PhonePe Raises $200 Million Funding From Walmart in Its Ongoing Fundraise

Indian digital funds agency PhonePe mentioned on Friday it has raised $200 million (practically Rs. 1,650 crore) from majority backer Walmart at a pre-money valuation of $12 billion (practically Rs. 99,000 crore).

PhonePe, already India’s most precious funds agency and among the many nation’s most highly-valued startups, mentioned the funding is a part of its ongoing fundraise of as much as $1 billion (practically Rs. 8,250 crore).

It has raised $350 million (practically Rs. 2,900 crore) from non-public fairness agency General Atlantic and $100 million (practically Rs. 820 crore) from Ribbit Capital, Tiger Global and TVS Capital Funds up to now two months, on the similar $12 billion valuation.

American retail behemoth Walmart, which acquired a majority share in PhonePe in 2018, will proceed as a majority investor, the Indian firm mentioned, with out disclosing its stake.

Despite a funding winter, the Indian digital funds area has been a shiny spot as a result of recognition of on-line funds and startups’ ambitions to department into the profitable monetary providers area.

PhonePe mentioned it plans to deploy these funds to construct and scale new companies together with insurance coverage, wealth administration and lending.

PhonePe separated from Indian e-commerce big Flipkart late final 12 months, when it additionally shifted its registered headquarters from Singapore to India, with Walmart choosing up the practically $1 billion tax invoice for the transfer.

The relocation, based on some studies, was to make sure a better entry into the nation’s highly-regulated monetary providers business, particularly lending.

© Thomson Reuters 2023