Astrotalk, a leading astrology consulting platform based in Noida, has appointed Deepak Khetan as its first ever Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This strategic leadership move comes as the company prepares for a public listing within the next two years. Khetan, a Chartered Accountant who topped the All India CA exam, brings over 20 years of experience in financial services and consumer businesses. His extensive leadership history includes senior finance roles at GLS Group India, GlobalBees, Edelweiss Financial Services, YES Bank, ICICI Bank, and Gulf Islamic Investment.
In his new role, Khetan will spearhead financial planning, compliance, risk management, and investor relations. He will be the driving force behind long-term growth plans and global expansion, as well as helping to shape Astrotalk’s IPO path. The company’s goal to establish strong financial governance as it expands into new markets and scales operations is reflected in the selection.
Astrotalk’s Growth Trajectory:
Astrotalk has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The platform connects more than 20,000 active astrologers with over 700,000 daily users, operating a revenue sharing model with service prices ranging from ₹10 to ₹200 per minute. According to internal data, Astrotalk’s revenue for fiscal year 2024 more than doubled to ₹651 crore, while net profits increased tenfold to ₹94 crore.
Currently operating at an annualized revenue run rate of approximately ₹1,600 crore, Astrotalk plans to leverage Khetan’s financial expertise to manage increasing operational complexity. Founder and CEO Puneet Gupta emphasized the importance of having a strong finance leader capable of airtight compliance as the company prepares to scale and enter new geographies.
Financial Discipline and Strategic Leadership:
Deepak Khetan expressed enthusiasm about joining Astrotalk during this critical growth phase. He likened preparing for an IPO to running a marathon, emphasizing the need for precision, strategy, and a capable team. His role extends beyond traditional finance functions, encompassing broader business decisions that will enable sustainable growth.
As Astrotalk continues to scale, Khetan’s leadership is expected to strengthen the company’s financial discipline and systems. His background in guiding companies through regulatory complexities and investor relations will prove instrumental in positioning Astrotalk as a competitive player in India’s consumer-tech space.
Enhancing Investor Confidence and Market Positioning:
The appointment of Deepak Khetan as CFO also signals Astrotalk’s commitment to enhancing investor confidence ahead of its IPO. Strong financial leadership is crucial for gaining the trust of potential investors and navigating the complex regulatory landscape of public markets. With Khetan’s extensive experience in financial management and compliance, Astrotalk aims to build transparency and accountability into its operations. It is expected that this action will improve the company’s market stance, draw in further institutional investors, and strengthen its standing as a progressive, well-run business ready for long-term success in the highly competitive digital astrology sector.
Expansion and Sustained Growth:
Astrotalk’s leadership changes come amid plans to expand the company’s footprint domestically and internationally. The company aims to generate 40% of its revenue from overseas markets in the coming years, with Khetan playing a key role in driving this international growth.
With a strong foundation in place, Astrotalk is preparing for an Initial Public Offering, expected within the next two years. The company’s combination of ancient astrology services and modern technology has propelled it to the forefront of India’s digital marketplace, and the addition of a seasoned CFO marks a new chapter in its journey toward public listing and long-term success.
