Leadstart publishing raises funding from Mumbai Angels Network

April 24, 2019: Leadstart Publishing, a media-tech publishing house, distributor, and rights agency platform, raises funding from Mumbai Angels Network (MA Network), India’s premier platform for venture investing. The INR 3 Crore raise was led by MA Network, alongside JITO Angel Network andSucSEED Venture Partners. The Mumbai based firm will be using the funds to scale operations, develop technology, and customer acquisition. Leadstart Publishing enables individuals to create, market, and sell creative products and services globally, thereby bringing literature and art to people. Their integrated platform allows authors to self-publish globally in multiple languages, using technology for creation, providing enhancement and distribution of content to a wider audience such as studios, OTT platforms, or adapting to video formats, by re-imagining content discovery, and bringing reader recognition. Recognized as India’s largest book distribution network and named as the ‘fastest growing publishing company’ by The Week magazine, Leadstart has  10 brands and publishes over 200 titles a year, with imprints and products in all major book categories. Several of their authors have won major literary prizes such as thePadma Bhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award, Vodafone Crossword Awards, various State literary awards and the Jnanpith Award, as well as regularly being listed for other awards including the Man Asian Literary Prize. “Our investment in Leadstart Publishing, backs our philosophy in supporting innovations that empower individuals on a global scale.  Their tech-driven approach in integrating publishers, platforms, and communities is a key differentiator and we see tremendous growth in this segment both in India and internationally.  We also see an increasing interest from next level investors, we view this to be a strongaddition to the portfolio", said MA Network CEO & MD, Nandini Mansinghka. About Mumbai Angels Network: Started in 2006, Mumbai Angels Network (MA Network) is India’s premier platform focused on new venture investing.  The network is today 400+ members strong, across 7 chapters (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa and Pune). We have built a strong investment framework through which we showcase 60-70 highly curated investment opportunities to our member base, chosen from a funnel of 8000 companies we review every year. MA Network now has a 130+ strong portfolio with 30+ exits; several of whom were at multiples comparable with global benchmarks in new venture investing. About Leadstart Publishing: Leadstart Publishing features distinguished authors and writing from across the globe. Their authors, editorial teams, and books have won accolades and critical praise for their work at both national and international levels. In its new avatar, it is ready to revolutionise the entire publishing ecosystem, by adding substantial value to all of its key stakeholders, i.e. authors, readers & publishers. For authors, for the first time in the world, it will allow them to understand how their books are being read. Then using the data, make amendments to improve their content to their work. For readers, it allows reader recognition and content discovery with a unique method in a fun manner. For publishers, it helps them de-risk their high-risk business model.