Casey sees Livspace extends it leadership in new markets and broaden offerings
Global investor KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR) is leading a US$180 million Series F fundraising, along with existing investors Ingka Group Investments (part of largest IKEA retailer Ingka Group), Jungle Ventures, Venturi Partners, and Peugeot Investments, among others, to fund India’s Livspace scale business 10x and venture into the Asia Pacific, MENA and Australian markets.
“Our business is growing exponentially in both India and Singapore and we aim to replicate this playbook, launch new solutions and accelerate our launches across new markets with operations across APAC, MENA and Australia,” Anuj Srivastava, Co-Founder and CEO of Livspace, said on 7 Fe b 2022.
“Their deep understanding of global markets, strong brand name and proven expertise in partnering with new age digital brands will help us scale our business 10x in the coming duration,” he said of the KKR led Series F.
Ramakant Sharma, Co-Founder and COO of Livspace, added, “As the largest player in this industry, we look to expand our spectrum of new offerings for the homeowner, create the best technology for our marketplace partners and deliver dream homes to our customers across all geographies. With the fresh investments, we are well set up to launch new solutions for homeowners and become the go-to platform brand for all things home.”
To support its ambitious expansion plans, Livspace will launch in new markets, double down on brand building in India and Singapore, and continue investing in its pioneering platform technology and digitally integrated supply chain; and hire, develop and nurture talent across the board to support both new and existing businesses.
The funds will also be channeled towards strategic investments into innovative companies to help them scale and grow even faster. The Company recently acquired a majority stake in Qanvast, a Singapore-based home remodeling and design platform connecting homeowners and trusted home professionals.
Gaurav Trehan, Partner and CEO of KKR India, said, “We are pleased to invest in Livspace, a unique, tech-enabled business with terrific growth potential. Our investment in Livspace extends KKR’s long-term commitment to Indian consumers made through our growth technology strategy in India. Anuj and Ramakant have been leaders in evolving the home renovation industry, and KKR looks to draw on our deep technological and operational expertise, as well as our regional and global network, to support Livspace’s continued growth.”
Louis Casey, KKR’s growth technology lead in Southeast Asia, added, “Livspace is solving a complicated, multi-stakeholder problem which requires a mix of sophisticated software applications, strong execution capability, and a consumer-centric approach. We believe that over time, this combination of competencies will build a strong competitive advantage that will see Livspace extend its leadership position, enter new markets and broaden its offerings. We are excited to work together with Anuj, Ramakant, and the Livspace team on this journey.”
KKR is making the investment in Livspace from its Asia next generation technology strategy. Livspace is KKR’s latest growth technology investment in Asia and adds to other recent investments in the region including Lenskart, an omni-channel eyewear retailer in India, moody, a tech-enabled eyewear company in China, Adopt A Cow, a digitalized, direct-to-consumer dairy company in China, GrowSari, an e-commerce platform serving micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines, and KiotViet, a merchant platform for MSMEs in Vietnam. Additional details of the transaction are not disclosed.
Founded by Anuj Srivastava and Ramakant Sharma in 2015, Livspace has become synonymous with end-to-end seamless home interiors and renovation services. Through its pioneering technology platform, one of the largest digitally integrated supply chains in the home improvement industry and a unique three-sided marketplace-based approach, the Company has created a strong value chain helping homeowners, vendors and designers.
Livspace is one of Asia’s largest and fastest-growing omni-channel home interiors and renovation platform. Using its proprietary technology, Livspace provides a one-stop renovation solution for homeowners—from design to managed last mile fulfillment for all rooms in a home. The platform has organized a fragmented industry, bringing together designers, brands, manufacturers and contractors to enable an eCommerce-like trusted and predictable experience. Livspace currently serves Singapore and Malaysia, as well as 30 metro and non-metro areas in India. Livspace has showcased phenomenal growth since its launch, having delivered over 100,000 rooms and selling over 7.5 million SKUs through its platform.
The company has raised around US$450 million in capital from some of the top global investors including KKR, Ingka Group Investments (part of largest IKEA retailer Ingka Group), TPG Growth, Goldman Sachs, Kharis Capital, Venturi Partners, FFP (Peugeot Group’s Holding Company), EDBI, Bessemer Venture Partners, Jungle Ventures, Helion Ventures and UC-RNT.
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life, and reinsurance products under the management of The Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. fiinews.com
