Brands
Spark Eighteen acquires Voice AI startup JAM to boost capabilities
Deal brings voice tech edge as studio bets big on AI-led product growth
NEW DELHI: Spark Eighteen has acquired JAM, a Voice AI startup focused on building intelligent voice agents, in a move aimed at strengthening its capabilities in the fast-evolving artificial intelligence space.
Founded by Aayush Narang, Spark Eighteen has positioned itself as a global technology partner with a team of over 200 engineers, building digital products for startups and enterprises, particularly in the US market. The company operates a venture-building arm, Spark Eighteen Studio, alongside its investment vertical, Aay Capital, which backs early-stage startups.
JAM, founded by Ashish Khurana and Akshay Dewan, brings expertise in deploying scalable, human-like voice AI systems across use cases such as customer support, operations and workflow automation. Both founders were early team members at Zomato and Hyperpure, adding operational depth to the venture.
As part of the acquisition, Akshay Dewan will join Spark Eighteen as vice president of product and business operations, bringing experience in product strategy and scaling operations. Meanwhile, Ashish Khurana, who previously held leadership roles including senior director of engineering at Yubi and head of engineering at Zomato, will exit the company following the completion of the deal.
The acquisition will see JAM integrated into Spark Eighteen Studio, where it will contribute to building and scaling new AI-driven products, particularly in the voice interface layer, an area gaining traction as businesses look to simplify interactions with customers and systems.
Commenting on the move, Spark Eighteen founder Aayush Narang said, “Voice is emerging as a dominant interface in how businesses interact with customers and systems. JAM brings a strong foundation in this space, and together we aim to accelerate the adoption of intelligent, scalable voice solutions globally.”
Echoing this sentiment, JAM co-founder Ashish Khurana said, “We’ve always believed voice AI will fundamentally reshape user experiences in the tech and digital space. By joining Spark Eighteen, we are set to scale capabilities, talent and deploy faster across global markets.”
With this acquisition, Spark Eighteen is doubling down on its AI-first strategy, combining product engineering, venture building and investment under a unified ecosystem. As voice continues to gain ground as the next big interface, the deal positions the company to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.
Brands
Novotel Mumbai Airport names Anjum Sheikh as front office manager
Hospitality professional with 13 years’ experience to boost guest services
MUMBAI: Novotel Mumbai International Airport has appointed Anjum Sheikh as front office manager, effective 20 April 2026, strengthening its leadership team in guest services.
With over 13 years of experience in front office operations, Sheikh brings a strong track record in managing guest experiences, streamlining operations and leading high-performing teams. Her approach has consistently focused on delivering seamless and efficient service while maintaining high standards of hospitality.
Before joining Novotel Mumbai International Airport, she held key roles at The Westin Mumbai Garden City, Grand Hyatt Mumbai and Trident Nariman Point, where she contributed to strengthening service standards and mentoring teams to enhance guest satisfaction.
Welcoming the appointment, Novotel Mumbai International Airport general manager Rachita Sood said, “We are delighted to welcome Anjum to the Novotel Mumbai International Airport team. Her extensive experience, operational expertise, and commitment to guest satisfaction make her a valuable addition to our leadership team.”
She added, Novotel Mumbai International Airport general manager rachita sood said, “We are confident that her dynamic approach and passion for service excellence will further strengthen our front office operations and enhance the overall guest experience.”
With Sheikh stepping into the role, the hotel aims to further elevate its service standards and reinforce its focus on delivering memorable guest experiences.
