Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Home Blog Page 63

Suba Hotels strengthens Uttar Pradesh portfolio with Comfort Inn Vindhyan

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Mansur Mehta, founder and Managing Director of Suba Hotels

Suba Hotels Limited has strengthened its footprint in Uttar Pradesh by opening Comfort Inn Vindhyan in Vindhyachal, Mirzapur. This launch marks the company’s second property in the city and its 17th operational property in the state. Moreover, the hotel offers premium service, top-tier amenities, and timeless hospitality while being conveniently located in the heart of this historic pilgrimage destination.

Commenting on the launch, Mansur Mehta, Managing Director of Suba Hotels Limited, said, “The launch of Comfort Inn Vindhyan consolidates our position as one of the leading hospitality brands in the country. We have been making swift progress after our very successful IPO last month.” He added that the opening reaffirms Suba Hotels’ commitment to expanding quality hospitality across key religious and cultural destinations in India.

Additionally, the CEO of the company, Mubeen Mehta, added, “Comfort is a very popular brand within the Choice portfolio. Patrons have embraced this brand very positively, and this is the 30th property we have opened under the Comfort brand.”

Furthermore, Comfort Inn Vindhyan features 42 well-appointed rooms that are modern, sleek, and equipped with all essential facilities. The hotel serves as an ideal destination for spiritual seekers, corporate travelers, and families seeking a comfortable and premium stay in the sacred city of Vindhyachal. It sits just a minute away from the Vindhyavasini Temple and other major temples and also provides easy access to the Ganga ghat.

Additionally, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant, Vindhyan Chahel Pahel, offers delectable dishes from various Indian states. The property also boasts a rooftop banqueting facility with panoramic views of the temple town.

In addition, travellers recognize Vindhyachal not only as a spiritual destination but also for its scenic waterfalls, including Tanda, Khursiya, and Kharania, among others.

Bengaluru-based Lumov raises Rs 10-Cr in funding

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Saumaric Dangwal and Ankit Gupta, co-founders, Lumov

Bengaluru-based Lumov has raised Rs 10 crore ($1.2 million) in a seed funding round led by Incubate Fund Asia.

Additionally, QRG Investments and Holdings (Havells Family Office), IIMA Ventures, SIDBI, and several angel investors—including Ashish Gupta of Helion Advisors, Saket Narang of Steinberg India, Abhishek Goyal of Tracxn, Arjun Vaidya of Indian Silicon Valley, and Mapaex Family Office—participated in the round.

Moreover, the funding will support Lumov’s expansion, strengthen its product development pipeline, and deepen its collaboration with orthopedic surgeons across India. The startup plans to scale operations in Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Mumbai while enhancing its manufacturing and sales capabilities. It currently employs a core team of 15 members and expects significant hiring across product development, sales, and operations.

Founded by IIT Kharagpur and Harvard Business School alumni Saumaric Dangwal and Ankit Gupta, Lumov designs and manufactures orthopedic recovery and rehabilitation products for post-surgical care, long-term mobility support, and lifestyle-driven pain management. Furthermore, specialists from hospital chains such as Manipal, Apollo, Sakra, and AIG collaborate with Lumov to develop its orthoses and recovery aids.

The products focus on clinical effectiveness, patient comfort, and India-specific anatomy and climate requirements, thereby aiming to improve compliance and recovery outcomes.

Saumaric Dangwal and Ankit Gupta said, “India is in the midst of an orthopaedic health crisis. While advances in diagnostics and care delivery are improving outcomes, we are building the physical product layer: premium, high-quality orthotics, rehabilitation aids, and pain-management solutions designed to accelerate recovery and help people live pain-free, active lives.”

Furthermore, Rajeev Ranka, Partner at Incubate Fund Asia, said, “The musculoskeletal (MSK) care category, particularly in post-surgical recovery, rehabilitation, and lifestyle-driven pain relief, is poised for significant innovation. Lumov’s surgeon-led approach, Saumaric and Ankit’s profound market understanding, and integration of modern design principles instill high confidence that they can emerge as a category-defining company in MSK care.”

Lords Hotels & Resorts Announces New Hotel Signing in Joshimath, Expanding Its Footprint in Uttarakhand

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Lords Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the signing of its newest property in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, further strengthening the brand’s presence in one of India’s most significant spiritual and adventure destinations. This strategic addition reflects the group’s commitment to expanding across key leisure and pilgrimage markets while offering guests comfortable, reliable, and value-driven hospitality.

Located at the gateway to Auli, Badrinath, and the Valley of Flowers, the newly signed hotel will cater to pilgrims, trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, and leisure travellers seeking quality accommodation in the region. The property will feature well-appointed rooms, all-day dining facilities, and signature Lords hospitality, ensuring a warm and memorable stay for every guest.

Commenting on the new venture, Mr. Pushpendra Bansal, COO of Lords Hotels & Resorts, expressed strong enthusiasm: “We thank our new partners for their trust in us, as we continue to collaborate with like-minded owners who believe in our vision. This signing reinforces our commitment to offering Lords’ Exhilarating hospitality to travellers across emerging destinations.”

Speaking about the new signing, Vikas Suri, VP – Lords Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to bring the Lords experience to Joshimath, a destination of deep cultural, spiritual, and natural significance. This signing aligns perfectly with our growth strategy in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan circuit. We look forward to offering travellers a trusted and comfortable stay while contributing to local tourism development.”

Further highlighting the brand’s development outlook, Roushan Kumar, General Manager – Development, stated: “Our commitment is to deliver warm, reliable hospitality to travellers exploring Joshimath, as we continue strengthening our presence in this important circuit. This new signing reflects our focus on expanding thoughtfully across high-demand destinations.”

About Lords Hotels & Resorts

Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s leading mid-market hospitality chains, known for delivering exceptional guest experiences across leisure, business, and pilgrimage destinations in India and Nepal. With a growing portfolio of hotels, the brand continues to expand with a commitment to quality, affordability, and warm hospitality.

IBM nears $11 Billion acquisition deal for Confluent: Report

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM

The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that IBM is entering advanced discussions to acquire data-infrastructure company Confluent for about $11 billion, aiming to boost Big Blue’s ability to capture the growing demand for cloud services.

Moreover, the newspaper reported that unnamed sources said IBM could announce the deal for Confluent—an open-source platform that processes massive streams of real-time data, from bank transactions to website clicks—as early as Monday. Both companies did not issue any immediate response to requests for comment outside normal business hours.

Previously, in October, Confluent began weighing a potential sale and appointed an investment bank to manage the process after drawing interest from prospective buyers.

As per LSEG-compiled data, Confluent holds a market capitalization of about $8.09 billion, while New York-based IBM carries a valuation of roughly $287.84 billion.

However, investors grew cautious after IBM reported slower growth in its core cloud software business in October, raising concerns about the company’s ability to maintain momentum. Analysts said IBM will need stronger software performance to keep overall growth on track. Furthermore, IBM’s acquisition strategy remains a key focus for meeting investors’ expectations. Last year, the company bought HashiCorp in a $6.4 billion deal, expanding its cloud-based offerings to capture rising demand fueled by artificial intelligence.

Under Chief Executive Arvind Krishna, IBM continues sharpening its focus on software, aiming to capitalize on increased spending on cloud services.

Additionally, the interest in Confluent highlights a surge in demand for data-infrastructure companies, fueled by the corporate race to develop generative artificial intelligence. In May, Salesforce agreed to acquire software maker Informatica for about $8 billion to bolster its AI capabilities.

Shares of Mountain View, California-based Confluent closed lower at $23.14 on Friday.

Ahuja Residency strengthens Gurugram portfolio with three new hotels

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Jaideep Ahuja, managing director & CEO, Ahuja Residency

Ahuja Residency has announced the launch of three new hotels in Gurugram, thereby further strengthening and expanding its well-established portfolio across the city. With the addition of HAYs AIR at Mayfield Garden, AR Suites at JMD Sohna Road, and Ahuja Residency GCR near Golf Course Road, the brand continues to deepen its presence across boutique luxury, premium serviced suites, and classic business hotel segments.

In Gurugram, HAYs AIR at Mayfield Garden introduces a boutique luxury experience inspired by wellness, sustainability, and simplicity. The hotel showcases elegant interiors, open-terrace dining, thoughtfully crafted rooms, and two intimate plunge pools—one on the terrace and another on the fitness floor. Moreover, with a strong focus on calm and contemporary living, HAYs AIR also features Café Breeze, which offers guests a refined dining experience.

Additionally, the AR Suites property at JMD, Sohna Road, offers 33 modern suites with a minimalist design, making it ideal for business travellers and long-stay guests. The property includes Café Breeze and provides excellent connectivity to Gurugram’s commercial and retail hubs. With functional living spaces, dependable service, and a strategic location, it delivers practical comfort suited to today’s corporate visitor.

Located near Golf Course Road, Ahuja Residency GCR serves as a 21-room premium business hotel surrounded by landscaped gardens and bamboo groves. Furthermore, the hotel provides a peaceful yet well-connected environment, featuring meeting facilities, a patio garden, and its own Café Breeze to support the needs of corporate guests seeking both convenience and tranquility.

“At Ahuja Residency, our mission has always been to create spaces that people feel genuinely connected to. These three new properties significantly expand and strengthen our portfolio in Gurugram. Each hotel reflects our commitment to comfort, authenticity, and consistent service—while enriching the diverse categories we already operate in, from boutique luxury to premium suites to business hospitality,” said Jaideep Ahuja, managing director & CEO, Ahuja Residency.

The launch of these three properties reinforces Ahuja Residency’s strategic expansion in Gurugram while enhancing its offerings across luxury, premium, and business hospitality, ultimately strengthening its position in one of India’s most dynamic hotel markets.

Wakefit raises Rs 580-Cr from anchor investors ahead of IPO

By
BRL Editor
-
0
L-R: Chaitanya Ramalingegowda & Ankit Garg, Co-founders, Wakefit.co

Bengaluru-based Wakefit Innovations has secured Rs 580 crore from anchor investors ahead of its initial public offering (IPO), which will open for subscription on December 8.

The company allotted 29,743,590 shares at Rs 195 each, according to a circular posted on the BSE website.

The anchor book attracted participation from HDFC Life Insurance, Bajaj Life Insurance, Prudential Hong Kong, 360 One, Steadview Capital, and Amundi Funds New Silk Road. Additionally, domestic mutual funds such as HDFC MF, Axis MF, Mirae Asset MF, Nippon India MF, Tata MF, HSBC MF, Bandhan MF, Edelweiss MF, and Mahindra Manulife MF subscribed through multiple schemes.

Wakefit’s Rs 1,289 crore IPO will close on December 10. The company has set the price band at Rs 185 to Rs 195 per share, valuing the business at nearly Rs 6,400 crore. The issue includes a fresh share sale of up to Rs 377.18 crore and an offer for sale of 4,67,54,405 shares valued at about Rs 912 crore.

Founders Ankit Garg and Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, along with shareholders Nitika Goel, Peak XV Partners Investments VI, Redwood Trust, Verlinvest SA, SAI Global India Fund I LLP, and Paramark KB Fund I, will divest part of their holdings. Consequently, after the sale, promoter ownership will decline to around 37% from 43.70%.

Wakefit aims to allocate Rs 31 crore from the fresh issue to establish 117 new company-owned stores and Rs 15.4 crore to purchase new equipment and machinery. It will further use Rs 161.4 crore for lease and licence payments for existing outlets, while Rs 108.4 crore will support marketing and brand initiatives. The remaining funds will go toward general corporate requirements.

Moreover, the company recently raised Rs 56 crore from DSP India Fund and 360 ONE Equity Opportunities Fund in a pre-IPO transaction.

Founded in 2016, Wakefit has grown into one of India’s fastest-expanding home and furnishings brands, and it has already surpassed Rs 1,000 crore in total income by FY24. Furthermore, the company sells mattresses, furniture, and home accessories through its website, COCO stores, and major online marketplaces.

Wakefit operates five manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru, Hosur, and Sonipat, where it uses automation technologies such as robotic arms and roller belts to minimize waste and accelerate production. The company reported Rs 724 crore in operating revenue and Rs 35.5 crore in profit for the six months ending September 30, 2025.

The company expects its shares to be listed on December 15, 2025.

Clarks Collection strengthens footprint with new property in Jaipur

By
BRL Editor
-
0

Clarks Hotels & Resorts has announced that it has signed its latest property, Clarks Collection Jagatpura, through a partnership with Virat Group. Located inside the upcoming Virat NRI Avenue, a Grade A commercial complex, the 100-key hotel aims to serve upper-segment travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and strong value.

Furthermore, the larger development will include offices, kiosks, anchor showrooms, studio apartments, a shopping complex, and several additional facilities. The hotel will also offer a multi-cuisine restaurant, well-designed banquet spaces, and services tailored to business travellers as well as the expanding MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment. This expansion demonstrates the brand’s strategy to address the growing demand for affordable yet premium accommodations across emerging urban destinations.

Speaking about the collaboration, Vivek Chaturvedi, director of the Virat Group, said, “Jaipur is not only a historic destination but also a rapidly evolving capital city, with new industries and startups driving growth. With this property, we aim to offer moderately priced stays at a strategic location, ensuring strong value for our guests.”

Additionally, the launch of Clarks Collection Jagatpura represents a key milestone in the group’s broader mission to expand its presence across India’s leisure, heritage, and business-focused markets.

The new Clarks Collection Jagatpura strengthens the group’s market presence and reinforces its commitment to offering value-driven, upscale hospitality in India’s fast-growing urban hubs.

Meta acquires AI-wearables startup Limitless to boost next-gen device strategy

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Dan Siroker, co-founder & CEO, Limitless

Meta (META) has acquired AI-wearables startup Limitless, which creates a pendant-style device that records and transcribes real-world conversations, as the social media company intensifies its push to build AI-enabled consumer hardware.

“Meta recently announced a new vision to bring personal ‌superintelligence to everyone, and a key part of that vision is building incredible AI-enabled wearables. We share this vision, and we’ll be joining Meta to help bring our shared vision to life,” Limitless co-founder and CEO Dan Siroker said in a blog post on Friday. Limitless did not reveal the financial terms of the acquisition.

Earlier this week, Meta hired longtime Apple design executive Alan Dye, and this move further sharpened its focus on next-generation devices. Meta intends to integrate Limitless’ technical capabilities into the development of its next wave of AI-enabled wearables.

Meta already partners with EssilorLuxottica brands Ray-Ban and Oakley to produce AI-powered smart glasses.

“We’re excited that Limitless will be joining Meta to help accelerate our work to build AI-enabled wearables,” a Meta spokesperson said.

Limitless, previously known as Rewind, manufactures a wearable “pendant” that attaches to clothing or a lanyard. The device records conversations and generates transcripts, while also producing searchable summaries through its companion app. It belongs to a rapidly expanding category of AI assistants aimed at enhancing memory and daily productivity.

Meta and Limitless will continue supporting existing users; however, the company will stop selling devices to new customers, the startup said. Existing users will need to accept updated privacy terms to keep using the service.

The startup has raised more than $33 million from investors, including Sam Altman and A16z.

Meta’s acquisition of AI-wearables startup reinforces its long-term ambition to dominate AI-powered wearable technology, while Limitless gains a broader platform to scale its innovations in personal AI assistance.

Zepto converts to public company ahead of IPO

By
BRL Editor
-
0
(L-R) Founders Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha, Zepto

Quick-commerce (qcom) unicorn Zepto has shifted from a private entity to a public limited company as it prepares for its initial public offering (IPO). The company has also updated its name from Zepto Private Limited to Zepto Limited, as reflected in documents it filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

The Bengaluru-based QCOM player, which plans to go public next year, is also expected to submit its draft red herring prospectus soon.

Furthermore, the company approved three resolutions on November 21 during an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). Along with converting into a public company, it also amended its memorandum of association (MoA) and articles of association (AoA). It has continued to raise capital aggressively in recent months. It secured $665 million in June last year, followed by $340 million in August and $350 million in November. Additionally, earlier this year in October, it closed an approximately $450 million round at a valuation of $7 billion.

In a statement, a Zepto spokesperson said, “We are growing 20-25 percent every quarter on order volume, and burn is going down. That’s why we’re able to reduce capital because we’re able to show investors that in relative terms we’re able to deliver reasonable capital efficiency for 100 percent-plus year-on-year growth.”

Overall, Zepto’s transition to a public limited company, coupled with its sustained funding momentum and strong business metrics, underscores its readiness for a high-profile IPO in the coming year.

Redapto raises $500K seed funding led by Y Combinator

By
BRL Editor
-
0
Anirudh Pupneja, Founder, Redapto

Redapto, an autonomous AI platform for customer interaction, raised $500K in a pre-seed funding round led by Y Combinator.

Additionally, the company said in a press release that it will use the funds to strengthen its work in activation, expansion, and full lifecycle personalization, while also continuing to enhance data pipelines and AI accuracy.

Founded earlier this year by Anirudh Pupneja, Redapto builds autonomous AI systems that detect churn risks, identify expansion opportunities, and flag high-value customer moments. Moreover, the startup enables businesses to scale personalized engagement across the entire customer lifecycle. It also focuses on ingesting more granular signals across systems so the AI can collaborate more effectively with account teams.

According to Redapto, it develops full-lifecycle AI systems that support businesses in delivering personalized engagement across onboarding, activation, retention, expansion, and renewal. Furthermore, by integrating AI into every customer interaction, the company positions itself across customer engagement platforms, lifecycle marketing systems, CRM-based workflows, and support-driven retention solutions.

As per market research, the account management software category represents a $14–$16 billion market in the United States and a $3–$4 billion market in India.

Redapto also aims for early adoption among marketplaces and product-led SaaS companies, where customer volumes remain high and manual engagement does not scale. Additionally, YC has served as an early supporter of several major Indian technology companies, including Groww, Meesho, Zepto, Razorpay, Khatabook, and others.

1...626364...499Page 63 of 499

CONNECT WITH US

About Us Career Contact Us Advertise With Us

© Business Review Live | Marcom Media Services International.