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Sunday Hotels announces major expansion into wildlife tourism segment

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Sunday Hotels has announced its entry into the wildlife tourism segment with plans to launch 10 properties across India’s leading national parks and reserves over the next six months. The expansion begins with the opening of its first wildlife property—Sunday Hotel & Resort at Kiyari Kham, located near the Jim Corbett National Park.

Nestled amidst lush forests and serene creeks, the resort is situated about 10 km from the Amdanda Gate of Jim Corbett. The property offers a perfect blend of luxury and nature, featuring over 50 rooms across categories such as Premium, Attic, Family Rooms, and Suites, many of which include private balconies with forest views. Each room comes with modern amenities like air-conditioning, LED TVs, Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee stations to ensure a comfortable stay.

Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar, or enjoy evenings around the bonfire zones. The property also provides business halls and lush lawns ideal for leisure getaways, corporate retreats, and destination weddings. To enhance the wildlife experience, the resort offers guided safaris, nature walks, riverside trails, bird-watching tours, yoga sessions, and stargazing nights, all curated and led by trained experts for an immersive and safe adventure.

Speaking about the company’s strategic expansion, Aditya Sharma, Business Head, Sunday Hotels, said, “We are planning to add nine more properties over the next six months with a focus on some of the most popular wildlife destinations such as Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha in the north and central regions, and Periyar, Nagarhole, and Wayanad in the south—creating a truly pan-India footprint. The Sunday Wildlife Collection will celebrate the spirit of the wild while empowering local communities through employment, artisanal partnerships, and sustainable, eco-friendly practices.”

With this new venture, the brand aims to establish a pan-India presence in the fast-growing eco- and wildlife tourism sector, offering travelers an authentic yet luxurious experience deeply rooted in sustainability and community engagement.

Quick service app Snabbit raises $30 Mn, plans expansion into cooking and care services

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Aayush Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Snabbit

Quick services startup Snabbit announced on Thursday that it raised $30 million in a Series C funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments, with continued participation from its existing investors—Lightspeed, Elevation Capital, and Nexus Venture Partners.

This latest round marks Snabbit’s third fundraise in the last nine months, bringing its total capital raised to $55 million. The company said it will use the fresh funds to launch new micro-markets and expand into high-frequency service categories such as cooking, childcare, and elderly care.

Commenting on the rapid fundraising momentum, Aayush Agarwal, founder and chief executive officer of Snabbit, said, “The strong, preemptive interest leading to this fundraise, just months after our Series B, and the continued backing from all our investors reflect both our execution and the massive potential of this category. This round makes us incredibly well-capitalized in a category we have been leading from the front.”

Rahul Taneja, partner at Lightspeed and an investor in Snabbit, said, “High-frequency home services is truly the most under-penetrated, unorganized large category in the Indian ecosystem, yet to be meaningfully solved. Snabbit was the first to market and has relentlessly innovated to bring the best quality experience to consumers’ lives. We are excited to double down and deepen our partnership with Snabbit on this journey.”

According to Agarwal, quick home services represent one of the fastest-growing consumer categories in India. The company has scaled its workforce to over 5,000 women, driving both inclusion and empowerment.

“In less than five months, we have scaled from under 1,000 to over 10,000 jobs a day, powered by a 100 percent women-led fleet of 5,000 experts who are redefining dignity and inclusion for a workforce long overlooked,” he said.

Snabbit recently relocated its headquarters to Bengaluru to leverage the city’s deep technology talent pool. The company is currently operational in five cities and has expanded its leadership team across product and technology functions as it prepares to enter new markets across India.

Groww IPO to unlock employee wealth worth ₹2,500-Cr as valuation nears $8 Bn

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L-R: Neeraj Singh, Harsh Jain, Lalit Keshre, Ishan Bansal, co-founders, Groww

The upcoming initial public offering (IPO) of online investment platform Groww is set to unlock employee wealth estimated between ₹2,400 crore and ₹2,500 crore, according to details from the company’s red herring prospectus (RHP).

This significant wealth creation underscores the sharp surge in Groww’s valuation, with the Bengaluru-based fintech targeting a market valuation of nearly $8 billion through its stock market debut.

Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of Groww, will open the IPO for public subscription on November 4 and close it on November 7. The company has set the price band at ₹95–₹100 per share and aims to raise ₹7,000 crore through a combination of primary and secondary share sales.

Founded in 2016, Groww counts Y Combinator, Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), GIC, and Ribbit Capital among its key investors. The company has emerged as India’s largest online stockbroking platform in terms of NSE active clients, highlighting its dominant position in the country’s retail investing landscape.

As per the RHP, founders Lalit Keshre, Harsh Jain, Ishan Bansal, and Neeraj Singh have chosen not to participate in the offer for sale (OFS). Meanwhile, existing investor Tiger Global has reduced its OFS size to 51.8 million shares from the originally planned 64.8 million, bringing the total OFS volume down to 557.2 million shares.

Groww, which initially launched as a mutual fund investment platform, reported ₹904.3 crore in operating revenue for the June quarter, compared with ₹1,000.7 crore during the same period last year.

The IPO is expected to reward long-term employees and early backers while reinforcing Groww’s leadership in India’s fintech and stockbroking ecosystem as the company continues to attract an expanding base of retail investors.

 

Traya ranks fourth on the 2025 LinkedIn Top Startups List in Mumbai and ninth in Bengaluru

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October 30, 2025: Traya, India’s leading health-tech brand in holistic hair health, has been recognized on LinkedIn’s 2025 Top Startups List, ranking fourth in Mumbai and ninth in Bengaluru.

The second annual edition of LinkedIn Top Startups List celebrates the most promising emerging companies in India that are driving innovation, building resilience, and attracting exceptional talent. The data-backed ranking identifies startups making a meaningful impact within their industries and cities.

Traya’s inclusion in this year’s list underscores its pioneering role in transforming the way India perceives and treats hair loss, not as a cosmetic concern, but as a deeper health issue. Founded with the vision to combine Ayurveda, Nutrition, and Dermatology, Traya has built a first-of-its-kind, doctor-led, science-backed platform that personalizes treatment for long-term efficacy.

Since its inception, Traya has leveraged technology, clinical research, and personalized care programs to help millions address the root causes of hair loss. Its proprietary AI-powered diagnostic tools, extensive doctor network, and evidence-based formulations have positioned the brand at the forefront of India’s health-tech revolution.

Compiled using LinkedIn’s unique data methodology, the list evaluates startups across multiple parameters, including employee growth, jobseeker interest, and member engagement, to spotlight organizations driving meaningful change in the Indian startup ecosystem.

Traya’s recognition reaffirms its position as a purpose-led startup that continues to innovate, grow, and lead with authenticity in the health-tech space.

About Traya

Traya combines the power of three sciences —Ayurveda, Dermatology, and nutrition —to create a doctor-led, evidence-backed hair treatment plan that addresses the root cause of hair loss. Traya employs a holistic approach that addresses internal factors to resolve external hair loss issues.

Unlike conventional haircare brands that rely on cosmetic quick fixes or superficial results, Traya focuses on restoring internal balance by tackling stress, gut health, hormonal imbalances, nutrition, and more to achieve real, sustainable regrowth.

The brand has so far helped 1.2 million customers regrow their hair and regain lost confidence. Traya has redefined how hair loss is understood and treated, shifting the conversation from vanity to holistic health.

Each Traya user begins their journey with a detailed hair test, which analyses factors such as lifestyle, stress, sleep, hormonal health, and digestion. Based on this, a customised treatment plan is designed by Traya’s panel of Ayurvedic, Dermatological, and Nutritional experts.

Traya’s formulations are designed to deliver results even in cases of genetic hair loss, and have shown visible improvements in cases ranging from Stage 1 to 5. To ensure transparency, trust, and the delivery of visible results, Traya openly rejects stage 6 and 7 baldness cases, ensuring only those who can genuinely benefit are onboarded. This showcases that when science meets precision, transformation follows.

Traya continues to set new benchmarks in efficacy, trust, and transparency, creating an entirely new category of Hair Treatment.

Swiggy eyes up to $1.5 Bn fundraise to strengthen balance sheet

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Food and grocery delivery giant Swiggy is reportedly exploring a qualified institutional placement (QIP) of up to $1.5 billion to strengthen its balance sheet and reinforce its position in India’s rapidly expanding quick commerce market, according to multiple sources familiar with the development.

Amid rising competition following Zepto’s latest fundraise, Swiggy is also considering a separate capital infusion for its 10-minute delivery arm, Instamart, which has recently been moved under a standalone subsidiary.

People aware of the matter said that discussions with potential investors remain at an early stage. However, the size of the proposed QIP, currently pegged at $1 billion, could increase to as much as $1.5 billion. If the placement materializes, Swiggy will be able to boost domestic shareholding as it plans to transition to an inventory-led model.

Another source said the Bengaluru-based company remains open to raising funds independently for its quick commerce business, which now operates as a step-down subsidiary.

At the current market price of ₹420.50 per share, Swiggy’s market capitalization stands at approximately ₹96,000 crore.

Following its $450 million fundraise, Zepto cofounder and CEO Aadit Palicha stated that the company’s cash reserves had risen to $900 million, including the secondary share sale by existing investors.

Industry experts said the proposed QIP underscores Swiggy’s intent to strengthen its financial position ahead of intensifying competition in the quick commerce sector.

“The quick commerce space is in an armed standoff between incumbents with strong cash reserves. External factors such as Amazon Now, Flipkart Minutes, and the entry of JioMart add another layer of competition—although they have yet to prove their mettle,” said Karan Taurani, Executive Vice President, Elara Securities, a Mumbai-based brokerage.

As of June 30, Swiggy held around ₹5,300 crore in cash. The company expects to add another ₹2,400 crore once it completes the sale of its stake in bike-taxi startup Rapido to Prosus and WestBridge Capital, bringing its total cash balance to approximately ₹7,800 crore.

However, Swiggy reportedly burned over ₹1,000 crore in the April–June quarter, indicating a cash runway of six to seven months if spending continues at the same pace.

“There is a general favorable trend toward overall consumption and, especially, quick commerce. If Swiggy wants to raise from public market investors, this would be the time to do so,” said a Mumbai-based analyst with a global brokerage firm. “Given Zepto’s recent funding round, competition is expected to pick up again, and a strong balance sheet will ensure Swiggy does not lose out on growth opportunities.”

 

CYSEC GLOBAL 2025 Series Concludes with the finale edition of the year in Oman — Where Vision Meets Vigilance to Secure the Sultanate’s Digital Tomorrow

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Muscat, Oman: CYSEC Global proudly presents the 18th Global Edition of CYSEC OMAN, taking place on 12th November 2025 at the Sheraton Oman Hotel, Muscat. The highly anticipated event marks the grand finale of the CYSEC Global 2025 Series, bringing together the nation’s top cybersecurity leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers under one roof.

Endorsed and supported by the Regional Cyber Security Center (RCC), the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), Oman National CERT, the University of Technology & Applied Sciences (UTAS), CREST, Oman Observer, and FADAAT Media, CYSEC OMAN stands as a landmark gathering driving the future of cybersecurity in the Sultanate.

The event will be officially inaugurated by Eng. Badar Ali Al Salehi, Director General – Oman National CERT and Head – Regional Cyber Security Center (RCC), will also deliver the Opening Keynote Address. His insights will set the tone for a day dedicated to strengthening resilience, fostering innovation, and reinforcing Oman’s digital defense ecosystem.

A special acknowledgment goes to the Oman National CERT and Mrs. Iman Ahmed, Director of Cybersecurity Development at the Oman National CERT, for their unwavering support and contributions to shaping the event’s vision and success.

CYSEC OMAN is honored to be guided by an exceptional Advisory Board comprising:

• Aziza Al Rashdi, Assistant Director General, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology

• Dr. Ahmed Al Mamari, Dean, University of Technology and Applied Sciences

• Ahmed Al-Bahdoor, Head of Cybersecurity, Oman Airports

• Dr. Sulaiman Al Hasani, Deputy Dean, Academic Affairs & Resources, Global College of Engineering and Technology

The event is powered by Premier Sponsors like Kron Technologies, Google Cloud Security, AMNTECH–NATICA, ThreatCop, Paratus, SecPod, HackManac, ManageEngine, ThreatLocker, and Recorded Future, leading innovators driving cybersecurity excellence globally.

CYSEC OMAN will feature distinguished speakers and leaders from across government and industry, including representatives from:

Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), Oman National CERT, Oman Credit and Financial Information Centre (Mala’a), Muscat Municipality, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Central Bank of Oman, National Bank of Oman, Oman LNG L.L.C., Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), BankDhofar, ASYAD Group, Vodafone Oman, Oman Aluminium Rolling Company (OARC), OMIFCO S.A.O.C., OQ8, Nama Group

This high-powered lineup will explore the latest in cyber resilience, AI-driven security, regulatory readiness, critical infrastructure protection, and cloud transformation, addressing both the challenges and innovations defining the region’s digital frontier.

One of the most anticipated moments of the summit will be the presentation of the CYSEC Awards and CYSEC Excellence Awards, which will honor exceptional contributions to cybersecurity excellence in leadership, innovation, governance, and emerging talent. The awards embody CYSEC Global’s mission to recognize the changemakers driving secure digital transformation in the region.

The event will host over 250 senior executives and decision-makers from Oman’s public and private sectors, including CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, and leaders in digital transformation. Beyond thought leadership sessions and panel discussions, CYSEC OMAN offers unparalleled networking opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and knowledge exchange.

Event Date: 12th November 2025, Venue: Sheraton Oman Hotel, Muscat, Oman Register: https://oman.cysecglobal.com/register/

“CYSEC Oman stands as a testament to our commitment to empowering nations through cybersecurity knowledge and collaboration. Under the esteemed support of Oman’s leading institutions, this summit will define the future of secure digital transformation across the region.” – Mausam Ali Khan, CEO, CYSEC Global

“We are proud to host CYSEC Oman, an event that brings together government leaders, industry experts, and innovators under one roof. This edition represents the pinnacle of our 2025 series, setting new benchmarks for cybersecurity excellence in the Sultanate and beyond.” – Gazala Arshiya, Conference Director, CYSEC Global

About CYSEC GLOBAL

CYSEC Global is a series of summits dedicated to tackling regional cybersecurity challenges. It is an exclusive networking and business platform for the Cyber & IT security industry to discuss pressing cybersecurity challenges and latest innovations to transform the global cyber ecosystem.

Tivoli Hospitality Group announces launch of Omnia Convention Centre in Gurugram

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Akshay Gupta, Executive Director of Tivoli Hospitality Group

Tivoli Hospitality Group is preparing to launch the Omnia Convention Centre on Sohna Road, Gurugram, as part of its ongoing expansion in the luxury hospitality segment. Following the successful openings of Omnia by Tivoli in Dwarka and a premium five-star hotel in Chattarpur, this new venue further strengthens Tivoli’s reputation for upscale event destinations.

The Omnia Convention Centre will serve as a premium venue for everything from intimate celebrations to large-scale gatherings. The property offers six event spaces—NTB, NTB Lawn, Aria by the Pool, GBR, GBR Lawn, and a boutique restaurant—each designed to combine luxury aesthetics with functional utility. At the heart of the property lies a 10,000 sq. ft. central courtyard, enhancing the sense of grandeur. Moreover, guests can stay in one of the 40 luxury suites on-site, ensuring both comfort and convenience for extended events.

In addition, the property features a 16,000 sq. ft. ballroom capable of hosting over 1,500 guests, positioning it as one of the largest and most luxurious event destinations in the region. With its high-end amenities and versatile design, Omnia Convention Centre aims to emerge as the preferred choice for upscale weddings, MICE events, and corporate functions.

Akshay Gupta, Executive Director of Tivoli Hospitality Group, said, “Omnia Convention Centre by Tivoli Hospitality Group is not just a hospitality venue but an architectural masterpiece. Its large, lavish design instantly evokes a sense of royalty, while the interiors—marked by a blend of contemporary style and timeless elegance—add grandeur and sophistication to every celebration. He also added, “At the helm of Tivoli Hospitality Group is my father and Chairman Rohit Gupta, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in the group’s growth and success. Under his guidance, Tivoli has consistently delivered exceptional hospitality experiences, earning a reputation for excellence across North India.”

Adding to this, Aryaman Gupta, Executive Director, stated, “The design and architecture of Omnia Convention Centre have been carefully curated to offer a visually stunning experience. Be it the lavish rooms, suites, restaurant, or the grand celebration spaces, every element has been beautifully designed to provide a striking look and an inspiring feel that leaves a lasting impression.”

Further emphasising the venue’s strategic positioning, Executive Director Ishan Gupta said that Omnia caters to weddings, corporate events, and MICE for premium gatherings, serving a highly niche clientele that is selective in its choices. For them, Tivoli is the first choice. This launch in Gurugram also marks an important step in our expansion beyond Delhi NCR, bringing our signature luxury experiences to the rest of North India.”

With this latest launch, Tivoli Hospitality Group aims to establish the Omnia Convention Centre as a landmark venue in Gurugram, delivering luxury-driven experiences supported by world-class service and thoughtful hospitality.

 

Mobility startup Tsuyo Manufacturing raises $4.5 million in funding

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New Delhi–based electric mobility startup Tsuyo Manufacturing has raised USD 4.5 million (INR 40 crore) in a pre-Series A round led by Avaana Capital.

The company plans to deploy the new funds toward setting up a greenfield manufacturing plant, establishing a dedicated R&D center, and accelerating its export operations while deepening collaborations with global automotive partners across Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and Europe.

Founded in 2020 by Lalit Baid, Tripurari Kumar, and Vijay Kumar, Tsuyo is a deep-tech EV technology manufacturer specializing in electric powertrain systems such as motors, controllers, and integrated drivetrain solutions. It currently operates two facilities in Greater Noida and is in the process of building a third unit to support its growth strategy.

Vijay Kumar, founder and CEO of Tsuyo, said, “Our mission has always been to design and manufacture powertrain systems from India that compete at a global level. With our third plant coming online and a strong technology roadmap ahead, we’re positioning Tsuyo as a global player in powertrain innovation, built from India. Our focus remains on scale, sustainability, and engineering excellence.”

The company serves as a tier-I supplier to major OEMs, including Mahindra, Volvo Eicher, and Sonalika, delivering powertrain solutions for two-, three-, and four-wheelers as well as off-highway vehicles.

Tsuyo also claims to have created 29 patentable innovations across core component technology—featuring rare-earth-free and hybrid magnet-based motors. It has already filed four patents, with 25 more in the pipeline.

Having delivered more than 150,000 powertrain systems and partnered with 25 OEMs, the firm now targets a seven- to eightfold expansion over the next three years.

Its growing export network and ongoing R&D partnerships with IIT Delhi and VNIT Nagpur further highlight its strategy to emerge as a global leader in sustainable powertrain innovation.

Spree Hospitality strengthens footprint with three new hotel openings in September

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Sagar Khurana, chief operating officer, Spree Hospitality

Spree Hospitality, a subsidiary of EaseMyTrip.com, has announced the launch of three new hotels in September 2025. With these openings, the company has added a total of 15 hotels in the ongoing financial year, reinforcing its nationwide expansion plans. It also intends to open eight additional properties before the current fiscal year concludes, continuing its strong growth trajectory.

Sharing insights on the company’s expansion goals, Sagar Khurana, chief operating officer, Spree Hospitality, said, “We are delighted to announce the opening of these new properties and remain committed to our promise to Do More for all our stakeholders—including guests, employees, and hotel partners. These openings reflect our mission of achieving 100 operational hotels by the end of 2027.”

The three new properties are located in Haldwani, Jim Corbett, and Kota. Spree Hospitality has branded the Haldwani and Kota properties under ZiP by Spree Hotels, while the Jim Corbett hotel operates under the Spree Resort portfolio.

Strategically located on Nainital Road, ZiP by Spree Hotels Madhuram, Haldwani offers spacious, well-appointed rooms, a banquet hall (Celebrate), and a rooftop restaurant (Treat) with panoramic hill views. In its statement, the company said the property caters well to business travelers as well as guests visiting Nainital and Kainchi Dham.

Spree Resort, Jim Corbett, is located in Chhoi and features 94 premium rooms along with a multi-cuisine restaurant (Feast), banquet hall (Celebrate), wedding lawn, swimming pool, gym, spa, kids’ play area, and indoor gaming facilities. Its expansive pool—one of the largest in the area—is among its key attractions. The resort caters to corporate MICE events, destination weddings, and leisure guests seeking a nature-infused experience.

Located in Talwandi, ZiP by Spree Hotels R Group, Kota features 34 modern rooms, a banquet hall (Celebrate), and a rooftop vegetarian restaurant (Niramaya) that serves a curated menu of authentic vegetarian dishes for discerning vegetarian connoisseurs.

 

Gstaad Hotels set to raise ₹1,300-Cr from sale of JW Marriott Bengaluru

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Gstaad Hotels, currently under bankruptcy resolution, expects to secure up to ₹1,300 crore from the sale of the JW Marriott Bengaluru. The transaction, involving the premium property located on Vittal Mallya Road, is likely to rank among the largest single-asset hotel monetisation deals in India.

As per industry sources, the asset has attracted more than 40 expressions of interest from leading corporates, hotel chains, and private equity investors.

Gstaad Hotels, linked to the Raheja promoter group ecosystem, owns the Bengaluru JW Marriott through a special-purpose vehicle. The company entered insolvency after defaults amounting to about ₹666 crore resulted in the National Company Law Tribunal admitting a bankruptcy petition against it in July this year.

An industry adviser noted, “Last year, Ebitda was over ₹100 crore. The property can get much higher pricing than the recovery amount. Many top corporates are in the fray to buy out the asset,” adding, “We are seeing a structural shift in how promoter-owners view branded hotel assets-increasingly as monetisation plays rather than long-term holding businesses.”

Investors in major cities such as Bengaluru are now willing to pay a premium for operational hotels backed by strong brands and located in prime commercial zones with robust growth potential.

For buyers, the consultant said, “the upside lies in stable operations, brand continuity, and long-term real estate value. For the seller, the impetus is clear: unlock capital, reduce leverage, and address claims under the insolvency regime.”

The asset sale is aligned with the invitation for expressions of interest (EoI) issued by the resolution professional in August 2025.

The financial distress at Gstaad Hotels stems from a term loan extended in 2017 by Piramal Capital & Housing Finance, later assigned to Omkara Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC).

Market experts believe the deal could set a pricing benchmark for marquee branded hospitality assets in top urban centres and prompt more strategic exits, sale-leasebacks and portfolio-level divestments.

The resolution professional has also released a revised timeline for the ongoing corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP). After deliberations during the sixth committee of creditors (CoC) meeting on October 23, the creditors approved via e-voting the updated schedule—moving the publication of the final list of prospective resolution applicants (PRAs) and the issuance of the information memorandum (IM) and request for resolution plans (RFRP) to October 27.