Minor Hotels partners with MakeMyTrip to strengthen India presence

February 9, 2026

Minor Hotels has formed a strategic partnership with MakeMyTrip to strengthen its engagement with Indian outbound travellers, thereby expanding its distribution footprint in the country. Through this collaboration, the hospitality group will make a broader selection of its international properties accessible on the online travel platform.

Currently, Minor Hotels operates over 560 properties across major markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. At present, 60 Minor Hotels properties are live on MakeMyTrip, and the company plans to add more hotels from its global portfolio in the coming months. Notably, 12 of these properties carry the ‘Loved by Indians’ tag, which highlights amenities and services specifically designed to meet the preferences of Indian travellers. Furthermore, the available portfolio features well-known brands such as Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, NH Collection Hotels & Resorts, and Avani Hotels & Resorts, spanning both urban hotels and leisure resort destinations.

Commenting on the partnership, Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, said, “Our global portfolio, strong presence across key travel destinations, and commitment to exceeding guest expectations position us well to serve the evolving needs of Indian travellers. As demand and share from India continue to grow, we are absolutely focused on strengthening our offering across properties, with added features and experiences that resonate more closely with Indian guests.”

Meanwhile, MakeMyTrip continues to scale its international accommodation offerings. Over the past year, the platform sold more than 77,900 unique hotels across 4,350+ cities in 192 countries. In addition, the number of unique hotels sold in 2025 increased by 17 percent compared to 2024. Significantly, nearly one-third of these bookings fell within the premium category, with the average room-night tariff exceeding Rs 15,000.

Highlighting the significance of the alliance, Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, said, “Our partnership with Minor Hotels is part of our broader strategy to deepen engagement with leading global hospitality groups and strengthen the quality and breadth of international stays on our platform. Beyond expanding access, this collaboration reflects Minor Hotels’ commitment to working closely with us to better serve the needs of Indian travellers across international destinations.”

boAt expands automotive tech portfolio with Hive Dashcam series

BRL Editor

February 9, 2026

boAt has officially entered the dashcam segment with the launch of its Hive Dashcam series, thereby marking a strategic expansion beyond its core audio and wearables portfolio into the automotive safety products category.

With this move, the company aims to address the growing demand for in-car safety and monitoring solutions. Notably, the new product range targets individual car owners and daily commuters, as well as commercial vehicle operators.

The Hive Dashcam lineup includes the Hive Dashcam F1, M1, and E1, each offering a combination of advanced safety and recording capabilities. Specifically, the series delivers features such as up to 4K Ultra HD video recording, dual-channel capture, built-in GPS route logging, G-sensor-based incident detection, motion detection, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Moreover, the dashcams use Sony STARVIS sensors, which enhance video clarity in low-light and high-glare environments, ensuring reliable footage across varied driving conditions.

Commenting on the category expansion, Gaurav Nayyar, CEO of boAt, said the company’s entry into dashcams aligns with its strategy to build technology-led products beyond its core categories. He added that dashcams are increasingly being used for safety, incident documentation, and insurance-related purposes as traffic density and road complexity increase.

Among the three models, the Hive Dashcam F1 stands out with support for simultaneous 4K front and 1080p rear recording. In addition, it integrates ADAS features such as lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts, alongside built-in GPS, voice control, and mobile app connectivity. Meanwhile, the Hive Dashcam M1 offers 2K QHD recording with a 140-degree wide-angle lens. It also enables GPS-based speed and route tracking, G-sensor-powered emergency footage locking, and expandable storage support of up to 512 GB.

On the other hand, the Hive Dashcam E1 focuses on everyday commuting and commercial vehicle usage. Accordingly, it provides 1296p HD recording, loop recording, automatic emergency triggers, and Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone access, making it suitable for continuous and high-frequency use.

Furthermore, the company stated that the entire Hive Dashcam series supports onboard microSD storage, seamless mobile app integration, and optional cloud connectivity. Additionally, the dashcams offer parking surveillance through motion detection and G-sensor alerts. As a result, the devices deliver reliable visual evidence that can assist users with accident verification, dispute resolution, and insurance claims.

Long-stay coliving hospitality brand Tribe Stays and CCI India join hands to scale hotel portfolio

BRL Editor

February 7, 2026

Long-stay coliving hospitality brand Tribe Stays and CCI India join hands to scale hotel portfolio — [L-R] Shantam Mehra & Aman Mehra (Co-founders), Yogesh Mehra (Founder & CEO), Tribe Stays

Long-stay coliving hospitality brand Tribe Stays has announced that it has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with CCI India—Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a government body established to facilitate the growth of high-potential startups and enterprises through policy support, market access, and institutional collaborations.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), CCI India will act as Tribe Stays’ exclusive strategic partner for enterprise and institutional business. As a result, the partnership will enable Tribe Stays to access large corporates, national and international universities, institutional clients, expat housing programs, and multi-city accommodation mandates across India and select global markets, the release said.

The partnership aims to unlock high-impact opportunities across enterprise housing, workforce accommodation, student living, institutional residences, and premium long-stay solutions for global professionals and organisations. Where relevant, the collaboration may also extend to government organisations and public sector institutions. Additionally, CCI India will support Tribe Stays through strategic introductions, market intelligence, business development initiatives, and cross-border expansion opportunities.

CCI India brings strong relationships across corporate ecosystems, startup networks, industry bodies, policy institutions, and international trade networks. Consequently, the organisation positions itself as a key enabler for Tribe Stays’ next phase of scale and growth.

Commenting on the partnership, Munindra Kumar, Director General, CCI India, said, “Tribe Stays has built one of the most differentiated long-stay hospitality platforms in the country. Their product quality, brand positioning, and operational maturity make them an ideal partner for enterprise and institutional programs. As a government body focused on enabling high-growth companies, CCI India will actively support Tribe in unlocking large-scale opportunities across corporate housing, universities, expat communities, and global markets.”

Yogesh Mehra, Founder & CEO, Tribe Stays, added, “This partnership with CCI India is a strategic step in Tribe’s expansion journey. Our focus is on building a globally relevant long-stay platform across enterprise housing, student living, and institutional accommodation. CCI’s mandate, network, and deep institutional access will significantly accelerate our ability to scale across India and internationally.”

The collaboration is structured as an exclusive, long-term alliance, with both organisations jointly driving business development, enterprise partnerships, institutional engagements, and strategic market expansion. With this partnership, Tribe Stays further strengthens its position as a category leader in premium long-stay hospitality, while CCI India reinforces its role as a key growth catalyst for India’s next generation of high-impact companies, the release claimed.

Data analytics firm Fractal Analytics raises ₹1,248-Cr from anchors pre-IPO

BRL Editor

February 7, 2026

Data analytics firm Fractal Analytics raises ₹1,248-Cr from anchors pre-IPO — Srikanth Velamakanni, co-Founder & CEO, Fractal

AI solutions provider Fractal Analytics has raised ₹1,248 crore from anchor investors ahead of the opening of its initial public offering, as disclosed in a regulatory filing. Importantly, the anchor round signals strong institutional confidence ahead of the company’s market debut.

According to official disclosures, the Bengaluru-based company allotted 1.38 crore equity shares to anchor investors at ₹900 per share, which represents the upper end of the IPO’s price band. Meanwhile, the anchor book attracted a balanced mix of prominent domestic mutual funds and leading global institutional investors.

Among domestic participants, SBI Small Cap Fund and Life Insurance Corporation of India emerged as two of the largest investors in the anchor book. At the same time, marquee global institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Amundi, Kuwait Investment Authority, and Allspring Global took meaningful positions, underscoring confidence in Fractal’s long-term growth prospects.

The company has fixed the price band for the public issue at ₹857–900 per share, which values Fractal at approximately $1.6 billion at the upper end. Furthermore, the IPO is scheduled to open on February 9 and close on February 11.

According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), Fractal has reduced the size of its public issue by 42% to ₹2,834 crore from the ₹4,900 crore IPO outlined in its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) last year. As a result, the revised structure reflects a more calibrated capital-raising strategy.

The updated IPO will consist of a fresh issue of shares worth ₹1,023.5 crore along with an offer for sale (OFS) of ₹1,810.4 crore by existing shareholders. Notably, the company will deploy proceeds from the fresh issue to support inorganic growth, invest in subsidiaries, meet working capital needs, and address general corporate requirements. “Out of the total allocation of 1.38 crore equity shares, 52.77 lakh shares were allocated to 11 domestic mutual funds, including ICICI Prudential AMC, Motilal Oswal AMC, UTI AMC, Trust MF, Baroda BNP Paribas MF, Bandhan MF, Invesco India, Sundaram MF, Abakkus, and Union MF,” Fractal Analytics said.

Founded in 2000, Fractal delivers artificial intelligence and advanced analytics solutions to global enterprises across sectors such as consumer goods, retail, healthcare, technology, and financial services. Additionally, the company generates a majority of its revenue from overseas markets, with the United States contributing a significant share.

On the financial front, Fractal reported consolidated revenue of ₹2,765 crore in FY25, up from ₹2,196 crore in FY24. More importantly, the company recorded a net profit of ₹220.6 crore in FY25, compared with a net loss of ₹54.7 crore in FY24. For the first half of FY26, Fractal posted revenue of ₹1,559 crore and a profit of ₹71 crore, reflecting continued operational momentum.

Noting that the company could have raised capital at a higher valuation in private markets, Fractal Analytics cofounder and group CEO Srikanth Velamakanni said public market investors often evaluate AI companies differently from specialised private investors, who take a more thematic view and spend more time understanding the category.

As the company prepares to enter the public markets with a streamlined issue size and improving financial performance, the IPO positions Fractal as one of the notable AI and analytics listings in India’s capital markets.

Tivoli Hospitality Group unveils Omnia Convention, a new landmark in Gurugram

BRL Editor

February 7, 2026

Tivoli Hospitality Group unveils Omnia Convention, a new landmark in Gurugram — Akshay Gupta, Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group

Tivoli Hospitality Group has officially unveiled Omnia Convention by Tivoli at Bhondsi–Badshahpur in Gurugram, marking the launch of the group’s latest luxury hotel and convention-led destination. Importantly, the new property targets weddings, MICE, corporate events, and leisure stays, strengthening Tivoli’s presence in the premium events and hospitality segment.

The launch event drew hospitality professionals, event planners, and industry stakeholders from across Delhi-NCR. Meanwhile, Tivoli Hospitality Group developed the property as a large-format, purpose-built venue to address the rising demand for scale-driven event infrastructure in the Gurugram market.

Speaking at the unveiling, Akshay Gupta, Executive Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group, said, “Omnia Convention by Tivoli in Bhondsi–Badshahpur, Gurugram, was envisioned as a destination that goes beyond luxury, serving a wide spectrum of needs across leisure, MICE, weddings, and corporate events. While weddings remain an important focus, the property has been designed to cater equally to business requirements and premium staycations. After announcing the project last year, we are pleased to officially open the property and showcase it to the industry.”

The property houses two expansive banquet halls of approximately 16,000 sq ft each, designed to host conferences, exhibitions, weddings, and large-scale corporate gatherings. Additionally, the flexible layout allows the venue to seamlessly accommodate both formal business engagements and social celebrations.

Highlighting the operational strategy, Amit Sood, CEO, Tivoli Hospitality Group, said, “Omnia Convention by Tivoli in Bhondsi–Badshahpur has been developed as a complete ecosystem for events and stays. The combination of high-capacity banqueting, comfortable accommodation, and strong dining offerings makes it ideal for residential conferences, destination-style weddings, and MICE programs. Our focus has been on scale, convenience, and consistent service delivery.”

Beyond events, the property also offers accommodation and dining facilities, positioning itself as a compelling option for short leisure stays and staycations for guests from Delhi-NCR and nearby cities. As a result, Omnia aims to serve both event-driven and leisure-focused travellers.

Adding further, Gupta said, “With Bhondsi–Badshahpur emerging as a key growth corridor within Gurugram, supported by improving infrastructure, strong connectivity, and the presence of a large corporate ecosystem in and around the city, Omnia Convention by Tivoli is strategically positioned to cater to the requirements of corporates, travellers, MICE clients, event planners, and leisure guests alike.”

Founder and Chairman of The Tivoli Group, Mr. Rohit Gupta, along with Executive Directors Mr. Ishan Gupta and Mr. Aryaman Gupta, attended the launch, underscoring the group’s leadership involvement in the milestone opening.

The launch of Omnia Convention by Tivoli marks a significant step in Tivoli Hospitality Group’s expansion strategy, combining large-format event infrastructure with luxury accommodation and dining. As Gurugram continues to evolve as a major business and event hub, the property positions itself as a comprehensive destination for weddings, MICE, corporate events, and premium leisure stays.

CGH Earth Saha expands handpicked escapes portfolio with Pollachi Riverhouse in Tamil Nadu

BRL Editor

February 7, 2026

CGH Earth Saha has expanded its Handpicked Escapes portfolio by launching Pollachi Riverhouse, an exclusive three-bedroom private pool villa set beside a calm river and surrounded by coconut groves and fertile plains in Tamil Nadu. Importantly, the property reflects the brand’s continued focus on intimate, nature-led luxury stays.

Located approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Coimbatore and close to the Anamalai hills, the single-key retreat caters specifically to families and small groups seeking privacy, generous space, and a slow-paced countryside experience. Moreover, the setting places guests within easy reach of nature while remaining comfortably accessible.

Surrounded by Pollachi’s lush agricultural landscape, the villa captures the region’s pastoral rhythm through uninterrupted views of coconut plantations, open farmlands, and the Western Ghats, which together create a soothing natural backdrop. As a result, the stay feels deeply connected to the land and its seasonal rhythms.

The architecture responds thoughtfully to its riverside location, opening fluidly into lawns, water views, and expansive outdoor living spaces. Additionally, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors link the interiors with the outdoors, allowing abundant natural light, greenery, and the gentle sound of flowing water to shape the guest experience.

Inside, clean and contemporary interiors blend seamlessly with rustic textures and antique-inspired furnishings, creating warmth without compromising modern comfort. Meanwhile, the infinity pool extends into manicured lawns that meet the river’s edge, offering an ideal environment for relaxed gatherings, picnics, and evening barbecues.

Dining at Pollachi Riverhouse places a strong emphasis on regional cuisine, showcasing authentic Kongunadu dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients, traditional spices, and time-honoured recipes. Consequently, each meal reflects Tamil Nadu’s agrarian heritage and deep-rooted culinary traditions.

Beyond the villa, guests can explore nearby Topslip and Parambikulam Tiger Reserves, adding a layer of wildlife and forest experiences to the stay. In addition, visitors can engage with local communities through immersive activities such as palm sugar making, palm-leaf weaving, and visits to Pollachi’s renowned handloom centres.

Positioned as more than just an accommodation, Pollachi Riverhouse delivers an immersive experience grounded in nature, culture, and understated luxury. Ultimately, the launch reinforces CGH Earth Saha’s commitment to creating refined, home-style escapes that celebrate South India’s landscapes and traditions.

SambaNova raises Series E funding to strengthen its position in AI hardware market

BRL Editor

February 7, 2026

SambaNova raises Series E funding to strengthen its position in AI hardware market — L-R: Kunle Olukotun, Rodrigo Liang & Christopher Ré, SambaNova

Private equity firm Vista Equity Partners is leading a fresh funding round exceeding $350 million in artificial intelligence chip startup SambaNova Systems, according to people familiar with the matter. Notably, this investment marks a rare strategic shift for Vista, which traditionally concentrates on enterprise software.

According to three sources, Vista is investing in the Series E round through a partnership with early-stage venture capital firm Cambium Capital. Meanwhile, other investors in the oversubscribed round include existing backer Intel Corp., which currently plans to invest approximately $100 million, while potential commitments could rise to $150 million, two sources said.

The AI computing startup is actively raising capital to compete with market leader Nvidia Corp. and to meet surging demand for inference chips that power modern AI applications. As a result, SambaNova aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving AI hardware market.

For Vista, which manages over $100 billion in assets and states on its website that it “invests exclusively in enterprise software companies,” the decision to back an AI chip startup represents an unusual move beyond its traditional investment mandate. Historically, Vista has built its reputation on large-scale software acquisitions, including the purchase of cloud computing company Citrix Systems in 2022 and software company Nexthink in 2025.

Importantly, the deal emerges at a time when software stocks have faced mounting pressure. In recent months, artificial intelligence has shifted from acting as a growth catalyst to becoming a potential source of disruption for many software companies. Consequently, a global sell-off in software shares this week erased nearly $1 trillion in market value as investors reassessed sector valuations.

The funding round follows earlier acquisition discussions between SambaNova and Intel that ultimately failed to materialize. Previously, Intel had explored acquiring the startup for roughly $1.6 billion, including debt, as reported earlier. Notably, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan also serves as SambaNova’s executive chairman, highlighting the depth of the relationship between the two companies.

SambaNova last secured a $5 billion valuation during a 2021 funding round led by SoftBank’s Vision Fund 2. However, since then, the company has encountered operational challenges and implemented layoffs in 2024. Despite these hurdles, the startup has raised more than $1 billion from investors since its founding in 2017.

In response to market dynamics, SambaNova has pivoted its strategy toward AI inference and cloud-based services. Encouragingly, the company informed employees last month that it had surpassed its sales target for the fiscal year, according to one source.

Vista Equity Partners’ investment in SambaNova Systems signals a meaningful shift in its capital deployment strategy as AI infrastructure reshapes technology markets. As competition intensifies in the AI chip sector and demand for inference solutions accelerates, this funding round positions SambaNova to reassert its relevance while underscoring how even traditionally software-focused investors are adapting to the disruptive force of artificial intelligence.

KonfHub Launches AI-Powered Event Management Platform to Transform Event Experiences

BRL Editor

February 7, 2026

KonfHub Launches AI-Powered Event Management Platform to Transform Event Experiences

Bengaluru, India | 06 February 2026 — KonfHub, a pioneering event management platform, today announced the launch of its AI-powered solution designed to redefine how events are planned, managed, and experienced. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence, KonfHub enables seamless event planning, smart registration, real-time attendance tracking, and meaningful networking—delivering superior efficiency and engagement.

The platform empowers event organizers with intelligent tools that automate operations and enhance attendee interactions, ensuring smooth execution and measurable impact.

Key Highlights

● AI-driven event management for enhanced operational efficiency

● Intelligent AI networking for goal- and interest-based matchmaking in large B2B events

● Face-recognition enabled touchless check-ins for faster registrations

● AI-powered photo booths for enhanced engagement at exhibitions and sponsor booths

● Smart photo galleries using facial recognition for easy photo discovery and downloads

● AI-powered virtual agents to assist participants with real-time event information

KonfHub’s AI-driven system automates critical processes such as scheduling, attendee management, and communications—significantly reducing manual effort for organizers.

Its touchless check-in technology uses secure facial recognition to provide fast and frictionless entry, minimizing queues and improving on-ground efficiency.

The platform also features an intelligent photo gallery that enables attendees to instantly find and download their photos, while AI-powered photo booths deliver personalized and memorable brand experiences at exhibitor and sponsor zones.

KonfHub’s event app has AI-powered smart networking that automatically matches participants based on interests, goals, and expertise — and lets meaningful connections happen effortlessly.

Together, these innovations offer a comprehensive solution that streamlines operations, elevates attendee satisfaction, and fosters deeper engagement across events.

Leadership Quote

Hari Kiran Kumar, CEO, KonfHub, said:

“KonfHub is committed to revolutionizing the event management landscape. With our AI-powered platform, we aim to empower organizers to deliver unforgettable experiences, foster meaningful connections, and drive sustainable business growth.”

About KonfHub

Founded by Hari Kiran Kumar G and Ganesh Samarthyam, KonfHub is an innovative event management platform built to simplify event operations and enhance attendee experiences through intelligent technology.

Media Contact

Mohit Gupta
📧 mohit@konfhub.com
📞 +91 75032 92239

Learn More

🌐 https://konfhub.com
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/konfhub

Green Rebel Foods raises $12.5 Mn to accelerate growth in Southeast Asia’s plant-based meat market

BRL Editor

February 6, 2026

Green Rebel Foods raises $12.5 Mn to accelerate growth in Southeast Asia’s plant-based meat market — Max Mandia & Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, Founders, Green Rebel Foods

Green Rebel Foods, Indonesia’s first plant-based meat company, has secured US$12.5 million in its latest funding round, lifting its valuation to nearly US$18 million as of early 2026. With this investment, the company continues to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving alternative protein sector.

Founded in October 2020 and headquartered in Indonesia, Green Rebel Foods focuses on developing Asian-flavoured plant-based meats, including products such as beefless rendang and satay. Since closing its seed round, the company has raised a cumulative US$15 million, reflecting growing investor confidence in its vision and execution.

Notably, the latest funding round attracted participation from Unovis NCAP Fund II, Teja Ventures, and Agfunder Alternative Protein Fund I. While the company has not disclosed its 2024 revenue figures, it continues to prioritise building strategic partnerships with major food-service brands to scale distribution and market penetration.

Meanwhile, the broader shift toward plant-based diets across Southeast Asia highlights rising consumer demand for alternatives that reflect local culinary traditions. Increasingly, consumers are opting for culturally familiar options such as jackfruit-based pork substitutes and traditional soy-based foods like tempeh, reinforcing the relevance of regionally inspired products.

At the same time, the Southeast Asian plant-based food market remains highly competitive. Multinational corporations such as Nestlé and Danone, alongside a growing number of regional startups, actively introduce similar innovations to capture consumer interest and market share.

However, the sector continues to face structural challenges. In particular, the heavy dependence on imported soybeans exposes plant-based manufacturers to price volatility and supply chain disruptions, which can impact production costs and long-term scalability.

Overall, Green Rebel Foods’ latest funding round underscores the rising momentum behind plant-based meat innovation in Southeast Asia. By combining culturally relevant flavours with strong investor backing, the company positions itself to capitalise on growing regional demand. Nevertheless, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and maintaining differentiation in a crowded market will remain critical as Green Rebel Foods scales its operations and partnerships in the years ahead.

Optical fibre tools startup Digital Striker raises $1 Mn to scale local manufacturing & deepen its domestic footprint

BRL Editor

February 6, 2026

Optical fibre tools startup Digital Striker raises $1 Mn to scale local manufacturing & deepen its domestic footprint — Priyanka, Founder, Digital Striker

Optical fibre tools and equipment startup Digital Striker has raised USD 1 million (approximately Rs 8.5 crore) from Foxhog Ventures, as the company accelerates plans to scale local manufacturing and strengthen its domestic footprint. Through this funding, the startup aims to reduce import dependence while expanding its operational capabilities across India.

According to the company, it will deploy Rs 5–6 crore from the fresh capital toward setting up a manufacturing facility, hiring key talent, and establishing offices in major metro cities. Meanwhile, the company will allocate the remaining funds to continue import operations as it gradually ramps up domestic manufacturing capacity.

Founded in 2021 by Priyanka, Digital Striker operates in the optical fibre tools and equipment segment and supplies products such as fibre strippers, cleavers, visual fault locators, power meters, and splicing machines. At present, the company imports these tools and distributes them across India through a reseller-led distribution network.

As part of its localisation strategy, Digital Striker plans to initiate domestic manufacturing with five to seven products in the first phase. Subsequently, the startup intends to expand its product portfolio in a phased manner based on market demand and operational readiness.

Additionally, the startup claims it has built a network of over 450 resellers and end customers nationwide, reflecting strong traction in a niche but growing market. Until this funding round, Digital Striker operated as a bootstrapped venture and reported a turnover of Rs 8.85 crore over the last 40 months, underscoring steady revenue growth.

Looking ahead, Digital Striker plans to scale its manufacturing operations over the next few years. At the same time, the company aims to deepen its distribution reach across key Indian markets, positioning itself as a domestically manufactured alternative in the optical fibre tools ecosystem.

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