Kuku Technologies turns profitable ahead of IPO filing

Kuku Technologies, the Mumbai-based parent of audio OTT platform Kuku FM and microdrama app Kuku TV, has reported its first profitable year in FY26, with revenue surging sixfold to ₹1,484 crore, according to Inc42. The company cleared SEBI’s IPO hurdle earlier this month.

The scale of the revenue growth is notable. A sixfold jump in a single fiscal is uncommon among Indian startups, and profitability without reliance on external tailwinds like crypto or lending booms is rare. While CoinSwitch, covered in our 29 September report, turned profitable in FY26 on a 150% revenue surge, and Easy Platform posted a ₹5.3 crore profit after tax, Kuku’s ₹1,484 crore top line suggests a different trajectory.

The reasons behind the surge are not yet fully detailed. Some industry observers speculate that the company’s focus on shorter-form content may have played a role, as this format has gained traction in India’s digital market. If true, this could indicate a shift in consumer preferences toward bite-sized audio content, though the sustainability of this trend remains unproven.

The timing of the profit announcement aligns with the company’s IPO plans. With SEBI’s clearance secured, Kuku is now expected to file its draft red herring prospectus, joining a broader wave of Indian startups that went public in FY26. Unlike some peers, whose recent results we covered on 24 September, Kuku’s financials suggest a strong position ahead of its public debut.

However, questions remain about the durability of this growth. The audio OTT space in India is still evolving, and while some players have struggled with monetization, others have found success with niche formats. Whether Kuku’s model can maintain its momentum post-IPO will depend on factors like creator retention, advertiser demand, and competition.

For now, Kuku’s FY26 results stand out in a sector where profitability is often elusive. Until then, the company’s performance offers an intriguing case study for India’s digital media landscape.

Sources: inc42.com