Tech Entrepreneurs Nikhil and Nishant Rathi’s Major Exit
Mumbai, 08 April 2025: Web Werks India Pvt Ltd, a leading data center provider in India, founded by Nikhil & Nishant Rathi, has been fully acquired by Iron Mountain (NYSE: IRM) in one of the largest transactions in India’s data center industry. The founders of Web Werks secured an investment of $150 million during the joint venture’s formation in 2021, followed by an additional $170 million in 2023. With their successful exit, the Rathi brothers have demonstrated their expertise in building and delivering exceptional value to India’s digital and data center ecosystem.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the company, solidifying its legacy as a key enabler of India’s digital economy. As part of the transition, Web Werks will now operate under a new brand identity while continuing to serve its enterprise clients without disruption.
“Nishant and I have been working around the clock for 25+ years to build Web Werks data center. I am incredibly proud of what the entire team has achieved – making it one of the biggest acquisitions in Indian Data Center history. What started with just 40 people and three data centers at 1MW capacity has grown into a team of over 200 with 162 MW of capacity. Since then, we have blitzscaled to a capability of 162+ MW, a total of 6 live data centers in major cities and a family of 200+ people. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey as I look ahead to the next chapter,” said Nikhil Rathi, Co-Founder, Web Werks and NeoSOFT.
Speaking about the sale, Nishant Rathi, Co-Founder of Web Werks and NeoSOFT, added, “While this marks an exciting new chapter for Web Werks, our commitment to fostering growth in the technology sector remains strong. Nikhil and I will continue to lead NeoSOFT and build NeoSOFT & NeoNXT platforms – driving initiatives that will propel businesses to leverage the best of digital & AI. We also look forward to lending our expertise and partnering with investors, entrepreneurs & VCs, and committed to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and growing the data center industry both in India and globally. The India story is alive and well and we are just one of the few examples of what dedication, customer centricity and a belief can do.”
Founded in 1996 by Nikhil and Nishant Rathi in a bedroom, Web Werks has grown into a powerhouse in India’s digital infrastructure space. Over nearly three decades, the company has established itself as a highly trusted provider of high-density, hyperscale, and AI-powered data centers, with best-in-class reliability and efficiency. At the time of sale, Web Werks operated six Tier-3, carrier-neutral data centers in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with construction on another in Chennai already underway.
The journey of Web Werks is a testament to the vision, resilience, and adaptability of its founders. What began as a small web hosting company evolved into a leader, keeping pace with India’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem. Founded by Nikhil and Nishant Rathi when they were only teenagers, the company navigated the early days of dial-up internet, working tirelessly to scale from serving small businesses to enterprise-level solutions. Through industry shifts—from the dot-com boom to the cloud and AI revolutions—Web Werks has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, cementing its role in shaping India’s digital future.
As they look ahead, the Rathi brothers are eager to reinvest their time and expertise into India’s tech landscape. Their unwavering belief in the country’s potential fuels their commitment to helping shape the next phase of India’s digital evolution. “No story is complete without India,” said Nikhil. “We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved, but the best is yet to come. We’re excited about what lies ahead, and we’ll continue to be part of India’s story for years to come.”
Puja Shree: Reviving Vedic Wisdom for Harmony
New Delhi, India – APRIL 2025 – Faith is the soul of civilization, passed down through sacred mantras and rituals. In a world rushing forward, traditions risk fading. Puja Shree stands as a guardian of the past, a bridge to the future, and a guiding light for the present—reviving Sanatan Dharma with Duty, Devotion, and Discipline.
More than a brand, Puja Shree is a movement. It calls for a return to authenticity, devotion with purity, and a reconnection with timeless wisdom. With meticulously crafted puja samagri, divine yantras, and ritual essentials, Puja Shree empowers spiritual seekers worldwide.
“Spirituality is not just about rituals; it is about intention, precision, and authenticity. At Puja Shree, we are committed to reviving the sacred wisdom of our ancestors, ensuring that every offering—whether at home or in a temple—embodies true devotion. In a fast-moving world, we remind people to pause, connect, and embrace faith in its purest form.”
– Rajiv Tiwari, CEO & Founder, Puja Shree
DUTY. DEVOTION. DISCIPLINE. THE PILLARS OF PUJA SHREE.
Duty (कर्तव्य): The Sacred Responsibility
A lamp must always be lit in the temple of tradition. Ensuring that every product aligns with the highest Vedic standards is a duty, but so is educating future generations and preserving the spiritual richness of our culture.
Devotion (भक्ति): The Essence of Spiritual Fulfillment
Bhakti (devotion) is not just in performing rituals but in feeling their power. Whether through a whispered mantra, an offering of incense, or disciplined anushthan (spiritual observances), Puja Shree fosters spiritual fulfillment in its purest form.
Discipline (अनुशासन): The Path to Purity
Without discipline, there is no purity. Even the most learned can falter, as seen in the story of Ravana—who, despite his mastery of scriptures, succumbed to his own indiscipline. At Puja Shree, every product and practice upholds this fundamental truth: authenticity and reverence lead to spiritual elevation.
“We are witnessing a spiritual renaissance where people are yearning for deeper meaning and profound faith connections. Puja Shree is more than a puja product brand—it is a movement to reinstate devotion’s lost essence, guiding individuals toward purity and ensuring future generations inherit the wisdom of our traditions.”
– Shashank Arya, Co-founder, Puja Shree
WHERE TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY
Puja Shree harmonizes faith and convenience. By integrating ancient Vedic wisdom with modern accessibility, it makes sacred, Shastra-compliant offerings available to seekers worldwide—because devotion should never be compromised.
“The world of devotion and e-commerce are converging in remarkable ways. At Puja Shree, we leverage technology to make authentic, Shastra-compliant puja offerings accessible globally. Faith should never be compromised by convenience—we bring the two together seamlessly.”
– Ravi Gupta, Co-founder & CMO, Puja Shree
French DJ HUGEL Announces Maiden Show In India
India, 7th April 2025 – Platinum French DJ and producer HUGEL is set to unleash an electrifying night of pure sonic fire for his debut gig in the region with a standalone show in Mumbai on 27th April 2025 at Dome SVP Stadium.
Fresh off dominating global charts and igniting dance floors worldwide, this French maestro of deep house, Latin-infused and high-octane EDM is set to transform Mumbai into a pulsating epicenter of rhythm and light. His unforgettable remix of ‘Bella Ciao’ catapulted him into the spotlight, making him a favorite among music enthusiasts worldwide.
HUGEL states, “For me, every set is a chance to lose yourself in the music, to feel the energy of the crowd, and create something truly unforgettable. I can’t wait to bring that vibe to Mumbai!”
After hosting a successful sold-out show featuring Keinemusik’s &ME which saw the likes of Sanjay Dutt, Suhana Khan, Ibraham Ali Khan in attendance, Team Innovation in association with Paradox and Spacebound are bringing this world-class event to India.
Mohit Bijlani, Co-Founder, Team Innovation states, “We’re all about pushing boundaries and creating moments that resonate. Bringing an artist of HUGEL’s caliber to Mumbai is exactly how we aim to deliver those unforgettable cultural experiences.”
AI Adoption Goes Mainstream Kapiva, Birla Capital and Rustomjee Embrace Behavioral AI
Mumbai | 05th April 2025 — Indian marketers today face a fast-moving, multi-platform consumer landscape where traditional personas and surveys fall short. AI Twins by consumr.ai solves this with real-time, privacy-safe digital replicas of ideal customers—built from observed behavior like search trends, content engagement, and social activity. These dynamic profiles help brands make sharper decisions across media, creative, targeting, and product development—turning live behavioral data into marketing precision at scale.
Unlike legacy research methods that rely on focus groups or surveys—often slow, costly, and biased—AI Twins delivers deterministic, observation-based insights instantly. This enables brands to ground every business decision in what consumers are actually doing, not just what they claim—putting real behavior, not assumptions, at the heart of strategy.
“India is one of the most complex and high-potential consumer markets in the world. With AI Twins, we’re giving marketers a powerful edge—access to real-time, behavior-led intelligence that makes every decision sharper and more scalable,” said Vivek Bhargava, Co-founder, consumr.ai.
How AI Twins is Driving Impact
Kapiva discovered a new growth lever for its wellness product Dia Free when AI Twins identified a behavioral pattern among non-diabetics interested in managing sugar spikes. This insight led to a strategic repositioning and a potential 5x expansion in the addressable market. “That one insight helped us rethink our category strategy and unlock an entirely new growth lever,” said Ameve Sharma, Co-founder, Kapiva.Aditya Birla Capital built behavior-based lookalikes of women insurance buyers, leading to 90%+ female-led conversions—a breakthrough over traditional targeting. “AI Twins helped us move beyond probabilistic targeting to a level of accuracy we hadn’t seen before,” said Darshana Shah, Head of Marketing & Customer Experience, Aditya Birla Capital.
Rustomjee used psychographic signals from AI Twins to align messaging with buyer motivations, resulting in stronger engagement across digital channels. “Excited to partner with consumr.ai as we take our digital marketing efforts to the next level at Rustomjee,” said Rushabh Shah, CMO, Rustomjee. “Combined with Vivek’s extensive cross sectoral experience and the platform’s sharp consumer intelligence capabilities, we’re looking forward to unlocking new possibilities in how we plan, personalize, and perform across the funnel. The future of marketing is insight-led, and we’re glad to be on this journey together.”
Organic Tattva Champions Mindful Choices for a Healthier, Sustainable Future
Kriti Mehrotra, Co-Founder, Organic Tattva:
At Organic Tattva ,we believe that the choices we make today defines our tomorrow, thus it becomes all the more imperative to make them right .By embracing chemical -free, nutritious food we are not just giving our body the food they deserve but also protecting the environment for future generations. It’s about starting small and switching to mindful decisions from an early age. Efforts like these help us pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable world tomorrow .
ClarityX AI Launches ‘Places Pulse’ with Mappls MapmyIndia
New Delhi, March 26, 2025: ClarityX (www.clarityx.ai), an AI-driven data analytics and consulting firm backed by MapmyIndia founders, driving immediate strategic decisions and digital transformation, has unveiled “PLACES PULSE”, a cutting-edge search analytics tool that deciphers India’s movement trends across time periods.
“The ClarityX Places Pulse is not just a dashboard; it’s a movement map for India. With this unique tool, businesses and policymakers can pinpoint demand spikes, identify location-based consumer behaviour, and strategize with precision—all at zero cost. The Places Pulse tool leverages Mappls MapmyIndia, India’s best hyperlocal Maps data and location tech to analyse places search trends by state, category and time frame to stay updated on popular destinations,” says Rakhi Prasad, Co-founder, ClarityX.
Leveraging anonymized search data from millions of users, Places Pulse provides instant insights into consumer behaviour, market demand, and location intelligence, redefining how businesses, policymakers, and analysts make data-driven decisions.
Why Places Pulse?
A Smarter Way to Decode Consumer Movement. In today’s fast-moving world, relying solely on traditional surveys and expensive feedback mechanisms is outdated. Places Pulse offers an on-ground intelligence alternative—analysing 9GB of daily logs and 450M+ monthly records to provide granular insights into what, where, and when India is searching.
Decode India’s Pulse Like Never Before
Hyperlocal Search Trends – Analyse consumer movement patterns across states, districts, and even rural vs. urban areas.
Category Intelligence – Track 12+ industries, including Restaurants, Healthcare, Tourism, Finance, and more.
Time-Based Consumer Insights – Identify peak search hours and seasonal demand shifts through monthly trends.
Geospatial Heatmaps – Visualize search activity down to the state and district level.
Trend Tracking & Forecasting – Spot emerging and declining trends before the competition.
Who Needs Places Pulse? Everyone.
- Businesses – Optimize marketing, expansion & location strategies based on real consumer demand.
- Retail & Hospitality – Identify hotspots for new stores, hotels, or franchises.
- Policymakers & Urban Planners – Use real-time location data for better infrastructure and service planning.
- Investors & Analysts – Uncover market shifts and investment hotspots before they make headlines.
sPrecise and actionable Insights
- 49% of all searches in India are for religious places, followed by hospitals & clinics (23%)—highlighting cultural and healthcare-driven demand.
- Goa saw a 62% spike in tourist searches in November, making it the most-searched destination in a single month.
- Andaman & Nicobar and Goa lead in Pubs & Bars searches accounting for 25 – 30% of searches in the restaurant category, while Bakery searches in Andhra Pradesh surged from 5% in Jan to 36% in April.
- Kamrup Metropolitan (Guwahati) recorded the highest search activity in Assam, proving its dominance as a commercial hub.
- Sri Ganga Ram Hospital was Delhi’s most-searched hospital in 2024, reinforcing its top-tier reputation.
Secret Ingredient to Spearhead Nationwide Expansion of Pekoe Café
New Delhi, 11 March 2025:– Secret Ingredient, India’s leading food consulting firm for the restaurant and hospitality industry, has announced a strategic partnership with the Dalmia Gold Tea Group to expand their popular Pekoe Café brand across India. This collaboration aims to bring Pekoe’s distinctive tea-drinking experience to cities nationwide, building on its current success in Patna and Siliguri.
Secret Ingredient will lead the expansion effort, leveraging its expertise in restaurant concept development and operational strategy. The firm’s comprehensive approach will ensure that each new Pekoe outlet maintains brand consistency while adapting to local preferences.
Nikita Dalmia, Co-Founder, Pekoe Cafe said, “Pekoe, is a vibrant celebration of India’s love for Chai Tapri and street food culture, reimagined with a touch of sophistication. We are on a mission to popularise Indian-Tapri culture along with quality teas from the House of Dalmia Gold, in a more contemporary and refined setting. Going forward, we see it as a unique proposition in the Indian café market and we wanted someone who understands this differentiated concept while enhancing the brand value. Therefore the Secret Ingredient team looks like an ideal fit to take its growth across India”.
Complemented by a diverse menu featuring Indian snacks that pair perfectly with their tea offerings. Pekoe Café stands out with its quirky interiors designed for comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere for customers. Despite offering an extraordinary experience, the café maintains budget-friendly pricing, making it accessible to a wide range of tea enthusiasts.
Kula Naidu, Director of Secret Ingredient, stated, “We have partnered with the Dalmia Gold Tea Group to bring the Pekoe café experience to more cities. Our team will work diligently to preserve the Brand’s essence while tailoring each location to resonate with local tastes and culture.”
Sid Mathur, Director at Secret Ingredient, added, “Pekoe has already captured the hearts of tea enthusiasts in Patna and Siliguri. As we expand, we’re committed to delivering a seamless and elevated experience that will delight customers across India.”
The expansion plan targets multiple cities across India, building upon Pekoe’s current locations in Patna and Siliguri. Secret Ingredient has outlined a phased rollout over the next year, focusing on key areas to ensure success. These include comprehensive market research and strategic location selection, creating inviting interior designs and ambiances that reflect the Pekoe brand, developing and localising menus to cater to regional tastes, and implementing rigorous staff training programs to maintain operational excellence across all new outlets.
Specialising in solutions for both new and existing restaurants, Secret Ingredient also extends advisory services to hotels, malls, and schools. The firm’s unique perspective stems from years of hands-on experience in the F&B industry, including operating restaurants and delivery outlets across India and advising some of the biggest names in the food industry.
Notable projects in their portfolio include: The Khyber at Gulmarg, Kaansa at Crowne Plaza Gurgaon, Lyrah at Trident Gurgaon, Koyo Koyo at Hyatt Centric Chandigarh, Select City Walk Mall in South Delhi, British School in Delhi, Olive Group, Swiggy, Anardana, and in Delhi – Bomba, Qavalli, Chica, Ditas, among several others across major locations.
Nothing 3(a) Series Launch Party with Abhay Deol, Orry and Top Influencers
Mumbai, India – March 11, 2024: London-based, technology brand, Nothing brought together innovation and entertainment at an electrifying launch party for the Nothing Phone (3a) Series at antiSOCIAL, Lower Parel, Mumbai. The event saw an exclusive guest list, including Akis Evangelidis, Co-founder, India President, Nothing, Bollywood’s beloved Abhay Deol, social media sensation Orry, well known talent manager in India Bunty Sajdeh, and top lifestyle influencers, making it a night to remember.
In line with Nothing’s “Get Closer” campaign, the venue featured enlarged, zoomed-in elements for a bold, immersive experience. The billing desk became a Nothing package, the DJ console a giant cassette, and cocktail tables featured Nothing beer cans. Guests also joined a graffiti activity, using spray cans to leave their creative mark.
The evening’s biggest surprise? Abhay Deol taking over the DJ console, delivering an unexpected yet captivating set that seamlessly blended music and technology. His unexpected DJ set, a rare treat for fans, electrified the atmosphere and made the launch even more unforgettable.
By bringing together culture, creativity, and cutting-edge tech, Nothing continues to push boundaries, reinforcing its commitment to redefining the intersection of technology and lifestyle. With the launch of the Nothing Phone (3a) Series, the brand once again proves its dedication to innovation, offering users a seamless, design-forward smartphone experience that challenges industry norms.
PadelPark Set to Put India on the World Padel Map
Mumbai, 10th March 2025: PadelPark, India’s premier 360-degree Padel company, has emerged as India’s undisputed leader, with 70% of the country’s infrastructure for the racket sport under them and spearheading its mainstream adoption. Padel, a $2 billion global industry, is rapidly expanding in India, with participation growing 200% year-on-year and an increasing demand for premium sports infrastructure. As the sport gains traction, PadelPark is spearheading the Padel revolution in India and it aims to put India on the World Map. With an end-to-end ecosystem that spans court manufacturing, facility development, coaching, retail, and competitive events, PadelPark is not just growing the sport, it is defining its future.
Founded in 2019 by Ronak Daftary, Nikhil Sachdev, Jigar Doshi, and Pratik Doshi, Padel Park officially launched operations in late 2023. In just over a year, it has installed over 100 padel courts across India, making it the country’s largest infrastructure provider. With 17 operational courts in Mumbai and 20 more under development in Delhi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Bangalore, the company has solidified partnerships and has built padel courts for corporate giants —positioning itself as the pioneer of India’s padel revolution.
PadelPark operates across four key verticals, creating a robust and self-sustaining ecosystem for the sport:
- Padel Infrastructure & Franchising – Through Sky Padel India, a strategic partner of the renowned Spanish brand, Padel Park designs, manufactures, and installs world-class padel courts. It also develops and franchises premium Padel centers, making the sport accessible across the country.
- Padel Academy & Training – Led by veteran Spanish coach Victor Perez, Padel Park’s structured coaching program currently operates across four centers in Mumbai, training over 200 players, including both adults and children. The academy also serves as India’s premier training and certification hub for Padel coaches, ensuring the sport’s long-term growth.
- Retail & Equipment – As the exclusive distributor of BullPadel in India, Padel Park brings top-tier professional equipment to Indian players, bridging the gap between local enthusiasts and global Padel standards.
- Tournaments & Competitive Growth – PadelPark has transformed the Indian Padel Tour, expanding participation from 25 teams in its first season to 120 teams today. With growing demand for structured competition, PadelPark is set to launch the country’s first professional Padel league in partnership with JSW Sports. This milestone initiative, backed by Parth Jindal, who has acquired a 20% stake in the company, is expected to drive mainstream recognition and professionalize the sport at an unprecedented level.
“Padel Park was founded with the mission of making padel accessible and popular across India. We have made significant strides in building the sport’s infrastructure and fostering a passionate community of players. With our upcoming professional league, we are taking the next big step towards cementing padel’s place in India’s sports culture,” said Nikhil Sachdev, Co-founder, PadelPark.
With its strategic expansion, market dominance, and commitment to talent development, PadelPark is leading the charge in making padel one of India’s most exciting and commercially viable emerging sports. By investing in infrastructure, grassroots development, and competitive events, the company is not just supporting a trend, it’s building a legacy.