Chingari Parent Enters Spiritual Tech Market With Launch Of AstroLive

Short-video sharing platform Chingari’s parent Tech4Billion Media has forayed into the spiritual tech market with the official launch of its new app, AstroLive.

In a statement, the startup said that the new platform will enable users to connect with astrologers for live consultations, “personalised spiritual guidance” and live streaming events. AstroLive has also floated an ecommerce marketplace to sell astrology-related products. 

In addition, it has also partnered with temple authorities to enable devotees to offer virtual poojas and conduct rituals. 

Having commenced operations in September this year, AstroLive claims to have already accumulated more than 1 Lakh paid users and onboarded 1,500 astrologers. 

The new platform has set its eyes on acquiring 10 Lakh paid users by the end of 2025. In addition, the platform plans to expand into more regional markets and foray internationally over the course of next 12 to 18 months. It is also looking to partner with more wellness and lifestyle brands to “better integrate astrology into daily routines”.

“… Recognising the growth potential as more GenZ and millennials are seeking digital self-improvement through astrology, we aim to build a valuable platform that fosters trust and long-term engagement, all while prioritising quality and user satisfaction,” said Chingari and AstroLive founder Sumit Ghosh.

He added that the new platform is currently focussed on refining the user experience and expanding its customer base. 

The new offering will enable Chingari’s parent to diversify its product offerings and create alternate streams of revenue as India’s short-video boom continues to fizzle out. 

The startup said it plans to monetise the new spiritual tech platform by offering paid chat and video consultations. Besides earning commissions from personalised poojas and sale of astrology-related products, the startup has also rolled out premium subscription plans to offer priority access to astrologers and other “exclusive” features.

With this, AstroLive has become the latest entrant in India’s spiritual tech market, which has seen a resurgence in the past few years on the back of an increasing number of young Indians reconnecting with their faith. What has given further boost to the sector is the growing internet and smartphone penetration in the country.

This has spawned the rise of giants such as Astrotalk, AppsForBharat, Japam, among others. 

In September, AppsForBharat, which runs spiritual tech platform Sri Mandir, secured $18 Mn in a Series B round led by Nandan Nilekani’s VC fund Fundamentum. Another competitior Astrotalk has raised $34 Mn across two rounds in a mix of primary and secondary funding this year so far. 

As per a report, the Indian religious and spiritual market’s size stood at $58.56 Bn in 2023 and is projected to clock a CAGR of 10% till 2032.