A Conduit Between Spiritual And Tech Realm
Manu Jain, Co-founder of Vama, articulates that entering the faith-tech market went beyond mere opportunism, it entailed a profound integration of spirituality with modern technology. He characterises their strategy as a purposeful fusion, leveraging the adaptable landscape of the neo-liberal economy to enhance users' spiritual journeys.
Founded in late 2020 by Aacharya Dev, Himanshu Semwal and Manu Jain, Vama is a virtual spirituality tech startup. This model extends beyond consultations to include horoscopes, puja services and temple darshans, ensuring a comprehensive spiritual experience. Jain explains that his venture is not just about bringing faith to technology but creating a platform that respects and enhances the traditional practices of spirituality, aligning perfectly with the digital evolution of society.
Vama faces competition from AppsForBharat’s Sri Mandir, Guruji, AstroBuddy, and AstroTalk in the evolving spiritual tech sector.
Since it began in 2020, they have been committed to bridging the gap between tradition and technology. Vama boasts collaborations with over 200 priests and temples, the organisation of 1500 e-pujas and the onboarding of renowned temples like Shri Kamta Nath Mandir and Hanuman Garhi Mandir. These initiatives highlight its mission to integrate prestigious temples into the digital age and build a comprehensive network of over 500 astrologers.
In November 2023, it secured a Seed+ funding round led by Wavemaker Partners, bringing its total funding to US$ 2.8 million. This round attracted notable investors such as Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Harit Nagpal and micro VC investors such as Blume Founders Fund, Alluvium and Untitled VC, along with influential angels like Burak Buyukdemir and Dhruv Bahl.
"Our annual revenue has exceeded US$ 2 million, a testament to our unique position in the astro tech sector," reveals Jain. According to him, securing a Seed+ funding round of US$ 2.8 million and forging strategic partnerships, including one with Sadhna TV, further solidifies Vama’s position in the market.
He believes that as investors recognise the untapped potential in blending faith with technology, there will be increased support and investment in this sector, ensuring its sustained relevance and growth.
Jain indicates the foundational shift in consumer behaviour towards digital spirituality. "Despite initial hesitations, the faith-tech segment is gaining traction within India's startup ecosystem," acknowledges Jain.
"The future of the astrology and faith-tech market in India looks promising," predicts Jain. With projections indicating deeper integration of AI, expanded global spiritual connectivity and a more significant role in digital well-being, Vama is not just forecasting the growth of India's astro market but actively shaping its trajectory.
