AppsForBharat, the developer of Sri Mandir, a popular devotional app in India, successfully raised $18 million in its Series B funding round.
This fresh capital will be instrumental in the Bengaluru-based startup’s growth plans as it continues to serve India’s large spiritual community.
The company, which has quickly emerged as a leader in the religious and devotional app space, attracted a combination of new and existing investors, with Sequoia Capital India and BEENEXT leading the round. Several prominent angel investors also participated, signaling strong confidence in AppsForBharat’s potential.
The new funding will help the startup in three key areas: expanding its technology infrastructure, enhancing user experience, and increasing content offerings. These improvements are designed to widen the app’s audience, especially in a post-pandemic world where digital platforms for religious practices have become increasingly important. With many devotees now turning to online resources for rituals and prayers, AppsForBharat’s services are in high demand.
Sri Mandir, the flagship app, offers a wide range of features such as virtual temples, guided meditations, religious rituals, and a vast library of spiritual content. The app has gained popularity for its ease of use and authentic spiritual experiences, reflecting India’s diverse religious practices. As part of its growth strategy, AppsForBharat plans to invest in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to deliver more personalized content recommendations, which will improve user engagement.
Additionally, the company intends to roll out support for regional languages to cater to India’s vast linguistic diversity, making its services accessible to a larger audience.
With a focus on building community, the app aims to create an interactive platform where users can connect with like-minded individuals, share spiritual experiences, and participate in live events. This user-centric approach is expected to deepen engagement and foster greater loyalty.
The $18 million raised is a major milestone for AppsForBharat and positions the startup to capture a significant portion of India’s burgeoning digital devotional market.
As the sector continues to expand, driven by the shift towards digital religious practices, investors are showing increasing interest in platforms like Sri Mandir. Analysts suggest that AppsForBharat is well-placed for future growth, particularly as it continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving spiritual needs of the Indian populace.
Summary:
- AppsForBharat raised $18 million in a Series B round, led by Sequoia Capital India and BEENEXT.
- The funding will enhance its devotional app Sri Mandir, focusing on infrastructure, user experience, and content expansion.
- New features like AI-based recommendations and regional language support are expected to widen the app’s reach.
- The company aims to build an interactive spiritual community, positioning itself for future growth in India’s digital religious market.