Vaya, a Delhi-based AI-powered astrology startup, has successfully raised $1.5 million in a seed funding round co-led by Accel and Arkam Ventures. The round also saw participation from Weekend Fund and angel investors, including Sumer Juneja and Sarthak Mishra of SoftBank India.
Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Technology
Founded in early 2025 by Maahin Puri and Nitesh Kumar Niranjan, Vaya aims to modernize the traditional practice of Vedic astrology by integrating artificial intelligence. The platform offers personalized consultations through a curated pool of experienced astrologers, supported by an AI engine that decodes complex astrological variables.
“Our AI handles the heavy lifting—calculating planetary positions and assessing their strengths—allowing astrologers to focus on delivering intuitive and personalized insights,” said co-founder Maahin Puri.
Strategic Use of Funds
The newly acquired funds will be utilized to
- Expand Vaya’s core team to support growing operations.
- Enhance the AI technology for more accurate and efficient astrological analyses.
- Build a robust community of Vedic astrology experts to cater to a broader audience.
Vaya operates on a pay-per-minute model, offering consultation bundles ranging from five to 40 minutes. Since its launch two months ago, the platform has onboarded 11 in-house astrologers and amassed a user base of approximately 30,000 to 40,000, primarily from metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
Targeting a Vast and Untapped Market
India’s spiritual and astrology market is estimated to be worth $58 billion, yet only 1.5% of it has transitioned online. Vaya aims to tap into this vast, largely unstructured market by offering standardized, credible, and accessible astrological services.
The startup also plans to extend its services to non-resident Indians (NRIs), focusing on markets such as the United States and Canada.
Competitive Landscape
Vaya enters a competitive space with established players like Astrotalk, which raised $14 million in June 2024, as well as other platforms like InstaAstro, GaneshaSpeaks, Click Astro, Astroyogi, and Bodhi. Entrackr
However, Vaya differentiates itself by combining AI technology with human expertise to provide personalized and efficient astrological consultations.
Future Outlook
With a reported 60% month-on-month revenue growth, Vaya is on track to achieve a $1 million annual run rate. The startup’s innovative approach positions it well to capitalize on the growing demand for digital spiritual services in India and among the global Indian diaspora.
