Tag: #HyderabadBusiness

Hyderabad Aims to Become a Global Confidence Centre Beyond GCCs
Hyderabad, October 2026 – Hyderabad is aiming to move beyond its reputation as a leading Global Capability Centre (GCC) hub. Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister, D. Sridhar Babu, has outlined a vision to position the city as a Global Confidence Centre, where multinational companies develop innovative solutions for global challenges.

The announcement came during the inauguration of a new technology development centre by Backbase, a Netherlands-based financial technology company.

Backbase Opens a New Technology Centre

Backbase has opened a 30,000-square-foot technology development centre in Hyderabad to support its expanding engineering operations.

According to the information provided, the company’s Indian engineering team has grown from fewer than 50 engineers in 2020 to more than 600. India is now its largest engineering hub outside its Amsterdam headquarters.

The expansion is expected to create 300 additional skilled job opportunities, strengthening Hyderabad’s position in the global fintech industry.

AI and Digital Banking at the Centre

The new facility will support the development of digital banking software and financial technology products for customers worldwide.

Key roles expected to be supported include:
- Applied AI engineers
- Data engineers
- Full-stack developers
- User experience specialists
- Software development engineers in test
- Forward deployed engineers
These roles reflect the growing demand for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, software engineering and digital financial services.

Telangana Focuses on Future-Ready Skills

The Telangana government is working to strengthen the talent pipeline needed by technology companies.

Priority skill areas include:
- Artificial intelligence and data analytics
- Cloud computing and cybersecurity
- Software and product engineering
- Digital banking technology
Developing these skills could help local professionals access specialised technology careers while encouraging more companies to establish advanced engineering operations in Hyderabad.

Why Hyderabad Wants to Become a Global Confidence Centre

The proposed shift represents a broader ambition for the city’s technology economy.

Moving beyond IT support: Hyderabad aims to attract more core product development, research and engineering activities rather than relying primarily on traditional IT services.

Strengthening fintech: Backbase’s expansion highlights the potential for Hyderabad to become an important centre for digital banking innovation.

Creating skilled jobs: Growing demand for AI, data and software engineering professionals could expand career opportunities for local talent.

Encouraging innovation: The government wants global companies to develop technologies that address complex business and societal challenges.

Global Leaders Attend the Inauguration

The inauguration brought together representatives from the Netherlands and Backbase’s leadership team.

Those attending included Ann Cremers, Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands; Backbase CTO Greg Fahy; Chief of Staff Reinhard Schiel; and India Site Head Surabhi Sharma.

The gathering highlighted the international partnerships supporting Hyderabad’s technology ecosystem.

What This Means for Hyderabad’s IT Sector

Hyderabad has developed into an important destination for multinational technology companies, supported by its skilled workforce and established IT infrastructure.

The Global Confidence Centre vision seeks to build on that foundation by attracting more strategic engineering, product development and research activities.

If this approach succeeds, the city could strengthen its role in developing technologies used by businesses and consumers around the world.

Backbase’s expansion marks another development in Hyderabad’s technology journey, with AI, fintech and advanced engineering emerging as important areas for future growth.
October 9, 2026
From the Pitch to the Boardroom: Why Top Indian Cricketers Are Making Hyderabad Their Business Hub
Hyderabad, October 2026 – For decades, the traditional post-retirement playbook for Indian cricketers involved opening a local cricket academy or a modest restaurant. Today, that narrative has been completely rewritten. A new generation of cricketing superstars is leveraging their immense brand equity to build diverse, high-value business empires—and increasingly, they are choosing Hyderabad as their preferred destination for these ventures.

From MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli to Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammed Siraj, the City of Pearls is witnessing an unprecedented influx of cricket-led investments spanning sports tech, premium hospitality, wellness, and advanced manufacturing.

The Cricket Titans and Their Hyderabad Ventures

1. MS Dhoni: Redefining Sports and Wellness with ‘7Padel’

Captain Cool recently made waves by launching 7Padel MS Dhoni in the upscale neighborhood of Jubilee Hills. Spanning 15,000 sq. ft., this isn’t just a sports facility; it’s a holistic “Sports + Fitness + Recovery + Social Space” concept. Co-founded with PadelPark India, the venue features state-of-the-art padel courts, a gym, recovery suites (sauna, ice bath, infrared room), a yoga/pilates studio, and a viewing gallery. It caters to everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes, tapping into India’s rapidly growing padel community (estimated at over 1.25 lakh active players).

2. Virat Kohli: Elevating the Dining Experience

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli brought his premium lifestyle brand to the city with One8 Commune, located in HITEC City’s Sattva Knowledge City. Moving beyond a standard restaurant, One8 Commune offers a curated blend of high-end dining, lifestyle retail, and social experiences. This adds to Kohli’s already robust portfolio, which includes strategic stakes in Blue Tribe Foods, Rage Coffee, and Acko (Digit) General Insurance.

3. Mohammed Siraj: A Homecoming Hospitality Venture

Hyderabad’s own pace sensation, Mohammed Siraj, has channeled his deep personal connection to the city into a tangible business. He recently opened Joharfa – Taste Above the Rest, a premium restaurant on Road No. 10, Banjara Hills, proving that local heroes can successfully translate their civic pride into thriving commercial brands.

4. Ambati Rayudu: Multi-Level Social Dining

Former Indian middle-order stalwart and Hyderabad local, Ambati Rayudu, has also entered the hospitality sector. He launched Barracks & Anteroom in Sainikpuri, a unique multi-level dining and social space concept designed to offer patrons a premium, immersive community experience.

5. VVS Laxman: Nurturing the Next Generation

While many focus on hospitality, Hyderabad legend VVS Laxman has doubled down on his core expertise. The VVS Sports Academy, located at the Srinidhi International School campus in Moinabad, continues to be a premier destination for identifying and training young, raw cricketing talent in the region.

6. Sachin Tendulkar: Strategic Manufacturing Investments

The Master Blaster’s connection to Hyderabad goes beyond the IPL. In 2023, Sachin Tendulkar made a strategic investment in Azad Engineering, a Hyderabad-based manufacturing powerhouse. The company produces high-precision engineering components for critical sectors like aerospace, energy, defense, and oil & gas. Notably, Tendulkar is joined in this venture by other sporting icons like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and VVS Laxman, highlighting the city’s appeal for serious, long-term industrial investments.

Why Hyderabad? The Strategic Advantage

With numerous tier-1 cities in India, why is Hyderabad becoming the unanimous choice for cricketing entrepreneurs? The reasons are multifaceted:
1. A Massive, Passionate Cricket Market: Hyderabad is a proven cricketing hotbed. With a fervent fan base, a strong IPL franchise (Sunrisers Hyderabad), regular international matches, and a deep pool of local talent, the city offers a highly receptive audience for sports-related brands and academies.
2. Demographic Dividend & Lifestyle Demand: The city’s booming IT, pharma, and aerospace sectors have attracted a massive, young, affluent population. This demographic has a high disposable income and a growing appetite for premium lifestyle experiences, wellness centers, and unique dining concepts.
3. Business-Friendly Ecosystem: Telangana’s proactive government policies, robust infrastructure (like the ORR and expanding metro), and ease of doing business make it an attractive destination for both service-oriented and manufacturing investments.
4. Brand Synergy: Cricketers are no longer waiting for retirement to start businesses. They are actively leveraging their peak on-field visibility and massive social media followings to drive immediate footfall and brand recognition for their off-field ventures.
Looking Ahead

The convergence of cricketing stardom and Hyderabad’s dynamic economic landscape is creating a powerful synergy. These ventures are no longer just vanity projects; they are sophisticated, well-capitalized businesses that create jobs, elevate the city’s lifestyle quotient, and put Hyderabad on the map as a premier destination for sports and hospitality innovation.

As more athletes look to diversify their portfolios, Hyderabad’s blend of cricketing passion, youthful energy, and industrial strength ensures it will remain at the top of their investment wish lists for years to come.
October 8, 2026
Hyderabad Gets New D.E. Shaw Office: 6 Lakh Sq Ft by Next Year
Hyderabad, October 2026 – In a major vote of confidence for the city’s thriving technology and financial ecosystem, D. E. Shaw India has announced plans to open a sprawling 6-lakh square foot workspace in the Neopolis area of Hyderabad next year. The announcement was made during a special event celebrating the global investment and technology development firm’s 30 years of operations in India.

Project Scope and Scale

The upcoming Neopolis facility represents a significant leap in D. E. Shaw’s Indian footprint. Designed to be a state-of-the-art collaborative hub, the new office will:
- Foster Innovation: Create enhanced opportunities for employees to work seamlessly across teams, exchange ideas, and solve complex global problems.
- Expand Career Avenues: Continue to offer diverse career paths across technology, financial research, financial operations, and corporate functions, hiring talent at all experience levels.
- Consolidate Growth: Build upon the firm’s existing presence, which currently employs 2,500 professionals across its Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Gurugram offices.
A Three-Decade Journey in Hyderabad

D. E. Shaw’s relationship with Hyderabad dates back to 1996, when it opened its very first Indian office in the city with just 20 employees. Over the past three decades, the firm has grown exponentially, mirroring Hyderabad’s own transformation into a global IT and financial services powerhouse. The firm’s subsequent expansion into Bengaluru and Gurugram in 2023 further solidified its pan-India strategy, but the new 6-lakh sq. ft. Hyderabad facility reaffirms the city as its foundational anchor.

Leadership Perspectives

The expansion was warmly welcomed by state leadership, highlighting the strong synergy between the government and global corporations.

Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister, who graced the 30th-anniversary event, noted:

“The firm has been part of the city’s landscape for three decades, and the new office is a welcome sign of its continued confidence in Hyderabad.”

Echoing this sentiment, Eddie Fishman, Managing Director and Executive Committee Member at D. E. Shaw, praised the local talent pool:

“Investing and technology have changed dramatically in 30 years, and the rigour and skills our D.E. Shaw India colleagues bring to the firm have helped us remain at the forefront.”

Chaitanya Gorrepati, Managing Director and Operating Committee Member of D. E. Shaw India, added:

“The new office marks the next chapter of our growth in the country.”

Strategic Impact on Hyderabad’s Real Estate and Tech Sector

The decision to establish a 6-lakh sq. ft. campus in Neopolis carries profound strategic implications for the region:
1. Boosting Premium Commercial Real Estate: Neopolis is rapidly emerging as a premium destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). D. E. Shaw’s massive footprint will attract further investments and elevate the micro-market’s status.
2. Reinforcing Hyderabad as a FinTech Hub: While Hyderabad is already renowned for its IT prowess, the expansion of a top-tier global quantitative investment and technology firm underscores the city’s growing dominance in high-end financial research and operations.
3. Talent Retention and Attraction: The new facility will generate hundreds of high-value jobs, helping the region retain top-tier engineering and financial talent while attracting global expertise to the city.
4. Long-Term Commitment: In an era of shifting global supply chains and remote work debates, a physical expansion of this magnitude signals a deep, long-term commitment to the Indian market and its workforce.
Looking Ahead

As D. E. Shaw India gears up to open its doors in Neopolis next year, the 6-lakh sq. ft. facility will stand as a physical testament to three decades of mutual growth between a global financial giant and the City of Pearls. For Hyderabad, it is yet another milestone confirming its position as a premier, future-ready destination for the world’s most innovative companies.
October 7, 2026
Planon Expands Hyderabad Footprint with New Facility, Boosting AI and Cloud Innovation in Telangana
Hyderabad, October 2026 – Global smart building management software company Planon India has expanded its Hyderabad facility, strengthening its presence in one of India’s leading technology hubs.

The expanded centre will support Planon’s growing operations and contribute to the company’s global technology and product development activities.

Hyderabad Centre to Focus on Technology and Innovation

Planon’s expanded Hyderabad facility will focus on several key technology areas, including software engineering, product development, cloud technologies and artificial intelligence.

The centre will help develop digital solutions that enable organisations to manage workplaces, buildings and real estate more efficiently.

AI and machine learning will also play an important role. These technologies can support applications such as predictive maintenance, energy optimisation and smarter use of building spaces.

Telangana Leaders Attend Inauguration

The facility’s inauguration brought together government and company representatives, highlighting Hyderabad’s growing role in the technology sector.

Those attending included:
- Anudeep Durishetty, Joint Secretary, IT, Electronics and Communications Department, Government of Telangana
- Manne Sateesh Kumar, Chairman, Telangana Technology Services
- Henk Laracker, CEO, Planon
- Kiran Madhunapantula, Statutory Director, Planon India
- Radhika Reddy Gangarapu, Centre Head, Planon Hyderabad
Planon CEO Henk Laracker highlighted Hyderabad’s importance to the company’s global operations, particularly in research, development and operational activities.

Planon Hyderabad Centre Head Radhika Reddy Gangarapu also emphasised the city’s strong technology talent pool and its role in supporting the company’s global innovation goals.

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

The company also highlighted its commitment to workplace diversity.

According to Planon, women represent more than 40% of its workforce in India. The company sees gender diversity as an important part of building an inclusive technology workforce.

What Planon’s Expansion Means for Hyderabad

The expansion adds to Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a destination for global technology and product development.

More Technology Opportunities

The expanded operations could support opportunities for professionals in software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science and product management.

Smart Building Innovation

Planon’s focus on connected and sustainable buildings aligns with the growing demand for energy-efficient and digitally managed workplaces.

Strengthening Hyderabad’s GCC Ecosystem

The expansion also reflects the broader growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Hyderabad. Increasingly, these centres are moving beyond traditional IT support to undertake product development, engineering, research and strategic functions.

Hyderabad’s Role in the Future of Smart Buildings

The demand for intelligent and sustainable buildings is increasing as organisations look for better ways to manage energy, space and workplace operations.

With its expanded Hyderabad facility, Planon aims to combine global technology development with Hyderabad’s growing pool of skilled professionals.

The investment further strengthens Hyderabad’s position as a hub for technology innovation and could contribute to the city’s expanding smart building and digital transformation ecosystem.
October 6, 2026
EKAM Business Conclave 2026 Brings 300+ Entrepreneurs to Hyderabad
In a powerful display of the city’s thriving startup and business ecosystem, the Ekam Global Network successfully hosted the Ekam Business Conclave 2026 in Hyderabad. Bringing together more than 300 entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, and industry leaders, the event served as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and celebrating entrepreneurial success under the resonant theme: ‘Connect, Collaborate, Grow’.

Event Highlights and Scope

The conclave was designed to be much more than a traditional corporate gathering. It featured a rich agenda aimed at fostering genuine business synergies, including:
- Live Networking Sessions: Facilitating direct, meaningful interactions among diverse industry players.
- Member Success Stories & Spotlights: Showcasing real-world entrepreneurial journeys and milestones achieved within the Ekam ecosystem.
- Awards and Recognition: Felicitating members who demonstrated exceptional leadership, active participation, and unwavering support for fellow entrepreneurs.
- Anniversary Celebrations: Marking another year of the network’s commitment to empowering the business community.
Leadership Perspectives: Smart Work and Meaningful Relationships

A major highlight of the conclave was an exclusive talk show featuring Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind, who engaged directly with the participating entrepreneurs. Offering pragmatic advice for navigating today’s volatile market, MP Arvind emphasized the need for agility and innovation.

“In the current business environment, hard work alone may not be sufficient; smart thinking is equally important,” Arvind noted, urging entrepreneurs to “think differently, adapt to changing circumstances, and keep dreaming big.”

Echoing this sentiment of purposeful connection, Himavanth Vallabhaneni, Founder of Ekam Global Network, highlighted the core philosophy of the organization:

“The organisation was not merely about exchanging business cards, but about building relationships that create opportunities.”

Strategic Impact on Hyderabad’s Business Ecosystem

Events like the Ekam Business Conclave play a pivotal role in strengthening Hyderabad’s position as a premier hub for innovation and commerce in India. The strategic impact of this gathering includes:
1. Fostering a Collaborative Culture: By shifting the focus from transactional networking to relationship-building, the conclave helps create a supportive ecosystem where businesses can cross-pollinate ideas and resources.
2. Promoting Adaptive Entrepreneurship: With insights from political and business leaders, attendees are better equipped to pivot and innovate in response to rapid market changes and technological advancements.
3. Recognizing and Retaining Talent: By publicly awarding and spotlighting local business leaders, Ekam reinforces a culture of excellence and encourages healthy, constructive competition within the community.
4. Driving Local Economic Growth: Connecting 300+ decision-makers in one room inevitably leads to new partnerships, joint ventures, and investments that ripple through the local economy.
Looking Ahead

The success of the Ekam Business Conclave 2026 underscores a growing demand for curated, high-value networking platforms in Hyderabad. As the Ekam Global Network continues to expand its footprint, it remains committed to providing entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and inspiration needed to scale their visions.

For the attendees, the message was clear: in today’s economy, your network is your net worth, and growing together is the smartest business strategy of all.
October 5, 2026
TCS Secures Premium Office Space in Hyderabad with Rs 4.37 Crore Monthly Lease

In a major move marking its continued expansion in Hyderabad, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of the largest IT service companies globally, has secured a significant commercial lease agreement. The company has leased a state-of-the-art building in Hyderabad’s Nanakramguda area for a monthly rent of ₹4.37 crore. This strategic move comes as part of TCS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its office presence in one of India’s leading technology hubs.

Prime Location, Long-Term Commitment

The property, Paradigm Rajapushpa, is a Grade-A commercial building developed by the Rajapushpa Group, spanning an impressive 10.2 lakh square feet (sq ft). This expansive office space is situated in the city’s vibrant Business District, home to a thriving ecosystem of top-tier companies such as Wipro, ICICI, Infosys, and Broadridge.

The deal is a 15-year lease agreement, set to commence on October 1, 2024, and TCS has agreed to a rent of ₹43 per sq ft for the leased space. As part of the agreement, the rent will undergo a 12% escalation every three years, ensuring that the space remains a high-value asset for both TCS and the property developers over time.

Additionally, TCS has paid a hefty upfront deposit of ₹26.2 crore, which covers approximately six months’ worth of rent. This substantial deposit underscores TCS’s commitment to long-term growth in the city and the broader region, reinforcing Hyderabad’s position as a critical hub for the IT industry.

Robust Office Space Market in Hyderabad

The office real estate market in Hyderabad continues to thrive despite the potential challenges posed by a significant supply pipeline. According to industry data, the city currently holds a substantial 28 million square feet (msf) of vacant office stock, the highest among the top seven cities in India. Despite this high vacancy rate, the demand for office space in Hyderabad remains robust.

In fact, the city recorded an impressive 2.7 million square feet (msf) of absorption in Q1 2025, marking a 17% year-on-year increase. This strong demand trend, even amid rising supply, indicates that Hyderabad continues to be a favored destination for businesses seeking scalable, state-of-the-art office spaces.

Changing Dynamics: Rent and Vacancy Rates

Interestingly, the average rent in areas like Nanakramguda has remained relatively stable, hovering around ₹70 per square foot in recent months. This figure contrasts with TCS’s lease rate of ₹43 per square foot, suggesting that TCS has secured a competitive deal in a market that’s seeing both rising rents and a significant number of available spaces.

While some may view the large amount of vacant stock in Hyderabad as a sign of oversupply, experts believe that it is a reflection of the city’s rapidly growing infrastructure and ongoing development. The upcoming supply of commercial office spaces is expected to fuel even more business activity, as companies continue to invest in top-tier locations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Hyderabad’s Office Space Market

The Hyderabad office market is poised for a dynamic future. While the city holds the highest amount of vacant stock among the top Indian cities, it also has one of the strongest pipelines for upcoming commercial properties. The market’s robust absorption rate, coupled with increasing demand for modern workspaces, suggests that these vacant spaces will eventually be filled by companies eager to establish a presence in the city.

For TCS, the decision to lease a significant portion of Paradigm Rajapushpa for its operations aligns with its ongoing growth strategy. The company’s presence in the city reinforces Hyderabad’s position as a premier IT destination. As more companies follow suit and secure office spaces, Hyderabad will continue to evolve into a major player in the global business ecosystem.

Conclusion

TCS’s recent office lease in Hyderabad highlights both the continued growth of the city’s commercial real estate market and the strong demand for office space in one of India’s leading IT hubs. With a 15-year commitment and substantial upfront deposit, TCS has firmly established its presence in Hyderabad’s rapidly evolving office landscape. As the city continues to expand, both in terms of infrastructure and business activity, the demand for prime office spaces will only intensify, shaping the future of Hyderabad’s commercial real estate sector for years to come.

May 13, 2025