Veeda AI raises over $90 Million to build robot world models

August 22, 2026

Canadian AI startup Veeda AI has raised more than $90 million in seed funding to develop world models that can create virtual environments where robots can learn through trial and error.

Veeda AI was founded by former Nvidia AI researchers Sanja Fidler, Zan Gojcic, and Huan Ling. According to The Logic, Radical Ventures and Khosla Ventures back the company, citing people familiar with the matter and corporate filings.

Fidler, who serves as Veeda’s CEO, said robots will ultimately need to learn through interaction rather than relying primarily on imitation. In imitation-based learning, machines are trained to reproduce examples of human or robot behaviour.

“For Physical AI, the central challenge is making this kind of interactive learning possible at scale,” Fidler wrote. “The real world is simply not a practical training ground for robots to learn through trial and error. It is unsafe, expensive, and time-consuming. To scale interactive learning, robots will need to learn in simulated reality.”

Veeda aims to shift a larger share of robot learning into simulated environments. In these virtual settings, robot AI systems can repeatedly perform tasks, make mistakes, and adjust their behaviour without putting physical equipment at risk or requiring large fleets of robots for training.

The company describes world models as the foundational technology behind this approach. These generative models learn from large volumes of sensor and physical-world data to produce simulated environments with the quality, diversity, and physical realism required by robots.

Veeda’s vision is to create a virtual world for Physical AI that resembles a Matrix-like environment, according to the company’s website. Within these simulations, robot AI systems could operate through virtual versions of their bodies and encounter different combinations of objects, tasks, and conditions.

“At Veeda, our sole mission is to build simulated reality for Physical AI,” Fidler added. “Our conviction is that this will become the critical infrastructure layer for all areas of robotics.”

The company’s approach seeks to address one of the major challenges in training physical AI systems: providing robots with enough opportunities to interact with unpredictable environments. By using simulated reality, Veeda aims to enable repeated experimentation at scale while reducing the safety, cost, and time constraints associated with real-world robot training.

The more than $90 million seed funding will support Veeda AI’s efforts to develop its world-model technology and build simulated environments for Physical AI. With backing from Radical Ventures and Khosla Ventures, the startup is positioning its technology as potential infrastructure for the broader robotics industry.

Karmic Beauty partners With Skye Air for drone deliveries in India

BRL Editor

August 22, 2026

Karmic Beauty partners With Skye Air for drone deliveries in India — Dr. Vaibhav & Komal Mittal, cofounders, Karmic Beauty

Beauty and skin longevity brand Karmic Beauty has partnered with autonomous drone logistics company Skye Air to introduce drone-powered deliveries across select service zones in India. The initiative marks Karmic Beauty’s entry into drone-enabled fulfilment as the company seeks to enhance the customer experience beyond product development.

The partnership places Karmic Beauty among the early beauty brands in India to adopt drone logistics for order deliveries. The company said the initiative reflects its broader focus on innovation, extending its approach from skincare formulations to the delivery experience.

As consumers increasingly seek faster and more convenient shopping experiences, the collaboration aims to use emerging logistics technology to improve product accessibility and reduce delivery times.

Vaibhav Mittal, Founder, Karmic Beauty said, “At Karmic Beauty, innovation has never been limited to ingredients or formulations. We’re building an ecosystem around Skin Longevity, and customer experience is an essential part of that journey. Partnering with Skye Air allows us to rethink the final mile with the same level of innovation we bring to our products.”

Drone logistics is gaining traction across sectors such as healthcare, ecommerce, agriculture, and public services as businesses explore autonomous technologies to improve fulfilment. The beauty and personal care sector could also see greater adoption of faster delivery models as consumer expectations around convenience continue to evolve.

For Karmic Beauty, the partnership complements its technology-driven skincare strategy by combining science-backed products with logistics innovations intended to simplify customer interactions and purchasing experiences.

Mittal added, “Today’s customer expects products that are effective, trustworthy, and easy to access. Drone delivery is another step towards creating a smarter and more seamless experience for our community.”

Skye Air has established a presence in India’s drone logistics sector through autonomous aerial delivery operations designed to improve delivery efficiency and expand access across service areas. Its technology platform focuses on shortening delivery timelines through drone-based logistics solutions.

The drone delivery service will initially operate across eligible Skye Air service zones. Karmic Beauty and Skye Air plan to expand coverage as drone logistics infrastructure develops further across India.

The partnership marks another step in Karmic Beauty’s efforts to integrate innovation across its customer journey. By bringing autonomous drone delivery into selected markets, the brand aims to combine its focus on skin longevity with a faster and more convenient fulfilment experience.

EV startup Battery Smart raises ₹185.5-Cr to expand battery-swapping network

BRL Editor

August 22, 2026

EV startup Battery Smart raises ₹185.5-Cr to expand battery-swapping network — Pulkit Khurana and Siddharth Sikka, cofounders, Battery Smart

EV battery-swapping startup Battery Smart has raised Rs 185.5 crore, approximately $19.5 million, in a Series C funding round led by existing investor Rising Tide Ventures. Ecosystem Integrity Fund and Blume Ventures also participated in the round as the Gurugram-based company looks to expand its operations and strengthen its battery-swapping infrastructure.

The latest fundraise comes after multiple financing activities by Battery Smart in 2026. In March 2026, the company raised Rs 66 crore in a pre-Series C round backed by Acacia Inclusion, Blume Ventures, and PC-SBI Kurashi Visionary Fund. It followed this with $15 million in debt financing from Mirova in April.

Battery Smart’s board approved the allotment of 34,094 Series C compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at an issue price of Rs 54,407 per share as part of the latest funding round.

Rising Tide Ventures invested approximately Rs 112 crore, making it the largest contributor to the round. Ecosystem Integrity Fund invested around Rs 49 crore, while Blume Ventures contributed nearly Rs 25 crore.

The Series C capital was raised in two phases. The first tranche accounted for close to Rs 97 crore, while the second tranche contributed approximately Rs 88 crore.

Following the fundraise, Battery Smart’s post-money valuation has reached around Rs 4,075 crore, or approximately $430 million. The company plans to deploy the fresh capital toward business expansion, capital expenditure, working capital requirements, and other corporate needs.

Founded in 2020, Battery Smart operates a battery-swapping network for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model allows users to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, eliminating the need to purchase and own batteries upfront.

The model primarily caters to gig economy workers and commercial vehicle operators, for whom battery-swapping can help reduce vehicle downtime and the upfront cost associated with electric mobility.

Battery Smart has raised more than $211 million from investors to date. Its investor base includes Tiger Global, Blume Ventures, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, and other investors.

The company has also recorded growth in its financial performance. Battery Smart’s revenue increased by 43.8 percent to Rs 358 crore in FY26, compared with Rs 249 crore in FY25.

At the same time, the company reduced its losses by 12.8 percent during the period. Losses declined to Rs 23.55 crore in FY26 from Rs 27 crore in the previous financial year.

The latest Series C round gives Battery Smart additional capital to scale its battery-swapping network, invest in infrastructure, and support its working capital requirements. With revenue growth and narrowing losses alongside continued fundraising, the company is positioning itself for the next phase of expansion in India’s electric mobility ecosystem.

Fine Acers enters Ahmedabad with new luxury resort investment hub

BRL Editor

August 22, 2026

Fine Acers enters Ahmedabad with new luxury resort investment hub

Fine Acers, one of India’s leading branded luxury resort developers and a pioneer in the sale-and-leaseback investment model, has expanded its presence in Gujarat with the opening of a new office in Ahmedabad. The move forms part of the company’s broader national expansion strategy as it targets emerging real estate and investment markets across India.

Located at A-613, Stellar, Sindhu Bhavan Road, near Pakwan Cross Road in Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, the new office will serve as Fine Acers’ strategic hub in Gujarat. The facility is expected to strengthen the company’s engagement with investors looking for professionally managed, hospitality-driven real estate assets that combine lifestyle experiences with investment potential.

The Ahmedabad expansion follows Fine Acers’ wider growth plans across key Indian markets. The company recently entered the Delhi-NCR region, where it set an ambitious revenue target exceeding ₹100 crore. It is now turning its attention to Gujarat, which it views as a market offering strong investor demand and significant growth opportunities.

For Ahmedabad and the wider Gujarat market, Fine Acers has set a business target of ₹25 crore by the end of 2026. The company expects demand for branded resort ownership, managed holiday residences, and alternative real estate investment options to support this target. These offerings provide owners with premium experiences while also offering potential rental returns.

Speaking on the expansion, Dinesh Yadav, Founder & Managing Director, Fine Acers, said, “Ahmedabad is not just another location for us; it is an important part of our next phase of growth. We are seeing a clear shift in the way investors are looking at real estate. People want ownership, but they also want convenience, professional management, and an asset that can generate income rather than remain idle for most of the year.

With our Ahmedabad office, we want to bring this proposition closer to investors in Gujarat. We are targeting around ₹25 crore in business from this market by the end of this year. Given the response we are seeing from investors and the strength of Gujarat’s business community, we believe this is a realistic and achievable target.”

Fine Acers follows a sale-and-leaseback model under which investors can purchase luxury branded resort residences and entrust their properties to experienced hospitality operators for complete management. The model allows owners to pursue potential returns from professionally managed hospitality assets without having to handle the day-to-day responsibilities associated with operating a holiday home.

The company’s expansion comes amid growing investor interest in experience-led, professionally operated, and revenue-generating real estate opportunities. Fine Acers is seeking to capitalise on this demand through its portfolio of branded luxury resort projects located in sought-after leisure destinations.

The new Ahmedabad office will function as a regional centre for investor interactions, project presentations, and customer support. It will also support Fine Acers’ efforts to deepen its presence across Gujarat and neighbouring markets as the company advances its national expansion plans.

Dinesh Yadav added, “Our objective is not simply to open offices across India. Every new office has to become a business and investor engagement hub. Ahmedabad gives us access to a market with strong entrepreneurial depth and a sophisticated investor base. We see considerable potential here, and this ₹25 crore target is only the beginning. As we build the market, our focus will be on creating long-term relationships and introducing investors to a new way of owning luxury resort assets.”

With its Ahmedabad launch, Fine Acers is strengthening its position in India’s hospitality and leisure market while taking branded resort ownership opportunities closer to investors in Gujarat. The expansion also reflects the company’s effort to build a structured, professionally managed resort ownership model that combines hospitality expertise with investment-focused solutions.

The company plans to continue expanding its nationwide network while focusing on quality leisure destinations, professional property management, and investment opportunities designed around premium resort ownership. Ahmedabad marks another step in Fine Acers’ strategy to make branded luxury resort ownership more accessible across India.

Fairmont Mumbai and Le Florence India Hosted India’s First Longevity Summit 2026 with AIWO, Connecting Global Science, Biohacking and Emerging Longevity Technologies

BRL Editor

August 22, 2026

Two-day summit launched by Fairmont Mumbai brought together global experts, healthcare pioneers, wellness innovators and emerging longevity technologies to explore the future of healthspan.

MUMBAI, India, August 21, 2026: The inaugural Longevity Summit India 2026 unfolded over two immersive days at Fairmont Mumbai, bringing together 1,000+ delegates from India and across the global longevity ecosystem for a convergence of science, healthcare, wellness, technology, and conscious living. Presented by Le Florence India in partnership with Fairmont Mumbai, with AIWO as the Title Sponsor, Maharashtra Tourism as the State Partner, and DecodeAge as the Wellness Partner, the summit brought together international experts, leading doctors, scientists, biohackers, wellness practitioners, founders, investors, and thought leaders through global panels, expert talks, fireside conversations, experiential zones, longevity trails, and interactive practices.

Far beyond a conventional conference, the experience transformed Fairmont Mumbai into an immersive landscape of longevity, from underwater meditation, Watsu, ice plunges, yoga, and sound experiences to explorations of biological age, metabolic health, brain performance, emotional resilience, and human connection. Even the culinary experience was designed around wellbeing, with colour-coded Yellow, Green and White food zones, each focused on supporting different functions of the body, from digestion and metabolic health to heart health.

At its core, the summit explored a question increasingly shaping the future of healthcare: how do we not simply live longer but extend healthspan, preserve vitality, and improve the quality of the years we live? The programme brought together preventive healthcare, geroscience, human optimisation, performance engineering of the body, bio-optimisation, and functional enhancement, examining the interconnected systems that influence how we age, perform, and experience life. The summit’s philosophy was reflected in its Five Bodies Framework: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Flow, offering a more holistic, systems-based lens on longevity. Rather than viewing health through isolated biomarkers or individual interventions, the framework examined how multiple physiological and psychological systems interact to influence resilience, vitality, and long-term healthspan.

The conversation around longevity also extended into how people live and age, with senior living emerging as an important part of the wider ecosystem. The summit saw the launch of Shremoha, a premium senior independent living platform formed in July 2026 through a strategic partnership between Shrem Group and Emoha, part of Age Care Labs. Unveiled through the thought leadership panel “The New Luxury of Longevity: How Senior Living is Becoming the World’s Most Powerful Platform for Healthy Ageing,” Shremoha brings together geriatric-grade personalised care, preventive health, wellness, and hospitality-led living to support greater independence, purpose, and dignity among India’s seniors.

Nitan Chhatwal, MD, Shrem Group and Co-founder of Shremoha, said, “Senior living is no longer the destination after ageing; it is a platform for longevity. With Shremoha, we are bringing hospitality, wellness, and geriatric care together to create communities built around independence, purpose, and possibility.”

Saumyajit Roy, Co-founder & CEO, Emoha Elder Care and Co-founder of Shremoha, said, “The future of senior living is not about care alone, but about creating places where people can live with purpose, independence, and meaningful connections. Shremoha brings our experience in elder care together with hospitality and community design to build exactly that.”

The idea of longevity extending beyond healthcare into the environments in which people live, recover, and experience well-being was also central to Fairmont Mumbai’s role in the summit. By bringing health, hospitality, food, recovery, and experiential wellness together under one roof, the property became part of a larger conversation around how wellness-led hospitality is evolving.

Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Mumbai, said, “What made the summit meaningful was bringing science, healthcare, wellness, and hospitality together in one space. Guests could experience these ideas first-hand, making the conversation around longevity tangible.”

For Le Florence India, the summit represented an opportunity to bring India’s longstanding relationship with well-being into dialogue with the rapidly evolving global fields of longevity science, bio-optimisation, and preventive health.

Vikramjeet Sharma, Managing Director, Le Florence India, said, “India has always had a deep relationship with well-being, and longevity is giving us a new language to understand it through science and technology. We wanted to create a platform where India could engage with and contribute to this global conversation.”

Across the two days, the programme explored regenerative medicine, stem cells, peptides, microbiome health, biological age, sleep, heart health, consciousness, and other vital markers of human performance. Emerging frontiers, including flow states, cardiac coherence, and the intersection of AI, physics, and medicine, further expanded the conversation around the future of vitality science.

The summit also marked an important step in connecting India to the global longevity ecosystem, with 40+ global speakers, clinicians, and wellness experts, including Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mike Chan, Siim Land, Dr. Chris Kacher, and Dr. Gino Yu, creating an exchange between international expertise and India’s emerging community of healthcare, wellness, technology, and conscious-living leaders. One of the summit’s most intriguing highlights was its water-based longevity experiences, including Guided Underwater Meditation with Dr. Arpit Bansal, an early-morning experience at Fairmont Mumbai’s swimming pool where participants used weights and oxygen masks to enter a deeply immersive state beneath the water. Watsu with Svitlana Vishenska brought therapeutic bodywork into the experience, while Blue Mind practices, breathwork, and ice baths further explored the relationship between water, recovery, nervous-system regulation, and mental well-being.

Dr. Arpit Bansal, Scientific Chair, Longevity Summit India 2026, said, “Longevity cannot be reduced to one number, test, or intervention. It is about understanding how our physical health, brain, gut, emotions, and sense of purpose work together to shape well-being.”

Bringing this philosophy beyond the stage, the summit gave delegates the opportunity to experience longevity through emerging technologies, therapies, and practices, with 10+ experience zones exploring areas such as Gut Health, Genomic Health, AI-Powered Health, Peptides and Longevity, Frequency Technologies and Biohack Gadgets, alongside advanced recovery and wellness interventions. Curated experiences by players like Meotech allowed delegates to engage directly with these innovations, while BluXone, Fairmont Spa, and Longevity showcased Hyperbaric Oxygen, Molecular Hydrogen, Intermittent Hypoxic Training, and Intermittent Vacuum Therapy, bringing personalised recovery protocols into the hospitality environment.

Carna AI’s AI Body Scan offered a technology-led approach to health assessment, translating complex body data into a more accessible and personalised view of individual health. The experience zones also explored emerging frontiers of longevity. The Wellness Co. showcased Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Normatec Compression Therapy, and Body Composition Analysis, while H2 House of Health’s Hydrogen Therapy introduced hydrogen-based wellness into the conversation. HPO Tech showcased a range of technology-led therapies, further reflecting the growing intersection of health, technology, and personalised wellbeing.

For C. Sivasankaran, Founder, AIWO, the emergence of this ecosystem represents an important moment for India as consumers become increasingly interested in understanding and actively managing their health. C. Sivasankaran, Founder, AIWO, said, “India is at an important point in its relationship with longevity, with a growing appetite for better health and an opportunity to build an ecosystem around it. Bringing the right people, ideas, and technologies together is where that ecosystem begins.”

With AIWO as Title Sponsor, the summit underscored the growing role of technology in the evolution of preventive healthcare, personalised health assessment, and human performance. The convergence of diagnostics, data, AI, and emerging wellness technologies is opening new possibilities around how individuals understand their bodies, identify risks earlier, and make more informed decisions around long-term health. Yet, alongside technology and science, the summit consistently returned to a simpler question: what does it actually mean to live well? That question was reflected in the summit’s culinary programming. Food was positioned not simply as an indulgence or a nutritional input, but as one of the most accessible forms of everyday health intervention. At Fairmont Mumbai, the Yellow, Green, and White food zones translated the science of nutrition into an accessible experience, with each zone focused on different functions of the body, from digestion and metabolic health to cardiovascular wellbeing.

Chef Ranveer Brar, Culinary Ambassador for Longevity, said, “Longevity isn’t simply about adding years to life; it’s about staying capable, curious, and connected through those years. Food is one of the most powerful choices we make every day, and India’s traditional food wisdom has much to contribute to this conversation.”

Ultimately, Longevity Summit India 2026 marked a defining step in bringing geroscience, preventive healthcare, bio-optimisation, and human performance into India’s evolving longevity landscape. By connecting global scientific advances with India’s deep-rooted understanding of well-being, the summit placed human vitality and biological resilience at the centre of the conversation around the future of health. The summit was supported by a network of partners that reflected the breadth of the longevity ecosystem, including AIWO as Title Sponsor; DecodeAge, The Wellness Co. and BrainTap as Wellness Sponsors; Global Spa as Lifestyle Partner; and Evavo as Knowledge Partner.

About Longevity Summit India 2026

Longevity Summit India 2026 is the first intellectual property of its kind in India, initiated by Fairmont Mumbai and Le Florence India, and dedicated to knowledge-building around longevity, preventive healthcare, human optimisation and the future of well-being. The summit brings together global experts, healthcare pioneers, scientists, wellness innovators, and conscious-living communities to explore how humanity can move from simply extending lifespan to improving healthspan and quality of life. The summit is anchored in the Five Bodies Framework: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Flow.

About Fairmont Mumbai

Fairmont Mumbai opened its doors in April 2025 as Mumbai’s Grand Entrance—a dazzling destination where grandeur and extraordinary theatre meet the timeless elegance of the 1920s. Located near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the hotel offers 446 luxurious rooms and suites, one of the city’s largest event spaces, and seamless connectivity for global travellers, corporate guests, and leisure seekers alike. Designed to make special happen, the hotel blends legacy and innovation through exceptional dining, pioneering wellness, and thoughtful hospitality. At its heart is BluXone at Fairmont Spa and Longevity, India’s first longevity-focused wellness space in a luxury hotel, redefining modern self-care through personalised healing, rejuvenation, and purposeful living.

Fairmont Mumbai

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand’s unrivalled portfolio of over 90 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures, and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful, and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture, and community of its destinations—renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont Tokyo, Fairmont Golden Prague, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Doha, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai.

Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their cities—iconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group counting over 5,800 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a booking platform and loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services, and experiences. fairmont.com | all.com | group.accor.com

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts | ALL – Accor Live Limitless | Accor Group

About Le Florence India

Led by Mr. Vikramjeet Sharma, the visionary founder of Le Florence India, built the brand from the ground up with an unwavering commitment to excellence shaped by years of learning, experimentation, and an obsessive attention to detail. Known for his vibrant personality, Vikramjeet brings a deeply personal touch to every client interaction, building meaningful relationships rooted in trust. His leadership style is defined by his faith in his team, empowering them with creative freedom to innovate and deliver exceptional, detail-driven experiences. Driven by a vision to create meaningful impact beyond celebrations, the summit represents a natural evolution bringing together science, wellness, and human connection through world-class longevity.

About Shremoha

Shremoha is India’s premium longevity living platform, developed through a strategic partnership between Shrem Group and Emoha, part of Age Care Labs. Designed for India’s evolving senior population, Shremoha brings together thoughtfully designed residences, geriatric-grade personalised care, hospitality-led living, and vibrant community experiences within an integrated longevity ecosystem. Built on an independence-first philosophy, its communities enable seniors to live actively and on their own terms, with access to professional support as their needs evolve. Guided by its philosophy of Live Magnificently, Shremoha brings together exceptional hospitality and geriatric-grade care to create communities where growing older means living richer, freer, and with greater confidence.

Starcloud raises $250 Million at $2.3 Billion valuation for space data centers

BRL Editor

August 22, 2026

Starcloud, a startup developing data centers in space, has raised $250 million at a $2.3 billion valuation as it moves to expand AI infrastructure through orbital data centers.

The latest funding round comes as SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO has renewed investor interest in the space industry, including emerging segments such as orbital data centers.

Manhattan West led the latest round, which also attracted new investors Nvidia and Cisco Investments. Existing backers Benchmark, EQT, and Soma, among others, also participated.

The new funding marks a significant increase in Starcloud’s valuation. The startup was valued at $1.1 billion in March, when it raised $170 million.

With the latest capital infusion, Starcloud has now raised a total of $450 million since its founding in 2024.

The company is also working with Nvidia on the Nvidia Space-1 Vera Rubin Module. The module is designed to withstand radiation and extreme conditions in orbit, supporting Starcloud’s efforts to develop computing infrastructure for deployment in space.

Starcloud plans to use the newly raised capital to expand manufacturing capacity, deepen its engineering collaboration with Nvidia, and procure newer products.

The startup has set an ambitious target of building a constellation of 88,000 satellites and achieving 20 gigawatts of orbital compute capacity. As part of its manufacturing expansion, Starcloud is also constructing a 100,000-square-foot facility in Woodinville, Washington, for its next-generation Starcloud-3 spacecraft.

The company’s strategy reflects the growing interest in using space-based infrastructure to support computing requirements. Starcloud is positioning its orbital data centers as part of the emerging infrastructure layer for AI and other high-compute applications.

The latest investment also strengthens Starcloud’s investor base, with Nvidia and Cisco Investments joining the company’s existing financial backers. In addition, Manhattan West’s Lauren Selig has joined Starcloud’s board as an observer.

Starcloud’s latest round takes its valuation to $2.3 billion, more than double the $1.1 billion valuation recorded in March. With $450 million raised since its 2024 founding, the company is now focused on expanding manufacturing, advancing its Nvidia collaboration and developing the infrastructure needed for its planned orbital network.

Polo Hotels and Resorts to open five-star hotel in Kohima

BRL Editor

August 21, 2026

Polo Hotels and Resorts is set to enter Nagaland with the upcoming opening of Polo Hotel, Kohima, a five-star property designed to reflect the culture, traditions, and character of the northeastern state.

Located in Kohima, the hotel has been conceived to combine contemporary hospitality with elements drawn from the region’s landscape and cultural identity. The property is expected to offer guests a destination-focused stay that connects accommodation with the character of Nagaland.

Polo Hotel, Kohima, will feature valley-facing rooms, dining experiences at Tring Tring, and a spa. Together, these offerings are designed to provide guests with accommodation, culinary experiences, and wellness facilities while retaining a connection to the destination.

The property is scheduled to open soon and will add to Nagaland’s evolving hospitality landscape. Its launch also forms part of Polo Hotels and Resorts’ broader focus on expanding its presence across the Northeast.

With its location in Kohima, the hotel is positioned to serve leisure travellers, business visitors, and tourists exploring Nagaland. Its location also provides an opportunity for guests to experience the destination while staying within a contemporary five-star hospitality setting.

The hotel’s design and offerings are centred on the region’s cultural identity, allowing visitors to engage with Nagaland through its accommodation, food, and wellness experiences. This destination-led approach reflects the growing role of regional culture and local character in shaping hospitality experiences.

The opening of Polo Hotel, Kohima, will mark an important step in Polo Hotels and Resorts’ Northeast expansion. By combining five-star accommodation with valley-facing views, dining at Tring Tring, and spa facilities, the property aims to strengthen Kohima’s hospitality offering while giving travellers another way to experience Nagaland.

Meesho eyes over 10 Lakh seasonal jobs ahead of festive season

BRL Editor

August 21, 2026

E-commerce marketplace Meesho expects to create more than 10 lakh seasonal job opportunities across its seller and logistics ecosystem as businesses prepare for increased demand during the upcoming festive season.

The projected employment generation includes approximately 6.5 lakh jobs across Meesho’s seller network and about 3.75 lakh roles within its logistics operations. The hiring push is expected to support sellers and logistics partners as they increase capacity ahead of the festive sales period.

“The festive season is an important period for businesses across our ecosystem to scale up and prepare for increased demand. This year, we expect to enable over 10 lakh seasonal job opportunities. Nearly 1.3 lakh sellers are expected to hire seasonal workers across packaging, manufacturing, production, warehousing, and inventory management as they build inventory, launch new products, and expand their festive collections,” Meesho said in a statement on Friday.

Across its seller network, nearly 1.3 lakh sellers are expected to recruit temporary workers for a range of operational functions. These include packaging, manufacturing, production, warehousing, and inventory management, as sellers prepare inventory and introduce new products and festive collections.

The logistics ecosystem is also expected to expand its workforce. Meesho’s own logistics platform, Valmo, along with its third-party logistics (3PL) partners, will increase capacity to handle the anticipated rise in order volumes.

Seasonal roles within logistics will cover delivery, sortation, delivery center operations, and supervisory functions. The hiring is expected to help logistics partners manage increased activity during the festive period.

“The festive season continues to create meaningful economic opportunities across the ecosystem, enabling sellers and logistics partners to grow their businesses while creating jobs across India,” Meesho said.

The announcement comes as major e-commerce companies in India prepare for their annual festive sales. These sales typically contribute a significant share of companies’ yearly sales volumes, making the period particularly important for sellers, fulfillment networks, and logistics operators.

Meesho’s projected employment generation highlights the broader impact of festive e-commerce demand beyond online sales. As sellers increase inventory and expand operations, and logistics companies scale delivery and fulfillment capacity, the seasonal surge creates additional employment opportunities across multiple parts of the ecosystem.

With more than 10 lakh seasonal roles expected across its seller and logistics network, Meesho is preparing its ecosystem for the upcoming festive sales cycle. The planned hiring will support sellers in managing increased demand while helping Valmo and its 3PL partners strengthen their operational capacity across India.

Atomberg Technologies plans Rs 450-Cr fresh issue in IPO

BRL Editor

August 21, 2026

Atomberg Technologies plans Rs 450-Cr fresh issue in IPO — Manoj Meena & Sibabrata Das, cofounders, Atomberg Technologies

Home appliances maker Atomberg Technologies Ltd has taken a step towards going public after filing preliminary papers with markets regulator Sebi for an initial public offering (IPO).

The proposed IPO includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 450 crore, along with an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 7.65 crore equity shares, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed on Thursday.

As part of the OFS, A91 Partners, Temasek-backed V-Sciences Investments, Jungle Ventures, Inflexor, Steadview Capital Mauritius, and Survam Partners LLP will sell their shares.

Atomberg Technologies plans to allocate Rs 150 crore from the fresh issue towards brand awareness and performance marketing. In addition, the company intends to invest Rs 100 crore in research and development.

Another Rs 90 crore from the fresh proceeds will be used to repay or prepay certain borrowings. The remaining funds will be deployed for general corporate purposes.

Founded by Manoj Meena in 2012, Atomberg added Sibabrata Das as a co-founder in 2013. The company develops technology-led consumer appliances under the Atomberg brand, including mixer grinders, water purifiers, and cold-pressed juicers.

The company’s subsidiary, Atomberg Innovations Pvt Ltd, designs and supplies proprietary components such as motors and controllers to enterprise customers. Its customers include Voltas, Godrej, and Blue Star.

Atomberg operates across two business segments: consumer appliances and proprietary components. The company currently runs two leased manufacturing facilities in Pune, Maharashtra, supporting both its consumer appliances and proprietary components businesses.

The proposed IPO comes as Atomberg has expanded its operating revenue over recent financial years. Revenue from operations increased to Rs 1,293.77 crore in FY2026 from Rs 796.98 crore in FY2024.

At the same time, the company’s loss narrowed to Rs 149 crore in FY2026 from Rs 199 crore in FY2024. The financial performance provides context for Atomberg’s plans to strengthen brand-building, product development, and its balance sheet through the fresh issue.

The IPO will therefore provide Atomberg with capital for both growth initiatives and financial obligations, while the OFS will allow existing investors to sell part of their holdings.

ICICI Securities, Avendus Capital, and IIFL Capital Services will serve as the book-running lead managers for the issue.

With the DRHP now filed with Sebi, Atomberg has moved closer to a potential public-market debut. The proposed Rs 450 crore fresh issue expects to support brand awareness, research and development, and debt repayment, while the company continues to expand its technology-led consumer appliances and proprietary components businesses.

OPO Hotels launches 50-key OPO Collection SRS in Noida

BRL Editor

August 21, 2026

OPO Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in the National Capital Region with the launch of OPO Collection SRS, a 50-key hotel in Sector 86, Noida. The property is already operational and marks the company’s expansion beyond its existing presence in Delhi and Gurugram.

The hotel operates under a management model, with the deal for OPO Collection SRS finalised on August 18, 2026. Its location near the new Infosys campus places it within an emerging corporate and commercial corridor in Noida.

The property aims to serve business travellers, project teams, consultants, and visiting executives. Its proximity to the Infosys campus is expected to create opportunities for corporate partnerships, project accommodation, long-stay business travel, and institutional requirements.

OPO Collection SRS features 50 rooms and a 40-cover all-day dining facility. Moreover, located just a two-minute walk from the new Infosys campus, the hotel is well positioned to cater to companies and professionals seeking convenient accommodation close to their workplaces.

Noida’s expanding technology and commercial ecosystem has contributed to rising demand for business accommodation in the city. The presence of IT/ITES companies, business parks, and commercial developments has strengthened the city’s position as an important corporate destination within the NCR.

The property’s connectivity to Greater Noida, Delhi, and other parts of the National Capital Region further broadens its potential customer base. In addition to corporate stays, OPO expects the hotel to serve meetings, social events, and transit accommodation.

Commenting on the expansion, Sandeep Basu, Chief Executive Officer, OPO Hotels & Resorts, said, “The launch of OPO Collection SRS in Noida is an important milestone in our NCR expansion journey. Sector 86 offers a compelling business opportunity, particularly with the new Infosys campus in such close proximity. The property gives us access to a strong corporate demand base while allowing us to further diversify our presence across the NCR. We see significant potential in Noida and believe this property will play an important role in strengthening OPO’s position in the business and midscale hospitality segment.”

The Noida opening also aligns with OPO Hotels & Resorts’ asset-light expansion strategy. The company is seeking to build a geographically diversified network of managed hotels across business and tourism destinations in India.

With OPO Collection SRS now operational, the company gains a stronger foothold in Noida’s corporate hospitality market while extending its NCR footprint beyond Delhi and Gurugram. The property expects to play a role in OPO’s broader strategy of expanding its managed hotel network across India’s key business and tourism markets.

1...272829...575 Page 28 of 575

CONNECT WITH US