Chef Asif Qureshi Brings Royal Awadhi Feast to The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

This April, Riwaz at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore invites you to journey into a realm of simmering aromas, glowing embers, and treasured heirloom recipes with The Royal Awadhi Feast—a regal culinary collaboration that celebrates the timeless splendour of Lucknow’s Nawabi kitchens.

Riwaz, known for its quiet elegance and deep reverence for India’s culinary heritage, becomes the setting for an experience that transcends mere dining. Here, tradition isn’t just remembered, it is revived, honoured, and reimagined. At the heart of this experience are two chefs, Chef Asif Qureshi, from the storied kitchens of JW Marriott Juhu, heir to the royal Qureshi lineage and a guardian of time-honoured Awadhi techniques; and Chef Imran Arif, the in-house force behind Riwaz’s signature expressions of Indian cuisine. Together, they conjure a menu that’s less of a meal and more of a memory; slow-cooked, spice-layered, and steeped in legacy.

The à la carte menu is a lavish tapestry of choices, from the smokiness of Bhatti Ki Kalmi and the tenderness of Jhinga Nisha, to the subtle richness of Mahi Qalya and the depth of Gosht Ki Nihari. Each dish whispers of royal courts and bustling bawarchi khana, where food was a symbol of love, power, and artistry. For vegetarians, jewels like Sarson BroccoliPurvanchal Ka Saag, and Aloo Bukhara Kofta ensure the experience is no less indulgent.

For those who wish to surrender fully to the chef’s vision, the set menu offers a more intimate encounter — a curated journey through carefully selected classics. Think Dahi Akhrot ke KebabNoor Mahal BiryaniDal-e-Saffron, and Nadru Subz ke Shammi , each course building on the next in harmony, each bite a story in itself, culminating in the sweet final note of Balai ka Tukda.

This is not just a meal. It is an invitation to sit at the table of emperors, to taste a history that has been simmering for centuries. The Royal Awadhi Feast is for those who appreciate not only the richness of Indian cuisine but the spirit that keeps its soul alive, in the hands of chefs who remember.
 
Dates: 24th-26th April
Time: (12:30 PM-3:30 PM and 7:00 PM-11:30 PM), with the special brunch at The Market on April 27th (12:30 PM-4:00 PM)
Venue: Riwaz, The RitzCarltonBangalore

Shikhar Dhawan’s advice to contestants in Amazon MX Player’s fitness reality show Battleground

Mumbai, India- April 22 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming platform, raises the stakes with Battleground, a dynamic fitness reality show where physical strength meets mental grit. Leading the four teams are powerhouse personalities- Asim Riaz, Rajat Dalal, Rubina Dilaik and Abhishek Malhan— command their teams, each bringing their distinctive leadership style into the arena. At the center of it all is cricket legend Shikhar Dhawan, stepping in as the ‘super mentor.’ Calm, focused, and fiercely inspiring, Dhawan brings his trademark poise and decades of experience to the show, guiding contestants with a blend of discipline, strategy, and silent observation.

Reflecting on the intensity of the competition, Shikhar shared, Watching the contestants give it their all took me back to my own playing days. I remember this one fiery moment with Watson, he hit a ball straight into my stomach and cheekily said he’d joined the pain club. Later, when he came out to bat with a runner due to an injury, I couldn’t resist. I acted like I got injured while fielding— he didn’t take it well, but I knew I had gotten onto his nerves. That was always my thing – getting into the opponent’s head, playing that mental game. I thrived on those mind battles.”

Speaking about his approach as a mentor, he added, “I often tell contestants it’s not just about being physically fit— it’s about staying composed under pressure. I share cricket stories with them, whether about myself, my teammates or senior players, to show them how success is shaped by resilience. While the mentors lead the charge with their teams, I stay observant— watching how they coach, what sort of knowledge they’re passing on or how they’re treating their players. My job is to support and elevate that.”

Witness the ultimate test of power, persistence, and personality in Battleground — streaming now only on Amazon MX Player for free, available through its apps on mobile, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

Tyger Capital Partners with Credgenics to redefine collections management with innovative tech solutions

India, April 22nd, 2025: Tyger Capital, India’s leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has joined hands with Credgenics, the leading provider of SaaS-based collections and debt resolution technology solutions worldwide. This technology collaboration marks a significant stride towards reshaping the debt collections landscape, leveraging Credgenics‘ comprehensive suite of solutions to streamline and optimize Tyger Capital‘s loan collections management process.

At Tyger CapitalCredgenics‘ AI powered SaaS based platform will help adopt a data-insights backed personalized approach for communications with borrowers across multiple digital channels including WhatsApp, SMS, and emails.  With Credgenics CG Collect, the mobile app for field collection teams, the last mile operations will be digitized to unlock higher productivity and operational efficiency. 

Commenting on the partnership, Rajaram Manian B, Chief Risk Officer of Tyger Capital said, “We are excited to leverage Credgenics technology solutions in collections as we are committed to deliver unparalleled financial services powered by cutting-edge technologies and customer-centric approaches. This collaboration aligns with our mantra ‘Customer first’ and our focus on providing exceptional service to our customers while optimizing our operations through innovation and digital transformation.”

Credgenics technology platform will optimize field team operations, enable seamless collection transaction reconciliations, provide digitized customer visit management, and provide real-time tracking capabilities. Credgenics Billzy payments platform will facilitate borrowers to make digital loan payments swiftly, securely, and conveniently. Adoption of cutting-edge solutions from Credgenics promises higher response rates, accelerated debt resolutions, and reduced operational costs, positioning Tyger Capital at the forefront of customer service excellence.

Rishabh Goel, Co-Founder and CEO of Credgenics, said, “Our engagement with Tyger Capital is an extremely valuable addition to our customer base from the NBFC segment. We are confident that Credgenics‘ comprehensive solutions will tremendously enhance the collection management process at Tyger Capital. With our focus on continual innovation, enhanced customer experience and strict adherence to regulatory compliance, we aim to deliver significant business value at Tyger Capital.”

The collaboration between Credgenics and Tyger Capital is set to drive a transformative shift in collection management and debt resolution by leveraging cutting-edge technologies. This strategic partnership will enable both companies to deliver enhanced value to their customers while driving sustainable growth and profitability.

Amethyst Unveils ‘Kusubana’ by Translate: A Breezy Summer Ode to Ikats and Nostalgia

Amethyst presents ‘Kusubana’ by TranslateKusubana is the essence, that they are weaving into your summers this year! This edit brings fresh takes on Ikats and playful twists on their iconic styles. The Ikats in this drop are contemporary, a confident stride into new horizons. With breathable cotton and functional, effortless designs, each piece easily adapts to your summer wardrobe from 11am to 7.30pm from April 24th to 30th2025 at Amethyst, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai. 

Collection Note:

  • Petals kissed by the breath of the season,
  • Hues that tickle the heart with innocent joy,
  • The quiet longing for comfort on warm summer afternoons,

Kusubana is our vision of summers under the cherry blossoms—where worries melt away and we become one with nature. It evokes the nostalgia of simpler times: the hum of insects, the laughter over board games, mouths stained with popsicles, and quiet conversations over tea. In this collection, we capture the essence of summer, offering something for everyone to love.

HT Labs Wins Big at WAN-IFRA 2025 with OTTplay & Slurrp

April 22, 2025, Mumbai – HT Labs has made a powerful mark on the global stage, with its flagship platforms OTTplay and Slurrp clinching 5 awards at the prestigious WANIFRA South Asian Digital Media Awards 2025. The accolades recognise excellence in digital journalism, innovation, and audience engagement, cementing HT Labs’ position as a frontrunner in the region’s digital media landscape.

The WANIFRA South Asian Digital Media Awards are among the most respected honours in the industry, judged by a panel of distinguished international experts. They spotlight organisations that demonstrate excellence in digital storytelling, technology, and content strategy—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in news and content publishing in South Asia.

Award Wins:

  • Best News Website (Silver)Slurrp
  • Best Use of AI in Revenue Strategy (Bronze)OTTPlay Premium
  • Best Newsletter (Gold)Slurrp
  • Best Newsletter (Silver)OTTPlay 
  • Best Native Advertising Campaign (Bronze)Slurrp

These awards underscore HT Labs’ unwavering focus on intelligent, user-first digital experiences—powered by innovation, data, AI and editorial depth.

Avinash Mudaliar, Co-Founder and CEO of HT Labs, said, “We’re truly honoured by this recognition from WANIFRA. These wins are a reflection of the relentless creativity, strategic thinking, and innovation that our teams bring to the table every day. At OTTplay and Slurrp, our mission is to continuously evolve the digital experience through personalisation and smart content. This recognition only strengthens our resolve to lead with impact and purpose.” 

IFFLA Unveils 2025 Jury and Expanded Industry Days

All India,  (April 22, 2025)The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) is thrilled to announce the expansion of IFFLA Industry Days, a robust two-day forum set to take place on May 8 and May 9, 2025 at the Landmark Theatres Sunset in Los Angeles, CA. 

IFFLA Industry Days fosters connections between South Asian film and TV creatives and industry leaders. Key executives from Neon, SAGIndie, Netflix, Temple Hill Entertainment, Orion Pictures, Film Independent, Jaya Entertainment, Gaumont Television, Macro, Color Creative, NBCUniversal, and more will participate in a series of IFFLA’s dynamic events, including the inaugural program titled IFFLA Connect, the Launchpad: Pitch Competition with a $10,000 award, panels and a masterclass.

“Following the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural Industry Day, the expanded Industry Days offers a vital, curated space for visionary creatives from South Asia and its diasporas to connect, engage with prominent  industry leaders, forge and nurture meaningful relationships, and explore an eclectic slate of projects with universal appeal,” said Christina Marouda, Executive Director of IFFLA. “It’s a powerful reflection of how IFFLA has remained a cornerstone in Hollywood for over two decades, championing bold storytelling and emerging talent.”

A highlight of this year’s IFFLA Industry Days is the official launch of IFFLA Connect, a new initiative presented in collaboration with Cinévesture. This program will showcase a selection of South Asian film projects from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh under the banner CinéV-IFFLA, alongside a hand-picked slate of North American projects curated by IFFLA. Designed as a nexus for collaboration, IFFLA Connect links promising projects with prominent industry professionals, offering essential support in financing, production, casting, and beyond. The inaugural lineup of IFFLA Connect features both emerging voices and acclaimed filmmakers, including producer Vikramaditya Motwane alongside celebrated actress Radhika Apte, who makes her directorial debut with her project “Koyta,” director Nuhash Humayun’s “Moving Bangladesh,” Ravi Kapoor’s “Patel,” Deepak Rauniyar’s “Taste of my Dreams,” and many more.

 “We’re delighted to introduce IFFLA Connect as part of this year’s Industry Days,” said Noopur Sinha, Festival Producer. “This initiative is about getting these 10 powerful, South Asian-led projects the access and backing they need from Hollywood industry partners to bring vital and diverse stories to the mainstream.”

The highly anticipated Launchpad: Pitch Competition returns. The competition will give five finalists a unique opportunity to present their projects in development to a diverse panel of industry executives and a live audience. The pre-selected projects will be presented by their creative teams and receive immediate feedback from the panelists, who will award one of the projects a $10,000 development grant.

IFFLA Industry Days features two timely panelsThe Human Loop: Storytelling and Responsibility in the Age of AI and Global Vision: Specialty Studios and the Future of International Storytelling. The Human Loop will discuss the responsible use of technology in storytelling, featuring voices from the film and AI industries. Topics will include ethics, automation, and the invisible labor behind artificial intelligence. The Global Vision panel brings together influential professionals from the independent and specialty studio space to discuss how their companies are navigating the evolving challenges of today’s film industry. As the US market undergoes significant shifts, the conversation will explore the growing importance of international stories and voices in shaping the future of cinema.

 As part of this panel slate, IFFLA will also spotlight the acclaimed stage adaptation of Life of Pi, now on its first U.S. tour. This panel explores the story’s journey from novel to Broadway, focusing on cultural impact, representation, and the artistry behind the production.

 Additionally, a special masterclass titled “From Dhaka to Hollywood: The Genre-Bending World of Nuhash Humayun” will highlight one of the most exciting voices to emerge from South Asia’s new wave of filmmakers. In this masterclass, Nuhash Humayun (Moshari) will discuss the challenges of telling bold, local stories that resonate globally, the mechanics of working across industries and geographies, and what it means to make space for South Asian horror in the global film conversation.

 Passes to access IFFLA Industry Days are now available. The general public can purchase

the Industry All-Access Pass ($220) for admission to all festival screenings, galas, and Industry Days programming. For those only interested in Industry Days programming, the Industry

Days Pass ($80) provides access to the masterclass, panels, pitch competition final, networking mixers, and any screenings attached to the panels or masterclass.

  IFFLA also announced the 2025 Feature Film and Short Film Jury.

Feature Jury:

        Rajshri Deshpande – Acclaimed Indian actress known for Angry Indian Goddesses, Sexy Durga, BBC One’s McMafia, and Netflix’s Sacred Games and The Fame Game.

        Priyanka Mattoo – Author of the upcoming memoir Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones (Knopf, June 2024) and writer-director adapting her short The Homestay into a feature for Likely Story.

        Carla Renata – Film critic and journalist (a.k.a. The Curvy Critic), with bylines in Variety, The Wrap, The Cherry Picks, RogerEbert.com, and more.

 Shorts  Jury

     Maureen Bharoocha – Film and TV director (The Prank, Golden Arm, Grand Crew, Saved by the Bell), known for blending genres and telling stories that bridge cultures.

     Kausar Mohammed – Actress and writer known for Sisters, Hulu’s Appendage, and The CW’s The Flash and 4400.

     Sudeep Sharma – Sundance Film Festival Programmer specializing in documentary features.

The Smart Six: How Indian Businesses Can Boost Productivity with Modern HR Software

By – Sudeep George, Chief Business Head, TeamLease HRTech

India is an emerging global business hub. A driving factor behind this transformation is its demographic dividend, where about 65% of its population is under 35. However, nearly 51.25% of youth are deemed employable, and over 7.85 million non-farm jobs are expected to be created by 2044 in industries across key sectors. This rapid surge in employment will not only create opportunities for the innovative and entrepreneurial young workforce but also increase stakes in administrative, operational, and strategic functions for the Human Resource teams across enterprises, companies, and startups across sectors.

Human Resource functions vary from talent management to screening, onboarding, workflow management, performance management, and employee engagement. In the absence of smart HR technology, HR managers may grapple with maintaining productivity, engagement, retention, and performance, which are crucial to business success.

The advantage of implementing HR tech software in companies is inexplicable. HR technology enables HR professionals to reduce time spent on manual tasks through automation, improve accuracy through data-driven information, upgrade compliance policies, and support teams through integrated software, regardless of geography and roles.

With digital transformation taking centre stage across industries in India, HR professionals can take proactive steps to ensure that HR tech tools become an integral part of their function to avert any business risks, talent drain, or operational slowdown. With the HR Tech market poised to reach 2.3 million by 2033, HR teams across Manufacturing, Hospitality, Retail, Healthcare, & Education can seamlessly drive impact and visualise tangible results in the below-mentioned three key areas.

  • Operational efficiency

1. Streamlining and automating tedious tasks: HR software eliminates repetitive administrative tasks like attendance management, leave tracking, and data maintenance through automation. This not only saves time but also cuts down HR operational costs by up to 40%, allowing teams to redirect focus towards strategic priorities.

2. Facilitating efficient recruitment and onboarding: Modern HR platforms simplify hiring through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), reducing time-to-hire by as much as 75%. Seamless digital onboarding ensures new hires are productive from day one, improving efficiency and employee experience.

  • Workplace culture and employee experience

3. Enhancing communication and collaboration: Effective communication is key to creating a successful organisation. Built-in communication tools support company-wide messaging, internal chat, and collaborative platforms, improving real-time coordination and reducing email clutter. The result is smoother workflows and stronger team alignment.

4. Improving employee engagement and performance management: HR software enables continuous feedback, goal tracking, and engagement surveys. Tech-led sentiment analysis has been shown to boost satisfaction scores by 20%, while continuous performance tracking leads to sustained productivity improvements. A survey found that 66% of companies using a continuous performance management model were able to implement year-round productivity enhancements.

  • Strategic decision-making

5. Facilitating efficient recruitment and onboarding: Hiring and onboarding new employees can be resource-intensive. However, modern HR software significantly streamlines this. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) help manage job postings, screen applications, and track candidates efficiently. Industry reports show that tech-enabled ATS platforms can reduce time per hire by up to 75%. Once hired, onboarding is managed digitally, providing new employees with all the necessary information and documentation.

6. Providing data-driven insights for better decision-making: Advanced analytics dashboards within HR software provide actionable insights on workforce trends, turnover, and training outcomes. This empowers leaders with data-backed decisions, driving long-term productivity and organisational growth.

By thoughtfully embracing the potential of modern HR softwareIndian businesses—whether established enterprises or ambitious startups—can drive meaningful improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. In an increasingly competitive landscape, the real advantage lies in equipping both people and processes with the right tools. After all, empowering your workforce begins with empowering your HR function—and that’s where transformation truly begins.

Arkade Developers Log INR 773 Cr Pre-Sales in FY24-25

Mumbai, 22nd April 2025: Listed entity Arkade Developers Limited, a prominent luxury real estate developer in Mumbai, announced its operational performance for the fourth quarter ended on 31st March 2025 and FY 2024-25.

Operational Performance:

A) PreSales –
During FY25, Arkade Developers achieved robust presales of INR 773 crores, marking a 19.8% increase from INR 645 crores. This growth reflects the continued demand for the residential portfolio of Arkade in the Mumbai region.

B) Collections –
Collections for the year stood at INR 716 crores, up by 21.8% when compared to the previous year, driven by strong execution and sustained customer confidence.

C) Area Sold –
Arkade sold 249,000 sq. ft. in FY25, compared to 203,000 sq ft in FY24, recording a 22.7% YoY growth. This unprecedented growth reflects improved project uptake and velocity.

Quarterly Performance – Q4 FY25 –

  • PreSales: INR 217 crores, up 10.6% YoY
  • Collections: INR 238 crores, up 35.2% YoY
  • Area Sold: 70,000 sq ft up 9.4% YoY

Full Year Comparison:

     

Particulars

FY 2024-25

FY 2023-24

% Change

PreSales (Rs. crores)

773

645

19.8%

Collection (Rs. crores)

716

588

21.8%

Area Sold  ( ‘000 Sq.ft.)

249

203

22.7%

       

 

 

 

 

Q4 Comparison:

     

Particulars

Q4 FY25

Q4 FY24

% Change

PreSales (Rs. crores)

217

196

10.6%

Collection (Rs. crores)

238

176

35.2%

Area Sold  ( ‘000 Sq. ft.)

70

64

9.4%

FY2425 Achievements: 

  • Launched three projects in the Mumbai – Arkade Rare (Bhandup), Arkade Views & Arkade Vistas (Goregoan)
  • Received 4 OC’s ahead of the RERA schedule – Arkade Crown, Arkade Aspire, Arkade Aura and Arkade Prime
  • 650+ possessions – a testament to timely delivery
  • Cumulatively acquired 15.5 acres of land parcel in western suburbs with a projected GDV of INR 8590 crores

Mr. Amit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Arkade Developers, said, “FY25 was a year of consistent performance and robust momentum. With a sharp focus on timely execution, sales velocity and customer satisfaction, we have witnessed significant growth in top-line sales and collections. The improved operational efficiency and disciplined project management have laid a strong foundation for future pipelines. As we enter FY26, we remain committed to scaling our development footprint across Mumbai, while delivering value to all our stakeholders.” 

World Earth Day: Sustainability Initiatives by Akshayakalpa Organic Driving Collective Impact

By – Mr. Shashi Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder, Akshayakalpa Organic

World Earth Day holds special significance for us at Akshayakalpa Organic as we celebrate the third anniversary of our ‘Give Back the Milk Pack’ initiative — a simple idea that has grown into a powerful, community-led sustainability movement.

To date, we have collected and recycled over 50,000 kg of plastic across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. But for us, it’s not just about participation — it’s about collective action. Because when we choose greener ways together, the impact is truly transformative. At Akshayakalpa Organic, sustainability isn’t a side initiative — it is at the heart of everything we do, from soil to shelf. From transitioning to paperboard packaging to introducing sustainable leaf-based alternatives for fresh produce, we’re constantly innovating to reduce our ecological footprint. Beyond our products, we actively engage communities through lake clean-up drives, neighbourhood cleanliness campaigns, plantation initiatives, and rainwater harvesting efforts. These grassroots actions are vital to restoring ecosystems and fostering long-term resilience.

We’re also witnessing a remarkable shift in consumer behavior, especially among millennials and Gen Z. They’re seeking brands that reflect their values — those that are environmentally responsible, ethically produced, and good for the planet. And as the consumer industry moves toward more ethical and eco-conscious practices, we remain committed to playing a meaningful role in this sustainable evolution.”

Mid-Market GCCs Poised to Lead India’s Next Growth Wave: Nasscom-Zinnov

Hyderabad, April 22, 2025: Global Capability Centres (GCCs) continue to be a key growth sector for the tech industry in India, contributing nearly one-third of the industry’s total exports. Within this thriving ecosystemmidmarket GCCs are emerging as high-impact innovation hubs, driving agility, product excellence, and enterprise transformation at scale. Nasscom and Zinnov, today, released ‘India’s GCC LeapCapturing Global MidMarket Momentum’ reporthighlighting a significant shift in the country’s GCC ecosystem. The report deep dives into the unique characteristics of midmarket GCCs, including their operating models and focus.

Today, India is home to over 480 midmarket GCCs, employing more than 210,000 professionals, and over 680 midmarket GCC Units. This segment has been instrumental in shaping India’s GCC narrative with accounting for 27% of all GCCs and 22% of total GCC Units in the country.

Over 45 new midmarket GCCs have set up operations in India in the past two years alone, accounting for nearly 35% of total GCCs, and 30% of total GCC units during this period. Despite operating at around 40% the scale of their larger counterparts (Non-Midmarket GCCs), midmarket GCCs are consistently delivering transformative outcomes across product innovation, enterprise agility, digital maturity and deepening niche skill capabilities. Their strategic focus and lean operating models have resulted in a 1.3x higher presence in transformation hubs, with a maturity curve advancing 1.2x faster than non-midmarket GCCs.

India is today home to 47% of global product management talent for midmarket GCCs and over 25% of their DeepTech workforce, cementing its position as a global hotspot for next-gen capabilities in AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud, and data science. Nearly 60% of end-to-end product and platform ownership in enterprise portfolios—particularly across ER&D segment is being driven from India by midmarket GCCs. These centers are also redefining enterprise operating models by actively shaping hiring practices, performance metrics, and culture playbooks.

In terms of market distribution, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, NCR, and Chennai remain leading destinations for midmarket GCCs, attracting 74% of all new GCC units established. In addition to Bengaluru, Hyderabad has rapidly emerged as a leading talent hotspot for Midmarket GCCs in the last 5 years, contributing 25% of talent growth.

Rajesh Nambiar, President, Nasscom, said, “The next wave of global capability will not come from size, but from speed, specialization, and strategic influence. With world-class talent and a vibrant digital ecosystemmidmarket GCCs are no longer just delivery engines but are emerging as cultural innovation labs and centres of excellence, driving R&D, product innovation, and enterprise digitization for global impact.”

 However, Midmarket GCCs often face hurdles in talent attraction, particularly among early-career professionals, owing to limited brand visibility on top campuses. Process-wise, many still operate without standardized operating procedures, which hampers scale and collaboration across functions. Moreover, these centres often struggle to establish strong innovation linkages with startups, academic institutions, and technology partners. Their minimal local brand presence also restricts their ability to influence and integrate deeply within India‘s broader innovation ecosystem.

The most underrated transformation in India’s tech landscape is the rise of midmarket GCCs. These centers aren’t just scaled-down versions of large enterprises; they’re rewriting the playbook. Operating at 40% the scale, they’re 1.3x more likely to be transformation hubs and 1.2x faster in traversing the maturity curveIndia already hosts 47% of global product management talent for these firms, but the real shift is this: 6 in 10 are driving end-to-end product ownership, and 8 in 10 are reshaping hiring and culture from India.” Added Pari Natarajan, CEO, Zinnov. “GCCs are moving from support engines to strategic value centers. As Global CXOs global firms eye expansion, the question is no longer ‘why India?’ — it’s ‘how fast can we get in?’ With GCC-as-a-service models, innovation clusters in Tier-2 cities, and faster market entry, India is set to be the birthplace of global digital-native enterprises. This shift is transforming India’s leadership DNA, enabling faster organizational change and positioning the country as a true capability hub.”

 Despite these headwinds, the runway for growth is immense. Globally, there are 130,000 to 150,000 midmarket companies, and India stands to attract a significant share—estimated at 30,000 to 40,000, especially from markets like the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Japan and verticals such as software and internet, BFSI, healthcare. If nurtured right, midmarket GCCs in India can evolve into AI-native innovation hubs, capable of spinning off IP, shaping policy landscapes, and functioning as autonomous, high-growth enterprises.

To unlock this potential, India must focus on streamlining entry pathways, enabling cost-effective GCC-as-a-service models, and building vibrant innovation clusters and proactively driving favourable policies.