Recykal Secures Strategic Investment from Sachin Tendulkar
On 13 November 2026, Recykal, described as India’s leading technology platform for waste management and the circular economy, announced that cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has joined the company as a strategic investor. The association is presented as an extension of Recykal’s recently closed USD 23 million bridge round and is intended to accelerate the company’s mission of fostering responsible waste‑behaviour among India’s one‑billion citizens.
Tendulkar, in his statement, highlighted the importance of discipline and consistent effort, drawing a parallel between his cricket career and the goal of building a cleaner India. He expressed that Recykal’s use of technology to address everyday waste challenges resonated with him, and he aims to help champion a nationwide movement that makes waste‑return, recycling, and participation in the circular economy second nature for every Indian, thereby extending the spirit of the Swachh Bharat initiative.
Abhay Deshpande, CEO and Co‑Founder of Recykal, emphasized that the company’s core conviction is that the circular economy is fundamentally a technology problem. He noted that Deposit Return Systems (DRS) combine technology, logistics, and behavioural change to transform packaging‑waste recovery, and that Tendulkar’s involvement adds significant credibility and inspiration to the effort.
Earlier in June 2026, Recykal completed a USD 23 million bridge round comprising a mix of primary and secondary capital from existing investors and select new family offices. The proceeds are earmarked for strengthening Recykal’s technology platform and Open Marketplace, scaling its DRS to drive behavioural change, and supporting international expansion. Tendulkar’s investment is described as an extension of this round, further aligning the company’s long‑term vision with its public mission.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Hyderabad, Recykal is a globally recognised technology company that drives behavioural change in waste management through digital platforms, DRS, and circular commerce of recyclable materials. The firm also develops AI‑enabled hardware solutions, including indigenously designed and manufactured reverse vending machines, which help businesses and governments worldwide make material recovery measurable, scalable, and economically viable. To date, Recykal has channelised over 30,00,000 MT of waste, empowering more than 650 brands such as Hindustan Unilever, Samsung, and BMW, as well as over 5,000 aggregators and recyclers.
The announcement was accompanied by a video link for reference.