Sri Mandir Lands $20M, Unleashes AI to Revolutionize Devotional Experience

Bengaluru-based AppsForBharat, the parent company of the devotional platform Sri Mandir, has successfully raised ₹175 crore (approximately $20 million) in a Series C funding round.[1][2][3][4][5] The investment was led by Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital and saw participation from existing prominent investors, including Nandan Nilekani's Fundamentum, Elevation Capital, and Peak XV Partners.[1][5] This latest infusion of capital reportedly brings the startup's valuation to $175 million, nearly doubling since its previous funding round in September 2024.[1] The funding signals strong investor confidence in the burgeoning "faith tech" sector in India and will fuel AppsForBharat's ambitious plans to scale its operations, enhance its technological capabilities with a focus on artificial intelligence, and deepen its footprint in the country's spiritual landscape.

Founded in November 2020 by Prashant Sachan, an IIT Bombay alumnus and serial entrepreneur, AppsForBharat aims to cater to the spiritual and devotional needs of millions of Indians through technology.[6][7] Its flagship product, the Sri Mandir app, has seen remarkable growth, with over 40 million downloads since its launch.[2][3] The platform allows users to engage in a variety of spiritual activities remotely, including performing online pujas, sending offerings to temples, receiving prasad at home, and accessing a wide range of devotional content.[2][8] The company has reported significant traction, facilitating 5.2 million online rituals and offerings across more than 70 temples in the past year alone, with 1.2 million users participating.[2][3] This digital engagement has not only provided convenience for devotees but has also reportedly increased temple earnings by 25-30% in some areas, creating a stable, year-round revenue stream for priests and local vendors who have traditionally depended on seasonal foot traffic.[2][9]

The newly secured funds are earmarked for a multi-pronged expansion strategy. A key focus will be on expanding the company's physical and digital infrastructure in over 20 major temple towns across India, including prominent pilgrimage sites like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Haridwar.[10][2][4][5] This involves establishing logistics and fulfillment hubs to streamline the delivery of prasad and other ritual items.[2][4][5] The company plans to ramp up local hiring in these towns to manage the new hubs and strengthen partnerships with temples.[3][9] According to founder and CEO Prashant Sachan, the investment in physical infrastructure is crucial for conducting online services more efficiently and enabling temples to deliver offerings directly to devotees.[11] The company, which currently operates warehouses in eight towns, aims to have 20 logistics hubs operational by the end of the year.[11]

A significant portion of the Series C funding will also be dedicated to the development and integration of artificial intelligence.[2][3][4] AppsForBharat plans to build AI-led features designed to enhance user engagement and personalize the spiritual journey.[5][11] These AI tools will assist users in navigating complex rituals, answering spiritual queries, and receiving content suggestions based on their devotional preferences.[3] This focus on AI reflects a broader trend in the tech industry to create more intuitive and responsive user experiences. By leveraging AI, AppsForBharat aims to make spiritual practices more accessible and understandable for a diverse user base, including a growing international audience. Nearly 20% of the platform's demand currently comes from the Indian diaspora in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.[10][2]

The successful fundraising by AppsForBharat underscores the rapid growth of the faith tech market in India.[12][13] The Indian religious and spiritual market was valued at approximately $58.56 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly.[12][14][15] This growth is fueled by high internet penetration, the widespread adoption of digital payments, and a cultural inclination towards spiritual practices.[15] Startups like AppsForBharat, Astrotalk, and VAMA are tapping into this massive market by providing digital solutions that resonate with a population that is increasingly comfortable with technology.[10][12] The sector has attracted significant investor interest, with funding jumping from $4.3 million in 2023 to $50.7 million in 2024, indicating a strong belief in the long-term potential of combining faith with technology.[13] As AppsForBharat moves into its next phase of growth, its journey will be a key indicator of the potential for technology to transform and scale traditional and deeply personal aspects of life, with AI playing a central role in shaping the future of digital spirituality.