Hypd raises $4m to empower content creators in India

Hypd, the Indian tech platform that enables content creators to monetize their influence, has successfully raised $4 million in a pre-series A funding round led by Orios Venture Partners.

Existing investors Sauce VC and Better Capital also participated, doubling down on their previous investments. The startup plans to use the funds to accelerate creator acquisition, expand into more categories, and grow its team and product.

With over 220 million Instagram accounts, 450 million YouTube accounts, and 150 million Snapchat accounts in India alone, top-tier users on these platforms can influence purchasing decisions and monetize their content.

The company empowers creators to build multi-brand digital storefronts, curate products and services, and facilitate native checkouts for their followers on social media.

Since its inception 12 months ago, Hypd has seen a 40-fold GMV growth and creator earnings exceeding a million dollars. The platform aims to support 100,000 creators by 2025, tapping into India’s $100B commerce market.

Co-founder Ashwarya Garg envisions the startup as a way to fairly reward creators for their influence on consumer behavior and drive 30-40% of all eCommerce.

Hypd not only allows creators to monetize their influence but also helps brands invest their influencer marketing budgets more effectively, using data analytics and insights at scale. This system benefits both creators and brands, with creators earning higher commissions than other alternatives available today.

While Fashion and Beauty have been the primary categories driving Hypd’s growth, Fitness, Food & Beverages, pet care, travel, and home decor are also experiencing increased GMV. Hypd plans to use the recent funding to facilitate growth in these sectors.

Over 1,00,000 creators are currently on the waitlist, highlighting Hypd’s commitment to providing a sustainable income source for its users.

Hypd was founded by Ashwarya Garg and Akshay Bhatnagar and is headquartered in Delhi. It has received support from renowned creators such as Tanmay Bhat, Bhuvan Bam, and Ranveer Allahbadia. Orios Venture Partners, the lead investor, is a prominent venture capital fund in India, with notable portfolio companies like Pharmeasy, Country Delight, and Battery Smart.