Agritech startup Unnati has acquired Gramophone in a stock-swap deal, with Info Edge transferring its 51% stake and investing ₹35 crore. The move consolidates India’s digital agri-input sector, combining farmer advisory and marketplace services with financial solutions. Analysts see this as a major step toward scaling agritech innovation nationwide.
India’s agritech ecosystem witnessed a significant consolidation this week as Unnati, an agri-tech startup founded by former Paytm CFO Amit Sinha, acquired Gramophone in a strategic stock-swap deal. The move underscores the growing importance of technology-driven platforms in transforming agriculture and farmer services.
Key highlights of the deal include:
Stake transfer: Info Edge, which held a 51% stake in Gramophone, has agreed to transfer this holding to Unnati in exchange for a 15.7% stake in Unnati.
Fresh capital infusion: Info Edge will also invest ₹35 crore in Unnati, raising its total stake to 20.5%. This will later dilute to 18.48% once other Gramophone shareholders become part of Unnati.
Strategic restructuring: Info Edge’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Startup Investments (Holding) Limited (SIHL), increased its stake in Gramophone to 50.94% before transferring shares, ensuring a smooth transition.
Industry impact: The merger consolidates two major players in the digital agri-input space, combining Gramophone’s farmer-focused advisory and marketplace with Unnati’s financial and supply-chain solutions.
Future outlook: Analysts believe the deal will help Unnati expand its reach, strengthen its product offerings, and accelerate adoption of digital tools for farmers, particularly in rural India.
The acquisition reflects a broader trend of consolidation in agritech, where startups are joining forces to achieve scale, improve efficiency, and attract larger investments. With agriculture being the backbone of India’s economy, such moves are expected to enhance farmer incomes, streamline supply chains, and promote sustainable practices.
Industry experts note that Info Edge’s continued backing signals strong confidence in the sector’s potential. By infusing fresh capital, Info Edge is not only supporting Unnati’s growth but also reinforcing its own portfolio in the agritech domain.
This merger is likely to set the stage for further collaborations and investments in India’s agritech space, as digital platforms increasingly become central to solving challenges of productivity, market access, and financial inclusion for farmers.