Events
Billion Dollar Valuations & Billion Dollar AUM’s on the court, at Bertelsmann Badminton Championship 2024
Bangalore, August 2nd, 2024 – The 6th Annual Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) Badminton Championship held at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy brought together venture capitalists and startups in a lively mix of competition and collaboration, gathering some of the most influential minds in the VC ecosystem with a combined portfolio valuation exceeding billions of dollars.
Top investment funds like Ascent Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Stellaris, Avendus, IndigoEdge, Kalaari, and others participated in the event. It wasn’t just about athletic prowess; it was a strategic blend of business and leisure, providing a unique platform for networking. Industry leaders connected in a relaxed yet stimulating environment, exploring new sectors and innovative startups. With so many leading investors under one roof, discussions about the future of India’s startup ecosystem highlighted the potential for groundbreaking ideas and collaborations.
Rohit Sood, Partner at Bertelsmann India Investments, remarked: “The remarkable growth of our tournament over the years is a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem in India. We believe that physical fitness and a healthy work-life balance are fundamental to the success of any organization. This championship not only embodies these values but also reinforces our dedication to promoting them within the venture capital community. At Bertelsmann India Investments, we are proud to support initiatives that encourage collaboration, innovation, and well-being.”
The event was not only a showcase of sportsmanship but also a chance for VCs to unwind while discussing potential investments and industry trends. Camaraderie and friendly competition underscored the spirit of collaboration and community within the investment world.
Kitty Agarwal, Info Edge Ventures: “Participating in the Bertelsmann India Investments Badminton Championship has been a refreshing break from the usual work environment. It’s a 10/10 experience where informal interactions can spark new investments and collaborations, emphasizing fun and camaraderie over competition.”
Akshay Ghulati – Shiprocket: “It’s been a phenomenal experience. This event sparked my interest in badminton and has fostered meaningful connections. The relaxed atmosphere allows for open, candid conversations with fellow founders and VCs, leading to insightful discussions about our journeys, challenges, and the evolving business landscape.”
In a fun twist, BII unveiled a rap song dedicated to the championship. The catchy track celebrated the blend of sportsmanship and investment acumen, adding a unique cultural touch to the event. Beyond the games, panel discussions and fireside chats featured VCs sharing their insights on market trends and investment strategies, offering valuable perspectives on the future landscape of venture capital.
Chef Manu Chandra, often called the Massimo Bottura of Bangalore, trained at the Culinary Institute of America, mentored by Daniel Boulud and Eric Ripert. Featured on BBC, he is celebrated for restaurants like Toast & Tonic and bespoke catering at events like Cannes and Davos. He was present at the championship, showcasing his culinary expertise.
The 6th Annual Bertelsmann India Investments Badminton Championship was a testament to the synergy between sports and business, setting the stage for even more impactful gatherings in the future. The winners of the tournament were Sameer Innoven from Capital and Berry Singh, founder of Ace Turtle.
To view the rap song of BBC 2024 click here: https://youtu.be/BZM0goXJ0ks
About Bertelsmann India Investments (BII):
About Bertelsmann India Investments: Established in 2012, Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) is a sector-agnostic venture capital fund. BII is part of Bertelsmann Investments, which has so far invested more than $1.06 billion. With a focus on early growth stage investments in tech-driven start-ups (Series A to D), BII has established a strong reputation for investing in disruptive sectors such as health tech, fintech, agri-tech, and enterprise tech. With a decade of success, BII’s investments in companies like Shiprocket, Eruditus, and Licious have transformed them into unicorns. As balance sheet investors with an evergreen fund, BII believes in forging long-term strategic partnerships. Recently closing our $500 million fund, we lead funding rounds with an initial investment ranging from $5 to $20 million, with the potential to invest up to $40 million throughout a startup’s lifecycle. BII remains dedicated to identifying young, tech-enabled, mission-driven, and sustainable businesses, committed to providing long-term support to its portfolio companies.
CROISETTE CHRONICLES — PART II
“Sun, Silk & Studied Chaos”
If the first week of Cannes 2026 whispered, the second week grabbed you by the collar.
A blush-pink strapless column gown arrived on the Croisette with the kind of quiet ferocity only a seasoned red carpet can absorb. Pearl-scattered at the bust, its satin surface caught every camera flash. It was paired with a voluminous silver-grey cocoon coat draped off both shoulders — not worn, deployed. Chandelier diamonds framed the ears, stacked rings adorned both hands, and sleekly pulled-back hair revealed a razor-sharp jawline. This was old Hollywood reconstructed by someone who found the original too polite.
Then came the moment that stopped the Croisette mid-scroll: a chartreuse pleated one-shoulder gown, its fabric engineered into deep diagonal ridges sweeping from a sculpted shoulder down to a dramatic thigh-high slit. Photographed against palm trees and Mediterranean light, it looked less like an outfit and more like a natural phenomenon — moss-coloured, elemental, inevitable. A single emerald pendant rested at the throat. Loose waves, barely tamed, completed the look. The overall effect? A woman who dressed for the landscape, not the photographers — and somehow captivated both.
Beside the sea, another story unfolded. A dark sequinned gown — midnight black fading into deep magenta — was worn against the backdrop of open water. Hair loosened by the wind, a glance thrown back over one bare shoulder. Delicate crystal chains descended the open back like jewellery transformed into architecture. No carpet, no crowd. Just Riviera light and the confidence to command it entirely.
Then came the cultural statement that deserved its own paragraph: a halter-neck anarkali of extraordinary intricacy. Silver and blush floral embroidery spread across ivory silk, while a heavily diamond-encrusted halter neckline functioned as both collar and jewel. A maang tikka and oversized jhumkas completed a look worthy of museum display. A blush dupatta trailed behind with quiet drama. This was Indian couture presented not as a translation for a Western audience, but entirely on its own terms — unapologetic, uncompromising, and self-assured.
Finally, there was the fashion commentator who became the story. A multicoloured embroidered bandhgala blazer — alive with iridescent threadwork in mauve, teal, and gold — was paired with plum trousers and a galaxy of statement rings. Frameless glasses added restraint to the visual richness, while the smile carried a different message altogether: I dressed for myself first. At Cannes, where everyone performs for someone, that may be the most radical statement of all.
“The Riviera didn’t dress them. They dressed the Riviera.”
Events
Fashion Designer Amit GT and Le Marquise Jewellery by Jasmine Gulati Jain and Sambhav Jain Showcase Excellence Under the Golden Lumière Awards at the 79th Festival de Cannes 2026 Show Directed by Liza Varma
As part of India’s multi-platform presence at the 79th Festival de Cannes 2026, internationally renowned Show Director Liza Varma from India led a delegation of Indian designers and jewellery labels at the Fashion TV Presentation held on 18th May 2026 at the Majestic Hotel, Cannes, at 9:30 PM (CEST).
The showcase featured celebrated Indian designer Amit GT along with Le Marquise Jewellery by Jasmine Gulati Jain and Sambhav Jain, presenting a curated display of fashion and jewellery that reflected contemporary Indian design sensibilities on an international platform. Amit GT’s showcase was presented under the prestigious Golden Lumière Awards Cannes 2026, hosted at the Majestic Hotel Beach, Cannes.
The Golden Lumière Awards show is hosted at the Majestic Hotel Beach, Cannes2026, where cinema meets luxury, celebrating outstanding personalities from international cinema along with visionary business leaders supporting art, culture, cinema, and the future generation of creators. The grand evening was attended by international personality Farhana Bodi and actress Urvashi Rautela, while actress Pooja Batra. The event was produced by Anna Neneman from ENW Showroom.
Speaking about the showcase, Liza Varma said, “My focus is to create opportunities for Indian designers and talent to present their work in international environments. Cannes provides an important global platform to showcase the strength of Indian fashion, craftsmanship, and creative talent before an international audience.”
Held alongside the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival 2026, the presentation formed part of a larger initiative led by Liza Varma to create global visibility for Indian designers, jewellery labels, and creative talent through curated showcases and international collaborations at Cannes.
Events
“Echoes of Past and Future” Opens a Dialogue Between Generations of Indian Art at Divine Art Gallery, New Delhi
Echoes of Past and Future, a group exhibition of modern and contemporary art, opened with a preview on Friday, 24 April 2026 at Divine Art Gallery, New Delhi. The exhibition is now open to the public and will remain on view until 10 May 2026.
Bringing together an exceptional selection of works, the exhibition features celebrated Indian modernists including S.H. Raza, Ram Kumar, F.N. Souza, Krishen Khanna, Sunil Das, A. Ramachandran, Paramjit Singh, Anjolie Ela Menon, Manu Parekh, and Himmat Shah, among others. It also showcases significant works by senior contemporary artists, including Yusuf and Ashok Bhowmick.
The exhibition presents a diverse range of artistic expressions through paintings, drawings, and sculptures, offering a dialogue between different periods and practices in Indian art. By placing works of modern masters alongside those of later generations, the show highlights both continuity and transformation in artistic language.
Anjolie Ela Menon’s contemplative figures evoke quiet introspection, while Manu Parekh’s vibrant landscapes convey intensity and movement. Sculptural works by Himmat Shah contribute a strong tactile and material dimension, enriching the visual experience. Together, the artworks create a dynamic interplay of styles, themes, and sensibilities.
Echoes of Past and Future invites viewers to reflect on the evolution of Indian modern and contemporary art, tracing its journey across time while pointing toward future directions and emerging possibilities.
Sumit Thakur, Founder of Divine Art Gallery, said, “Echoes of Past and Future brings together some of the most prominent voices in Indian modern and contemporary art, creating a meaningful dialogue across generations. By presenting works of masters alongside those of later artists, the exhibition reflects both continuity and evolution in artistic expression, offering viewers an opportunity to expand their understanding of diverse visual languages and to experience a rich artistic legacy that continues to influence contemporary practice.”
Exhibition Details:
Title: Echoes of Past and Future
Dates: 24 April – 10 May 2026
Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Open Daily)
Venue: Divine Art Gallery, F-213A, Old M.B. Road, Lado Sarai, New Delhi – 110030
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