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Ola Electric introduces nationwide ‘Hyperservice’ In-App service platform

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Ola Electric on Monday launched its in-app service appointment feature nationwide under the Hyperservice initiative, enabling customers to schedule vehicle service seamlessly from anywhere.

The company said the new feature reinforces its commitment to offering a transparent, convenient, and customer-first service experience.

Furthermore, the in-app booking system aims to enhance ease and accessibility by allowing users to select preferred service slots, track service progress, and manage all service-related requirements directly through the Ola Electric app, according to the company’s statement.

By integrating the entire service journey into a single digital platform, the company explained that customers can avoid the inconvenience associated with traditional service booking methods. Additionally, the feature guarantees access to genuine, high-quality parts and standardized service procedures.

“Our vision under the Hyperservice initiative is to offer world-class experiences that are rooted in trust, convenience, and transparency. With the launch of in-app service appointments across India, we have taken a significant step in strengthening that promise,” a company spokesperson said.

Moreover, the spokesperson noted that the initiative offers customers better control, improved visibility, and the assurance of genuine, brand-certified service.

Recently, the company announced the expansion of Hyperservice into an open platform designed to reshape EV servicing in India.

Under this initiative, for the first time, Ola will make its genuine spare parts, diagnostic tools, and service training modules available not only to its customers but also to independent garages, mechanics, and fleet operators nationwide. This initiative also supports Ola’s broader India Inside strategy, which focuses on developing open, scalable, and domestically integrated platforms across batteries, software, and now after-sales and service infrastructure.

Royal Orchid Hotels stregthens portfolio with 120-key resort in Khatu Shyam Ji

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Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) has launched a new 120-key property in Khatu Shyam Ji, one of Rajasthan’s prominent pilgrimage hubs. This opening supports the group’s broader strategy to expand across India’s high-growth spiritual, cultural, and leisure destinations. Moreover, ROHL developed the resort in collaboration with Mr. Rajender Kumar Agarwal and Mr. Dinesh Kumar Agarwal, and it will operate under a management agreement consistent with the company’s asset-light approach.

Commenting on the launch, Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, “As we continue expanding across India, spiritually significant destinations like Khatu Shyam Ji are becoming an important part of our growth story. This location attracts millions of devotees and travelers year-round, creating strong demand for organized hospitality. Regenta Anantam Resort is designed to offer guests a comfortable, serene, and well-connected stay experience. We are delighted to introduce the Regenta experience to Khatu in partnership with Rajender Kumar Agarwal and Dinesh Kumar Agarwal, and we look forward to welcoming guests seeking convenience, warmth, and genuine hospitality.”

The resort sits just two km from the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, which draws large crowds of devotees throughout the year. Furthermore, it features five categories of rooms and suites ranging from 205 sq ft Deluxe Rooms to 421 sq ft Presidential Suites. Moreover, the property offers amenities such as Amritam, the all-day vegetarian restaurant; Prasadam Café; a swimming pool; Arogya Spa; a gym; an indoor banquet hall called Aanandam; and an outdoor venue named Baagh Lawn. With these offerings, the resort ultimately aims to cater to pilgrims, families, and destination wedding guests.

Khatu Shyam Ji, located in the Sikar district, remains one of India’s major pilgrimage destinations. With access to nearby attractions such as Golden Water Park, Mahalaxmi Temple, Jeen Mata Temple, and Shakambhari Devi Temple, the Regenta Anantam Resort seeks to support both spiritual tourism and leisure travel in the region.

Rajender Kumar Agarwal and Dinesh Kumar Agarwal said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Royal Orchid Hotels to introduce a high-quality hospitality experience in Khatu Shyam Ji. Every aspect of this resort has been crafted with guest comfort, elegance, and satisfaction in mind. We look forward to welcoming travelers, families, and devotees to a stay that is both enriching and memorable.”

Deeptech startup Mixx Technologies raises USD 33 Mn to drive global expansion

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Vivek Raghuraman, co-founder & CEO, Mixx Technologies

Mixx Technologies, a deeptech startup focused on optical interconnect solutions for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, has raised USD 33 million in new funding.

Singapore-based ICM HPQC Fund led the round, while TDK Ventures, SystemIQ Capital, AVITIC Innovation Fund and other investors also participated.

The California-headquartered company plans to invest the fresh capital in strengthening its R&D capabilities, accelerating product development, and expanding its engineering team in Bengaluru. Additionally, it aims to enter new markets such as Taiwan, where it intends to establish manufacturing and operations teams starting January 2026. Mixx Technologies currently operates in both the US and India.

Founded in 2023 by Vivek Raghuraman and Rebecca K Schaevitz, the startup develops optical interconnect systems built to support advanced AI and computing workloads. Its platform relies on silicon photonics and advanced packaging to transfer data efficiently between GPUs in data centres.

The company says this method reduces performance and power bottlenecks that often hinder AI infrastructure. Moreover, Mixx Technologies plans to expand its workforce from around 25 employees to more than 75 in the coming months. Earlier, in January 2024, Kaynes Technologies acquired a 13.2 percent stake in the company for USD 3 million.

This funding arrives at a time when investors are showing growing interest in deeptech companies, especially those advancing the rapid scaling of AI. Last week, Singapore-based LightSpeed Photonics raised USD 6.5 million to support its optical interconnect technology for AI data centres.

Databricks in talks to raise fresh capital at $134 Billion valuation: Report

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Data analytics firm Databricks is reportedly negotiating to raise $5 billion at a valuation of $134 billion, which is nearly 32 times its projected sales of about $4.1 billion for this year,

The Information reported on Sunday, citing investor documents and a person familiar with the discussions.

Databricks declined to comment on the development.

Moreover, the company has raised its sales forecast at least twice this year, The Information reported. In September, Databricks increased its sales estimate from $3.8 billion to $4 billion and then revised the figure slightly upward again. It now expects its revenue to grow by 55% this year.

However, the report also noted that the company informed investors that its gross margin is declining faster than expected—falling to 74% from a previously planned 77%—because of higher usage of its AI products.

Founded in 2013, Databricks provides a platform that enables users to ingest, analyze, and build AI applications. Investors consistently view the company as a top contender for a future public listing and continue to show strong interest in it.

Additionally, the firm serves more than 20,000 customers, including payments firm Block, energy major Shell, and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, according to its website.

Mindspace REIT makes ₹2,916-Cr investment in Mumbai–Pune commercial properties

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Ramesh Nair, MD and CEO of Mindspace REIT

Mindspace Business Parks REIT announced that it has purchased three commercial assets located in central business districts of Mumbai and Pune for ₹2,916 crore from K Raheja Corp, thereby expanding its REIT portfolio.

Moreover, Mindspace REIT, which K Raheja Corp sponsors, acquired three properties totalling 8 lakh sq ft across Mumbai and Pune. As of September 30, its commercial portfolio stood at 38.2 million sq ft, and this acquisition will increase it to 39 million sq ft.

The company stated in a regulatory filing that it acquired the three commercial assets for ₹2,916 crore from its sponsor, K Raheja Corp Group, and that these assets are located in Mumbai’s key business hubs—Worli and Bandra-Kurla Complex—and in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar.

Additionally, the Board of the Manager of Mindspace Business Parks REIT approved the acquisition and preferential issue of units totalling up to ₹1,820 crore, subject to unitholders’ and other regulatory approvals, the company confirmed.

Moreover, the assets Mindspace Business Parks REIT acquired include Pramaan Properties Private Limited, which owns approximately 0.45 msf at Ascent–Worli (Mumbai), a premium newly completed commercial tower in Mumbai’s Worli micro-market, along with an office building spanning ~0.1 msf in the Kalyani Nagar micro-market in Pune. It also acquired Sundew Real Estate Pvt Ltd, which holds around 0.2 million sq ft of premium office space at The Square Avenue 98 (BKC Annex), a Grade A office building situated in Mumbai’s financial center, BKC and BKC Annexe.

These acquisitions collectively represent nearly 0.8 million sq ft of premium leasable area, and independent valuers valued them at a Gross Asset Value (GAV) of ₹3,106 crore, the company added. Mindspace REIT’s existing portfolio consists of five integrated business parks and six independent office assets across the Mumbai region, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

Consequently, these marquee assets strengthen Mindspace REIT’s prime office portfolio, extend its presence in major business districts, and support its long-term strategy of building a resilient, income-generating asset base in India’s most dynamic urban markets. Additionally, they provide embedded mark-to-market potential, strong rental momentum, and clear value-add opportunities across these Grade A+ properties, the company noted.

While speaking about the acquisition, Ramesh Nair, MD and CEO of Mindspace REIT, said, “Bringing these assets into the Mindspace REIT portfolio is a strategic step in strengthening our presence in Mumbai’s most sought-after CBD office districts. These are high-quality, institutional assets, with strong cash flows, and some of the biggest names of Wall Street as anchor tenants. They enhance the scale, stability, and long-term growth of our portfolio. For us, it’s straightforward—invest in great locations, work with great tenants, and create durable value for our unitholders.”

Gravis Robotics raises $23M to accelerate autonomous earthmoving expansion

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Dominic Jud and Ryan Luke Johns, co-founders, Gravis Robotics

Gravis Robotics, a Switzerland-based earthmoving autonomy platform, has secured $23 million in new funding, co-led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures, with additional participation from Pear VC, Imad (CVC of Nesma & Partners), Sunna Ventures, Armada Investment, and Holcim. Moreover, the company has announced several new industry partnerships that further solidify its role in transforming global construction.

Founded in late 2022 as a spinout from ETH Zurich, Gravis addresses major structural challenges in the construction sector—including rising demand, declining productivity, and an aging workforce—by enhancing output instead of overhauling existing processes. Additionally, the company leverages its team’s expertise in AI and autonomy to power its retrofit system, which goes beyond simple command-based operation and adapts to real ground conditions through a learning-based control system that “feels the soil” using data from hydraulics, LiDAR, cameras, and GNSS.

Furthermore, this core intelligence connects to Gravis Slate, a tablet interface designed to integrate seamlessly with existing construction workflows. The same sensor suite that enables autonomous operation also enhances manual work, creating a continuous data loop that supports performance improvements and accelerates the growth of autonomous capabilities.

Gravis designs its platform to handle diverse site conditions across trenching, earthworks, grading, and material handling. Consequently, the system complements human teams rather than replacing them, delivering approximately 30 percent gains in output, reducing rework, and improving safety.

Ryan Luke Johns, CEO and co-founder of Gravis Robotics, emphasized that the most effective path to autonomy starts with productivity improvements today:

“By giving operators real-time 3D intelligence and the ability to shift seamlessly between autonomy and augmented control, we cover more of the work, accelerate adoption, and create the data pipeline needed to learn new capabilities from the industry’s hardest jobs.”

In practice, major construction companies already use Gravis systems for site preparation, stockpile management, and loading of trucks and screeners. Most recently, Gravis supported Taylor Woodrow at Manchester Airport in what is described as the UK’s first large-scale use of autonomous excavation on an active construction site.

The company is also partnering with Flannery to offer turnkey excavators equipped with the Gravis Rack, and OEM dealer networks—including Develon in the UK and Kibag in Switzerland—are deploying similar models.

Following this expansion, Gravis Robotics now operates in seven countries across the UK, EU, US, LATAM, and Asia. As a result, the company represents one of the broadest deployments of autonomous excavation technology globally, spanning both mixed-fleet and OEM-integrated equipment, and bringing autonomy directly into the earthmoving equipment rental market.

With its newly secured funding, Gravis Robotics plans to advance its autonomy technology, expand and strengthen industry partnerships, and use existing global distribution channels to support the widespread deployment of autonomous earthmoving solutions.

ELIVAAS launches Energise Soul Retreat in Trimbak, Maharashtra

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Mr. Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO, ELIVAAS

ELIVAAS, the premier luxury villa management and rental brand, has announced the launch of Energise Soul Retreat by ELIVAAS, a wellness destination in Trimbak, Maharashtra.

Moreover, this strategic launch brings together the retreat’s established spiritual and holistic offerings with ELIVAAS’s expertise in refined luxury hospitality. Through this horizontal integration, both brands combine their complementary strengths to expand market presence, elevate guest experiences, and create a more seamless, enhanced retreat journey.

Additionally, the retreat features 32 well-appointed rooms that can accommodate up to 100 guests, ensuring both comfort and tranquility. Furthermore, Designing Lighting, a prominent American magazine known for highlighting distinguished architectural illumination projects, recognized the property’s remarkable lighting design. Together, the thoughtful accommodations and striking design elevate the retreat’s ambiance, creating an environment that harmonizes aesthetics with meaningful wellness, said a release.

Guests can also immerse themselves in a deep and personal spiritual journey by participating in yoga, meditation, and holistic therapy sessions, or simply embracing the calming rhythm of nature. Moreover, the retreat intentionally promotes mindfulness, balance, and serenity through its thoughtful design.

On this launch, Ritwik Khare, founder & CEO of ELIVAAS, said, “The launch of Energise Soul Retreat marks a significant step in our long-term strategy to expand beyond luxury villa management into curated wellness-led hospitality. With this launch, we are contributing towards strengthening India’s wellness tourism landscape, offering a destination that enables individuals to reconnect with themselves in an environment of balance and purpose. Energize Soul Retreat reflects our shared vision of calm, clarity, and meaningful rejuvenation.”

In addition, Shine Attavar, founder & executive director of Energise Boutique Resorts Pvt Ltd, added, “Energise was created to help people reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with stillness. Every space is intentionally designed to inspire mindfulness—from the Spiritual Sanctuary at the heart of the property to the quiet nooks that invite reflection. Through thoughtful collaboration with ELIVAAS, this philosophy comes to life, ensuring every guest experience is not just restful but deeply transformative.”

Groww infuses ₹104.4-Cr into Fisdom to strengthen wealthtech strategy

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Ishan Bansal, co-founder, Groww

Groww has infused an additional Rs 104.4 crore into Fisdom, its recently acquired wealthtech subsidiary, as the fintech accelerates efforts to diversify beyond its derivatives-heavy brokerage model.

Furthermore, Billionbrains Garage Ventures Ltd., the listed parent of Groww, stated in a stock-exchange filing that it invested the amount through a rights issue in Finwizard Technology Pvt. Ltd., the entity that operates Fisdom. In this process, the company bought 87,384 shares at Rs 11,954.94 apiece, and ownership remained unchanged because Fisdom continues as a wholly owned subsidiary.

Additionally, the filing said the capital infusion was required under the May 16, 2025, Share Purchase Agreement, which obligated Groww to “infuse additional capital to facilitate certain payouts and other working capital requirements.” Meanwhile, Fisdom—which Groww acquired for about Rs 961 crore in October—offers wealth management and distribution services across mutual funds, insurance, PMS, AIFs, and unlisted securities. The unit generated Rs 166.3 crore in revenue last year and remains close to breakeven, although it is still loss-making.

Moreover, the investment reflects Groww’s attempt to shift away from its over-dependence on derivatives brokerage, which contributed 57% of revenue in Q2 FY26, down from 68% a year earlier. SEBI’s regulatory tightening has weighed heavily on F&O trading and has already wiped out nearly Rs 203 crore in revenue for Groww in FY26.

In line with this shift, management said the long-term plan aims to reduce derivatives to less than half of total revenue while wealth management, commodities, and credit scale up. Co-founder of Groww, Ishan Bansal, told analysts during the recent earnings call, “It is beyond 50; definitely it can come below 50.”

Consequently, Fisdom plays a central role in this strategic change by giving Groww deeper access to affluent customers, whose numbers are rising 52% annually and now hold 34% of the platform’s total assets. Finally, the acquisition added about 500 employees, including 180 in sales, and introduced new advisory-led offerings such as a “PMS of mutual funds,” which charges direct fees to customers.

ITC Hotels strengthens premium leisure presence with Storii Akanni launch

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Anil Chadha, managing director, ITC Hotels Limited

ITC Hotels has expanded its premium boutique brand, Storii by ITC Hotels, with the debut of Storii Akanni Naina Tikkar, a 42-room retreat set amid fragrant pine forests with sweeping views of the majestic Churdaar peaks.

Conceived as a secluded getaway that fuses natural beauty, peace, and elevated hospitality, Storii Akanni offers travelers a calm sanctuary shaped with craftsmanship and thoughtful detailing. Additionally, with expansive valley vistas, the property features elegant rooms, alfresco dining spaces, a signature spa, and curated outdoor activities—each designed to redefine the hotel experience as soulful, scenic, and personalized.

Anil Chadha, managing director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “Storii is a celebration of places with a soul, places that beckon with their beauty, their stories, and their timeless charm. We are delighted to bring our signature hospitality to this breathtaking destination. Storii Akanni Naina Tikkar is thoughtfully planned to reflect the serenity of the mountains and the cultural warmth of the region, offering experiences that are deeply personal, sensorial, and rooted in the soil.”

Alisha Gupta, owner of Storii Akanni Naina Tikkar, added, “Akanni is a dream we have nurtured with passion for four years, and it is a joy to finally open its doors. The name itself means ‘a place that brings joy,’ which reflects its essence. Surrounded by the magnificent landscapes and crisp mountain air, every space has been designed to blend comfort and tranquility. Akanni is more than a hotel; it is the realization of a vision to create something truly special, and we are delighted to share it with the world.”

Guests can enjoy forest walks, open-air picnics, and starlit barbecue experiences. Moreover, the property includes deluxe, superior, and premium rooms and suites, each offering valley-facing views. In addition, guests have access to an outdoor infinity pool, the K by Kaya Kalp Spa, rejuvenating yoga sessions, and a salon for quick self-care.

Dining choices include Cedar Spoon, Pegs & Tales, and a selection of regional dishes crafted using locally sourced produce. Furthermore, located in Majhgaon Shamlati and surrounded by lush landscapes, Storii Akanni Naina Tikkar sits about 90 minutes from Chandigarh airport and is close to Naina Devi Temple, Dagshai, and Menri Monastery—making it ideal for leisure travelers seeking peace, inspiration, and a deeper connection with nature.

Fast fashion startup Newme plans $12 Mn raise at $112 Mn valuation

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L-R: Vinod Naik, Sumit Jasoria, Himanshu Chaudhary & Shivam Tripathi, co-founders, Newme

Women-focused fast fashion brand Newme has begun its Series B funding round by raising Rs 108.66 crore (around $12 million). Existing investors Accel India and Fireside Ventures co-led the round, while new investor Point72 Ventures and others also joined.

Newme previously raised $18 million in a Series A round led by Accel in July last year.

The company’s board approved a special resolution to issue 3,447 Series B CCPS at Rs 3,15,231 per share, enabling it to raise the stated amount, according to its regulatory filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

Accel India and Fireside Ventures will each invest Rs 36.94 crore ($4 million), while Point72 Ventures will contribute Rs 26.38 crore ($3 million). Additionally, AUM Ventures, 2am Ventures, and A. Paul SRC SPV V, LLC will invest the remaining amount.

According to the company’s analysis, Newme’s valuation will rise by 41% to Rs 988 crore ($112 million) from its previous Rs 700 crore valuation at the time of the Series A round.

Moreover, Newme—founded by Shivam Tripathi, Sumit Jasoria, Himanshu Chaudhary, and Vinod Naik—focuses on women-centric fast fashion for Gen Z shoppers through both online platforms and offline outlets. Its website notes that the Newme app has crossed 7 million downloads, and the brand currently operates 16 stores in cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Pune, and Hyderabad.

Startup data platform TheKredible states that Newme has raised over $23 million across two funding rounds, including its seed round in January 2024. After the latest investment, Fireside Ventures will become the largest external shareholder with 19.27%, followed by Accel India at 17.06%, while Point72 Ventures will hold 2.67%. The co-founders will retain a collective 31.45% ownership.

Financially, Newme recorded Rs 48.28 crore in operating revenue for FY24, along with a loss of Rs 35.75 crore. The company has not yet released its FY25 results.

In addition, the fast-fashion sector has seen strong investor interest recently. Quick-fashion delivery startup Slikk raised $10 million led by Nexus, D2C menswear brand Snitch secured $40 million to expand into quick commerce, and Mumbai-based KNOT also closed a funding round.