Monster.com, a Quess Corp company, announced that it has raised INR 1.37 billion (USD 18.5 million) in the latest funding round.

The round was led by Akash Bhanshali of Volrado Venture Partners and Mohandas Pai of Meridian Investments, with participation from Quess.

The funds raised will be used towards enhanced investments in Product Development & Marketing in India, SEA (Southeast Asia) and Middle East markets. The company said the investment will help Monster.com evolve from a job-board into a talent platform, delivering a full-stack experience for both candidates and companies.

Post the funding round, Monster.com is valued at close to USD 100 million.

Sekhar Garisa, CEO, Monster.com, APAC & Middle East, said the company is "excited" about the market opportunity in talent acquisition as people become the most important currency for every business.

"We have an exciting product and business road map in line with our view on how hiring will evolve in the next few years. The participation of visionary investors with long term outlook is a tremendous vote of confidence in Monster’s ability and vision in building India’s premier talent marketplace platform," said Garisa.

Mohandas Pai said that the platform is poised to "redefine the jobs market by building tech workflows that put the candidate at the centre of the universe of innovation and possibilities.”

"As employers also prepare for a new decade and an employee-first mindset, the platform will help them create a differentiated experience and build deeper relationships with their teams from day one. Meridian Investments is proud to partner with Monster.com in this exciting and important vertical," Pai added.

Quess Corp acquired Monster India in 2018 as well as Monster’s business in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It is separate from the Monster brand that operates in other markets and which are part of Randstad.