AppsForBharat Raises $20M Series C to Expand Temple-Tech Across 20+ Indian Towns

AppsForBharat, the Bengaluru-based parent company of the devotional platform Sri Mandir, has raised ₹175 crore ($20 million) in a Series C funding round led by Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital, with participation from existing investors including Nandan Nilekani’s Fundamentum, Elevation Capital, and Peak XV Partners. The startup, which has over 40 million downloads and generates significant global demand from the Indian diaspora, facilitates online pujas, offerings, and devotional content across more than 70 temples in India, with 12 lakh devotees performing 52 lakh online pujas in the past year. The funds will be invested in expanding operations across over 20 temple towns such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Ujjain, and Haridwar, establishing fulfillment and logistics hubs, strengthening commerce verticals, and developing AI-led features to personalize user experience and assist devotees in navigating rituals. At the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, Sri Mandir served as the exclusive digital partner for the Vedashram Trust, providing services to over 3 lakh users, including digital rituals and delivery of prasad. The company reports that online engagement has increased temple earnings by 25-30% and boosted local vendor demand, while also creating employment opportunities in temple towns through local hiring to manage new hubs. Founder and CEO Prashant Sachan highlighted that this funding marks the next growth phase focused on scaling temple partnerships, digital infrastructure, and AI capabilities to enhance access, convenience, and revenue streams for temples and devotees alike.