Brands
Why Raj Nayak is getting into scalable IPs with the House of IP
MUMBAI: Is there still space in the content creation, event IPs, and the experiences verticals despite the gadzillion or so producers, event organisers and individual creators popping up from every nook and cranny all over India?
Well, Raj Nayak, the former chief operating officer of Viacom18 and founder of House of Cheer, sure as hell believes there is. He has unveiled his next bold venture — House of IP — in partnership with digital marketing outfit Yaap.
Positioned as a first-of-its-kind venture studio for event and entertainment IPs, House of IP promises to create, scale and monetise original properties across sports, music, digital content and branded experiences. From seed ideas to revenue engines, the studio aims to become a launchpad for immersive, culture-first experiences.
“At a time when content is fragmented and brands are fighting for attention, scalable IPs are the future,” said Nayak who does not seem to be tiring despite being in the media and entertainment business for nearly four decades.
He’s raring to go with his new venture, just like he was at the start of his career nearly 40 years ago. “House of IP is built to turn bold concepts into cultural movements — and business success.”
Yaap, known for its work in influencer marketing and digital media, brings its tech-driven, platform-first mindset to the collaboration. Founder Atul Hegde called the move a “natural evolution” of Yaap’s vision. “With Raj’s creative force and our digital DNA, this partnership will help build IPs that go the distance,” he said.
House of IP is setting up shop in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Dubai, with plans to work both with original concepts and existing IP owners. The venture will offer strategic consulting, content creation, brand partnerships and monetisation models.
“Think big ideas, deep culture connects, and long-term brand value,” Nayak added. “Welcome to the House of IP.”
What should work in Nayak’s favour is the numerous relationships he has forged and goodwill he has generated on almost every front throughout his career, whether amongst marketers or agencies or broadcast executives or event agencies.
Then there is a bunch of startups as well as unicorns in almost every vertical which are looking for expertise to take them forward in the experiences department or their content needs. The new sports policy announced recently by the government is likely to see a plethora of new sports get a fresh impetus with administrators and the private sector getting together to make India a sporting nation and take it beyond just cricket.
Already, many leagues for many a sport have come up which need nurturing and guidance to make them grow a la the Pro Kabaddi League and the Indian Super League. Raj spent a large part of his early career selling sports and continues to do so with the Celebrity Cricket League, which should work in the House of IPs’ favour.
Finally, with the overall live and experiential business literally exploding like never before, it’s most likely that his House of IPs will have a lot to cheer about. Just like his House of Cheer.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
