VerSe Innovation, the parent company behind popular platforms Dailyhunt and Josh, has appointed Prakashan Manikoth as its new Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Bengaluru-based tech firm, known for revolutionizing India’s digital content and creator ecosystem, has made this strategic appointment to further enhance its financial operations, corporate governance, and long-term growth strategy.
With this move, VerSe Innovation aims to sharpen its financial discipline, strengthen investor relations, and prepare for its ambitious global expansion plans. The appointment of a seasoned finance professional like Manikoth comes at a crucial time when the company is reportedly exploring opportunities for an initial public offering (IPO) in the coming years.
A Seasoned Professional with Proven Expertise
Prakashan Manikoth brings over 25 years of experience across the technology, telecom, and SaaS sectors. He has previously worked with some of India’s most respected corporations, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Wipro, where he held leadership positions in financial planning and operations. At TCS, he managed finance for the core banking and emerging markets divisions, while at Wipro, he played a key role in overseeing global delivery operations.
Before joining VerSe, Manikoth served as the Chief Financial Officer at LeadSquared, a leading SaaS-based marketing and sales automation platform. During his tenure, he contributed to the company’s financial transformation and helped scale its operations globally. His deep understanding of digital business models, mergers and acquisitions, and financial governance is expected to guide VerSe Innovation as it continues its journey toward becoming a global digital media powerhouse.
Strengthening VerSe’s Financial Backbone
VerSe Innovation’s appointment of Prakashan Manikoth signals a strong commitment to enhancing its financial management and operational excellence. The company has grown rapidly in recent years, with Dailyhunt emerging as one of India’s top local-language news and content platforms, and Josh becoming one of the country’s leading short-video apps competing with players like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
With over 350 million monthly active users, VerSe operates at a massive scale that requires robust financial oversight. Manikoth’s expertise will play a key role in implementing strategic financial processes, improving governance, and ensuring long-term sustainability. His appointment also underscores VerSe’s intent to optimize its capital structure and maintain a strong focus on profitability amid India’s competitive digital media landscape.
Preparing for the Next Growth Chapter
The company is actively expanding beyond content aggregation and short videos, investing in AI-driven technologies, creator monetization, and digital commerce tools. Manikoth’s leadership will be instrumental in aligning VerSe’s financial strategy with these ambitious growth plans. He will also oversee initiatives around IPO readiness, investor engagement, and cross-border business expansion.
As VerSe positions itself for global recognition, financial transparency and stability will become more critical than ever. With Manikoth’s proven record in corporate finance and operational scaling, VerSe is better equipped to achieve its long-term vision of becoming a world-class digital ecosystem built in India, for India, and the world.
A Confident Step Toward the Future
The appointment of Prakashan Manikoth marks a defining moment for VerSe Innovation’s growth journey. It reflects the company’s evolution from a fast-growing startup into a mature digital enterprise ready to compete globally. With his strategic insight, financial discipline, and global experience, Manikoth is expected to play a pivotal role in driving VerSe’s financial health, strengthening investor trust, and accelerating its journey toward an IPO.
As VerSe Innovation continues to empower millions of creators and users through its digital platforms, this leadership change represents more than just a new appointment — it symbolizes the company’s readiness to scale responsibly, manage complexity, and build a sustainable digital future.