KukuFM raised $85 million in a Series C funding round led by Granite Asia, valuing the company at $500 million, as it expands its digital storytelling platform in India's growing audio and video market.

Information on the Target

KukuFM is a rapidly evolving digital media platform founded in 2018 by Lal Chand Bisu, Vinod Kumar Meena, and Vikas Goyal. Initially launched as an audio-first app, it specializes in long-form storytelling in regional languages. Over the years, it has diversified its offerings, expanding into a multi-format platform that includes audio, video microdramas, and learning capsules, all tailored to fit users' daily routines.

As of early 2025, KukuFM boasts a subscriber base that has surged to over 10 million active paid users, up from approximately 2 million just a year prior. This remarkable growth is attributed to the company’s ability to maintain high engagement and retention rates, with a significant portion of listening time due to exclusive, original content produced in-house. The platform’s diversified revenue model ensures predictability and inclusivity, catering to a broad audience in Tier 2 to Tier 4 cities across India.

Industry Overview in India

India's digital storytelling economy is at a pivotal moment, characterized by platforms that prioritize deep user engagement and trust over sheer numbers. The rise of audio and video content consumption has been profoundly shaped b