Astrotalk turns unicorn at $1 Bn valuation via ESOP buyback

Online astrology and spiritual tech platform Astrotalk has turned unicorn at a valuation of $1 billion through an ESOP buyback for more than 100 employees, according to the company. The Noida based startup said the buyback will provide eligible employees with an opportunity to realise liquidity while retaining their participation in the company’s future growth. Founded in 2017 by Puneet Gupta and Anmol Jain, Astrotalk has expanded from astrology consultations into spiritual and commerce categories. The company currently has a revenue run rate of more than Rs 2,500 crore and recorded Rs 1,176 crore in revenue with Rs 285 crore in PBT in FY25. The ESOP buyback is being funded through profits generated by the business. The startup is backed by investors including Left Lane Capital and Elev8 Venture Partners. The startup has also expanded into spiritual commerce through Astrotalk Store. The e-commerce arm has reached a daily GMV run rate of around Rs 1 crore and processed 1.6 million orders in 2025, according to the company. Astrotalk has also launched a standalone platform for gemstones, offering precious and semi precious stones with lab certification, astrology consultations and a replacement policy. The platform is aimed at addressing sourcing and certification concerns in the fragmented gemstone market. Astrotalk's valuation has jumped 3.3X from $300 million in June 2024 to $1 billion. With just $34 million in total funding, such a steep valuation jump through an ESOP buyba…