Category Archives: Business

Thimblerr Raises INR 1.4 Mn in Bridge Round Backed by IPV

Thimblerr raises $1.4 Mn in bridge round with participation from Inflection Point Ventures and others

Thimblerr, a full stack technology-driven fashion supply-chain platform, has raised $1.4 Mn in a bridge round with participation from Inflection Point Ventures and others. The round also saw participation from 3one4 Capital, Mount Judi Ventures, Venture Catalysts and We Founder Circle. The fresh funds raised will be utilized for customer acquisition, expanding into additional product categories, and further strengthening the supply-chain capabilities.

Thimblerr has built a tech-enabled supply chain that integrates design intelligence and rapid prototyping, allowing fashion brands to move from concept to production more efficiently, making them a one-stop platform for fashion brands looking to grow their business. The platform has reduced lead times from nearly 180 days to just 30–60 days and has enabled the creation of over 3,000 designs every month. Thimblerr currently works with 12+ renowned clients in India, including Tata Trent, USPA, Snitch, and The Souled Store.

Mitesh Shah, Co-founder, IPV says,

“In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with latest trends and expediting the manufacturing process are essential for any brand looking to enter the market and stay competitive. However, it becomes nearly impossible for companies to manage the entire design–manufacturing supply chain by themselves. With Thimblerr, brands can design, source, prototype, and manufacture garments quickly, efficiently, and sustainably, using their tech-first approach. Making them a dependable go-to partner for fashion brands.”

Bangalore based Thimblerr was co-founded by Piyush Jalan and Rishav Papneja in 2022. Piyush Jalan is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and has worked as a consultant with Jarvis Consulting. Rishav Papneja is from IIT Delhi with previous experience at Uber. Both bring together a powerful blend of strategic consulting expertise and operational excellence in the tech and mobility sectors. Their diverse experiences and shared vision have been critical to shaping Thimblerr into an innovative and scalable venture.

Piyush Jalan, Co-founder, Thimblerr says,

“Thimblerr’s partnership with IPV has been an important part of our journey. Our objective is to reshape India’s fast fashion manufacturing ecosystem by bringing speed, transparency, and reliability into the whole process. We’re building a single platform to connect global brands with trusted Indian manufacturers, enabling faster production with increased efficiency. We will look toward leveraging technology to make operations simpler and create real value for both the brands and suppliers. We see Thimblerr as one step toward making India a global hub for fast fashion manufacturing.”

The Indian fast fashion manufacturing industry is valued at about USD 5 billion and is in a growth spree. It has been growing at 25–30% YoY, backed by growing consumer demand, increasing global sourcing, and the rising popularity of low-price, trend-driven apparel, Thimblerr stands at a vantage point as an industry enabler providing the infrastructure, tools, and capabilities that allow brands to scale, innovate, and launch products faster. Rather than competing in the fast-moving consumer market, it empowers those who do.

NCR Leads as India’s Rental Growth Moderates; Greater Noida Rises 29.5 Percent Magicbricks Report

India’s Rental Market Moderates, even as NCR Posts Robust Demand with Greater Noida Rising 29.5% – Magicbricks’ Rental Index Report

New Delhi, Nov 19th: Magicbricks today released the Rental Index for the July–September 2025 (JAS ’25) quarter, highlighting rental market that is resetting after three quarters of intense activity. However, average rents continued to strengthen, rising 4.4% QoQ and 18.1% YoY, even as key metros displayed differing levels of tenant activity during the quarter.

Between July – August 2025 witnessed a period of consolidation where moderation in both demand and supply is helping the market progress toward a more stable rhythm. National rental demand rose marginally by 0.2% QoQ and 0.4% YoY, while supply increased by 0.6% QoQ and 5.9% YoY, signalling a shift towards closer alignment between tenant interest and available listings.

According to the report, the quarter’s movement was shaped significantly by Delhi–NCR, where demand surged in Greater Noida (29.5% QoQ), Delhi (17.8% QoQ) and Noida (10.8% QoQ). Kolkata also recorded a 5.4% QoQ rise, indicating sustained traction. Several major cities, including Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai, witnessed softer shifts with demand easing between –1.2% and –7.2% QoQ. On the supply front, Delhi registered the sharpest rise at 17.6% QoQ, followed by Ahmedabad at 6.5%, supporting the broader trend of the market moving toward balance.

Average rent continued to rise across most markets; Thane led the trend by posting the sharpest uptick at 12.5% QoQ, followed by Chennai at 6.7% QoQ and Mumbai at 4.9% QoQ along with Delhi’s 4.5% QoQ growth reflected steady absorption.

“While the national rental market has begun to stabilise after several quarters of rapid growth, the continued momentum in NCR shows how infrastructure upgrades, better connectivity and a steady flow of mid-sized homes are sustaining tenant interest. The moderation in rents across most cities also indicates a healthy shift toward balance, where supply is catching up with demand. This phase is likely to improve affordability for tenants while creating a more predictable environment for homeowners and investors,” says Mr. Prasun Kumar, CMO, Magicbricks.

At the national level, tenant choices remained consistent. Two-bedroom homes accounted for 44% of demand, followed by one-bedroom units at 32%. Semi-furnished homes dominated with 51% of demand and 54% of supply, while mid-sized homes between 500 and 1,500 sq. ft. continued to shape the majority of rental activity, capturing 77% of tenant preference.

Magicbricks is India’s No.1 property site

As the largest platform for buyers and sellers of property to connect in a transparent manner, Magicbricks has monthly traffic exceeding 2 crores and an active base of over 15 lakh property listings. Magicbricks has metamorphosed into a full stack service provider for all real estate needs, with services including home loans, interiors, and expert advice.

With 17+ years of experience and deep research-based knowledge, Magicbricks also presents a repertoire of insight-driven platforms like MBTV—India’s leading online real estate YouTube channel—and other proprietary tools so that home buyers can access all information related to price trends, forecasts, and locality reviews.

HCLTech opens office in Calgary, expanding its presence in Canada

CALGARY, Alberta and NOIDA, India, Nov 19:– HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today announced the opening of its office in Calgary, Alberta, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Invest Alberta to advance technology collaboration and innovation in the province. The expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to growth in Alberta and across Canada.

Located at The Ampersand, one of downtown Calgary’s premier office complexes; the new facility is designed as a collaboration-first environment and will serve as a client co-innovation and delivery center. The space enables HCLTech to work closely with clients and ecosystem partners to drive innovation, inspire creativity and deliver transformative technology solutions across industries. HCLTech operates delivery and innovation centers in Mississauga, Moncton and Vancouver, supporting more than 50 major Canadian enterprises.

HCLTech is inaugurating the new office today at its Annual Year-End Reception in Calgary; where clients, partners and industry leaders are joining HCLTech executive leadership to mark this milestone. The office reflects HCLTech’s long-term vision to create local jobs, contribute to Alberta’s economy and strengthen Canada’s technology ecosystem. The company has also formed a strategic partnership with Invest Alberta to deepen its presence in the province and collaborate with local enterprises, educational institutions and government stakeholders.

“This is the fifth Indian IT company that IAC has helped land in Calgary;We are very proud of this milestone, as it demonstrates Alberta’s growing appeal in the global tech sector. We celebrate this achievement, the result of collaboration and true teamwork,” said Rick Christiaanse, CEO of Invest Alberta.

“The opening of our Calgary office marks an important step in expanding our presence in Western Canada and advancing the digital transformation journeys of our clients,” said Dave Chopra, Executive Vice President and Canada Country Head, HCLTech. “As we deepen our collaboration with Invest Alberta and accelerate our focus on AI, cybersecurity and data, we see tremendous opportunity to co-innovate with the region’s growing technology community.”

Choice International Expands Infrastructure Advisory Capabilities with acquisition of Ayoleeza Consultants

Mumbai, November 19, 2025: Choice International Limited, one of India’s leading diversified financial services and consulting group, announced that its subsidiary, Choice Consultancy Services Private Limited (CCSPL), has acquired 100% shareholding in Ayoleeza Consultants Private Limited.

Ayoleeza Consultants Private Limited is a two decades old reputed consultancy firm engaged in providing specialized advisory consultancy services in areas such as Railways & Metros, Road & Highways, Bridges, Tunnels and Urban Infrastructure in India and neighbouring countries.

The company currently manages live orders exceeding ₹200 Crores alongwith their Partners. Notably, about 69% of these projects are time-based payment contracts, ensuring consistent monthly revenue. Ayoleeza has recently secured several key assignments in the railway sector, driven by its strong technical capabilities and deep understanding of India’s transport infrastructure landscape. Additionally, the firm has bid for consultancy tenders worth ₹350+ Crores in Railway projects and ₹150+ Crores in Roads & Highways, which are presently under evaluation—indicating strong potential for future order wins.

Backed by a team of over 200+ qualified engineers, planners, and consultants, Ayoleeza Consultants brings strong technical expertise and multidisciplinary project experience under the leadership of Mr. Abhishek Kumar, Founder of Ayoleeza Consultants. The team’s capabilities span across detailed project reports (DPRs), design and supervision, project management consultancy (PMC), and quality assurance for both public and private sector clients. Their experience across national and state-level assignments further complements CCSPL’s growing infrastructure consulting portfolio.

This acquisition is strategically aligned with Choice Group’s vision to expand its Public Sector Consulting vertical and strengthen its capabilities across project advisory, design, supervision, and implementation monitoring services in Infrastructure domain. The integration of Ayoleeza’s strong technical expertise, diversified client base, and proven execution track record will enhance CCSPL’s ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure mandates across India.

Mr. Arun Poddar, Group CEO of Choice International Limited, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Ayoleeza Consultants into the Choice family. This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to scale our Public Sector Consulting business, create long-term value, and contribute to the nation’s growth through participation in key public sector development projects globally.”

With this transaction, CCSPL further consolidates its position as a comprehensive Public Sector consulting and advisory platform, leveraging a strong pipeline of ongoing and upcoming projects across transport segment specially Railways & Metro.

VARU by Atmosphere Elevates Island Dining with Two New Overwater Venues

Maldives, Nov 18: Celebrating the spirit of modern Maldivian hospitality, VARU by Atmosphere has expanded its culinary landscape with the launch of two exceptional overwater dining venues – Teppanyaki Over Water and Cellar at NÜ. A favourite among Indian travellers and couples seeking a blend of romance, relaxation, and refined gastronomy, VARU by Atmosphere continues to evolve its offerings while staying true to its “Naturally Maldivian” essence.

The new additions further enhance the resort’s reputation for immersive dining experiences, already highlighted by its signature restaurant Kaagé, a winner of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 for the fifth consecutive year.

“At VARU, our cuisine, design, and service are intuitive and thoughtfully curated. With Teppanyaki Over Water and Cellar at NÜ, we have created dining journeys that are both enriching and true to the island’s generous spirit – giving our guests new reasons to return, season after season,” said Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager, VARU by Atmosphere. 

At Teppanyaki Over Water, the vibrant spirit of Japanese cuisine unfolds through the artistry of Teppan grilling. Guests are invited to a lively dining journey over the lagoon, where premium seafood, A5 Wagyu, and sushi are prepared with precision and flair. Enhanced by sake cocktails and the open-air, lantern-lit setting, every seating captures the essence of Japanese hospitality with a Maldivian touch.
As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, Cellar at NÜ invites guests into an elegant overwater wine degustation lounge, perfect for intimate evenings. The experience celebrates the craft of pairing through rare vintages and bold New World selections, complemented by artisanal chocolate, cheese, and charcuterie platters. The highlight – a six-course Royal Wine Pairing Dinner – transforms each evening into a refined celebration of flavour and finesse.

Located in the North Malé Atoll, VARU by Atmosphere continues to earn global recognition, ranking among the top 1% of listings worldwide in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025. With these new dining additions, the resort invites guests to discover elevated culinary experiences that blend sophistication, creativity, and island soul.

A Decade of Tata Steel Kalinganagar: Forging India’s Self-reliance

Chandigarh, Nov,18: Tata Steel Kalinganagar (TSK) completes a decade of operations, marking a significant milestone in its journey of industrial leadership and community development. Commissioned in 2015, TSK has not only emerged as a formidable force in steel manufacturing but has also set new benchmarks in operational efficiency, technological advancement, safety, and sustainable practices, while deeply integrating with its surrounding communities.

From an initial capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), TSK has now expanded to 8 MTPA production capacity with a cumulative investment of over ₹50,000 crore — the largest organic capacity expansion in Tata Steel’s history. A key highlight of this expansion was the commissioning of India’s largest blast furnace. Today, TSK plays a crucial role in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat story by producing over 100 different types of high-quality steel, significantly reducing the nation’s import dependence.

T. V. Narendran, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Steel, said: “For all of us at Tata Steel, Kalinganagar holds a very special place in our hearts. It represents a new era — one where we combined a century of experience with a vision for the future, creating a living blueprint for Indian manufacturing. Kalinganagar tested our resilience, teamwork, and faith, and each time, our people rose to the occasion. Over the past decade, Kalinganagar has demonstrated how growth, technology, and sustainability can work in harmony to build lasting value. Today, as we celebrate this 10-year milestone, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey – community, Odisha government, our employees past and present, customers, suppliers & vendor partners – for their unwavering support and belief in our vision.”

The establishment of TSK holds a unique place in the history of Tata Steel; For many years, the rich mineral resources of Odisha primarily served as raw material sources for the Jamshedpur plant. TSK fundamentally altered this dynamic by bringing large-scale steel production directly into Odisha. Odisha has emerged as the largest investment destination in India for Tata Steel, with a total cumulative investment of over ₹100,000 crore in the last 10 years.

TSK’s leadership in leveraging digital and smart manufacturing earned it global recognition from the World Economic Forum, making it the first manufacturing plant in India (and the second worldwide) to be designated as an Advanced 4th Industrial Revolution Lighthouse.

Sustainable growth is at the heart of TSK’s philosophy; The plant minimises its environmental impact through efficient supply chain management and reduced carbon emissions. Notably, 33% of its area is dedicated to green cover. TSK also operates as a Zero Effluent Discharge (ZED) site and ensures 100% solid waste utilisation, highlighting its commitment to environmental stewardship. In 2024, TSK achieved the prestigious ResponsibleSteel^TM certification, which validates its commitment to ethical sourcing and responsible production practices.

TSK is also a frontrunner in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace; The plant proudly reports that 30% of its workforce comprises women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), LGBTIQA+ individuals, and members from Affirmative Action communities.

The positive impact of TSK extends well beyond its industrial operations into the local communities. Through robust collaborations with the Tata Steel Foundation, the plant has touched more than 14 lakh lives in the past 10 years. Community benefits include access to quality education through institutions like the Loyola School and advanced medical care at the 100-bed multispecialty Tata Steel Medica Hospital. TSK also supports local empowerment initiatives, such as the Navjeevan Cooperative Ltd., a self-help group of women artisans from Kalinganagar, which provides sustainable livelihoods to over 100 individuals.

The future holds even greater promise for Tata Steel Kalinganagar as it is poised to become a 16 MTPA complex – continuing to innovate, grow, and uplift the lives of countless individuals.

Godrej unveils ‘Accidental Invitation’ initiative’ Under Har Ghar Surakshit 2025

Chandigarh, Nov 18th: Locks & Architectural Solutions (LAS), a key business of the Godrej Enterprises Group, today announced a strategic scale-up of its flagship initiative Har Ghar Surakshit as it enters its ninth year. The expansion reflects LAS’s aggressive push into the high-growth smart home segment, targeting double-digit growth through a robust portfolio of digital locks. With an aim to democratize smart security solutions for India’s mass-premium consumers, the brand continues to focus on design and price innovation across its range of made in India digital locks. Godrej has demonstrated remarkable growth in its digital locks category, with a 35% growth and a leading position in the market.

On the occasion of Har Ghar Surakshit, Godrej’s flagship home safety awareness program, the brand introduced the Accidental Invitation App—a first-of-its-kind digital platform aimed at educating citizens on how oversharing on social media can compromise home security. Supported by Meta, the campaign highlights the risks of online oversharing by providing individuals with a personalized ‘Accidental Invitation Score’ and tailored safety solutions. Completely created on AI, the campaign features films that depict real-life scenarios, reinforcing the message that in today’s connected world, true security begins with mindful behaviour- both online and offline.

Social media-related cybercrimes in India have nearly tripled in the last five years. With cybercrimes becoming an increasing threat, digital safety is gaining precedence not just for security but also convenience. In response, Godrej has introduced a slew of affordable digital locks. The all-new Neo Digital Locks Range represents the next evolution in intelligent security for modern Indian homes. Combining advanced technology, elegant design, and affordability, the range includes models equipped with features such as built-in video door phones, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, multiple access modes, anti-theft alarms, and emergency power backup. With prices starting at INR8,999, the Neo range is positioned to meet the diverse needs of urban consumers seeking convenience, security, and style.

Speaking on the occasion, Shyam Motwani, Business Head, LAS, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, 

“For eight years, Har Ghar Surakshit has championed home safety as a shared responsibility. With the Accidental Invitation App, we are extending this mission into the digital realm. The launch of the Neo Digital Locks Range marks a strategic step in redefining intelligent security for modern Indian homes and driving growth in the smart home category.”

With over 1.7 lakh home safety check-ups conducted to date and 21,000+ in FY26 alone, Har Ghar Surakshit continues to drive awareness and adoption of smart safety solutions. This effort has delivered double-digit year-on-year growth in the adoption of home safety solutions, as well as digital locks, last year, reinforcing Godrej’s leadership in the category. The initiative has not only strengthened consumer trust but also delivered strong business performance, with the digital locks category contributing an increasing share to overall revenue. The launch of the Neo Digital Locks Range is expected to further boost category growth and capture a larger share of India’s fast-growing smart home market.

South India Natural Farming Summit 2025, Coimbatore

18 November 2025, Coimbatore – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 3-day South India Natural Farming Summit that begins tomorrow in Coimbatore. As part of its commitment to strengthening rural heritage rooted in natural farming, Ramraj Cotton will be participating in this summit hosted by Farmers’ Associations in Tamil Nadu.

By responsibly managing natural resources through pure cotton, bamboo fibres, and silkworm cultivation, Ramraj Cotton continues to preserve agricultural heritage and culture. Additionally, through the establishment of the World Coconut Farmers Producers Organisation, the company promotes the natural beverage Thenneera, ensuring the welfare and upliftment of coconut farmers. Another agriculture-focused community initiative supported by Ramraj Cotton, the Vanam India Foundation, will also take part in the summit.

Speaking about this, Ramraj Cotton Founder & Chairman Shri K. R. Nagarajan said: “What began as our humble journey in handloom weaving has today expanded to embrace our farmers and our soil, creating meaningful change for the future. Through garments made from pure cotton, towels crafted from bamboo fibre, and silk dhotis, Ramraj Cotton not only supports natural farming but has also grown into a truly Swadeshi movement.”

The South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 is poised to become an important platform bringing together leading experts, farmers, and organisations that champion chemical-free, heritage-based agriculture.

Swiggy signs MoU with upGrad to enhance skill development for Delivery Partners

New Delhi,Nov,17 – Swiggy Ltd (NSE: SWIGGY / BSE: 544285), India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with upGrad, one of Asia’s premier integrated skilling and lifelong learning platforms, to provide skill development and higher education opportunities for its delivery partners.

The initiative aims to offer Swiggy’s delivery partners access to university-certified higher education programs and professional development certifications, specifically tailored for India’s frontline workforce. Many delivery partners face financial or personal constraints that limit their ability to pursue higher education or professional learning. This collaboration addresses these challenges by providing affordable academic pathways, supported by need-based scholarships, along with a Career Udaan Pack—a curated soft skills module covering communication, digital fluency, workplace readiness, and confidence—designed by upGrad for last-mile delivery professionals.

Saurav Goyal, Senior Vice President – Driver and Delivery Org, Swiggy, said;
“Our delivery partners are a key pillar of Swiggy’s business, and we are committed to supporting their professional growth. Through this partnership with upGrad, we aim to provide quality learning opportunities, combining formal upskilling with emerging tech certifications and soft skills training. This initiative empowers our 6.9 lakh-strong frontline workforce with credible, sustainable career pathways, moving beyond convenience to create a ladder of opportunity that strengthens their careers and elevates India’s collective skilled advantage.”

Built on upGrad’s tech-led online learning ecosystem and robust LMS infrastructure, this initiative makes job-relevant upskilling accessible at scale, recognising last-mile delivery workers as a vital part of India’s formal skilling revolution.

Anuj Vishwakarma, CEO – Higher Education, upGrad, added;
“India’s demographic advantage can translate into true economic strength only if every section of the workforce—not just white-collar professionals—is equipped with quality education and job-relevant skills. Delivery executives, like millions of frontline workers across sectors, have long been excluded from formal upskilling pathways. This partnership with Swiggy recognizes their untapped potential. By equipping them with credible qualifications and essential workplace skills, we are enabling access to formal employment opportunities and contributing to a stronger, future-ready economy.”

Domestic Glass Launches Its New State-of-the-Art Showroom in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, November 15, 2025: Domestic Glass, led by Directors Abde Ali and Mustafa, has officially inaugurated its new state-of-the-art showroom at Banjara Hills Road No. 12, Zoom Tower,2nd Floor, above HDFC Bank, marking an important milestone in the company’s growth and commitment to premium glass solutions for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces.

Senior Architects Sunil Pillai and Madhu Kabra, along with their family members, and Srihita Reddy, Marketing Head, Domestic Glass, participated in the launch event. They joined guests for a simple walkthrough of the space, which featured displays of façades, sliding doors, partitions, railing systems, and other glass installations.

Products from well-known partners such as Technal, Technoraill, and Canvas were also showcased at the venue, giving attendees an idea of the different systems and materials available in the market.

Speaking at the launch, Director Abde Ali said, “This showroom represents our journey and our vision. It is a space where clients and designers can experience glass in all its creative and functional possibilities.”

Co-Director Mustafa added, “Through our partnerships with Technal, Technoraill, and Canvas, we are bringing global standards and design-driven systems to Hyderabad and beyond.”

According to the team, the showroom has been set up to help customers and design professionals understand how various glass solutions can be used effectively in real projects.