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Nothing Before Coffee secures $400K on India’s startup funding reality show

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Indian coffee chain startup Nothing Before Coffee has raised $400,000 (approximately ₹37 million) after appearing on the startup funding reality show Bharat Ke Super Founders. With this development, the brand has strengthened its growth capital while gaining national visibility through the platform.

The founders featured on Episode 11 of the show, where they secured backing and endorsements from a panel of well-known investors, including Dr. A. Velumani, Nitish Mittersain, and Shanti Mohan, alongside other prominent figures from India’s startup ecosystem. As a result, the pitch resonated strongly with the panel due to its clarity and execution.

During the episode, investors underscored the company’s strong visibility on unit economics, consistent store-level profitability, and a clear Bharat-first strategy targeting underserved markets. Moreover, the panel noted that the startup’s structured roadmap for nationwide expansion added further confidence to its long-term growth potential. Notably, the brand has maintained 100% EBITDA-positive stores even while entering operationally challenging markets, which reflects the resilience and scalability of its business model.

Previously, Nothing Before Coffee had raised $2.3 million in a pre-Series A funding round, which helped accelerate its physical expansion and brand presence. At present, the company operates 100 outlets across India and now plans to scale aggressively, with a target of reaching 160 locations by the end of 2026.

The latest funding win on Bharat Ke Super Founders marks an important milestone for Nothing Before Coffee as it continues to expand its footprint across India. With strong fundamentals, disciplined execution, and growing investor confidence, the brand appears well-positioned to capitalise on India’s evolving café and quick-service beverage market.

Thomas Cook India expands Nature Trails portfolio with new resort in Hampi

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Nature Trails, the experiential hospitality arm of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of its sixth resort, Nature Trails Ashoka, in Hampi. With this addition, the company continues to align its growth strategy with the rising demand for slow, experience-driven travel among domestic tourists across India.

Set amid Hampi’s striking rocky terrain, the resort offers travellers direct access to heritage-led and nature-based experiences. As a destination that once formed the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi continues to draw visitors for its historical depth and distinctive landscape.

The property features a range of accommodation options, including Superior Rooms, Classic Rooms, Bamboo Cottage Rooms, and dormitory-style facilities designed for group travellers. Additionally, the resort provides amenities such as an open-air multi-cuisine restaurant, poolside dining, and a hillside swimming pool that overlooks the surrounding scenery.

The resort also enables guests to explore curated experiences, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Anjanadri Hill, and nearby villages, while also offering immersive nature-based activities. Furthermore, the property supports social gatherings and intimate celebrations through indoor venues and expansive outdoor lawns.

Mahesh Iyer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “India’s domestic travel continues to showcase a growing interest in culturally rich destinations that offer meaningful engagement with heritage, nature, and local traditions. With the addition of Nature Trails Ashoka Resort, Hampi, we are deepening our focus on experience-led stays that encourage slower, more immersive travel. Hampi’s powerful blend of history, mythology, and distinctive landscapes makes it an ideal destination for curating authentic, locally rooted experiences. This resort reflects the Nature Trails philosophy of thoughtful hospitality—where design, setting, and experiences come together to create stays that are both enriching and restorative for today’s domestic traveller. Following our acquisition of Nature Trails last year, we have moved swiftly on an aggressive expansion agenda to tap the growing domestic tourism opportunity. This Hampi launch follows our recent opening in Rishikesh, with several more additions planned for the Nature Trails portfolio in the near term.”

The launch of Nature Trails Ashoka in Hampi strengthens Thomas Cook India’s focus on experiential hospitality and reinforces its commitment to India’s growing domestic tourism market. As travellers increasingly seek immersive and culturally meaningful stays, the Nature Trails portfolio continues to position itself at the intersection of heritage, nature, and thoughtful design.

Quick commerce startup Inamo secures $8 Million to scale dark stores and power India’s quick commerce boom

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Sumit Anand & Rupesh Thakare, co-founders, Inamo

Quick commerce enablement platform Inamo has secured $8 million in fresh funding in a round led by Prime Venture Partners, while existing backers Shastra VC, Antler India, and Gemba Capital also participated. Notably, the round comprises $6 million in equity alongside $2 million in venture debt, thereby strengthening the company’s balance sheet for its next phase of growth.

The startup plans to deploy the new capital to scale its network of dark stores, onboard additional consumer brands, and introduce new product categories. Cofounder Rupesh Thakare told that this investment will accelerate Inamo’s expansion strategy and reinforce its operational capabilities across markets.

Founded in 2025 by Sumit Anand and Thakare, the company provides end-to-end infrastructure for quick commerce, including inventory management, fulfilment operations, and proprietary technology solutions. At present, Inamo processes nearly 1.8 million orders every month, which highlights the platform’s growing traction among brands and sellers.

“Established brands and platforms are still recalibrating their legacy fulfilment models for a channel that requires speed and data integration by design. We are building that backbone to modernise systems by providing purpose-built full-stack capabilities in quick commerce,” said Anand, the firm’s chief executive, who previously worked with Dunzo, Ola, and ApnaKlub.

Currently, the startup operates 80 dark stores across six cities. However, it aims to expand this footprint significantly and plans to reach 200 outlets in 10 towns by the end of 2026, thereby deepening its presence in India’s fast-evolving quick commerce ecosystem.

“Many brands use their e-commerce tech stack for quick commerce, and there is a clear need for a stack suitable for quick commerce. So, we will continue to invest in our tech,” said Thakare, who earlier worked with Goldman Sachs, Ninjacart, and ApnaKlub.

Before this funding round, Inamo had raised $3 million in September 2025, which helped it build early-stage infrastructure and refine its technology platform.

Commenting on the investment, Brij Bhushan, managing partner at Prime Venture Partners, said in a statement, “Inamo is building critical infrastructure for the next wave of e-commerce in India. Their ability to combine deep operational execution with a modular technology stack while scaling rapidly makes them uniquely positioned in a large, fast-growing market.”

This latest funding round marks a significant milestone for Inamo as it strengthens its role as a full-stack enabler in India’s quick commerce sector. As demand for faster delivery and integrated fulfilment systems continues to rise, the company appears well-positioned to support brands and platforms seeking scalable, purpose-built solutions for rapid commerce growth.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts expands Rajasthan presence with new Jaipur resort launch

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The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its latest property in Rajasthan, The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur, Series by Marriott, further strengthening its presence in one of India’s most culturally rich and high-demand travel destinations. Strategically positioned with easy access to major transport hubs, the new hotel caters to business travellers, leisure guests, wedding groups, and convention visitors seeking comfort, efficiency, and seamless service in Jaipur.

With this launch, the group has expanded its Jaipur portfolio to five properties while growing its overall Rajasthan presence to 17 hotels that are either operational or set to open shortly. Consequently, the addition underscores the brand’s continued focus on scaling thoughtfully across high-potential markets in the state.

Commenting on the expansion, Suhail Kannampilly, managing director of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “As India’s hospitality landscape continues to evolve, destinations such as Jaipur remain central to both domestic and international travel demand. Our focus is on creating hospitality experiences that combine efficient service, thoughtful amenities, and strong location advantages to meet the expectations of modern travellers. This new property reflects our commitment to expanding in culturally significant markets while maintaining consistent quality and guest satisfaction across our portfolio.”

The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur features 107 well-appointed rooms and suites across multiple categories. Each accommodation blends comfort, functionality, and contemporary design, ensuring a relaxed and practical stay for guests across travel segments.

In addition, the property offers a diverse dining experience. Darpan, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant, draws inspiration from the architectural grandeur of Chand Baori and serves a curated selection of Indian, Asian, and international dishes in an elegant setting. Guests can also visit Zaza, a modern café and lounge that offers gourmet teas, coffees, and beverages, complemented by live kitchen experiences. Moreover, the hotel provides 24/7 in-room dining with a carefully curated menu of meals, snacks, and beverages.

Furthermore, the hotel’s location ensures strong connectivity, as it sits approximately 30 km from Jaipur International Airport, 25 km from Jaipur railway station, and 29 km from Jaipur ISBT. As a result, the property remains well-suited for travellers seeking convenience alongside a comfortable stay in the city.

The launch of The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur marks another significant step in The Fern Hotels & Resorts’ expansion strategy across Rajasthan. With a growing portfolio in Jaipur, thoughtfully designed accommodations, and strong transport connectivity, the new property reinforces the group’s commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality hospitality experiences in one of India’s most sought-after travel markets.

Electric motorcycle startup Raptee.HV plans rapid South India and Western expansion after T30 launch

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Electric motorcycle startup Raptee.HV has outlined plans to expand its presence across all southern state capitals and enter western India by the end of the year, according to a senior company official. As part of this strategy, the Chennai-based company has already begun customer deliveries of its electric motorcycle, the T30, marking a key step in its commercial rollout.

Currently, Chennai serves as Raptee.HV’s first operational market, with deliveries and customer support infrastructure now fully active. At the same time, the company has confirmed plans to launch operations in Bengaluru by April, making it the second city after Chennai to receive the T30. The Bengaluru entry will include a dedicated showroom and an authorised service centre, supporting Raptee.HV’s phased market expansion approach.

Priced at Rs 2.39 lakh (ex-showroom), the T30 comes with an eight-year battery warranty and a three-year vehicle warranty. In addition, the company has bundled roadside assistance services to strengthen customer confidence, according to an official statement issued on Saturday.

Looking ahead, Raptee.HV plans to build a footprint across all major South Indian state capitals while simultaneously initiating its entry into Western India by the end of the year. This expansion roadmap reflects the company’s ambition to scale its operations steadily while maintaining service readiness alongside sales growth.

Meanwhile, Guidance Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu government-backed investment promotion agency, described the start of large-scale T30 deliveries as a significant milestone. The agency noted that the achievement follows seven years of deep-tech research and development and positions the company as a key player in India’s evolving electric mobility landscape.

“With Chennai as its first operational market and expansion planned across South India, Raptee.HV is redefining India’s performance electric motorcycle segment,” Guidance said in its statement.

Commenting on the milestone, Raptee.HV’s CEO and co-founder Dinesh Arjun said, “With the commencement of large-scale customer deliveries, we are excited to bring our product—seven years in the making—to a wider audience. This milestone is built on the trust of our earliest customers, who believed in our vision, technology, and team before anyone else.”

He further added, “We are not only delivery-ready but also service-ready. Every T30 customer is supported by a structured service ecosystem, a trusted roadside assistance partner, and a dedicated single point of contact, ensuring confidence and convenience at every step.”

Raptee.HV’s launch of large-scale T30 deliveries marks a pivotal moment in its growth journey. With Chennai already operational and Bengaluru next in line, the company is therefore positioning itself for rapid expansion across South India and, subsequently, into western markets. Moreover, backed by years of deep-tech development and a robust service framework, Raptee.HV appears well placed to further strengthen its role in India’s performance electric motorcycle segment.

Wearable startup Temple raises $54 Mn to build breakthrough brain monitoring wearable

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Deepinder Goyal, Founder, Temple

Deepinder Goyal’s startup Temple, which is developing a wearable device designed to measure cerebral blood flow, has raised $54 million (Rs 493 crore) in a seed funding round. As a result of the investment, the company now carries a post-money valuation of $190 million, or approximately Rs 1,700 crore.

According to regulatory filings sourced from the Registrar of Companies, Temple attracted capital from leading investment firms such as Peak XV Partners, Steadview Capital, Dharana Capital, and Info Edge Ventures. In addition, more than 80 individual investors participated in the round, reflecting broad-based confidence in the company’s long-term vision.

Sharing details on social media, Goyal said that founder friends and early-stage Zomato investors made up the entire investor group and backed the project irrespective of its commercial outcome. More importantly, he highlighted that over 30 Temple employees invested their own money at the same valuation as external investors, signalling deep internal belief in the product and mission.

The list of individual backers includes several prominent startup founders such as Kunal Shah of Cred, Vijay Shekhar Sharma of Paytm, Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath of Zerodha, Varun Alagh, Cars24 founders including CEO Vikram Chopra, podcaster Raj Shamani, and Urban Company cofounder Abhiraj Singh Bhal. Several current and former Eternal executives also joined the round, including CFO Akshant Goyal, district head Rahul Ganjoo, food delivery CEO Aditya Mangla, and the family office of former chief people officer Akriti Chopra.

Meanwhile, Goyal personally invested Rs 104 crore, accounting for 21% of the total funding. Following the transaction, he now holds a 28.5% stake in Temple, underlining his long-term commitment to the venture.

Earlier this month, Goyal stepped down as CEO of Eternal, the parent company of Zomato and Blinkit, with Albinder Dhindsa taking over the role. Subsequently, Goyal transitioned to vice chairman and announced plans to focus on higher-risk ventures across longevity and aerospace.

Besides Temple, he is backing the longevity research firm Continue with $25 million of his own capital. Notably, Temple emerged from the research work conducted at Continue. Goyal has also cofounded aerospace startup LAT Aerospace alongside former Zomato COO Surobhi Das.

Temple’s core product is a non-invasive wearable device worn on the temples that tracks blood flow in the brain. The technology builds on research exploring how gravity may influence human ageing. According to the underlying hypothesis, cerebral blood flow declines by up to 0.7% annually, leading to a cumulative drop of 20% to 40% between the ages of 20 and 80. Reduced blood flow to the brain, the research claims, correlates with nearly double the risk of mortality from all causes.

At the same time, Goyal announced an aggressive hiring drive, stating that Temple is building a high-precision performance-tracking wearable for elite athletes. The company claims the device will capture metrics that existing wearables cannot measure with comparable accuracy. Open roles span analog and electronics engineering, embedded systems, sensor algorithms, deep learning, computational neuroscience, computer vision, neuroimaging, machine learning, and product management, with an emphasis on hands-on design ownership using tools such as Figma.

With strong backing from founders, employees, and leading investors, Temple now moves into its next phase with both capital and conviction firmly in place.

Lemon Tree Hotels expands Maharashtra footprint with new Keys Prima signing in Akola

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Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a licence agreement for a new Keys Prima hotel in Akola, further strengthening its expansion strategy across Maharashtra. With this addition, the company continues to deepen its presence in one of India’s most economically dynamic states while steadily expanding into high-potential regional markets.

The upcoming property will operate under the Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels brand and will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. As a result of this signing, the group’s Maharashtra portfolio will grow to fifteen operational hotels and thirteen upcoming properties, reflecting a strong pipeline in the state.

Moreover, the hotel’s location in Akola places it at the centre of the Vidarbha region’s evolving commercial and agricultural ecosystem. The city plays a vital role in cotton trading and agribusiness while continuing to benefit from infrastructure development and rising regional commerce. Consequently, the new property aims to cater to increasing demand from business travellers and regional visitors seeking quality branded accommodation.

Commenting on the development, Vilas Pawar, CEO – Managed & Franchise Business at Lemon Tree Hotels, emphasised the strategic value of Akola within the company’s growth roadmap. He noted that as economic activity expands beyond Maharashtra’s major metros, emerging cities such as Akola present strong opportunities for organised hospitality brands to support growing business travel needs.

Lemon Tree Hotels’ latest signing in Akola highlights its continued confidence in Maharashtra’s regional growth story. By adding another Keys Prima property in a commercially significant Vidarbha city, the company reinforces its long-term strategy of expanding beyond metros while meeting rising demand for trusted, branded hospitality across India’s emerging business centres.

SpaceX plans confidential IPO filing as valuation targets $1.75 Trillion

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Elon Musk, Founder & CEO, SpaceX

Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX is reportedly preparing to file confidentially for an initial public offering that could value the business at more than $1.75 trillion, according to sources familiar with the matter. If completed, this move would place SpaceX among the most valuable companies ever to approach public markets.

The company could submit the confidential filing as early as March, and if the process continues as expected, the listing may follow by June. However, plans remain flexible, and SpaceX could still adjust its timeline depending on market conditions and internal priorities. Nevertheless, a March filing would align closely with expectations previously shared by people familiar with the company’s strategy.

At the same time, SpaceX is preparing for another major milestone in its launch program. Musk expects the company to conduct a test flight of an upgraded version of its next-generation Starship rocket in March. Notably, this version incorporates hundreds of design and engineering improvements developed during a months-long pause in launches, as engineers worked to address technical challenges.

Since 2023, SpaceX has conducted 11 Starship test launches, and these events have consistently drawn global attention. In several cases, high-profile figures attended the launches, while some tests resulted in partial or complete failures. Even so, the company has continued to treat each launch as a critical learning opportunity, using real-world data to refine its systems.

Meanwhile, SpaceX has not issued an official response to inquiries regarding its IPO plans. However, people familiar with the matter have indicated to Reuters that the company has been steadily preparing for a public-market debut, with a mid-year listing increasingly viewed as realistic.

SpaceX appears to be advancing on two major fronts simultaneously. On one hand, the company is laying the groundwork for a potentially historic IPO that could reshape global capital markets. On the other hand, it is accelerating the development of Starship, a vehicle central to its long-term vision for space exploration. Together, these moves signal SpaceX’s intent to scale both its technological ambitions and its financial footprint in the months ahead.

NILE Hospitality to open first Accor-branded hotel in Nagpur

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Vikram Singh Chauhan, Founder & CEO, NILE Hospitality

NILE Hospitality has announced plans to launch its first Accor-branded hotel in Nagpur, marking an important step in strengthening its footprint across Central India. Through this development, the company continues to expand its presence in high-growth urban markets.

The upcoming hotel will feature 120 well-designed rooms and suites, creating a comfortable and contemporary retreat for both business and leisure travellers. Moreover, guests will have access to a multi-cuisine restaurant with a live open kitchen, a bar designed for relaxed socialising, and a deli offering quick and casual dining options.

At the same time, the property places a strong emphasis on meetings and social gatherings. It will offer nearly 20,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a banquet hall, terrace lawn, alfresco lounge, and multiple meeting rooms. Additionally, leisure amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, spa, and gym will further enhance the guest experience. As a result, the hotel positions itself as a preferred venue for conferences, weddings, and large-scale celebrations in the city.

Importantly, this project marks NILE Hospitality’s first collaboration with Accor, reinforcing its strategy of partnering with leading international hotel brands. Therefore, the company continues to focus on delivering professionally managed, high-performance hospitality assets across fast-growing Indian destinations.

Speaking on the development, Vikram Singh Chauhan, Founder & CEO, NILE Hospitality, said, “Novotel Nagpur represents a defining milestone in our growth journey, and we are immensely proud to bring this brand to the city. Nagpur is a long-admired destination for us, and this opening reaffirms NILE Hospitality’s position at the vanguard of third-party hotel management in India. Combining a coveted location, world-class design, and personalized service, we are delighted to bring this future landmark to Nagpur—a strategic commercial, logistic, and cultural hub.”

The launch of Novotel Nagpur underscores NILE Hospitality’s strategic focus on high-potential Indian cities and global brand partnerships. By combining international standards with strong local market insight, the company continues to play a key role in shaping India’s evolving hospitality landscape.

Info Edge plans Rs 250-Cr allocation for B8 Fund I to focus on growth-stage technology startups

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Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder and executive vice-chairman, Info Edge

Info Edge (India) has approved a commitment of up to Rs 250 crore to B8 Fund I, a newly launched investment vehicle targeting growth-stage technology startups in India, according to media reports. Through this move, the company continues to deepen its presence in India’s evolving startup investment landscape.

The fund will receive the investment either directly from Info Edge or through its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Smartweb Internet Services Ltd., which will act as the sponsor and investment manager. The company disclosed this development in a stock exchange filing dated February 26.

B8 Fund I has been established by B8 Trust and has received registration from the Securities and Exchange Board of India as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund. Launched on February 12, 2026, the fund will primarily back growth-stage, tech-enabled companies that operate in or focus on the Indian market. As a result, the fund aims to create long-term value for investors while strengthening the domestic startup ecosystem.

Info Edge’s Rs 250 crore commitment represents the total value agreed under the contribution arrangement. Meanwhile, the company will deploy capital in phased tranches over the fund’s lifecycle, depending on market conditions and the availability of suitable investment opportunities.

The fund will carry a base tenure of eight years from the date of its first closing, with an option to extend the term by up to two additional years, subject to investor approval. Once the investment management agreement comes into effect, B8 Fund I and its associated schemes will fall under the related-party classification as per SEBI listing norms. However, Info Edge clarified that its promoter group holds no interest in the transaction and that the investment will proceed strictly on an arm’s-length basis.

This commitment further strengthens Info Edge’s diversified investment framework. Currently, the company manages multiple capital pools, including Info Edge Ventures, which oversees commitments of nearly Rs 2,300 crore across three funds. In addition, Capital2B manages around Rs 280 crore through one fund, while the early-stage Redstart programme has deployed close to Rs 110 crore. Separately, Info Edge also maintains balance-sheet financial investments worth approximately Rs 2,000 crore.

Earlier, in May 2025, shareholders approved an allocation of up to Rs 1,000 crore to Info Edge Venture Investment Fund III, another Category II AIF managed by Smartweb. Therefore, the launch of B8 Fund I further expands Info Edge’s structured exposure to expansion-stage startups, effectively complementing its existing early- and mid-stage investment platforms.