June 12, 2025: Knest Manufacturing is set to to increase its aluminium formwork manufacturing capacity, invest in research and development, and strengthen backward integration with ₹300 Crore capital infusion from Lighthouse Funds.
The Pune-based firm, which develops aluminium formwork systems and hydraulic safety solutions, aims to support faster, safer, and more efficient construction methods. The fresh capital will also support its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of traditional building processes.
Knest currently operates three facilities in Maharashtra and Gujarat, with an annual output of over two million square metres of aluminium framework. The company says the new investment will help it scale to meet growing demand for modern construction systems in India’s urban development sector.
Founded in 2015, Pune-based formwork manufacturer has been pioneering next-generation building systems such as aluminium formwork and proprietary hydraulic safety screens, both of which promise faster, safer, and more environmentally conscious construction processes. The company’s scalable offerings have been particularly relevant as India sees a sharp surge in demand for high-rise urban housing and commercial developments.
Operating out of three large facilities across Maharashtra and Gujarat, the formwork manufacturer currently boasts an annual capacity exceeding 2 million square meters of aluminium framework—a figure expected to rise substantially in the next two years. The investment will also be directed at enhancing the production of its high-cycle reusable products, designed to replace timber frameworks and cut down significantly on construction waste, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Knest Aims for R&D and Backward Integration After Fresh Funding from Lighthouse
“We are building far more than formwork, we are building the future of Indian construction, of high rises, sprawling skylines and sustainable urban ecosystems,” said Nitin Mittal, Founder of the aluminium formwork firm Knest. “With this partnership, we gain not just capital but a like-minded partner in Lighthouse who shares our vision for innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.”
From improving worker safety to reducing project timelines, the formwork manufacturer’s integrated systems are already gaining traction among leading builders and infrastructure developers. Its patented safety solutions also play a critical role in mitigating on-site accidents, a key concern in India’s labor-intensive construction sector.
The capital injection from Lighthouse Funds marks a strategic alignment between two entities focused on impact-driven growth. “Knest exemplifies the kind of future-forward, mission-led company we love to back. They’re fundamentally transforming how buildings go up,” said Sachin Bhartiya, Co-founder and Partner at Lighthouse Funds. “With a sharp focus on sustainability, safety, and speed, the aluminium formwork manufacturer is poised to lead the next wave of construction innovation in India.”
The expansion plan is backed by investment from Lighthouse Funds, a growth-stage private equity firm. The construction technology company plans to use the funding
As part of the deal, Lighthouse Funds will also offer strategic advisory and operational support, helping the formwork manufacturer to scale faster and explore adjacent verticals in construction technology, both in domestic and emerging global markets.
