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Proptech startup VerbaFlo secures $7M in funding to scale AI platform for real estate operations

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VerbaFlo, a conversational AI platform transforming customer engagement for real estate businesses, has raised $7 million in a seed funding round led by Pi Labs. Additionally, investors such as Haatch, Navigate Ventures, Old College Capital, and several global family offices participated in the round, along with follow-on investments from anchor backers. As a result, VerbaFlo’s total funding now stands at approximately $9 million.

Founded in October 2024 by Sayantan Biswas, Abhishek Garg, VP Singh, and Dan Smith, the company enables real estate owners and operators to automate leasing, operations, and resident engagement through conversational AI. By leveraging advanced AI capabilities, VerbaFlo addresses inefficiencies in communication and workflow management within the real estate sector.

Currently, VerbaFlo powers communication and operations across more than 200,000 units globally while adding nearly 30,000 units every month. Moreover, the platform supports conversations in over 200 languages, thereby enabling seamless engagement across diverse markets. The company serves leading operators across the UK and Europe and has recently expanded into the United States. Furthermore, it continues to scale its presence across the Middle East, Australia, South Africa, and additional European markets. Its client portfolio includes major operators such as Homes for Students, Moda Living, Fusion Students, Housing Hand, and Downing, among over 40 others.

Sayantan Biswas, Founder at VerbaFlo, said, “Real estate is one of the largest industries in the world, yet much of its revenue still depends on fragmented communication across channels. We built VerbaFlo to address this by creating a purpose-built vertical AI platform for residential real estate that integrates with the systems operators already use, enabling them to automate and optimize conversations across the resident life cycle. Today, VerbaFlo supports more than 40 use cases across enquiry management, lead qualification, bookings, onboarding, and resident engagement. We are incredibly proud to have the backing of Pi Labs alongside an exceptional group of investors, and this investment will accelerate product development and expand our presence across the UK, US, and European markets.”

Meanwhile, Faisal Butt, Founder & Managing Partner at Pi Labs, said, “Sayantan and his team have built an exceptional AI-native platform for multi-unit residential, using agentic AI to orchestrate leasing and property management. The impact is immediate: faster leasing, lower operational friction, and a better resident experience. VerbaFlo is exactly the type of vertical AI company we are backing at Pi Labs, a platform that delivers measurable operational impact for global real estate owners. We believe the next wave of value creation in the built world will be driven by applied, vertical AI, a thesis we are executing on in our latest fund, Pi Labs Fund IV.”

In addition, Ivan Nikkhoo, Founder and Managing Partner at Navigate Ventures, said, “AI is transforming what is possible in vertical markets like real estate that have often been underserved by traditional enterprise software. The door is now open to bold startups like VerbaFlo that have a clear strategy for augmenting legacy systems and becoming the intelligence layer for the world’s largest real estate operators. We’re excited by the team’s vision and the impact VerbaFlo can have across the industry.”

Bay Downing, Joint CEO of Downing, said, “The impact Verbaflo is having on the residential sector is remarkable. By automating lead generation and significantly lowering the cost of acquisition for operators, they are solving one of the most persistent challenges in the industry. The traction they have built across the UK and Europe has been exciting to witness, and I look forward to seeing them take this globally.”

Unlike traditional chatbots layered onto existing systems, VerbaFlo has built a purpose-driven AI communications platform specifically for real estate. Notably, operators use the platform to deploy multiple specialized AI agents across functions such as sales, leasing, marketing, finance, operations, maintenance, and resident engagement. Each agent integrates directly with live systems, thereby enabling it to qualify leads, respond to property queries, schedule viewings, automate follow-ups, manage maintenance requests, and update records in real time.

Furthermore, by centralizing communication across email, web chat, WhatsApp, phone, and other channels, VerbaFlo ensures instant, 24/7 responses in more than 200 languages. Consequently, instead of adding another tool to the tech stack, the platform acts as an intelligent layer that seamlessly manages communication, data, and operational workflows at scale. This results in faster response times, improved conversion rates, reduced manual workload, and enhanced portfolio visibility for operators.

As a result of its rapid growth, VerbaFlo has emerged as one of the largest vertical AI platforms serving real estate operators across the UK and Europe. By integrating deeply with existing systems, the company is positioning itself as a core infrastructure layer for modern property businesses seeking to optimize customer engagement and operations.

Looking ahead, VerbaFlo plans to utilize the newly raised capital to accelerate its expansion into the United States and other global markets. Additionally, the company will invest in product innovation and scale its team worldwide, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the evolving proptech landscape.

BWH Hotels signs Best Western property in Mathura, targets pilgrimage tourism sector

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Atul Jain, Chief Operating Officer, BWH Hotels South Asia

BWH Hotels South Asia has announced the signing of a new Best Western property in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, with the hotel expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2027. This development aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand across key pilgrimage destinations in India, thereby strengthening its presence in high-demand travel markets.

Meanwhile, Mathura—widely known for its deep religious significance and rich cultural heritage—continues to attract a steady influx of tourists each year. Furthermore, ongoing improvements in infrastructure and connectivity have enhanced accessibility, creating favorable conditions for branded hospitality growth. As a result, the company views the city as a strong opportunity for expanding its portfolio.

The upcoming hotel will feature 72 well-appointed guestrooms designed to offer comfort and convenience. In addition, the property will include an all-day dining restaurant and bar, along with meeting and banqueting facilities to cater to events and gatherings. Moreover, a swimming pool will further enhance the guest experience. Overall, the hotel will target both leisure travellers and group segments visiting the destination.

Commenting on the signing, Atul Jain, Chief Operating Officer, BWH Hotels South Asia, said, “Mathura holds immense spiritual and cultural importance, attracting millions of visitors annually. This signing reinforces our commitment to expand in high-growth spiritual destinations across India. With a phased development approach, we are ensuring a strong market entry while delivering the trusted standards and comfort that guests associate with the Best Western brand.”

Rahul Agrawal, the Owner, added, “We are proud to partner with Best Western to introduce an internationally recognized brand to Mathura. This project is envisioned to elevate the hospitality landscape of the city by offering modern amenities, professional service standards, and facilities that meet the expectations of today’s discerning pilgrims and travelers.”

BWH Hotels South Asia’s expansion into Mathura marks a strategic move to tap into the city’s strong tourism potential. By introducing a globally recognized brand like Best Western, the company aims to elevate hospitality standards while catering to the evolving needs of pilgrims and modern travellers alike.

Ramee Group partners with Pure Hotels to launch boutique property in Mohali

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The Ramee Group of Hotels has announced the signing of a new boutique hotel in Mohali in partnership with Pure Hotels Pvt. Ltd., thereby marking its continued expansion in North India. This development follows the successful introduction of the group’s boutique concept in Amritsar and, consequently, reflects its strategic focus on strengthening its presence in emerging urban markets.

Meanwhile, Mohali—a key part of the Chandigarh-Panchkula-Mohali Tricity region—has witnessed significant infrastructure growth and rising business activity in recent years. Additionally, the city’s proximity to the international airport, IT hubs, and leading educational institutions continues to drive demand from both business and leisure travellers, making it an attractive destination for hospitality investments.

The upcoming property will feature well-designed guestrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay experience. Furthermore, it will include multiple food and beverage outlets offering global and contemporary cuisines. In addition, the hotel will house banquet and event spaces tailored for weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings, thereby catering to a wide range of customer needs.

Commenting on the signing, Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President—India, Ramee Group of Hotels, said, “North India continues to be an important market for our growth strategy, and Mohali’s rapidly evolving business and lifestyle landscape makes it an ideal location for our boutique hospitality concept. Through this property, we aim to offer a well-balanced hospitality experience that combines comfortable stays, engaging dining spaces, and versatile venues for celebrations and events.”

Jaspal Singh, Director, Pure Hotels Pvt. Ltd., added, “We are delighted to partner with Ramee Group of Hotels, one of the most respected hospitality brands in the lifestyle hospitality space. This collaboration marks an exciting step for us as we work together to bring quality hospitality experiences to emerging markets like Mohali. With a strong vision for growth, we aim to expand our portfolio and develop around 10 hotels over the next 24 months, strengthening our presence across high-potential destinations.”

Ramee Group of Hotels’ entry into Mohali reinforces its commitment to tapping high-growth regions and delivering boutique hospitality experiences. By collaborating with Pure Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the group can effectively cater to evolving traveller preferences while accelerating its expansion strategy across North India.

KKR to invest $310 Mn in PMI Electro to scale electric bus platform Allfleet

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Global private equity firm KKR plans to invest $310 million in PMI Electro to scale its electric bus platform Allfleet and strengthen manufacturing capabilities, the companies said Wednesday. This investment marks a significant step toward expanding electric mobility infrastructure in India.

Importantly, the deal represents KKR’s first climate transition investment in India under its Global Climate Transition strategy, which has already backed eight investments worldwide, including recent deployments in Australia. As part of the transaction, KKR will acquire a majority stake in Allfleet while also taking a minority stake in PMI Electro, thereby aligning its interests across both operations and manufacturing.

“Transport electrification is a critical pillar of the energy transition, and India—with its scale, urbanization, trends, and decarbonization ambitions—represents one of the most significant opportunities for the sector globally,” said Neil Arora, partner and head of KKR’s Climate Transition strategy for Asia Pacific.

Founded in 2017, PMI Electro manufactures electric commercial vehicles, including 7-metre, 9-metre, and 12-metre buses, as well as electric school buses. To date, the company has deployed more than 3,000 buses across over 30 Indian cities, demonstrating its growing footprint in the clean mobility segment.

Subsequently, PMI launched Allfleet nearly five years later as an electric bus operating platform designed to develop, own, and manage large-scale public transport fleets through its subsidiaries. The company now plans to deploy more than 5,000 e-buses under long-term concession and service agreements with state transport authorities in key cities, further accelerating adoption.

Moreover, Allfleet integrates electric vehicles, advanced fleet management systems, and on-ground execution capabilities within a concession-led model. This structure ensures operational continuity and performance throughout the lifecycle of public transport assets, making it a scalable and efficient solution.

As India continues to push toward decarbonization and cleaner urban mobility, scaling reliable electric public transport infrastructure has become increasingly critical. “The differentiated combination of Allfleet’s proven, scalable platform and PMI’s manufacturing and service expertise stands out as a full-service solution in this market. We look forward to supporting Allfleet’s next phase of growth by working together with PMI and leveraging KKR’s global operational expertise and experience investing across climate transition,” Arora said.

In addition, KKR’s investment will enable Allfleet to expand its operations and collaborate more effectively with public transport authorities to grow e-bus fleets. This, in turn, will deliver cleaner, more reliable commuting solutions for Indian cities. The integrated platform now offers end-to-end capabilities, spanning manufacturing, ownership, operations, and lifecycle support through its partnership with PMI Electro.

“As our cities grow and mobility needs evolve, clean, efficient, and accessible public transport will play a central role in shaping a more sustainable future. Alongside KKR, the company will continue to focus on responsible scale-up and expanding its presence across Indian cities,” said Aanchal Jain, chief executive, PMI Electro, and director, Allfleet.

Over the years, KKR has significantly expanded its climate investment portfolio. Since 2010, the firm has committed more than $44 billion toward climate and environmental sustainability initiatives, including investments in Zenobē, CleanPeak, and Avantus.

The companies expect to close the transaction by mid-2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals, thereby marking another milestone in India’s transition toward sustainable transportation.

KKR’s strategic investment in PMI Electro and Allfleet underscores the growing momentum behind electric mobility in India. By combining capital, technology, and operational expertise, the partnership is well-positioned to accelerate the deployment of electric buses and contribute meaningfully to the country’s decarbonization goals while transforming public transportation infrastructure.

Healthcare startup CureBay acquires Saveo to strengthen rural supply chains

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Priyadarshi Mohapatra, Shobhan Mahapatra and Sanjay Swain, co-founders, CureBay

Healthcare platform CureBay has acquired the pharmacy distribution business of Saveo Healthtech, thereby strengthening medicine supply chains across semi-urban and underserved regions. This strategic move significantly enhances CureBay’s ability to streamline last-mile drug delivery while expanding its operational footprint.

Through this acquisition, CureBay integrates a well-established distribution network that caters to more than 10,000 retail pharmacies across southern India. In addition, the deal includes key infrastructure such as distribution hubs in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, advanced procurement systems, and a technology-driven ordering platform. However, the companies have not disclosed the financial details of the transaction.

Notably, this development reflects a broader industry trend where healthcare startups are increasingly focusing on controlling critical components of the value chain. In particular, drug distribution remains a key challenge, as fragmented logistics and frequent stock-outs continue to disrupt patient care, especially outside metro cities. Therefore, this acquisition positions CureBay to address these inefficiencies more effectively.

CureBay, which currently operates over 190 eClinics across 15,000 villages, claims to have served more than one million patients. Furthermore, the company stated that integrating Saveo’s capabilities will enhance inventory visibility, minimize supply gaps, and accelerate fulfilment cycles—especially for chronic therapies and essential medicines.

“Medicines are central to continuity of care,” said Founder and Chief Executive Priyadarshi Mohapatra, adding that the deal would strengthen procurement and enable faster expansion into new geographies.

Moreover, the combined platform is expected to improve demand planning and optimize working capital management—two areas that have historically limited pharmacy access in rural markets. Meanwhile, CureBay continues to scale its clustered expansion strategy, with two clusters reportedly achieving operating profitability in eastern India.

For Saveo, on the other hand, the transaction signals a strategic shift from operating an independent distribution network to becoming part of a broader, integrated healthcare ecosystem. While its existing pharmacy partners will remain within the system, CureBay’s clinics will benefit from a stronger and more reliable backend supply chain. As part of this transition, Saveo Co-founder Amit Kumar will lead pharmacy technology at CureBay, while senior executive Deepak Tiwary will oversee operations. Consequently, this leadership integration will ensure continuity and improve operational efficiency post-acquisition.

At a broader level, this move highlights increasing consolidation within India’s fragmented pharmaceutical supply ecosystem. Startups are now blending digital tools with physical distribution networks to improve accessibility in smaller towns and rural areas, thereby bridging longstanding healthcare gaps.

Backed by prominent investors such as Bertelsmann India Investments, Elevar Equity, and British International Investment, CureBay is steadily positioning itself as a fully integrated healthcare provider. By combining consultations, diagnostics, and pharmacy services, the company aims to serve populations that remain underserved by traditional healthcare infrastructure.

CureBay’s acquisition of Saveo Healthtech’s pharmacy distribution business marks a decisive step toward building a more resilient and efficient healthcare supply chain in India. As the company deepens its reach into semi-urban and rural markets, it is likely to play a pivotal role in improving access to essential medicines and ensuring continuity of care at scale.

Pet food startup Zoomies raises ₹5-Cr to strengthen manufacturing and supply chain operations

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Sumedh Battewar & Spriha Choubey, Co-founders, Zoomies

Pet food startup Zoomies has raised ₹5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by D2C Insider Super Angels, while several prominent founders and operators also participated in the investment. Notable investors in the round include Pallavi Mohadikar; Unacademy co-founders Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini; Astrotalk CEO Puneet Gupta; along with other angel investors.

Founded in September 2025, Zoomies was launched by Sumedh Battewar, former Co-founder and Chief Business Officer at EMotorad, along with co-founder Spriha Choubey. The startup focuses on creating a nutrition-first pet food brand that offers meals made from 100% real, human-grade meat while eliminating additives, preservatives, and synthetic supplements from its formulations.

India’s pet food industry has been witnessing rapid expansion in recent years. In fact, the sector is growing almost twice as fast as the traditional FMCG market, largely driven by rising pet ownership and increasing awareness around pet health and nutrition. However, despite this growth, a significant portion of the market still relies on ultra-processed products with limited ingredient transparency.

Against this backdrop, Zoomies aims to introduce clean-label, transparent, and affordable pet food options designed to address these concerns. At the same time, the company has developed products with a long shelf life of up to 18 months, enabling wider distribution and convenience for consumers.

The company plans to utilise the newly raised capital to strengthen several core business areas. Specifically, the funds will support the expansion of manufacturing and supply chain capabilities while also enabling the brand to invest in marketing initiatives and influencer-led campaigns. In addition, Zoomies will focus on increasing its presence on quick commerce platforms, strengthening its Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) channels, and launching its products on Amazon to reach a broader customer base.

Furthermore, the startup has outlined plans to expand its presence across major metropolitan markets, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, as part of its early growth strategy.

Zoomies is initially launching with a complete range of cat food products while also offering a limited selection for dogs. Importantly, the company has adopted a pricing strategy that aims to appeal to both mass-market consumers and premium buyers, including offerings developed using freeze-dried technology.

To ensure transparency and build consumer trust, each product pack includes a QR code linked to detailed lab reports, allowing pet owners to verify quality and ingredient standards. Moreover, the products undergo palatability testing and contain real meat without synthetic additives or vitamins.

Speaking about the company’s vision, Sumedh Battewar said that pet nutrition in India has long been seen as either premium or niche, and Zoomies aims to break that perception by making clean, high-quality nutrition both scalable and affordable.

Spriha Choubey added that their experience as pet parents inspired the idea for Zoomies, as they noticed a clear gap between the food they wanted to give their pets and the options available in the market.

Zoomies’ latest funding round highlights growing investor confidence in India’s rapidly evolving pet care sector. By focusing on transparency, clean ingredients, and scalable distribution, the startup aims to redefine pet nutrition standards while making high-quality food more accessible to pet owners across the country.

OPO expands Gurugram portfolio with launch of OPO Horizon Lyro in DLF Cyber City

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OPO has officially launched OPO Horizon Lyro in Gurugram’s DLF Cyber City, marking a major milestone in the brand’s ongoing expansion strategy. With this addition, the hospitality company strengthens its presence in one of the most prominent corporate and commercial districts in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Surrounded by multinational corporations, global technology companies, and premium commercial developments, the hotel benefits from its placement within the thriving DLF Cyber City ecosystem. As a result, the property is well-positioned to attract business professionals, corporate events, and transit travellers visiting Gurugram for work or conferences. Consequently, OPO Horizon Lyro is expected to emerge as a preferred accommodation option for business travellers across the NCR region.

Furthermore, OPO has expanded its footprint in the National Capital Region through the unveiling of this property, which forms part of its strategy to grow in key corporate markets. The company finalized the management agreement for OPO Horizon Lyro on March 5, 2026, highlighting its continued focus on strengthening its presence in major commercial and business hubs across India.

The hotel sits in one of Gurugram’s most vibrant business and lifestyle districts, where multinational offices, high-end retail outlets, and premium commercial spaces dominate the landscape. In addition, DLF Cyber City regularly hosts large volumes of corporate travellers, business meetings, and industry events, reinforcing its status as a critical hospitality destination within the NCR.

OPO Horizon Lyro features 50 well-designed rooms along with a 40-cover all-day dining restaurant, ensuring guests enjoy comfort and convenience during their stay. The property specifically caters to corporate professionals and transit travellers who seek efficient, modern hospitality experiences while visiting the city.

In terms of connectivity, the hotel benefits from excellent access to major transportation routes, including NH-48 and the Delhi–Gurugram Expressway. Moreover, the nearby Rapid Metro, as well as its proximity to Indira Gandhi International Airport and Aerocity, further enhances accessibility for both domestic and international travellers. Additionally, the surrounding area offers a range of corporate offices, premium restaurants, entertainment venues, and residential developments, which collectively support strong demand for hospitality services.

Importantly, the addition of OPO Horizon Lyro represents more than just a portfolio expansion for the company. Instead, it serves as a strategic initiative designed to strengthen OPO’s foothold in Gurugram’s high-value hospitality market. With this signing, OPO now operates three properties in Gurugram, further reinforcing its presence within one of the NCR’s most significant commercial corridors.

Commenting on the development, Sandeep Basu, CEO, OPO, said, “The addition of OPO Horizon Lyro marks an important step in our expansion strategy within key corporate and business hubs across India. DLF Cyber City continues to be one of the most dynamic commercial ecosystems in the NCR, attracting a steady flow of global business travelers and corporate activity. With this property, we are further strengthening our presence in Gurugram while reinforcing our commitment to building a scalable and high-quality hospitality portfolio. OPO Horizon Lyro aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering well-located, contemporary hospitality experiences for today’s business and lifestyle travelers.”

Through this strategic integration, OPO continues to build a scalable hospitality platform that targets high-demand corporate and leisure destinations across India. By focusing on key business districts such as Gurugram’s Cyber City, the brand aims to capture rising demand for reliable midscale and lifestyle accommodations.

At the same time, OPO’s broader growth strategy emphasises the managed midscale hospitality segment, which has witnessed increasing demand among both corporate travellers and leisure guests. By offering accessible yet high-quality accommodations, the brand aims to cater to a wide range of guest preferences while maintaining strong operational standards.

Additionally, the expansion reflects OPO’s efforts to diversify its portfolio and remain competitive within India’s evolving hospitality landscape. By strengthening its presence in major corporate hubs and travel destinations, the company continues to position itself as a relevant and trusted player in the industry.

Moustache Group expands Himalayan portfolio with launch of Moustache Select McLeodGanj

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Moustache Group of Hotels has expanded its hospitality portfolio in the Himalayan region with the launch of Moustache Select McLeodGanj in Upper Bhagsu, Dharamshala. With this opening, the group has increased its presence in the mountains to eight properties. Currently, the brand operates seven mountain stays across key destinations, and the latest addition further strengthens its footprint in Himachal Pradesh’s growing tourism market.

The newly launched property operates under the brand’s mid-range Select vertical specifically targets travellers seeking comfortable accommodations paired with panoramic Himalayan views. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,100 metres in the Dhauladhar mountain range, the hotel offers convenient access to the McLeodGanj market while maintaining a peaceful and scenic environment.

Furthermore, McLeodGanj, widely known as “Little Lhasa,” remains one of the most popular destinations in North India for spiritual seekers and leisure travellers. The destination continues to witness strong tourism demand, supported by growing visitor numbers each year. According to IBEF data, Himachal Pradesh welcomed around 1.80 crore domestic tourists and 83,000 international visitors in 2024, highlighting the region’s increasing appeal among travellers.

Abhishek Khandelwal, Co-Founder and Director, Moustache Group of Hotels, said, “McLeodGanj has always been one of North India’s most consistent travel markets. It attracts spiritual travellers, trekkers, families, and long-stay guests alike. Upper Bhagsu offered the right mix of accessibility and uninterrupted mountain views, which aligns well with the Select market positioning.”

The property offers several room categories designed to suit diverse traveller preferences, including Deluxe, Superior, and King rooms, along with valley-view accommodations that highlight the surrounding Himalayan landscape. In addition, the hotel features a range of guest-focused amenities such as a glasshouse café, dedicated co-working spaces, a landscaped lawn area, and on-site parking, enhancing both comfort and convenience for visitors.

Deepak Agarwal, Co-Founder and Director, Moustache Group of Hotels, added, “Select is becoming a strong growth driver for us. Properties like McLeodGanj help us cater to travellers who want better amenities without moving into ultra-luxury pricing. We see steady year-round demand here, given its trekking routes like Triund, proximity to Bhagsunag Waterfall, and its cultural appeal.”

Notably, McLeodGanj’s popularity continues to grow because of its blend of natural beauty, trekking opportunities, and cultural experiences. Popular attractions such as the Triund trekking route and Bhagsunag Waterfall draw adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, while the region’s Tibetan heritage and monasteries attract spiritual travellers from around the world.

The launch of Moustache Select McLeodGanj marks another strategic step in the brand’s expansion across India’s mountain destinations. By strengthening its mid-range hospitality segment and tapping into the region’s growing tourism demand, Moustache Group aims to offer travellers comfortable stays with scenic views while further solidifying its presence in the Himalayan hospitality market.

Optical communication startup Velmenni secures Rs 30-Cr to strengthen global market presence

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Deepak Solanki, Founder, Velmenni

Delhi-based optical communication startup Velmenni has raised Rs 30 crore (approximately USD 3.3 million) in a pre-Series A funding round led by pi Ventures, while MountTech Growth Fund–Kavachh and Apekso also participated in the investment.

The company stated that it will utilise the newly raised capital to accelerate the commercialisation of its Free Space Optics (FSO) and Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) technologies. Additionally, Velmenni plans to develop customised solutions for defence, and enterprise applications while simultaneously expanding its presence in international markets.

Founded in 2014 by Deepak Solanki, Velmenni focuses on building light-based wireless communication technologies designed to deliver secure and high-capacity connectivity for telecom operators, defence systems, and enterprise networks. Over the years, the company has positioned itself as an innovator in optical wireless communication, an emerging technology that can transform high-speed connectivity infrastructure.

Earlier, the startup had raised Rs 30 crore in a seed funding round. Moreover, it secured nearly Rs 7 crore in government grants from the Department of Telecommunications through initiatives such as the Telecom Technology Development Fund and the Innovations for Defence Excellence programme. These grants further supported the development of its advanced optical communication technologies.

Velmenni’s technology relies on light and laser-based optical links rather than the conventional radio frequency spectrum to transmit data. As a result, this approach enables organisations to bypass costly spectrum licensing and avoid the need for extensive physical cable infrastructure. At the same time, the technology offers interference-free and highly secure communication networks, making it particularly attractive for critical telecom and defence applications.

Solanki said the company’s system can deliver over 10 Gbps connectivity across distances ranging from 1 km to 25 km, offering an alternative for dense urban telecom networks and strategic defence applications.

Meanwhile, Velmenni has already demonstrated the real-world capabilities of its technology through large-scale deployments. The company deployed India’s first commercial carrier-grade FSO backhaul links for a private 5G network at a thermal power plant operated by GMR Group in Odisha. Notably, the deployment has maintained 99.999 percent availability for more than 18 months despite challenging tropical weather conditions.

In addition, Velmenni has secured a multi-million-dollar order from India’s defence sector for its specialised FSO solution. The technology will be deployed across Indian submarines to address connectivity challenges in harbour environments, further highlighting the strategic importance of optical communication systems in defence operations.

Furthermore, the startup revealed that it has conducted several proof-of-concept deployments and completed more than 50 live installations across India and Southeast Asia, while also working with Tier-1 mobile network operators in the United States. These deployments demonstrate the scalability and reliability of its technology across diverse operational environments.

Velmenni also noted that its product has received CE certification and is currently undergoing the process of obtaining approval from the Federal Communications Commission. Securing this certification could significantly strengthen the company’s ability to expand into global markets and collaborate with international telecom and defence partners.

Velmenni’s latest funding round marks a significant step in accelerating the adoption of light-based wireless communication technologies worldwide. As demand for faster, secure, and spectrum-efficient connectivity continues to grow, the company’s Li-Fi and Free Space Optics solutions could play a critical role in shaping the future of telecom, defence, and enterprise networking infrastructure.

ELIVAAS partners with Alivaa Hotels & Resorts to strengthen hospitality distribution in India

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Luxury villa hospitality platform ELIVAAS has announced a strategic sales and marketing partnership with Alivaa Hotels & Resorts to enhance distribution capabilities and broaden access across India’s leisure and corporate travel segments. Through this collaboration, the two hospitality brands aim to strengthen their market presence while leveraging each other’s networks to improve property visibility across multiple distribution channels.

Under the agreement, both companies will provide mutual support in sales, marketing, and brand representation for their respective properties. As a result, the alliance seeks to increase exposure across partner ecosystems and travel distribution platforms, thereby enabling both organisations to reach a wider customer base.

Meanwhile, ELIVAAS has steadily expanded its footprint in premium leisure destinations through its brands ELIVAAS and Alaya Stays. The company focuses on offering private luxury villas and experiential accommodations designed for group travel, celebrations, and curated holiday experiences. By emphasising personalised hospitality and premium villa stays, the platform continues to attract travellers seeking exclusive leisure experiences.

On the other hand, Alivaa Hotels & Resorts operates a portfolio of midscale to upscale hotels under brands such as Alivaa, The Hoften, and Xenious. These properties cater to both leisure and business travellers across multiple locations in India. Consequently, the collaboration combines ELIVAAS’s strong presence in the luxury villa hospitality segment with Alivaa’s growing footprint in the hotel industry.

Importantly, while both companies will collaborate on distribution and marketing initiatives, they will continue to operate independently and manage their respective brand portfolios separately. This structure allows each organisation to retain its strategic focus while benefiting from shared market access and promotional capabilities.

Ritwik Khare, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ELIVAAS, said, “As travel demand becomes more diverse across leisure, corporate, and experiential segments, distribution partnerships are becoming increasingly important for hospitality brands. This alliance allows both organisations to leverage complementary strengths in sales outreach and market access while continuing to operate and grow our respective portfolios independently.”

Vikramjit Singh, Founder, Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, added, “This alliance marks a significant milestone for Alivaa and ELIVAAS. By combining our portfolios and expertise with ELIVAAS, we are confident that we can achieve deeper penetration and a greater competitive advantage for both the brands.”

Overall, the partnership reflects a growing trend within the hospitality industry where brands collaborate to strengthen distribution reach and tap into diverse travel segments. By combining resources and networks, both ELIVAAS and Alivaa aim to enhance market visibility while delivering more varied accommodation options to travellers across India.

The strategic alliance between ELIVAAS and Alivaa Hotels & Resorts represents an important step toward expanding hospitality distribution and improving customer access across leisure and corporate travel markets. As travel demand continues to evolve, such collaborations could play a crucial role in driving growth, strengthening brand visibility and enhancing the overall guest experience in India’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector.

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