Prediction markets are steadily gaining attention as platforms that combine user engagement, data insights and monetisation of opinions. In this space, Indian-origin startup Agara has emerged as a new entrant, as it is currently in talks to raise more than $7 million in a fresh funding round, according to people aware of the matter. The development highlights growing investor interest in platforms that allow users to predict real-world outcomes across multiple categories.
Agara is building a prediction-based platform where users can express opinions and earn rewards by forecasting future events. The startup aims to create a structured ecosystem that blends entertainment with informed decision-making, while tapping into collective intelligence.
Agara Founders Bring Strong Global Experience
Agara has been founded by executives with deep experience in global technology and investment firms. One of the founders, Nikhil Ramesh, previously worked as an AI resident at Accel, where he was involved in advanced artificial intelligence research and applications. His role at Agara focuses on building the technology and AI backbone of the platform.
The other co-founder, Manasjoti Saloi, comes with extensive product leadership experience. He spent over six years at the GoTo Group, where he worked across multiple high-scale consumer products spanning transportation, logistics and digital commerce. His experience in managing large user ecosystems plays a key role in shaping Agara’s product strategy and user experience.
Together, the founders aim to leverage their combined expertise in AI, product design and marketplaces to create a prediction platform that can scale globally.
Building a Multi-Category Prediction Platform
Agara plans to offer prediction markets across a wide range of categories, including sports, entertainment, politics, culture, technology, weather and crypto-related events. The idea is to give users multiple ways to participate, predict and earn, while keeping the experience engaging and dynamic.
The startup is also exploring advanced formats such as multi-outcome predictions and structured forecasting models. By doing so, it hopes to differentiate itself from existing platforms and encourage deeper user participation rather than one-time engagement.
Funding Talks and Growth Plans
Sources indicate that Agara is seeking a post-money valuation of around $25 million in the ongoing fundraising discussions. While the final investor lineup is yet to be confirmed, there is interest from prominent venture capital firms. The fresh capital, once raised, is expected to be used for product development, team expansion and international market entry.
Beyond India, Southeast Asia is seen as a key expansion market for the startup. The region offers a growing digital user base and comparatively clearer regulatory structures for such platforms, making it attractive for prediction-based businesses.
Operating Amid Regulatory Uncertainty
Agara’s journey comes at a time when the regulatory environment around real-money gaming and prediction platforms in India remains uncertain. Over the past year, several well-known platforms have either scaled back or shut down real-money operations due to regulatory scrutiny and taxation concerns.
This has pushed many startups in the space to rethink their models or look beyond India for growth. Agara appears to be taking a cautious yet forward-looking approach by exploring global markets while continuing to build its core technology.
The Road Ahead for Agara
With experienced founders, a broad product vision and active fundraising talks, Agara is positioning itself as a next-generation prediction market startup with Indian roots and global ambition. If the funding round closes successfully, the company could accelerate its plans and enter new markets faster.
As prediction markets continue to evolve worldwide, Agara’s progress will be closely watched within the Indian startup ecosystem, especially as it navigates innovation, regulation and expansion simultaneously.