Streax Professional, the professional division of Hygienic Research Institute Pvt. Ltd. (HRIPL), reinforced its commitment to empowering India’s future beauty professionals through an expanded Knowledge Partnership with Krishnashray Gurukul SEDI (Skill Enterprise Development Institute). The association was further strengthened during the two-day visit of Mrs Rochelle Chhabra, Head Streax Professional, on 1st and 2nd December 2025.

Streax Professional Strengthens Skill Development in Beauty & Wellness Through Knowledge Partnership with Krishnashray Gurukul

The visit marked the inauguration of the newly established Assistant Beauty Therapist (ABT) Lab, developed under the technical guidance of Streax Professional. Designed to mirror real-world salon environments, the lab will enhance hands-on learning and ensure industry-ready skills for all trainees. Rochelle toured the facility, appreciated the detailed setup, and provided valuable input to enhance the practical training infrastructure.

During her interaction with trainees and alumni, she discussed the services they provide, the clients they serve, and the challenges they face. She addressed queries on products, techniques, and new trends in hair and skin. Rochelle highlighted that “At Streax Professional, we believe skill is the foundation of confidence, independence, and lifelong opportunity. Our partnership with Krishnashray Gurukul is not just about technical education—it is about unlocking careers, shaping futures, and giving young women the chance to thrive in an industry that is evolving every day. The passion and determination I witnessed among the trainees truly reaffirm our belief in the power of skill development.”

As a special announcement, Rochelle shared that the top performers from every batch will receive an exclusive 3-day specialised training program at Streax Professional Academies in Delhi or Mumbai. She further outlined that a formal MoU will be signed to reinforce the Knowledge Partnership & discussed long-term initiatives to strengthen skill development at Krishnashray Gurukul.

Krishnashray Foundation Representatives expressed their appreciation, saying, “We are honored to have Streax Professional as our Knowledge Partner. Mrs. Rochelle Chhabra’s visit brought immense inspiration to both students and faculty. Her strategic guidance and the initiatives announced will significantly elevate the quality of training and expand career opportunities for our trainees. This partnership strengthens our mission of enabling dignified livelihoods through skill and self-reliance.”

About Krishnashray Gurukul SEDI

Nestled in the once-quiet village of Jatipura in Govardhan Tehsil, Mathura, Krishnashray Gurukul SEDI began its journey as a Silai Sewing School in collaboration with USHA, with a mission to empower women and children through skill-based learning. What started as a small initiative for the local community gradually expanded its impact, today reaching beneficiaries across nearly a 60 km radius.

To broaden opportunities for youth, the Gurukul partnered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA) to introduce accounting and Tally programs, enabling young individuals to enter the workforce with practical, industry-ready skills.

As the scale and ambition of the institute grew, Krishnashray Gurukul joined hands with the Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF) in June 2019 to establish a professionally run, structured skill development ecosystem. ACF brings decades of expertise, operating 33 skill training institutes across India and having trained more than 40,000 candidates in various trades—of which an impressive 75–80% are gainfully employed.

Today, Krishnashray Gurukul SEDI stands as a committed centre for livelihood development, creating meaningful pathways for education, employment, and self-reliance in the region.

About HRIPL

Hygienic Research Institute Private Limited (HRIPL) is a prominent Indian leader in beauty and personal care products, specializing in hair care, skin care, and salon services. With over 60 years of legacy since 1957, HRIPL has grown from a single-brand promoter-owned entity to a multi-brand, multi-category organization backed by private equity and is known for brands like Vasmol, Streax, and Streax Professional, along with Florozone in skin care. Committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, HRIPL operates with a vision to offer excellent products and services globally while fostering growth and spreading happiness. The company boasts a robust manufacturing legacy across six locations, adhering to international quality standards. HRIPL is honored with accolades such as Great Place to Work, Best Workplace for Innovation, and recognition in the FMCG sector, underscoring its commitment to excellence in workplace culture and innovation.

Marwari Catalysts (MCats) has unveiled the next cohort of its flagship accelerator program, Thrive 9.0, spotlighting six high-potential, women-led startups that are transforming India’s Healthcare and AI landscape.

MCats backing the boldest female founders

In an ecosystem where only 15% of funding goes to women founders, MCats is taking a decisive stand. With 35% female founders across its portfolio and women leading from within its own ranks, MCats is actively investing in an inclusive future. Thrive 9.0 is designed to scale these ventures from solving real-world Indian problems to achieving global impact.

MCats backing the boldest female founders

Introducing the Thrive 9.0 Cohort: Women Founders Driving Innovation

The current batch features visionary women founders building meaningful, scalable, and culture-rooted solutions across high-growth sectors:

Affordable Fertility & Healthcare Access, Founder –  Dr. Renu Sharma, Elara IVF
An Affordable chain expanding access to trusted fertility care, piloting in Rajasthan.

AI Sales Agent & Workflow Automation, Founder – Ruchika Sureka, Tvara
Private AI agents that automate sales workflows, boosting productivity and learning continuously.

Global Enablement Platform & MSME Growth, Founder – Mallika Jain, Leap Ahead India
Helping Indian MSMEs and founders access global buyers, funding, markets, and mentors.

AI for Mental Health & Memory Preservation, Founder – Neha Rajpurohit, Nostalgia Pages
A self-publishing memory capsule brand, preserving priceless school and college memories and community culture.

AI Fintech & Explainable Intelligence, Founder – Priyanka Bairathi, InteliQuant AI
InteliQuant AI empowers CXOs with real-time anomaly detection and AI enabled assurance that safeguards profitability and eliminates hidden losses.

AI Legal Tech & Compliance Solution, Founder – Rupal Mathur, Rhett
Reimagining legal compliance as a straightforward, accessible, and affordable process for startups and businesses.

 Investing in Impact: Opportunity Without Bias

“We do not only speak about women empowerment — we invest in it,” said Sushil Sharma, CEO & Founder – Marwari Catalysts Group.

“These women founders come from real India, solve real challenges, and are ready for real scale. Their success proves that innovation has no gender — and leadership has no boundaries.”

Marwari Catalysts is one of the partner organisations Women in Innovation Science & Entrepreneurship (WISE), an initiative led by BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Women Empowerment Vertical (BRICS CCI WE).

According to Ms.  Ruby Sinha, President, BRICS CCI WE and Programme Lead, BRICS CCI WE WISE, “Innovation,  collaboration and access to funding are core pillars of the WISE initiative and we commend Marwari Catalysts for their efforts to empower women entrepreneurs with a focus on technology, thus advancing the cause of inclusive innovation for creating a sustainable global economy.’’

Divya Multani Jain, Partner – Marwari Catalysts Group, added, “MCats understands India beyond metros, and together, we are building solutions rooted in culture and community, giving them a global platform.”

MCats’ mission for women-led ventures is clear:

• Discovered early in non-metro ecosystems.

• Backed with capital and conviction (seeking co-investors to accelerate the journey).

• Supported with networks that accelerate 5-10x scale in revenue and valuation.

• Celebrated as powerful leaders shaping tomorrow.

Ankita Sachdeva, Joint Director – BRICS CCI, highlighted: “With the joint efforts of BRICS and MCats, we will provide domestic and global fund, exposure, and network access from the international market. We are happy to collaborate with the MCats team and the founders.”

We extend an invitation to strategic co-investors and global ecosystem enablers whose vision aligns with supporting women entrepreneurship and scaling their impact. Become a member of the MCats Club to deploy capital with conviction and actively participate in our mission to champion diverse founders.

About Marwari Catalysts (MCats)-

Marwari Catalysts Group (MCats) is one of India’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem players (Accelerator and Venture Studio). Headquartered in Jodhpur, with regional offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, MCats manages a SEBI-approved CAT-I AIF.

MCats is actively supporting 100+ early-stage ventures across 20+ cities, backed by mentors with skin in the game. Its portfolio drives inclusion with 35% women-led startups and has already created 5,000+ jobs and successfully completed 11+ exits.

Welcome to MCats Family!

Sanrio Puroland (Tama City, Tokyo; “Puroland”), a fully indoor theme park operated by Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Tama City, Tokyo; President and CEO: Aya Komaki), celebrated its 35th anniversary on December 7, 2025, and debuted its new main parade, The Quest of Wonders Parade. The story begins with Hello Kitty finding a mythical book about a “treasure that brings eternal happiness.” Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Kuromi, and their friends set off on a delightful adventure in search of this “treasure of happiness.” The parade is an immersive experience featuring sparkling illumination, enchanting music, splendid floats and costumes, and Wonder Ribbon Lights—props held by guests.
 

Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo) Launches New Parade to Celebrate its 35th Anniversary
 

As a fully indoor theme park, Puroland offers an enjoyable experience year-round, unaffected by weather, temperature, or humidity, giving parents peace of mind when visiting with small children. The park allows guests to immerse themselves in the world of Sanrio through live shows and attractions. Puroland also presents the musical KAWAII KABUKI Momotaro by the Hello Kitty Troupe, which blends the “kawaii” charm of Sanrio characters with traditional Kabuki theater, and beyond words, a non-verbal show featuring My Melody and Kuromi that transcends language barriers for audiences of all ages and nationalities.

The Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland (“Harmonyland”) in Hiji Town, Oita, is a beloved outdoor theme park where guests can enjoy character greetings and seasonal shows while surrounded by Oita’s natural beauty. In July 2025, Harmonyland opened a new greeting facility, CHARACTER GREETING FUN STUDIO, where My Melody and other beloved characters greet guests in a photo studio-style setting for memorable photo sessions and friendly interactions.
 

Puroland exterior view (top left); KAWAII KABUKI Momotaro by the Hello Kitty Troupe (bottom left); Harmonyland exterior view (top right); CHARACTER GREETING FUN STUDIO (bottom right)​
 

Links
Sanrio Puroland official website: en.puroland.jp/language
Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland official website: www.harmonyland.jp

*When using image materials, please be sure to include the copyright notice.
© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN Copyright: Sanrio Co., Ltd.

*Images are for illustrative purposes only.
*The content of this release, including images, is current as of December 9, 2025, and may be subject to change.

VinFast India, a subsidiary of global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has been honored with the prestigious “Design of the Year Award” for its premium VF 7 SUV at the Zee Media Auto Summit 2025. The award recognizes VinFast’s commitment to innovative design that blends style, functionality, and sustainability to redefine the Indian automotive landscape.

L-R: Mr. Raktim Das, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Ltd.; Mr. Bhartendu Singh, CMO, VinFast India; & Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, GoI

The Zee Media Auto Summit is an annual gathering organised by Zee Media Publications, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to highlight key achievements and examine the trends shaping the future of mobility in India. Known for its credible industry discussions, it has become a respected name among India’s automotive awards.

At this year’s event, the VinFast VF 7 made a strong impression on the distinguished jury with its futuristic yet functional design. 

Drawing inspiration from aerospace engineering, especially supersonic aircraft, the C-segment SUV uses sharp lines and bold forms to convey speed and precision even at rest. Hidden door handles, widened proportions, and a tapered roofline add visual drama while improving aerodynamics.

The VF 7’s interior continues the design language known as “Asymmetric Aerospace,” developed by Italy’s Torino Design, with a driver-focused cockpit layout. Strong performance, an expansive panoramic glass roof, large touchscreens, and a full suite of ADAS features work together to give the VF 7 a clear edge in India’s electric vehicle segment.

The accolade adds to a growing list of honours for the VF 7 less than a year after its launch in India, including Most Awaited New Car by ABP Live News and EV Disruptor of the Year by the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards. The VF 7 and the smaller VF 6 are both assembled at VinFast’s facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, “We are deeply honoured to receive the Design of the Year award from Zee Media, a foremost authority in automotive journalism. This accolade reflects the unwavering dedication of our team to innovation and excellence. The VF 7 represents VinFast’s steadfast commitment to introducing stylish and sustainable mobility solutions tailored to the Indian market.“

Mr. Rajiv Malik, Auto Editor – Zee Media Publications, said, “The VF 7 epitomises excellence in contemporary automotive design, distinguished by its elegant proportions and meticulous engineering. This recognition affirms VinFast’s vision in crafting vehicles that marry sophistication with advanced technology, in alignment with evolving consumer expectations.”

Within a short span, VinFast has established itself as one of the most promising entrants in India’s EV sector, driven by its visionary approach and dedication to delivering premium, accessible electric vehicles for all. The company is building a comprehensive EV ecosystem that integrates manufacturing, retail, charging, and after-sales services to ensure a seamless customer experience, by establishing strategic collaboration with local partnerships. It currently operates 24 dealerships across key cities and plans to reach 35 by the end of CY2025.

With a steadfast focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric design, VinFast continues to advance its mission of accelerating the transition to clean mobility while shaping a greener, more inclusive future for India’s automotive industry.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in https://vinfastauto.in/en

About Zee Media Auto Summit
The Zee Media Auto Summit is a distinguished annual event that convenes industry leaders, experts, and visionaries to celebrate outstanding achievements and deliberate emerging trends shaping the future of mobility in India. Organised by Zee Media Publications, the summit is recognised as a premier platform for excellence in automotive journalism and industry accolades.

Learn more at: events.india.com/zee-auto-summit-2025

Truecaller today announced the launch of Family Protection, a major new feature designed to make digital safety a shared experience among families. Built directly into the Truecaller app on both Android and iOS, Family Protection enables users to form trusted family groups to provide real-time protection against scams and unwanted calls. On Android, the Family Administrator can receive alerts during potential scam calls for other family members and end such calls remotely.

Truecaller announces the launch of Family Protection Feature

A New Proposition for Family Safety
Family Protection lets up to five people join a trusted family group with shared tools that help them stay safe from scam calls. Each group has a Family Admin who can set protection levels, manage blocklists, and guide how unwanted calls are handled. On Android, the Admin can also use real-time support tools to step in when a suspicious call appears. The aim is simple: make it easier to protect less tech-savvy loved ones from increasingly sophisticated scam calls.

Truecaller announces the launch of Family Protection Feature

Powerful Protection and Remote Management
Family Protection gives the Family Admin a clear set of tools to guide safety across the group. The Family Admin can set and update protection levels, manage blocklists and use remote support tools when needed. On Android, the Admin can also receive alerts during potential scam calls, send suspicious calls to family members remotely and see real-time status signals such as battery level, phone activity and availability. 

These tools give families a clearer picture of how their loved ones are using their phones and help them step in when support is needed.

A Growth Driver for Engagement and Premium Conversion
Family Protection is a free feature but opens a new path for engagement and long-term revenue. By helping families protect one another, Truecaller strengthens its role in daily communication and adds a shared safety layer that encourages repeat use.

For families who want a stronger level of protection, Truecaller Premium Family offers a natural upgrade. The plan covers up to five people and adds advanced spam blocking, automatic rejection of high-risk numbers, and an ad-free experience. This aligns directly with Truecaller’s strategic objective of growing recurring subscription revenues and driving user stickiness through high-value features.

Phased Rollout and Market Focus
Family Protection is first rolling out in four pilot markets: Sweden, Chile, Malaysia, and Kenya. India launch is planned for Q1 2026. This phased rollout allows Truecaller to learn from early adoption and prepare for broader deployment in our largest market.

Looking Ahead
Family Protection marks an important step in Truecaller’s product strategy, moving beyond call identification toward a wider ecosystem of communication safety. It reflects the company’s long-term vision to make tomorrow’s communication smarter, safer and more efficient.

“Truecaller is already being used by members of the family, and now we empower the “CTO” of the family to protect the less tech savvy members” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO at Truecaller. “As scam tactics evolve, we want Truecaller to be the platform families rely on for peace of mind and proactive protection.”

About Truecaller
Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 450 million active users, with more than a billion downloads since launch and close to 56 billion unwanted calls identified and blocked in 2024 alone. The company has been headquartered in Stockholm since 2009 and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021.

Visit www.truecaller.com for more information.

Equilibrium Climbing Station, India’s pioneering homegrown climbing ecosystem, announces the launch of its newest and most expansive facility in Whitefield on 6th of December 2025. The opening will be accompanied by Equinox, the brand’s annual community-first climbing gathering and celebration of movement. The launch also marks the debut of SLAB, Equilibrium’s in-house cafe.

Equilibrium Climbing Station unveils its 8,200 sq. ft. Whitefield space. A bold, community-first space shaping the future of climbing and movement in Bangalore

Spread across 8200 sq. ft., Equilibrium Whitefield brings together state-of-the-art climbing, strength training, recovery, and community-building zones in one unified, high-performance space designed for both first-time climbers and national-level athletes.

A New Chapter for Indian Climbing

Equilibrium began in 2013 with a simple goal: to create a space that matched the needs of India’s strongest climbers. Intended as a dedicated space for elite athletes, it quickly attracted a diverse community of students, travellers, and first-time climbers who discovered the sport and kept coming back. Equilibrium further evolved into India’s first homegrown climbing gear ecosystem, including shoes, crash pads, holds, and volumes.

Equilibrium Whitefield represents the brand’s largest leap yet, a facility built to support real training, real movement, and the growing community that has shaped climbing culture in India.

The SLAB Café Launch

The launch also marks the opening of SLAB – Equilibrium’s new in-house café concept inspired by the textures and geometry of climbing. Serving personal-sized pizzas, smoothies, sandos, salads, and coffee. Designed as a warm, communal gathering point, SLAB reflects the same spirit of movement, creativity, and connection that defines Equilibrium.

Facility Highlights

• Full-scale bouldering arena

• 16 roped climbing lanes across 10–12m walls for lead, top-rope, and speed

• Dedicated strength & conditioning zone

• Recovery and cool-down area to support safe progression

• Fully equipped kids’ climbing section designed for safety and exploration

• SLAB — Equilibrium’s in-house cafe

Equilibrium is steered by long-time climbers, coaches, and community builders Archana B S and Mahanya Sreedhar, both of whom remain deeply connected to the floor, climbing, testing gear, and shaping the community they lead.

“Equilibrium started as a small space with big dreams. Today, we’re proud to launch a facility that meets global standards while staying honest to our roots, inclusive, grounded, and community-first. Whitefield is our commitment to building Indian climbing, one climber at a time,” Mahanya Sreedhar, Managing Director, Equilibrium Climbing Station.

Climb Bold. Move Free. It’s not just a motto; it’s the mindset behind everything Equilibrium creates.

For more information, visit Instagram @equilibriumclimbing_hoodi

Address: 415, 10th Cross Rd, Thigalarapalya, Hoodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560048, India.

Contact: +91 90714 15444

About Equilibrium

Founded in 2013, Equilibrium Climbing Station is India’s first fully homegrown climbing ecosystem. From handcrafted walls on Residency Road to world-class gyms in Bengaluru and Goa, Equilibrium has grown into a movement shaped by community, innovation, and a commitment to building climbing culture in India. Beyond gyms, the brand designs and manufactures climbing shoes, crash pads, holds, and volumes, all made in India and tested by the country’s strongest climbers.

UnboxingBLR, in partnership with Social Alpha and WTFund, and supported by the Government of Karnataka and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), announced today the selection of the Top 15 startups for the Namma Bengaluru Challenge ’26 (NBC ’26). This flagship initiative is designed to identify, support, and scale high-impact innovations addressing Bengaluru’s most pressing climate challenges in sectors like Construction, Water & Sanitation, Waste Management, and Air Pollution.

Namma Bengaluru Challenge ’26 Shortlists Top 15 Finalists from Record 600 Applications to Tackle Urban Climate Crisis

The finalists were chosen from a record-breaking pool of close to 600 registrations, demonstrating the nation’s vibrant entrepreneurial response to environmental sustainability. A technical evaluation now awaits the shortlisted startups, with an expert technical jury meticulously assessing each of the 15 startups ahead of the final round. The top selected startups will then advance to the final stage, where they will pitch live before a distinguished final jury on January 24, 2026, to compete for implementation grants of up to INR 25 lakhs each.

A Rigorous Selection Process
The journey to the top 15 involved a meticulous evaluation by Social Alpha. The criteria framework in which the evaluation happened were areas such as innovation, go-to-market strategy, implementation, etc. The technical jury will play a very crucial role in assessing each of the 15 shortlisted startups before the final round. The technical jury comprises:

• Vineet Prasani, Chief Information Officer at Social Alpha

• Vishwanath S, Director at Biome Environmental Solutions

• Sridhar L, Head of ESG at Bangalore International Airport Limited 

• Jagan Shah, CEO at The Infravision Foundation

• Aarathi Kumar, Senior Manager, Executive Office at WRI India

• Suhail Rahman, Managing Director and CEO at CoEvolve Estates 

The application breakdown highlighted the city’s key concerns: Waste Management (44%), Water & Sanitation (32%), Sustainable Construction (18%), and Air Pollution (6%)

The Final Showdown & a Consortium for Impact
The finalists will present their solutions to the Final Jury comprising:

• Prashanth Prakash (Co-Founder and Chairperson, UnboxingBLR)

• Malini Goyal (Co-Founder and CEO, UnboxingBLR)

• Manoj Kumar (Founder, Social Alpha)

• Hari Marar (Managing Director and CEO, BIAL)

• Pavitra Shankar (Managing Director, Brigade Group)

The winning startups will receive grant funding of INR 25 lakhs and crucial support for 6-month pilot deployments with government, private sector, and civil society partners in Bengaluru.

“NBC ’26 bridges the critical gap between innovation and implementation. The Top 15 represent solutions with the highest potential for real-world impact in Bengaluru. We are now one step closer to deploying these technologies on the ground, in partnership with government and private stakeholders,” Prashanth Prakash, Co-Founder and Chairperson, UnboxingBLR.

“The overwhelming quality and volume of applications for NBC ’26 signals a powerful shift. Innovators are actively building the toolkit for urban climate resilience. Selecting only 15 startups from nearly 600 brilliant ideas was a formidable task, and we congratulate those moving forward to the final pitch,” Malini Goyal, Co-Founder and CEO, UnboxingBLR.

“The Namma Bengaluru Challenge reflects our commitment to advancing science and technology-led solutions that can meaningfully shape Bengaluru’s urban transition. In anchoring the technical jury process, our role has been to ensure a rigorous evaluation framework, one that prioritises solution robustness, pilot feasibility, impact potential, and scalability, while drawing on the expertise of distinguished subject matter experts in the ecosystem. This stage is crucial in surfacing solutions that are both visionary and deployable in real-world conditions, ahead of the final jury deliberations,” Manoj Kumar, Founder, Social Alpha.

“Bangalore has been home to many a startup and has long served as India’s natural sandbox for innovation. As India rises as a global startup hub, the city is at the heart of it, offering founders not just access to talent but an entire collaborative ecosystem. NBC presents a unique opportunity to plug into a platform designed to bring together government, corporates and entrepreneurs to create solutions that address local challenges. With climate change and unplanned rapid growth impacting the future of cities, aligning innovation with environmental responsibility is imperative. As an organisation with deep roots in Bangalore, Brigade is focused on creating sustainable spaces that serve the needs of our individual customers and community at large. There is nothing more important than channelling this collective effort to build a future-ready Bangalore,” Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Group.

NBC ’26 is powered by a strong consortium of partners committed to systemic change:

Challenge Partners

• Bangalore International Airport Limited

• Brigade Group

Program Partners

• Bengaluru Climate Action Cell (Climate Action Partner)

• WRI India (Knowledge Partner)

• Brigade REAP

• CoEvolve Estates (Pilot Partner)

• Biome Environmental Solutions (Pilot Partner)

• GoodEarth (Pilot Partner)

About UnboxingBLR
UnboxingBLR (UBLR) is a Bengaluru-focused collaborative platform dedicated to celebrating and shaping the city’s culture and identity. Founded in 2023 by Prashanth Prakash and Malini Goyal, UBLR brings together people, communities, and institutions to co-create Bengaluru’s story, serving as a city champion, idea catalyst, and collaborative platform.

UBLR drives initiatives such as the Namma Bengaluru Challenge, an accelerator that supports startups and changemakers tackling urban challenges; BLR Hubba, a city-wide festival celebrating art and culture; the annual We Are City Data Report, a data-driven snapshot of how citizens experience and engage with Bengaluru; and Code to Culture, a podcast exploring the city and its people. Together, these initiatives highlight citizen-led innovation and showcase Bengaluru’s cultural vibrancy in action.

For more information, please log on to www.unboxingblr.com.

In a momentous acknowledgement from one of the leading authorities that independently reviews and recognises the world’s finest luxury hotels, The Gallivanter’s Guide – Editor’s Choice Award for ‘Hotel of the Year 2025’ has been awarded to The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam. Trusted for over three decades by top travellers globally, this prestigious accolade places the property amongst the best in the global luxury hospitality landscape.

The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam

Set amidst 1400 acres of Assam’s historic tea plantations, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate offers a serene, immersive escape where experiential luxury is redefined by authenticity and unhurried time. Every element, from carefully curated culinary experiences to personalised service with deep respect for the local heritage, truly celebrates the destination and reflects The Postcard Hotel’s commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences.

The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam

This year’s selection followed a first-hand evaluation by Philippe Servais, Editor-in-Chief of The Gallivanter’s Guide, whose reviews are regarded as a definitive benchmark for luxury travellers seeking authenticity, excellence, and emotional resonance. After extensive global travels through 2025, Philippe identified – The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam as the standout winner amongst shortlisted hotels across different continents – praising its “rare combination of warmth, intuition, and a deeply felt sense of place.” He also noted that the brand’s true differentiators become evident after more than one stay, revealing a consistent thread of intention, honesty, and quiet confidence that binds the portfolio across its diverse locations.

Philippe also visited another property by the brand, The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, and mentioned that it was just as accomplished. He further added, “The Postcard vision – intimate, sincere, unhurried, and rooted in place – feels profoundly relevant to discerning travellers today.” Also recognising The Postcard Hotel’s emphasis on character and service rather than facilities and spectacle, he indicated that the brand’s anytime check-in and check-out, all-day breakfast, as well as genuine hospitality delivered with sincerity at its hotels – quietly disrupts the status quo of Indian luxury. 

“To be recognised amongst the world’s finest hotels by The Gallivanter’s Guide is an extraordinary honour. Assam holds a very special place in our journey, and this award also celebrates the consistent dedication and hard work of our incredible team. We continue to remain committed to uplifting local communities through sustainable livelihoods – ensuring that our presence creates meaningful and lasting impact on the destination,” said Kapil Chopra, Founder of The Postcard Hotel. He further added, “For the Editor to select The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate after experiencing our property and some of the most celebrated luxury hotels globally – is both deeply humbling as well as encouraging.”

With this honour, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate creates a distinctive place for itself within a distinguished list of the world’s finest hotels recognised over the years by The Gallivanter’s Guide. For more than three decades, it has been one of the most respected global authorities on luxury travel, shaping opinions of the world’s most discerning travellers. Its ‘Hotel of the Year’ honour is awarded through rigorous, independently conducted reviews — making it a highly coveted global recognition.

About The Postcard Hotel

Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel—a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world.

Today, The Postcard Hotel’s growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its four retreats—Saligao, Velha, Cuelim, and Hideaway—capture the region’s charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting.

Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka—each a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance.

For more brand and hotel information, please visit the website, and Instagram handles @thepostcardhotel @thepostcarddurrungteaestate.

STAGE, the OTT platform built for India’s regional language audiences, has completed a INR 4.2 crore secondary transaction that allowed early employees and angel investors to partially exit their holdings. The transaction was facilitated by Hissa Fund, which specializes in providing liquidity to startup employees before traditional exit events.

STAGE in partnership with HISSA Fund completes INR 4.2 Crore liquidity event – 8 early employees cash out ESOPs after 6-year bet on regional content

Six years, from zero to six million
For the eight employees who participated, this wasn’t a routine financial event. Several joined STAGE when the idea of building a premium OTT platform for Haryanvi, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri content seemed like a moon shot. 

Junaid and Kunal, both founding team members who have been with STAGE since day one. They are among those who sold a portion of their vested ESOPs.

“I used the money to pay off my home loan,” says Junaid. “In the Indian context, fully owning the house where your family sleeps means something. Six years ago, I took a risk when I decided to back my founders. Today, that bet has paid for my home.”

Kunal’s first move was simpler: “I gave it to my mother,” he said. “Watching her face when she saw the amount credited, I’ll remember this moment for a long time.”

Rohit Deshmukh (Product Manager at STAGE) saw the buyback as proof of something he’d sensed when he joined. “I’ve worked at places where ‘ownership culture’ is a slide in an all-hands deck. Here, I got ESOPs on day one. Now I’ve cashed a portion of them out. That’s the difference between talking about ownership and actually doing it.” 

Why this matters 
STAGE has grown to over 6 million+ paying subscribers, making it one of India’s largest regional language OTT platforms. The company is preparing to launch in two additional markets like Marathi & Gujarati in 2026.

“As a founder, this is one of the most satisfying milestones,” says Vinay Singhal, Co-Founder of STAGE. “The people who believed in us when we had nothing now have something real to show for it. That’s how it should work.”

For Satish Mugulavalli, Managing Partner at Hissa Fund, STAGE represents a broader shift. “Early employees at high-growth companies often wait years for any liquidity. We are proud to help STAGE’s team realize returns while the company is still scaling.”

About STAGE 
STAGE is India’s leading hyperlocal entertainment OTT platform, offering original web series, films, micro-dramas and entertainment in Haryanvi, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri. The platform serves audiences who want premium content in their own dialects.

About Hissa Fund 
The Hissa Fund I is a $35 million effort to solve an overlooked but important problem; Employees in growth stage startups are sitting on nearly $3 billion of ESOP value they can’t actually monetise. We’re the first fund designed to change that. By purchasing shares representing exercised options, we help them turn years of hard work into real liquidity. Thereby, we also help the startups to maximise the value of the grants they make.