The astrology and spiritual-tech startup reached unicorn status after an ESOP buyback involving more than 100 employees.
Indian astrology and spiritual-tech platform AstroTalk has joined India’s unicorn club after reaching a $1 billion valuation through an employee stock option plan (ESOP) buyback involving more than 100 employees.
The Noida-based startup said the buyback was funded from its profits, allowing eligible employees to sell part of their holdings while retaining a stake in the company. AstroTalk did not disclose the total value of the transaction or the amount sold by employees.
The transaction gives AstroTalk unicorn status without a new external funding round. Co-founder Anmol Jain said the buyback reflected the company’s belief in giving employees an ownership stake in its growth.
From Astrology Platform to Spiritual-Tech Business
Founded in 2017 by Puneet Gupta, AstroTalk operates an online marketplace connecting users with astrologers for horoscope readings, birth-chart analysis, tarot, numerology and Vastu consultations.
The company has since expanded beyond consultations into spiritual products and e-commerce, broadening its business across multiple categories.
AstroTalk said its annualised revenue run rate has crossed Rs 2,500 crore. For the financial year ended March 2025, the company reported Rs 1,176 crore in operating revenue and Rs 285 crore in adjusted profit before tax.
Valuation Rises Sharply From 2024
The latest transaction marks a significant increase from AstroTalk’s previous external valuation.
In June 2024, the startup raised $14 million in a funding round led by Elev8 Venture Partners, with existing investor Left Lane Capital also participating. The round valued the company at around $300 million.
Earlier that year, AstroTalk had raised $20 million in its first institutional funding round, led by Left Lane Capital.
The new $1 billion valuation therefore represents more than a threefold increase from its last disclosed external valuation.
Expanding Into Spiritual Commerce
AstroTalk has also been building its spiritual e-commerce business through AstroTalk Store.
The company said the store generated more than Rs 140 crore in revenue in 2025 and processed around 1.6 million orders during the year. Its daily gross merchandise value has since reached approximately Rs 1 crore, according to the company.
AstroTalk has also launched a dedicated gemstone platform offering precious and semi-precious stones with laboratory certification, astrology consultations and a replacement policy.
The company said the platform aims to address concerns around sourcing and certification in the gemstone market.
Eighth Indian Unicorn of 2026
AstroTalk is backed by investors including Left Lane Capital and Elev8 Venture Partners. The company plans to continue investing in technology and talent while expanding its international presence across spiritual technology and commerce.
With the latest valuation, AstroTalk becomes the eighth Indian startup to achieve unicorn status in 2026, following Juspay, Neysa, KreditBee, Skyroot Aerospace, Square Yards, Sarvam AI and Emergent.
The company’s rise also highlights a broader shift in India’s startup ecosystem, where profitable growth and employee-led liquidity events can create significant valuation milestones without relying on another major fundraising round.
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Astrotalk founder Puneet Gupta, Photo: LinkedIn
