Proost Secures INR 30 Crore in Series-A Funding to Expand Operations

Proost Secures INR 30 Crore in Series-A Funding to Expand Operations

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 21, 2024

Proost, a homegrown beer startup founded in 2017 by Tarun Bhargava and Vijay P. Sharma, has successfully raised INR 30 crore as part of its ongoing Series-A funding round. The investment was led by existing backers Chimes Group and Srinivasan Namala of Porus Laboratories, with participation from Hyderabad Angels, The Chennai Angels, and other high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).

The newly acquired funds will bolster Proost’s supply chain, support its entry into new markets, and deepen its reach in existing regions. The company also plans to expand its product portfolio and strengthen brand-building initiatives to position itself as a leading player in India’s beer market.

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Tarun Bhargava, Co-Founder & CEO of Proost

“We are thrilled to announce this new round of funding, which represents a significant step forward in Proost's journey,” said Tarun Bhargava, Co-Founder & CEO of Proost. “With these funds, we will focus on expanding production capacity, exploring new markets, and deepening our presence in current ones. This brings us closer to our goal of capturing a substantial share of the Indian beer market by the end of the decade.”

Proost operates under the banner of Grano69 Beverages and has already established a robust presence across Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. The company aims to capture a 5% market share in India’s beer industry by the end of the decade, leveraging customer-focused product development, strategic market expansion, and innovation.

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Vijay Prakash Sharma, MD & Co-Founder of Proost

The brand is known for its premium quality beers characterized by low bitterness and high drinkability. Proost also prides itself on being a “Made in India” brand, sourcing 99% of its raw materials locally.

A representative from Chimes Group expressed enthusiasm about Proost’s growth trajectory, stating, “Proost’s strong market presence and vision reflect the team’s deep understanding of the Indian consumer. We are excited to support their mission to transform the beer industry with high-quality, innovative products.”

Proost intends to use the funds to introduce new beer variants that cater to evolving consumer preferences. The company also seeks to maintain its competitive edge by tapping into emerging trends and developing products that resonate with the Indian audience.


Gulshan Group to Invest ₹1,000 Crore in Premium Housing Project at Wave City

Gulshan Group to Invest ₹1,000 Crore in Premium Housing Project at Wave City

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 24, 2026

Gulshan Group, one of North India's leading real estate developers, has announced the launch of Gulshan Empire, a premium residential project at Wave City. The company will invest approximately ₹1,000 crore in the development, which is expected to generate sales realisation of over ₹1,200 crore.

Spread across 5.5 acres (22,505 sq. m.), the single-phase project will feature 500 residential units, further strengthening the developer's presence in the NCR housing market. The project has been designed to meet the growing demand for premium homes that combine quality, comfort and long-term value.

While Gulshan Group is known for its luxury developments, Gulshan Empire has been positioned as a premium residential offering for homebuyers looking for the brand's signature construction quality, thoughtful design and reliability at a more accessible price point. The project has been primarily planned for end users, with a focus on spacious homes, integrated communities and sustainable value.

Commenting on the launch, Deepak Kapoor, Director, Gulshan Group, said:

"The residential market continues to witness strong demand from discerning homebuyers who value quality, thoughtful planning, and long-term value creation. Gulshan Empire reflects our commitment to developing communities that respond to these evolving aspirations while maintaining the construction standards and design philosophy that define the Gulshan brand. Our investment of ₹1,000 crore also underscores our long-term confidence in Wave City as an emerging residential destination supported by improving infrastructure and sustained end-user demand."

The development will be completed in a single phase, with delivery scheduled in line with the RERA timeline of 2031. The project will be financed through a combination of internal accruals, financial institutions and customer sales proceeds.

In the first phase, the company has launched around 9 lakh sq. ft. of residential space. Buyers can choose from 3 BHK residences with a helper room, starting at ₹2.20 crore, and 4 BHK residences with a helper room, starting at ₹3 crore. According to the company, the project has received an encouraging response since its launch, reflecting continued demand for premium homes in well-connected urban locations.

Speaking about the project, Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, said:

"Today's homebuyers are making more informed decisions, with equal emphasis on quality, design, location and the overall living experience. Gulshan Empire has been envisioned as a premium residential community that combines low-density planning, expansive green spaces, private garden residences and contemporary lifestyle amenities while staying true to Gulshan Group's legacy of delivering thoughtfully designed developments. We believe the project addresses the aspirations of families looking for homes that offer both everyday comfort and enduring value."

With Gulshan Empire, the company aims to strengthen its premium residential portfolio while addressing the evolving preferences of homebuyers seeking modern living spaces backed by quality construction and long-term value.


Curated Living Solutions Launches ₹200 Crore Hospitality-Led Mixed-Use Development in Pune

Curated Living Solutions Launches ₹200 Crore Hospitality-Led Mixed-Use Development in Pune

By Hariharan U

Published on July 23, 2026

Curated Living Solutions (CLS), a DivyaSree Group company and one of India’s leading managed living platforms, has announced the launch of its first hospitality-led mixed-use development in Pune, marking its strategic entry into hospitality-focused real estate.

The ₹200 crore development will feature a 200-key hospitality project, premium retail spaces, and branded residences in the Koregaon Park Annexe corridor of East Pune. The project is being jointly developed by CLS and Arista Developers, a Pune-based real estate company, and will be professionally operated by Alivaa Hotels & Resorts under a long-term master lease arrangement.

The launch follows CLS’s expansion journey in Pune after the successful introduction of Codename EMI in Balewadi, further strengthening the company’s presence in the city’s evolving real estate ecosystem.

Located in Mundhwa, adjoining Koregaon Park, the development offers connectivity to key business and lifestyle hubs including Kharadi, Magarpatta City, Hadapsar, Kalyani Nagar, Viman Nagar, EON IT Park, World Trade Center Pune, and Pune International Airport.

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Designed to meet the growing demand from business travellers, consultants, expatriates, and long-stay corporate guests, the project combines hospitality, retail, and branded residences within a professionally managed mixed-use environment.

As part of the launch, CLS introduced its proprietary Hospitality Investment Plan (HIP), a structured investment model designed to make professionally managed hospitality assets more accessible to investors.

Under the HIP model, investors will own hospitality units while daily hotel operations, guest services, revenue management, maintenance, and brand operations will be managed by Alivaa Hotels & Resorts. The project follows a Build–Sell–Leaseback model supported by a 29-year master lease, including a 12-year lock-in period, allowing investors to participate in hospitality real estate without operational responsibilities.

The launch comes as East Pune continues to emerge as a major business and hospitality corridor, driven by the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), IT services, consulting firms, and extended-stay business demand. The Koregaon Park–Kharadi–Magarpatta–Hadapsar region has become one of Pune’s key hospitality markets, creating demand for professionally managed accommodation solutions.

Commenting on the launch, Jai Kishan Challa, Founder & CEO, Curated Living Solutions Pvt. Ltd., said "CLS has always focused on identifying emerging real estate opportunities driven by changing consumer behaviour and market demand. Hospitality is now evolving into one of the most promising real estate asset classes in India. With this project, we are entering the hospitality sector through a professionally managed mixed-use development that combines hospitality, retail and branded residences within a single ecosystem."

He added, "Through the Hospitality Investment Plan (HIP), we aim to enable investors to participate in professionally managed hospitality assets without the complexities of operating them. We believe this model aligns with the evolving expectations of today’s investors, who increasingly seek professionally managed, income-generating real estate opportunities."

Speaking on the partnership, Vijay Advani, Director, Arista Developers, said, "East Pune has transformed into one of India's most vibrant commercial corridors, creating sustained demand for high-quality hospitality infrastructure. Our partnership with CLS brings together strong local development expertise and institutional project planning to deliver a landmark mixed-use development that responds to the changing needs of both investors and business travellers."

Vikramjit Singh, Founder & CMD, Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, added, "Professionally managed hospitality assets are becoming increasingly important as guest expectations continue to evolve. Our role is to ensure operational excellence across every aspect of the development—from guest experience and occupancy generation to revenue optimisation and service delivery."

The development strengthens CLS’s managed living portfolio, which currently comprises more than 13,000 managed beds across student housing, co-living, industrial housing, and managed residential assets in cities including Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

With its first hospitality-led mixed-use development, CLS aims to create an institutional-quality hospitality ecosystem while introducing a new investment model for India’s growing hospitality real estate sector


Mast Banarasi Paan Crosses 400 Outlets, Eyes 600-Store Expansion

Mast Banarasi Paan Crosses 400 Outlets, Eyes 600-Store Expansion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2026

Mast Banarasi Paan, one of India's largest organised tobacco-free paan café chains, has crossed the milestone of 400 outlets nationwide and is now aiming to expand its footprint to 600 outlets over the next two years. To support this next phase of growth, the company is exploring strategic growth capital that will help strengthen its expansion plans, technology infrastructure, supply chain and franchise ecosystem.

The expansion comes at a time when India's food services industry is seeing rising demand for organised, hygienic and experience-led formats, particularly in categories that have traditionally remained unorganised. Mast Banarasi Paan aims to bring greater consistency and standardisation to one of the country's oldest culinary traditions.

India's paan market is estimated to be worth over ₹5,000 crore, but organised retail still accounts for only a small portion of the sector. The proposed investment will be used to support geographical expansion, improve technology infrastructure, strengthen central sourcing and supply chain capabilities, and enhance brand-building efforts. The company also plans to deepen its presence across metropolitan cities as well as Tier II and Tier III markets.

With a network of more than 400 outlets across 20+ states and over 320 cities, Mast Banarasi Paan has established one of India's largest organised tobacco-free paan retail chains. It is also evaluating opportunities to expand into international markets with a significant Indian diaspora.

The company's growth aligns with the renewed recognition of Banarasi Paan at the policy level. The Uttar Pradesh Government recently included Banarasi Paan under its One District One Cuisine (ODOC) initiative, which aims to promote regional cuisines through branding, entrepreneurship and improved market access.

At the heart of Mast Banarasi Paan's business is its commitment to offering 100% tobacco-free paan. By separating the traditional culinary experience from tobacco consumption, the brand seeks to present paan in a modern, hygienic and family-friendly format.

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Commenting on the milestone, Panchanand Thakur, Founder & CEO, Mast Banarasi Paan, said:

"Paan has long been an integral part of India's culinary and cultural heritage, but the category has remained largely unorganised. We see a growing preference for trusted brands that offer quality, consistency and hygiene while preserving authenticity. Our focus is on expanding responsibly, strengthening our operating capabilities and making the Banarasi paan experience accessible to consumers across the country."

Along with popular varieties such as meetha and sada paan, the company continues to introduce new offerings to meet changing consumer preferences. Its franchise-led model has also created opportunities for entrepreneurs across Tier I, Tier II and Tier III cities by providing standardised operating systems, technology-enabled processes and central sourcing support.

Looking ahead, Mast Banarasi Paan plans to continue its focus on disciplined expansion, operational excellence, product innovation and strengthening its franchise partner network as it grows across existing and new markets.

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