Ex-Sequoia execs’ VC fund, others join $41m round in Indian hyperlocal social network

India’s Public App, a location-based social network, said it has secured 3 billion rupees (US$41.3 million) in funding from A91 Partners, a VC firm formed by former Sequoia Capital executives, and existing investors.

The new funding comes after the company raised 2.6 billion rupees (US$35.8 million) six months ago in a round led by Addition, with the participation of SIG and Tanglin Venture Partners.

Azhar Iqubal, founder and CEO of Public / Photo credit: Public

Public was launched by short-news aggregator Inshorts in April 2019. It positions itself as a local app that covers its users’ cities, providing hyperlocal updates through short videos. The app also features local happenings, classified ads, and job postings, among others.

Public said it also serves as a platform for political leaders, government authorities, media houses, and citizen journalists to connect with communities and disseminate legitimate information.

With the new funds, the company aims to scale its tech infrastructure, content offerings, and human resources. “With more than 50 million active users in India, we first aim to connect the hyperlocal communities of Bharat and then make the product global,” said Public founder and CEO Azhar Iqubal.

It also aims to build customized ad solutions for brands to better engage with their audiences, the executive added. In addition to individuals, Public is used by brands such as GSK, Amazon, and HDFC Bank, it said in the statement.