Introduction: A Landmark Deal in India’s Real Estate and GCC Landscape

In a move that is set to redefine India’s commercial real estate and Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem, Knowledge Realty Trust, a joint venture between Blackstone and Sattva Group, has successfully raised INR 1,400 crore (approximately $170 million) ahead of its much-anticipated Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) debut. This strategic fundraising, as reported by Prop News Time, marks a significant milestone, not just for the real estate sector but also for professional services companies looking to establish or expand their GCCs in India.

Knowledge Realty Trust: The New Powerhouse in Commercial Real Estate

Knowledge Realty Trust, with its robust backing from Blackstone—the world’s largest alternative asset manager—and Sattva Group, one of India’s leading real estate developers, is poised to become a game-changer in the Indian office space market. The trust’s portfolio, comprising Grade A office assets across key Indian cities, is strategically aligned with the growing demand from multinational corporations (MNCs) and professional services firms for high-quality, sustainable workspaces to house their GCCs.

The INR 1,400 crore fundraising ahead of the REIT launch is a testament to investor confidence in India’s commercial real estate sector, which has seen a resurgence post-pandemic, driven largely by the rapid expansion of GCCs and the increasing trend of global organizations setting up innovation, technology, and support hubs in India.

India’s GCC Boom: A Magnet for Global Professional Services Firms

India’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) landscape has witnessed exponential growth over the past decade. According to NASSCOM’s 2023 GCC Trends report, India is home to over 1,580 GCCs, employing more than 1.66 million professionals. The sector is expected to reach $60 billion in annual revenues by 2025, with a growing number of Fortune 500 companies establishing or expanding their presence in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram.

This growth is fueled by several factors:

• Talent Availability: India offers a vast pool of highly skilled, English-speaking professionals across technology, finance, analytics, and business operations.
• Cost Efficiency: Setting up a GCC in India can reduce operational costs by up to 60% compared to Western markets.
• Innovation Ecosystem: India’s thriving startup and innovation culture provides GCCs with access to cutting-edge technologies and agile talent.
• World-Class Infrastructure: Modern office spaces, such as those developed by Knowledge Realty Trust, offer global standards in sustainability, safety, and employee experience.

As a result, professional services companies—including Big Four firms, consulting giants, legal process outsourcers, and technology services providers—are increasingly viewing India as a strategic hub for global operations, digital transformation, and leadership development.

The Role of Real Estate in GCC Success: Why Knowledge Realty Trust Matters

For professional services companies, the quality and location of office space are critical factors in attracting top talent, fostering collaboration, and ensuring business continuity. Knowledge Realty Trust’s portfolio is uniquely positioned to address these needs:

• Prime Locations: Assets are located in established business districts of Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune—cities that account for over 70% of India’s GCC footprint.
• Sustainable Design: LEED-certified buildings with advanced air filtration, energy-efficient systems, and wellness amenities.
• Scalability: Flexible office configurations and large floor plates to accommodate rapid team expansions.
• Technology Integration: Smart building management, high-speed connectivity, and robust security protocols.

The INR 1,400 crore fundraising will enable Knowledge Realty Trust to further enhance its asset base, invest in next-generation infrastructure, and support the evolving needs of global professional services firms establishing or scaling their GCCs in India.

REIT Debut: Unlocking Value and Transparency for Global Investors

The upcoming REIT debut of Knowledge Realty Trust is expected to be a watershed moment for India’s commercial real estate sector. REITs offer several advantages to both domestic and international investors:

• Liquidity: REIT units can be traded on stock exchanges, providing easy entry and exit options.
• Transparency: Stringent regulatory oversight ensures high standards of governance and reporting.
• Stable Yields: REITs are mandated to distribute a significant portion of their income as dividends, making them attractive for yield-seeking investors.
• Diversification: Investors gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of income-generating assets.

For professional services companies, the presence of institutional landlords like Knowledge Realty Trust means greater reliability, long-term lease stability, and access to global best practices in property management—factors that are crucial for GCCs aiming for operational excellence.

Recent Research: Trends Shaping GCC Real Estate and Talent Markets in 2024-2025

Recent studies highlight several trends that will shape the GCC and real estate ecosystem in the coming years:

• Hybrid Work Models: According to CBRE’s India Office MarketView Q1 2024, demand for flexible, tech-enabled office spaces is on the rise as companies adopt hybrid work policies.
• Focus on ESG: A JLL report notes that sustainability and wellness features are now key differentiators for office assets, influencing both tenant decisions and employee retention.
• Leadership Talent Shortage: Michael Page’s Leadership Hiring Trends India 2024 highlights a growing demand for senior leaders with experience in digital transformation, change management, and global operations.
• Rise of Tier-2 Cities: While Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune remain dominant, cities like Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi are emerging as attractive GCC destinations due to improved infrastructure and talent availability.

These trends underscore the need for professional services companies to partner with real estate providers and talent advisors who understand the nuances of the Indian market.

Han Digital: The Talent Market Expert Powering GCC Leadership

As the GCC ecosystem becomes more competitive, the ability to attract, retain, and develop top talent—especially at the leadership level—has become a key differentiator for global professional services firms. This is where Han Digital plays a pivotal role.

Han Digital, a leading talent market research and leadership hiring firm, has developed a unique understanding of India’s talent landscape, particularly in the context of GCCs and professional services. Here’s how Han Digital is relevant to the current conversation:

• Deep Talent Market Insights: Han Digital’s proprietary market intelligence platform tracks talent availability, compensation trends, and leadership mobility across all major Indian cities and sectors.
• Senior Leadership Connections: Years of working with Fortune 500 companies and top consulting firms have enabled Han Digital to build strong relationships with senior leaders and high-potential executives in technology, finance, analytics, and operations.
• Customized Hiring Strategies: Han Digital partners with organizations to design and execute tailored leadership hiring programs, ensuring cultural fit, diversity, and long-term retention.
• Advisory on GCC Setup: From market entry assessments to talent ramp-up planning, Han Digital provides end-to-end advisory for professional services firms establishing new GCCs or expanding existing ones in India.

With the influx of investment in commercial real estate—exemplified by Knowledge Realty Trust’s recent fundraising—Han Digital’s expertise becomes even more valuable. As organizations compete for prime office space and top-tier talent, having a partner who understands both the physical and human capital dimensions of GCC success is essential.

Case Study: How Han Digital Enabled a Big Four Firm’s GCC Expansion

In 2023, a leading Big Four professional services firm partnered with Han Digital to scale its GCC operations in Hyderabad. The challenge was twofold: securing a world-class office space and building a leadership team capable of driving digital transformation initiatives.

Han Digital’s approach included:

1. Mapping the talent landscape across Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune to identify leadership availability and compensation benchmarks.
2. Advising on office location selection, leveraging relationships with institutional landlords like Knowledge Realty Trust to secure a sustainable, flexible workspace.
3. Designing a leadership hiring program focused on diversity, digital skills, and global experience.
4. Providing ongoing market intelligence to support workforce planning and retention strategies.

The result: The firm successfully hired a CXO-level leadership team within three months, achieved 30% faster ramp-up of its GCC, and reported industry-leading retention rates—all while operating from a state-of-the-art office environment.

Future Outlook: What Knowledge Realty Trust’s REIT Means for GCCs and Talent in 2025

The successful fundraising by Knowledge Realty Trust and its impending REIT debut signal a new era of transparency, professionalism, and global integration for India’s commercial real estate and GCC sectors. For professional services companies, this means:

• Access to World-Class Infrastructure: Institutional ownership and management of office assets ensure consistent quality and reliability.
• Enhanced Talent Attraction: Modern, sustainable workspaces are a magnet for top talent, especially in leadership and digital roles.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with real estate and talent experts like Knowledge Realty Trust and Han Digital enables faster, more successful GCC setups.
• Long-Term Value Creation: As REITs mature, organizations benefit from stable leasing arrangements, predictable costs, and access to global best practices.

According to EY’s India REIT Market 2024 report, the REIT market is expected to double in size by 202