Huma Qureshi Backs Indian Language Dating App flutrr

Actress Huma Qureshi has invested an undisclosed amount in Kolkata-based dating app flutrr. In a LinkedIn post, flutrr cofounder and CEO Kaushik Banerjee said that adding Qureshi on the startup’s cap table will help boost the adoption of its product.

“We’ve refreshed our branding to emphasise meaningful, long-term relationships amongst the youth of India. And our new app is set to help users find their perfect match more efficiently than ever,” he said. 

While Banerjee didn’t disclose the funding amount, YourStory reported that fluttr raised INR 2 Cr from Qureshi and other angel investors.

Founded in 2021 by father-son duo Kaushik and Anirban Banerjee, flutrr claims to be India’s first regional language dating app which allows people to communicate in a language of their choice. 

The app is primarily focused on users in Tier-II, III cities and allows them to connect in English, Hindi and Bengali. It will soon be available in eight more Indian languages, including four south Indian languages. It claims to have over 4.5 Lakh weekly active users and over 9 Lakh app downloads. 

The startup also claims to use matching algorithms which connect people on the basis of astrology and numerology. The announcement comes days after the startup revamped its app with more localised features

Last year, fluttr said it bagged INR 4 Cr from The Chennai Angels, Times of India, among others, to expand its user base to 5 Mn. 

fluttr competes with the likes Bumble and Tinder in the dating app market.

The fundraise comes at a time when a number of celebrities are investing in Indian startups amid the exponential growth in the country’s startup ecosystem over the past few years. Earlier today, Bengaluru-based supplement brand Supply6 said it has roped in former South African cricketer AB de Villiers as an investor and brand ambassador. 

Last month, PV Sindhu turned investor and brand ambassador for agritech startup Greenday’s FMCG brand Better Nutrition. 

However, the world’s third largest startup ecosystem is currently in the midst of the funding winter. According to Inc42’s ‘H1 2024 Startup Funding Report’, Indian startups cumulatively raised investments worth $5.3 Bn in the first six months (H1) of the calendar year 2024, down 1.8% from H1 2023’s $5.4 Bn.