Brands
Solitario Lab-Grown Diamonds secures $3.6 million pre-IPO funding
MUMBAI: The future of diamonds is brighter, and it’s not coming from the mines. Solitario Lab-Grown Diamonds, co-founded by jewellery industry veteran Ricky Vasandani and Indian cinema actor Vivek Oberoi, has successfully raised $3.6 million in a pre-IPO funding round, valuing the company at $18.3 million (Rs. 150 crore).
The funding attracted marquee investors, including Neeraj Gupta (Meru Cabs founder), Mauritius-based FPI Investi Global, Vicco Group, and Seema Manish Nuwal (Solar Industries promoter). A roster of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, including Amit Agarwal, Rajesh Singla, Garima Theti, and Sandeep Singh, also participated in the round. Socradamus Capital Private Ltd acted as the book running lead manager for the transaction.
Solitario is rewriting the jewellery rulebook, proving that lab-grown diamonds are not just sustainable but also luxurious and desirable. The company offers an exquisite range of diamond jewellery, including necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants.
Their financial growth is as dazzling as their diamonds—revenues soared from Rs 24.3 crore in FY 2023 to Rs 52 crore in FY 2024. And they are just getting started.
Vasandani shared his excitement, stating, “This investment validates our vision of creating beautiful, sustainable jewellery that doesn’t compromise our planet’s future. The funds will accelerate our expansion plans and strengthen our position in the growing lab-grown diamond market. Solitario is not only creating jewellery but also crafting a legacy of environmental responsibility and exceptional craftsmanship.”
Solitario already shines across 18 stores in 10 major Indian cities and an international presence in Dubai, Malaysia, and Spain with 38 outlets. The brand has also forged an exclusive partnership with PNG to launch stores in seven more cities.
The company operates a state-of-the-art 30,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Surat, employing over 300 people. With these robust foundations, Solitario is set to expand its retail network domestically and internationally, enhance branding and marketing, develop a broader product portfolio, and boost manufacturing capabilities.
In a milestone moment, Solitario recently became the first lab-grown diamond brand to be showcased on the Burj Khalifa, reinforcing its global appeal.
The Indian gem and jewellery market is expected to grow from $43 billion in 2021 to $91 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, the lab-grown diamond market, currently valued at $250 million in 2023, is projected to hit $1.2 billion by 2033. Solitario aims to capture a significant share of this booming market, targeting Rs. 500 crore in revenue by 2028.
Solitario’s collection features over 500 unique designs, ranging from everyday elegance to high-end luxury. Their diamonds boast the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, but with a 40-50 per cent lower price tag and a guilt-free, sustainable footprint.
As consumers increasingly seek eco-conscious luxury, Solitario is positioned as the go-to brand for those who want the sparkle without the environmental strain.
Brands
UP govt, HGS unit to skill one lakh youth in digital push
MoU targets jobs, training and future ready talent across state
MUMBAI: Government of Uttar Pradesh has joined hands with OneOTT Intertainment Limited, the broadband arm of Hinduja Global Solutions, to train one lakh youth, signalling a fresh push towards jobs in the digital economy.
The memorandum of understanding, signed with the Employment Department Uttar Pradesh, aims to bridge the gap between skills and industry needs while opening up employment pathways for young people across the state.
The agreement was formalised by principal secretary, labour and employment, M. K. Shanmugha Sundaram and whole-time director, Hinduja Global Solutions and MD and CEO, OneOTT Intertainment Limited, Vynsley Fernandes, in the presence of labour minister Anil Rajbhar.
Under the partnership, OneOTT Intertainment Limited will roll out training programmes, workshops and knowledge-sharing platforms designed to equip youth with skills aligned to a rapidly digitising economy. The initiative will also include research inputs, technical guidance and policy-level support to ensure effective execution.
Principal secretary, labour and employment, M. K. Shanmugha Sundaram, said, “This collaboration will help align skill development programmes with actual industry needs and prepare the youth of Uttar Pradesh for emerging opportunities in the digital services sector.”
Hinduja Global Solutions whole-time director, and OneOTT Intertainment Limited MD and CEO Vynsley Fernandes said, “India’s progress is closely linked to strengthening the capabilities of its young workforce. At HGS, we see skills evolving alongside technology, and partnerships like this help build a stronger digital ecosystem.”
The state government will facilitate coordination across departments and institutions, ensuring the programmes reach the right audiences and deliver measurable outcomes.
As digital infrastructure expands and technology reshapes job markets, initiatives like this are positioning skill development not just as training, but as a gateway to opportunity for the next generation.
