Hyderabad-based waste management startup Recykal has onboarded cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as a strategic investor. The company has not disclosed the amount invested by Tendulkar or the valuation at which the investment was made.
Tendulkar will support Recykal’s efforts to promote responsible waste management and encourage recycling across India. He said the company’s use of technology to address waste management challenges and its ambition to drive behavioural change resonated with him.
Building a Technology-First Circular Economy
Founded in 2015 by Abhay Deshpande and Abhishek Deshpande, Recykal operates a technology platform focused on waste management and the circular economy. Its offerings include digital platforms, Deposit Return Systems (DRS), a marketplace for recyclable materials, and AI-enabled hardware solutions such as reverse vending machines.
The startup connects brands, businesses, recyclers, and waste generators through digital infrastructure designed to make recycling more traceable, efficient, and scalable.
Strong Momentum Ahead of New Partnership
In June 2026, Recykal raised $23 million in a bridge round comprising primary and secondary capital from existing investors and select family offices. The company is using the proceeds to strengthen its technology platform, scale its Deposit Return System, and support international expansion.
According to the company, Recykal has channelled more than 3 million metric tonnes of waste, working with around 650 brands, including Hindustan Unilever, Samsung, and BMW, along with over 5,000 aggregators and recyclers.
Celebrity Capital Meets Climate Action
Tendulkar’s association with Recykal adds significant public visibility to India’s growing waste-management and circular-economy ecosystem. His involvement is expected to help amplify the importance of recycling, responsible consumption, and behavioural change among consumers, businesses, and communities.
With technology-led waste infrastructure, strong brand partnerships, and a high-profile strategic investor, Recykal is positioning itself as a key player in India’s transition toward a more circular and sustainable economy.
By: Sejal Thakur
