Brands
Ankush Bahuguna becomes first Indian creator at Estée Lauder global launch
LOS ANGELES: Indian content creator Ankush Bahuguna has emerged as the sole representative from India at Estée Lauder’s global beauty launch in Los Angeles, signalling the growing influence of Indian creators on the world stage.
Bahuguna travelled to LA to attend the international unveiling of Estée Lauder’s new Double Wear foundation, alongside leading creators and industry figures from across markets. The launch programme included an exclusive masterclass, curated outdoor experiences and immersive brand-led activities built around the product showcase.
His inclusion reflects the legacy beauty brands bet on creators shaping global conversations in the beauty space and strengthens Bahuguna’s expanding presence in the international influencer ecosystem.
The collaboration underscores how global beauty majors are increasingly tapping Indian digital voices to reach diverse, digitally native audiences worldwide.
Brands
Kaartech raises $11 million in Series B funding
Playbook Partners leads round as AI-led firm crosses Rs 1,000 crore revenue mark.
MUMBAI: Kaartech just fuelled its rocket with fresh cash because when you’re already crossing Rs 1,000 crore and running on KTern.AI, the next stage needs serious thrust. KaarTech, a global AI-led enterprise transformation partner, has raised $11 million (approximately Rs 100 crore) in a Series B primary funding round led by Playbook Partners. The round follows the company’s $30 million raise in July 2023 led by A91 Partners.
The fresh capital arrives as Kaartech crosses Rs 1,000 crore in revenue, clocking a 44 per cent compound annual growth rate over the past five years. The growth has been powered by its proprietary platform KTern.AI, which embeds governance and outcome assurance into large-scale enterprise transformations.
The new funds will accelerate Kaartech’s next phase, with focus on deepening AI, data and industry innovation capabilities. The company plans a strategic acquisition to strengthen data engineering and analytics, enabling more powerful AI-driven insights for clients. It will also invest heavily in scaling its AI-led Enterprise Operating System (EOS) platform set to roll out to existing customers in Q2 FY27, with full general availability planned for Q4 FY27. New clients will receive a complimentary AI Readiness Assessment to identify priority use cases, evaluate data readiness and build tailored transformation roadmaps.
Kaartech will expand its global AI Labs, including a new Oil & Gas AI Lab in Houston and additional labs in Bangalore and Chennai focused on CPG & Retail, Engineering & Natural Resources, and Utilities. These labs will develop industry-specific AI solutions and SLM-based foundation models for enterprise use cases.
Kaartech, Founder & CEO Maran Nagarajan said, “This raise marks a defining chapter in Kaartech’s journey. A 4X growth in enterprise value since our Series A reflects the trust placed in us by our employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders. As we drive a clear shift toward an outcome-led Enterprise Operating System, this partnership with Playbook Partners enables us to deepen our Data Engineering and Analytics capabilities, pursue strategic acquisitions, and scale globally.”
Playbook Partners managing partner Vikas Choudhury added, “KaarTech stands out for its deep domain expertise, AI-led transformation capabilities, and strong client relationships. With operations across the US, Europe, and the Middle East, the company has demonstrated remarkable value creation in recent years.”
In a transformation game where most players still chase buzzwords, Kaartech isn’t just raising money, it’s raising the bar, turning AI from a shiny add-on into the actual operating system of enterprise change.
