Hyderabad: Way2News, India’s leading hyperlocal news platform, has raised $14 million in a Series B funding round led by WestBridge Capital, with notable venture capitalist Sashi Reddi also participating. This new funding, coming two years after their Series A round, will bolster Way2News’ presence in South India.
Founded in 2015 by Raju Vanapala, Way2News aims to keep every Indian informed by providing reliable, relevant hyperlocal news. With over 50 million downloads, the platform is revolutionizing regional news in India, delivering short, engaging stories in local languages through an AI-powered, human-enhanced model.
Way2News has quickly become a major player in the Telugu and Tamil markets, achieving significant user engagement across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The latest funding will help the company expand its operations, enhance its technology, and strengthen its presence in South India, aligning with its goal of deepening its hyperlocal impact at the grassroots level.
Raju Vanapala, Founder and CEO of Way2News, said, “Way2News is dedicated to delivering news that truly matters to language communities. We are thrilled to have a partner like WestBridge Capital, whose continued belief in our vision has been instrumental in supporting our growth. This investment is a step towards expanding our footprint into every household in South India, ensuring that all citizens can access timely and relevant news in their language. We focus on building an inclusive, dynamic, and engaging news experience for every Indian. With this funding, we aim to scale our platform further, bringing more communities into the fold.”
Since its launch, Way2News has transformed news consumption in regional markets by offering short-format content tailored to local language audiences. Its success in the Telugu and Tamil regions highlights its innovative approach and user-focused strategy. The new funding will be used to enhance the platform’s features, aiming to improve user experience and engagement in new markets while solidifying its leadership in the South Indian news landscape.
Rishit Desai, Partner at WestBrigde, said, “ Over the last few years, Way2News has made remarkable strides in democratizing access to local news across South India, effectively addressing a crucial gap in the market. Their rapid growth in the Telugu and Tamil markets is a testament to their vision and the strength of their model. We are excited to support their expansion across South India. We look forward to continuing our support for their vision to become the go-to platform for news, and we believe their unique approach will enable them to make significant inroads down south.”
