crore.

Ashish Dave sets up new venture capital firm Sanskrit Capital amid VC industry reset

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The Indian venture capital ecosystem continues to witness significant changes as experienced investors increasingly launch independent funds. In the latest development, Ashish Dave, who stepped down as the head of Mirae Asset Venture Investments (India) last year, is establishing his own investment platform, Sanskrit Capital, according to people familiar with the matter.

Based in Mumbai, Sanskrit Capital aims to raise between Rs 700 crore and Rs 1,000 crore for its maiden venture capital fund. The firm plans to adopt a sector-agnostic investment strategy while focusing on Series B and Series C startups that have already achieved product-market fit and are entering their scaling phase.

“It will be a single GP (general partner) fund… Dave is in the midst of receiving the necessary nod from Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India) as an AIF (alternative investment fund). The platform is likely to tap domestic family offices, entrepreneurs, and founders,” said one of the persons, who did not wish to be identified.

The source further revealed the fund’s investment strategy and ticket sizes.

“The fund will write cheques starting at Rs 50 crore and may go up to Rs 150 crore, with follow-on funding that it will make in high-conviction bets. While it will be sector-agnostic, the primary themes that it will follow are fintech, consumer internet, logistics, healthcare, and enterprise AI (artificial intelligence) applications,” the person added.

Dave did not respond to requests for comment.

His move reflects a broader trend across India’s venture capital industry, where several senior investors have recently launched independent funds. Earlier this year, former managing directors at Peak XV Partners, Ashish Agrawal, Ishaan Mittal, and Tejeshwi Sharma, announced plans to launch Mettle Capital, a new venture capital fund targeting $350 million to $400 million.

Similarly, former Peak XV managing directors Shailesh Lakhani and Harshjit Sethi established Ambition Capital, which seeks to raise $250 million to invest in seed-stage and Series A startups.

Meanwhile, former Nexus Venture Partners managing director Sameer Brij Verma launched Northpoint Capital Management with a corpus of $150 million. Additionally, Z47 managing director Tarun Davda is expected to step down from his current role later this year and is reportedly exploring the possibility of launching his own investment vehicle.

Industry experts believe these first-time fund managers will face a challenging fundraising environment in 2026. Limited partners have become increasingly selective while evaluating investment opportunities, particularly because India currently offers a relatively limited pipeline of early-stage artificial intelligence startups.

At the same time, several established venture capital firms continue to explore global opportunities. Funds such as Peak XV Partners actively scout AI-focused investments in the United States to capitalize on the ongoing surge in technology-sector dealmaking.

Dave brings extensive venture capital experience to his new venture. After joining Mirae Asset in 2018, he built and expanded the firm’s India venture investment practice. During his tenure, he invested in prominent startups, including Zomato, Bigbasket, Shadowfax, and Unacademy. He also backed fintech companies such as KreditBee, Raise Financial Services, which operates the Dhan trading platform, and Jupiter.

Before joining Mirae Asset, Dave worked with Kalaari Capital and Mumbai Angels. He began his professional career in trading technology at the MCX-FT Group.

In addition to managing investments, Dave successfully raised two India-focused funds during his tenure at Mirae Asset Venture. In 2021, he launched a Rs 350 crore early-to-growth-stage fund. Subsequently, in 2023, he raised a late-stage investment vehicle with a corpus of Rs 700 crore. He eventually exited the firm in mid-2025.

As India’s startup ecosystem matures, seasoned investors such as Ashish Dave continue to create specialized investment platforms that address the evolving funding needs of growth-stage companies. Through Sanskrit Capital, Dave aims to leverage his extensive investment experience to support high-potential startups across fintech, healthcare, enterprise AI, logistics, and consumer internet sectors. The launch also highlights the growing emergence of solo general partners and independent venture funds, which are reshaping India’s venture capital landscape and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking scale-up capital.

Ananta Hotels & Resorts signs new Ananta Express property in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh

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Ananta Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Ananta Express, Jaunpur, in Kulhnamau, Uttar Pradesh, further strengthening its presence in India’s growing Tier III hospitality markets. The upcoming hotel forms part of the group’s ongoing expansion strategy and reinforces its focus on emerging destinations with increasing demand for organized hospitality services.

The new property will feature 44 well-appointed rooms, including 40 Deluxe Rooms and four Executive Rooms. Guests will have access to a range of modern amenities, including a 60-cover multi-cuisine restaurant, a discotheque bar, a boardroom, a club room, a recreation room, a swimming pool terrace, and more than 11,000 square feet of landscaped lawns.

Ananta Hotels & Resorts has designed the property with a strong emphasis on events, celebrations, and banqueting. The hotel will house the 7,200-square-foot Kabir Grand Banquet Hall, the 1,800-square-foot Gomti Banquet Hall, and the 2,200-square-foot Gomti Open Terrace. These facilities will enable the property to host weddings, social celebrations, corporate meetings, institutional events, and large-scale gatherings.

Strategically located in Jaunpur, the hotel will benefit from its proximity to several major religious, spiritual, and cultural destinations in Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi, Sarnath, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj. Additionally, visitors will have convenient access to some of Jaunpur’s renowned heritage attractions, such as Atala Masjid, Shahi Bridge, and Shitla Chaukiya Dham, further enhancing the destination’s tourism appeal.

Commenting on the development, Rupam Das, Chief Operating Officer, Ananta Hotels & Resorts (Ananta Global), said, “Jaunpur is a market with strong underlying demand for organized hospitality, particularly around weddings and social events. The city’s position between Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj gives it a natural advantage that has remained largely untapped by professional hotel operators. Ananta Express, Jaunpur, will bring together banqueting, accommodation, and dining in a single, well-managed property designed to serve the needs of this growing region.”

The property will operate under Ananta Hotels & Resorts’ management partnership model and aligns with the company’s asset-light growth strategy. Through this approach, the group continues to expand its hospitality footprint while optimizing operational efficiency and market reach.

The signing of Ananta Express, Jaunpur, follows the company’s recent expansion initiatives in key destinations such as Katra, Ajmer, Somnath, and Dehradun. As demand for quality hospitality infrastructure continues to rise in emerging cities, Ananta Hotels & Resorts remains focused on delivering premium accommodation, event facilities, and guest experiences across India’s rapidly growing travel and tourism landscape.

Curefoods defers Rs 800-Cr IPO amid volatile market conditions

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Ankit Nagori, Founder, Curefoods

Cloud kitchen operator Curefoods has reportedly postponed its proposed Rs 800 crore initial public offering (IPO), citing volatile market conditions and subdued investor sentiment. Despite receiving approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its public listing, the company has decided to delay its market debut as it evaluates more favorable conditions for raising capital.

The move highlights a growing trend within India’s startup ecosystem, where several venture-backed companies are reassessing their IPO timelines and valuation expectations amid uncertainty in the equity markets. As investor appetite remains cautious, many startups have adopted a more measured approach toward public listings.

According to reports, Curefoods has chosen to follow a wait-and-watch strategy rather than proceed with its IPO under current market conditions. The decision aligns with a broader shift among technology-driven companies that are prioritizing long-term value creation over immediate public market entry.

Curefoods’ decision follows similar actions by prominent startups such as Flipkart and PhonePe, which have also reportedly delayed their listing plans while monitoring market developments and investor confidence.

Founded by Ankit Nagori, Curefoods has emerged as one of India’s leading cloud kitchen and food services platforms. The company operates a diversified portfolio of food and beverage brands across multiple categories, including healthy meals, desserts, pizza, and regional cuisine. Its brands include EatFit, CakeZone, Nomad Pizza, Frozen Bottle, Sharief Bhai, and Krispy Kreme.

Despite delaying its IPO, Curefoods continues to demonstrate operational growth. For the financial year 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 745.8 crore, representing a significant increase from Rs 585.1 crore recorded in the previous fiscal year. Additionally, the company improved its financial performance by reducing its losses to Rs 170 crore in FY25, compared to Rs 172.6 crore in FY24.

The company also strengthened its financial position ahead of the planned public offering. In September last year, Curefoods secured Rs 160 crore (approximately $18 million) through a pre-IPO funding round. The investment attracted participation from 3State Ventures, the investment arm of Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, reflecting continued investor confidence in the company’s business model and growth potential.

As market volatility continues to influence fundraising and listing decisions, Curefoods appears focused on strengthening its operational metrics, improving profitability, and positioning itself for a future public offering when market conditions become more conducive.

Aikya World School Launches Advanced STEAM Lab to Empower Future-Ready Learning

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Bangalore, India: In a significant step toward innovation in education and experiential learning in schools, Aikya World School, a leading CBSE school with STEAM education in Bangalore, has officially launched its state-of-the-art STEAM Lab designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and future-ready skills among students.

The newly inaugurated STEAM Lab in Bangalore reflects the school’s commitment to transforming traditional classroom learning into a dynamic, hands-on educational experience. By integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), the lab aims to nurture young innovators and problem solvers equipped for the rapidly evolving world.

The launch event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, parents, educators, and members of the academic community, all eager to explore the school’s latest initiative focused on future-ready learning. The modern STEAM facility includes robotics kits, coding workstations, AI learning modules, interactive science equipment, design-thinking tools, and collaborative project spaces that encourage practical application of concepts.

Speaking about the initiative, Rengarajan, Chief Operating Officer of Aikya World School, said, “We believe education should go beyond textbooks and examinations. The launch of our STEAM Lab is a step toward empowering students with creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation skills that are essential for the future. Through experiential learning and hands-on exploration, we want our students to become confident learners and responsible global citizens.”

As industries and careers continue to evolve with technology, schools are increasingly focusing on equipping students with interdisciplinary skills from an early age. Recognizing this shift, Aikya World School has designed the STEAM Lab to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application.

The lab will provide students with opportunities to engage in robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, engineering models, scientific experiments, creative design projects, and collaborative innovation challenges. By working on practical activities and project-based learning modules, students can strengthen analytical thinking, communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Parents attending the launch appreciated the school’s progressive approach toward holistic education and student development. Many expressed excitement about the opportunities the STEAM Lab offers for nurturing creativity and preparing children for future academic and career pathways.

The school’s leadership emphasized that the STEAM initiative aligns with its broader vision of providing holistic and experiential learning in schools while creating an environment where students actively participate in discovery-driven education. The infrastructure has been carefully designed to encourage engagement, experimentation, and curiosity among learners across grade levels.

In addition to supporting academic excellence, the lab will also encourage students to participate in innovation fairs, robotics competitions, coding events, STEM challenges, and collaborative research projects. The school plans to integrate STEAM learning into regular classroom instruction to make education more interactive, meaningful, and application-oriented.

With Bangalore emerging as a hub for technology and innovation, educational institutions are increasingly adopting advanced learning models to prepare students for tomorrow’s opportunities. As a CBSE school with STEAM education, Aikya aims to create a strong foundation for students by blending conceptual understanding with practical exposure and creative exploration.

The introduction of the STEAM Lab marks another milestone in the school’s journey toward academic innovation and student-centered learning. By fostering an ecosystem that values experimentation and imagination, the school hopes to inspire students to become lifelong learners capable of adapting to an ever-changing world.

Arnya Realestates invests over Rs 1,000-Cr in India’s residential real estate sector

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Kiran Kumar, CIO, Arnya Realestates Fund Advisors

Arnya Realestates Fund Advisors has invested more than Rs 1,000 crore across residential projects in India through its maiden debt fund and direct investments, underscoring the growing role of alternative investment funds in the country’s housing sector.

The firm has deployed capital across 11 transactions spanning five major cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Its investment portfolio includes projects being developed by leading real estate developers such as Casagrand, MAIA Estates, Gami Group, and Vaishnavi.

Several projects within the portfolio have already reached advanced stages of approvals and execution, while others have commenced sales in key residential markets, particularly Bengaluru. Arnya has channelled these investments through Arnya Real Estate Fund Debt, its Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), along with direct investments undertaken by the company.

Commenting on the development, Sharad Mittal, Founder and CEO, Arnya Realestates Fund Advisors, said, “India’s real estate sector continues to offer compelling long-term opportunities, and Arnya is focusing on strong partnerships, disciplined capital allocation, and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders… We are planning to expand the platform with newer products and strategies in the coming financial year.”

The fund primarily provides growth capital to Tier-I developers across India’s top eight cities, highlighting the increasing importance of private credit in supporting residential developments amid strong housing demand and tighter access to conventional funding channels.

Speaking on the market outlook, Kiran Kumar, CIO, Arnya Realestates Fund Advisors, said, “We continue to see strong demand across mid-income, premium, and redevelopment-led housing segments, supported by improving developer fundamentals and disciplined supply across key urban markets. With a robust pipeline under evaluation and increasing interest in residential real estate credit, we remain well-positioned for the next phase of growth, including the series 2 debt fund in Q2 FY 2026.”

Arnya expects its debt strategy to achieve a total deployment commitment of Rs 1,200 crore, including direct investments, by its final close, which the firm has scheduled for the end of June. Additionally, the company plans to launch the second series of its debt strategy during the second quarter of the current financial year.

The investment platform has attracted significant participation from high-net-worth individuals and family offices, reflecting the growing interest of private wealth investors in alternative real estate investment opportunities.

Separately, Arnya recently announced the first close of its residential equity fund at Rs 1,030 crore through a platform partnership with Supreme Universal. The firm plans to deploy the initial capital through redevelopment opportunities in Mumbai during the current quarter. Moreover, the equity fund is also targeting its final close by June 2026.

With investments spanning both debt and equity strategies, along with direct investments, Arnya expects its assets under management (AUM) to reach approximately Rs 2,500 crore by June 2026.

The company’s expansion comes at a time when institutional investors are increasingly allocating capital to residential real estate. Strong housing sales, rising redevelopment activity, and growing demand for project financing continue to support investment opportunities across major urban centres.

Furthermore, alternative investment funds have emerged as a critical source of capital for developers seeking structured debt and growth financing solutions. Arnya’s diversified portfolio across multiple residential markets and developer partnerships reflects sustained investor confidence in India’s housing sector and the long-term growth potential of residential real estate investments.

The Fern Residency Vadodara, Alkapuri, Series by Marriott opens in Gujarat

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The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of The Fern Residency Vadodara, Alkapuri, a Series by Marriott, marking another significant step in the hospitality group’s expansion strategy across Gujarat. Located in the bustling Alkapuri neighbourhood, the hotel occupies a strategic position that enables it to cater to the city’s growing base of business travelers, event attendees, and leisure guests.

With this launch, The Fern Hotels & Resorts has further strengthened its footprint in Gujarat, increasing its portfolio in the state to 42 operational and upcoming properties while taking its overall presence across India to 190 properties.

The hotel combines comfort and functionality through thoughtfully designed accommodations and modern amenities that align with the evolving preferences of contemporary travelers. Furthermore, its proximity to Vadodara’s industrial hubs, commercial centers, and major transportation networks makes it an attractive option for professionals, families, and event visitors.

Commenting on the launch, Suhail Kannampilly, managing director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “Gujarat continues to be a significant growth market for us, and Vadodara stands out as an important destination owing to its strong industrial presence and evolving hospitality landscape. The Fern Residency Vadodara, Alkapuri, Series by Marriott has been thoughtfully designed to offer seamless stays, contemporary comforts, and well-equipped event spaces, catering to the diverse needs of today’s travelers.”

The property features 83 rooms and suites across various categories, each designed to provide guests with a comfortable and convenient stay experience. Guests can also enjoy dining at Amara, the hotel’s vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant, which offers an extensive selection of buffet and à la carte dishes.

Additionally, the hotel has enhanced its appeal as an event-focused destination by offering multiple banquet halls and meeting venues. These facilities make the property well suited for conferences, corporate events, weddings, social celebrations, and other large gatherings.

The hotel enjoys excellent connectivity, located approximately 7 kilometres from Vadodara Airport, 1.5 kilometres from Vadodara Railway Station, and 1.5 kilometres from the Vadodara Bus Stand. This accessibility ensures convenient travel for visitors arriving from different parts of the country.

As part of the Series by Marriott portfolio, guests staying at the hotel can also benefit from Marriott Bonvoy’s award-winning loyalty programme. Through its strategic location, contemporary hospitality offerings, premium accommodations, and event-ready infrastructure, The Fern Residency Vadodara, Alkapuri, Series by Marriott aims to establish itself as a preferred hospitality destination in Vadodara while further strengthening The Fern Hotels & Resorts’ growing presence in Gujarat.

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