When Ajay Lakhotia launched StockGro in 2020, India’s equity participation was still finding its feet. Just about 4 crore demat accounts existed then, and stock market conversations were largely limited to a small, informed circle. Five years later, that landscape looks dramatically different — with over 20 crore demat accounts and a new generation of investors seeking guidance, community, and clarity.
StockGro, a social investment and stock market advisory platform, is riding this shift. The Bengaluru-based startup has raised $13 million from BITKRAFT Ventures as part of its Series B1 round, reinforcing investor confidence in its long-term vision. The funding comes soon after its $17 million Series B round led by ace investor Mukul Agarwal’s Param Capital, a development earlier reported exclusively by Entrackr.
The company says the fresh capital will be channelled into geographic expansion, strengthening its advisory and research capabilities, and building deeper expertise across multiple asset classes. At the heart of StockGro’s model is a social-first, community-led approach that blends expert insights with AI-powered research tools — aimed at helping everyday investors make more informed decisions.
Founded by Lakhotia, a former venture capitalist, StockGro is positioning itself as a full-stack ecosystem for modern investing, where learning, discussion, and execution converge. This approach has resonated at a time when retail participation in capital markets is accelerating at an unprecedented pace.
So far, StockGro has raised around $90 million in equity and debt, according to data from TheKredible. Its investor roster includes SBI Ventures, Root Ventures, and General Catalyst, underscoring strong institutional backing.
However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. The startup is yet to file its FY25 financials. In FY24, its operating revenue declined 34% to Rs 86.5 crore, compared to Rs 131 crore in FY23, while losses widened 84% to Rs 101 crore. As StockGro doubles down on expansion and product depth, the coming years will be crucial in balancing growth ambitions with financial sustainability.
-By Muskan Dengra
