Business-to-business marketplace Udaan was looking to raise $150 million earlier this year with the intention of bringing in at least a few new investors. But not only did its existing investors Lightspeed India Partners and DST Global move swiftly to fund the entire round, they also pushed the company to raise a significantly higher amount Udaan raised $225 million in September, valuing the company at an eye-popping $1 billion, a fourfold increase in its valuation in six months. Investors are pouring massive amounts of capital both into early-stage start-ups in potentially large markets, as well as proven leaders such as PolicyBazaar and hotel brand Oyo.
The pace of growth for these companies has been much higher compared to their counterparts a few years ago.