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Tag: #TelanganaBusiness

  • From the Pitch to the Boardroom: Why Top Indian Cricketers Are Making Hyderabad Their Business Hub

    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.

  • EKAM Business Conclave 2026 Brings 300+ Entrepreneurs to Hyderabad

    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.

  • SHREE Opens First Retail Store in Hyderabad, Plans 20-25 More Outlets Across Telangana

    SHREE Opens First Retail Store in Hyderabad, Plans 20-25 More Outlets Across Telangana

    Hyderabad, September 6, 2026: In a significant expansion move, SHREE, a leading women’s ethnic wear brand, has officially opened its first retail outlet in Hyderabad at TNR North City Mall. This marks the brand’s entry into the Telangana market, with ambitious plans to establish a strong retail footprint across the state.

    Grand Launch and Store Details

    The new 1,500 sq. ft. store was inaugurated on Sunday by Femina Miss India Telangana 2026, Ramya Kailasa, alongside SHREE co-founders Sandeep Kapoor and Sheetal Kapoor. The store showcases SHREE’s extensive range of women’s ethnic and contemporary wear, offering customers a premium shopping experience in a spacious, well-designed retail environment.

    Aggressive Expansion Plans

    SHREE is not stopping at just one store. The brand has announced plans to open 20 to 25 additional stores across Telangana over the next two years, with the goal of strengthening its retail presence in the state by 2028. This aggressive expansion strategy underscores the company’s confidence in Hyderabad’s growing retail market and the evolving needs of working women in the region.

    Product Range and Craftsmanship

    The Hyderabad outlet features SHREE’s comprehensive collection, including:

    • Sarees
    • Kurtas and kurta sets
    • Kurtis and tunics
    • Co-ords and wide-leg pants
    • Leggings

    The collections are crafted from premium fabrics such as cotton, linen, Banarasi silk, and chiffon, all designed in-house under the brand’s private label. This focus on quality fabrics and in-house design ensures that SHREE maintains control over both the aesthetic and the craftsmanship of its products.

    Leadership Perspectives

    Confidence in Telangana’s Market

    Sandeep Kapoor, Chairman and Managing Director of SHR Lifestyles Private Limited, expressed optimism about the expansion:

    “The company was confident about expanding in Telangana based on its existing online customer base.”

    He also highlighted the broader socioeconomic impact of the expansion:

    “The planned expansion would also create employment opportunities and support local tailoring units and skilled artisans.”

    Meeting the Needs of Modern Women

    Co-founder Sheetal Kapoor emphasized why Hyderabad was a strategic choice:

    “Hyderabad’s growing retail market and the evolving needs of working women made the city an important market for the brand.”

    She also pointed out the unique value of a physical retail presence:

    “The physical store would allow customers to experience the fit and fabrics of the collections, something that online shopping could not fully provide.”

    Strategic Context: From Online to Omnichannel

    SHREE’s entry into Hyderabad represents a classic omnichannel strategy. The brand already has an established online customer base in Telangana, which provided the data and confidence to invest in physical retail. By opening brick-and-mortar stores, SHREE is addressing a key limitation of e-commerce: the inability to touch, feel, and try on ethnic wear before purchase.

    This hybrid approach allows the brand to:

    • Build stronger customer relationships through in-person experiences
    • Reduce return rates by allowing customers to check fit and fabric quality
    • Create brand awareness and visibility in a competitive market
    • Support local employment and artisan communities

    SHREE’s National and Global Footprint

    With this Hyderabad launch, SHREE now operates more than 130 stores across India and in overseas markets. The brand has positioned itself as a key player in the women’s ethnic wear segment, competing with both traditional retailers and modern D2C (direct-to-consumer) brands.

    Looking Ahead

    As SHREE embarks on its ambitious Telangana expansion, the brand is well-positioned to capitalize on several favorable trends:

    • The growing purchasing power of working women in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities
    • The increasing demand for high-quality, affordable ethnic wear
    • The shift toward organized retail in the ethnic fashion segment
    • Hyderabad’s emergence as a major retail and technology hub

    With 20-25 stores planned by 2028, SHREE is betting big on Telangana. If successful, this expansion could serve as a blueprint for entering other high-growth Indian states.

  • PepsiCo Leases 91,314 Sq Ft Office Space in Hyderabad for ₹35 Crore

    PepsiCo Leases 91,314 Sq Ft Office Space in Hyderabad for ₹35 Crore

    Hyderabad’s position as India’s premier destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) continues to strengthen, with another major multinational corporation making a significant real estate commitment. PepsiCo India Capability Center LLP has officially leased over 91,000 square feet of premium office space in the city’s rapidly growing Kokapet micro-market, signaling a major expansion of its Indian operations.

    The Deal in Numbers

    According to recent real estate data, the comprehensive five-year lease agreement includes the following key details:

    • Location: 6th and 7th floors of Laxmi Infobahn Tower 4, Kokapet, Hyderabad.
    • Total Area: 91,314 sq ft of chargeable, Grade-A office space.
    • Financials: A monthly rent of approximately ₹52.96 lakh (pegged at ₹58 per sq ft), bringing the total estimated lease value to ₹35 crore over the five-year term.
    • Lease Terms: The agreement, which commenced on March 13, 2026, includes a standard 5% annual rent escalation and a security deposit of ₹4.76 crore paid to the landlord, GAR & Son Builders LLP.

    Strategic Significance: Why Hyderabad and Kokapet?

    This substantial investment is not just a real estate transaction; it is a strategic vote of confidence in Hyderabad’s thriving talent ecosystem and robust IT infrastructure.

    Kokapet, often dubbed the “Next Gen IT Hub” of Hyderabad, has rapidly evolved from an emerging suburb into a premier enterprise corridor. With its proximity to the Outer Ring Road (ORR), world-class social infrastructure, and a concentration of Grade-A commercial developments, it has become the address of choice for global tech and corporate giants looking to establish or expand their GCCs.

    As Raja Seetharaman, Co-founder of Propstack, noted on the deal:

    “PepsiCo’s expansion of ~91,000 sq ft at Laxmi Infobahn underscores the relentless appetite global giants have for Grade-A GCC assets in Hyderabad. Kokapet continues to establish itself as a premier enterprise corridor, backed by robust infrastructure and sustained institutional demand.”

    Fueling the GCC Boom in Telangana

    PepsiCo’s move aligns with a broader, unstoppable trend in Hyderabad’s commercial real estate sector. Over the past few years, the city has consistently attracted top-tier multinational companies across sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and FMCG. These organizations are drawn to Hyderabad’s deep pool of specialized STEM talent, proactive government policies, and high quality of life.

    By expanding its Capability Center, PepsiCo is positioning itself to drive innovation, digital transformation, and advanced analytics from the heart of India, supporting its global business objectives.

    Looking Ahead

    As the lease takes full effect, the Laxmi Infobahn Tower 4 will see an influx of top-tier corporate talent, further boosting the local economy, retail, and hospitality sectors in the Kokapet vicinity.

    For Hyderabad, deals of this magnitude reinforce its narrative not just as India’s “Cyberabad,” but as a mature, globally integrated hub capable of hosting the world’s most recognized brands. As more Fortune 500 companies follow suit, Hyderabad’s skyline—and its economic footprint—will only continue to rise.