Nandan Nilekani's Fundamentum, others invests $18 million in Sri Mandir-parent AppsForBharat

Bengaluru-based spiritual tech platform AppsForBharat has raised $18 million (Rs 151 crore) in a Series B funding round led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani’s venture capital fund, Fundamentum. 

The round also saw participation from Susquehanna Asia VC and existing investors such as Elevation Capital, Peak XV, and Mirae Asset VC. The latest round brings its all-time raise to $32 million.

Purpose of fundraising

AppsForBharat plans to use the raised capital to enhance the operations of its flagship app, Sri Mandir.

Launched in 2021, the app allows users to create a virtual temple experience on their smartphones, offering features such as performing poojas, lighting diyas, and making offerings to temples.

Currently, the app provides access to over 50 temples, and devotees can participate in pujas and access various devotional services from the comfort of their homes.

Additionally, users can consult astrologers and priests through the app. The company plans to further expand these offerings by onboarding new temples and developing a comprehensive tech stack to cater to the devotional ecosystem.

Expansion into regional languages

Founded by Prashant Sachan, AppsForBharat aims to grow its user base significantly and expand into new markets. Currently, the app has over 30 million installs, with 25% of its demand coming from international markets, including the US, UK, Canada, and the Middle East. 

To cater to a broader audience, the startup plans to add five new regional languages to its platform and increase its temple listings tenfold across India.

In the coming months, AppsForBharat also plans to introduce a spiritual tourism ecosystem, offering services such as special darshan tickets and the delivery of Prasad.