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Flipkart acquires stake in TravClan to boost international travel

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Walmart-owned Flipkart has acquired a minority stake in Delhi-based B2B travel technology startup TravClan as it seeks to strengthen its international travel business and expand holiday offerings through Flipkart Travel and Cleartrip.

According to a media report, the investment will give Flipkart access to TravClan’s technology and extensive network of travel partners. Consequently, Flipkart can use these capabilities to develop international leisure packages and enhance customer support across various destinations.

Meanwhile, the fresh capital will enable TravClan to expand its business development, engineering, and destination operations teams. The startup also plans to strengthen its technology infrastructure, travel supply network, and presence across international markets.

Founded in 2018 by Arun Bagaria, Chirag Agrawal, and Ashish Thapliyal, TravClan enables travel agents to build and manage online travel businesses. The company currently works with more than 15,000 travel agents and provides them with access to travel packages, hotels, and activities.

TravClan counts Cars24 cofounders Vikram Chopra and Mehul Agrawal, Trip.com executive Travis Katz, and venture capital firm Leo Capital among its investors.

The investment comes as Flipkart continues to expand beyond its core e-commerce operations. In addition, the company has accelerated the growth of its quick-commerce platform, Flipkart Minutes, while exploring other consumer-focused segments such as food delivery and event ticketing.

Flipkart Minutes has expanded its network to nearly 1,200 micro-fulfilment centres across more than 150 cities. Furthermore, the company plans to add approximately 1,000 more dark stores by mid-2027 as it continues to scale its quick-commerce operations.

Flipkart has also broadened its travel business beyond flight bookings. Flipkart Travel now offers bus and hotel bookings, while Cleartrip, which Flipkart acquired in 2021, has expanded its services into the corporate travel segment.

Moreover, Flipkart Ventures continues to invest in startups operating across emerging technology and consumer sectors. Its recent portfolio additions include AI startups Alive and Keploy.

The investment arm has backed more than 20 startups across artificial intelligence, consumer internet, fintech, e-commerce, and logistics technology. Therefore, the TravClan deal further strengthens Flipkart’s position in India’s travel ecosystem as the company continues to build a broader portfolio of consumer-facing services.

Battery startup Pointo plans ₹100-Cr fundraise for expansion

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Lithium-ion battery distribution and service startup Pointo is expanding its focus on electric three-wheelers, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and second-life battery products to accelerate revenue growth. Meanwhile, the startup is in active discussions with investors to raise ₹70–100 crore to support its next phase of expansion, a senior company official said.

The startup, which previously raised ₹6.2 crore in a seed funding round led by Equirus InnovateX Fund, plans to use the proposed investment to establish an automated, large-scale battery refurbishment facility. Additionally, Pointo intends to strengthen its ground-level distribution network across India.

Pointo recorded a significant increase in its revenue run rate, rising from approximately ₹3 crore in FY24 to ₹80 crore in FY26. Furthermore, the company expects to generate ₹150 crore in revenue during the current financial year, Founder and CEO Riki Biswas said.

Founded in 2023 by Biswas, a chemical engineer from IIT Guwahati, and three co-founders, Pointo aims to establish a closed-loop battery supply chain covering deployment, buyback, refurbishment, and second-life applications. Through financing partnerships with non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), the startup seeks to reduce upfront costs and provide customers with easier access to lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

Currently, Pointo serves 25,000 customers through more than 22 physical hubs across six states: West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Moreover, the company plans to expand its micro-distribution network to reach customers in Tier II and Tier III cities.

“We are building a strong distribution network through a hub and spoke model, building a closed-loop supply chain across battery deployment, buyback, refurbishment, and second-life applications. We are currently working in the e-rickshaw segment, which itself is a large market estimated at around 50 lakh vehicles. We will ramp up our presence in this segment,” Biswas said.

“We also see a huge opportunity in the L5 E-auto, BESS, and second-life products. We already have an existing distribution network, and we are generating substantial demand for new lithium-ion batteries.”

Pointo also plans to use batteries collected during replacements as a source of materials for second-life applications and battery mineral recovery. For instance, the company intends to repurpose end-of-life batteries into products with lower power requirements, such as home inverters, and resell them. Consequently, this strategy could generate additional revenue while supporting a circular battery supply chain.

The startup currently operates a 20,000-square-foot research and development (R&D) and refurbishment centre. With an established customer base and growing demand, Pointo now plans to develop an automated, large-scale refurbishment facility to increase its processing capacity.

“We have a 20,000 sq ft R&D and refurbishment centre, and with a ready customer base, our next phase is to build an automated, large-scale refurbishment unit. We are in active discussion with investors to raise close to ₹70-100 crore to build the refurbishment unit and expand the ground network,” Biswas said.

Zone Connect by The Park opens 52-key hotel in Visakhapatnam

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Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) has expanded its presence in Visakhapatnam with the launch of Zone Connect by The Park Visakhapatnam, its second hotel in the city. Unveiled on September 30, the new property combines contemporary accommodation, hospitality services, co-working facilities, and social spaces to create a connected stay experience for both business and leisure travellers.

Located on the city’s prominent Beach Road, Zone Connect by The Park places guests within convenient reach of major business, commercial, and transportation hubs. Visakhapatnam Railway Station is 4.9 km away, while Visakhapatnam Port is 2.5 km from the property. Additionally, Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is located 48.6 km away.

The 52-key hotel offers a contemporary accommodation experience designed to serve both corporate and leisure travellers. At the same time, the property provides multiple spaces for social gatherings and events, allowing guests to combine work, relaxation, and entertainment during their stay.

The hotel features Café C, an all-day dining restaurant, along with an open-air coffee shop that overlooks the Bay of Bengal. Furthermore, its terrace swimming pool provides panoramic views of the sea. The property also features indoor banquet facilities with a capacity of up to 300 guests, making the venue suitable for weddings, celebrations, conferences, and corporate events.

For smaller gatherings, Grey Zone provides a dedicated setting for intimate meetings and corporate requirements. Meanwhile, bright, spacious, and clutter-free interiors give the hotel a relaxed and contemporary ambience.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Botcha Suresh Kumar, Managing Director, and Mr. Veda Vyas Botcha, Director, M/s Hema Abodes Private Limited, said, “We are delighted to partner with Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited to bring Zone Connect by The Park to Visakhapatnam. We have great confidence in ASPHL’s expertise and proven track record in hospitality and believe that its brand strength will add significant value to this partnership. The development will create local employment opportunities and contribute to the wider hospitality ecosystem.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Vikas Ahluwalia, AVP and National Head Zone by The Park, said, “The opening of Zone Connect by The Park Visakhapatnam marks an important milestone in our growth journey, further strengthening our presence and commitment to Andhra Pradesh as a high-potential market. Visakhapatnam’s strong mix of business, leisure, and coastal appeal makes it a natural fit for Zone Connect. The hotel’s location and offering are well suited to the city’s evolving hospitality needs, and we believe it will add a distinctive new address to the destination.”

The launch further strengthens ASPHL’s footprint in Visakhapatnam while expanding the Zone Connect brand’s presence in Andhra Pradesh. With its combination of accommodation, dining, leisure, business, and event facilities, the new property aims to cater to the city’s evolving demand from business and leisure travellers.

Zerodha founders Nithin and Nikhil Kamath buy 6.72% stake in Viceroy Hotels

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Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath, the founders of Zerodha, have acquired a 6.72% stake in Viceroy Hotels during the September quarter. According to the company’s latest shareholding disclosures, the brothers made the investment through two separate investment entities, Kamath Associates and Nksquared.

The investment comes as Viceroy Hotels looks to build on the operational recovery it has achieved since undergoing a management change in 2023. Moreover, the Kamath brothers’ entry comes at a significant stage in the company’s turnaround following several years of financial stress.

Viceroy Hotels had entered the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process after its previous promoter pursued a leveraged expansion strategy that left creditors with dues exceeding ₹1,150 crore. At one point, the company faced the possibility of liquidation, while trading in its shares also remained suspended.

However, the company reached a key milestone in October 2023 when the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal approved a resolution plan submitted by Anirudh Agro Farms Limited. Subsequently, the company received fresh capital through its subsidiary, Loko Hospitality. Following the implementation of the resolution plan, Viceroy Hotels resumed trading on the NSE and BSE in April 2024.

Viceroy Hotels currently operates the Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott properties in Hyderabad. In addition, the company has launched a rights issue to raise around ₹105 crore at ₹115 per share. The fundraising exercise also seeks to help the company meet regulatory requirements related to public shareholding after the resolution process resulted in a higher promoter holding.

Meanwhile, Viceroy Hotels has started expanding its portfolio beyond its existing assets. In December 2025, shareholders approved the company’s acquisition of SLN Terminus Hotels and Resorts for ₹206 crore.

The property operates Marriott-branded executive apartments and could provide Viceroy Hotels with an additional growth platform as the company expands its hospitality portfolio. Therefore, the Kamath brothers’ investment comes at a time when Viceroy Hotels is pursuing both operational recovery and portfolio expansion.

Tribe Stays unveils premium co-living property Tribe Commune Maasai

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Tribe Stays has launched Tribe Commune Maasai, its flagship premium co-living property in Baner, Pune. The company unveiled the property on September 30, bringing furnished accommodation, hospitality services, co-working facilities, and social spaces under one roof. As a result, the property aims to create a living environment that supports residents’ everyday needs, professional goals, and social connections.

Located on Pan Card Club Road, Tribe Commune builds on Tribe Stays’ community-focused approach to managed living. The property combines the privacy and independence of a personal living space with the convenience of professionally managed accommodation. Moreover, it targets working professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and individuals relocating to Pune by providing essential services and community-oriented spaces within the same property.

The flagship property offers air-conditioned accommodation with furnishings and amenities tailored to different room categories. Residents can access features such as pantry setups, study desks, smart televisions, and dedicated storage, depending on their selected room.

Furthermore, Tribe Commune places its shared spaces at the centre of the resident experience. Co-working areas and breakout zones on every floor give residents dedicated spaces for focused work and informal collaboration. Meanwhile, the café, restaurant, gaming lounge, and Amphitheatre provide opportunities for residents to socialise and unwind.

The property also includes a swimming pool, gymnasium, and meditation zone to support recreation and wellbeing. In addition, Tribe Commune features The Hall, a 200-seat event space that can accommodate community gatherings and other events.

Commenting on the launch, Yogesh Mehra, founder and CEO, Tribe Stays, said, “Moving to a new city is about building a life there, finding your routine, pursuing your ambitions, and meeting people who make the city feel like home. With Tribe Commune, we have brought these needs together in one thoughtfully designed environment. Residents have their own space and independence, while everyday services, places to work, and opportunities to connect are close at hand. This flagship reflects our belief that the quality of where you live can make a meaningful difference to how you experience a city.”

Additionally, Tribe Commune’s managed living model brings housekeeping, laundry, linen changes, Wi-Fi, and meal options together, with the selected package determining the inclusions. The property also provides three-tier security to enhance resident comfort and safety. At the same time, its combination of workspaces, fitness facilities, and community areas allows residents to create a more convenient daily routine within the property.

Sales hiring startup Scooter raises Rs 1.5-Cr to transform sales hiring

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Kartik Mandrekar and Saumya Seth, co-founders, Scooter

Pune-based sales hiring startup Scooter has raised Rs 1.5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Aviral Bhatnagar’s AJVC. The company will use the fresh capital to strengthen its product and simplify the sales hiring process for both candidates and hiring managers.

Founded in 2024 by Kartik Mandrekar and Saumya Seth, Scooter helps startups recruit sales professionals by evaluating candidates through real-world sales scenarios rather than depending primarily on conventional CV-based screening.

Mandrekar has previously led sales teams at Gartner, Shoptimize, and Graas. Meanwhile, Seth is a behavioural scientist who holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

The platform first sources verified sales professionals and then evaluates them through real sales scenarios. Following the assessment, Scooter gives hiring managers a shortlist of three to five candidates. In addition, managers can watch short video clips from the assessments before they review a candidate’s CV. As a result, one of Scooter’s customers completed a sales hire within six days.

Currently, Scooter works with more than 50 companies and has added 14 customers in recent months. Furthermore, the startup has built a talent pool comprising more than 10,000 sales candidates.

The latest investment marks AJVC’s first investment in a Pune-based startup. Led by Aviral Bhatnagar, AJVC operates as a pre-seed fund focused on backing early-stage companies.

With its platform, Scooter aims to help startups and sales teams reduce the time they spend sourcing, assessing, and hiring sales professionals. Therefore, the company is positioning its assessment-led approach as an alternative to traditional sales recruitment processes.

India to be a $1 Trillion real estate market by 2030: Credai-Anarock report

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The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (Credai), in partnership with Anarock Research & Advisory, has released a report highlighting the growth trajectory, sectoral outlook, and geopolitical factors shaping India’s real estate industry. The report, titled ‘Indian Real Estate: Growth Trajectory, Sectoral Outlook, and Geopolitical Crosscurrents,’ was launched at the 24th edition of Natcon in Kolkata.

According to the report, India’s real estate market expanded from $120 billion in 2017 to approximately $600 billion in 2025. The report projects the market to reach $1 trillion by 2030 and nearly $5.8 trillion by 2047.

Meanwhile, the value of real estate under construction increased more than fivefold, rising from $94 billion in 2009 to $503 billion in 2025. The sector’s contribution to India’s GDP could also rise from 6% in 2017 to around 13% by 2030, while employment in real estate is expected to reach 3 crore by the same year.

Residential real estate has also recorded significant growth across India’s top seven cities. Sales value increased from ₹2.35 lakh crore in FY22 to ₹6.10 lakh crore in FY26. Furthermore, quarterly residential sales remained above ₹1.3 lakh crore for seven consecutive quarters.

In the office segment, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) accounted for around 45% of leasing activity during the first half of 2026. At the same time, listed office REITs expanded their combined leasable area nearly sixfold since FY19.

Beyond major metropolitan markets, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are increasingly emerging as important real estate hubs. Additionally, sectors such as data centres, warehousing, and hospitality are contributing to the expansion of India’s real estate ecosystem.

Natcon brings together developers, investors, policymakers, financial experts, and other industry stakeholders to discuss India’s real estate landscape, investment opportunities, and the role of technology in business operations, customer engagement, and growth. The three-day event also focuses on how emerging technologies are changing the sector.

Technology adoption, particularly through artificial intelligence and innovation, is reshaping real estate across the value chain. Developers are increasingly using AI for market intelligence, customer engagement, project planning, construction monitoring, decision-making, and operational efficiency.

Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, Minister-in-Charge, Finance Department, Government of West Bengal, attended the inaugural session of Natcon 2026. He said Kolkata and West Bengal offered development opportunities because the region required upgrades across multiple levels. He also called for the removal of development barriers such as Urban Land Ceiling.

“We invite you to come, invest, and develop my city and my state,” he said.

Shekhar G. Patel, President, Credai, said technology and innovation would influence every aspect of the real estate business, including customer understanding, project marketing, planning, construction, and operations.

He said, “AI, in particular, has the potential to enable better decision-making, improve efficiencies, and create more responsive businesses. For the industry, the opportunity is not simply to adopt new technologies but to use them meaningfully to build a more productive, transparent, and future-ready sector.”

Patel further said India’s next phase of urban expansion would extend beyond metropolitan centres. He added that stronger infrastructure and connectivity across West Bengal could create opportunities for housing, businesses, and investment.

“Bringing NATCON to Kolkata is about focusing the industry’s attention on this opportunity and creating a dialogue on how real estate and infrastructure can together contribute to more connected and competitive cities, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Credai CSR Foundation and Tata Capital Housing Finance have partnered to train around 1,250 construction workers. The initiative contributes to Credai’s broader target of training 50,000 construction workers during the current financial year.

Boman Irani, Chairman, Credai, said discussions at Natcon around technology, sustainability, skills, and investment reflected the factors that would shape the future growth of the real estate industry. He added that the Anarock report offered insights into these changes.

“The partnership with Tata Capital Housing Finance is equally relevant because the adoption of new technologies has to be accompanied by investment in the skills of the people who will use them,” he added.

Established in 1999, Credai represents private real estate developers across India. The organisation has more than 13,000 developers across 230 city chapters in 20 states and communicates the views of its members to government ministries during policy formulation.

Eloelo Group launches Dolphin AI for end-to-end video creation

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Sagar Gaonkar, CTO, Eloelo Group

Entertainment technology company Eloelo Group has launched Dolphin AI, an agentic artificial intelligence studio that offers end-to-end video production capabilities. The platform covers the entire workflow, from scripting and shot planning to video generation, editing, and enhancement.

Eloelo Group unveiled Dolphin AI on September 29 at FICCI FRAMES 2026 in Mumbai. The company is now opening the platform to creators, filmmakers, brands, and studios after initially deploying it across its own video production operations.

The company developed Dolphin AI based on its experience of producing more than 5,000 original dramas through its Story TV platform and evaluating over 100,000 creative assets every month. Initially, Eloelo Group created the platform to accelerate its internal video production process and enable faster creative iterations.

A major feature of Dolphin AI is its multi-shot planning and continuity technology. According to the company, the system can maintain consistency in characters, voices, wardrobes, props, locations, and visual styles across multiple shots.

At the same time, Dolphin AI’s agentic production layer can understand creative intent, divide longer videos into individual shots, and coordinate the generation process while maintaining context throughout production.

The platform provides multiple content creation options. Its Chat interface enables natural-language content creation, while templates guide users through structured production workflows. Meanwhile, Playground provides shot-level controls, and users can access editing and enhancement tools within the same environment.

Dolphin AI also features Film Studio, which converts scripts into structured multi-shot productions. The system analyses elements such as the story premise, tone, chronology, and character arcs while identifying characters, locations, and props. Creators can then review and lock reusable visual, voice, and wardrobe assets before beginning production.

Eloelo Group CTO Sagar Gaonkar said the company believes the creative systems built around AI models will become increasingly important as different models evolve and become better suited to specific tasks.

Dolphin AI supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing compatible AI clients, including Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Cursor, to access its image, video, and voice capabilities within existing agentic workflows.

The company has designed Dolphin AI for both professional and individual creators working across multiple formats. These include advertising, product videos, microdramas, podcasts, cinematic films, user-generated content, AI avatars, animation, and stylised motion.

Following its launch at FICCI FRAMES 2026, Dolphin AI is now available for early access through a waitlist or invite code.

QWEEN eyes ₹100-Cr revenue with major India retail expansion

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Jewellery brand QWEEN, backed by a ₹1,000 crore investment round led by diamond major Rosy Blue and Japanese luxury jeweller Kashikey Co. Ltd, is targeting ₹100 crore in revenue during the current fiscal year as it prepares for a nationwide expansion.

The brand has already opened its first store in Noida and plans to launch its second outlet in Delhi next week. Subsequently, QWEEN will open its third store in Bengaluru within a month. The company plans to use its funding runway, which supports at least two years of expansion, to build a presence across Tier I and Tier II cities.

“We are starting with three stores. The idea is to expand all across India, mainly in tier I and tier II cities to start with,” said Amit Kumar, CEO and co-founder, QWEEN.

QWEEN expects its stores to reach break-even within six to eight months. Each outlet covers more than 6,000 sq ft, reflecting the brand’s strategy of making jewellery shopping more experiential and consumer-focused.

“Over the last 30-40 years, retail experience in categories like fashion and cosmetics has become more experiential, and the consumer is in charge of everything. However, in jewellery, age-old practices are still followed. This is the only retail where the consumer is not in charge, andthe brand is in charge,” Kumar said.

The founders see this gap as an opportunity to reshape how customers discover and purchase jewellery. Therefore, QWEEN is combining retail experience with product storytelling as it seeks to establish itself as a bridge-to-luxury brand.

“We felt that if we take retail experience and product experiencetogether, and create a brand that stands for both, it can create a verybeautiful brand,” Kumar said.

The brand currently offers more than 3,000 stock-keeping units across plain gold jewellery, diamonds and gemstones. Its portfolio includes more than 50 varieties of gemstones, while customers can browse the catalogue through both its digital platform and physical stores.

Furthermore, QWEEN is placing its omnichannel strategy at the centre of its expansion plans. The company aims to cater to consumers who increasingly discover jewellery brands online before visiting stores or making purchases.

Suyash Motarwar, co-founder and CTPO, said technology remains an underutilised opportunity within the jewellery sector.

“Jewellery is one of the oldest industries in the world, but we have seen the least application of technology. We are building an omnichannel jewellery experience,” he said.

“Online is becoming a discovery channel for us,” Motarwar said.

Meanwhile, the ₹1,000 crore investment round gives QWEEN significant capital to support its near-term store expansion and strengthen its omnichannel infrastructure. The company plans to build its presence in the bridge-to-luxury segment by combining a broad jewellery assortment with experiential retail and technology-enabled shopping.

Logistics tech startup QuikApp secures ₹50-Lakh seed funding to build AI-powered logistics platform

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Shanmugam and Hemanth Gowda, co-founders, QuikApp

Bengaluru-based logistics technology platform QuikApp, operated by Twobird Tech Private Limited, has raised ₹50 lakh in seed funding from Vehra Ventures Private Limited. The company will use the fresh capital to expand its integrated logistics ecosystem, which combines real-time tracking, smart security, automated dispatch, and AI-powered route optimisation.

Founded in March 2025, QuikApp aims to address the fragmented nature of India’s logistics industry by creating a connected technology layer across vehicles, shipments, and transportation routes. Initially launched as a transportation platform, the company has since developed a full-stack logistics technology system that integrates GPS tracking, 360° surveillance, digital locking, automated dispatch, and advanced analytics.

The company was co-founded by Shanmugam and Hemanth Gowda, who collectively bring nearly 15 years of experience in the logistics sector. Their industry experience has helped QuikApp develop technology focused on improving visibility, security, and operational efficiency across transportation networks.

Talking about inception, the Co-founder, Hemanth Gowda stated, “The question we kept coming back to was simple: what if every vehicle, every shipment, and every mile could be connected, visible, and intelligently managed that question is the foundation QuikApp was built on, and this funding lets us build it at scale.”

Shanmugam, Co-founder stated,”We are not building another tracking dashboard; we are building an intelligent operating layer for enterprise transportation, the more shipments we manage, the more the platform learns, and the better it gets at optimizing routes, capacity, pricing, and service.”

Meanwhile, QuikApp operates across more than 15 logistics hubs, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, and Kerala. The platform serves enterprise customers across FMCG, e-commerce, third-party logistics (3PL), and B2B supply chains.

So far, QuikApp has processed more than 6,000 shipments through a network comprising over 20,000 vehicles. Its network covers vehicles ranging from 20-foot containers to 32-foot SXL and MXL containers, enabling the platform to support diverse transportation requirements.

The ₹5 million funding round will also provide QuikApp with strategic benefits beyond capital. Through its partnership with Vehra Ventures, the company will gain access to customer networks, industry expertise and strategic relationships. Consequently, QuikApp expects these resources to support its expansion and strengthen its presence in India’s logistics technology market.

“We back QuikApp because India’s logistics market is large, growing, and ripe for technology-led disruption in an industry that has stayed fragmented for too long. QuikApp’s scalable model and focus on operational efficiency and profitable growth made this an easy decision,” said a representative from Vehra Ventures.

Furthermore, QuikApp plans to expand beyond transportation technology into AI-powered supply chain optimisation, fleet intelligence, digital freight management, predictive analytics, and smart logistics security. The company also plans to deepen its national presence, establish new strategic partnerships, and eventually enter international markets.