National, 24th September 2024: Atlys, the leading visa processing platform, has raised $20 million in its Series B funding round, co-led by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India) and Elevation Capital. The round saw strong participation from all existing investors, alongside new investors such as DST Global and Headline.

This new funding marks a pivotal milestone in Atlys’ rapid ascent, with the company experiencing 20x growth over the past year. The platform has expanded its footprint in key global markets, including the US, UAE, and the UK, while strengthening its leadership team with top-tier hires in product, engineering, and marketing.

The fresh capital will fuel Atlys’ aggressive expansion strategy, empowering the company to enhance its product and engineering capabilities, enter new markets, and scale operations globally. A core focus remains on meeting the growing needs of travellers, particularly in India, where international tourism is booming.

“Atlys has seen extraordinary 20x growth over the last 12 months,” said Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys. “This investment will enable us to continue scaling globally and ensure that travellers can obtain their visas on time, every time. As India’s outbound tourism surges, the need for a seamless, on-time visa process is more critical than ever. We are one step closer to a world where borders no longer restrict exploration.”

In 2023, global outbound international tourists totalled 1.3 billion, fueled by rising international tourism, expanding expatriate communities, and the increasing adoption of digital travel solutions. With these drivers, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% over the next decade. In India, 30 million travellers ventured abroad, marking a 20% year-on-year increase, largely propelled by a growing middle class and greater access to affordable travel options. A significant portion of this growth came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which contributed to 43% of the country’s outbound travel, reflecting a broader shift beyond metro-driven demand. (as per a report by UNWTO)

Atlys is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging cutting-edge automation to streamline visa applications for over 150 destinations. It has been successful in reducing rejections, and cutting processing times to as fast as 55 seconds. With a user-friendly interface and strong data encryption, Atlys ensures both convenience and security for global travellers.

Shraeyansh Thakur, Principal at Peak XV, added, “Travel continues to see strong tailwinds globally and our thesis is that visas are just the starting point. We believe Atlys can go on to become a broader travel services platform for a range of use cases for travellers globally, and we are excited to deepen the partnership with Mohak and the Atlys team on this journey.”

Mayank Khanduja, Partner at Elevation Capital, said, “Atlys is one of the most innovative products to emerge in the travel space in a long time—a space where many have focused on transaction revenue without addressing the real pain points of global travellers. We believe in their long-term vision and the value they are creating, for global travellers in today’s fast-paced world. This new round of funding is a testament to the progress they’ve made, and we’re excited to support them as they scale into new markets and continue redefining what seamless travel looks like. ”

Atlys last raised Series A funding in 2023 from Peak XV partners, Elevation Capital, a seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z) in 2021 and a pre-seed round led by South Park Commons.

Hyderabad, September 24, 2024: Arena Animation, one of India’s leading animation institutes in the country, is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of ”New Age Careers for New India: PERSPECTIVE Tour 2024’ for the youth in Hyderabad. The seminar was held on September 23, 2024, at K.L.N. Prasad Auditorium, Hyderabad. This vibrant platform drew together luminaries from the media and entertainment industry to share their invaluable experiences and insights into the creation of captivating creative works. The event was attended by an over 400+ young aspirants and professionals across the city eager to learn and grow in this creative field, sparking an engaging exchange of ideas.

‘Perspectives’ provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain an insider’s view of the industry, marking a crucial moment for aspiring students. The event, known for attracting passionate participants year after year, hosted numerous students this year as well, who were interested in exploring careers in animation, VFX, multimedia, gaming  and web design. Attendees were offered a series of thought-provoking sessions led by distinguished key opinion leaders alongside an insightful dive into the intricate processes behind top-tier animation, visual effects and filmmaking.

Distinguished industry experts, including Mr. Ravi Kothapalli, Managing Director from Hornbill Studios and Mr. K. Ramakrishna (VFX Supervisor), Mr. G Laxman & Mr. Meher Prasad J from Greengold Animation inspired attendees with their invaluable industry insights and in-depth technical knowledge.

Mr. Ravi Kothapalli, Managing Director from Hornbill Studios delivered a compelling session on “Making Aspirants Industry-Ready in the World of Visual Effects, Animation, and Gaming”.

Mr. K. Ramakrishna (VFX Supervisor), Mr. G Laxman & Mr. Meher Prasad J from Greengold Animation offered an intriguing perspective on the VFX Live Action Movie making of Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan

The event received an overwhelming response from the attendees, who praised the depth and relevance of the presentations. The discussions highlighted the transformative impact of emerging technologies and offered actionable insights for students and young professionals.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer – Retail Business, Aptech Limited. ”We are thrilled with the success of ‘New Age Careers for New India: PERSPECTIVES Tour 2024’. The event has truly set a benchmark on how we engage and envision the future of careers in India. I trust that the participation of key opinion leaders and the thought-provoking discussions and insights has immensely benefitted the aspirants keen to pursue new-age careers. Arena Animation is committed to equipping students with new-age skillsets and we urge the young aspirants/ prospects to walk-in to our centres to explore their talent and unleash their creative potential.”

As the consumer increasingly gravitates towards superheroes and formidable creatures, India’s AVGC sector has witnessed unparalleled growth rates in recent years. According to the 24th annual Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2023-2027 by PWC across 13 sectors in 53 territories, India’s Media & Entertainment   industry is projected to grow at a 9.7% CAGR, reaching US$73.6 billion by 2027. This surge has attracted numerous international players seeking to tap into India’s talent pool for offshore service delivery.

With a legacy spanning over 25 years, Arena Animation stands as a testament to excellence, fortified by strategic alliances, stellar faculty, and cutting-edge technological tools. The mission remains clear – to equip youth with industry-relevant skills and hone their creativity, build resilience, and encourage teamwork, enabling them to succeed in the workplace where they will have to meet deadlines, deliver presentations, and network with industry peers. Arena Animations remains committed in cultivating a pool of highly employable and successful professionals, ready to make their mark in the dynamic world of media and entertainment.

September 24th, Bangalore: Tuco Intelligent, a kids’ personal care brand, today announced that it has raised $2 million in a seed funding round led by Fireside Ventures and Whiteboard capital. The round also saw participation of the Ashish Goenka led Suashish Group and angel investors like Vijay Nehra, Arjun Purkayastha, and early backers of brands like Mamaearth, Sugar, Pilgrim, Whole Truth and Mokobara.

Founded by Aishvarya Murali in 2023, Tuco Intelligent offers a range of natural and sustainable personal care products only for kids. The range includes soaps, lotions, creams, makeup and deodorants. All products are packaged in 100% landfill and ocean-reclaimed plastic, aligning with the brand’s commitment to a greener planet for children.

The range targets the unique personal care needs of kids aged 4-12, a demographic with growing needs at every stage. Ages 4 onward, kids start school and day care and along with it comes grime, dandruff, sun exposure, etc. At age 6-7, girls hanker after makeup, and at 8-9 years, pre-adolescent challenges like body odour, acne & oily skin emerge. Tuco Intelligent addresses these growing needs with products made from natural, time tested Indian ingredients like beetroot, turmeric, saffron, rosehip, reetha, etc. which are not only natural but also effective.

Commenting on the funding, Aishvarya Murali, Founder & CEO, Tuco Intelligent said, “I started Tuco Intelligent because I couldn’t find suitable solutions for my own kids. From skincare made with beetroot and cocoa extract to deodorants crafted from rose water, these products are inspired by recipes from our grandmother’s kitchen. The sustainable mission of 100% recycled plastic is dear to me and a guiding packaging philosophy in all ranges. We’re excited to have the backing of fantastic investors who are in it to build a meaningful and sustainable business. With the strong traction we’ve seen for our range, we’re now ready to scale.”

VS Kannan Sitaram, Co-Founder and Partner of Fireside Ventures, said: “The kids’ personal care market has remained largely untapped. While there are numerous brands for babies and adults, the 4-12 age group has limited options. We believe Tuco Intelligent, with its dedicated focus on this category, is well-positioned to serve the market. We were particularly impressed by their ability to build a strong base of repeat customers.”

Anshu Prasher, Partner at Whiteboard Capital, added: “Parents are increasingly looking for brands that understand the nuances of children’s skin and hair care, and Tuco Intelligent, with its natural, thoughtful approach, is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand. The brand has experienced impressive growth over the past year, and we are excited to continue supporting them on this journey.”

India, September 2024 – QualiZeal, one of the fastest-growing Quality Engineering (QE) companies in the USA, recently announced its ambitious expansion plans in India, with a key focus on tapping into the country’s vast tech talent pool. Recognizing India as a strategic hub for skilled professionals, the company plans to triple its workforce over the next three to four years by adding 2,000 new jobs. This expansion is central to QualiZeal’s goal of significantly boosting its global capabilities and advancing toward its target of $100 million in annual revenue.

Headquartered in Texas, USA, QualiZeal has already established core capacity centers in Hyderabad, which have played a critical role in the company’s growth. The India expansion is not only aimed at increasing capacity but also at harnessing the country’s unparalleled tech expertise to fuel innovation and transformation in the Quality Engineering space. By leveraging India’s talent, QualiZeal seeks to solidify its position as a global leader in digital transformation services.

“We are deeply committed to India as a strategic talent hub,” said Mr. Pradeep Govindasamy, President & CEO of QualiZeal. “India’s tech talent is unparalleled, and with our planned expansion, we aim to harness this potential to drive innovation and transformation for our clients globally. This is an exciting time for QualiZeal, and we are on a trajectory to achieve unparalleled growth in the Quality Engineering services industry.”

QualiZeal‘s offerings span across Quality Engineering, Digital Engineering, Advisory and Transformation, and Emerging Technology Testing. Trusted by over 70 global enterprises, the company boasts an impressive record of more than 200 successful projects, supported by a team of over 750 elite software quality engineers. QualiZeal’s clients also benefit from AI and ML-powered predictive capabilities, which accelerate testing processes by 3x while reducing costs by 4x.

“By expanding our India operations, we are not just increasing capacity but also investing in the future of AI and GenAI-powered Quality Engineering,” said Mr. Madhu Murty Ronanki, Co-Founder & Head of India Operations, QualiZeal. “Our goal is to build a world-class workforce that delivers exceptional value to clients and contributes to QualiZeal’s mission of becoming the global leader in digital pure-play Quality Engineering.”

QualiZeal’s impressive growth trajectory is underscored by industry accolades, including the Bronze Stevie® Award in the 2024 American Business Awards®, which highlight the company’s dedication to excellence in business performance and fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace on a global scale. With a robust growth strategy and a focus on building a world-class workforce, QualiZeal is well-positioned to lead the next wave of digital transformation in the years ahead.

New Delhi, September 24, 2024: GROHE, a leading global luxury brand for bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, has introduced industry’s first darkest black collection —The Phantom Black, which is part of its popular Essence range. This elegant collection was launched Pan India on September 20, with special preview at GROHE’s experience centers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Phantom Black combines elegance and sophistication, designed to leave a lasting impression in modern bathrooms. The launch event attracted a distinguished audience from the architectural, design & trade community, highlighting the collection’s appeal and significance in contemporary design.

GROHE’s Phantom Black represents a significant evolution in design philosophy, acknowledging a notable market shift from the traditional chrome finishes to the sophisticated allure of solid dark black. This recent addition by GROHE not only reflects changing consumer preferences but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of modern bathroom spaces.

The GROHE Phantom Black collection is distinguished by its innovative lacquer technology, providing exceptional durability to its finish. Resistant to scratches, fading, and corrosion, the smooth matte texture radiates luxury while enhancing the beauty of any bathroom. A standout feature is its ability to repel fingerprints, water spots, and stains, ensuring easy maintenance and a consistently clean appearance. Versatility and elegance define the collection, as its sophisticated finish complements a wide range of interior styles—from contemporary to industrial—making it an ideal choice for both designers and homeowners alike.

GROHE is expanding its design horizons by closely monitoring market insights and evolving consumer preferences. The introduction of Phantom Black, following the successful Matte Black range, demonstrates GROHE‘s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that resonate with today’s design-savvy customers. By offering a curated palette of colors and finishes, GROHE empowers consumers to create personalized bathroom spaces that reflect their individuality. This strategic focus not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also ensures that products are durable and easy to maintain, aligning with the practical needs of modern living. Through this approach, GROHE continues to redefine luxury in bathroom design while addressing the diverse aspirations of its clientele

Priya Rustogi, the leader at LWT India and Subcon said,” The Indian market is evolving like never before, with consumers increasingly seeking innovative designs and fresh colors like Phantom Black that reflect their individuality and contemporary lifestyles. This shift highlights a desire for bold expressions that transform spaces into personal statements.”

Delhi NCR, 24th September 2024: Spectrum@Metro Mall, situated in the heart of Noida, has quickly become the go-to shopping destination for women, thanks to its unique combination of safety features and a curated selection of top brands. As concerns around women’s safety continue to rise across the country, Spectrum@Metro is setting a new benchmark by prioritizing both security and convenience for female shoppers.

The mall is the only one in the region offering dedicated women-only parking spaces, making it easier and safer for women to access the mall. Female security personnel are also deployed throughout the premises to ensure a comfortable shopping experience.

Located on the main road of Sector 75, Spectrum@Metro is easily accessible and houses an impressive lineup of brands catering specifically to women. From popular fashion labels like Reliance Trends, BIBA, Max, and Aurelia to renowned beauty and fitness outlets like Javed Habib, Cult Fit, and Looks Salon, the mall provides a comprehensive shopping and wellness experience.

The mall also stands out as a hotspot for social gatherings, with restaurants such as Haldiram’s, The Flying Dutchman, and BBQ Company offering ideal settings for clubbing and kitty parties. Jewellery lovers can explore collections at Mia by Tanishq, BlueStone, and CaratLane.

Beyond shopping and dining, Spectrum@Metro has a full range of wellness services, including clinics for gynaecology, skincare, dentistry, and homeopathy, making it a truly all-encompassing destination for women.

Ajendra Singh, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Spectrum@Metro, highlighted the mall’s unwavering commitment to women’s needs: “We’re constantly evolving to ensure Spectrum@Metro is not just a shopping destination, but a space where women feel secure and valued. Women’s safety is a top priority, and we will continue to develop our facilities accordingly.”

Chennai, 24 September 2024: Casagrand Premier Builder, the largest developer in the residential sector is a well-known residential brand in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) with a market share of approximately 24% in terms of launches and approximately 20% in terms of demand during the period January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2024, has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise Rs 1,100 crore through an initial public offering (IPO).

The IPO with a face value of Rs 2 per equity share is a mix of fresh issue of up to Rs 1,000 crore and an offer for sale of up to Rs 100 crore by Promoter Selling Shareholders.

The offer for sale consists of the sale of equity shares up to Rs 50 crore each by Arun MN and Casagrand Luxor Private Ltd.

The company, in consultation with the book-running lead managers, may consider a further issue of equity shares through a preferential offer or any other method aggregating up to Rs 200 crores, as pre-IPO placement shall not exceed 20% of the size of the fresh issue. If such placement is completed, the fresh issue size will be reduced.

The Offer is being made through the book-building process, wherein not less than 75% of the offer shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to qualified institutional buyers, and not more than 15% shall be available for allocation to non-institutional bidders. Not more than 10% of the offer shall be available for allocation to retail individual investors.

The proceeds from the fresh issue to the extent of Rs 150 crore will be used for prepayment or repayment, in full or in part, of all or a portion of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the Company; Rs 650 crore for prepayment or repayment, in full or part, of all or a portion of certain exceptional borrowings availed by its wholly owned Subsidiaries namely CG Magick, CG Civil Engineering, CG Garden City, CG Milestone, CG Grace, CG Horizons, CG Smart Value Homes, CG Bizpark, CG Everta, CG Hyderwise, CG Lotus, CG Zingo, and wholly-owned step-down Subsidiaries namely CG Anchor and Danub Homes, through investment in such wholly owned Subsidiaries/ step-down Subsidiaries; and general corporate purposes.

Incorporated in 2003, under the leadership of Arun MN, Casagrand has expanded its presence across key micro-markets in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), offering a diverse range of residential projects. These include apartments of various sizes and independent villas, catering to luxury, mid-range, and affordable segments, all under the “Casagrand” brand, with a particular focus on mid-range offerings.

It has developed in-house capabilities for every stage of the project development life-cycle, commencing from identification and acquisition of land parcels to execution, which involves designing, planning, construction, marketing, and sales and culminating in project delivery.

Casagrand has also extended its operations to other South Indian cities like Bengaluru (Karnataka), Hyderabad (Telangana), and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu). As of May 31, 2024, the company had completed 101 projects with a saleable area of 21.45 million square feet, was working on 42 ongoing projects spanning 33.60 million square feet, and had 17 upcoming projects with an estimated saleable area of 13.15 million square feet. In FY 2024, it achieved pre-sales volumes of 7.24 million square feet of saleable area.

According to a CBRE report mentioned in the DRHP, Casagrand is recognized for its residential brand in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), known for delivering high-quality, product-driven solutions within set timelines. Among its ongoing projects are ‘Casagrand Vivacity’ in Bengaluru’s Chikkanagamangala Village, ‘Casagrand Suncity Phase I’ in Melakottaiyur, Chennai, and ‘Casagrand Casablanca’ in Bengaluru’s Mallasandra Village. Its completed projects include ‘Casagrand Supremus’ and ‘Casagrand Zenith Phase I,’ both in Chennai.

As of May 31, 2024, Casagrand has a sales team of 825 people and opened an office in Dubai in November 2016 to serve non-resident Indians interested in properties across its operational cities. The company also has a history in warehousing through its former subsidiary, Casa Grande Distripark Private Limited, which completed two projects in Chennai at Mappedu and Mahindra World City Industrial Park in 2018, covering a total leasable area of 2.23 million square feet. As of May 2024, it had four additional warehousing projects in Chennai, alongside a commercial office project of 0.59 million square feet acquired in September 2023. Two other commercial office projects in Chennai, totaling 0.51 million square feet, are under construction.

Casagrand Premier’s revenue from operations increased at a CAGR of 18.02% from ₹ 1,876.82 crore in Fiscal 2022 to ₹ 2,613.99 crore in Fiscal 2024. Profit after tax increased from ₹ 146.08 crore in Fiscal 2022 to ₹ 256.95 crore in Fiscal 2024 at a CAGR of 32.63%.

JM Financial Limited, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited are the book-running lead managers to the issue and KFin Technologies Limited is the registrar to the offer.

INDIA, September 24, 2024 – Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) today announced that it is working to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent for Honeywell mobile devices powered by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The agent will allow workers and customers in the distribution center and retail industries to interact naturally with their handheld devices through voice, pictures, and barcodes.

This AI-powered solution is built to function as a digital resource for the modern labor force and designed to enable today’s stretched workforce to quickly tap into answers and outcomes, helping result in time savings, greater accuracy, and interactive results. The design and development of the Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent also supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three compelling megatrends, including automation.

Workers will be able to enter data into the technology and then receive practical answers to queries like, “Do we have the gluten-free variant of this product in stock?” or “Where can I find this particular item in the store?” Depending on the question, users will receive responses in the form of an image, video, spoken response, text answer, or a combination of several modalities. This functionality is designed to enable workers to more efficiently complete their work while simultaneously navigating other ongoing tasks, such as assisting customers in a retail setting or performing multi-step workflows in a distribution center. The solution will be available to users through a software development kit that can integrate with an organization’s existing applications and systems.

“Utilizing our strengths in on-device generative AI, high-performance and low power computing, this collaboration with Honeywell underscores our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that will propel the expansion of the connected intelligent edge,” said Nakul Duggal, group general manager, of automotive, industrial and embedded IoT, and cloud computing, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Honeywell’s new Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent represents a significant step forward in utilizing advanced edge AI to streamline operations and elevate customer interactions across industries. This initiative enables us to drive digital transformation, enhancing how businesses interact with their environments through intelligent and responsive technology.”

“By pairing Honeywell’s easy-to-use mobile devices and intelligent software with Qualcomm Technologies’ industry-leading edge AI processors, Honeywell is creating solutions to make workers’ jobs easier while also helping businesses produce the stellar experience they want for their customers,” said Jason Urso, Honeywell Industrial Automation chief technology officer. “With AI, Honeywell is amplifying what’s possible for businesses with mobile workers today.”

The Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent is expected to be available in early 2025. To learn more about how Honeywell is leveraging AI across key industries, visit: https://automation.honeywell.com/us/en/solutions/productivity.

Meghalaya, renowned for its verdant landscapes and rich biodiversity, is emerging as a key hub for organic farming in India. The state has embarked on various initiatives aimed at transforming agricultural practices and promoting sustainable livelihoods for its farmers. The state has been diligently implementing various schemes initiated by both the Central and State Governments to encourage the conversion of agricultural land into certified organic holdings. Notable among these initiatives is the Meghalaya Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme, the State Organic Mission which has the ambitious objective of converting and sustaining 1 lakh hectares of land into certified organic. At present, 24,000 hectares of land have achieved organic certification, while an additional 8,000 hectares are in the conversion phase.

To further support and consolidate these efforts, the Cabinet approved the Meghalaya State Organic and Natural Farming policy on 11th January 2023. The policy outlines key objectives, including promoting organic farming as a sustainable income-generating activity for farmers, facilitating capacity building, investment, and technology development, and increasing farmers’ income through training, value addition, and market linkage.

To drive the effective implementation of this policy, the Meghalaya Natural and Organic Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA) was established on June 1, 2023. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, MEGNOLIA functions as the apex body under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Government of Meghalaya responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and executing the Organic and Natural Farming Policy in Meghalaya. MEGNOLIA’s primary goals include managing the implementation of the policy, supporting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to professionalize organic production and marketing, promoting agro-industrial growth rooted in ecological sustainability, facilitating technology transfer, and fostering knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

Certification plays a critical role in organic farming. In Meghalaya, certification bodies ensure that farming practices adhere to the rigorous standards set by national and international organizations. Meghalaya now has its own APEDA-certified organic certification agency, the Meghalaya State Organic Certification Body, under the Planning Department. This makes it only the second such agency in the Northeast, following the Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency. With this development, the organic certification process for our farmers becomes more streamlined, as they no longer need to rely on agencies primarily based in Western and Southern India.

A major milestone in advancing Meghalaya’s organic farming sector was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MEGNOLIA and the National Cooperatives of Organic Limited (NCOL) on September 20, 2024 in the World Food India 2024. This partnership seeks to improve the procurement, marketing, and sale of organic products from Meghalaya. As part of the MOU, MEGNOLIA will link certified organic farmers with NCOL, help them obtain procurement approvals, and cover the costs of organic certification. In turn, NCOL will purchase organic products from these farmers, manage logistics, and ensure direct compensation to both farmers and service providers. This collaboration marks a significant step toward establishing a sustainable and profitable organic farming model in Meghalaya, improving farmer livelihoods while fostering environmental stewardship.

The government’s initiatives, embodied in the organic farming policy and led by MEGNOLIA, signal a bright future for organic agriculture in Meghalaya. Strategic partnerships, such as the one with NCOL, position the state to meet the growing demand for organic produce and champion sustainable farming practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.