Niche businesses take centre stage with $20 bn in unicorn funding this year

Startup sectors like specialty e-commerce, enterprise subscription software and standalone business models are attracting funds and higher valuations

Most of the 31 firms that became unicorns in 2021 on the back of some $20 billion poured across start-up deals, are specialised plays, signaling a maturing of the Indian internet sector.

Niche startup sectors like specialty e-commerce, enterprise subscription software and standalone business models like Urban Company are attracting funds and higher valuations, according to the latest investment data.

PE-VC Investments in India (2017-2021 YTD)

Year	Amount ($bn)
2017	23.96
2018	36.46
2019	36.46
2020	39.50
2021	48.75

Excludes private equity investments in real estate; Source: Venture Intelligence

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