ITC Hotels Strengthens Storii Portfolio, Plans Over 220 Operational Hotels by 2030

Franchise India hosted Franchise Conclave Jaipur on September 26, 2026 at The Lalit, near Jawahar Circle in the pink city. The event brought many national and international brands under one roof and Franchise India Jaipur provided a strategic platform for HNIs and mid-scale investors to connect with national and international franchising brands for different business opportunities.

The event offered  structured entrepreneurship and franchising network HNIs, retail property owners, and multi-brand operators seeking scalable and proven business formats.

The event offered entrepreneurship and franchising network opportunities for more than 250 registered visitors who attended the event. More than 10 deals are in the pipeline, showcasing the success of the event in the franchising sector.
 
The investors were able to secure master franchising opportunities, fractional ownership investments, and FOCO models with different brands through networking on this platform. Leading brands like GIVA, Cult.fit, Geetanjali Salon, tbz, Karim’s, Polaris, Palmonas, Zepto etc. attended the event.

Commenting on the event success, Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group, shared: ‘‘The event concluded on high note, generated strong business interest for more than 25 investors, and more than 10 franchise deals currently in the pipeline, highlighting the growing investors interests in franchise-led business opportunities across sectors. The event created a  dynamic platform for HNIs, multi-brand operators and different national and international brands, creating meaningful business connections, franchise partnerships, and new growth opportunities  in the sector.

Overall, the event highlighted the growth opportunities in the franchise business ecosystem in India, generating long-term deals, business expansions, investments and collaborations, giving new heights to the sector.

Commenting on the event participation, Rohit Burnwal, Business Development Manager , Curefit, shares, ‘‘Building Cult.fit’s presence beyond the metros and exploring new growth opportunities. A great day at Franchise India Jaipur, connecting with aspiring entrepreneurs and potential partners.’’

Franchise India hosted Pune Franchise Show on September, 26, 2026 at Lemon Tree Premier. The event provided a strategic platform for HNIs and mid-scale investors who connected with national and international franchising brands for different business opportunities.

The event offered a structured entrepreneurship and franchising network for first-time entrepreneurs, HNIs, retail property owners, and multi-brand operators seeking scalable and proven business formats, and was attended by hundreds of business enthusiasts and investors who wanted to invest in different master franchising opportunities.

The investors were able to secure master franchising opportunities with national and international brands, fractional ownership investments, FOCO models through networking on this platform.

Leading brands like Palmonas, GIVA, Zepto, Chromebook, Geetanjali Salon, Polaris, Cult, Blenz, Doner Shack, Barcelos, Frank’s, Yogurt Factory etc., participated in the event. The event was attended by 300 registered visitors and more than 30 deals are in pipeline, creating business opportunities worth INR 5 crore. This highlighted the strong investor interest and growing demand for franchise-led business opportunities in India across sectors.

Commenting on the success of the event, Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India, said, “The Pune Franchise Show brought together leading brands, aspiring entrepreneurs, and high-potential investors, creating a dynamic platform for them for meaningful business connections, franchise partnerships, and new growth opportunities across diverse sectors. The successful conclusion of the event reflects the growing momentum of franchising in India and highlights the immense potential the sector offers to brands, investors, and entrepreneurs alike.”

Overall, the event highlighted the growth opportunities in the franchise business ecosystem in India, generating long-term deals, business expansions, investments and collaborations, leading to the success of this sector in India. The next edition of the Franchise show will be organised in Ahemdabad on October 03, 2026 at Renaissance Hotel. 

Franchise India hosted ‘Franchise & Investment Conclave 2026’ on September 13, 2026, at Leela Ambience, Gurugram. The conclave serves as a premium platform for strategic partnership and high-value investments in the franchise sector, empowering the growth of new businesses in India.

The event brings together Indian and international franchise brands and investors under one roof for multiple investment levels, business formats, and asset structures. The event is organised with the aim of building a structured entrepreneurship and franchising network for first-time entrepreneurs, HNIs, retail property owners, and multi-brand operators seeking scalable and proven business formats.

The investors can secure master franchising opportunities with national and international brands, fractional ownership investments, FOCO models through networking on this platform. There were 430 registered visitors and more than 100 HNI investors in the event seeking over INR 1 crore investment. There are 7 franchising deals in pipeline with the global brand, showcasing the  success of the event. The event’s major focus is the food and retail segment with significant participation from Blenz, Doner Shack, Barcelos, The Sovalaki, Ichak Dana Foods, Franks etc. The jewelry franchises were also in huge demand.

Commenting on the success of the event, Mr. Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India, said: "The Franchise & Investment Conclave in Delhi concluded on a successful note, drawing the participation of leading brands and high-potential investors. The event created a dynamic platform for meaningful business connections, franchise partnerships and growth opportunities across diverse sectors."

Overall, the event highlights the growing market penetration and growth of the franchise business ecosystem in India, generating long-term deals, business expansions, investments and collaborations between the two or more parties, leading to growth and success of the sector. 

Franchise India has hosted 'Master Franchise Conclave Hyderabad' on August 29, 2026 in The Park Hotel, Hyderabad.

The event is dedicated to facilitate ‘multi-sectoral’ franchise deals and opportunities, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and leading Indian and international brands under one roof. It provides a platform for investors and entrepreneurs seeking regional master franchise and area development opportunities to connect with established brands across diverse sectors and markets.

The investors have network sessions, and meetings with the master franchisees throughout the day, enabling first-hand collaborations with brands to scale its business, resale and drive start-up investments. More than 500 people attended the event.

The event enables active participation of industry stakeholders across different sectors, facilitating face-to-face conversations between collaborators and investors. The event serves as a structured, medium/channel for franchisees and investors, with significant participation from leading brands such as GIVA, Senco, Indriya, Doner Shack, easyGym, Barcelos, Coffeeshop Company, Figaro’s Pizza, Seven Fries, Smoothie Factory, etc. The conclave also supports discussion around new business opportunities and growth in the franchise sector.
 

Commenting on the event, Mr. Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group, said: "The Hyderabad Master Franchise Event concluded on a high note, drawing a strong mix of leading brands and high-potential investors. The event created a dynamic platform for meaningful business connections, franchise partnerships and growth opportunities across diverse sectors"

Overall, the event highlights the growing market penetration and growth of the franchise business ecosystem in India, generating long-term deals, business expansions, investments and collaborations between the two or more parties, driving the ‘franchising and entrepreneurial spirit’ in India.

Franchise India has hosted ‘MasterFranchise Conclave’ on August 08, 2026 in Courtyard by Marriott in Mumbai. The event is co-sponsored by easyGym and Global Franchise Forum, bringing together more than 300 high end inventors (HNI), franchise partners and other medium and small-size investors under one roof.

The event focuses on providing a suitable platform for network sessions, franchising opportunities and investors meeting throughout the day, ensuring first hand collaboration between investors and master franchisees. The conclave also showcases live-brands, enables business resale and drives start-up investments for investors.

The event serves as a structured, associating medium/channel between franchisees and investors,  with significant participation from leading brands such as Adani, Ambuja Cement, cutfit, Chromebook, Zepto, Nilkamal, Bercelos, Seven Fries, The Souvlaki, Divine Solitaires, LIMPO, Stellararossa, Sabrosa Taco, etc. The media retail partner of the event is Retailer magazine. The event enables active participation across different sectors, facilitating face-to-face conversations between collaborators and investors. Industry association bodies like ISFA and industry stakeholders are also present during the event, supporting discussion around new business opportunities and growth in the franchise sector.

The event completed 26 business investors registrations on the spot to close their franchise investments within the next one month.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group, said: “The Mumbai franchise event was a tremendous success, attracting serious entrepreneurs, leading brands, and valuable opportunities for business growth and franchise investments across industries. ”

The event highlights the growing market penetration in the franchise sector in India and how investors are increasingly looking upon big and small investments in this high-growth sector.  The event further enables growth in the franchise business ecosystem, generating long-term deals, business expansions and collaborations between the two parties,  and thereby driving the ‘present and future of modern entrepreneurship’ in India. 
 

The Indian Small Business and Franchise Association (ISFA) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Roscongress Foundation at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026 in Russia, marking a step toward strengthening business collaboration between India and Russia. The agreement was signed by Gaurav Marya, Chairman of ISFA, and Alexander Stuglev, Chief Executive Officer of the Roscongress Foundation.

The partnership is aimed at creating new opportunities for Indian MSMEs, startups, SMEs, franchise businesses, investors, and industry leaders by facilitating greater engagement with Russian and Eurasian markets. Under the agreement, both organisations will work to encourage long-term business cooperation between India and Russia while supporting communication and collaboration among businesses, policymakers, investors, and industry experts from both countries.

The collaboration will focus on developing international communication platforms, strengthening existing business relationships, and creating new partnerships across sectors. It will also support investment, trade, export-import activities, franchise business development, tourism, and cultural cooperation. In addition, both organisations will jointly promote initiatives aimed at economic development and business growth.

The agreement is expected to improve market access for Indian enterprises seeking opportunities in Russia and Eurasia. It will also help facilitate cross-border investments and provide businesses with networking opportunities involving investors, policymakers, and global stakeholders. The exchange of market intelligence, industry insights, and expert guidance will form another key area of cooperation.

As part of the partnership, ISFA and the Roscongress Foundation will organise bilateral and multilateral forums, conferences, exhibitions, business meetings, and trade fairs. The two organisations will also undertake knowledge-sharing initiatives, expert consultations, promotional activities, and industry outreach programmes. Events and initiatives will be promoted through the communication channels of both organisations.

The collaboration is expected to create new avenues for Indian businesses to explore international markets, attract investments, build strategic partnerships, and participate in global economic forums. It also reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen economic engagement between India and Russia while supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development.

As brands look to expand across regions and countries, the Master Franchise model has become one of the most effective growth strategies in the franchising industry. It allows businesses to scale rapidly while creating attractive opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

What is a Master Franchise?

A Master Franchise is a franchise agreement in which a franchisor grants an individual, company, or investment group the exclusive rights to develop and operate a brand within a specific territory, state, or country. The master franchisee can not only open and manage outlets but may also recruit, train, and support sub-franchisees within the assigned territory.

Origin / Concept

The concept of master franchising emerged as brands sought faster and more efficient ways to enter new markets without managing every location directly. By partnering with local entrepreneurs who understand the market, consumer behavior, and business environment, brands can expand with reduced operational complexity.

How Does It Work?

Under a master franchise arrangement, the franchisor provides the brand, business model, operational systems, and ongoing support. In return, the master franchisee invests in the territory and takes responsibility for developing the network. The master franchisee earns revenue through outlet operations, franchise fees, and a share of royalties generated by sub-franchisees.

Why is it Important?

For brands, the model enables quicker market penetration, lower expansion costs, and access to local expertise. For investors, it offers exclusive territorial rights, greater earning potential, and the opportunity to build a large-scale business under an established brand.

Industries Where Master Franchising is Common

Master franchising is widely used across sectors such as Food & Beverage, Retail, Education, Beauty & Wellness, Healthcare, Fitness, and Business Services. Many international brands entering new markets prefer this route to accelerate growth and strengthen their local presence.

Final Word

A Master Franchise is more than a franchise agreement—it is a strategic partnership that benefits both brands and investors. As franchising continues to grow globally, master franchising remains a preferred expansion model for companies seeking rapid growth and entrepreneurs looking for scalable business opportunities. Its ability to combine brand strength with local market expertise makes it a cornerstone of successful franchise expansion.

Siguler Guff has announced a 40 million dollar investment in Trimex Foods Private Limited to support the expansion of its restaurant portfolio across India. Trimex is the exclusive franchise partner in the country for brands such as Chili's Grill and Bar, PAUL, and Cinnabon.

This marks Trimex’s first institutional funding round and is expected to support the company’s expansion across existing markets as well as the introduction of additional global brands.

Founded in 2010, Trimex operates more than 50 outlets across 13 cities in India, covering both casual dining restaurants and bakery cafés. The company holds nationwide rights for its brand portfolio and has built a presence in the organised food services segment through a focus on menu positioning and operational consistency.

The investment highlights growing investor interest in India’s food services market, which is projected to see sustained growth over the coming years. Siguler Guff’s India-focused investment team identified Trimex as a scalable platform led by founders, with experience in managing international brands in a competitive market.

Shaun Khubchandani, Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager, Siguler Guff said, “India’s food services sector is undergoing a structural shift as consumers increasingly gravitate toward globally recognized dining experiences. The platform built over the past fifteen years is notable, representing a scalable, multi-brand platform with industry-leading execution and a strong customer following. We are excited to support Trimex in building a premier, enduring consumer franchise in the restaurant space and replicate its success over a bigger scale by leveraging our global network.” 

A spokesperson for Trimex Foods said, “We are delighted to welcome Siguler Guff as our partner. Since the Company’s founding, we have focused on building a platform that delivers world-class dining experiences to Indian consumers while maintaining the highest standards of operational consistency. Siguler Guff’s global expertise and their track record of partnering with consumer businesses in emerging markets make them a great partner for our next phase of growth.”

Battery Smart has raised $15 million in debt funding from Mirova to scale its battery-as-a-service infrastructure and expand its partner-led network across urban and semi-urban markets in India.

The funding will be used to strengthen the company’s battery swapping network, which allows electric vehicle drivers to replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones within minutes. This model aims to reduce downtime, lower upfront vehicle costs, and improve utilisation for high-frequency users such as last-mile delivery and passenger mobility operators.

Since launching its first partner-led station in New Delhi in June 2020, Battery Smart has expanded to over 1,600 stations across 50 cities. The company’s system enables battery swapping in around two minutes, allowing drivers to remain operational with minimal interruptions.

The company plans to use the capital to expand its footprint further and support demand from gig economy drivers and fleet operators. The expansion is expected to improve access and operational efficiency as electric mobility adoption continues to increase in India.

Pulkit Khurana, Founder and CEO, Battery Smart said, “This financing marks an important step for us as we continue to scale our battery-as-a-service network across India. With Mirova’s support, we aim to accelerate network expansion and further our focus on making electric mobility more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for drivers across the country.”

Priyanka Mehrotra, Investment Director, Mirova Division of Natixis Investment Managers Singapore Limited added, “This transaction marks our third investment in India, thus reflecting continued commitment to supporting high-impact climate solutions in emerging markets. We are pleased to support the next phase of Battery Smart’s growth, rooted in a scalable and operationally efficient model that addresses both environmental and economic challenges, particularly in last-mile mobility.”

TSW Capital Services Private Ltd acted as the transaction advisor for this financing.

Curefit Healthcare Pvt Ltd, which operates Cult.fit, has appointed four independent directors as it prepares for a potential public listing. The company has onboarded Kalpana Morparia, Arun M Kumar, Indu Bhushan, and Pragya Misra to its board. The appointments come shortly after the company raised Rs 440 crore from Temasek.

Kalpana Morparia, former Chairman of JPMorgan South and Southeast Asia, has held leadership roles at ICICI Bank and was awarded the Padma Shri in January 2024. Arun M. Kumar is Managing Partner at Celesta Capital. Indu Bhushan previously served as the founding CEO of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and is a former IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre. Pragya Misra currently leads strategy and global affairs for India at OpenAI.

Founded in 2016, Cult.fit operates a hybrid fitness model combining digital services through its app with physical centres across 300 cities in India. Its subscription offering, Cultpass, provides access to gyms, group classes, and virtual training.

The company has raised over $720 million to date from investors including Zomato, Tata Digital, Temasek, Kalaari Capital, and South Park Commons.

As part of its IPO preparations, Cult.fit has appointed Axis Capital, Jefferies, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JM Financial as bankers. The company is reportedly targeting to raise Rs 2,500 crore, with an estimated valuation of around $2 billion. For the financial year ended March 2025, Cult.fit reported a 31 percent increase in operating revenue to Rs 1,216 crore from Rs 927 crore in FY24. Losses narrowed by 10 percent to Rs 480.8 crore.

Lenexis Foodworks has announced the appointment of Arvind R P as Chief Executive Officer as the company prepares for its next phase of growth. The company operates over 260 stores across brands such as Chinese Wok, Big Bowl, and The Momo Co.

Arvind brings more than 25 years of experience across sectors, including QSR, FMCG, beauty, fashion, and automotive. Before joining Lenexis Foodworks, he served as Chief Business Officer South at McDonald’s India, where he contributed to business growth and brand development. His experience includes leadership in profit and loss management, brand building, digital transformation, and team development.

In his new role, Arvind will lead the company’s expansion strategy, focusing on scaling its brands, improving operations, and building a stronger organisational structure. The appointment comes as Lenexis Foodworks plans to expand its store network to 500 outlets by 2028 and strengthen its presence across categories such as Desi Chinese, bowl-based formats, and momos.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director, Lenexis Foodworks said, “We are delighted to welcome Arvind to Lenexis Foodworks at a pivotal stage in our journey. As we scale our brands and strengthen our presence across India, his deep experience in building consumer businesses, driving P&L growth, and creating digital-first organisations will be invaluable. Arvind’s leadership will help us sharpen execution, strengthen our operating backbone, and accelerate our ambition of building category-leading QSR brands.”

Arvind R P, Chief Executive Officer, Lenexis Foodworks said, “Lenexis Foodworks has built a strong foundation with a portfolio of distinctive brands, and embodies the ambition of a new-age Indian food services platform. I am excited to join the team at this pivotal stage, and help accelerate growth. The opportunity to build a future-ready QSR platform and drive category leadership across brands is truly compelling.”

With this leadership change, Lenexis Foodworks aims to strengthen its growth plans and expand its footprint across India, supported by a focus on scalable operations and consumer-focused offerings.

Actors and entrepreneurs Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani have partnered with Invision Brands to introduce global franchise brands, including easyGym, 5àsec, and Blenz Coffee, to the Indian market. The collaboration aims to expand internationally established lifestyle, fitness, and service brands in India through franchise-led growth. The initiative combines entrepreneurial partnerships with franchise expertise to build consumer businesses across major urban markets.

Invision Brands operates under the Franchise India Group and works to introduce international franchise concepts into India. The expansion will be supported by the group’s franchising ecosystem, which connects global brands with investors and franchise partners across the country.

Among the brands entering India is easyGym, part of the UK-based easyGroup, founded by Stelios Haji-Ioannou. The fitness chain operates large-format gyms supported by technology-driven systems and pricing models.

Another brand in the portfolio is 5àsec, a French garment care and dry cleaning brand with more than 55 years of operations and over 1,700 stores across 31 countries. The company focuses on standardized cleaning processes and technology-enabled customer services and serves more than 100,000 customers globally each day.

Also included in the portfolio is Blenz Coffee, a specialty café brand founded in Vancouver in 1992. The company operates café locations known for its beverage offerings and café format across Canada and other international markets.

Commenting on the partnership, Jackky Bhagnani said, “We see tremendous potential for globally successful brands to scale in India. With the right partners and franchise ecosystem in place, our focus is on building sustainable businesses and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country.”

Rakul Preet Singh added, “India’s consumers today are looking for global-quality lifestyle experiences. Bringing brands like easyGym, 5àsec and Blenz Coffee to India is an exciting opportunity to build businesses that combine international standards with strong local relevance.”

Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Franchise India Group said, “India today is one of the most exciting markets for global franchise brands. With Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani, and Invision Brands coming together, this partnership brings globally proven concepts to a market that is increasingly seeking premium, organised consumer experiences.”

The partnership will focus on expanding these brands across key cities in India through a franchise network aimed at building consumer-focused formats in the country’s growing lifestyle and service sectors.

The Franchise and Investment Conclave 2026 was held at Sheraton, Saket, bringing together HNIs, investors, and franchise partners for business discussions and deal exploration. The event recorded strong participation from Indian and global brands, with focused networking sessions and investor meetings throughout the day.

Organisers reported active engagement across sectors, with multiple franchise opportunities discussed and several expansion plans evaluated. One-on-one meetings between brands and investors formed a key part of the conclave, facilitating direct conversations around capital partnerships and store rollout strategies.

According to participants, the event served as a structured platform for connecting brands with potential investors and strategic partners. Industry associations and ecosystem stakeholders were also present, supporting discussions around franchise growth and market expansion.

The conclave highlighted continued investor interest in India’s franchise sector, with conversations centred on new store launches and long-term business partnerships.

Nothing Before Coffee has drawn investor interest following its appearance on the show Bharat Ke Super Founders, streamed on Amazon Prime Video and MX Player. The Jaipur-based quick service restaurant coffee chain focuses on Tier II and Tier III markets, building a network that targets young consumers outside metro cities.

During Episode 11 of the show, the brand received two on-air commitments. Aditya Singh, Founder of All In Capital, offered Rs 50 lakh for 0.27 percent equity. In addition, a structured market offer of Rs 3.2 crore was proposed in the form of debt with a 12 percent revenue share.

The investor panel included Dr. A. Velumani, Nitish Mittersain, and Shanti Mohan, among other startup ecosystem leaders. Investors cited clarity on unit economics, profitability across stores, and a defined national expansion roadmap as key strengths. The company stated that 100 percent of its stores are EBITDA positive.

Akshay Kedia, Co-founder of Nothing Before Coffee said, “Our journey has always been about taking premium coffee to the heart of India, beyond metros, into the cities where young India is discovering its love for quality brews. The response to Bharat Ke Super Founders validates what we've built: a brand with strong unit economics, deep consumer connections, and a clear vision for profitable scale. We're building more than a coffee chain; we're building a community hub for aspirational India. With a clear roadmap to 400 stores by 2029. We're excited to accelerate from here and emerge as India's 'Most Loved Coffee Café Brand'.”

Founded in 2017 by Akshay Kedia, Ankesh Jain, Anand Jain, and Shubham Bhandari, the company has expanded to over 100 outlets across 39 cities in 12 states. The brand positions its pricing at approximately 1 dollar, with hot coffee priced at nearly half of several domestic competitors and about one-third of international chains operating in India.

The company reported 65 percent gross margins at the store level and 28 percent EBITDA margins at mature outlets. It stated that all its stores are EBITDA positive. The model is supported by a vertically integrated supply chain, with beans sourced from Chikmagalur, roasted at its Jaipur facility, and distributed through a centralised warehouse system.

Operating under a Company Owned Company Operated model, the brand has outlined plans to scale to 400 stores by 2029, with the next 100-store milestone targeted by 2027.

The company is also working on additional revenue streams, including the launch of its Super Coffee Pass priced at Rs 1,799 with benefits worth Rs 3,600, app-led customer engagement, new beverage variants, and supply chain optimisation.

Ankesh Jain, Co-Founder, Nothing Before Coffee said, “Our appearance on Bharat Ke Super Founders was a pivotal moment for us, not just for the investment validation, but for affirming that our thesis of building for Bharat is exactly where the future of consumption lies. At Nothing Before Coffee, we've always believed that great coffee shouldn't be a metro-only luxury. The response from the investors and the viewership reinforces that our disciplined approach, profitable unit economics, 100 percent EBITDA-positive stores, and a deep connection with young India is the right formula for sustainable national scale.”

With more than 100 operational outlets and expansion plans underway, Nothing Before Coffee continues to focus on scaling in non-metro markets as consumption growth shifts toward Tier II and Tier III cities in India.

EverBrands, the master franchise operator for Subway and Lavazza in India, has secured $15 million in a funding round led by Playbook Partners. The fresh capital will be deployed to strengthen EverBrands’ multi-brand food and beverage platform and accelerate expansion across key urban markets, underscoring sustained investor appetite for scalable quick service restaurant (QSR) and café formats.

The fundraise comes on the back of strong store network growth for Subway India, which has surpassed the 1,000-outlet milestone. Over the past three years, the brand has expanded at an average pace of nearly two new stores per week, reflecting consistent momentum in the organised QSR segment. With this scale, Subway now ranks among the larger QSR chains in the country, carrying implications for supply chain optimisation, franchise management efficiencies, and deeper market penetration across Tier I and Tier II cities.

EverBrands operates Subway in India through Culinary Brands India. In addition to its QSR presence, the group oversees Lavazza Coffee and F&H Coffee, and manages the distribution of Dilmah Tea in India via Fresh and Honest Café Private Limited. Its portfolio spans both quick service and café-centric formats, with a strategic focus on urban consumption occasions and high-frequency foodservice categories aimed at driving brand-led repeat footfall.

Playbook Partners, which led the investment round, is a mid-market investment platform that backs technology-enabled growth businesses. Founded by former Reliance Jio executive Vikas Choudhury, the firm focuses on scalable consumer and growth-stage companies across sectors.

The EverBrands deal marks Playbook Partners’ third investment in India following the first close of its $250 million fund, highlighting its continued commitment to the country’s foodservice and consumer platform ecosystem. The transaction signals ongoing private equity interest in organised QSR and café operators with multi-brand portfolios and the capability to rapidly scale store networks in high-density urban markets.

Battery technology startup e-TRNL Energy has secured Rs 27.4 crore in seed funding in a round led by the IAN Alpha Fund of the IAN Group. The round also saw participation from Navam Capital and Anicut Capital, along with continued backing from existing investors Speciale Invest, Micelio Mobility, and IIMA Ventures.

Several angel investors also participated in the round, including Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain of Ather Energy.

The company said the fresh capital will be used to complete product development and demonstrate manufacturing capability of lithium ion battery cells at scale in India. This includes validating performance, safety, consistency, and repeatability at scale, which are essential milestones for moving advanced battery technologies from research and development to commercial production.

Founded in June 2021 by Apoorv Shaligram, an IIT Roorkee graduate with a Master’s degree from Michigan State University, and Dr. Uttam Kumar Sen, who holds a Ph.D. in Energy Science and Engineering from IIT Bombay, e-TRNL Energy is focused on developing next-generation battery cells. The startup follows a chemistry-agnostic and physics-based approach to battery development, aimed at improving safety, fast-charging capability, cycle life, and energy density, while strengthening manufacturing scalability and reliability.

The company has developed an integrated cell manufacturing technology that covers battery cell design, manufacturing processes, and machinery development. According to the company, all production machinery has been engineered in-house, from concept to automation, with a focus on space, energy, and capital efficiency.

After validating and scaling its manufacturing processes, e-TRNL Energy plans to begin commercial production at a pilot scale of 250 MWh per year. It has outlined a roadmap to expand capacity to 2 GWh per year in the next phase. The company stated that its in-house manufacturing and machinery development efforts are aimed at reducing import dependence and strengthening domestic capabilities in the energy sector.

Apoorv Shaligram, Co-Founder and CEO of e-TRNL Energy said, “Over the past three years, we've created a ground-breaking battery cell design and built the precise machines and processes needed to realize it. With this funding round, we move towards demonstration, testing and scaling our innovation for commercialization. Beyond positioning India as a leader in energy storage innovations, these efforts will also strengthen our resilience against global supply chain vulnerabilities in these changing times.”

Dr. Uttam Kumar Sen, Co-Founder and CTO of e-TRNL Energy added, “Our chemistry-agnostic, physics-driven approach allows us to address fundamental limitations of conventional battery technologies. This funding enables us to demonstrate and validate our technology at scale and deliver a no-compromise solution for safe, reliable and long-term performance in batteries.”

Rajnish Kapur, Managing Partner, IAN Alpha Fund said, “India’s energy transition will depend not just on adopting batteries, but on owning core cell design and manufacturing capabilities. What stood out with e-TRNL Energy was their first-principles rethink of cell architecture and manufacturing, rather than incremental upgrades to legacy designs. This integrated approach tackles performance, safety, heating, and cost together, which is exactly the kind of deep-tech innovation we back at IAN.”

Dr. Anjan Ray, Investment Partner at Navam Capital said, "Our investment in eTRNL Energy reflects Navam Capital's conviction that defensible IP and manufacturing creativity within India's capital-efficient environment are valuable competitive advantages in deep tech. We look forward to an exciting journey of innovation and growth with the experienced and talented team at eTRNL Energy in this critically important area of energy storage."

Carraro India Limited, an independent Tier-I solution provider for axles, transmission systems, gears, and other related components, on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, inaugurated its first Authorized Service Centre in Faridabad, through PHE Industries Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in the company’s after-market expansion strategy in India.

The inauguration forms part of Carraro India’s long-term growth roadmap to establish four Authorized Service Centres across the country by 2026, spanning the North, South, East, and West regions.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Andrea Conchetto, CEO, Carraro Group, Italy, and Dr. Balaji Gopalan, Ph.D., Managing Director, Carraro India Limited, along with partners, customers, and other key stakeholders. Strategically located, the Faridabad service centre will cater to customers across North India, offering comprehensive service support and access to genuine Carraro spare parts.

The planned rollout of four state-of-the-art authorized service centres, together with a strengthened nationwide network of authorized spare parts distributors and dealers, is designed to meet the growing demand across the agriculture, construction, and material handling sectors.

The service centres will deliver OEM-grade spare parts, expert repairs, and rapid technical support for tractors, construction equipment, and material handling machinery, enhancing equipment uptime for OEMs and end-users alike. By reinforcing its authorized service and distribution network, Carraro India seeks to ensure reliable access to genuine components, while reducing downtime and operating costs in a market poised for growth driven by infrastructure development and farm mechanization.

Commenting on the expansion, Dr. Balaji Gopalan, Managing Director, Carraro India Limited, said, "Our expansion reflects Carraro's commitment to powering India's off-highway sector. These four regional hubs and expanded dealer network will drive an important growth in the spares business. This initiative directly supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by ensuring Indian OEMs and end-users in agriculture, construction, and material handling gain faster access to genuine OEM-grade parts, expert repairs, and minimized downtime. As infrastructure and farm mechanization accelerate, our pan-India footprint will deliver unmatched reliability, cost savings, and sustainability—keeping vehicles operational longer while reducing waste and imports. The inauguration of PHE Industries in Faridabad marks the beginning of this transformative journey."

Andrea Conchetto, CEO, Carraro Group, added, "India's dynamic market demands robust aftermarket support, and this network rollout positions Carraro as the go-to partner for sustainable, high-performance drivetrains. With four new state-of-the-art service centres spanning North, South, East, and West India by 2026, plus an expanded ecosystem of authorized distributors and dealers, we're building a future-proof infrastructure that ensures Indian customers—from tractor manufacturers to construction giants—get genuine OEM parts, rapid repairs, and zero-compromise uptime.

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Following a year of robust growth in the Indian startup ecosystem, Franchise India Brands successfully hosted the Delhi Franchise Show 2026 on 17th January at Aerocity, New Delhi. The high-impact, one-day event served as a definitive platform for deal-making, bringing together over 50 national and international brands with hundreds of serious investors and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The show highlighted the growing appetite for organized business models across diverse sectors, including Food & Beverage, Education, Apparel, and Jewelry. The curated format allowed visitors to engage in deep-dive discussions with brand representatives, moving beyond standard inquiries to actual investment commitments.

A Hub for International Master Franchises

The event featured an impressive lineup of international Master Franchise opportunities, particularly in the QSR and Café segments. Notable participants included global giants such as Spartan, Cinnzeo, Sabrossa, Chocolate Bash, Burgertory, Barcelos, Bagelstein, and Tea Avenue.

The "Café Culture" was a significant draw for investors, with prominent names like Coffeeshop Company (Austria), Stellarossa (Australia), Blenz Coffee (Canada), Three o’clock and Nyna Coffee (Vietnam), and DarAlkonafa showcasing their scalable models tailored for the Indian market.

Major Highlight: Three o’clock India Signs Gurgaon Deal

The primary highlight of the show was the successful closing of a major deal for Three o’clock India. The brand officially signed its latest outlet for the Gurgaon location, marking a significant milestone in its Delhi-NCR expansion strategy. This deal underscored the event’s reputation as a "deal-oriented forum".

Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The show emphasized that franchising is no longer just about big-ticket investments but is a primary vehicle for self-employment. From small-format kiosks to large-scale master franchises, the event offered various options, catering to every level of entrepreneurial ambition.

Speaking on the impact of the show, Gaurav Marya, Founder &Chairman, Franchise India, said, "Events like the Delhi Franchise Show are critical in giving a real impetus to the spirit of entrepreneurship in India. We are seeing a shift where aspiring entrepreneurs are looking for proven, scalable systems to mitigate risk. By bringing global master franchises and local success stories under one roof, we provide the 'Science of Reproducing Success' to every individual who dreams of owning a business. Our goal is to bridge the gap between a vision and a functional, profitable venture."

As India moves toward becoming a global hub for franchised businesses, the Delhi Franchise Show 2026 has set the tone for the year. The event successfully converted investor interest into tangible business partnerships, reinforcing Franchise India's commitment to organizing the retail and franchise sector. With several more deals in the pipeline following the Aerocity meet, the momentum for 2026 is clearly focused on "New Year, New Business."

Restaurant Brands Asia Ltd. (RBA), the operator of Burger King in India and an existing promoter of RBA, QSR Asia Pte. Ltd. (majority-owned by Everstone Capital), announced that it has entered into definitive agreements pursuant to which Inspira Global will acquire a controlling interest in RBA. The proposed transaction marks the complete exit of Everstone, in line with its planned investment lifecycle. 

Inspira Global, which owns the Chinese Wok brand, will acquire the entire 11.26 percent shareholding of Everstone for ₹460 crore. The company has proposed to infuse ₹900 crore through a preferential allotment of equity shares and ₹600 crore through the preferential allotment of warrants.

The transaction will be executed inter alia through Lenexis Foodworks Private Limited, Inspira Global’s food and beverage arm, which has over a decade of experience in the Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) space, owning and operating more than 250 Chinese Wok restaurants across over 45 cities in India.

Rajeev Varman, Whole-time Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Restaurant Brands Asia, said, “We are excited to welcome Aayush Agrawal and Inspira Global as our new promoter. With their strong track record of value creation in India, long-term capital support and strategic alignment, we believe this will enable us to continue our strong growth journey. RBA will continue to operate with its existing leadership team, operational structure and brand identity fully intact as we remain firmly focused on executing our growth plans.”

 Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Inspira Global, said, “We have significant admiration for the work done by the RBA team in building the business so far. We see this acquisition as a long-term value creation initiative through focused, sustainable growth and realizing the true potential offered by the market. We will continue to build and grow this business, in line with the vision of RBA and are excited to work together with the existing management team. The investment strengthens Inspira Global’s focus on consumer businesses and deepens our presence in the high-growth QSR segment, aligned with our emphasis on brand stewardship, operational excellence and disciplined capital deployment.”

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Franchise India Brands Limited, India’s leading franchise and retail solutions platform, announced its association with Punjab De Sher as the 'Powered by' Sponsor for Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 12, strengthening its long-standing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs by supporting platforms that inspire ambition, discipline, and excellence.

For over 27 years, Franchise India has been at the forefront of nurturing young and aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to leap into business ownership through franchising— a tried, tested, and scalable model. Much like sport, franchising rewards consistency, teamwork, resilience, and passion—values that are deeply embedded in the ethos of the Celebrity Cricket League.

CCL, India’s largest sportainment property, brings together over 200 celebrities from eight film industries, blending cricket with cinema to create a powerful emotional connect with audiences across the country. Season 12 kicks off on January 16, with matches across Vizag, Madurai, and Hyderabad, culminating in the finals on February 1. 

Gaurav Marya, Founder and Chairman, Franchise India Brands Limited, said, “We are proud to partner with Punjab De Sher, the champions of CCL Season 11, and our collaboration exemplifies the same winning mindset that Franchise India has championed for decades— partnership for mutual growth to make the orbit bigger.

'Punjab De Sher' is co-owned by Puneet Singh and Navraj Hans. The fitness-promoting team features team captain Sonu Sood, vice-captain Hardy Sandhu, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Jassie Gill, Aparshakti Khurana, Binnu Dhillon, Babban Rai and Ninja, who rule the hearts of not only Punjabis but also Indians living all across the world. Punjab De Sher was crowned as the Champions for Season 11 and will be fighting to defend their title in Season 12.

Echoing this sentiment, Puneet Singh and Navraj Hans, both Co-owners of Punjab De Sher, added: “This association brings together two powerful ecosystems—sports and entrepreneurship. Through sponsorships and engagement, we are creating an event that not only entertains but also connects India’s leading entrepreneurs with millions of sports enthusiasts nationwide.”

Team captain and famous actor, Sonu Sood, known both for his on-screen presence and off-screen philanthropy, highlighted the deeper alignment between the two brands, “As the captain of Punjab De Sher, I am proud to be associated with Franchise India, a brand that has empowered entrepreneurs for over 27 years. I have always believed in uplifting people with talent and determination. When audiences watch their favourite stars perform on the field, it inspires them to believe that they too can excel in any field—business, sports, or life—once they decide to give it their all.”