Blog

Lodha Ventures Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Ranvir Bhandari as President – Hospitality

Mumbai, 9th May 2024: Lodha Ventures – An Abhinandan Lodha Enterprise has announced the appointment of Ranvir Bhandari as President – Hospitality. With a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in the hospitality industry, Ranvir brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new role.

Prior to joining Lodha Ventures Ranvir has served as MD operations Soneva Resorts, COO ITC Hotels and SVP & GM Oberoi hotels. He has also served as the General Manager of several award-winning hotels like Soneva Fushi, Oberoi Grand, Trident Nariman Point, ITC Maurya, ITC Gardenia, ITC Grand Chola.

Ranvir is known for his exceptional leadership skills and strategic acumen. His core competencies include strategic planning, business development, revenue management, process re-engineering, zero-based budgeting, change management, and innovation. He is deeply passionate about creating sustainable and responsible luxury experiences that positively impact the environment and the communities served.

Ranvir is a people-oriented leader who values relationships, communication, and talent development. He has a keen interest in coaching and guiding the next generation of hospitality professionals to excel in their careers.

Speaking about this addition, Mr. Abhinandan Lodha – Chairman, Lodha Ventures – An Abhinandan Lodha Enterprise said, “I’m delighted to welcome Mr. Ranvir Bhandari to our ecosystem. With over 40 years of profound expertise in the hospitality industry, Ranvir joins us at an exciting time as we embark on our journey into the world of luxury hospitality. His extensive experience, particularly in crafting memorable guest experiences, aligns perfectly with our vision to redefine luxury in this sector. Ranvir’s hands-on leadership style, coupled with his strategic acumen and his commitment to innovation will undoubtedly be instrumental in shaping our brand identity and driving positive change. I am confident that Ranvir’s mentorship and expertise will be invaluable assets as we forge ahead.”

Speaking on his appointment, Ranvir Bhandari – President Hospitality said, “Joining Lodha Ventures as President – Hospitality is an exciting opportunity to merge my passion for creating exceptional luxury experiences with an organization renowned for innovation and excellence. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Lodha Ventures – An Abhinandan Lodha Enterprise to drive sustainable growth, deliver unparalleled service, and make a positive impact in the world of hospitality.”

Ranvir Bhandari’s appointment underscores Lodha Ventures’ commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences and reinforces its position as a leader in the industry.

AIC T-Hub Selects Startups to Drive Innovation in the Mobility Sector

Hyderabad, India, 9th May 2024 – T-Hub, India’s leading startup incubator, in collaboration with Atal Incubation Centre (AIC), today announced the launch of the mobility cohort of the AIC T-Hub Program. This initiative is poised to revolutionize the automotive industry’s future, with visionary startups selected to participate.

The selected startups will focus on critical areas including battery technology, battery management systems (BMS), electric vehicle (EV) development, shared mobility solutions, and distribution networks. Amongst the selected startups are- VPush Technologies Pvt Ltd, Sock8, Zeromatter Tech Pvt Ltd, Electriq, Savy Electrics, Blumotiv, Sunmit Electronics, Bambam Kart.

The 3-month program aims to provide startups with exclusive 1:1 mentoring, collaborative group sessions, vital investor connections, and opportunities for market pilots. These resources will empower startups to secure initial customers, engage with investors, tap into government incentives and grants, and refine their business models. Startups were meticulously chosen based on founder credentials, business viability, and product innovation.

Mahankali Srinivas Rao (MSR), CEO, T-Hub, said, “Empowering startups to drive the wheels of innovation forward, AIC T-Hub’s Mobility Cohort accelerates the journey towards a sustainable automotive future. With visionary startups onboard, we are charging ahead, catalysing breakthroughs in battery tech, EV development, and shared mobility solutions.”

Rajesh Adla, CEO, AIC T-Hub Foundation, said, “”In every stride, AIC T-Hub remains steadfast as a guiding light for startups. Our unwavering mission is to equip every startup in the cohort with the necessary guidance and resources, empowering them to ascend to unparalleled heights of success.”

Looking forward, AIC T-Hub envisions establishing an EV lab for startups and forging collaborations with automotive giants to bolster market penetration and fuel innovation in the mobility sector. AIC T-Hub remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping India’s automotive industry’s future, fostering innovation through partnerships with corporations, startups, policymakers, and academia to drive sustainable growth.

Since its inception, AIC T-Hub has nurtured 147 startups, facilitated funding totaling 15 crore INR and engaged over 100 mentors, thus significantly enriching the innovation ecosystem.

Atomgrid, a Specialty Chemical Manufacturing platform, Secures Seed Funding Led by Merak Ventures

New Delhi, India – May 09, 2024: Merak Ventures, a sector-agnostic early-stage, B2B venture capital (VC) firm, has announced a new investment in Atomgrid, an R&D-first platform for contract development, manufacturing, and sourcing of Specialty Chemicals. Merak Ventures led the INR 10 Cr seed round, in which other venture firms including Dexter Ventures, Upsparks, Point One Capital and the founders of UniCards (Nitin Gupta and Prateek Jindal) also participated. This marks Merak’s third significant investment of the year.

Atomgrid is co-founded by IIT-BHU alumni Lakshit Bansal, Siddharth Gupta, and Pratik Chowdhury, each bringing a special set of skills to the venture. Lakshit previously worked as a Business Head at WorkIndia, while Siddharth was a business head at Uni Cards and Pratik was working with Amazon.

As per the Frost & Sullivan Report, India’s specialty chemical companies are gaining favour with global MNCs because of the geopolitical shift after the outbreak of Covid-19 as the world looks to reduce its dependence on China. Currently China accounts for ~15-17% of the world’s exportable specialty chemicals, whereas India accounts for merely 1-2% indicating that the country has large scope of improvement and widespread opportunity. It is anticipated that Specialty chemicals will be the next great export pillar for India, with an anticipated growth of ~12.2% CAGR. [1]

Through interactions with over 250 manufacturers, the co-founders identified significant challenges Indian manufacturers face, including limited access to research and development resources, global distribution networks, efficient raw material sourcing, and technology-driven solutions. These factors contribute to suboptimal capacity utilisation and a restricted presence in the export market.

Sheetal Bahl, Partner at Merak Ventures, said, ” As India’s Specialty Chemicals sector drives industry growth, Atomgrid stands out by maximizing underused MSME capacities. More than just filling the demand-supply gap, Atomgrid redefines its role in the supply chain—from mere distributor to vital manufacturing partner. This strategic approach sets them apart, perfectly aligning with Merak Ventures’ commitment to innovative B2B tech solutions.”

Amidst a global shift in manufacturing operations from China to India, Atomgrid endeavours to facilitate India’s evolution into a prominent chemical manufacturing hub. The startup aspires to play a pivotal role in positioning India as a hub for Specialty Chemicals and accelerating the export of such chemicals worldwide from India.

“A massive global speciality chemical market coupled with inefficiencies that we see on a daily basis makes us believe that we are solving the right problem at Atomgrid. With this funding, we are poised to accelerate our mission of empowering Indian chemical manufacturers on a global scale. We are excited to have Merak Ventures as a partner to enhance our efforts and achieve our goals,” said Siddharth Gupta, co-founder at Atomgrid.

The investment from Merak Ventures will enable Atomgrid to expand its in-house R&D infrastructure, increase global outreach, build a supply chain tech platform, and hire teams across Business Development, R&D, and fulfilment functions.

5 Unique Mother’s Day Gifts to Delight Every Mom

In the journey of life, it is often said that behind every strong individual, there is an even stronger mother, whose love knows no bounds. From our first role model to our forever confidante, she is someone who has been there for us through every thick and thin. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate these extraordinary women who have shaped our lives with unwavering love, sacrifice, and endless support.

This Mother’s Day, ditch the clichés and surprise your supermom with something as quirky and lovable as she is. We have curated a collection of fun and offbeat gift ideas, each tailored to suit every type of mom, to bring a smile to her face and express just how much she means to you.

For the chic mom who seamlessly juggles multiple roles

NoiseFit Grace: If your mom is a busy bee who juggles a million things, then the NoiseFit Grace smartwatch is an ideal gift for her. Available in Metal Silver, Rose Gold, or Jet Black, it is not just a sleek accessory—it is her own personal assistant, right on her wrist! With call alerts, a built-in AI voice assistant, a quick access dial pad, and storage for up to 10 contacts along with step tracking, SPO2 tracking heart rate monitoring and more, this smartwatch is a perfect fit for any on-the-go mom.

For the ‘you before me’ moms

Luna Ring by Noise: This Mother’s Day, spoil the moms who have always put others first with Noise’s latest innovation, the Luna Ring. With its sleek design, long-lasting battery and advanced health-tracking features, this minimalist smart ring empowers moms to effortlessly prioritise their well-being. From monitoring sleep patterns to tracking activity levels, Luna Ring is their dedicated wellness companion, providing constant support and nurturing every step of the journey.

For the new mommies who deserve some peaceful ‘me time’

Qubo Smart Baby Camera: Looking for an ideal gift for a new mommy? Stop searching because the Qubo Smart Baby Camera is exactly what you need. Whether she is navigating the whirlwind of new motherhood or a seasoned pro craving a little extra assurance, this AI-powered wonder is her perfect sidekick. With its intuitive features, Mom can stay connected to her little one’s world, no matter where she is. Make her day shine with this because every mom deserves the gift of worry-free moments and endless smiles.

For strong moms who deserve a cup of relaxation

Third Wave Coffee’s Vienna Roast South Indian Coffee Beans and French Press: Introducing the ultimate treat for strong, coffee-loving moms: Third Wave Coffee’s Vienna Roast South Indian Coffee Beans and French Press. Crafted to perfection, just like her, the brand’s Vienna Roast South Indian Coffee Beans boast flavours of rich chocolate, caramel, and toasted walnuts, offering a delightful moment all to themselves. Paired with the French Press, this combo ensures café-quality bliss at home for moms who appreciate a strong brew. It’s not just a gift; it’s her daily ticket to indulgence and a moment of “me-time” to recharge and savour the simple pleasures of a perfect cup.

Zoomcar aims to add over 20,000 cars by the end of fiscal year 2025

Bengaluru, May 09, 2024: Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. (“Zoomcar” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: ZCAR), the NASDAQ-listed leading marketplace for self-drive car sharing, has pumped up their efforts to help local car Hosts add more cars to grow their micro businesses on Zoomcar. Through synergistic partnerships with industry leaders such as Cars24, ACKO Drive, Spinny, and Droom, Zoomcar is making car sharing more convenient and cost-effective with customised offers on car buying and financing.

Zoomcar’s car-sharing business model has opened up opportunities for micro-entrepreneurship to car owners where they can Host their car to earn instant income by sharing it on Zoomcar where more than 10M verified guests book their cars for their travel needs. On average Zoomcar Hosts earn up to Rs.7L per year with one car, which varies by car models and car quality. As of Q3 2023, Zoomcar Hosts earned approximately $4 million, marking a significant milestone in providing financial stability to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

In the past few months, Zoomcar announced partnerships with industry leaders to boost car buying for new and existing Hosts. With Cars24, Zoomcar Hosts get an exclusive offer of up to Rs. 1,00,000 off along with special benefits of Rs. 20,000 on certified pre-owned car purchases. ACKO Drive is facilitating savings of up to INR 85,000 exclusively on buying new cars coupled with enticing incentives on car financing, featuring instant loan approval and expedited car delivery, among other perks.

Building on this success, Zoomcar extended these unique offers to their community of over 25,000 Hosts, with 2000+ Hosts showing immediate interest in purchasing additional vehicles within the next 1-2 months. The overwhelming response from Zoomcar Hosts underscores the resonance of these collaborations within the community. While the guest community is growing at a fast pace with over 85% of users giving a 4.5+ star rating for their bookings, Zoomcar is poised to further expand its platform, targeting an addition of over 5000 cars by the end of FY24, and over 20,000 cars by the end of FY2025 to aid the growing demand.

Naveen Jain, a multicar Host on Zoomcar from Ahmedabad, added 1 more car to the platform from Cars24 said, “My Zoomcar experience has been fantastic. After listing my Baleno six months ago, I quickly earned nearly 1.5 lakh with numerous bookings. This success encouraged me to expand my fleet and when I heard about Zoomcar’s partnership with CARS24 along with the extra discounts & benefits, I wasted no time. Upon test driving, I immediately fell for a premium car, swiftly purchasing it in a day.”

Dharmaraj from Coimbatore, another multicar Host on Zoomcar adds, “It’s been over a year now since I started Hosting cars, and during this time, I discovered a simple way to double my earnings: by Hosting more cars. Adding another car through CARS24 was hassle-free and straightforward and became a no-brainer when I found out about the Zero down payment offer. With this in mind, I’ve decided to expand my listings to include a Baleno as well, thereby increasing my potential income”.

Commenting on the success of the partnerships, Greg Moran, Co-founder & CEO at Zoomcar, said “We want to make Hosting a car on Zoomcar as popular as booking a car on Zoomcar. Our strategic partnerships with industry players have been instrumental in driving growth and success for our Hosts. We are committed to providing them with the best opportunities to expand their business and increase earnings while aiming to add over 20,000 cars to our platform by fiscal year 2025.”

Zoomcar’s partnership tie-ups are enhancing earnings for Hosts and also offering avenues for expanding their fleets, promoting economic stability, and fostering entrepreneurial spirit within communities. They not only address the Hosts’ need for affordable and reliable vehicles but also pave the way for sustainable car-sharing solutions. By joining Zoomcar as a Host, individuals embrace a future characterised by growth, innovation, and prosperity.

Hikvision India Showcases Smart Home Cameras, FRT VDP, and AX PRO Wireless Solutions at Expo

The Smart Home Expo, India’s largest expo focused on Smart Home Technologies, Home Automation, Lighting and Sound Systems was organized from 2nd to 4th May, 2024 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The 5th edition of Smart Home Expo was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Ar. Sanjay Puri, Principal Architect, Sanjay Puri Architects along with an eminent panel of dignitaries from the industry. In his keynote address, he emphasized on the key sustainability factors for the future-ready architecture.

While complimenting for Smart Home Expo event,Ashish P. Dhakan, MD and CEO, Prama Hikvision India Private Limited said, “According to Statista, revenue in the Smart Home market is projected to reach US$6.5bn in 2024. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 9.14%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$9.2bn by 2028. Now, the Smart Home trend is gathering momentum in the Indian context. Wehad showcased the latest Smart Home product innovations at the Smart Home Expo. The products included the advanced Facial Recognition VDP Series, Smart Home Cameras, Gas Leakage Detector and AX PRO Wireless Intrusion Alarm solution.”

In the Smart Home Expo, the Hikvision India booth had the elegant design of a smart home entrance facade, it displayed myriad Hikvision Smart Home Devices.

The Video Door Phone segment presented the concept ‘Entrance to Excellence’, it highlighted the core idea of ‘safeguarding every apartment, every moment’ through the VDP. This segment showcased the wide range of Hikvision Video Door Phones with various specifications, including the cutting-edge DS-KV9503 WBE1 IP facial recognition villa door station has a sleek modern industrial design tailored for discerning clientele. Its 4.3-inch vibrant LCD Touch screen, with an impressive 800 × 480 resolution, ensures a seamless and visually captivating user experience. This Door Station supports multiple authentication methods such as face, pin code, card, and QR code, satisfying different environments and helping to use access permissions.The other exclusive VDP models that were showcased at the booth, included DS-KH 6350 WTE1 (7 Inch Door Unit) and DS-KDM9403-FKP (VDP Lobby Panel with Keypad and Fingerprint Module).

In the Intrusion Alarm segment AX PRO Wireless and AX PRO Hybrid products were displayed with various application scenarios. The booth also showcased Gas Leakage Detector product for sensing LPG and PNG gases to safeguard the homes.

The three-day Smart Home conference program had separate sessions and panel discussions on Smart Home Summit, KNX Session, AV Forum, Smart Security, Lighting Connect and Smart Building Summit. On the day one of Smart Home Conference covered various themes with Industry leaders and experts. On the second day of the conference during the Smart Security session, Gagan Lamba, Vice President, Enterprise Verticals, Prama Hikvision India Private Limited, participated in a panel discussion with the esteemed panelists on the theme of ‘Future-Proofing Home Security: Scalable and Adaptable Solutions for Long-Term Protection’.

The Smart Home Expo turned out to be highly relevant exhibition platform for Smart Home and home automation companies, consultants and brands. The event concluded successfully on 4th May with a good footfall and an overwhelming response from the relevant visitors.

Leif Assurance Promotes Melinda Langworthy

Langworthy brings 15 years of experience to her new role as Enterprise Relationship Manager.

(St. Louis, Mo., May 9, 2024) – Leif Assurance, a full-service insurance agency that exclusively handles construction insurance, has promoted Melinda Langworthy to the role of Enterprise Relationship Manager. Prior to this new position, she served as the company’s Senior Sales Account Executive.

Langworthy will be responsible for developing referral relationships within EquipmentShare, a technology solutions partner of Leif Assurance. She will communicate the Leif brand and capabilities among the EquipmentShare ecosystem, as well as generate sales opportunities and leverage technology to assist with her company’s construction industry clients.

Langworthy has 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. She holds the Professional Worker’s Compensation Advisor (PWCA) designation and the Small Business Coverage Specialist (SBCS) designation.

Leif Assurance is a start-up agency that has quickly grown to nearly $31 million in annual premium. The agency offers traditional risk management, as well as data-driven pricing models to build the most accurate risk profiles so contractors are rewarded for safe jobsites. Leif provides the most cost-effective and comprehensive proprietary insurance solutions for worker’s compensation, general liability, builders’ risk, inland marine, and commercial auto.

“Melinda’s promotion reflects her dedication and passion for building exceptional client relationships,” said Leif Assurance CEO JD Powers. “She is a tremendous asset to our company with a proven success rate for generating leads and mentoring our growing team.”

Founded in 2022, Leif Assurance offers actionable risk management, as well as data-driven pricing models to build the most accurate risk profiles so contractors are rewarded for safe job sites with earned insurance savings. Leif provides cost-effective and comprehensive insurance solutions for worker’s compensation, general liability, builders’ risk, inland marine, and commercial auto.

Leif Assurance is the sister company of Powers Insurance & Risk Management and Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. Powers Insurance & Risk Management is one of the largest family owned and operated independent insurance agencies in the bi-state region. All three companies are located at 6825 Clayton Ave.

Celebrating Motherhood and Beauty: Introducing Colorbar’s MomsKnowItAll Campaign

There is a certain kind of beauty that moms embody, almost divine and every bit pure. Even in the most ordinary moments, moms radiate timeless grace that is born within. From showing unconditional love all our avatars to lending a shoulder during tough moments. They know exactly what we want. Moms know it all. It’s magic!

Pillars of strength, love, and resilience, our moms deserve an equal amount of warmth and beauty! They have embraced all our shades, and it’s time we celebrated their authentic selves with big sweeps of care and colors. This Mother’s Day let’s cherish the beauty of mothers by including them in our skincare and makeup routines, and spill secrets like two BFFs would!

Moms get ready with us! Before you delve into creating a gorgeous look, do try these uh-mazing potions that bring to life a miraculous canvas.

Illuminate her Glow with Colorbar’s Miracle Glow Primer:

Step into the realm of radiant beauty with Colorbar’s Miracle Glow Primer, a transformative elixir that transcends conventional skincare. Infused with a symphony of six research-powered oils and ingredients, including the rejuvenating Vita Freeze and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, this primer is more than just a prelude to makeup. Priced at INR 2500, it’s a luminous canvas that accentuates her natural radiance, blurring imperfections effortlessly. Let your mother bask in the ethereal glow!

Nourish her Essence with Colorbar’s Miracle Glow Moisturizer:

Elevate her skincare routine to new heights with Colorbar’s Miracle Glow Moisturizer, a decadent blend of botanical wonders and scientific innovation. Enriched with Vita Nova from advanced Lotus Japonica stem cells and skin-plumping Wrinkle-Preventing agents, this moisturizer is a fountain of youth in a bottle. Priced at INR 2500, its lightweight formula envelops the skin in a veil of hydration, revealing a luminous complexion that defies age. Treat your mother to the luxury of timeless beauty!

Embrace her Elegance with Colorbar’s Timeless Filling & Lifting Foundation:

Indulge in the artistry of makeup with Colorbar’s Timeless Filling & Lifting Foundation, a homage to elegance and sophistication. Infused with nourishing Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, this foundation not only perfects the complexion but also nourishes and protects the skin. Priced at INR 1,199, its weightless formula fills fine lines and evens skin tone, leaving behind a flawless finish that lasts all day. Let your mother revel in the embrace of ageless allure.

Yamaha Unveils Vibrant Colours in FZ-S Fi Version 4.0 DLX

Bengaluru, 09th May, 2024: India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd., in alignment with ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign, today introduced exciting new colour shades in its popular streetfighter model, FZS-S Fi Version 4.0 DLX for the young riders of today. IYM has launched the stunning new Ice Fluo-Vermillion and intriguing Cyber Green colour shades in the model at an attractive price of INR 1,29,700/- (Ex-Showroom, New Delhi). These two vibrant colour shades are meticulously crafted to resonate with the evolved taste of customers,
especially the youth.

With the inclusion of these dynamic colour shades in the FZS-S Fi Version 4.0 DLX, India Yamaha Motor reiterates its commitment to remain relevant and appealing to the ever-changing demands of its youthful customer base in India. After these additions, the FZ-S Fi Version 4.0 DLX will have six colours for customers to choose from – the latest Ice Fluo-Vermillion & Cyber Green, the striking Majesty Red, Yamaha’s favourite – Racing Blue, and the classic choice – Matte Black & Metallic Grey. With such interventions, Yamaha strives to position itself at the forefront of inspiring next-generation riders.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies said, “We at Yamaha recognize that young riders of today are not just looking for transportation but are seeking a complete lifestyle. They are aspirational and are equipped with insights of global trends and style. Their tastes and preferences are diverse, and they seek differentiated experiences that are unique and sets them apart. In India as well as globally, we have witnessed that the youth is closely following new colour trends and are associating their personalities with it. This continuous shift is powering us to innovate, and we stay committed to meeting these expectations of our young customers. Today’s introduction of the fascinating colour options in the FZS-FI DLX portfolio is an example of our commitment to the Indian market to keep our brand and offerings always relevant to our customers. We shall continue our pursuit to consistently reform and refresh our products to captivate the imaginations of youngsters and enhance consumer delight.”

Part of Yamaha’s iconic FZ series, that has captivated the hearts of Indian riders for over 15 years, the FZ-S Fi Version 4.0 DLX stands out with its 149cc fuel-injected engine – not only powerful but also efficient, offering a smooth acceleration and a responsive ride. The Monocross Suspension in the bike offers excellent shock-absorbing performance and stability during braking, while the Front Disc Brake with Single Channel ABS offers greater control even in slippery conditions.

The two-wheeler is equipped with Bluetooth-enabled Yamaha Motorcycle Connect and Traction Control System—a first in its category. These features enhance the riding experience by providing stability and connectivity on the go. The e20 compatible bike’s design is further accentuated by Class D Headlight, LED Flasher & LED Tail-light offering improved distribution of light and night-time visibility; and Chrome Duct Plating and 3D emblem, enhancing its premium look. The coloured wheels add a flamboyant touch to its street presence. With its comfortable two-level seat and lightweight build at just 135 kgs, the FZS-FI DLX promises agile manoeuvrability and quick initial pickup, making it a joy to ride in urban environments.