Lokal, a news and classifieds platform focused on regional languages, on Tuesday said it has raised Rs 120 crore ($14.6 million) from new investors Global Brain, Sony Innovation Fund — both Tokyo-based venture capital firms — and others.The funding round, dubbed Series B, also saw participation from India Quotient and other existing investors, the statement said. What the funds will be used forThe Bengaluru-headquartered company will use the fresh funds to expand in existing markets, launch new categories and product capabilities, and strengthen the product and technology teams further, it said.In total, the company has raised over Rs 225 crore ($27.5 million) so far. Lokal’s other marquee investors include 3one4 Capital, India Quotient, and Y Combinator.Founded by Jani Pasha and Vipul Chaudhary in June 2018, Lokal provides users in tier II and III cities and beyond with hyperlocal information such as daily updates, commodity prices, local jobs, real estate, matrimonial, local business advertorials, and classifieds.Discover the stories of your interestBlockchain5 StoriesCyber-safety7 StoriesFintech9 StoriesE-comm9 StoriesML8 StoriesEdtech6 Stories“We see a natural growth in the non-English speaking population’s usage of internet-based services, creating the need for alternate social platforms like Lokal. We look forward to supporting the team as they expand across the fast-growing advertising market,” said Gen Tsuchikawa, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Sony Ventures Corporation