The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has secured Rs 220 crore in fresh funding from Zoho, Uber, Paytm and BSE Technologies, bringing some of India’s most prominent technology and financial services companies into its investor base as it accelerates plans for the next phase of its growth. The investment comes as ONDC looks to evolve from an experimental digital commerce network into a national digital infrastructure for commerce under its ONDC 2.0 strategy.
According to regulatory filings, Zoho emerged as the largest investor in the round with an investment of Rs 70 crore, while Uber and Paytm invested Rs 60 crore each. BSE Technologies, the technology arm of the Bombay Stock Exchange, contributed Rs 30 crore. The fundraise forms part of a broader Rs 430 crore capital-raising programme previously approved by shareholders. ONDC is also expected to raise an additional Rs 210 crore from existing and new strategic investors.
The funding marks another milestone for the government-backed initiative, which was created to build an open and interoperable alternative to platform-centric digital commerce models. Unlike traditional marketplaces, ONDC aims to connect buyers, sellers, logistics providers and service providers through a common digital network, reducing dependence on closed ecosystems and creating a level playing field for businesses of all sizes.
The participation of companies such as Zoho, Uber and Paytm also signals growing confidence in ONDC’s long-term vision. What began as an ambitious effort to democratise ecommerce is increasingly attracting strategic investors that see value in open digital networks as the next layer of India’s digital public infrastructure.
