Flipkart raises $210 mn; brings DST Global on board

DST is known for its investment in technology-focused firms and they have great set of companies that they have invested in

Days after closing the biggest acquisition deal in the Indian e-commerce space, online marketplace giant Flipkart today said it has raised $210 million in a fresh round of funding, bringing the private equity firm DST Global on board as an investor.

Technology-focused DST Global, founded by Russian Internet tycoon Yuri Milner and best known for USD 200 million investment in Facebook, will lead this round of funding besides existing investors, Tiger Global, Naspers and Iconiq Capital.

"DST is known for its investment in technology-focused firms and they have a great set of companies that they have invested in. This round of funding is more for the association than just raising funds," Flipkart co-founder and CEO Sachin Bansal told reporters on a concall.

Led by a visionary like Milner, DST brings a global perspective into each of their Internet investments along with a unique understanding of the businesses they invest in and Flipkart looks forward to working with their team, he added.

On using the funds, Bansal said Flipkart is looking at strengthening its technology and acquiring firms across areas like e-commerce, technology and supply chain.

"We have the cash on books. We will look to strengthen our (tech) platform. We could look at e-commerce, tech firms, supply chain companies. Other adjacent areas like payment can also be tapped," he said, adding that Flipkart could also look at acquiring start ups.

Analysts say that the move signifies growing thrust in the Indian e-commerce space towards consolidation with big online firms eyeing small start-ups and firms to expand their presence, reach as well as add specific categories to their portfolio.

While Bansal declined to comment on the total funding raised till date and the shareholding pattern, it is estimated that the firm has raised over USD 700 million from investors, including the present transaction.

The Bengaluru-based firm, founded by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, counts Accel Partners, Dragoneer Investment Group, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Sofina and Vulcan Capital among its other investors.

The homegrown e-retailer acquired online fashion retailer Myntra last week in what is estimated to be a Rs 2,000-crore deal. It had also announced that the company will invest USD 100 million (around Rs 600 crore) in its fashion business in the next 12-18 months.