Key Cities Driving GCC Launches and Real Estate Demand in India in 2025
ICRA, the rating agency, forecasts a significant increase in the number of India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) from over 1,800 currently to approximately 2,400-3,000 by 2030. This surge is expected to generate more than $100 billion in annual revenue and expand the workforce by around 100%. Here’s a detailed look at the new GCCs set up in India during October to November 2025, highlighting their company size, focus, and locations.
1. Vanguard
Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management firms, opened its first GCC in Hyderabad on November 4, 2025. The company, known for its index and mutual funds, ETFs, and retirement services, manages assets in the $10+ trillion range. The Hyderabad center, located in temporary offices at Sattva Knowledge Park, aims to hire talent in AI, cloud, engineering, and data analytics. Vanguard’s decision to set up in Hyderabad is driven by the city’s robust tech ecosystem, infrastructure, and policy support.
2. Sonoco Products Company
Sonoco Products Company, a global packaging solutions firm, inaugurated its permanent GCC facility in Hyderabad on November 18, 2025. With a market cap of around $3.9-4 billion, Sonoco has already established an IT performance hub in the city earlier in the year. The GCC will focus on building digital, analytics, and automation capabilities, leveraging local tech talent to drive global digital transformation and operational efficiency.
3. Deepwatch
Deepwatch, a US-based cybersecurity firm, opened its first GCC in Bengaluru on November 19, 2025. The company specializes in managed detection and response (MDR) and security operations, with a growing focus on AI-driven cyber capabilities. The decision to locate in Bengaluru was driven by the city’s unmatched pool of AI, cloud, and cybersecurity engineering talent, which is not as readily available in the US.
4. The Standard
The Standard, a leading US financial services firm, launched its GCC in Bengaluru and Pune in October 2025. The company offers insurance, retirement, and investment products and services. While the exact market cap is not disclosed, The Standard aims to scale its tech and operations for global services, hiring engineering and product talent to support global technology transformation.
5. Carlsberg Group
Denmark-based brewery Carlsberg Group opened its first GCC in Gurugram in September 2025, followed by another center in Hyderabad the next day. With a market cap of $15-17 billion, Carlsberg’s GCC focuses on tech, managed services, and automation to support global operations. The company chose India to centralize IT and managed services, accelerate digital transformation, and execute a local investment and production growth strategy.
6. Rolls Royce
Luxury automobile and aerospace manufacturer Rolls Royce inaugurated its GCC in Bengaluru on September 17, 2025. The company plans to double its sourcing and has a presence of over 3,000 employees in India. Bengaluru, known as one of the world’s top three aerospace cities for attracting foreign investments, offers access to highly skilled engineers and a robust innovation ecosystem. Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil highlighted that this initiative has contributed to Bengaluru’s status as a global aerospace investment hub.
7. McDonald’s
McDonald’s, the global fast-food giant, inaugurated its first GCC in Hyderabad in October 2025. The center will focus on enhancing the company’s digital capabilities and operational efficiency. Hyderabad’s strong talent pool and supportive business environment were key factors in McDonald’s decision to set up the GCC in the city.
These GCC launches not only highlight the growing importance of India in the global business landscape but also underscore the role of key cities in driving commercial real estate demand and technological innovation.
