What’s next for Chandra after Ta-ta

Dear reader,

India is now among the fastest-growing data centre markets globally, with growth projected at 2 to 3X the global average. The opportunity is massive. In fact, per a new report by Anarock Capital, the country’s data centre industry is expected to touch over 100 million square feet of space by 2030 from the current level of 27 million at an investment of $300 billion.

While Mumbai-MMR continues to dominate the industry, with 54 operational facilities and 812 MW of IT capacity, other regions such as Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR and Chennai are catching up. 

Speaking of data centres, Germany’s Infineon Technologies has agreed to acquire Bengaluru-based C2i Semiconductors to strengthen its AI data centre power solutions and expand its R&D capabilities in India. C2i is a young company by semiconductor industry standards. It was incorporated in 2024 and raised $15 million in Series A funding in February 2026.

Growing AI tech infrastructure requires massive power sources. Per an article in BBC Future, scientists have made a prototype of the world’s first quantum battery. And, unlike conventional batteries, it charges faster the larger it gets. Just as industry watchers say quantum computers could one day revolutionise computing, James Quach, a quantum science researcher at Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, argues that quantum batteries could disrupt the power industry.

Ironically, next-gen systems are more prone to cyberattacks, which is why some security experts are relying on old tech to secure data. 

A Revenge of the Analog, perhaps?

In today’s newsletter, we will talk about 

• Five plausible second acts for Chandra after Tata Sons
• Tynor Orthotics secures $200M from Kedaara Capital

Here’s your trivia for today: Where can one find "the Hand of the Desert"?

Corporate

Five plausible second acts for Chandra after Tata Sons

After more than four decades with the Tata Group, N. Chandrasekaran will step down as Tata Sons chairman when his tenure ends in February 2027. 

What Chandrasekaran plans to do after Tata Sons remains unclear, but here are a few possibilities.

On the move:

• AI mission: Chandrasekaran has often spoken about India’s AI opportunity. A time-bound national mission with hard deliverables could fit his wiring better than sitting on advisory committees.
• Become an investor: Following in the footsteps of Ratan Tata, who became one of the most recognisable individual backers of India's startup ecosystem, Chandrasekaran could also pick companies to invest in.
• Run a company: Chandrasekaran could simply take on another big operating role. At 63, he has plenty of runway left when his Tata Sons term finishes in February 2027.

<Funding Alert>

Startup: Airbound

Amount: $37M

Round: Series A

Startup: MATTER

Amount: $25M

Round: Growth

Startup: Nexedge Capital

Amount: $20M

Round: Undisclosed

Private equity

Tynor Orthotics secures $200M from Kedaara Capital

Homegrown private equity firm Kedaara Capital has invested $200 million in Mohali-based Tynor Orthotics, a manufacturer of orthopaedic supports, mobility aids, and rehabilitation products. Founded in 1993, Tynor operates three manufacturing facilities across 6.5 lakh square feet, distributing to 300,000 retail outlets.

Key takeaways:

• Tynor did not disclose the stake Kedaara Capital will acquire as part of the investment.
• Kedaara Capital currently manages over $6 billion through investments in a variety of sectors including healthcare and pharma, financial services, consumer, and technology services.
• The partnership will focus on expanding Tynor’s presence across India and international markets, while continuing to invest in its manufacturing capabilities.

News & updates

• Dragon Ball Z: French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have struck an almost $7 billion deal for an entertainment complex north of France. The agreement includes three amusement parks, with a manga-inspired park based on Dragon Ball Z, the popular Japanese anime series.
• Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin is seeing a resurgence. On Tuesday, the world’s largest cryptocurrency rose above $80,000 to hit a more than three-month high, in a rally driven by a softer US dollar following Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent intervention to calm the bond market.

Where can one find "the Hand of the Desert"?

Answer: Atacama Desert in northern Chile.

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