135 GCCs entered Pune in three years, says report

Pune: Availability of robust office spaces and availability of tech talent has led to surge in global capabilities centres (GCCs) with the city witnessing 135 companies setting up their offices since 2024, as per a joint report by KPMG in India, American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM) and research firm UnearthIQ.In the past three years, maximum growth in GCCs in the city was seen in FY25 as 62 companies opened their offices, 48 companies in FY24 and 25 companies this year so far.Pune now has over 500 GCCs cornering around 14% of the total influx coming in the country. Of the 500 GCCs, over 270 companies are US headquartered. The total number of GCCs in Pune is expected to grow to up to 680 by FY30.These 500 units now employ 2.2 lakh techies in the city. The top 10 GCCs in Pune account for up to 46,000 employees, as per the report. GCCs in Pune are benefiting from talent coming from Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Kolhapur and lower cost of business and atrrition compared to other cities. “With its strong talent, infrastructure, and innovation, Pune offers a unique opportunity to go beyond execution and build centres that deliver enterprise-wide value and transformation for global organisations,” said Shalini Pillay, partner and India leader, GCCs, KPMG in India.“Over the past two decades, the model has evolved from cost arbitrage driven back office operations to critical hubs. At the heart of this transformation is a shift in talent strategy. Organisations are now prioritising professionals who combine deep expertise in technology with a broad understanding of business contexts,” said Smitha Hemmigae, managing director, ANSR.The report also highlights some of the challenges that Pune faces for growth of the sector. The most promiment is the lack of last mile connectivity, unfinished metro line from Shivajinagar to Hinjewadi. Lack of airport connectivity with major global destinations is also an issue for foreign delegates.Pune also faces percention risk as it is mostly viewed as enigneering and manufacturing hub rather than innovation city. It also has fewer roadshows, centres of excellence and GCC summits.