Kuku FM, one of India’s most popular audio and video content platforms, has raised a massive $85 million in fresh funding. The round was led by Granite Asia, with participation from existing investors such as Vertex Growth Fund, Krafton, IFC, Paramark, Tribe Capital India, and Bitkraft Ventures. This new investment marks a milestone moment for the Mumbai-based startup, strengthening its mission to bring storytelling, learning, and entertainment to millions of users across India in their native languages.
Kuku FM’s Journey From Idea To Impact
Founded in 2018 by Lal Chand Bisu, Vikas Goyal, and Vinod Kumar Meena, Kuku FM began as an audio streaming platform aimed at regional audiences who preferred listening in their mother tongue. Over the years, it has grown into a dynamic digital space that offers a variety of audio and video formats, including podcasts, talk shows, audiobooks, and micro-dramas. The app is now available in multiple Indian languages and caters to diverse audiences across cities and small towns alike.
With over 10 million paying subscribers, Kuku FM has built one of the largest vernacular audio communities in the country. Its mission is simple — to make knowledge and entertainment accessible to everyone, regardless of language or background. From motivational talks to storytelling series and educational content, Kuku FM has become a go-to destination for millions who love listening and learning on the go.
New Features And Big Innovations
The fresh funding will fuel Kuku FM’s expansion into new formats and technologies. The company recently launched Kuku TV, a vertical video platform that focuses on micro-dramas and short, serialized storytelling. This addition marks Kuku FM’s entry into the fast-growing short video market, offering creators new opportunities to showcase their work.
The company plans to use the new funds to strengthen its AI and Machine Learning capabilities, which play a key role in content creation, dubbing, and translation. These advanced tools help creators produce content faster and reach wider audiences in multiple languages. According to the team, almost 70–80% of their production already relies on in-house AI systems, helping to improve quality and speed while keeping costs low.
Rapid Growth And Strong Performance
Kuku FM’s financial performance has been equally impressive. The company’s revenue surged from ₹41 crore in FY23 to ₹88 crore in FY24, showing that India’s demand for regional content is on the rise. At the same time, the startup managed to reduce its losses by nearly 18%, demonstrating a strong path toward profitability. The management credits this growth to the platform’s focus on regional storytelling, affordable subscription models, and data-driven recommendations that keep users engaged.
Expanding Horizons Ahead
With its latest funding round, Kuku FM is gearing up to reach even more corners of India. The company plans to introduce new languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, adding to its already rich multilingual library. It also aims to partner with more regional creators and invest in marketing to strengthen its brand presence.
As India’s love for digital entertainment continues to grow, Kuku FM is positioning itself as a pioneer in the audio-video storytelling space. The startup’s blend of regional focus, AI-powered innovation, and creator empowerment sets it apart from competitors. This $85 million boost will help Kuku FM bring more voices, stories, and experiences to life — making India’s storytelling landscape richer than ever before.