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OYO Acquires Mumbai Based Tech Firm AblePlus
The homegrown hospitality firm OYO acquired the Mumbai based Internet of Things (IoT) company AblePlus, in order to enhance its technology portfolio. AblePlus specialises in developing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to bring intelligence into every aspect of business. Speaking about the acquisition, neither of the firms disclosed financial details about the deal. With this partnership, OYO aims to create a sustainable ecosystem powered by technology and artificial intelligence for managing its operations. The Chief Technology Officer of OYO, Anil Goel, said with the introduction of IoT into the basic precincts of hotel management, we aim to enhance customer and partner experiences by roping in the best of technology capabilities that are changing how India sees hospitality today.
With the country moving forward at a very fast pace in terms of technology developments, OYO is extremely elated with its latest acquisition of the technology firm, AblePlus. Anil Goel stated we are delighted to announce our acquisition of AblePlus towards pioneering the application of IoT in Indian and global hospitality segment and creating a global impact. Both Akash Goel and Bonish Gandhi (Co founders of AblePlus) are extremely talented individuals and we are excited to welcome them onboard. Through partnerships like this, we envision a smooth road ahead for building the world’s largest technology-enabled hospitality brand.
Recently, OYO also introduced the first initiative of Digital Arrival & Departure Register, which has been adopted by the state governments of Haryana and Rajasthan. Apart from that, OYO also makes use of Machine Learning (ML) based algorithms to personalise the user’s journey. The company is also looking forward to launching technology integrated solutions for its easy functionality. According to sources, the company is aiming to introduce voice enabled assistance in rooms for controlling appliances, lights and other various services. Goel added through increased technology intervention that enables the remote monitoring and management of rooms across properties, we will be able to achieve improved operational efficiency, thus creating a superior stakeholder experience. As one of the first startups that are early adopters of IoT powered technologies, we look forward to delivering new, advanced applications for key vertical markets that will offer an elevated customer experience.
Not so long ago, Oyo announced its foray into the Chinese market. The hospitality firm is keen on expanding its company as well as enhancing its operations! As of now, OYO operates in more than 160 cities across India, China, Malaysia and Nepal with over 5,000 exclusive hotels in its chain and 1,00,000 rooms.
OpenAI’s introduction of trusted contact safeguards for potential self-harm cases reflects a major evolution in AI responsibility.
Beyond Moderation
AI safety is shifting from simply blocking harmful content to actively supporting user wellbeing through:
- early risk detection
- human-centered intervention
- stronger emotional safety frameworks
This positions AI as more than an information tool—it becomes part of broader digital support systems.
Key Industry Impact
Trusted contact models could influence future safety standards across:
- AI assistants
- mental health platforms
- social media
- digital health services
The Bigger Challenge
While promising, success depends on balancing:
- privacy
- consent
- ethical intervention
- user trust
Final Take
This move signals that the future of AI safety may rely not just on preventing harmful responses, but on building more responsible, human-connected support systems.
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
