AstroTalk turns unicorn via ESOP buyback

Spiritual-tech startup AstroTalk has entered India’s unicorn club after reaching a valuation of $1 billion through an ESOP buyback, according to reports.

More than 100 employees are taking part in the buyback, which gives them an opportunity to sell some of their shares and realise part of the value created by the company, the reports said.

The transaction is said to be funded from AstroTalk’s business profits rather than through a new external funding round.

Founded in 2017 by Puneet Gupta and Anmol Jain, AstroTalk began as an online astrology consultation platform and has since then expanded into spiritual commerce. Its AstroTalk Store sells products such as gemstones, rudrakshas, bracelets, and other spiritual items.

In FY25, AstroTalk reported Rs 1,176 crore in revenue from operations, compared with Rs 651 crore the previous year. Its total income was Rs 1,214 crore, while profit before tax rose to Rs 285 crore from Rs 127 crore.

AstroTalk Store is becoming a significant part of the startup's business, generating more than Rs 140 crore in revenue in 2025, processing over 1.6 million orders.

The $1 billion valuation is a significant rise from the roughly $300 million valuation reported in 2024.