Author: Rabindra

Fleur de Cuisine Continues Expansion with Restaurant and Non-Profit

Leesburg, VA, May 24, 2024 — Fleur de Cuisine, renowned for its exceptional catering services and for its philanthropic contributions since its inception in 2017, is thrilled to announce further expansion of their mission to serve the community both through elevated cuisine and charitable acts.

Their first restaurant, Marie de la Fleur, opened its doors in January 2024 and has been well received by the community. They curate a culturally vibrant menu inspired by Afro-Cuban, Latino and Hispanic cuisines alongside traditional American fare. Each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal locally-sourced ingredients, supporting local farmers and cementing their connection to Loudoun County.

Marie de la Fleur is owned by Tiana Ramos, and named in honor of her grandmother, the company’s matriarch. “This restaurant is a dream come true,” says Ramos, “and embodies the essence of family, heritage, and my mother’s commitment to giving back.”

The offerings at Marie de la Fleur include traditional brunch, weekend buffets and fish fry events, and introduce guests to an array of authentic dishes, from savory Cuban ropa vieja to piquant Dominican mofongo and succulent Puerto Rican pernil. “There’s a reason the kitchen is the heart of every home,” says Fleur de Cuisine founder and Tiana’s mother, Natalie Ramos, “Our cuisine brings people of all cultures together and allows us to express our love and support for the community through every dish.”

Marie de la Fleur’s unique location in Lansdowne Woods creates the distinct opportunity to also host events for large groups through the catering space operated by Fleur de Cuisine. While the restaurant brings a charming and cozy ambience, ideal for company happy hours and celebrations, the adjacent event space can be transformed for larger parties, fundraising events and even formal galas.

“We welcome corporate and networking organizations to gather with us,” says founder, Natalie Ramos. “We excel at customizing menus of all sizes and cuisines, and handling all of the event details, whether it’s a group of 50 or 500.”

Philanthropy at the Heart of their Recipe for Life
Natalie Ramos, a survivor of domestic violence and homelessness, knows first hand how important resources are when life gets rough.

“Multiple Loudoun County non-profits were there for me when I had nowhere to turn, and we are committed to providing hope and opportunities to others who need a helping hand.”

Her book, Recipe for Life, chronicles the hardships and challenges she has overcome to become an award winning, successful business owner with her daughter, Tiana, by her side. “No matter how hard life was, I always put my family first, and we came together around the table. Extending that love into our community is so rewarding, and will always be the foundation that we build our lives upon.”

Fleur de Cuisine’s monetary, meal and catering service donations exceed $300k to date, and through various initiatives including lodging, employment and training, they’ve made a significant impact on local families, fostering a spirit of generosity and community support carried out by their entire team. Marie de la Fleur continues this legacy by supporting local non-profits and providing assistance and meals to those in need.

The Recipe for Life Foundation will officially launch later this year, taking their opportunity to serve the community to the next level. The details will be announced on their website.

Second journey of Manaskhand Express Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train for Uttarakhand commencing from Pune

New Delhi, 24th May 2024: According to ancient Indian texts, the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is known as Manaskhand. Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and IRCTC have jointly started a special tourist train named Manaskhand Express to promote lesser-known destinations of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, whose first journey was successfully operated with 280 tourists on 22.04.2024.

After the successful operation of the first journey of the train, now the second journey started from Pune on 22.05.2024 with 302 tourists and will reach Tanakpur Railway Station in Uttarakhand on 24.05.2024. The tourists were welcomed in the traditional Marathi way, with Drums and Musical instruments, Aarti was performed traditionally, Tilak was applied and flowers were showered. The tourists were quite enthusiastic about this tour and expected to see some of the new destinations through this tour package.

In this journey of 10 nights/11 days, all the tourists will be taken to various tourist places of Kumaon region like Purnagiri Temple, Hatkalika Temple, Kasar Devi, Katarmal, Kainchidham, Chittai Golu Temple, Jageshwar Dham, Sharda Ghat, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, Nanakmatta Gurudwara, Bhimtal, Nainital, Almora, Chakori, Tea Garden of Champawat, Baleshwar Temple, Mayawati Ashram etc. will be visited. Besides, Uttarakhandi cuisine will also be served to all the passengers traveling on the train.

Train travel is in 3AC Train. However, only four persons in one Coupe have been booked to enhance the comfort of the tourists. The train’s exterior is a showcase of Uttarakhand’s rich natural, cultural, architectural, and spiritual heritage. The pantry car coach depicts various dishes from Uttarakhandi Cuisine, one of the coaches depicts various folk festivals, and on another coach, there are people wearing different attire from the State. Various temples and other places of importance are also depicted on the coaches.

The train is equipped with an air-conditioned pantry car which will serve various dishes including Uttarakhandi cuisine to the tourists during the journey. After deboarding at Tanakpur the tourists will be taken to various destinations where they will stay at hotels/homestays and visit various places as per the Itinerary with nights halts at Tanakpur, Champawat/Lohaghat, Chaukori, Almora, and Bhimtal.

Shri Sachin Kurve, Secretary Tourism/Chief Executive Officer, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board said that given the immense success of the Manaskhand Express operated in the first phase and the enthusiasm of the tourists, the department has started the Manaskhand Express from Pune in the second phase also.

Shri Kurve said that this unique initiative of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board is the first of its kind in India, in which efforts are being made to promote tourism in lesser-known places through tourist trains.

Royal Vega’s ‘Grishma Ritu’: Summer Flavors at ITC Grand Chola

Chennai, India: Signature Vegetarian Restaurant, Royal Vega invites connoisseurs of fine dining to embark on a culinary journey celebrating the vibrant flavors of summer with its scrumptious ‘Grishma Ritu’ menu. Celebrating the vegetarian culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations, by showcasing locally-sourced traditional recipes and cooking techniques, Royal Vega offers a dining experience unlike any other, characterized by its regal ambiance, impeccable service, and meticulously crafted vegetarian dishes. The set menu is curated keeping the Chennai summers in mind, using specific ingredients that have cooling properties.

Grishma Ritu, named after the Indian summer season, brings forth an array of delectable dishes meticulously curated to capture the essence of this time of year. There are refreshing appetizers like Singhara Soya Tikkiya – grilled patties of clove smoked water chestnut and fresh edamame served over pea mash. Indulgent mains such asBesaniPoori – leavened Bengal gram flour bread flavored with spices and fried in desi ghee; Gucchi Pulao cooked on Dum with Himalayan morel stuffed with nuts and cheese andKamlini Kofta – dumplings of lotus stem stuffed with khubani, napped in velvety tomato gravy. Tantalizing desserts likeKacheAam Ka Halwa, Kesar Laklaki and Gulab Jamun to end with. Each dish is a testament to the mastery of Royal Vega’s culinary artisans.

“Grishma Ritu is a tribute to the diverse and vibrant vegetarian traditions of India. We’ve blended time-honored recipes with modern techniques to curate dishes that are both authentic and innovative. Each recipe is crafted with utmost care and passion, ensuring an unforgettable culinary journey for our guests. Our team has worked tirelessly to curate a nutritious menu that showcases the best of seasonal ingredients while staying true to the essence of Indian cuisine.” Mayank Kulshreshtha, Area Executive Chef – South Food & Beverage Production remarked.

With a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Grishma Ritu promises to delight everyone. “At ITC Grand Chola, we are delighted to unveil Grishma Ritu at Royal Vega, a culinary journey that encapsulates the vibrancy and abundance of the summers. From intimate gatherings to personalized family get-togethers, our restaurant is open for weekday dinners and Sunday lunches. We also exclusively reserve and curate the ultimate Royal Vega experience for a minimum of 30 guests for lunches on weekdays and is a great option for corporates and families looking for a unique experience,” Ganesh Kuppusami, Food and Beverage Manager, ITC Grand Chola further added.

Grishma Ritu at Royal Vega is available at 2995 + taxes for a limited time until July 15, 2024, providing diners with the perfect opportunity to indulge in the seasonal bounty of summer.

Konkona Sen Sharma joins the P&G Shiksha movement to StandUpForLearningGap in a child’s education

Mumbai, 24th May 2024: P&G Shiksha, the flagship CSR program of P&G India launched its new campaign – #StandUpForLearningGaps, to spotlight the issue of learning gaps in children, which affects over 6 crore children in the country as per National Achievement Survey 2021. While access to education has improved significantly, ensuring quality learning outcomes remains a challenge. A thought-provoking panel discussion highlighted the impact of these learning gaps on children who perpetually keep trying to cope, and often face mockery or ridicule owing to lack of public understanding of learning gaps.

The engaging panel discussion centered around the theme #StandUpForLearningGap, moderated by Priyanka Khanna, Author and Former Journalist, brought together a diverse group of speakers: Konkona Sen Sharma, two-time National Award-Winning Actress / Indian Actress and Filmmaker, Abhishek Desai, Vice President – Brand Operation and Category Leader – Grooming, P&G India and Rahul Dua, Stand-up Comic. The panelists discussed the challenges faced by children with learning gaps through their own experiences while growing up, as well as the importance of collaboration between educators, parents, and the community to create a supportive learning environment for all children in India. Konkana and Rahul also took a test to determine their own learning levels, spotlighting the need to focus on conceptual understanding and building a strong foundation. At the event, P&G Shiksha unveiled its new campaign film – a first-of-its-kind that uses relatable humor and a stand-up sequence to engage audiences, prompting them to take notice of learning gaps and stand up for the cause.

The film takes a leaf from memes flooding the internet recently where – children are seen struggling to respond or being mocked if they give a wrong answer to a question. In fact, as per a Forbes report, a recent video of a child incorrectly answering to a journalist was one of the top 10 most searched memes in 2023 in India. However, this laughter often masks a more serious issue: a lack of understanding that hinders a child’s academic progress. When faced with a question they don’t understand, they might struggle or be made fun of if they give the wrong answer. Therefore, this year, P&G Shiksha is recreating a life-like situation through the campaign, where it leverages humor to engage the audience, helping them pause to realize the issue of learning gaps. One’s entertainment can be another’s crisis! With a completely fresh outlook, the campaign “Stand Up for Learning Gap” aims to address this problem and urge collective action.

Speaking on the occasion, Actor Konkona Sen Sharma remarked, “I truly believe education is essential for unlocking a child’s full potential. Through my association with P&G Shiksha, I’ve become acutely aware of the learning gaps that affect many children who fall behind expected learning levels. Children who may not know the right responses may face mockery or ridicule. When I first saw the film, the question stayed with me for a while – Would you laugh if it was your child? It’s encouraging to see that P&G Shiksha is not only driving awareness about these gaps but also working to bridge them with effective interventions. Awareness is the first step towards action, and I am glad to be part of this journey with P&G Shiksha. Together, we can create an environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential through holistic education. Together, let’s #StandUpForLearningGap.”

Speaking about the new film, Abhishek Desai, Vice President of brand Operation and Category Leader – Grooming, P&G India said, “For 19 years now, P&G Shiksha has championed access to education for millions of underprivileged children in India, impacting over 45 lakh children. We have reinforced this with our commitment to driving large-scale awareness regarding learning gaps, which impact over 6 crore children in India. These gaps can lead to frustration, a lack of understanding, and even ridicule. However, what often gets missed is the reason

behind. By raising a pertinent question – “Would you laugh, if this happened with your child?” we are seeking to educate parents, guardians, teachers and well-wishers on the existence and impact of learning gaps, while also empowering them to identify and take steps to bridge these. We can come together to #StandupForLearningGap. Timely action can unleash a child’s full potential in leveraging education as an enabler for a brighter future.”

P&G India’s flagship CSR program, P&G Shiksha, has been working to provide access to education to underprivileged children since 2005, impacting over 45 lakh children.

As part of this, to improve learning outcomes in children, P&G Shiksha leverages AI-backed technology with ‘Mindspark’, a computer-based adaptive learning tool, in partnership with Educational Initiatives. The program also implements on-ground remedial learning interventions in partnership with Pratham Education Foundation, using both community-based and in-school models supported by trained volunteers and teachers. Additionally, P&G Shiksha focuses on early childhood education through Pratham Education Foundation, developing motor, cognitive, social-emotional, language, and creative skills in children to prevent learning gaps, and laying a strong foundation as they begin school.

The film opens with a stand-up act by Comic Rahul Dua in which he showcases memes where children stumble on basic math questions. While laughter erupts amongst the audience, the mood shifts as Rahul shares his own childhood struggle with similar concepts. He highlights the plight of over 6 crore children who face learning gap leading to a moment of realisation and posing a powerful question “Would you laugh if it was your child?” Further emphasizing the reality of learning gaps, the film then showcases P&G Shiksha’s on-ground interventions with NGOs to address these gaps and empowers viewers to act and #StandUpForLearningGap.

Astral Limited Launches Comprehensive New Paint Line as Astral Paints

Bengaluru, 24th May 2024: Astral Limited, a leading innovator in the building construction segment and one of the fastest-growing building material companies, is proud to announce the launch of its extensive new paint line, Astral Paints. The new exciting brand by Astral Limited offers a vast array of options to meet the needs of every painter, designer, and homeowner, featuring a diverse selection of colors, finishes, and specialized formulations.

After acquiring a majority stake in Gem Paints in 2022, Astral Limited thoroughly prepared to enter the paint industry. The company has strategically launched its first phase in Bengaluru, leveraging three state-of-the-art paint units. Moreover, the company will expand its paint line across India in phases, starting with Karnataka and Gujarat.

Mr. Sandeep Engineer, CMD of Astral Limited, stated, “The launch of Astral Paints marks a significant milestone in Astral Limited’s journey. It’s a strategic move to diversify and solidify our presence in the ever-evolving Indian market. Our deep understanding and extensive experience within the building materials ecosystem give us a distinct advantage. We are confident that Astral Paints will revolutionize the industry with its versatile paints, extensive colour options, and unwavering focus on quality. Paints have always held a special place in my heart, stemming from my father’s association with the industry. We embody Astral’s core value – ‘TRUST’ – and deliver on our promise: ‘The trust of Astral, now in Paints.”

Mr. Saumya Engineer, CEO of Astral Adhesives & Paints, added, “We are launching Astral Paints not merely to add a feather in Astral Limited’s cap, but to establish it as a leading business within the Astral Group. Our consistent and strategic approach has proven successful with our other ventures such as adhesives, construction chemicals, and bathware, and we will maintain this same momentum with paints. While we are not in a rush to go pan-India, we will strategically and incrementally introduce our products into different markets, with the aim of covering the entire country within the next three years.”

Astral Paints is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of applications, ensuring there is a perfect solution for every project. The range includes decorative paints for interior and exterior emulsions in luxury, premium, and economy segments, under various product names: Elita, Esteema, and Styla for interior emulsions, and Extura Plus, Extura, and Raga for exterior emulsions. Additionally, Astral Paints offers a wide range of undercoats through primers and putties, synthetic enamels, and ancillary products like rollers and brushes.

Astral Paints also boasts an extensive colour palette, with over 1400 refreshing colours ranging from timeless classics to the latest trends, providing an unparalleled selection to bring any vision to life. Understanding consumer needs, Astral has also introduced specialty paints, such as Kitchen Special Paint, which features high durability and oil-resistant properties.

The company hosted a launch event at a leading hotel in Bengaluru that saw the attendance of over 300 channel partners and featured the presence of promoters, the Engineer family, alongside the senior Astral Limited team. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from all attendees, with the Engineer family unveiling the ‘Astral Paints Logo’ followed by the launch of the ‘Astral Paints Product Range’.

Astral Limited, which recently celebrated 25 years in the building construction industry, has become a renowned household name across the nation. Originally, a pipes company, Astral quickly rose to become one of the leading pipe manufacturing company in India. In a short span, the company diversified into various product categories, including water tanks, adhesives, construction chemicals, waterproofing, and now paints.

Acer Unveils New Line of Vero Laser Projectors for Home Entertainment

Mumbai (24th May 2024 ) Acer today announced the launch of its new eco-friendly Vero projectors, designed to elevate home entertainment experiences while minimizing their environmental impact. Two new models are equipped with 4K UHD resolution and HDR10 compatibility to deliver stunning visuals and enhanced brightness with 4000 ANSI lumens from its laser/LED hybrid light source. The Acer Vero HL6810ATV comes with an Acer-exclusive Android TV embedded dongle design, giving users access to smart home features at their fingertips.

In line with the Vero line’s advocacy for sustainability, the new laser projectors are designed to consume less power without sacrificing performance and offer long-lasting brightness consistency with up to a 30,000-hour lifespan. Their hybrid light source is also 100% mercury-free and the devices incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in their chassis and recycled paper for packaging.

Acer Vero HL68 Series Projectors: Cinematic Viewing and Gaming Experiences in 4K

The latest projector offerings feature the Acer Vero HL6810 and Acer Vero HL6810ATV smart projectors for home entertainment. These models feature 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) resolution and 4,000 ANSI lumens through their laser/LED hybrid light source so crystal-clear images and vibrant colors come alive when streaming or gaming on the big screen, even in well-lit environments. Details are vivid even in the darkest of scenes thanks to their 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and the ability to reach 105% of the Rec. 709 color gamut for pinpoint color accuracy. Plus, these are HDR10/HLG compatible, producing a larger spectrum of color and brightness accuracy through four available modes to accommodate various types of content. Acer’s tailor-made Football mode is also available on these models to optimize scenes projected on larger surfaces to make them more realistic and vivid, like watching everything unfold in front of their eyes.

Unlocking More Experiences with Android TV Features

The Vero HL6810ATV features an embedded Android TV dongle located at the back of the chassis, helping simplify installations and eliminating unnecessary cables for a cleaner setup. With an Android TV dongle, the smart projector offers direct access to in-demand entertainment content and streaming applications such as Netflix and YouTube without the need to connect to external devices. The smart projector can be controlled using voice-activated prompts with a dedicated remote or a smartphone for added convenience.

With support for 4K UHD resolution, viewers can enjoy next-level visual fidelity when streaming their favorite content. The projectors offer 1.3x zoom capability to allow for more flexibility when adjusting and projecting in different viewing spaces and go hand in hand with the HV keystone and 4 corner correction technology for the best possible views. In terms of protection, the devices are IP5X-rated to protect against potential damage from external factors and help lessen the negative effects of blue light exposure to viewers’ eyes thanks to Acer BlueLight Shield technology. Audiovisual enthusiasts can easily connect their amplifiers or external speakers through the projectors’ HDMI 2.0 (audio return) port and enjoy 3D cinematic experiences in the comfort of their own homes thanks to Blu-ray 3D support.

Eco-friendly All the Way

The third generation of the Acer Vero HL68 Series projectors now adopts highly efficient and high-performance laser/LED hybrid optical engines projecting the desired color and brightness while saving up to 48% power as compared to lamp-based projectors. This not only helps minimize the impact on the environment with less power consumption but also extends the devices’ usability and lowers the total cost of ownership with up to a 30,000-hour lifespan for its light source. Power saving mode and the instant-on-off features further support the Vero cause by instinctively minimizing power usage when using the different modes or when left idle. Plus, the light source of the Acer HL68 Series projectors is 100% mercury-free and utilizes post-consumer recycled plastic in the chassis and paper in its fully recyclable packaging to minimize the devices’ carbon footprint.

Conrad Pune Appoints Seasoned Leader Abhinandan Gooptu as New Director Conferences & Events

Pune, Maharashtra, 24th May 2024: Conrad Pune is delighted to announce the appointment of Abhinandan Gooptu as its new Director of Conferences & Events

Abhinandan brings over 16 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry to his new role. Born and raised in Kolkata, India, Abhinandan’s career began with Four Seasons Sydney as an F&B Executive. He has since held various positions in sales and marketing, including roles at ITC Sonar – A Luxury Collection Hotel and ITC Hotels Kolkata.

Most recently, Abhinandan served as Head of MICE at ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar, where he successfully led a team that consistently exceeded revenue targets. His expertise spans corporate sales, sporting events (IPL, ISL, World Cups), MICE events, and weddings. Abhinandan was also part of the pre-opening team for ITC Royal Bengal.

Abhinandan is a passionate and results-oriented leader with a proven ability to build and manage high-performing teams. He is dedicated to exceeding guest expectations and delivering exceptional Conferences & Events experiences.

Joining the force, Mr. Abhinandan Gooptu, Director of Conferences & Events, Conrad Pune said, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the energetic team at Conrad Pune. My passion lies in crafting truly innovative conference experiences and meticulously planned events. I can’t wait to collaborate with this talented group to push the envelope on creativity and take Conrad Pune’s conference and event offerings to the next level. Exceeding guest expectations is my top priority, and I’m confident that together, we’ll create unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression.”

Onboarding Mr. Gooptu to the Conrad Pune Leadership squad, Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune said, “We are delighted to welcome Abhinandan Gooptu as our new Director of Conferences & Events at Conrad Pune. Abhinandan’s extensive experience in the MICE and events industry, particularly his proven ability to drive growth and innovation, makes him the perfect person to lead our team to the next level. We are confident that under Abhinandan’s leadership, Conrad Pune’s conference and event offerings will not only reach new heights but will also become a platform for unforgettable experiences and industry-leading creativity.”

New Beauty Launch Alert | LoveChild By Masaba’s New Launch Blurring Serum Tint Will Make You “Skip Everything

24th May 2024: Get ready to revolutionize your daily makeup routine with Lovechild’s latest game-changer: ‘Skip Everything’ Blurring Serum Tint. This is 4-in-1 powerhouse combines the benefits of a primer, foundation, sunscreen, and moisturizer into one sleek product, promising a flawless finish with just a single step. Say goodbye to lengthy beauty routines and hello to effortless beauty!

Priced at INR 1300, and available in 10 versatile shades designed for all Indian skin tones there’s a perfect match for everyone. Simplify your routine with a one-step application, blending seamlessly for a natural, radiant finish. Featuring an in-built brush for convenient, mess-free application. Harnessing SOD Technology (Special Optical Diffuser) to blur imperfections and leave your skin looking flawless. Achieve a flawless complexion effortlessly by applying the Serum Tint to clean, dry skin using your fingers or the in-built brush provided.

Whether you have a fair, medium, or dark complexion, LoveChild by Masaba’s Blurring Serum Tint has a shade tailored to complement your skin tone perfectly. From the “Icy You,” “Moody Mama,” and “Quirky Queen” for fair tones, to the captivating “Honest Honey,” “Lonely Lioness,” and “Bossy Babe” for medium tones, and the bold “Gossip Girlfriend,” “Tough Toffee,” and “Easy Espresso” for darker tones, each shade offers a unique expression of beauty.

Infused with the finest ingredients- Glucosyl hesperidin, a potent antioxidant derived from citrus fruits renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, and Texfeel T5, an amino acid derivative that enhances texture, providing a smooth and silky feel to the skin, the Blurring Serum Tint is your one-stop 4-in-1 beauty solution.

Experience the future of beauty with Lovechild by Masaba, Blurring Serum Tint – Skip Everything! Elevate your everyday routine and embrace effortless beauty like never before.

Commenting on the launch, Masaba Gupta, Founder, of LoveChild by Masaba said “I’m thrilled to introduce our latest innovation at LoveChild by Masaba the ‘Skip Everything’ Blurring Serum Tint. Our mission has always been to redefine beauty beyond the surface, and with this product, we’re taking it to the next level. With 10 versatile shades and multifunctional benefits, this Serum Tint empowers you to simplify your routine and amplify your natural beauty. Let’s skip the unnecessary and embrace the beauty within!”

All products are available online on LoveChild by Masaba. in, houseofmasaba.com and House of Masaba stores across the country. They are also available on marketplaces such as Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Purplle, Flipkart, Tata Cliq Palette, and Tira.

ProsParity Secures $2M Pre-Seed Funding from BEENEXT to Transform EV Financing in India

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – 24th May 2024 – ProsParity, a fintech platform that is reimagining the distribution of credit in the electric mobility sector, has raised $2 million pre-seed funding round from global institutional investors such as BEENEXT, Sparrow Capital, All In Capital, DeVC, and Huddle Ventures. Angel investors like Dr Ashish Gupta (Co-founder of Junglee & Helion Ventures), Raj Dugar (Ex-Eight Roads Ventures), Dhyanesh Shah (Co-founder of Mosaic Wellness), Abhishek Goyal (Co-founder of Tracxn) and Nitin Kaushal (Co-founder of Country Delight) also participated in this round.

Founded by Saurabh Khodke and Anirudh Dhakar, ProsParity is an end-to-end electric mobility financing platform that focuses on compliance, scalability, and agility for lenders, while easing access to financing relationships for EV dealers and OEMs to enable financing for their end-customers. Through its proprietary platform and approach of origination, the company aims to aggregate the demand for financing on a single platform for the lenders to channel their capital in the emerging EV financing asset class.

The funds raised will be used for building proof of concept, and technology, and expanding origination networks, starting with Central India. ProsParity is also building a comprehensive partnership network across Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Fleet Operators, Dealerships, and Lenders. To democratize financing for EVs in the mass market, the company aims to achieve an Asset Under Management (AUM) of INR 100 crore within the next two years by serving the market at large and new-to-credit customers.

As per NITI Aayog, the size of the annual loan market for EVs in India is projected to hit INR 3.7 lakh crore in 2030. While the opportunity in EV financing is substantial, the traditional origination approach used in the case of ICEs could be less cost-efficient, and lenders are cautious of lending in the segment due to a limited understanding of the underlying assets.

Currently, India’s two and three-wheeler space serves mass-market customers. Although less commonly discussed, financing for EVs – in terms of the cost and quantum of capital – is a major hurdle for India’s electric mobility transition. End users face a range of challenges including high interest, low loan-to-value ratios to mitigate risks, longer time to get financing, and limited specialized finance options. As the adoption of EVs increases in this segment, there is going to be a need for players who can originate and underwrite credit for this segment with optimized risk-adjusted returns for the lenders.

“Today, electric vehicle financing is an emerging asset class. The Indian EV market is poised for exponential growth and affordable financing solutions are critical to enable this transition. The current landscape is catered by very few large NBFCs and private banks, primarily serving a limited customer base,” says Saurabh Khodke, CEO and Co-founder of ProsParity. “ProsParity’s technology platform and omni channel presence coupled with our experienced team and lender network, will help evolve and grow the nascent EV financing landscape in India,” he added.

“ProsParity is addressing a key bottleneck in the acceleration of EV adoption in the country and India’s goal of making 30% of all vehicle sales electric by 2030. The founding team’s mission focuses, in the long-term, on creating a level playing field between EVs and ICE vehicles by democratizing access to finance for not just customers, but also the dealers,” said Anirudh Garg, Partner at BEENEXT.

With a collective experience of over five decades across scaling platforms, retail, and liability franchises, ProsParity’s founding team has built a differentiated, tech-led origination model that allows them to reach consumers across geographies, credit profiles, and sales channels. ProsParity’s B2B partnerships with ecosystem players ensure scalable distribution while creating a long-term moat of ‘asset risk models’ for underwriting asset risks. The company also tailors its products to efficiently sync customer profiles with utility, quality & end-use of assets.