RBS acquires AI-powered platform Zeko to strengthen guest experience and revenue management in hospitality

April 27, 2026

RBS has announced the acquisition of Zeko, an AI-powered guest engagement platform specifically designed for the hotel and hospitality industry. Through this strategic move, RBS aims to enhance its technology stack and accelerate innovation in hospitality management, guest experience, and revenue optimization.

With this acquisition, RBS expands its guest experience capabilities as it continues to build a unified digital platform that streamlines operations and supports advanced revenue management across hospitality environments. As competition intensifies in the hospitality sector, technology-driven solutions like AI-powered engagement platforms are becoming essential for improving efficiency and boosting profitability.

Zeko’s platform automates the entire guest journey, starting from pre-arrival and continuing through checkout. It integrates AI-powered upselling, WhatsApp automation, digital check-in, and real-time concierge services into a single, easy-to-deploy layer that works seamlessly with existing property management systems. Moreover, leading hotel brands and properties trust Zeko and have reported revenue increases of up to 20% by leveraging smarter guest engagement strategies and ancillary sales opportunities.

Furthermore, by integrating Zeko’s advanced capabilities, RBS strengthens its ability to deliver intelligent, guest-facing tools that enhance operational efficiency. This integration will help hospitality businesses drive ancillary revenue, reduce staff workload, and create consistent, personalised guest experiences across hotels, resorts, ranches, lodges, outfitters, restaurants, food and beverage operations, and retail environments.

“The guest experience is where hospitality businesses win or lose,” said Glenn Turner, CEO of RBS. “Zeko gives operators a proven, intelligent layer that engages guests at every touchpoint, from the moment they book to the moment they check out. Adding that capability to the RBS platform is a meaningful step forward for the operators we serve.”

“Joining forces with RBS enables us to scale our guest engagement platform across thousands of properties globally,” said Manit Deep Prashar, Founder & CEO of Zeko. “Zeko was built to close the gap between rising guest expectations and operational complexity in hotels. Together, we are extending that capability worldwide—enabling operators to automate routine workflows, unlock new revenue streams, and deliver seamless guest experiences that keep them coming back.”

As hotels increasingly adopt digital transformation and automation tools, this deal will likely accelerate innovation, improve customer satisfaction, and unlock new revenue streams across the global hospitality industry.

Amazon expands Amazon Now quick commerce service to 100 cities across India, strengthens delivery network

BRL Editor

April 27, 2026

E-commerce major Amazon announced on Monday that it will expand its quick commerce service, Amazon Now, to 100 cities across India, thereby accelerating its presence in the rapidly growing quick delivery and e-commerce markets. This expansion reflects the company’s aggressive push into India’s competitive quick commerce segment, which continues to witness strong consumer demand for faster deliveries.

However, the company has not disclosed a specific timeline for completing this nationwide rollout. At present, Amazon Now operates in key metropolitan regions such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where it has already established its initial quick-commerce footprint.

Furthermore, Amazon stated that it will significantly scale its specialized fulfillment infrastructure to support this expansion. As part of this strategy, the company will build and operationalise more than 1,000 micro-fulfilment centres, which will play a critical role in enabling faster last-mile delivery and improving supply chain efficiency.

Notably, this quick commerce scale-up forms a key component of Amazon India’s recently announced investment of Rs 2,800 crore (approximately USD 300 million). Through this investment, the company aims to strengthen logistics, enhance customer experience, and deepen its penetration across urban and semi-urban markets.

“… We have further accelerated our expansion plans and will scale Amazon Now to 100 cities, fueled by a network of more than 1,000 micro-fulfillment centers,” said Harsh Goyal, Vice President – Everyday Essentials, Amazon India.

In addition, he emphasized that this expansion will create new opportunities for India’s agricultural ecosystem. Specifically, the initiative will enable more than 16,000 farmers to leverage Amazon’s technology and logistics infrastructure to directly sell fresh produce to consumers, thereby improving income potential and reducing intermediaries.

Moreover, Amazon Now will extend its services to a wide range of cities, including Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Meerut, Mysore, Panipat, Kochi, Amritsar, Mangalore, and Visakhapatnam, among others, thereby expanding its reach across diverse geographies.

As competition intensifies in the ultra-fast delivery space, this expansion will likely enhance customer convenience, empower local suppliers and farmers, and reinforce Amazon’s leadership in the Indian digital commerce ecosystem.

Axomove raises €4 Million Series A to scale digital health solutions in prevention and rehabilitation

BRL Editor

April 27, 2026

Lille-based digital health company Axomove has secured €4 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate the commercial rollout of its platform and expand its footprint in the digital healthcare market. Notably, the round highlights rising investor confidence in preventive healthcare, rehabilitation technology, and digital therapeutics across Europe.

The funding round was co-led by Bpifrance through its Digital Prevention Fund and Go Capital, while Inco Ventures and existing investor Faraday Venture Partners also participated. Through this strategic backing, Axomove aims to strengthen its position in the fast-growing digital health and medtech ecosystem.

“The confidence of leading institutional investors validates the relevance of our strategy and reinforces our ambition to become a standard of care in prevention and rehabilitation,” said Boris Lévêque, co-founder and CEO of Axomove.

Founded in 2019, Axomove delivers a personalised care pathway that integrates digital health tools with continuous follow-up by healthcare professionals after a hospital episode. As a result, the company addresses the growing demand for hybrid healthcare models that combine remote monitoring, patient engagement, and clinical support.

Moreover, the company reports measurable clinical outcomes, as its solution doubles patients’ functional capacity and increases treatment adherence fivefold. In addition, Axomove generates significant economic and social benefits, including a 50% reduction in absenteeism and a threefold decrease in healthcare expenses, thereby making it highly relevant for employers, insurers, and healthcare systems.

“Since our entry in 2022, Axomove has demonstrated very strong execution capabilities, validating its proposition both clinically and commercially. The combination of a digital solution and healthcare support is effectively addressing a structural issue, such as musculoskeletal disorders, with tangible impact on patients and companies. The project’s evolution, together with the quality of the team and their ambition, reinforces our conviction to continue supporting them in this new phase of growth,” said Gonzalo Tradacete, CEO and founder of Faraday Venture Partners.

Previously, in 2022, the company raised €1.6 million with support from Faraday Venture Partners, alongside home care group Santélys and Groupe JLO, which helped lay the foundation for its current growth trajectory.

With the newly raised capital, Axomove will actively expand its commercial presence across corporate, insurance, and healthcare provider segments. At the same time, the company will extend reimbursement coverage to additional musculoskeletal conditions and metabolic diseases, particularly obesity. Furthermore, it will enhance its technology platform by integrating advanced motion capture capabilities and gamification features to improve user engagement and patient outcomes.

Currently, Axomove serves over 150 clients, including hospitals, corporations, and insurers such as Air France, Thales, Allianz, Alliance Klesia-Generali, CHU de Lille, and Ramsay Santé, collectively reaching 75,000 users. Importantly, the French Social Security already reimburses its solution for patients suffering from lower back pain, which further validates its clinical effectiveness and accessibility.

Axomove currently employs a team of 30 professionals and plans to double its workforce over the next three years, signaling strong growth ambitions in the digital health and rehabilitation technology space.

Axomove’s €4 million Series A funding marks a pivotal step in scaling its digital healthcare solutions and advancing preventive care models. As demand for digital therapeutics, remote patient monitoring, and rehabilitation platforms continues to grow, Axomove is well-positioned to emerge as a key player in transforming patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and driving innovation in the global healthtech sector.

Digital lending platform Kissht targets Rs 926-Cr fundraise at Rs 3,026-Cr valuation

BRL Editor

April 27, 2026

Digital lending platform Kissht targets Rs 926-Cr fundraise at Rs 3,026-Cr valuation — Ranvir Singh, Founder & CEO, Kissht

Digital lending platform Kissht will launch its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO) on April 30, as it aims to raise Rs 926 crore at a post-money valuation of Rs 3,026 crore at the upper end of its price band. This move reflects growing momentum in India’s fintech and digital lending ecosystem, where companies continue to tap capital markets for expansion and scalability.

The company has set a price band of Rs 162–171 per share, according to a newspaper advertisement. Furthermore, the IPO includes a fresh issue worth Rs 850 crore alongside an offer for sale (OFS) of 4.4 million shares, which translates to Rs 76 crore. Through this structure, Kissht plans to strengthen its capital base while also providing partial exits to existing investors.

However, the updated IPO structure represents a strategic revision compared to its earlier proposal. Previously, the company had planned a Rs 1,000 crore fresh issue along with an OFS of 8.8 million shares. With this adjustment, Kissht has streamlined its offering in response to prevailing market conditions and investor sentiment, ensuring a more balanced and attractive issue size.

Moreover, the IPO comes at a time when India’s fintech sector is witnessing rapid digital adoption, increased credit penetration, and strong investor interest in digital lending platforms. As a result, Kissht’s public listing could further boost confidence in the sector and highlight the growing importance of technology-driven financial inclusion.

Kissht’s IPO launch signals a significant milestone in its growth journey while also underlining broader trends in India’s capital markets and fintech landscape. If the offering garners strong investor demand, it could pave the way for more digital lending startups to explore public listings, thereby accelerating innovation and competition in the industry.

Related Digital secures $16 Bn financing for Oracle Data Centre Campus in Michigan

BRL Editor

April 25, 2026

Related Digital announced that it has secured financing for a $16 billion data centre campus that it is developing in Michigan for Oracle. This major investment highlights the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and cloud computing capacity in the United States.

The financing structure includes equity contributions from Related Digital and funds affiliated with Blackstone. In addition, the deal incorporates fixed-rate, long-term debt financing anchored by funds and accounts managed by PIMCO. Consequently, the diversified funding approach strengthens the financial foundation of this large-scale data centre development project.

Furthermore, reports indicate that PIMCO purchased approximately $10 billion of the bonds that priced on Friday, while other investors acquired the remaining portion of the debt. However, PIMCO declined to comment on the development. This strong investor participation reflects growing confidence in AI-driven infrastructure investments and long-term digital economy growth.

Earlier in October, OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital announced the development of a more than 1-gigawatt data centre project in Saline Township. The companies launched the initiative as part of their broader strategy to expand U.S. AI infrastructure capacity and support increasing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud services.

Moreover, the companies commenced construction of the project in February, marking a significant step forward in building next-generation hyperscale data centres. The development aligns with the rising need for scalable, high-performance infrastructure to power AI workloads, enterprise applications, and advanced computing systems.

With secured financing and strong backing from global investors, Related Digital’s $16 billion data centre campus represents a critical milestone in advancing AI infrastructure in the United States. As demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence continues to surge, the project positions Oracle and its partners at the forefront of the evolving digital infrastructure ecosystem, driving innovation and long-term growth in the tech industry.

Pine Labs acquires Shopflo in Rs 88-Cr deal to strengthen D2C checkout and payments ecosystem

BRL Editor

April 25, 2026

Pine Labs acquires Shopflo in Rs 88-Cr deal to strengthen D2C checkout and payments ecosystem — (L-R) Ishan Rakshit, Ankit Bansal and Priy Ranjan, cofounders, Shopflo

Pine Labs has acquired a 100% stake in Shopflo Technologies, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) checkout platform, in a deal valued at up to Rs 88 crore. This strategic acquisition underscores the growing consolidation in the fintech and e-commerce enablement space and strengthens Pine Labs’ push toward building a full-stack commerce platform.

According to a regulatory filing, Pine Labs will complete the acquisition within three months, and it will execute the transaction entirely in cash. Consequently, the move reflects the company’s strong financial position and commitment to expanding its digital payments ecosystem.

Founded in December 2021, Shopflo builds checkout infrastructure and e-commerce enablement tools designed to improve conversion rates for online brands. The company reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, rising from Rs 9.1 crore in FY24 and Rs 0.63 crore in FY23, thereby demonstrating strong growth in the D2C technology segment.

In 2022, Shopflo raised around Rs 24.5 crore ($2.6 million) in seed funding from Better Capital, Tiger Global Management and TQ Ventures. All existing investors will exit the company as part of the deal. “This is our first investment after going public and will be fully funded through internal accruals,” said Amrish Rau, chief executive officer of Pine Labs. “Even before going public, we had around Rs 1,100 crore in cash.”

Moreover, Pine Labs stated that the acquisition will enable it to offer an integrated platform for merchants across offline payments, online checkout, and customer engagement. As a result, the company aims to deliver a seamless omnichannel commerce experience, aligning with its broader strategy to build a full-stack payments and commerce platform.

Additionally, Shopflo provides checkout optimisation tools, analytics, and e-commerce solutions that help reduce cart abandonment and improve payment success rates. These capabilities will complement Pine Labs’ existing payments infrastructure, thereby enhancing value for merchants operating in the online retail ecosystem.

Currently, Shopflo serves more than 1,000 online brands and has enabled transactions for over 60 million consumers. Notably, merchants using its platform have reported a 15–20% improvement in conversion rates, highlighting the platform’s effectiveness in driving e-commerce growth and customer retention.

Founded by Priy Ranjan along with Ankit Bansal and Ishan Rakshit, the startup gained attention in 2022 when Tiger Global made its first seed investment in India through Shopflo. Since then, the company has raised about $3.7 million from investors including Tiger Global, TQ Ventures, and Better Capital, strengthening its position in the startup ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Pine Labs’ online payments business reported approximately 50% year-on-year growth in Q3 FY26, with revenue increasing to Rs 744 crore from Rs 601 crore in the same period last year. Furthermore, the company posted a net profit of Rs 42 crore in the quarter, compared to a loss of Rs 57 crore in Q3 FY25, indicating a strong financial turnaround. Its Q4 results are currently awaited.

With this acquisition, Pine Labs strengthens its foothold in the rapidly growing D2C ecosystem by combining robust payments infrastructure with advanced checkout capabilities. As competition intensifies in the fintech and e-commerce sectors, the move positions Pine Labs to offer merchants a unified, scalable platform across online and offline channels, thereby driving innovation and accelerating growth in the digital commerce landscape.

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa elevates luxury escapes in Kasauli Hills

BRL Editor

April 25, 2026

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa is redefining luxury getaways in Kasauli with its expansive offering set amid the scenic Kasauli Hills. Nestled in the lush Shivalik Range, the resort blends natural beauty with refined hospitality, offering guests a tranquil escape marked by panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and a thoughtfully curated premium travel experience.

Moreover, the resort operates as a sanctuary for relaxation, combining modern amenities with a serene setting that encourages guests to unwind at a leisurely pace. Since joining the WelcomHeritage portfolio in December 2022, the property has positioned itself as a full-scale five-star destination in Solan, strengthening its presence in the luxury hospitality sector.

Additionally, the resort features 93 well-appointed rooms, catering to a diverse range of travellers. It offers multiple accommodation options, including deluxe rooms, suites, family-friendly cottages, and an exclusive four-bedroom luxury villa. As a result, the property appeals to both leisure travellers and families seeking premium mountain stays.

Furthermore, the resort provides a comprehensive range of amenities, including a luxury spa and salon, a wellness centre, and an all-weather heated indoor swimming pool, along with a dedicated children’s pool. These facilities ensure a seamless and comfortable guest experience across seasons, reinforcing its positioning in the high-end tourism market.

Beyond leisure stays, the property has also emerged as a preferred venue for destination weddings in Kasauli, corporate conferences, and large-scale events. Its expansive layout and premium infrastructure support diverse event requirements, thereby attracting both individual and corporate clientele.

At the same time, the resort’s design philosophy balances modern sophistication with timeless charm, creating a space that feels elegant yet inviting. From intimate vacations to grand celebrations, the property delivers an environment that blends comfort with understated luxury, enhancing its appeal in the luxury resort segment.

With its strategic location, world-class amenities, and strong focus on guest experience, WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier mountain retreat. Consequently, the resort plays a key role in elevating Kasauli’s position on the luxury tourism map, offering travellers a refined and immersive escape in the hills.

Radisson RED debuts in Türkiye with opening of Izmir Point Bornova Hotel

BRL Editor

April 25, 2026

Radisson Hotel Group has opened Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova, marking the brand’s debut in Türkiye. Located in the Bornova district of İzmir, the hotel adds 204 rooms to the group’s growing lifestyle hospitality portfolio and integrates directly with the Point Bornova Shopping Mall, strengthening its appeal for both business and leisure travelers.

Moreover, the property features a rooftop restaurant and bar, modern meeting spaces, an outdoor pool, and comprehensive wellness facilities. It also offers EV charging stations and pet-friendly services, aligning with evolving sustainable hospitality trends and guest preferences. Additionally, the hotel benefits from strong connectivity, with easy access to transport links, retail hubs, and key local attractions, while remaining approximately 20 minutes by car from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport.

“Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova brings a new energy to the city, offering more than just a place to stay. From bold design and vibrant social spaces to flexible dining and event experiences, the hotel is designed to reflect the rhythm of urban life while encouraging connection and creativity. As the first Radisson RED in Türkiye, we are proud to introduce a lifestyle-driven experience that resonates with both travelers and the local community,” says Serdar Karlıdağ, General Manager of Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova.

Furthermore, the hotel houses multiple food and beverage outlets, including a rooftop venue and a lobby bar, complemented by spa and fitness facilities, thereby enhancing its positioning in the premium lifestyle hotel segment.

“The opening of Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova marks an important milestone in our growth strategy for Türkiye. As the first Radisson RED hotel in the Turkish market, it strengthens our lifestyle portfolio and reflects our ambition to reach 100 hotels in Türkiye within the next five years. We are proud to bring the Radisson RED experience to İzmir, a city that naturally aligns with the brand’s energy, creativity, and social spirit,” says Yılmaz Yıldırımlar, COO Europe at Radisson Hotel Group.

With the launch of Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova, Radisson Hotel Group accelerates its expansion in Türkiye while strengthening its presence in the global lifestyle hospitality market. Backed by strategic location advantages, modern amenities, and a strong brand identity, the hotel positions itself as a key player in İzmir’s evolving tourism and hospitality landscape, while supporting the group’s broader growth ambitions in the region.

Cohere and Aleph Alpha announce $20 Billion AI merger to challenge global tech giants

BRL Editor

April 25, 2026

Cohere and Aleph Alpha announce $20 Billion AI merger to challenge global tech giants — Aidan Gomez, Founder & CEO, Cohere

In a major development in the global enterprise AI landscape, Cohere, a Canada-based enterprise AI unicorn, announced that it will merge with Aleph Alpha, a Germany-based enterprise artificial intelligence firm. This strategic move highlights the accelerating consolidation trend within the AI industry and signals a shift toward building stronger, independent AI ecosystems.

According to reports, the deal, which remains pending closure, will value the combined entity at approximately $20 billion. Furthermore, Schwarz Group, one of Aleph Alpha’s key backers, will invest $600 million in Cohere’s upcoming Series E funding round, which the company expects to close later this year. Consequently, this investment will significantly strengthen the financial foundation of the newly formed AI entity.

Meanwhile, a few major Silicon Valley players continue to dominate the commercial AI market, which is currently witnessing rapid consolidation and intense competition. However, through this merger, both companies aim to challenge that dominance and reshape the global AI innovation ecosystem.

Additionally, a press release announcing the Cohere-Aleph Alpha union stated that one of the primary objectives of the merger is to provide businesses and governments with a viable alternative to these dominant technology players. Specifically, the combined entity will focus on offering greater independence, enhanced data control, and robust enterprise-grade AI solutions. At the same time, the merger aims to integrate talent and expertise from Canada and Germany, thereby creating a “transatlantic AI powerhouse.”

Ultimately, this merger underscores the growing importance of AI sovereignty, data privacy, and enterprise AI solutions in today’s digital economy. As the global AI race intensifies, the Cohere-Aleph Alpha alliance positions itself as a strong contender capable of driving innovation while offering organizations more control over their technological infrastructure.

The Cohere and Aleph Alpha merger marks a pivotal moment in the global artificial intelligence sector, reinforcing the trend of strategic consolidation. Strong financial backing, cross-border collaboration, and a clear focus on independence and data control position the newly formed entity to emerge as a formidable player in the enterprise AI space, challenge established giants, and reshape the future of AI innovation.

Ananta Hotels & Resorts signs Ananta Elite Dehradun, expands into Uttarakhand’s growing hospitality market

BRL Editor

April 24, 2026

Ananta Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Ananta Elite, thereby marking its strategic entry into Uttarakhand. The upcoming 100-room property, located in Tehsil Vikasnagar in the Dehradun district, is scheduled to open in March 2027.

Apple Valley Hospitality Services owns the property, while Ananta Hotels & Resorts will operate it under a management contract. Consequently, this structure aligns with the company’s asset-light expansion strategy, enabling scalable growth without heavy capital investment.

The development will feature modern banquet facilities, multiple restaurants, a spa, and a range of guest-centric amenities. As a result, the hotel will cater to diverse segments, including leisure travellers, families, social events, destination weddings, and corporate retreats, thereby tapping into multiple revenue streams within the hospitality sector.

Furthermore, the location offers a significant strategic advantage due to improved connectivity following the operationalisation of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway. This infrastructure upgrade enhances accessibility from key markets such as NCR and Punjab, thereby strengthening Dehradun’s position as a preferred travel and weekend getaway destination.

Positioned at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Vikasnagar provides proximity to major tourist hubs, including Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, along with access to the renowned Char Dham circuit. Therefore, the project is well-positioned to benefit from both leisure tourism and religious travel demand.

Mr. Rupam Das, Chief Operating Officer, Ananta Hotels & Resorts (Ananta Global), said, “The location spoke for itself: mountains, forests, and a setting where the landscape does half the work. Ananta Elite, Dehradun, will bring together banqueting, dining, wellness, and comfortable stays in a property designed around its natural surroundings. We are delighted to partner with Apple Valley Hospitality Services to bring this vision to life.”

Notably, this signing follows Ananta’s recent expansion initiatives in Somnath, Ajmer, and Katra. Thus, the company continues to strengthen its presence across emerging hospitality markets, focusing on high-growth destinations with increasing tourism demand.

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