Founded in 2015, Knest, headquartered in Pune, the company operates three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across Maharashtra and Gujarat, with an annual capacity exceeding 2 million square metres of aluminium formwork and an expanding line of construction safety solutions. As one of the largest aluminium formwork companies in the world, it is bringing both 'Make in India' and 'Made in India' to the forefront.
"We are building far more than formwork—we are building the future of Indian construction, of high rises, sprawling skylines & sustainable urban ecosystems. 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. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of construction technology in India and beyond," said Nitin Mittal, Founder of Knest.
The INR 300 crore investment by Lighthouse will enable Knest to deepen its R&D efforts, expand manufacturing capabilities, and integrate backwards, ensuring both quality and scale as the demand for modern construction solutions accelerates across India.
Sachin Bhartiya, Co-founder and Partner at Lighthouse Funds, said: "Knest exemplifies the kind of future-forward, mission-led company we love to back. They're fundamentally transforming how buildings go up. With a sharp focus on sustainability, safety, and speed, Knest is poised to lead the next wave of construction innovation in India."
Systematix Corporate Services Limited acted as the exclusive advisor on this transaction.
Knest's flagship aluminium formwork systems are custom-designed to enable faster construction cycles—up to 3x quicker than traditional methods—while improving finish quality and reducing labour intensity. Complementing this is Knest's patented hydraulic safety screen, a cutting-edge vertical safety solution that is gaining rapid traction among high-rise developers. Beyond this, the company is set to expand into new categories in formwork & allied construction technology solutions.
The investment also supports Knest's sustainability-driven mission. By replacing timber-based formwork, Knest's solutions significantly reduce deforestation. Its products are designed for 150–200 reuse cycles (versus 10–15 for wood), minimising construction waste. Additionally, aluminium's recyclability and Knest's energy-efficient processes contribute meaningfully to responsible construction practices.
