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Sayaji Hotels strengthens footprint with six new properties across India

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Ms. Sumera Dhanani, Corporate Head Business Development, Sayaji Hotels

Sayaji Hotels, a renowned name in Indian hospitality known for its signature “Yours Truly” service, has embarked on an ambitious expansion journey to strengthen its presence and reshape the nation’s hospitality landscape.

Earlier this year, the group unveiled a comprehensive plan focused on enhancing guest experiences across the country. As part of this strategic initiative, Sayaji Hotels has signed six new properties in key destinations—Mandav and Kanha (Madhya Pradesh), Baramati (Maharashtra), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), and Bhavnagar and Junagadh (Gujarat).

This expansion underscores the brand’s commitment to broadening its footprint across India’s fast-evolving hospitality sector, especially in destinations experiencing a rise in domestic travel driven by leisure, business, and cultural tourism. Sayaji Hotels has carefully chosen each new property to serve as a gateway for travellers seeking authentic regional experiences, modern comfort, and the personalized service that defines the brand.

“For a long time, hospitality in India was centred around metro cities and established tourist destinations, while Tier 2 and 3 markets were often seen as secondary,” said Ms. Sumera Dhanani, Corporate Head Business Development, Sayaji Hotels. “That perception is changing rapidly. With better connectivity, growing local economies, and evolving traveller expectations, these cities are now becoming vibrant hospitality hubs. They offer guests culturally rich, authentic experiences that go beyond the conventional metropolitan stay — and that’s exactly where Sayaji sees tremendous potential, and we are expected to add another 2000 plus keys in the next six months.”

With a forward-looking vision, Sayaji Hotels plans to significantly grow its portfolio in the coming years. By blending local culture with contemporary elegance, the brand aims to redefine hospitality for the modern traveller, where warmth, authenticity, and meticulous attention to detail remain at the heart of every guest experience.

 

Aily Labs raises $80 Million Series B to redefine enterprise decision intelligence

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Bianca Anghelina, Founder, Aily Labs

Aily Labs is tackling one of the biggest challenges faced by global enterprises today—data fragmentation across departments, which slows decision-making and limits agility. In key functions such as finance, supply chain, R&D, and commercial operations, heavy dependence on manual processes often leads to missed opportunities and delayed responses to risk.

With its AI-native Decision Intelligence platform, Aily Labs transforms scattered enterprise data into real-time, actionable insights. The company recently raised $80 million in a Series B funding round led by FPV Ventures, with participation from Insight Partners and J.P. Morgan—one of the largest Series B rounds ever for a female-founded AI startup. This funding will accelerate Aily Labs’ global expansion and help more Fortune 500 companies achieve measurable ROI from day one.

Founded in 2020 by Bianca Anghelina, a digital finance and AI transformation expert formerly with Novartis, Aily Labs is on a mission to empower enterprises to act faster, smarter, and more confidently. Bianca’s vision is to democratize access to AI-powered decision-making, removing barriers that prevent organizations from acting effectively on their data. Her belief is simple yet powerful: every business, regardless of size or industry, should be able to harness the power of AI to make smarter decisions.

What sets Aily Labs apart is its unique combination of enterprise-grade expertise and cutting-edge AI capabilities. Its mobile-first platform integrates a proprietary large language model with autonomous AI agents, collectively known as the company’s “Super Agent” system. Unlike competitors such as Paretos, Datategy, and Aera—which provide insights but rely on human execution—Aily Labs goes a step further by automating the full decision-making cycle.

Major enterprises are already experiencing the benefits. For example, Sanofi has leveraged Aily Labs to generate all 2025 forecasts and 2026 budgets in a fraction of the time previously required, showcasing the platform’s transformative potential.

Looking ahead, Aily Labs plans to enhance its AI autonomy, enter new industries, and further refine its decision-making platform. The company is at the forefront of shaping a future where AI-driven autonomy powers enterprise operations, enabling businesses worldwide to operate faster, smarter, and with greater confidence.

Creddinv crosses 7,000 investors, redefining startup funding in India

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Anil Kumar Kar & Nandakishor L., co-founders, Creddinv

Creddinv Technologies Pvt Ltd has completed its first year of operations, marking a major milestone as India’s only platform dedicated to enabling direct cap table investments in startups.

Within just one year, Creddinv has built a thriving community of over 7,000 registered investors and 12 portfolio startups, signaling a significant leap in India’s early-stage investment landscape. This achievement reflects the growing maturity of private market investments, empowering investors with genuine startup ownership and giving founders access to committed, transparent capital.

“In one year, Creddinv grew to ₹79.78 crore in valuation and 7000+ investors—proving that startup investing in India is entering a new, more meaningful era,” the company stated.

According to Anil Kumar Kar, Co-Founder & Director, “We’re just getting started, and our mission is to make every startup investment in India transparent, intelligent, and truly rewarding for both founders and investors.”

Creddinv’s innovative approach is built on four core pillars. Its exclusive direct cap table model makes it the only platform in India offering investors a chance to participate directly in startup equity ownership. The innovative subscription model eliminates platform fees, ensuring that only serious and value-driven investors connect with founders.

Through Creddinv ONE, the platform diversifies investment options—spanning mutual funds, bonds, insurance, PMS, and AIFs—helping investors maintain balanced portfolios within a unified ecosystem. Moreover, the LaunchPad incubation program supports founders beyond fundraising, helping them refine business models, enhance investor readiness, and become more fundable.

Founded with the goal of bridging the gap between innovation and capital, Creddinv focuses on making startup investments accessible, transparent, and meaningful. By addressing the challenges faced by both investors and founders, it has created a model that prioritizes curation, direct engagement, and authentic equity participation.

Additionally, the platform guides investors beyond the point of investment—helping them track startup progress, understand growth cycles, and make informed follow-on investment decisions. Rooted in its philosophy that respect for founders and responsibility from investors drive long-term value, Creddinv has evolved from a discovery platform into a comprehensive investment ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Creddinv plans to expand investor engagement programs, build focused startup cohorts across sectors, and enhance its data-driven investment discovery framework. The company remains committed to strengthening trust, transparency, and portfolio intelligence throughout the investment lifecycle.

With its dual focus—empowering investors to make smarter choices and enabling founders to build scalable, fundable businesses—Creddinv continues to shape the next-generation private investment ecosystem in India. Its vision remains steadfast: to be the precision platform where serious investors and ambitious founders grow together.

Ghazal Alagh unveils her latest startup ‘Luminéve’, a night-time skincare brand in collaboration with Nykaa

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Ghazal Alagh, the visionary co-founder of Mamaearth, has unveiled her latest startup, Luminéve—a premium skincare brand rooted in the science of “skin sleep” and the understanding that the skin’s natural renewal process peaks at night. Unlike conventional beauty routines that emphasize daytime care, Luminéve positions itself as a mood-driven, night-first skincare regime designed to help users unwind, restore, and rejuvenate.

Embodying calm and sophistication, Luminéve’s aesthetic features midnight blue tones, moonlit-inspired packaging, and a focus on relaxation, rest, and mindful self-care after a long day. The brand’s debut, launched in collaboration with NykaaLand, the experiential beauty platform from Nykaa, marks a luxe yet accessible entry into India’s premium skincare market.

Built on dermatological insights, Luminéve draws from the principle that the skin’s repair and cell renewal functions are most active at night. By crafting formulations tailored for overnight recovery, the brand aims to enhance skin rejuvenation while users sleep. Its sensory-driven philosophy—soothing visuals, delicate fragrances, and comforting textures—reinforces beauty as an act of self-love and rest, rather than just appearance.

In Luminéve, consumers will recognize the same authentic, science-backed storytelling that made Mamaearth a trusted household name, now elevated with an emphasis on emotional wellness and restorative beauty.

The launch underscores Ghazal Alagh’s instinct for identifying market gaps and setting new benchmarks in India’s beauty landscape. While Mamaearth built its foundation on clean ingredients and transparency, Luminéve pioneers a new niche that merges self-care with nighttime skin science. Both brands share a unified vision: to make beauty and wellness accessible, meaningful, and grounded in real-life needs.

Looking ahead, Mamaearth and Luminéve plan to deepen their D2C presence, expand global reach, and redefine what Indian beauty brands can achieve through innovation, authenticity, and consumer empowerment.

StayVista strengthens urban residences portfolio with new property launch in Pune’s Baner

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StayVista has announced the launch of its newest Residences at Baner–Balewadi, marking the brand’s entry into one of Pune’s most dynamic and rapidly developing neighborhoods.

Blending city comfort with modern convenience, the five-story property is strategically located near Pune’s bustling business district. It offers a mix of serviced-stay amenities and homelike comfort, catering to business travelers, long-stay guests, and short-term visitors alike.

Each floor houses two thoughtfully designed apartments, totalling 20 rooms that can accommodate up to 60 guests. The property includes spacious bedrooms, inviting living areas, private balconies, and an all-day café and dining space to enhance guest comfort.

“Our expansion into Pune is another step towards offering seamless urban stays across India. Vista Residences at Baner–Balewadi captures what modern travellers want—comfort, convenience, and a genuine sense of home,” said Amit Damani, co-founder of StayVista.

According to a company release, the property blends functionality with understated elegance, designing every space to help guests live—not just stay. Whether guests are starting the day at the café, relaxing on the balcony, or working from a bright, contemporary apartment, every detail reflects StayVista’s signature of thoughtful hospitality.

Singapore, Canada-based startups Look to tap India’s growing market potential

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Several international startups from Singapore and Canada are showing strong interest in expanding into India, attracted by its vast market size, fast-growing economy, and supportive startup ecosystem.

These companies shared their expansion plans during EPIC 2025, a global pitch competition organized by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), which concluded on Friday evening.

From over 1,200 applications across 70+ economies, 100 startups—including two from India—were shortlisted in three categories: Digital Health Tech, FinTech, and GreenTech. Moreover, the annual event serves as a vital platform for entrepreneurs to connect with investors, corporate partners, and emerging markets worldwide, thereby fostering global collaboration and innovation.

In a media statement, Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said, “We are turning Hong Kong’s connectivity into momentum, helping ideas move and scale across borders. EPIC 2025 is a testament to this, where entrepreneurs connect with emerging markets, enthusiastic investors, and world-class innovation ecosystems.”

Bryan Oh, founder & CEO of Singapore-based NEU Battery Materials, highlighted global opportunities in sustainability. “Our priority is to grow our business beyond Singapore, because battery recycling is not just a problem for Singapore or Hong Kong; it is a global problem. We want to solve it using our process and technology,” he said.

Discussing India’s potential, he added, “It has a huge amount of two-wheelers and three-wheelers… It’s definitely a market we are looking at (to recycle batteries). I would love to know more about government initiatives and policies in India.”

Oh, the winner in the GreenTech category at EPIC 2025 noted that India’s startup ecosystem is developing rapidly and presents a compelling opportunity.

Jayden Lu, product engineer at Singapore-based Belli, which builds air cargo software for airlines, expressed optimism about India’s market. “India is a fast-growing economy, and it will be great to be a part of this journey,” he said.

Lu added, “I see a great future for startups in India.” He believes India’s vast population and strong startup foundation make it fertile ground for investors and innovators alike.

Meanwhile, Amol S. Karnick, president and CEO of Canada-based KA Imaging, said, “We are exploring the possibilities of entering India; we need to find the right partners and investors to allow us to accelerate work there.”

He appreciated India’s increasing government support for innovation. “Recently, we have seen the Indian government putting funding into science and medical technology. That’s an interesting opportunity for us. The fund is the most important. I need to explore more how policies can support us,” he said.

KA Imaging, which has developed color X-ray technology enabling real-time imaging of organs for the early detection of cardiac and lung diseases, also participated in the HealthTech category of EPIC 2025, further showcasing its commitment to advancing medical innovation on a global stage.

Gaurs Group eyes ₹2,000-Cr from flat sales in upcoming Yamuna Expressway Project

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Manoj Gaur, CMD, Gaurs Group

Real estate developer Gaurs Group expects to generate around ₹2,000 crore in revenue from its newly launched premium residential project along the Yamuna Expressway, driven by strong buyer interest, according to director Sarthak Gaur.

The company, a major player in the Delhi-NCR realty market, has previously built a 150-acre township on the Yamuna Expressway. On Friday, it unveiled the first phase of its latest project in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district.

In this phase, Gaurs Group plans to construct around 950 units across 20 lakh sq ft of saleable area on the 12-acre land parcel. The second phase will add another 250 units.

“We are expecting a revenue of around Rs 2,000 crore from the first phase,” Gaur said.

The company launched the project at a basic selling price (BSP) of ₹8,000 per sq ft, with apartments starting at ₹1.9 crore. According to Sarthak, the company is receiving an encouraging response for this green, amenity-rich development.

He noted that major upcoming infrastructure, such as the Jewar airport, will continue to boost demand for both residential and commercial real estate in this corridor. The Yamuna Expressway serves as a key link between Noida, Greater Noida, and Agra.

In addition to the housing project, Sarthak revealed plans for a shopping mall and a 5-star hotel along the same stretch.

The company had purchased this 12-acre land parcel in Sector 22-D in August and will invest approximately ₹1,400 crore in developing the project.

“With the imminent operationalization of the airport, this region is set for exponential growth. Yamuna Expressway is the city of the future, and we are proud to be shaping it,” Gaurs Group CMD Manoj Gaur had said earlier.

To date, Gaurs Group has delivered 75,000 units across 70 projects, covering over 65 million sq ft, including three integrated townships. The company primarily operates in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad and has also diversified into education, sports, and solar energy.

PhysicsWallah secures ₹136-Cr from Think Investments as it prepares for public listing

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Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari, co-founders, PhysicsWallah

Global investment firm Think Investments has invested slightly over ₹136 crore in edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah as part of a pre-IPO funding round. The investment comes just days before the company’s ₹3,480-crore initial public offering (IPO), which opens on November 11.

As part of the transaction, Think Investments acquired 1.07 crore shares (0.37% stake) from 14 PhysicsWallah employees at ₹127 per share, a 17% premium over the issue price, translating to ₹136.17 crore.

The US-based fund, which manages $4 billion in global assets, has previously invested in several leading Indian startups, including Swiggy, FirstCry, Meesho, Urban Company, PharmEasy, Rapido, and Dream11.

PhysicsWallah’s IPO will comprise a fresh issue of ₹3,100 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of ₹380 crore by co-founders Alakh Pandey and Prateek Boob. Post-IPO, the promoters’ holding will drop from 80.62% to 72%, while early investors will retain their stakes.

The issue closes on November 13, with anchor allotments on November 10. The company will use the IPO proceeds to drive growth and expansion initiatives.

Realty developer NVT Quality Lifestyle to launch large-scale luxury projects in Bengaluru

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Dr Vivek Garg, Founding Director, NVT Quality Lifestyle

NVT Quality Lifestyle, a niche luxury real estate developer, has announced ambitious plans to triple its growth and solidify its position in the premium and luxury housing segment with a series of large-scale projects in Bengaluru over the next three years. The company aims to develop 3 million sq. ft. of new luxury residential space by 2028, targeting annual sales between ₹1,200 crore and ₹1,500 crore during this period.

With Bengaluru projected to be the second fastest-growing market in the luxury housing segment, NVT Quality Lifestyle is strategically positioned to tap into this demand. The company’s deep expertise, strong understanding of evolving consumer preferences, and prime land banks in Whitefield and Sarjapur—two of the city’s fastest-growing luxury housing zones—give it a distinct competitive edge.

Elaborating on the company’s expansion, Dr. Vivek Garg, Founding Director, NVT Quality Lifestyle, said, “Our growth plans address the consistent increase in demand and the evolving luxury preferences and tastes we have witnessed among the city’s buyers in this segment for over a decade now. Long before it was even heard of, we have led the way in thoughtfully designing our villa communities and homes to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, meet the work-life integration demands for busy professionals today, or become serene, peaceful havens even amidst congested city traffic and noise, to cite a few examples of how we have in this process gradually redefined the concept of luxury living.”

He further added, “As part of our expansion, we will launch two major projects within the next six months, reinforcing our growth trajectory while prioritizing quality and customer experience. Looking forward, the company is actively evaluating opportunities for horizontal expansion in North Bengaluru and intends to acquire a significant land bank to support its long-term development goals in the city’s luxury housing corridor.”

Since its inception in 2010, NVT Quality Lifestyle—part of the NVT Group, a diversified organization with interests in aerospace quality certification, education, and real estate—has been transforming Bengaluru’s premium housing landscape by merging luxury, nature, and lifestyle innovation. With over 3 million sq. ft. developed and 1,000+ villa homes delivered, NVT has earned a reputation as one of the city’s most trusted residential developers, recognized for quality, transparency, and professionalism.

Led by globally accomplished professionals and alumni of IIT, IIM, ISB, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, and Wharton, the company embodies the philosophy of “For Professionals, By Professionals.” Its commitment to architectural excellence, sustainable design, and engineering innovation continues to redefine the future of luxury living in Bengaluru.

Aspect Hospitality strengthens luxury dining portfolio with Opa Kipos in Mumbai

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Aspect Hospitality, one of India’s fastest-growing multi-brand hospitality groups, has announced the much-awaited return of Opa Kipos, Dubai’s iconic Greek fine-dining concept, to Mumbai under the leadership of Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson, Aspect Hospitality. Opening its doors on October 14, 2025, at Ascent Worli, the launch marks a significant milestone in the group’s ongoing expansion strategy.

Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson, Aspect Hospitality, said, “At Aspect Hospitality, we aim to bring global dining experiences that combine culture, cuisine, and celebration. Opa Kipos’ return is a revival of a beloved brand, now enhanced to offer even richer experiences of joy and Greek culture.”

Once a favorite among Mumbai’s elite, Opa Kipos returns with its signature mix of Hellenic gastronomy, lively performances, and the iconic plate-smashing ritual that defines the brand. Designed as more than just a restaurant, it offers a multi-sensory celebration of Greek hospitality, combining warmth, festivity, and togetherness through vibrant interiors, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and theatrical mixology.

Hitesh Keswani, Managing Director, Aspect Hospitality, added, “Opa Kipos struck a chord with Mumbai because it wasn’t just a restaurant; it felt like an escape to Greece. With its return, we’re amplifying everything it was loved for—and more. Food can be a powerful vehicle to transport people to different places and cultures, and that’s the vision we bring to every brand in our portfolio.”

The relaunch of Opa Kipos aligns with Aspect Hospitality’s broader growth phase, as it expands across fine dining, casual dining, and quick service restaurants (QSR). Its dynamic portfolio includes Akina, Opa Kipos, Radio Bar, Nom Nom, Nom Nom Express, Silver Beach Café, Brunch & Cake, Tuya’s, Coconut Boy, and The South Table. The company’s fine-dining vertical features Akina and Opa Kipos, while its casual dining and bar concepts include Radio Bar, Brunch & Cake, Nom Nom, Silver Beach Café, Tuya’s, and Coconut Boy. The fast-scaling QSR brands—Nom Nom Express and The South Table—now boast nearly 50 Nom Nom Express outlets across Mumbai.

The group’s aggressive expansion plans include expanding Nom Nom Express into Southern India, launching new Akina and Radio Bar outlets in Vashi and Malad West, and launching Radio Bar in Pune and Worli. It also plans to franchise Radio Bar in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, while actively exploring international opportunities across the UK, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Dubai’s Creative Clinic has designed Opa Kipos Worli across a 6,500 sq. ft. Santorini-inspired space, featuring whitewashed walls, bougainvillea canopies, blue shutters, a star-lit ceiling, and an Atlas sculpture. Furthermore, the restaurant accommodates 130 guests across multiple zones, including a performance hall, VIP lounge, and bar, offering a seamless blend of elegance and experience.

Executive Chef Timothy Newton leads the culinary experience, bringing global expertise honed in London, Paris, and Australia. The menu celebrates Mediterranean flavors with dishes like Mezze Platters, Seabream Ceviche, Moussaka Lamb, Flaming Lobster Linguine, Baklava Sundae, and Loukoumades, while the Greek-inspired cocktails—including Olive Odyssey, Poseidon’s Mist, and Dionysus’ Smoke—add a dramatic flair to the experience.

In a unique and sustainable twist, the plate-smashing ritual goes beyond mere performance; moreover, local artisans repurpose the fragments into mosaics or integrate them into recycled building projects, thereby seamlessly blending celebration with social impact.