Category Archives: Business

Barista Coffee Launches Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha 

New Delhi, India, Jan 15: India’s iconic café brand democratises the global matcha movement with best-in-class quality at an unbeatable price .

Barista Coffee Company, one of India’s most loved café brands, has announced the launch of its latest beverage range ‘Dhoom Matcha De’, a refreshing new Matcha-led offering crafted using ceremonial grade Matcha.

With this launch, Barista brings global wellness and café trends closer to Indian consumers by introducing a curated range of four Matcha beverages – Matcha Latte, Matcha Iced Latte, Matcha Frappe, and Matcha Strawberry each designed to deliver a distinct taste experience while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Matcha, globally celebrated for its antioxidant-rich profile, clean energy boost, and mindful indulgence, has traditionally been positioned as a premium-priced beverage. Barista aims to change that narrative by offering ceremonial grade matcha known for its vibrant green colour, smooth texture, and superior taste – at the best price point in the café category.

Speaking on the launch, Rajat Agrawal, CEO – Barista Coffee Company said,

“With ‘Dhoom Matcha De’, our intent is to make global beverage trends accessible to Indian consumers. By offering ceremonial grade Matcha across four exciting flavours starting at just INR 170, we are ensuring our guests never have to choose between quality, innovation, and affordability.”

The playful name ‘Dhoom Matcha De’ reflects Barista’s youthful and energetic approach to innovation, while staying true to its legacy of creating beverages that resonate across generations.

The ‘Dhoom Matcha De’ range – Matcha Latte, Matcha Iced Latte, Matcha Frappe, and Matcha Strawberry is now available across select Barista cafés, inviting guests to enjoy the best quality Matcha at the best price, only at Barista.

Celebrate Republic Day with Dreame Technology: Exclusive Deals on Smart Home Cleaning and Personal Care Products on Amazon

New Delhi, India, Jan 15:  As India welcomes the New Year and celebrates the spirit of Republic Day, Dreame Technology, a global leader in premium smart home appliances, is inviting consumers to embrace smarter living with exclusive offers of up to 72% on its advanced cleaning and personal care portfolio. The offers will be available during the Amazon Great Republic Day Sale, running from January 16 to January 22, 2026.

The limited-period sale features Dreame’s wide range of robotic vacuum cleaners, cordless stick vacuums, wet-and-dry cleaners, and grooming products, making intelligent home solutions more accessible to Indian households. The offers will be available on Amazon.in and across select Croma stores in over 20 cities.

Commenting on the initiative, Manu Sharma, Managing Director, Dreame Technology India, said,

“New beginnings are about moving forward, and for many households, that starts with simplifying everyday life. As consumers step into the New Year, we’re making our most advanced smart living, cleaning, and grooming solutions more accessible than ever—combining intelligent technology with strong value, service, and long-term support.”

As families prepare for the long Republic Day weekend, Dreame’s festive offers make it easier to upgrade everyday living. From robotic vacuums that clean autonomously to grooming tools designed for fast-paced mornings, Dreame’s technology works quietly in the background—allowing consumers to focus on what truly matters.

Products Featured in the Republic Day Sale

Robotic Vacuum Cleaners
Dreame’s robotic vacuum range delivers intelligent navigation, powerful suction, and hands-free maintenance for effortless home cleaning.

Stick Vacuums & Wet-and-Dry Cleaners
Designed for flexibility and convenience, these devices offer deep-cleaning performance for both dry and wet messes across different surfaces.

Personal Care Products
Dreame’s grooming range, including advanced hair dryers, combines precision, performance, and portability to support modern lifestyles.

Customers can also experience Dreame’s innovations firsthand at 60+ dedicated ‘Dreame Zones’ within Croma stores, where live demonstrations allow shoppers to see the performance, precision, and intelligent design of the products before making a purchase.

Every purchase is supported by Dreame’s comprehensive after-sales ecosystem, which includes:

• 1-year warranty on all vacuum cleaners

• 2-year warranty on grooming devices

• Virtual product demonstrations for easy setup

• Service network across 165+ cities with pick-up and drop support

• Dedicated customer helpline

  • Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

This Republic Day, Dreame Technology continues its mission to make premium, intelligent home solutions more accessible helping Indian households spend less time on chores and more time enjoying comfort, convenience, and progress.

Omaxe Invests Rs. 500 Crore in Ludhiana to Launch Mixed-Use Omaxe Chowk Project

 New Delhi, Jan 15: Omaxe Ltd., one of India’s leading real estate developers, has announced Omaxe Chowk, Ludhiana, a modern mixed-use high-street destination aimed at redefining organised retail and luxury residences in the city. Strategically located in the heart of Ludhiana at Ghumar Mandi, one of the city’s most well-known and established commercial and wedding shopping markets, the project is being developed as an integrated urban destination combining commercial and luxury residential components within a single, well-planned development. The land parcel has been secured through a competitive bidding process conducted by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) and is being developed on a leasehold basis. Spread across approximately 5.25 acres with a total investment of Rs. 500 crore, Omaxe Chowk seeks to bring scale, structure, and contemporary planning to an already high-footfall market.

The project reflects a broader shift in how cities engage with commercial spaces today, where shopping is increasingly part of a larger social and lifestyle experience. Conceived as a modern high-street market, Omaxe Chowk brings shopping, luxury residences, and celebrations together in one destination, with a strong focus on wedding shopping, jewellery, fashion, destination dining, and entertainment. The development has been planned to offer a more structured, comfortable, and engaging alternative to traditional market areas, while remaining closely aligned with Ludhiana’s established commercial culture.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Ltd., said,

“Ludhiana has always been an important market for Omaxe, shaped by strong enterprise and everyday commercial activity. With Omaxe Chowk, our objective is to create a destination that feels contemporary yet familiar, one that brings structure, luxury, ease, and comfort to the way people shop, dine, and spend time. A key focus has been walk-to-shop convenience, where seamless connectivity allows people to move easily from home to office and from home to retail and dining spaces. Consumers today are looking for destinations that offer not just choice, but also convenience, integrated luxury residences, and a welcoming atmosphere, and this project has been thoughtfully planned with those expectations at its core.”

The development will feature a well-balanced mix of premium retail shops, wedding and jewellery showrooms, fashion outlets, destination dining, and an entertainment zone, catering to both local shoppers and NRIs who frequently visit Ludhiana for wedding and occasion-led purchases. Omaxe Chowk is planned to host a large mix of brands and will include a dedicated flagship food and experience zone, Dawatpur, while positioning organised shopping as a core attraction alongside dining and entertainment. Details on brand participation will be announced closer to launch.

Planned with visitor comfort in mind, Omaxe Chowk will benefit from a two-side frontage, with access from Rani Jhansi Road on one side and College Road on the other, enhancing visibility and ease of entry. Positioned within Ludhiana’s established commercial zone, the location attracts a high concentration of serious, high-intent shoppers. The development will offer wide access roads, organised multiple entry and exit points, planned internal circulation, and parking for over 1,000 cars, addressing challenges commonly associated with traditional market areas. The project will also feature wide pedestrian walkways and heritage-inspired architecture with a modern design approach, creating a destination that is both functional and experiential.

Omaxe Chowk is expected to generate significant local employment during construction and create long-term job opportunities across retail, food and beverage, security, maintenance and facility management. By attracting brands, visitors and events, the development is expected to boost surrounding businesses, increase footfall in the area, and contribute to sustained economic growth in Ludhiana. As a PPP project, Omaxe Chowk is being developed under an agreement between RLDA and Ludhiana Wholesale Market Private Limited (a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Omaxe Ltd. The project is scheduled for delivery as per RERA timelines by June 2030. As Ludhiana continues to expand as a high-growth urban centre, Omaxe Chowk is envisioned as a long-term mixed-use development that brings together organised commerce and quality and luxury residential living, supported by modern infrastructure and experience-led planning. The project’s residential offering further strengthens its mixed-use character, adding long-term liveability and sustained urban value to the destination.

From residential neighborhoods to large-format urban destinations, Omaxe played a sustained role in India’s urban growth across 31 cities in 8 states, with a portfolio spanning residential, commercial, integrated townships and public-private partnership developments. Omaxe key projects include The Omaxe State in Dwarka, Omaxe Chowk in Chandni Chowk, World Street in Faridabad, Omaxe New Chandigarh, Omaxe Royal Residency in Ludhiana, Omaxe Hazratganj in Lucknow, Omaxe Sangam City in Prayagraj, Omaxe City 1 and 2 in Indore, and Omaxe Eternity in Vrindavan. In FY 2024–25, Omaxe Ltd. reported a consolidated total income of ₹1,637 crore.

SBI MF, ICICI Prudential MF and HDFC MF Lead Amagi Media Labs’ Rs. 805 Crore Anchor Book Ahead of IPO

Mumbai, Jan 15:  Amagi Media Labs Ltd. (Amagi) has successfully raised Rs. 805 crore from marquee anchor investors ahead of its Rs. 1,789-crore Initial Public Offering (IPO), set to open on 13th January 2026. The company allotted 2,22,95,799 equity shares to 42 anchor investors at Rs. 361 per share, the upper end of the price band.

Amagi’s IPO is CY2026’s first deep-tech, SaaS, and private sector IPO. Leading domestic mutual funds—SBI Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, and HDFC Mutual Fund—have taken the majority of the anchor portion allocation, marking a rare instance where all three top consortium fund houses have participated as anchors.

The company’s strategic anchor allocation includes 35 resident and 7 non-resident investors, encompassing domestic and foreign funds, and long-only insurance companies. Other notable anchor investors include Birla MF, Fidelity, Motilal Oswal MF, HDFC Life Insurance, Tata MF, Franklin Templeton MF, 360One, Baroda BNP MF, Amundi, PGIM MF, Bandhan MF, Susquehanna International (SIG), Bharti Axa, Isometry Capital, Societe Generale, Creaegis, Edelweiss Tokio Life, New Vernon Capital, and Helios (including MF), reflecting strong investor confidence in the company.

The public issue will close on January 16, 2026, extended by four days due to local municipal elections in Maharashtra.

The IPO comprises a Fresh Issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs. 816 crore, and an Offer for Sale of up to 26,942,343 equity shares by the selling shareholders. The fresh issue proceeds will be used for technology and cloud infrastructure investment, inorganic growth through acquisitions, and general corporate purposes.

The Offer for Sale includes shares by institutional investors such as PI Opportunities Fund I & II, Accel India VI (Mauritius) Ltd, Trudy Holdings, Norwest Venture Partners X – Mauritius, as well as shares from individual selling shareholders, including Rahul Garg, Rajat Garg, Kollengode Ramanathan Lakshminarayana, Prem Gupta, and Rajesh Ramaiah.

Amagi’s equity shares are proposed to be listed on BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE).

Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, Citigroup Global Markets India Pvt. Ltd., Goldman Sachs (India) Securities Pvt. Ltd., IIFL Capital Services Ltd., and Avendus Capital Pvt. Ltd. are acting as the Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) for the IPO.

Nexedge Capital Appoints Dr. Gaurav Kulshreshtha as CIO and Founding Partner

“India is at an inflection point in wealth management, with institutional thinking now essential,” said Gaurav. “My focus at Nexedge is to define the investment philosophy, governance and decision-making framework that will guide portfolio construction and capital allocation over the long term.”

“Gaurav’s depth across investment strategy and his experience working with sophisticated families make him a strong partner as we build Nexedge for the long term,” said Anirudha Taparia, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nexedge Capital. “His leadership strengthens our ability to offer thoughtful, aligned investment solutions to clients.”

91Springboard Partners with AVIS India to Offer Chauffeur-Driven Car Services for Members

91Springboard partners with AVIS India to enhance member experience with chauffeur-driven car services across major cities, further strengthening its portfolio of exclusive member offerings

Reinforcing its commitment to providing convenient, meaningful experiences outside of the workplace, 91Springboard, one of India’s leading comprehensive workspace solutions provider, has announced a strategic partnership with AVIS India, a global leader in mobility solutions. This partnership aims to enhance convenience for 91Springboard members by providing them premium chauffeur-driven car and luxury van services at exclusive discounted rates across key Indian cities.

A Partnership Built Around Real Member Needs

The modern workday extends well beyond office walls. Reliable, safe, and high-quality mobility is necessary for meetings, airport transfers, intercity travel, and last-minute business plans; members frequently mentioned this as a challenge. Through this collaboration, 91Springboard not only recognizes this need but actively addresses it by providing members with.

The service covers major Indian cities, such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai, among others. 91Springboard members can avail exclusive discounts on AVIS India bookings through a dedicated partner page, where offers are already applied, ensuring a smooth and convenient booking experience.

The partnership will provide a range of exclusive benefits for 91Springboard members, including:

• 35%* off on domestic chauffeur-driven services, applicable on airport transfers, local city rides, and outstation trips.
• Members seeking more premium experience can enjoy up to 10% off on Avis one luxury transfers.
• International business travelers will receive up to 10% discount on self-drive and chauffeur-driven services abroad for comfort and convenience wherever their business takes them.

AVIS India provides a complete range of fully insured vehicles, from top-of-the-range sedans and SUVs, with specially trained chauffeurs. The service encompasses intra-city and intercity travel in safe, comfortable, and hassle-free fashion. All this comes with the additional element of dependability because of a committed 24×7 contact center dedicated to providing around-the-clock support.

Commenting on the partnership, Sameer Singh, COO of 91Springboard said:

“Customer-centricity is at the core of everything we do at 91Springboard. Our members lead fast-paced, demanding work lives, and if we can make even one part of their day smoother, it creates meaningful value. This collaboration with AVIS India enhances convenience beyond the workspace, enabling our members to stay focused on what truly matters, building, scaling, and succeeding.”

Adding to it, Aman Naagar, MD, AVIS India said,

“91Springboard’s member base spans startups to large enterprises, and we’re delighted to offer mobility solutions that match their pace and expectations.  By associating with them, AVIS India aims to ensure that business traveling for members is efficient, safe and hassle-free.”

91Springboard remains committed to elevating productivity, convenience, and the overall work–life experience of its members. Through its 91S Booster initiatives with partners such as Ixigo, Ferns & Petals, Tata 1mg, Third Wave Coffee, Lemon Tree Hotels among others, the flex space provider offers exclusive collaborations that support both professional and personal needs of its members. These carefully curated boosters provide members with privileged access to premium products, services, and benefits, adding meaningful value, comfort, and support to their everyday routines.

With 45 hubs across Bengaluru, Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa and Pune, 91Springboard continues to deliver value to its members. This tie-up with AVIS India strengthens 91Springboard’s vision toward an integrated ecosystem where entrepreneurs, start-ups, and enterprises of all sizes can thrive throughout their professional journey.

 Mahima Group announces the launch of ‘Ecovista’ a luxury residential project

Jaipur, Jan 15: Jaipur based real estate developer Mahima Group has announced the launch of Ecovista, a luxury residential development that reflects the city’s growing preference for sustainable, well-planned urban housing. With an estimated gross development cost of ₹200 crore, the project marks a significant addition to Jaipur’s evolving residential market. The project will offer spacious 3 and 4 BHK Luxury Residences.

The development is spread across a 11,700 sq. metre land parcel located at Main Tonk Road Jaipur. Ecovista project bears a strategic proximity to key industrial, educational and medical hubs further enhancing its appeal for end users seeking both connectivity and long term value in realty. This location represents an important and prestigious part of South Jaipur, an area traditionally associated with upscale living, refined lifestyles, and luxury developments.

A defining highlight of Ecovista is its strong emphasis on open, green living. Nearly 80 percent of the project area is dedicated to green and open spaces, while the planning ensures minimal vehicular movement at the ground level, creating a safer, cleaner and more pedestrian friendly environment.

Commenting on the launch, Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group said

“The project aligns with our vision of building future-ready communities in the city. Ecovista has been planned as a holistic residential environment where sustainability, location, and thoughtful design come together to create enduring value for homeowners. We are also in a phase of creating a special segment of Uber-Luxury projects that offers world class amenities, Ultra Modern specifications, and intelligent planning delivered at a highly compelling value proposition.”

Jaipur’s residential market continues to witness steady demand for lifestyle led developments that prioritise open spaces, improved infrastructure access and long term liveability. With Ecovista, Mahima Group aims to strengthen its presence in the micro markets of Jaipur while responding to evolving homebuyer expectations.

EkoStay Launches ‘Ekostay Stories’, a Podcast That Opens the Doors to the Real World of Villa Hospitality

Mumbai, Jan 15: EkoStay, one of India’s fastest-growing professionally managed vacation rental brands, has announced the launch of Ekostay Stories, a new in-house podcast series that pulls back the curtain on the villa and homestay industry. Designed as both an industry conversation and a storytelling platform, the podcast captures the unfiltered realities, untold stories, and behind-the-scenes moments that shape the vacation rental ecosystem.

Moving beyond curated travel imagery and surface-level reviews, Ekostay Stories spotlights what truly goes on behind a stay—from guest behaviour and homeowner dynamics to operational challenges, humour, conflict, and unexpected moments. The podcast brings together voices from across the ecosystem, including co-founders, guests, homeowners, vendors, and internal teams, offering a rare, multi-perspective view of the business of hospitality.

At a time when hospitality content is dominated by influencer narratives and star ratings, Ekostay Stories delivers a refreshingly honest format. Industry insights indicate a growing appetite for long-form, narrative-driven content that explains how brands operate behind the scenes rather than simply showcasing outcomes. Ekostay Stories taps into this shift by blending real-life drama, humour, and learning into engaging, story-led conversations.

Explaining the thinking behind the initiative, Varun Arora, CEO & Co-Founder, EkoStay, said the podcast was born out of a clear communication gap in the homestay industry.

“Guests already speak online about their experiences, often when something goes wrong. What rarely gets discussed is everything that happens behind the scenes—the coordination, the people management, the homeowner conversations, and the pressure points. Ekostay Stories is our way of opening that door and showing how the industry truly operates,” he said.

He added that building and managing vacation homes involves layers of complexity that are often invisible on social media—from property onboarding and guest readiness to balancing expectations across homeowners, teams, competitors, and local authorities.

“It’s not always simple or polished. There’s a lot that goes on backstage, and we felt it was time to talk about it honestly—from a founder’s, management’s, and industry’s perspective,” Arora noted.

Internally described as “not just a podcast, but a full tea party,” Ekostay Stories embraces candid conversations, villa secrets, guest confessions, and real moments that range from humorous to hard-hitting. Early episode titles such as “Gayi Bhais Pool Mai” and “Signed & Shattered” reflect the show’s unfiltered, experience-led tone.

The podcast is designed for a wide audience—hospitality and travel industry professionals, property owners, aspiring hosts, entrepreneurs, and travellers curious about how villa brands actually function. It also serves as a transparent window for hospitality professionals, offering insight into the realities of working in a fast-growing, people-driven industry.

Ekostay Stories will release one episode every week, covering themes such as homeowner relationships, guest management, operational challenges, competition, workforce dynamics, regulatory navigation, and evolving traveller behaviour. Future episodes will also explore longer stays, remote work-driven travel trends, and the growing role of technology and AI in educating hosts and enhancing transparency in alternative accommodations.

As India’s vacation rental sector matures, Ekostay Stories reflects the industry’s shift toward authenticity, openness, and deeper engagement. By turning real experiences into shared conversations, the podcast aims to carve out a distinctive space in India’s travel and startup content ecosystem—one that informs, entertains, and sparks honest dialogue around modern hospitality.

Hafele India Marks Year Two of L.I.F.E Initiative, Strengthens Commitment to Women in the Furniture & Design Ecosystem

New Delhi, Jan 15: Hafele India has stepped into the second year of its pioneering initiative, L.I.F.E  – Ladies in Furniture Ecosystem, taking its efforts a step further to empower and elevate women professionals across India’s furniture, design, and manufacturing landscape.

A first-of-its-kind industry platform, L.I.F.E was launched to build a strong, supportive community for women in a traditionally male-dominated sector. In its second year, the initiative continues to expand its vision by facilitating deeper learning, stronger networks, and meaningful collaboration opportunities for women entrepreneurs, designers, architects, and manufacturers.

To celebrate this milestone, L.I.F.E hosted an in-person gathering recently at Bravura Design Solutions, a multidisciplinary design studio in Noida. The event brought together women leaders and professionals from across the design and furniture ecosystem for a day of meaningful discussions, sector-focused conversations, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Highlights included sessions on India’s government roadmap for interior MSMEs and emerging trends shaping modular furniture, led by Ms. Mercy Epao, IAS, Joint Secretary, SME, Government of India, and Ridhi Kale, Senior Associate Editor, India Today HOME. The meet underscored the importance of a strong, collaborative platform where women can exchange ideas, gain insights, and collectively shape the future of the industry.

Speaking about the initiative, Padma Gupta, Director – HR, Customer Experience & Strategy, Hafele South Asia, said:

“L.I.F.E represents Hafele’s belief that real progress comes from diversity and equal opportunity. Women across the furniture and design ecosystem have immense talent and potential. With this initiative, we are creating a space that not only recognises their contributions but actively supports their growth and leadership. L.I.F.E is a meaningful step toward building a more innovative, balanced, and future-forward industry.”

As the Chairperson of L.I.F.E, Amita Trehan, Bravura Design Solutions, added:

“Women in this industry are creators, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Yet many navigate their journeys in silos. L.I.F.E brings them together as a strong community – one that celebrates their skill, nurtures ambition, and provides the support needed to progress with confidence. This initiative marks an important movement toward inclusion, collaboration, and shared growth.”

Moving into its second year, L.I.F.E is set to scale its impact through more on-ground interactions, expert-led learning formats, and a growing nationwide network. With Häfele’s continued support, the initiative aims to reshape the professional landscape for women and build a more equitable future for the Indian furniture and design ecosystem

Amara Raja appoints Shilpa Kabra Maheshwari as Group CHRO

Hyderabad, Jan 15 : The $2 Bn Amara Raja Group today announced the appointment of Dr. Shilpa Kabra Maheshwari as its Group CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer). Shilpa takes over the reins from Jaikrishna B who is superannuating after over two decades of leading the HR function at the group. In her new role, Shilpa will spearhead the Group HR function, driving strategic people initiatives and strengthening the organization’s values-driven culture.

With close to 30 years of experience in HR leadership, Shilpa has worked across Manufacturing, Automotive, Energy, Technology, Hospitality, Financial Services, and Shared Services; she moves to Amara Raja from Siemens Limited, where she served as EVP and Country Head (People & Organisation) and Diversity Officer.

Commenting on the appointment, Vikramadithya Gourineni, Executive Director, said,

“We are recognised globally for our employee centricity and strong focus on culture – Shilpa’s experience in steering HR strategies for large global organizations will be instrumental in shaping our future as we look at new businesses and geographies.”

Sharing her excitement, Shilpa Kabra Maheshwari, Group CHRO said,

“I am thrilled to join Amara Raja Group. The organization’s commitment to innovation and its strong people-centric values resonate deeply with me. I look forward to partnering with the people and the leadership team to build agile, future-ready HR practices that empower our people and accelerate the Group’s transformative journey.”

Shilpa is an Economics (Hons) graduate with a MBA and holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Development. She is an author, certified coach and trainer.