Bajaj Alts raises Rs 950-Cr in first close of maiden real estate fund

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October 12, 2026

Bajaj Alts, the alternative investment arm of Bajaj Finserv, has raised around Rs 950 crore in the initial close of its maiden real estate fund. The fund will invest in joint ventures with developers to develop Grade A commercial office assets, the company announced on October 12.

The Bajaj Alts Real Estate–Growth Fund I target a corpus of Rs 2,000 crore, including a green-shoe option. It has already secured commitments from family offices, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals.

With this fund, Bajaj Alts aims to expand into equity-led commercial real estate development. According to the company, domestic investment strategies have historically shown limited participation in this segment compared with debt financing for residential developers and the acquisition of completed properties.

“Our strategy is focused on partnering with established developers to co-develop high-quality commercial office assets in India’s key markets,” said Sanchit Bhatia, head of the real estate fund at Bajaj Alts. He added that the strategy would enable investors to participate in value creation from projects catering to corporates and global capability centres (GCCs).

Meanwhile, the fund has identified a pipeline of investment opportunities and plans to deploy capital across select cities over the coming months. Growing demand from multinational companies establishing or expanding their GCCs has also strengthened investor interest in institutional-grade commercial office assets across major business districts.

Lakshmi Iyer, group president for investments and managing director and chief executive officer of Bajaj Alts, said the fund’s first close would establish the foundation for a broader alternatives investment platform.

Bajaj Alts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, was incorporated in 2025. Its investment offerings span real estate, private equity, and listed equities. Furthermore, the company plans to explore strategies such as long-short and quantitative investing.

The Rs 2,000-crore fundraising target will determine the scale of the fund’s investment programme as Bajaj Alts transitions from fundraising to capital deployment. However, the company has not disclosed the cities, developer partners, or individual projects it is currently evaluating.

Century Real Estate unveils The Astoria at Century Immencity in North Bengaluru

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October 12, 2026

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Bengaluru-based Century Real Estate has formally launched The Astoria at Century Immencity, its premium residential development in Jakkur along International Airport Road. The Astoria serves as the residential component of Century Immencity, an integrated lifestyle destination designed around human-centric urbanism. The larger development aims to bring workplaces, residences, retail, hospitality, culture, recreation, and community spaces together within an interconnected environment.

Century Immencity will feature nearly 10 million sq. ft. of commercial space, alongside residential developments, high-street retail, hospitality, and cultural and community facilities. Once completed, the district will accommodate more than one lakh professionals, creating a major employment, residential and lifestyle hub in North Bengaluru.

The broader development also incorporates international design expertise from DP Architects, Singapore, and BDP, London. Additionally, its master-planning approach prioritises pedestrian-friendly movement, landscaped promenades, plazas, green spaces and social gathering areas. As a result, these public spaces will connect different developments and activities across the district, creating an integrated and accessible urban environment.

Within this integrated destination, The Astoria features a limited collection of 334 Neo Luxe Residences spread across five towers on approximately six acres. The project offers around 75% open space, a clubhouse spanning approximately 40,000 sq. ft. and a landscape-focused range of amenities. Its residential portfolio includes spacious three-bedroom and four-bedroom homes, along with penthouses. Residents will also have access to Century Immencity’s wider commercial, hospitality, retail, cultural, and social ecosystem.

The Astoria introduces Century Real Estate’s interpretation of Neo Luxe living, founded on three core principles: privacy, purpose, and design.

Maninder Chhabra, director – sales, marketing, and CRM, Century Real Estate, said, “The response to Astoria reinforces our confidence in the market and in our approach to creating differentiated residential offerings for the evolving Bengaluru homebuyer.”

Initially pre-launched in July 2026 under the codename Bluemoon, The Astoria has recorded more than ₹550 crore in bookings. Strong interest from Bengaluru’s elite circles has contributed to the early response, highlighting demand for the residential offering within Century Immencity. The formal launch under The Astoria identity marks the next phase of the project.

German unicorn 1Komma5Grad valued at $1.35 Bn, bets big on energy AI

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October 12, 2026

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German unicorn 1Komma5Grad valued at $1.35 Bn, bets big on energy AI — Philipp Schroeder, CEO, 1Komma5Grad

German energy technology unicorn 1Komma5Grad has secured a valuation of $1.35 billion in its latest financing round as it increases investments in its artificial intelligence-powered energy business.

The startup plans to invest more than 100 million euros ($111.90 million) in its energy AI platform, Heartbeat, in 2027.

1Komma5Grad describes itself as a home electrification company. Through Heartbeat AI, it aims to automate processes such as energy trading, billing and metering. Additionally, CEO Philipp Schroeder said the company plans to expand into the United States from next year.

“We’re considering entering the US because we’ve seen how much drive and how much interest from investors is actually behind that,” Schroeder said in an interview.

Schroeder also confirmed that the company’s performance in 2027 will play a key role in determining when and whether 1Komma5Grad proceeds with an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States.

The company had put its US IPO plans on hold in 2025 as President Donald Trump’s renewable energy and trade policies unsettled markets.

Meanwhile, 1Komma5Grad reiterated in September its target of generating around $750 million in revenue for the 2026 financial year.

Amazon in talks to acquire AI startup Decart in $7 billion deal

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October 12, 2026

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Amazon is reportedly in talks to acquire AI startup Decart in a deal valued at approximately $7 billion, according to a Wall Street Journal report published on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Backed by Nvidia, Decart has developed Lucy, an AI model capable of editing live video in real time, according to the company’s website. It has also built Oasis, a model that generates simulated environments to train and test robotics and autonomous-driving systems.

However, Decart’s potential acquisition comes after Anthropic decided not to proceed with a deal following due diligence last month. Anthropic had explored a potential acquisition worth $6 billion in August, the report added.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that Decart was valued at nearly $4 billion in May, citing PitchBook data.

Amazon declined to comment outside regular business hours, while the AI startup did not respond to requests for comment.

According to the report, a deal could materialise soon, provided negotiations do not collapse or another potential buyer emerges.

Bellona Hospitality targets ₹650-Cr revenue by FY30, plans 100 restaurants

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October 12, 2026

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Bellona Hospitality targets ₹650-Cr revenue by FY30, plans 100 restaurants — Prashant Issar, MD, Bellona Hospitality

Bellona Hospitality, the food and beverage arm of Phoenix Mills Ltd, aims to generate ₹600–650 crore in revenue by FY30, driven by plans to expand its restaurant portfolio to 100 outlets across its brands, a senior company executive said.

The company, which operates 32 restaurants across five cities, reported revenue of around ₹150 crore in FY26, Managing Director Prashant Issar said.

Bellona Hospitality operates six brands: Ishaara, Dobaara, Cha Hongkong Eating House, Eight, Allora Milano, and Legume. Its restaurants are present in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow.

To support its expansion plans, the company has earmarked ₹100 crore in capital expenditure (capex), which it will fund through internal accruals. The expansion will primarily focus on the five cities where it already operates, along with locations featuring Phoenix Malls.

“There is significant scope for expansion in the five cities where we are currently present. We plan to add another 20-30 outlets across these cities, where our existing infrastructure will make expansion easier and more seamless. We will then look at other major markets, including Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR. We will also expand our presence in upcoming Phoenix malls in cities such as Kolkata and Indore,” he said.

However, Bellona Hospitality will also consider opportunities in other locations if it identifies suitable sites and favourable business prospects. “So, basically, we will explore high-footfall destinations like tourist hubs or commercial hubs going forward,” Issar added.

According to Issar, the company’s next phase of expansion will primarily focus on its Cha, Ishaara, and Eight brands.

Meanwhile, the company plans to concentrate on the domestic market rather than pursue overseas expansion, given the opportunities available in India.

“A few years back, the Middle East seemed attractive; however, now it is not doing very well owing to the current circumstances. So, now our focus will only be on India,” he added.

Juspay reports ₹90-Cr loss in FY26 as AI spending rises

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October 10, 2026

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Juspay reports ₹90-Cr loss in FY26 as AI spending rises — (L to R) Sheetal Lalwani and Vimal Kumar, founders, Juspay

Payments technology company Juspay reported a net loss of ₹90 crore in FY26, reversing its net profit of ₹62 crore in FY25, when it recorded its first profitable year. The company increased spending on international expansion and artificial intelligence (AI) during the year. However, its revenue grew 30% year-on-year to ₹664 crore in FY26 from ₹514 crore in FY25.

Backed by SoftBank, Juspay invested in expanding its international operations and developing new AI capabilities, including Xyne. Additionally, the company continued to strengthen its core technology and payment infrastructure to support the next phase of digital payments, particularly agentic commerce and AI-driven payment experiences, it said in a statement.

The Bengaluru-based company also expanded its presence across international markets, including Asia-Pacific, Europe, the United States, Latin America, and West Asia.

Juspay collaborates with banks and large enterprises in international markets to develop payment solutions and build technology for real-time payment systems. The company claims to support digital payments for more than 500 enterprises globally, with an annualised total payment volume exceeding $1 trillion.

“As we expand globally, we are also investing in AI as part of a broader strategy to build new solutions for enterprises. These investments have an impact on our near-term financials, but they are focused on building long-term capabilities and creating sustainable value for our customers,” said Sheetal Lalwani, co-founder and chief operating officer (COO), Juspay.

As part of its AI strategy, Juspay is investing across multiple platforms, including Xyne, Breeze Buddy, Breeze Universal, and Juspay Genius.

Lalwani and Vimal Kumar co-founded Juspay in 2012. The company claims to process more than 400 million transactions daily and maintains operations across cities such as San Francisco, Dublin, São Paulo, Singapore, and Dubai.

Kay Beauty hits ₹300-Cr sales run rate, grows 3x in three years

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October 10, 2026

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Kay Beauty, the makeup brand co-founded by Nykaa and actor Katrina Kaif, has achieved an annualised net sales value (NSV) run rate of ₹300 crore in Q1 FY27, marking threefold growth over the past three years. The brand now serves nearly 3 million consumers across India and positions itself as the country’s largest celebrity beauty brand.

Launched seven years ago, Kay Beauty achieved profitability within its first year of operations, setting it apart from many consumer startups. The brand currently reports double-digit EBITDA margins and a return on capital employed (ROCE) exceeding 50 per cent. Furthermore, new product launches contributed approximately 40 percent of its revenue in Q1 FY27, highlighting the growing contribution of product innovation to its business.

Internationally, Kay Beauty recently completed one year in the United Kingdom through its partnership with premium beauty retailer Space NK. Shortly after its launch, the brand ranked among Space NK’s top five brands. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Kay Beauty retails through Nysaa, Nykaa’s Middle East platform, where it ranks among the top three brands. Additionally, Kay Beauty became the first India-founded beauty brand to join Space NK’s curated global portfolio.

The brand is also strengthening its premium positioning through collaborations with established fashion labels. These initiatives include a limited-edition collection with designer label Falguni Shane Peacock. Meanwhile, its product formulations incorporate skincare ingredients such as ceramides, marula oil, and chamomile, reinforcing its focus on premium beauty products.

Kay Beauty operates within the House of Nykaa brand portfolio, which recorded an annualised NSV of ₹2,032 crore in Q1 FY27. The portfolio has maintained year-on-year growth of more than 50 percent for three consecutive years.

In India, Kay Beauty products are available across more than 700 offline stores, alongside the Nykaa platform and the brand’s own website. With strong domestic sales, premium positioning, and expanding international distribution, Kay Beauty continues to strengthen its presence in the competitive beauty and cosmetics market.

The Swinton House opens in Kolkata, blending heritage and modern dining

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October 10, 2026

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The Swinton House has opened in Kolkata, transforming a 150-year-old colonial property into a contemporary destination for dining, cocktails, art, and nightlife. The venue combines historic architecture with a diverse food and beverage programme, offering guests a mix of global cuisines and modern social experiences.

Corporate Chef Prince Beniwal leads the culinary programme, bringing together traditional Indian flavours and international influences from Asian, Middle Eastern, and European cuisines.

“At The Swinton House, our vision was to create a menu that respects the depth of Indian culinary traditions while embracing influences from across the world. We wanted familiar flavours to meet contemporary techniques and unexpected combinations, giving guests the opportunity to explore different cuisines within one dining experience. The historic character of the property adds another dimension to this journey, allowing us to bring together heritage, creativity, and modern hospitality,” Prince Beniwal, Head Chef, The Swinton House said.

The menu features an eclectic selection of dishes, including Dabeli Wheels, Samosa Prank, Bloom Bhalla, Thepla al Fungo, Kolkata-Style Street Chilli Paneer, Avocado Galouti, and Tangy Kasundi Paneer Tikka. Meanwhile, non-vegetarian offerings include Laal Maas Uttappam, Ghee Roast Prawns, British Boti, Adana Kebab, and Turkish Fattir and Pide.

Beyond these signature dishes, guests can explore a wider selection of international favourites, including bao, dim sum, sushi, an Oriental make-your-own bowl, pasta, and European mains. This diverse menu positions The Swinton House as a destination for diners seeking a blend of Indian specialities and global cuisine in Kolkata.

The venue also features Swinton’s Pour House, its dedicated cocktail destination. The bar serves distinctive creations such as Sassy Jamun, Mango Tango, Kaizen, Kingsmaker Highball, and Red Eye Flight. Furthermore, its beverage programme combines global spirits with locally sourced ingredients to deliver a contemporary cocktail experience.

In addition to its culinary and beverage offerings, The Swinton House uses its colonial setting to create a distinctive backdrop for modern social and cultural experiences. By bringing together heritage architecture, art, innovative dining, and nightlife, the venue adds a contemporary hospitality destination to Kolkata’s evolving food and beverage scene.

PRANA by Nila Spaces partners with HYROX Gujarat as official real estate partner

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October 10, 2026

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PRANA by Nila Spaces has partnered with IndusInd Bank HYROX Gujarat as the event’s official real estate partner ahead of the fitness competition scheduled for November 26–28, 2026, at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar. Announced on October 8, 2026, the partnership coincides with HYROX’s debut in Gujarat and connects Nila Spaces’ wellness-focused residential concept with an international fitness racing format.

Presented by IndusInd Bank, HYROX caters to recreational fitness enthusiasts and experienced athletes. Through this association, PRANA aims to connect its Power Living concept with a fitness format that combines physical performance and endurance.

Located in GIFT City, PRANA is positioned by Nila Spaces as a wellness-oriented residential community that integrates fitness facilities, recovery infrastructure, technology, and biophilic design. According to the company, its proposed wellness and longevity ecosystem also incorporates air and water systems and spaces designed to support physical vitality and mental wellbeing. The concept focuses on integrating wellness into everyday living rather than restricting it to standalone fitness activities.

Deep Vadodaria, chief executive officer of Nila Spaces, said the partnership reflected a shared emphasis on integrating fitness, recovery, mental wellbeing and healthier ageing into the residential experience.

Meanwhile, Deepak Raj, country head of HYROX India, said the organisation welcomed PRANA by Nila Spaces as the official real estate partner for its Gujarat event. He added that the collaboration aimed to create an experience that would encourage more people in the state to explore their physical capabilities.

The association forms part of Nila Spaces’ broader strategy to connect its residential offering with wellness, performance, and longevity. The company has previously collaborated with health and wellness technology platforms Ultrahuman and DreamSpan. By partnering with HYROX, Nila Spaces is extending this approach into organised fitness events, bringing the residential real estate and fitness sectors closer together.

Furthermore, the partnership reinforces the developer’s positioning of PRANA as a living environment that extends beyond conventional residential amenities. Its approach combines fitness infrastructure, recovery facilities, technology, and community-oriented spaces to support residents’ daily routines.

However, the announcement did not disclose the financial terms or sponsorship value of the partnership. It also did not specify the activities PRANA plans to conduct during the three-day event or outline any special participation arrangements for residents and visitors.

Nat Habit secures Rs 142.6-Cr to expand business and build brand

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BRL Editor

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October 10, 2026

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Nat Habit secures Rs 142.6-Cr to expand business and build brand — Swagatika Das, co-founders, Nat Habit

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) personal care brand Nat Habit has raised Rs 142.6 crore (approximately $15 million) in a Series C funding round led by Trident Growth Partners. Existing investors Bertelsmann, Firstport, Linklight Ventures, and others also participated in the round.

According to a regulatory filing, Nat Habit’s board is issuing 22.5 lakh Series C preference shares at Rs 633.5 per share to raise the capital. Trident Growth Partners is investing Rs 91 crore, while Bertelsmann is contributing Rs 37 crore and Linklight Ventures Rs 6.8 crore. Meanwhile, Mirabilis, Firstport, and Dharmayug Investments will provide the remaining funds.

The company plans to use the fresh capital for business expansion, brand building, general corporate purposes, and other requirements. Additionally, it will allocate Rs 2.6 crore of the proceeds towards reducing its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) pool.

Following the funding round, Nat Habit’s post-money valuation stands at approximately Rs 800 crore. Trident Growth Partners will hold an 11.44 percent stake in the company after the new shares are allotted, while Bertelsmann’s shareholding will reach 17.54 percent. Before the latest issue, co-founders Swagatika Das and Gaurav Agarwal each held a 16 percent stake, according to the regulatory filing.

Meanwhile, Nat Habit has rebranded itself as Breathe Life, signalling its ambition to expand beyond its roots in Ayurvedic personal care. The company offers products such as shampoos, face washes, and moisturisers and is broadening its positioning towards a wider lifestyle proposition.

The company has not yet filed its annual financial statements for FY26. However, its FY25 financial performance showed revenue from operations rising 47.2 percent year-on-year to Rs 106 crore. Despite this growth, its losses increased to Rs 29 crore during the same financial year.

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