Thomas Cook’s experiential brand Nature Trails expands portfolio with fifth resort launch in Rishikesh

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January 23, 2026

Nature Trails—Thomas Cook (India) Limited’s experiential hospitality brand—has strengthened its footprint with the launch of its fifth resort, Nature Trails Rishikesh, located in Uttarakhand. With this addition, the brand continues to scale its experiential travel offerings across high-potential leisure destinations in India.

Currently, Nature Trails operates four resorts across Durshet, Sajan, and Kundalika in Maharashtra, as well as Rock Valley in Goa. Strategically positioned between Rishikesh and Haridwar, the new property benefits from proximity to two of India’s most prominent spiritual and adventure tourism hubs. Moreover, the resort spans four acres of verdant greenery in the Chilla region, near the entry point to Rajaji National Park, and caters to travellers seeking a balance of spiritual exploration and offbeat adventure.

Designed to deliver a nature-centric stay, Nature Trails Rishikesh features 29 well-appointed rooms with private balconies and sit-out areas. In addition, expansive lawns and palm-lined pathways enhance the serene Himalayan setting, offering guests a refreshing escape from urban environments.

Beyond the property, guests can immerse themselves in Rishikesh’s spiritual heritage through visits to Laxman Jhula, Tapovan, and the iconic Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. At the same time, adventure and nature enthusiasts can access experiences such as safari rides through Rajaji National Park, riverside walks, white-water rafting, guided nature trails, and outdoor exploration led by local experts.

Within the resort, guests can relax through poolside experiences overlooking mountain views, tranquil evening walks, and curated dining experiences. The culinary offerings draw inspiration from authentic Garhwali flavours while also featuring popular Indian favourites, thereby creating a stay that seamlessly blends leisure, wellness, adventure, and spirituality.

Furthermore, Nature Trails Rishikesh offers strong connectivity by road, rail, and air. The resort connects efficiently via NH7 and NH34, with regular bus and taxi services from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. It lies approximately 20 kilometres from Haridwar railway station and around 40 kilometres from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, making it an accessible destination for families, couples, spiritual travellers, adventure seekers, group retreats, and corporate off-sites.

Commenting on the launch, Mahesh Iyer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, highlighted that domestic experiential travel in India continues to gain strong momentum. He noted that travellers increasingly seek immersive stays combining relaxation, adventure, gastronomy, and spirituality. He further stated that the Rishikesh property strengthens Nature Trails’ value proposition by offering curated, locally rooted experiences that integrate both adventure and spiritual tourism.

Additionally, he shared that Thomas Cook has pursued an aggressive expansion strategy since acquiring Nature Trails last year. He added that the Rishikesh launch follows the recent opening of the brand’s resort in Ponda, Goa, with several more properties planned for rollout in the coming weeks and months.

The launch of Nature Trails Rishikesh marks a significant milestone in Thomas Cook India’s experiential hospitality journey. By combining spiritual discovery, nature-driven adventure, and thoughtfully designed stays, the resort aligns with evolving domestic travel preferences. As experiential and destination-led tourism continues to rise, Nature Trails is positioning itself as a strong player in delivering immersive, locally inspired travel experiences across India.

Capital One to acquire Brex in $5.15 Bn deal to expand business payments push

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January 23, 2026

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Capital One to acquire Brex in $5.15 Bn deal to expand business payments push — Richard Fairbank, Founder and CEO, Capital One

Capital One announced that it has agreed to acquire San Francisco–based fintech company Brex in a $5.15 billion stock-and-cash transaction. Through this deal, Capital One aims to deepen its presence in business payments and expense management while competing more directly with software-led financial platforms.

With this acquisition, Brex will integrate into one of the largest financial institutions in the United States. As a result, the deal highlights the increasing pressure on traditional banks to deliver the speed, automation, and flexibility that fintech firms already offer. “Acquiring Brex accelerates this journey, especially in the business payments marketplace,” Richard Fairbank, Capital One’s founder and CEO, said in a statement.

Previously, in September 2025, Brex revealed plans to introduce native stablecoin payments, starting with USDC. Through this initiative, the company intended to allow customers to pay balances, send payments, and receive funds with automatic conversion into U.S. dollars. According to Brex, this feature enables businesses to manage both conventional and stablecoin-based spending through a unified platform.

Founded in 2017, Brex initially focused on issuing corporate cards to startups that struggled to access services from traditional banks. Over time, however, the company broadened its offering significantly.

“We started Brex in 2017 by inventing a new category of company that brings together financial services and software into one platform,” Pedro Franceschi, Brex’s founder and CEO, wrote on X. “Brex serves tens of thousands of businesses today, from one in three startups in the U.S. to some of the most important enterprises on the planet.”

Subsequently, Brex expanded into expense management, digital banking features, and AI-powered tools designed to optimize corporate spending. Franceschi emphasized that the acquisition reflects a growth-oriented partnership rather than a conventional consolidation.

“This combination is unlike any other bank M&A in history,” Franceschi said. “This story is about growth acceleration and two founder-led companies coming together to bring a better way to manage money to millions of businesses in the mainstream U.S. economy, who are dramatically underserved by traditional banks.”

In parallel, Brex has increasingly positioned artificial intelligence as a foundational layer of its financial platform. The company actively uses AI to categorize expenses, enforce spending controls in real time, and flag anomalies for review. Additionally, Brex provides an AI assistant that automates routine processes such as receipt matching and expense reconciliation.

Although Capital One has not disclosed specific plans to integrate Brex’s AI capabilities into its existing commercial banking products, the company confirmed that leadership continuity will remain intact. Following regulatory approvals, Franceschi stated that he will continue to serve as Brex’s CEO after the transaction closes.

Capital One’s acquisition of Brex marks a significant step in the convergence of traditional banking and fintech-driven innovation. By combining Capital One’s scale with Brex’s software-first, AI-enabled platform, the deal positions both companies to accelerate growth and better serve underserved business customers. As banks increasingly adopt technology-led strategies, this transaction underscores how partnerships between incumbents and fintech firms are reshaping the future of business finance.

Daspalla Hotels to invest INR 163-Cr in four-star property in Amaravati

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January 23, 2026

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A new hospitality brand Daspalla Hotels has proposed a four-star hotel project with an estimated investment of INR 163 crore in the Andhra Pradesh capital and has formally applied for the required environmental clearances.

According to the project details, the planned hotel will feature a 2C + ground + 17-floor structure and will accommodate 156 guest rooms. In addition, the property will include a wide range of facilities designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers. These amenities will comprise a swimming pool, three banquet halls, and 16 supporting facilities, including multiple restaurants, a cafeteria, a fully equipped gym, and a spa.

Moreover, the scale and scope of the investment reflect increasing confidence among hospitality operators in Amaravati’s long-term economic and urban growth trajectory. As the capital city attracts administrative institutions, infrastructure projects, and private-sector investment, it continues to drive a steady rise in demand for quality accommodation and event spaces.

At the same time, Daspalla Hotels’ entry highlights growing interest from established hotel chains seeking an early presence in emerging urban centres. With improvements underway across transport connectivity, civic infrastructure, and commercial services, Amaravati is gradually positioning itself as a viable hospitality and business destination in southern India.

Furthermore, the proposed hotel aligns with broader trends in the Indian hospitality sector, where developers increasingly focus on Tier-II and emerging capital cities to capture future demand. Four-star properties, in particular, offer a balance of premium services and operational efficiency, making them well suited to cities witnessing phased but sustained growth.

Overall, Daspalla Hotels’ proposed INR 163 crore four-star hotel marks a meaningful step in Amaravati’s hospitality development journey. By introducing modern accommodation, event infrastructure, and lifestyle amenities, the project is likely to contribute to the city’s service economy while enhancing its attractiveness to business travellers, government officials, and tourists alike. As Amaravati’s urban framework continues to take shape, such investments are expected to play a crucial role in defining the city’s commercial and hospitality landscape over the coming years.

Digital payments infrastructure startup Juspay closes $50 Mn in funding, becomes first Indian startup to attain unicorn status in 2026

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January 23, 2026

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Digital payments infrastructure startup Juspay closes $50 Mn funding, becomes first Indian startup to attain unicorn status in 2026 — (L to R) Sheetal Lalwani and Vimal Kumar, founders, Juspay

Digital payments infrastructure startup Juspay has closed a $50 million funding round led by WestBridge Capital, valuing the Bengaluru-based company at approximately $1.2 billion. As a result, Juspay has become the first Indian startup to achieve unicorn status in 2026.

Notably, the funding round includes both primary and secondary transactions, thereby enabling early investors and employees to gain partial liquidity through share sales, according to a company statement. However, the statement did not disclose the exact split between the primary and secondary components.

“Our focus over the last decade has been on solving the core complexities of global payments through first-principles engineering and design,” said cofounder Sheetal Lalwani. “This round reflects our growth and provides liquidity opportunities for our early investors and team members.”

Founded in 2012 by Sheetal Lalwani and Vimal Kumar, along with Ramanathan RV, who exited the company in 2019, Juspay delivers payment infrastructure and orchestration software to large enterprises and banks. At scale, the company processes more than 300 million transactions every day and manages an annualised total payment volume (TPV) exceeding $1 trillion.

Moreover, Juspay serves a broad client base that includes global technology companies such as Google; leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, and Swiggy; airlines like IndiGo; and financial institutions such as HSBC.

Over time, Juspay has expanded beyond its original payments orchestration offering. According to the statement, the company now provides Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and core banking-linked payment infrastructure while operating primarily as a backend technology provider for banks and large merchants.

Previously, in April 2025, Juspay raised $60 million in a funding round led by Kedaara Capital, with participation from SoftBank and Accel, at a valuation of $900 million. Subsequently, the company reported a net profit of Rs 62 crore for the fiscal year ended March 2025, marking its first full year of profitability, compared with a net loss of Rs 97 crore in FY24.

In addition, the company secured its payment aggregator (PA) licence from the Reserve Bank of India in February 2024. However, this development triggered tensions within the payments ecosystem, as major payment aggregators accused Juspay of preferentially routing transactions to its own PA service, citing a potential conflict of interest.

Following these developments, PhonePe requested its merchant partners to discontinue Juspay’s services in December 2024, while simultaneously promoting its own orchestration platform. Subsequently, Razorpay and Cashfree adopted similar measures in January 2025.

Meanwhile, Juspay has continued to strengthen its international footprint, expanding operations across the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America.

“Our conviction in them stems from their relentless innovation, evolving from a payment orchestration platform to a full-stack UPI platform, and now to a core payments infrastructure provider for banks,” said Deepak Ramineedi, partner at WestBridge Capital.

Gati Drives secures pre-Seed funding to disrupt India’s motor manufacturing sector

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January 23, 2026

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Gati Drives, a deep-tech startup building next-generation electric motors that deliver BLDC-level efficiency at significantly lower costs without using rare-earth materials, has raised a pre-seed funding round from Campus Fund. This investment will enable the company to accelerate product development, scale up manufacturing capabilities, and build strategic partnerships with leading HVAC and appliance OEMs across India.

Founded by Suyash Mishra and Gajendra Jain, Gati Drives tackles one of India’s most pressing industrial challenges—its heavy reliance on imported and costly BLDC motors. At the same time, more than 90 percent of appliances in the country continue to depend on inefficient induction motor technology that is over a century old. Importantly, both founders bring deep technical expertise from their time as founding engineers at Naxatra Labs and Motorama, where they led the development of rare-earth-free BLDC motors for e-mobility applications.

“Gati Drives represents a breakthrough in a traditionally stagnant industry that has seen little innovation in decades,” said Richa Bajpai, Founder & CEO of Campus Fund. “We’re backing a founding team with rare technical expertise in motor R&D, addressing a massive market opportunity at the intersection of energy efficiency, supply chain independence, and cost innovation. Their SSPM technology offers the efficiency of BLDC motors at near-induction-motor pricing, a combination that no one else has achieved.”

At the core of Gati Drives’ innovation lies its proprietary Slip Synchronous Permanent Magnet (SSPM) motor technology. These motors achieve close to 90 percent efficiency—on par with premium BLDC motors—while remaining 40–50 percent more affordable and fully locally sourced. Moreover, the motors use ferrite magnets manufactured in India along with indigenous RISC-V microcontrollers, thereby eliminating dependence on Chinese rare-earth materials and imported components. Unlike conventional BLDC motors that require full replacement upon damage, SSPM motors allow component-level repairs, making them especially well-suited for cost-sensitive Indian markets.

Meanwhile, India’s sub-1kW motor market presents a substantial growth opportunity, currently valued at $4.7 billion and expanding at an estimated CAGR of 8.5 percent. In particular, the HVAC sector is expected to reach $29.4 billion by 2030, driven by extreme climate conditions, increasing middle-class consumption, and government-led mandates for energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, China’s restrictions on rare-earth exports—covering nearly 90 percent of global supply—have intensified the urgency for Indian manufacturers to adopt domestic alternatives.

“Electric motors have powered the world for over a century, yet manufacturers still face an impossible choice: expensive imported BLDC motors or inefficient induction motors that waste 30-50% of electricity as heat,” said Suyash Mishra, Co-founder and CEO of Gati Drives. “Our SSPM technology breaks this tradeoff. Campus Fund’s backing validates our vision of making India a global hub for advanced motor technology while delivering real energy savings to millions of households.”

Currently, Gati Drives is witnessing strong traction from industry players, with pilot programs already underway with several prominent Indian companies. Going forward, the company will deploy the fresh capital primarily toward scaling manufacturing, expanding its engineering and operations teams, and completing mandatory certifications for commercial rollout. The startup targets pilot production of 1,000–2,000 units per month by early 2026 and plans to subsequently expand into fans, pumps, and eventually electric vehicle motors.

Ultimately, Gati Drives joins Campus Fund’s growing portfolio of student-led startups that are reshaping India’s industrial ecosystem. These ventures stand out for building deep-tech solutions that address foundational market gaps through innovation, local sourcing, and strong engineering-led execution.

Thrive Global AI Launches AI-Driven Platform to Simplify Global E-commerce Growth

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January 23, 2026

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Thrive Global AI Launches AI-Driven Platform to Simplify Global E-commerce Growth — Priyanka Aeron, Co-Founder, Thrive Global AI

21st January, National: Thrive Global AI has announced the launch of its AI-based enterprise expansion platform, Vector AI, aimed at assisting brands and contemporary entrepreneurs in coping with the growing intricacy of global digital commerce. The platform that employs AI, real-time data, and performance intelligence offers a solution to one of the most significant problems e-commerce businesses are experiencing presently, thus allowing them to make faster, smarter, and more effective growth decisions.

Historically, the growth of e-commerce has been the result of a complex mix of tools and agency-led execution. Advertising, analytics, content creation, and performance tracking are frequently handled by different teams, which leads to scattered data, delayed insights, and operational inefficiencies. Thrive Global AI envisions a new approach by uniting performance data, consumer behavior insights, and growth opportunities in a single, integrated AI-powered ecosystem.

According to Priyanka Aeron, Co-Founder, Thrive Global AI, “E-commerce is really at a pivotal stage. More than ever, brands are producing lots of data, yet the majority do not have proper tools to convert it into decisions that create actual results. The goal of Thrive Global AI was to fill this opening by making AI practical, by taking actions that are directly related to the measurement of business outcomes, thus allowing brands to become more intelligent, to scale up faster, and to have every decision count.”

Thrive Global AI has been unveiled just as the global e-commerce market is experiencing a major transformation in its structure. With the increasing reach of digital commerce over the various platforms and markets, AI has transitioned from being just a tool to becoming a vital commercial enabler. The old ways of growth through e-commerce have to confront the challenge of delivering fast, accurate, and consistent results at the same time, which has made the demand for intelligent and flexible solutions all the more pressing.

Thrive Global AI’s near-term vision is to win the global e-commerce industry over through trust, traction, and measurable impact. The company plans to carry out this vision by being in close contact with brands in early and growth stages, constantly improving its AI models, and forming alliances with the right partners. By following this strategy, Thrive Global AI is coming as a trusted partner in the AI-led growth process, enabling businesses to become smarter, to run more efficiently, and to expand internationally with the support of self-assurance.

About the Company

Thrive Global AI is an AI-powered marketing and growth intelligence company built to help brands make smarter, faster, and more confident growth decisions in an increasingly AI-driven digital ecosystem. Founded in November 2025 by Priyanka Aeron, Thrive Global AI was established with a clear vision to leverage artificial intelligence, real-time data, and predictive insights to deliver measurable and sustainable business growth. The company works with global clients, supported by a team of 30 professionals specializing in AI, performance marketing, data intelligence, and digital strategy.

Lemon Tree Hotels strengthens religious tourism footprint with Omkareshwar signing

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January 22, 2026

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Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of Lemon Tree Premier, Omkareshwar, located in Madhya Pradesh. The company will operate the property through Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited.

Through this signing, Lemon Tree Hotels further strengthens its presence in Madhya Pradesh and simultaneously expands its portfolio to cater to both business and leisure travellers. Consequently, the destination holds strong religious importance and continues to witness a steady flow of pilgrims throughout the year.

Lemon Tree Premier, Omkareshwar will offer 85 well-appointed rooms, along with a restaurant, a banquet hall, and a meeting room. In addition, the property will feature recreational amenities, including a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and a spa, thereby enhancing the overall guest experience. The hotel is located approximately 85 kilometres from Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport and about 81 kilometres from Indore Junction, while remaining easily accessible via both public and private transportation.

Commenting on the development, Vilas Pawar, CEO of Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we are pleased to extend our business and leisure portfolio in Madhya Pradesh. Omkareshwar is an ideal destination for pilgrims and travellers seeking divine blessings, spiritual reflection, and a deep connection with India’s ancient heritage. The state has four operational and 10 upcoming hotels.”

The signing of Lemon Tree Premier, Omkareshwar, reflects Lemon Tree Hotels’ continued focus on expanding its footprint in spiritually significant and high-potential destinations. By combining strategic location selection with a well-rounded hospitality offering, the group continues to strengthen its presence in Madhya Pradesh while addressing the evolving needs of pilgrims and leisure travellers alike.

Mittal Builders strengthens presence in Matunga through upscale redevelopment

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January 22, 2026

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Mittal Builders, one of Mumbai’s most trusted and well-established real estate developers, continues to play a defining role in the city’s redevelopment journey. With landmark projects across several prominent neighbourhoods, the developer actively focuses on creating contemporary living spaces that respond to evolving urban needs while, at the same time, preserving the character and continuity of long-established communities.

Among its ongoing initiatives, one of Mittal Builders’ luxury redevelopment projects is taking shape in Matunga (East) through a joint venture with Godrej Properties Ltd. and, in doing so, reinforces the developer’s collaborative approach to delivering large-scale, high-quality redevelopment.

The project spans 1.4 acres and sits close to the iconic Five Gardens, carrying a Gross Development Value (GDV) of over INR 900 crore. Prospective homeowners can experience spacious 3 BHK residences complemented by curated amenities that seamlessly blend timeless architecture with modern comfort. Recently, the project also unveiled its show flat, offering a first-hand glimpse into the elegance and lifestyle the development promises.

Meanwhile, Matunga continues to stand out as one of Mumbai’s most distinctive residential neighbourhoods, defined by its abundant green cover and deeply rooted community life. Notably, its sense of calm remains its strongest appeal, even as rapid urban transformation reshapes the surrounding cityscape.

Over generations, families have lived in Matunga, giving the locality a warmth and familiarity that few neighbourhoods can replicate. Additionally, the presence of reputed educational institutions and healthcare facilities has shaped the area’s identity over the years. More recently, artisanal cafés, boutique dining destinations, and wellness spaces have infused a contemporary rhythm into the locality. Strategically located between South and Central Mumbai, Matunga offers seamless access to key business hubs such as BKC, Lower Parel, and Worli, while still retaining a distinctly residential character.

Sharing his perspective, Akshay Mittal, Promoter, Mittal Builders, said, “For our luxury Matunga project, we have kept every stage of planning and design true to the character of the neighbourhood. At the heart of this journey are the 130-plus tenants who have trusted us through the shift from tenanted redevelopment to ownership. It is our goal to foster a community and a better quality of life. Looking at 2026, we expect premium redevelopment to play a larger role in our portfolio with new launches in the second half of the year.”

Looking ahead, Rahul Mittal, Promoter, Mittal Builders, spoke about future plans and said, “We have strived to build in established neighbourhoods with long-term vision. We are currently evaluating expansion opportunities across Matunga, including Five Gardens and Wadala. Our approach is to grow with intent without compromising on timely delivery and backing locations where quality, scale, and liveability come together in a meaningful way.”

By consistently combining redevelopment expertise, selective collaborations, and a clear focus on locations with proven demand, Mittal Builders continues to strengthen its footprint in Mumbai’s premium housing segment. At the same time, as the city’s urban landscape evolves, the developer remains firmly committed to delivering projects that balance contemporary living while preserving the enduring character and continuity of the communities they serve.

Mittal Builders’ focused redevelopment strategy in Matunga highlights its ability to blend legacy, liveability, and modern design. Through thoughtful collaborations and a long-term vision, the developer is not only reshaping Mumbai’s residential fabric but also setting a benchmark for premium redevelopment that respects community values while meeting future urban aspirations.

Climate-focused cooling startup Optimist secures $12 Mn to reimagine air conditioning in India

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January 22, 2026

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Climate-focused cooling startup Optimist secures $12 Mn to reimagine air conditioning in India — Ashish Goel, Co-Founder and CEO, Optimist

Air conditioning startup Optimist, founded by Urban Ladder cofounder Ashish Goel, has raised $12 million in a funding round led by Accel and Arkam Ventures.

In addition, the round attracted participation from Sparrow Capital and several prominent angel investors, including Ather Energy founders Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, along with Bombay Shaving Company founder Shantanu Deshpande, among others.

The company plans to deploy the newly raised capital toward research and development, go-to-market expansion, strengthening its retail service network, and scaling up manufacturing capacity.

“With increasing heat stress, current air conditioners are neither designed for the changing climate nor built with the Indian consumer in mind,” Goel said.

Founded in 2024 by Ashish Goel and Pranav Chopra, the Gurugram-based consumer brand designs and manufactures air conditioners specifically tailored to Indian weather conditions and usage patterns.

“The two biggest outcomes we have focused on with our AC are delivering high-grade cooling and making it as energy-efficient as possible,” Goel said.

Going forward, Optimist will sell its products through a direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform as well as exclusive brand stores. The startup plans to launch its products next month across Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Bengaluru before expanding into additional cities.

“Customers are not buying a product for just this year. Everyone knows it’s getting warmer. So, when a heatwave worse than 2024 hits, we need to be ready with a better product. And that’s what we’re bringing to the market,” Goel added.

Previously, Goel co-founded online furniture retailer Urban Ladder, which Reliance Industries acquired in 2020. At the time, Reliance Retail Ventures purchased a 96 percent stake for Rs 182 crore in an all-cash transaction, a deal widely viewed as a distress sale amid rising competition from large e-commerce players such as Amazon and Flipkart, along with an influx of niche vertical e-commerce companies.

Commenting on the investment, Prashanth Prakash, Partner at Accel, said, “As cooling demand rises alongside climate pressures, efficient and reliable air conditioning will become critical infrastructure.”

Similarly, Bala Srinivasa, Managing Director at Arkam Ventures, said, “The Optimist team is reimagining how cost-effective and efficient cooling can address heat stress impacting hundreds of millions of Indians.”

Optimist is positioning itself at the intersection of climate resilience, energy efficiency, and consumer-centric design. Backed by marquee investors and led by a seasoned founder, the company aims to redefine air conditioning for India’s warming climate while addressing low penetration through innovation, manufacturing scale, and a focused go-to-market strategy.

Alivaa Hotels & Resorts ties up with FLXHO Cyber One to expand The Hoften Brand in Gurugram

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January 22, 2026

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Alivaa Hotels & Resorts has finalized a strategic alliance with FLXHO Cyber One in Gurugram, thereby expanding The Hoften brand’s presence to five prominent locations across the city. Through this move, Alivaa aims to leverage its robust distribution network and, consequently, accelerate sales momentum in India’s largest corporate hub.

With the addition of FLXHO Cyber One, Alivaa brings 68 rooms at DLF Phase 3 into its portfolio, and as a result, further consolidates its Gurugram cluster while improving coverage across high-demand corporate travel corridors.

Located on MG Road, FLXHO Cyber One now operates under The Hoften brand, which caters specifically to corporate travellers who value efficiency, convenience, and strong urban connectivity. The Hoften continues to focus on delivering a high-utility stay format that aligns closely with the operational and commercial requirements of major corporate accounts.

Following this expansion, Alivaa will now drive the sales strategy for an integrated Gurugram network that includes one flagship Alivaa property and five Hoften locations. As a result, the company strengthens its mid-market positioning, offering business travellers a more cohesive, scalable, and reliable hospitality network.

Commenting on the development, Vikramjit Singh, Founder of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, said that strengthening leadership in high-yield urban centres like Gurugram remains central to ALIVAA’s long-term growth strategy. He added that the alliance marks the start of a sustained relationship with FLXHO, with plans to co-develop multiple future assets, while reinforcing ALIVAA’s positioning as a preferred partner for owners seeking performance-driven sales outcomes.

Meanwhile, Akash Bhatia, CEO of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business), noted that the partnership with FLXHO represents a strategic step toward scaling Alivaa’s sales capabilities in the mid-market segment. He added that the addition makes this the fifth Hoften property in Gurugram, enabling the brand to offer corporate clients a high-volume, dependable network that drives stronger conversions and consistent value delivery.

Additionally, Harpreet Chatwal, who facilitated the alliance, shared that the collaboration centres on commercial excellence. He added that integrating FLXHO’s high-quality asset into Alivaa’s aggressive sales engine strengthens the hospitality ecosystem, better serves corporate demand, and simultaneously improves occupancy levels and market share for both brands.

From the ownership perspective, Nipun Bhandari, Founder of FLXHO, stated that the brand is enthusiastic about aligning with Alivaa and believes that Alivaa’s distribution strength and market reach will unlock the full commercial potential of FLXHO Cyber One, resulting in improved returns and a stronger market presence.

Further reinforcing this view, Sidharth Aggarwal, COO of FLXHO, shared that FLXHO was created to deliver living solutions tailored to the modern professional. He added that partnering with Alivaa connects the property to a powerful sales engine and a deep distribution network, ensuring FLXHO Cyber One achieves its commercial objectives while elevating standards for flexible stays.

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