CheerioAI Raises Seed Funding Led by Artha Venture Fund II to Advance Enterprise Automation

Bengaluru, Mar 06: CheerioAI, an AI-powered all-in-one customer engagement platform focused on optimizing the CAC-to-LTV equation, has raised ₹8 crore in a Seed funding round led by Artha Venture Fund II (AVF II). The round also saw participation from Hyderabad Angels, TiE Angels, LetsVenture, VC Mint, Invention Engine, and notable angel investors, including Arjun Vaidya, Anand Shahni (WedMeGood), Vivek Mathur (ex-Elevation Capital), Ajeet Khurana, along with early customers such as Habuild and Nitin Verma (InstaAstro).

From left to right: Nishant Das co founder,Avinash Upadhyay -co founder,Priam Jain-Cto and co founder

 The funding will be used to develop multi-modal AI capabilities, including a proprietary small-model LLM for ad generation, expand CheerioAI’s platform from messaging into voice and video, scale AI-driven automation, and strengthen enterprise-grade capabilities to help businesses drive higher engagement, faster growth, and improved ROI while ensuring security and compliance.

CheerioAI’s revenue has grown 450% year-on-year over the past two years. Over the next six months, the company plans to expand its team across engineering, AI, enterprise sales, and customer success to support scaling and global expansion.

Speaking on the announcement, Nishant Das, Co-founder of CheerioAI, said:

“Avinash, Priam, and I are thrilled to partner with Artha and our co-investors. This investment strongly validates our vision and will help us deepen our AI-driven automation capabilities while accelerating expansion into the enterprise segment. At CheerioAI, we envision a future where businesses operate with just three employees — the business founder, the technology founder, and CheerioAI. This funding is a crucial step toward making that vision a reality.”

CheerioAI addresses a major challenge faced by modern enterprises — fragmented communication across multiple digital channels, which often leads to inconsistent customer experiences, higher churn, and operational inefficiencies. The platform unifies marketing, support, and sales workflows across WhatsApp, email, SMS, social messaging, and in-app communication, enabling businesses to automate customer engagement and improve lifetime value.

Commenting on the investment, Anirudh A. Damani, Managing Partner at Artha Venture Fund, said:

“Our decision to invest in CheerioAI is anchored in our strong conviction around the long-term opportunity this team is building. As enterprises operate across an increasingly complex set of digital channels, customer retention and lifetime value optimization have become mission critical. Cheerio’s AI-native approach to orchestrating customer engagement positions it to become a category-defining platform.”

He further added that the round received strong ecosystem validation, with the opportunity referred by one of Artha’s LPs and additional investments coming from founders within its portfolio.

Varun Aggarwal, Founder of Change Engine at Invention Engine, said:

“At Invention Engine, we stand behind exceptional founders taking bold product bets that reshape enterprise workflows. Cheerio’s team demonstrated both ambition and execution, and we believe their AI-led approach to customer engagement will redefine how enterprises drive retention and lifetime value.”

Currently, CheerioAI works with 150+ enterprise customers across six industries and has generated over ₹500 crore in additional revenue for its clients through intelligent retention automation. With growing demand for scalable AI-driven engagement solutions, the company aims to become the default platform for customer lifecycle orchestration, enabling businesses to transform fragmented interactions into seamless, outcome-driven engagements.

Looking ahead, CheerioAI plans to expand its AI capabilities across automation, agentic workflows, and performance optimization, while maintaining a modular architecture that can integrate with evolving AI models. The company aims to empower enterprises globally by automating the majority of customer touchpoints, improving retention, and maximizing lifetime value.

Decline of Populations of Migratory Species of Animals Covered by UN Treaty Worsens from 44% to 49% in 2 Years

Mar 6, Bonn / Campo Grande – An interim report which provides an update to the landmark State of the World’s Migratory Species (2024) warns that 49% of migratory species populations conserved by the global UN treaty are declining, (5% more in just two years), and 24% of species face extinction (2% more).

The new warnings are set to be presented to the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15), a legally binding treaty of the United Nations, in Campo Grande Brazil 23-29 March.

The week-long COP is one of the most important global meetings for wildlife conservation. With high-level political attention from host-country Brazil, the meeting is set to tackle an ambitious set of actions addressing a vital aspect of the global biodiversity crisis.

Billions of individual aquatic, avian, and terrestrial wild animals migrate across lands, rivers, oceans and skies. They are essential to the well-functioning of nature and to human well-being, pollinating plants, transporting nutrients, regulating ecosystems, controlling pests, storing carbon and sustaining livelihoods and cultures worldwide.

Their survival depends on coordinated action across the full length of their migratory routes, which can cross multiple national borders and even continents.

Developed for CMS by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and other contributors, the interim report tracks significant changes in the conservation status of migratory species and highlights emerging trends to provide new information focusing on:

• Recent significant changes in the conservation status of species listed under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS-listed) since the 2024 baseline, based on data from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• Newly reported population trends and changes in extinction risk documented in the scientific literature.

The report also underlines encouraging developments:

• Advances in mapping of migratory pathways to inform decision-making. Initiatives to map migrations are gathering momentum. This includes those spotlighted in the report – the Global Initiative on Ungulate Migration (GIUM), the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO) system, and BirdLife International’s work to identify and map six major marine flyways.
• Progress in identifying and safeguarding important habitats and migratory corridors.
• Recovery of some species through coordinated action.

Other key findings:

• 26 CMS-listed species, including 18 migratory shorebirds, have moved to higher extinction risk categories.
• 7 CMS-listed species have improved, including the saiga antelope, scimitar-horned oryx, and Mediterranean monk seal.
• 9,372 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) important for CMS-listed species have been identified.
• 47% of the area covered by KBAs is not covered by protected and conserved areas.
• Progress has been made on filling gaps in knowledge on important habitats and migratory routes for sharks/rays and marine mammals, and new initiatives will identify areas for marine turtles.
• Despite some important successes, key indicators – such as the overall proportion of CMS-listed species with decreasing populations – are heading in the wrong direction.

The new report is based on the latest available data, including significant changes in conservation status, newly reported population trends, and recent progress in identifying and protecting critical habitats and migratory pathways.

This focused update provides Parties with the latest available evidence ahead of COP15 deliberations, helping to identify priority areas for action in advance of the next full report in 2029 at COP16.

Overexploitation, and habitat loss and fragmentation, are the two greatest threats to migratory species worldwide, notes CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel.

“The first global report was a wake-up call,” she said. “This interim update shows that the alarm is still sounding. Some species are responding to concerted conservation action, but too many continue to face mounting pressures across their migratory routes. We must respond to this evidence with coordinated and effective international action.”

The report underscores the need for action to improve the status of all migratory species listed on the Convention, but most urgently for the species listed on CMS Appendix I, where migratory species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range, are listed.

These 188 Appendix I species include terrestrial mammals (28), aquatic mammals (23), birds (103), reptiles (8), and fish (26).

Parties that are Range States to Appendix I-listed species are required to provide strict protection, including the prohibition of taking (such as hunting or capturing), protecting and restoring important habitats, and addressing obstacles that impede the species’ migration. Among other measures, a Global Initiative on Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) is expected to be launched at COP15. The new CMS-initiated initiative is designed to help governments, experts and local communities to ensure that any taking of migratory species is legal, sustainable and safe. It focuses on new findings that the threat of taking for domestic use is far greater than international trade.

“If we intervene only at the point of crisis, we risk acting too late,” said Fraenkel. “By strengthening governance, monitoring, legislation and community engagement upstream, we can reduce pressure on these remarkable animals and put them on the path to lasting recovery.”

Building on a landmark baseline

The 2024 State of the World’s Migratory Species report marked the first comprehensive global assessment of migratory animals, covering the 1,189 species listed at that time in CMS Appendices I and II and its analysis is linked to over 3,000 additional migratory species. It found that:

• 70 CMS-listed species had become more endangered over the previous three decades, compared to just 14 that improved in status.
• Migratory fish populations had declined by 90% on average since the 1970s and 97% of CMS-listed migratory fish species face extinction.
• More than half of Key Biodiversity Areas important for CMS-listed species lacked protected status.

The interim report update ensures that governments at CMS COP15 have the most current scientific picture before them.

“We have a baseline. We have better tools. And we have growing public awareness,” Fraenkel said. “The question before governments at COP15 is straightforward: will we match this knowledge with the political will and investment needed to secure the future of the world’s migratory species?”

Other key reports presented at COP15:

• Impacts of Deep-Sea Mining on Migratory Species: Review and Knowledge Gap

The study offers a thorough assessment of how deep-sea mining (1,000–6,000 meters) may impact key ocean species. Its findings reveal that sediment plumes and wastewater from mining can disrupt animal navigation, feeding, and prey availability, as well as introduce metal-contaminated particles into food webs. Other risks include habitat damage, more ship strikes, and persistent noise in sensitive marine environments.

Almost half of marine mammals covered by the Convention would be impacted. Other affected groups include sharks and rays, marine reptiles, seabirds and bony fish.

• Global Assessment of Migratory Freshwater Fishes

Some of the longest, most important migrations of species on Earth are happening beneath the surface of the world’s rivers, and they face significant threats from overuse, fragmentation, and pollution. This report identifies 325 new candidate species that could benefit from being added to CMS Appendices.

◾ Pre-COP15 media briefing (Zoom)

Thursday 5 March | 10 am EST / 11 am AMT / 3 pm GMT / 4 pm CET

Registration required: https://bit.ly/cmscop15-media-briefing

An interactive media briefing on COP15 to elaborate on the scope, structure, objectives, and what to expect in terms of resources, events, interview opportunities and logistics.

• Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary, CMS
• Kelly Malsch, Head of Nature Conserved, UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), and lead author, State of the World’s Migratory Species: Interim Report (2026)
• Zeb Hogan, CMS Scientific Councillor, and lead author, Global Assessment of Migratory Freshwater Fishes

◾ At a Glance: CMS and COP15

With some 100 agenda items, issues on the table at COP15 span a vast range and include deep-sea mining impacts, illegal and unsustainable take, bycatch, habitat loss and fragmentation, light, noise and other forms of marine pollution, vessel strikes, priority areas for conserving marine migratory species, safeguarding ecological connectivity and migratory corridors, infrastructure and renewable energy impacts, as well as insect decline, climate change and other cross-cutting risks.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals is a legally binding international treaty under the United Nations. CMS is one of the most important global frameworks for wildlife conservation and plays a vital role in addressing the global biodiversity crisis.

By fostering international collaboration, supporting research, and developing conservation agreements and actions among the Range States in which these species are found, CMS ensures the long-term survival of migratory species of wild animals and their habitats, and the vital benefits they provide.

132 countries plus the European Union are Parties to CMS. In addition, several non-Party countries have signed one or more binding CMS Agreements to protect migratory species.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the governing body of CMS, which meets every 3 years to review progress, add new species under the Treaty, and strengthen actions to address conservation needs as well as continuing or emerging threats.

At COP15, governments, scientists, conservationists, indigenous peoples and local communities, environmental leaders, and civil society from around the world will address urgent conservation challenges facing migratory species that cross international boundaries.

Venue: Bosque Expo, Campo Grande, Brazil (bosquedosipes.com/bosque-expo) Dates: Monday 23 March to Sunday 29 March 2026 (Time zone: AMT – Amazon Standard Time UTC/GMT -4 hours) COP15 accreditation: https://bit.ly/cms-cop15-media-registration

SAMHI Hotels Announces Majority Investment in RARE India, Marks Entry into Experiential Leisure Segment

Gurugram, Mar 6: SAMHI Hotels Limited, a prominent branded hotel ownership and asset management platform in India, today announced that its Board has approved the acquisition of a 70% majority stake in RARE India, one of India’s earliest and largest platforms for heritage hotels, retreats, and experiential stays. With this move, SAMHI marks its entry into the experiential leisure segment through an asset-light platform investment.

 The company expects to enter into definitive agreements by May 2026 to formalize the acquisition.

In parallel, SAMHI and RARE India have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marriott International to explore an affiliation that would leverage Marriott’s global distribution network and loyalty ecosystem. Under the proposed arrangement, RARE would gain exclusive rights to operate its portfolio under the “Outdoor Collection” brand by Marriott Bonvoy across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, while benefitting from Marriott’s global distribution channels. Definitive agreements with Marriott are expected after the acquisition process is completed.

Following the investment, RARE will continue to be operated independently by its founder and team, ensuring that its distinctive philosophy and community of heritage and experiential property owners remain central to its operations. The partnership will enable SAMHI to expand its portfolio to approximately 100 hotels, combining owned assets and affiliated properties.

A Legacy Platform with Differentiation and Scale

Founded in 2003 by Shobha Rudra, RARE India is one of the country’s earliest curated experiential hospitality platforms. The company currently represents a portfolio of 67 hotels with 990 rooms across 15+ states in India, along with an international presence in Nepal and Bhutan.

Over the past two decades, RARE India has built a strong reputation for:

• Promoting responsible tourism and local employment

• Curating heritage palaces, wildlife lodges, retreats, and boutique properties

• Building a loyal community of hospitality entrepreneurs and experiential travellers

In a marketplace increasingly crowded with homestay and villa aggregators, RARE stands apart through its curated approach, legacy, and philosophy-driven growth model.

Strategic Asset-Light Expansion for SAMHI

SAMHI’s total commitment for the transaction is expected to be approximately ₹470 million, including a primary capital infusion into RARE India and a smaller portion allocated toward the purchase of shares from existing stakeholders.

The primary capital will support:

• Strengthening management capabilities

• Upgrading technology and distribution platforms

• Expanding marketing and brand reach

This investment aligns with SAMHI’s long-term strategy of identifying high-value operating platforms with strong brand equity and growth potential. The move represents SAMHI’s first asset-light platform investment in leisure hospitality, allowing it to participate in a rapidly growing segment without altering its core strategy of scaling business hotels in key office and gateway markets.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the development, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman & Managing Director, SAMHI Hotels Limited, said:

“This investment in RARE India is a strategic adjacency that strengthens our platform without distracting from our core focus on business and gateway markets. RARE represents a combination of legacy, credibility, and scalable asset-light potential. With a strong founding team, a trusted community of owners, and the proposed affiliation with Marriott, we believe RARE can emerge as a leading B2C brand in experience-led tourism. Importantly, this is a small financial investment but with asymmetrical return potential.”

Shobha Rudra, Founder of RARE India, added:

“RARE India has always been built on relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to responsible tourism. This partnership with SAMHI allows us to remain true to our philosophy while strengthening and expanding the RARE community of hotel owners and discerning travellers.”

Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International, said:

“India’s experiential and heritage-led hospitality segment represents a significant long-term opportunity. RARE has built a distinctive portfolio rooted in authenticity and responsible tourism. Through this collaboration, we look forward to extending our global distribution platform and Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem to a highly curated collection of unique stays.”

Nashik Hosts “Igniting Innovation” to Bridge Students and Startup Opportunities

Nashik, Mar 3 — The two-day program “Igniting Innovation,” held at Gurudakshina Hall, Gokhale Society, was successfully inaugurated, marking a significant milestone for Nashik’s aspiring entrepreneurs. The event aimed to bridge the gap between students from various academic backgrounds — not only Engineering but other disciplines like Arts, Commerce, Science, Pharmacy, and Architecture — and the startup ecosystem.

On 27th Feb, 2025 the chairperson of event Dr. Deepti Deshpande, Secretary of Gokhale Education Society, and chief guest Mr. Aashish Nahar, President of NIMA, the program saw overwhelming participation. Distinguished guests, including Sanjay Sonawane, Vice President of Maharashtra Chamber, Anisa Talavi, Deputy Commissioner of Skill Development, and Nikhil Tapdia, President of Laghu Udyog Bharti, graced the event.

Over 150 students from 50 colleges across North Maharashtra participated in the Igniting Innovation event, presenting their startup ideas, meeting investors, and gaining insights from industry experts. The event featured a full-day startup exhibition, pitching competitions, and an investor meet, followed by expert sessions on the second day.

On the evening of the 28th, the valedictory function was graced by Hon. Mrs. Ashima Mittal, CEO, ZP Nashik, and Mr. Santosh Mandlech, Founder and Past President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, as the Guests of Honour. During the event, Shreekant Patil announced the prize distribution for the best student participants, who had showcased their innovative ideas in the exhibition and pitching sessions. The winners were awarded certificates, and Patil committed to nurturing their ideas and offering possible seed funding to help them grow.

This program’s primary objective was to create an inclusive platform that integrates government support, industry associations, and educational institutions to help students become successful entrepreneurs. The event marked the beginning of a new era for Nashik’s startup ecosystem.

“I believe that through initiatives like ‘Igniting Innovation,’ we are sowing the seeds for a strong startup ecosystem in Nashik. We aim to host this event four times a year to provide continuous support to emerging entrepreneurs with seed funding, mentorship, and technology,” said Shreekant Patil, Mentor at Startup India and the driving force behind the initiative.

The event’s success was a result of the collaborative efforts between the government, educational institutions, and industry partners. With strong leadership, the “Igniting Innovation” program promises to inspire the youth of Nashik to pursue entrepreneurship and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy.