VerSe Innovation, the parent company of popular content discovery platform Dailyhunt and short-video app Josh, is back in the spotlight with a mix of bold growth projections and a notable change in its financial oversight. In a significant development, the company has switched its statutory auditor from Deloitte to PwC, following a series of concerns raised by the former over internal controls and financial reporting practices.
In its FY24 audit report, Deloitte pointed out serious deficiencies in VerSe’s internal systems—including issues related to vendor selection, revenue recognition, and internal compliance frameworks. These red flags might have cast a shadow over investor confidence, but cofounder Umang Bedi remains unfazed. He firmly asserted that the company’s financials are still “true and fair,” signaling confidence in VerSe’s operational integrity and future potential.
Despite a challenging FY24, where VerSe reported an 8.8% drop in revenue, the company managed to halve its losses—an outcome it attributes to a focused cost-cutting strategy and restructuring efforts. Now, the company is setting its sights high, targeting a massive 70% jump in revenue for FY25, aiming to reach INR 1,622 crore.
Strategic Acquisitions and Streamlining for Growth
Key to this ambitious growth strategy are VerSe’s recent acquisitions and internal efficiency drives. The company recently acquired digital magazine platform Magzter and marketing automation firm Valueleaf. These acquisitions are designed to diversify VerSe’s content offerings and enhance its monetization capabilities across its suite of products, which include Josh, Dailyhunt, and PublicVibe.
Umang Bedi stated that the integration of these platforms will not only create synergistic revenue streams but also improve user engagement through enriched content formats. By bringing Magzter’s vast catalog of premium magazine content into the fold, VerSe aims to attract a more diverse reader base while expanding its advertising and subscription revenues.
Moreover, the acquisition of Valueleaf is expected to strengthen VerSe’s data-driven marketing capabilities, offering improved ROI for advertisers and enhanced personalization for users. Together, these strategic moves signal a shift toward a more robust and diversified business model.
Path to Profitability
VerSe Innovation has also implemented aggressive cost optimization measures across business units, aiming for break-even by mid-FY26. This focus on fiscal discipline comes as the Indian tech sector experiences increasing investor scrutiny, with profitability and sustainable growth now front and center in valuation discussions.
While the switch from Deloitte to PwC may raise questions about governance, VerSe’s leadership maintains that the change reflects the evolving scale and needs of the company. PwC, with its extensive experience in auditing high-growth tech firms, is expected to provide the oversight needed for VerSe’s next phase of expansion.
Conclusion
Despite facing audit-related scrutiny and a revenue dip in FY24, VerSe Innovation is positioning itself for a strong comeback. With an aggressive growth target, key acquisitions, and a focus on profitability, the company appears determined to redefine its trajectory. If it delivers on its FY25 projections, VerSe could emerge as one of India’s standout digital media success stories in the coming years.
Keywords: VerSe Innovation, Dailyhunt, Josh app, FY25 revenue growth, Deloitte PwC audit, Umang Bedi, Magzter acquisition, Valueleaf, Indian startups, tech profitability