1.Third Wave Coffee has raised ₹408 Cr led by WestBridge Capital to accelerate cafe expansion and scale Third Rush Desserts. With 240+ cafes, the company is targeting 320 outlets by FY-end and eight new geographies. As India’s specialty coffee market expands, Third Wave is strengthening its presence across existing markets while building a broader coffee and food experience for consumers nationwide.

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2. boAt’s FY26 profit rose 38% to Rs 84.5 Cr despite a 4.6% decline in revenue to Rs 2,931 Cr. The company improved ROCE to 15.2%, reduced inventory and warranty expenses, and ended with Rs 397 Cr cash and zero bank debt. Wearables turned profitable, while international revenue doubled. Under boAt 2.0, the brand plans expansion into newer lifestyle-tech categories.

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3. SNITCH has opened five new stores in Kolkata, Pune, Nashik, Patiala and Noida, taking its retail network to 131 stores. The expansion strengthens the menswear brand’s omnichannel strategy across metro and emerging markets. With 1,000+ styles across 13+ categories in each store, SNITCH is combining offline reach with digital convenience to deliver a consistent fashion experience nationwide.

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Business Boost:

1.D2C skincare brand Asaya has raised ₹88 Cr at a ₹400 Cr post-money valuation, backed by RPSG Capital, OTP Ventures and others. The fresh capital will fuel R&D, product expansion, distribution and hiring. With its proprietary MelaMe molecule, science-led formulations and presence across online, quick-commerce and offline channels, Asaya is scaling its play in India’s premium skincare market.

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2. InstaAstro has raised $12 Mn in Series A funding led by Singularity AMC and Artha Venture Fund to expand regionally and internationally while accelerating AI-led product development. Serving 12 Mn users and 5,000+ experts across 183 countries, the platform reported ₹111.26 Cr FY26 revenue. Its next growth phase will focus on AI, Pooja Seva and spiritual commerce.

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3. Cüraa has raised Rs 40 Cr in Series A funding led by 3one4 Capital, with Kae Capital, Lumikai, and Better Capital participating. The kitchen and lifestyle brand has served 3 lakh+ households since launching in September 2024. With monthly net revenue up 25X, Cüraa will expand products, strengthen supply chains, and scale across D2C, marketplaces, and quick commerce.

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Founders Funded

1.Be Clinical has raised ₹21 crore in a seed extension round led by Sauce to strengthen R&D, expand its skin, body and haircare portfolio, scale manufacturing and enter new markets. Founded in 2025, the D2C skincare brand has delivered 1.2 lakh orders and focuses on clinically tested, active-ingredient formulations. The fresh capital will support its next phase of evidence-led growth.

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2. Scooby’s Club has raised $250K in pre-seed funding led by TDV Partners to expand its premium dog care hubs across Bengaluru. The startup combines canine behavioural principles, climate-controlled indoor spaces, temperament testing, personalised care, and 24x7 CCTV access. Founded in 2025, it plans to add two properties within 6–12 months and ultimately build 100 hubs across India.

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📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE 🚀

At D2C Insider Super Angels, we’ve had early conviction in backing exceptional founders — and we’re actively looking for more founders building the next generation of high-conviction D2C brands.

Not just capital. A community built on real outcomes, deep trust, and long-term value.

If that’s you, we’d love to hear your story.

💡 Investors — Back India’s next wave of high-conviction D2C brands.

👉 Apply: d2ci.co/super-angels-apply

👉 Founders: d2ci.co/angels-deal-rfi

1.Honasa Consumer reported a strong Q1 FY27, with revenue rising 27% to ₹756 crore and net profit more than doubling to a record ₹90.45 crore. Backed by improving profitability, strong brand momentum, growth in Reginald Men, and strategic expansion into wellness through Fluence Pharma, the company continues strengthening its leadership in India’s beauty and personal care market.

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2. Titan delivered a standout Q1 FY27 with 63% profit growth and 40% revenue growth, driven by strong jewellery demand and continued expansion across watches, eyewear, and lifestyle categories. With 3,680 stores, bullish analyst sentiment, and growing omnichannel strength, Titan’s performance reinforces the long-term opportunity for premium D2C and organised retail brands in India.

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3. Lenskart reported a strong Q1 FY27, with profit surging 3.7X year-on-year to ₹228.4 crore and operating revenue rising 43% to ₹2,714.2 crore. Alongside strong financial performance, the omnichannel eyewear leader expanded its global manufacturing footprint, strengthened international operations across Singapore, South Korea and China, and continued investing in long-term growth, innovation, and employee ownership.

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Business Boost:

1.Milky Mist has raised ₹465 crore from 19 anchor investors ahead of its IPO, with participation from marquee global institutions and leading domestic mutual funds. The premium dairy brand plans to strengthen manufacturing, reduce debt, and expand its value-added dairy portfolio as it continues building one of India’s fastest-growing FMCG businesses.

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2 Scrubsy has raised ₹27 crore from V3 Ventures to expand manufacturing and strengthen its AI-driven product development capabilities. The D2C home-cleaning startup develops and manufactures its products in-house while using AI to analyse customer feedback and improve formulations, positioning itself for long-term growth in India’s rapidly evolving household care and consumer products market.

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3. Bakingo has raised ₹100 crore in a Series B funding round led by Faering Capital, taking its valuation to ₹1,643 crore, a 2.6X increase from its previous round. The online bakery brand will use the capital to support expansion and business growth as it scales its network of 100+ kitchens across 30+ cities and strengthens its market presence.

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Founders funded:

1.Wippi has raised $1.2 million in seed funding led by 12 Flags to expand its AI-powered, screen-free learning platform for children. The startup will strengthen voice AI, grow its engineering team, scale Made-in-India manufacturing, and expand its D2C business while introducing new characters, languages, and educational products for families in India and global markets.

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2. Lane has raised ₹8.5 crore in a pre-seed round led by Kae Capital to expand its tech-enabled driving education platform across Tier I cities. The startup will strengthen its instructor network, develop sensor technology, and broaden mobility services, including car ownership support. The funding highlights growing investor interest in technology-led solutions improving road safety and consumer mobility.

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🚀 D2C Insider Update

The AI Bootcamp is happening this weekend.

The shift isn’t about adding another AI tool to your stack. It’s about building AI teammates that actually work for your brand.

Over 2 live days, D2C founders will build 10 AI teammates across strategy, customer research, content, ads, marketplaces, operations, support, growth, and leadership—trained on their actual business.

No generic prompts. No lectures you’ll forget by Monday. Every session ends with something built.

📅 15–16 August 2026

💻 Live Online | 10 AM–5 PM IST

👥 Only 25 founders

If you’ve been waiting to figure out how AI can actually become part of your D2C operating system, this is the weekend to do it.

👉 Register now: https://d2ci.ai/bootcamp

Build your AI team. Build faster. Stay ahead. 🚀

1.Nykaa reported a strong Q1 FY27, with revenue rising 29% to ₹2,782 crore and net profit surging 3.3X to 80 crore. The company also acquired a 51% stake in AMINU Wellness for up to 32 crore, strengthening its premium skincare portfolio through enhanced R&D capabilities and omnichannel distribution.

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2. Ather Energy reported a breakthrough Q1 FY27, narrowing its net loss by 71% to ₹51.1 crore while achieving positive EBITDA for the first time. Revenue grew 89%, scooter deliveries rose 81%, and the company remains on track to expand manufacturing capacity through its new Factory 3.0 as India’s electric two-wheeler market continues to accelerate.

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3. River Mobility has raised $120 million in a Series C funding round led by Elev8 Venture Partners and Claypond Capital. The EV startup will use the capital to expand manufacturing, launch new utility-focused electric vehicles, strengthen profitability, and grow its retail network from 75+ to over 350 stores by 2028, further accelerating its expansion across India’s electric mobility market.

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Business Boost:

1.BlissClub has raised ₹160 crore in a funding round led by Singularity AMC, with participation from existing investors and its founders. The D2C athleisure brand will use the capital to expand offline retail, launch new categories, strengthen technology and product development, and accelerate its journey towards profitability while scaling its omnichannel presence across India.

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2. Bhuvan Bam has co-founded Sarkar, a premium Indian fragrance brand positioned between mass-market body sprays and niche luxury perfumes. Priced at ₹1,000-2,000, the collection features four parfum-strength fragrances with 25% oil concentration, global formulations from France and Spain, and a product-first approach focused on craftsmanship, accessibility, and building long-term consumer trust.

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3. GetVantage has raised ₹63 crore in a Series A1 round to accelerate its Al-native capital gateway for Indian MSMEs. With over ₹700 crore in committed funding capacity, the fintech platform is expanding embedded finance, Al-powered underwriting, and merchant financing while strengthening access to growth capital for businesses across India’s digital economy.

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Founders Funded:

1. Vaaree has raised ₹65 crore in a Series A round led by Hero Enterprise and Cap Alpha Ventures to expand its fulfilment network and invest in Al-powered home commerce. The home décor marketplace will strengthen its VibeCheck platform, scale quality verification centres, and move towards next-day deliveries, enhancing personalised discovery and faster customer experiences across India.

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2. Typsy Beauty has raised ₹20 crore in a funding round led by Saama Capital to accelerate its quick commerce expansion, strengthen offline retail, and launch new hybrid skincare products. The D2C beauty brand also plans to scale its fragrance sub-brand, Spritz by Typsy, while expanding its premium makeup portfolio across India’s growing omnichannel beauty market.

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Kiran Shah, Founder, Go Zero

Many founders believe building a company and building a brand are the same.

They’re not.

A company runs the business—operations, revenue, hiring, distribution, and margins.

A brand shapes how people feel about you. It’s why customers choose you before they’ve even tried your product—and why they remember you long after.

At Go Zero, the team treats them as two separate priorities. They focus on scaling the business while intentionally building a brand that stands for one clear promise:

“Zero Added Sugar. 100% Indulgence.”

Every touchpoint—from packaging and product names to social media—is designed to reinforce that promise.

As Kiran Shah puts it:

“Company is what we run. Brand is what people remember.”

🚀 D2C Insider Update

The AI-native D2C era is here. Are you building for it?

Most founders don’t need more AI tools—they need AI systems that actually work for their brand.

That’s why we’re bringing back the D2C Insider AI Bootcamp—a live, hands-on 2-day program where you’ll build an AI team trained on your business.

In just two days, you’ll create 10 AI teammates that can:

• Analyze competitors

• Research customers

• Generate high-converting content

• Create ad creatives

• Optimize marketplaces

• Streamline operations

• Automate support & retention

• Track growth metrics

• Act as your AI Chief of Staff

No theory. No generic prompts. Every session ends with something built for your brand—ready to use from Monday.

📅 15–16 August 2026

💻 Live Online

👥 Limited to 25 founders

If you’re serious about building an AI-native D2C brand, this is where you start.

👉 Register now: https://d2cinsider.ai/ai-bootcamp

Seats are limited, and registrations are filling fast. Don’t wait for AI to become your competitive disadvantage—build your AI team now.

1.Dot & Key Skincare has grown 13X in three years, reaching ₹1,790 crore in FY26 revenue. The Nykaa-owned brand ranks #1 in sunscreen, #2 in moisturizers, and #3 in face wash across marketplaces and quick commerce platforms, reinforcing its position as one of India’s fastest-growing skincare brands.

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2. BlueStone reported a profitable first quarter of FY27, posting a net profit of ₹5.9 crore as revenue surged 50% year-on-year to ₹736.8 crore. The omnichannel jewellery retailer attributed its performance to strong same-store sales growth, expanding store presence, and a loyal customer base, while continuing to scale across Tier-II and Tier-III markets.

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3. Ultraviolette Automotive is expanding its annual manufacturing capacity to 1.5 lakh vehicles ahead of the 2027 launch of its Tesseract electric scooter. With over 80,000 bookings already secured, the company is also targeting 1,000 monthly vehicle sales, expanding to 100 experience centres, and strengthening its position as a global premium electric mobility brand.

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Business Boost:

1.WishCare has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing beauty and personal care brands, surpassing ₹300 crore ARR. The brand grew revenue from ₹19 crore in FY23 to ₹202 crore in FY25, serves 5 million+ customers, and is targeting ₹500 crore in FY27 as it continues to expand across D2C and leading online marketplaces.

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2. Zappfresh’s parent company, DSM Fresh Foods, reported a 58% YoY increase in Q1 FY27 revenue to ₹74 crore. Backed by retail expansion, omnichannel growth, and the Meevaa Foods acquisition, the company is scaling its farm-to-fork platform while reaffirming its FY28 revenue target of ₹600 crore.

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3. MS Dhoni has invested in residential rooftop solar startup SolarSquare as part of its $53 million Series C funding round and will also join the company as its brand ambassador. The startup plans to use the fresh capital to expand into new cities, strengthen its technology platform, enhance financing options, and accelerate rooftop solar adoption across India.

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Founders funded:

1.Plazza has raised $15 million (₹145 crore) in a Series A round led by Accel, Elevation Capital, and Nexus Venture Partners to expand its quick medicine delivery business. The startup will use the funding to strengthen its AI-powered inventory platform, expand its pharmacy network, and scale operations as it aims to redefine medicine delivery with broader availability and 15–30 minute fulfilment.

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2. Aina has raised $5.5 million in a seed round co-led by Redstart Labs and 360 ONE Asset to bring its AI-native hardware interface to market. Founded by former Ultrahuman hardware leader Apoorv Shankar, the startup is expanding its Bengaluru and San Francisco teams while building context-aware AI devices for the next generation of computing.

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3. Skin longevity beauty brand LNGVTY has raised ₹5 crore in a seed funding round led by Rukam Capital. The Mumbai-based D2C skincare brand will use the capital to strengthen customer acquisition, expand its product portfolio, invest in R&D, and grow its founding team as it taps into the rising demand for science-backed, long-term skin health solutions.

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Varun Alagh, Co-founder & CEO, Honasa Consumer Ltd.

Many founders believe leadership is about having the right answers.

Varun Alagh believes it’s about asking the right questions.

He draws an interesting parallel with therapy. A therapist could tell you what’s wrong and how to fix it in the very first session. But that solution rarely sticks because it wasn’t your answer.

The same principle applies to building teams.

Early in his journey, Varun believed his role as a founder was to walk into a room with conviction and tell people exactly what to do. But over the years, while building Honasa, he realized something far more powerful.

People don’t commit to the plan they’re given. They commit to the plan they create themselves.

The moment someone articulates their own goal and their own path to achieving it, it becomes part of their belief system. That’s when ownership begins.

Today, Varun sees leadership differently.

His job isn’t to have every answer ready.

It’s to ask the questions that help others discover the answer themselves.

The best leaders don’t build followers.

They build thinkers who take ownership.

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE

Today, the spotlight is on CXO Meet North × Elevate Cohort 6 Demo Day.

Founders, investors, operators, and industry leaders are coming together as 10+ emerging consumer brands take the stage to pitch, connect, and showcase the future of India’s D2C ecosystem.

Every great brand starts with one opportunity. Today, that opportunity is in the room.

And we’re just getting started.

Next up is FRONTIER — India’s first AI-native summit built exclusively for D2C leaders.

Join 250+ founders & CXOs, 150+ brands, 50+ AI leaders, and 25+ investors for a day of practical AI playbooks, real-world use cases, and conversations that will shape the future of consumer brands.

📅 22 August 2026 | Delhi NCR

🎟 Register now: d2cinsider.ai/frontier

The future of D2C is being built in these rooms. Be part of it. 🚀

1.Open Secret has raised ₹50 crore in funding led by Desai Brothers Group to expand its offline presence, scale its product portfolio, and strengthen its omnichannel business. Having crossed ₹200 crore ARR and achieved EBITDA profitability, the brand is targeting ₹1,000 crore ARR within three years while accelerating growth across India’s healthy snacks market.

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2. E3 Electric.Ai has raised ₹100 crore in Series A funding led by BluVenture Holdings to launch its AI-powered electric scooter, E3 TRION. Founded by former TVS Motor EV head P. Sanjeev, the startup is investing in proprietary technology, AI-driven software, and nationwide expansion across 90 markets as India’s electric mobility ecosystem continues to grow rapidly.

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3. Aukera has raised ₹90 crore (over $10 million) in a funding round led by Alteria Capital, with participation from InnoVen Capital and Lighthouse Canton. The lab-grown diamond jewellery brand will use the capital to expand stores, strengthen omnichannel operations, invest in product development and talent, after growing its retail network from 13 to 35 stores in the past year.

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Business Boost:

1.Asaya has crossed 15 lakh customers after delivering 5X revenue growth over the past year. Driven by science-backed skincare, quick commerce, and an expanding omnichannel strategy, the D2C beauty brand is investing in R&D, proprietary technology, offline retail, and new product innovation. Asaya had previously raised ₹28 crore in a Pre-Series A round led by RPSG Capital Ventures to support its long-term growth.

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2. Luxury D2C mithai brand Khoya has signed a deal for Atelier Expressions, the premium lifestyle platform of TVS VENU, to acquire a majority stake. Founded by Sid Mathur in 2016, Khoya will continue under its existing leadership while leveraging the partnership to scale across India, strengthening its position in the premium handcrafted sweets and gifting category.

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3. Naturis Cosmetics has raised ₹33.74 crore in its first institutional funding round to strengthen manufacturing for India’s fast-growing D2C beauty ecosystem. The company partners with leading consumer brands including Nykaa, Plum, Pilgrim, Purplle, Bare Anatomy, and Ustraa, providing product development and manufacturing capabilities that help beauty brands scale faster across online and omnichannel markets.

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Founders funded:

1.BUILT has raised $2 million in a pre-seed round led by Tanglin Venture Partners to scale India’s natural movement footwear category. The D2C footwear startup will invest in R&D, proprietary manufacturing, product innovation, and inventory expansion while growing its performance footwear portfolio. With a website-first strategy and planned offline expansion, BUILT is creating a differentiated category in India’s premium footwear market.

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2. Promom has raised ₹30 crore in a funding round led by Fireside Ventures to accelerate product innovation and expand its maternal and baby care portfolio. Founded in 2023, the brand develops thoughtfully designed products for feeding and early parenting, combining quality, functionality, and affordability while strengthening accessibility for modern Indian families across the country.

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3. Anmasa has raised ₹30 crore in a seed round led by Fireside Ventures to expand its hyperlocal D2C grocery business. The startup, which prepares fresh flour, wood-pressed oils, and spices through neighbourhood micro-factories, plans to enter new cities, strengthen technology, and scale manufacturing after achieving 23x growth and strong repeat customer engagement.

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Chandrashekhara Reddy, Founder & CEO, UONEX

Most founders don’t start their second company because they have another idea.

After leaving a successful career in technology at one of India’s premier institutions, he did what many dream of doing.

He started a company—a news platform designed to make global news easier to consume.

It failed.

Like thousands of founders before him, he shut it down.

For many, that’s where the story ends.

For him, it wasn’t.

A routine family shopping trip unexpectedly became the turning point.

What should have taken a couple of hours stretched into almost an entire day—walking through store after store, searching for the right size, the right colour, the right product.

As someone who loved solving problems with technology, he couldn’t stop asking himself one question:

Why is buying online so effortless, but shopping offline still feels like a treasure hunt?

The more he researched, the more obsessed he became.

The problem wasn’t his family’s shopping experience.

It was India’s.

More than 85% of retail still happens offline, yet there is no infrastructure that lets consumers discover what’s actually available in nearby stores.

That obsession became UONEX.

For the last 18 months, the team has quietly been building what they believe could become India’s offline product discovery infrastructure. Brands like SNITCH and Reliance Trends Footwear are already onboard, with Aditya Birla’s TMRW portfolio brands like Bewakoof, The Indian Garage Co., and other brands like The House of Rare, SUTA, The Joker & Witch, Khadims, and several others already joining the platform.

Sometimes, a failed startup doesn’t end a founder’s journey.

It teaches them to recognize the problem that’s truly worth spending years of their life solving.

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE 🚀

The next generation of consumer brands is ready to take the stage.

On 25th July, CXO Meet North × Elevate Cohort 6 Demo Day brings together 50+ founders, 20+ investors, and the most promising brands from Elevate Cohort 6 for an afternoon of live pitches, meaningful conversations, and high-impact networking.

This isn’t just another startup event. It’s where ambitious founders meet the people who can help shape what’s next.

If you want to discover tomorrow’s breakout brands before everyone else does, this is the room to be in.

📍 UrbanWrk, Gurugram

📅 25th July | 2 PM onwards

🎟 Register now: d2ci.co/elevatedemoday

1.Nykaa expects nearly 30% consolidated net revenue growth in Q1 FY27, led by a sharp acceleration in its fashion business, where NSV is projected to grow in the mid-fifties. With beauty growth expected in the late twenties, 324 physical stores, and FY26 annual revenue crossing ₹10,022 crore, the omnichannel platform enters FY27 with strong momentum.

Read more →

2. Honasa Consumer expects around 30% year-on-year revenue growth in Q1 FY27 while maintaining double-digit operating margins. Mamaearth is projected to grow in the high teens, while younger brands including The Derma Co., Aqualogica and Dr. Sheth’s are expected to grow in the early forties, supported by strong offline distribution, improving consumer demand and healthy online momentum across channels.

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3. Wheelocity has raised over ₹82 crore in an ongoing funding round from Elevar Equity, Lightspeed, Grand Anicut and other investors. Serving 5 lakh+ households across 3,300+ villages, the rural commerce startup combines mobile ordering, branded electric carts, AI-powered forecasting and a zero-inventory supply chain to deliver fresh produce and groceries across India’s semi-urban and rural markets at scale.

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Business Boost:

1.Candere by Kalyan has reached the 125-store milestone with a new outlet in Virar, strengthening its presence across India and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Backed by Kalyan Jewellers, the contemporary jewellery brand is expanding its omnichannel network while making lightweight, everyday jewellery more accessible to Gen Z consumers, working professionals and modern shoppers.

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2. Fizzy Goblet has onboarded Kareena Kapoor Khan as a strategic investor, expanding a partnership that began with her appointment as brand ambassador in 2022. With 16 company-owned stores, international shipping across five markets and a ₹60 crore annual revenue run rate, the D2C footwear and accessories brand is now targeting a ₹100 crore+ run rate over the next year.

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3. Kunal Kapoor and Ketto cofounders Varun Sheth and Zaheer Adenwala have launched MetaGO, a doctor-led healthtech platform focused on obesity and metabolic health. Combining diagnostics across 35+ biomarkers, specialist consultations, personalised nutrition, and prescription GLP-1 medications, the startup aims to shift metabolic healthcare towards earlier intervention, continuous management, and personalised treatment before conditions progress further.

Read more →

Founders funded:

1.Rawbare has secured fresh funding from Teamology to strengthen product design, expand its retail and customer experience footprint, and prepare for international growth. Founded in 2022, the D2C eyewear brand is scaling with a focus on design, quality, craftsmanship, and customer trust while preparing to enter select overseas markets through a phased expansion strategy.

Read more →

2. Doodhvale Farms has raised $1 million from Atomic Capital to expand into new cities, strengthen distribution, develop products and invest in AI-led demand forecasting and route optimisation. With its D2C business nearly doubling, overall revenue growing around 65% and direct-to-consumer sales contributing nearly 90% of revenue, the dairy and daily essentials brand is preparing to more than double its business.

Read more →

3. Neothera has raised ₹9 crore in a pre-seed round led by Blume Ventures to scale its science-led skin health platform. Combining diagnostics, behavioural science, nutrition, technology, expert consultation and clinically validated formulations, the startup is building long-term solutions for chronic skin conditions. The capital will support technology, product expansion, R&D, clinical teams and customer growth across India.

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4. Avni Wellness has raised ₹4 crore in a seed round led by Proteus Partners to strengthen digital commerce, expand its cycle nutrition portfolio, grow marketplace presence and scale its women-led micro-entrepreneur network. With solutions spanning reusable period care, iron deficiency, PCOS, calcium support, UTI and vaginal health, the brand is building a holistic women’s wellness ecosystem from adolescence to menopause.

Read more →

Rimjim Deka, CEO, Littlebox

Every founder dreams of faster growth. Rimjim Deka believes the harder decision is choosing not to grow faster.

She shares that while most founders spend their energy chasing growth, she spends hers holding it back. The temptation is real—higher marketing spends can drive bigger revenue numbers, making rapid growth feel rewarding. But beyond a point, that growth often comes at the cost of weaker unit economics, tighter cash flow, and shrinking profitability.

At Littlebox, the philosophy is different. Instead of chasing aggressive topline numbers, the team deliberately plans for steady growth while ensuring every month remains profitable. Marketing spends are kept disciplined, and every growth decision is measured against one question: Is this growth actually worth it?

It’s not the glamorous way to build a business. Growing 6% while others claim they’ve tripled doesn’t make headlines. But for Rimjim, building a profitable business month after month is a far greater achievement than chasing growth that quietly weakens the company’s fundamentals.

Her perspective is a reminder that sustainable businesses aren’t built by growing at any cost—they’re built by making disciplined decisions that compound over time, even when no one is applauding.

D2C INSIDER UPDATE 🚀

The AI era isn’t coming. It’s already here.

FRONTIER, India’s first D2C × AI Summit, is where the founders, operators, investors, and AI leaders shaping the next generation of consumer brands will come together.

Expect practical AI playbooks, real-world use cases, high-impact networking, and actionable strategies you can implement from day one.

250+ founders & CXOs. 150+ brands. 50+ AI leaders. 25+ investors. One room.

📅 7 August 2026 | Delhi NCR

🎟 Register now: d2cinsider.ai/frontier

The future won’t wait. Be in the room that’s building it. 🚀

Subscribe now

1. Limelight Diamonds has raised ₹275 crore to strengthen manufacturing, accelerate retail expansion, and scale its lab-grown diamond business across India. Backed by 75+ stores across 45+ cities and ambitious plans to reach 200 stores by 2027, the premium D2C jewellery brand is accelerating its nationwide growth and category leadership.

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2. AllHome has raised ₹200 crore in a Series B round led by Bessemer Venture Partners at a ₹2,000 crore valuation. Backed by ₹400+ crore ARR, EBITDA profitability, and ambitious omnichannel expansion plans, the home improvement startup is accelerating technology, experience centres, and brand growth across India’s rapidly expanding home solutions market.

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3. The Indus Valley has raised $17 million led by Gaja Capital to expand its toxin-free cookware portfolio, strengthen omnichannel distribution, and accelerate brand growth. Backed by leading investors and rising demand for premium chemical-free kitchenware, the D2C brand is scaling rapidly across India’s growing premium home and kitchen market.

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Business Boost:

1.Palmonas has crossed 75 retail stores and is targeting 100 stores in the coming months while building toward 200+ outlets and ₹750 crore in revenue. Backed by strong omnichannel growth, category innovation, and recent funding, the demi-fine jewellery brand is rapidly expanding across India’s premium lifestyle and retail market.

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2. Underneat has crossed ₹200 crore ARR within its first year, serving 6.5 lakh+ customers and selling 9 lakh+ units. Backed by strong consumer trust and a 93% customer satisfaction score, the premium D2C shapewear brand is now accelerating its omnichannel journey with ambitious offline retail expansion across India.

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3. Phitku has secured strategic backing from Ananta Capital to accelerate product innovation, strengthen branding, and expand internationally. Backed by 6 lakh+ customers, profitability within 14 months, and an ambitious ₹300 crore ARR target, the D2C personal care brand is rapidly scaling in India’s fast-growing premium wellness and personal care market.

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4. Supply6 has raised ₹48 crore led by Unilever Ventures to accelerate product innovation, strengthen omnichannel distribution, and expand its nutrition portfolio. Backed by 2 lakh+ customers, 45% repeat purchases, and a ₹75 crore ARR, the D2C wellness brand is rapidly scaling across India’s growing preventive healthcare and nutrition market.

Read more →

Founders funded:

1.Age Care Labs has raised $9 million (₹85 crore) to strengthen technology, expand elder care services, and accelerate nationwide growth. Through Emoha and Epoch Elder Care, the company now serves 60,000+ seniors across 120 cities, building one of India’s fastest-growing, technology-enabled elder care ecosystems through an asset-light expansion strategy.

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2. Alienkind has raised $3.2 million in a pre-Series A round to accelerate expansion across India’s fast-growing QSR market. Backed by fresh functional beverages, innovative food offerings, and ambitious plans to reach 100 stores by FY28, the D2C food and beverage brand is building the next generation of wellness-led consumer experiences.

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3. PlayBlue has raised $2.7 million in seed funding to launch flagship stores and a pan-India e-commerce platform. With 100+ sports brands, plans for 150+ stores, 10 million users, and ₹5,000 crore annual revenue, the omnichannel sports retail startup is building one of India’s most ambitious sports commerce platforms.

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4. The Func. Lab has raised $1.5 million in seed funding to expand its clean-label nutrition portfolio, strengthen omnichannel distribution, and scale across quick commerce and offline retail. Backed by prominent investors and a science-first approach, the D2C wellness brand is building strong momentum in India’s rapidly growing functional nutrition market.

Read more →

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE

CXO MEET NORTH × ELEVATE DEMO DAY 🚀

One room. Two powerful parts of the ecosystem.

On 25th July, CXO Meet North comes together with Elevate Cohort 6 Demo Day in Gurugram, bringing founders, investors, CXOs, and operators under one roof.

At the centre of it all are 18 emerging consumer brands from Elevate Cohort 6, taking the stage to pitch live, showcase what they’ve built, and meet the ecosystem that could shape what comes next.

Startup pitches. Sharp conversations. Curated networking. And a front-row seat to the brands that could become India’s next breakout consumer stories.

📅 25th July 2026 | 2 PM onwards

📍 Gurugram

🎟 Register here: https://d2ci.co/elevatedemoday

The next wave of consumer brands is getting ready to take the stage. 🚀

1.Bodycraft has raised ₹120 crore in fresh funding led by Singularity AMC to accelerate nationwide expansion, strengthen AI-driven operations, invest in clinical technology, and enhance customer experience. With 67 outlets and plans to add 30 more locations, the beauty and wellness brand is entering its next growth phase.

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2. HealthKart has expanded its offline footprint to 250+ stores across 111 cities, strengthening its omnichannel presence in India’s growing wellness market. Backed by leading brands like MuscleBlaze, HK Vitals, TrueBasics, and Gritzo, the company continues to drive accessibility, trust, and consumer engagement across the country.

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3. Ultraviolette has expanded into six new European markets, taking its presence to 18 countries across the continent. Backed by its F77 platform, strategic distribution partnerships, and growing global demand for premium EVs, the Bengaluru-based startup continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s fastest-growing mobility brands.

Read more →

Business Boost:

1.SuperLiving has raised $7 million in a Series A round led by Lightspeed to accelerate its AI-powered preventive healthcare platform. Backed by 1.5 million app installs, 100,000+ paying users, and strong Tier II and Tier III adoption, the D2C wellness startup is scaling AI, vernacular content, and personalized healthcare across India.

Read more →

2. Soch has expanded its global footprint with the launch of its fifth international store and second Canadian outlet in Surrey, British Columbia. Backed by 175+ stores across 70 Indian cities and growing international demand, the ethnic fashion brand continues to accelerate its global expansion journey.

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3. Ed-a-Mamma has expanded its offline footprint with eight new stores across India, taking its total store count to 12. Backed by a growing portfolio spanning kidswear, maternity wear, toys, books, and baby care, the brand continues to strengthen its omnichannel growth and family lifestyle ecosystem.

Read more →

Founders funded:

1.SaffronStays has raised $3.5 million in fresh funding led by Infinity Ventures to expand its premium managed homes portfolio, strengthen technology, and enhance guest experiences. Backed by 450+ properties across 80+ destinations and four consecutive years of profitability, the hospitality platform is accelerating nationwide growth.

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2. LiLLBUD has raised ₹6 crore in a seed round led by Zeropearl VC to expand its early learning product portfolio, strengthen quick commerce distribution, and accelerate brand growth. Backed by 200+ SKUs, BIS-certified products, and a ₹3.5 crore revenue run rate, the startup is scaling rapidly.

Read more →

3. Zave has raised ₹4.7 crore in a bridge round led by Inflection Point Ventures to strengthen its AI-powered shopping assistant and accelerate platform growth. Backed by 500,000 app installs, 50,000 daily active users, ₹15 crore in monthly transactions, and 50% month-on-month growth, the startup is scaling AI-driven ecommerce.

Read more →

Kunal Bahl, Entrepreneur & Investor

One of the biggest misconceptions in startups is that you need to chase a massive Total Addressable Market (TAM) from day one.

Kunal Bahl believes the opposite.

The best founders don’t start by trying to win the biggest market. They start by dominating a laughably small TAM—a focused niche where they can solve one problem better than anyone else.

For an early-stage startup with limited resources, trying to serve everyone often means serving no one well. But when you build deep customer love within a niche, those customers give you the right to expand into adjacent categories.

Some of India’s biggest success stories followed this exact playbook. Mamaearth started with baby care before expanding into personal care. Urban Company first won the beauty services market before growing into home services. Snapdeal, Shadowfax, Unicommerce, Beco, GIVA, Anveshan, and Boba Bhai also began with focused niches before scaling into much larger businesses.

The lesson is simple: a small TAM isn’t a limitation—it’s a launchpad. Win one market first, build fanatical customer love, and growth will follow naturally.

D2C INSIDER UPDATE — FRONTIER 2026 🚀

The next era of D2C won’t be defined by who sells the best product.

It will be defined by who builds the smartest business.

That’s why D2C Insider AI is launching FRONTIER 2026—India’s first AI-native summit built exclusively for the D2C ecosystem.

Bringing together 250+ founders & CXOs, 150+ consumer brands, 50+ AI leaders, and 25+ investors, FRONTIER is designed to move beyond AI conversations and into AI implementation.

Expect practical workshops, founder playbooks, live demos, fireside chats, and real-world strategies from the brands already building with AI.

If you’re building the future of consumer brands, this is the room you need to be in.

📅 7 August 2026 | Delhi NCR

🎟 Early Bird registrations are now live:

d2ci.ai/register

The future won’t wait. Neither should you.

1. L’Oréal has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Innovist, the parent company of Bare Anatomy and Chemist at Play. Potentially valued at up to $450 million, the deal highlights growing global interest in India’s D2C beauty sector and strengthens Innovist’s next phase of growth and expansion.

Read more →

2. Plum has crossed ₹500 crore in revenue while remaining profitable, with quick commerce now contributing over 15% of its business. Backed by expanding fulfilment infrastructure, automation investments, same-day delivery initiatives, and a target of 30%+ growth, the beauty brand continues to strengthen its omnichannel growth strategy.

Read more →

3. TruNativ has raised $30 million (₹290 crore) in a Series B round led by OrbiMed to accelerate offline expansion, strengthen nutrition innovation, and scale distribution across India. Backed by 350% revenue growth to ₹130 crore in FY26 and strong repeat purchases, the nutrition brand is entering its next growth phase.

Read more →

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Business Boost:

1. SolarSquare has raised $53 million (₹510 crore) in a Series C round led by Lightspeed to expand its rooftop solar business across India. Backed by 50,000 homes served, ₹1,000 crore ARR, and over $100 million raised to date, the cleantech startup is accelerating India’s residential solar adoption.

Read more →

2. Vetic has raised $40 million led by Bessemer Venture Partners to expand its pet healthcare network across India. Backed by 65+ clinics, 15 emergency care centres, 60,000+ subscribers, and 2.5X revenue growth, the startup is accelerating its mission to build India’s leading technology-driven pet healthcare platform.

Read more →

3. Foodstories has raised ₹50 crore in a funding round led by Nikhil Kamath to accelerate digital growth, expand delivery networks, and scale its retail footprint. Backed by a strong omnichannel model, experiential stores, and growing consumer demand for premium products, the gourmet lifestyle brand is entering its next growth phase.

Read more →

Founders funded:

1. Gimi Michi has raised $1 million in seed funding led by IndiaQuotient to expand its Korean FMCG business across India. Backed by ₹1 crore monthly sales, 60% month-on-month growth, strong quick commerce traction, and plans to expand beyond ramen, the startup is rapidly building India’s next Korean food brand.

Read more →

2. Xtovia has raised ₹6.9 crore in a pre-seed round led by V3 Ventures to accelerate product innovation, team expansion, and market growth. Backed by proprietary TriLayerX Hair Tech, 1,500+ product iterations, four patent applications, and science-led formulations, the D2C haircare startup is building a global beauty brand from India.

Read more →

3. Lissun has raised ₹2.77 crore in fresh funding from Rainmatter, India Foundation Fund, and other investors to strengthen its mental wellness platform. Backed by 35,000+ therapy sessions, presence across 40+ cities, growing revenue, and AI-driven innovation, the startup continues to expand its impact in India’s healthcare ecosystem.

Read more →

Most people think innovation starts with a breakthrough idea.

Satyajit Mittal believes it starts with a question.

Why do children have to adapt to shoes? Why can’t shoes adapt to children?

While studying the footwear industry, his team noticed something surprising: most children’s shoes were simply smaller versions of adult shoes.

Same assumptions. Same design principles. Different users.

But children grow differently. Move differently. And have entirely different needs.

That observation led to a much bigger challenge — rethinking footwear from the ground up.

What followed wasn’t a single breakthrough.

It was years of research, prototyping, testing, redesigning, and rebuilding.

Because the hardest part of innovation isn’t having an idea.

It’s turning that idea into a product that works, scales, and solves a real problem.

One of the biggest lessons from Aretto’s journey is that meaningful innovation often comes from questioning things everyone else accepts as normal.

Sometimes the biggest opportunities are hidden inside assumptions no one thinks to challenge.

Every meaningful innovation starts with a simple question: Why does it have to be this way?

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE 🚀

Today, The Crux × D2C Insider AI Bootcamp Cohort 3 goes live.

After two successful cohorts featuring founders and operators from brands like VAHDAM India, Blue Tokai, Nicobar, Assembly, Mamaearth, Sanfe, Licious, and more, the community continues to explore one of the biggest shifts shaping modern consumer brands: AI.

At D2C Insider, we believe the next generation of category-defining consumer brands will be built by founders who embrace AI early and use it as a competitive advantage.

This bootcamp is just one step in that journey.

The brands that lead the next decade won’t just use AI—they’ll be built around it. We’re making sure the D2C ecosystem is ready for that future.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come. 👀🚀

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1.BeastLife is targeting ₹250 crore revenue in FY27 after achieving ₹105 crore turnover in FY26 and reaching a ₹240 crore ARR. Backed by ₹20 crore funding, EBITDA profitability, strong digital growth, Beast Cafés, vending machines, and omnichannel expansion, the nutrition brand is scaling rapidly across India.

Read more →

2. Manam Chocolate has raised $9 million (₹86 crore) in a Series A round led by Omnivore to accelerate retail expansion and strengthen its premium craft chocolate ecosystem. Backed by 300+ products, 150+ farmer partnerships, experiential retail formats, and strong consumer demand, the D2C brand is scaling rapidly across India.

Read more →

3. Uni Seoul has raised ₹35 crore in a Series A round led by Riverwalk Holdings and Sauce to accelerate retail expansion, strengthen supply chains, and enter quick commerce. With 15 stores, 1,000+ SKUs, and plans for 50+ outlets, the lifestyle brand is scaling rapidly across India’s gifting and retail market.

Read more →

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Business Boost:

1.Green décor brand Kyari has crossed 10 lakh customers and achieved PAT profitability, reporting ₹20 crore+ revenue in FY26. Backed by strong repeat purchases, 200+ SKUs, quick commerce growth, and sustainable innovation, the D2C home and lifestyle brand is now targeting ₹100 crore annual revenue by FY28.

Read more →

2. Upnourish, acquired by Pluckk in 2024, has recorded 5X growth in 18 months, driven by strong demand for plant-based nutrition and wellness products. With plant protein sales growing 10X, expansion into the UK, and rising adoption across Tier II cities, the functional nutrition brand continues to scale rapidly.

Read more →

3. Preity Zinta has launched Jacarti Jewellery and opened its flagship boutique in Mumbai’s Bandra, entering India’s growing luxury jewellery market. Backed by premium positioning, design-led collections, and experiential retail, the celebrity-led venture reflects the rising momentum of luxury-focused D2C brands and lifestyle businesses in India.

Read more →

Founders funded:

1.Hoola Health has raised $5 million led by Peak XV’s Surge and rebranded from BabyMD as it scales its integrated child healthcare platform. Backed by 20,000+ families served, strong patient retention, and plans for 30 new clinics, the healthcare startup is accelerating growth across India’s paediatric care market.

Read more →

2. The Wedding Company has raised $2.75 million in seed funding led by Wellingdon Advisors LLP to scale its tech-enabled wedding planning platform. Backed by 125% growth in service order value, 2,000+ verified vendors, and strong investor confidence, the startup is accelerating its expansion across India’s $130 billion wedding market.

Read more →

3. Wholeleaf is set to raise ₹7.5 crore from IPV and Benzai 10 Capital to accelerate expansion across India’s pain therapeutics market. Backed by ₹18 crore ARR, 2,000 retail outlets, Shark Tank funding, and strong product validation, the wellness startup is scaling rapidly across online and offline channels.

Read more →

One of the biggest myths in entrepreneurship is that confidence comes before action.

Sujata Biswas believes the opposite.

Before starting Suta, leaving her PhD journey, working with the first weavers, selling the first sarees, hiring employees, or opening stores—she wasn’t confident.

She was uncertain.

But she moved forward anyway.

And that’s what makes this story powerful.

Many aspiring founders wait for the perfect moment. More experience. More skills. More confidence. But in reality, confidence is rarely the starting point.

It is the result.

The things that once felt intimidating become familiar. The things that seem impossible become manageable. Experience builds confidence—not the other way around.

Looking back, Sujata’s lesson is simple:

Suta wasn’t built because she felt ready.

It was built because she kept taking the next step before she did.

Sometimes the next step doesn’t require more confidence.

It requires taking the step first.

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE 🚀

@The Crux × D2C Insider AI Bootcamp is helping D2C founders turn AI from a buzzword into a growth engine.

Across Cohorts 1 and 2, founders and leaders from brands like VAHDAM India, Blue Tokai, Nicobar, Assembly, Mamaearth, BeastLife, Sanfe, Licious, Kalki Fashion, and many more came together to learn how to build and scale AI-first businesses.

With Cohort 2 successfully completed, applications for Cohort 3 are now open.

📅 June 20–21

🎯 For D2C founders & operators

🔗 thecrux.ai/d2c

The next generation of consumer brands is already building with AI. 🚀

National Disruptors:

1.FirstClub has raised $55 million (512 crore) in a Series B round led by Peak XV Partners and Sofina to expand stores, strengthen warehousing, and enter new categories. Backed by strong retention, premium positioning, and rapid quick commerce growth, the startup is scaling aggressively across India’s consumer ecosystem.

Read more →

2. Renee Cosmetics reported strong FY26 growth with revenue rising 37% to 440 crore while reducing losses by 45%. Backed by omnichannel expansion, quick commerce growth, new product launches, and continued investments in brand building, the D2C beauty brand is strengthening its position within India’s rapidly growing personal care ecosystem.

Read more →

3. Agilitas Sports has raised 225 crore from Nexus Venture Partners and Rainmatter to accelerate product innovation, manufacturing, retail expansion, and brand building. Backed by the One8 brand, Sportsyard growth, and strong omnichannel ambitions, the sportswear company is rapidly scaling within India’s booming athleisure and consumer ecosystem.

Read more →

Business Boost:

1.Simple Energy has raised 250 crore in a mix of equity and debt funding to scale manufacturing, expand retail presence, and accelerate product development. With plans to increase production to 15,000 scooters per month, target 200-250 stores, and prepare for a FY28 IPO, the EV brand is entering its next growth phase.

Read more →

2. Boba Bhai has crossed 100 stores in just 2.5 years and is now targeting ₹100 crore+ ARR. Backed by ₹40 crore in fresh funding, strong revenue growth from 5 crore to ₹70 crore in two years, and rising demand for Korean-inspired QSR experiences, the brand continues scaling rapidly.

Read more →

3. KorinMi has raised 10 crore from the Lotus Herbals Innovation Fund to accelerate clinic expansion across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Combining Korean skincare science with customized treatments and D2C products, the beauty and wellness startup is rapidly scaling within India’s growing skincare ecosystem and premium personal care market.

Read more →

Founders Funded:

1.Protein snack brand Phab has raised $4 million in a pre-Series A round co-led by OTP Ventures and Chona Family Office. Backed by strong omnichannel growth, expanding quick commerce presence, and rising demand for healthy nutrition products, the D2C wellness brand is accelerating expansion across India.

Read more →

2. Fraganote has raised $3 million in a Series A round led by V3 Ventures, with participation from Rukam Capital. Backed by strong D2C growth, quick commerce expansion, a 4 lakh+ customer base, and a 35% repeat purchase rate, the fragrance brand is targeting 100 crore revenue.

Read more →

3. Zuvees has raised 15 crore from IvyCap Ventures as part of its ongoing Series A round, taking total funding to 30 crore. Backed by Al-powered personalization, cross-border gifting capabilities, and operations across 50+ countries, the gifting platform is accelerating expansion, technology development, and global growth.

Read more →

Founder’s Corner

Rimjim Deka, Co-founder & CEO — Littlebox India

In a startup ecosystem obsessed with funding announcements, media coverage, and social media validation, Rimjim Deka offers a simple but powerful reminder:

Build a business, not just a startup.

When Rimjim and her co-founder started Littlebox India, they weren’t chasing headlines. They focused on building a profitable, sustainable business from day one, raising capital only when they knew it could accelerate growth rather than simply create the appearance of it.

What stood out in her post was the distinction between story and substance.

Funding rounds, conference appearances, follower counts, and press coverage often get mistaken for business performance. But the metrics that actually determine whether a company survives are far less glamorous: inventory turns, contribution margins, repeat rates, cash conversion cycles, and operational efficiency.

These numbers rarely make headlines.

But they decide who is still standing years later.

Perhaps the most important insight is for early-stage founders. It’s easy to get distracted by the visible parts of entrepreneurship—the announcements, the accolades, the wins. What’s harder to see is the day-to-day work that creates those outcomes.

As Rimjim puts it, founders should spend less time replicating the show and more time building the substance behind it.

Because in the long run, people won’t remember who got the most attention.

They’ll remember who built something that lasted.

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE — CONSUMERX VENTURES

A new chapter begins for India’s consumer startup ecosystem.

At Super Angels Annual Day 2026, D2C Insider officially launched ConsumerX Ventures, a ₹150 crore operator-led investment platform built to back the next generation of consumer brands.

Designed for ambitious founders at the pre-seed and seed stage, ConsumerX Ventures brings together capital, operator expertise, and one of India’s strongest consumer startup networks.

With a focused portfolio approach and deep ecosystem support, the platform aims to help build the next wave of category-defining brands emerging from India.

From community to capital, D2C Insider is doubling down on its mission to help founders build enduring consumer businesses. 🚀

1.Nykaa reported a blockbuster Q4 FY26 with revenue rising 28.4% to ₹2,648 crore and profit surging 4X to ₹78.8 crore. Backed by strong beauty demand, omnichannel growth, operational efficiency, and strategic acquisitions like Earth Rhythm, Nykaa continues strengthening its leadership within India’s rapidly scaling D2C beauty and lifestyle ecosystem.

Read more →

2. CaratLane is accelerating its growth journey with aggressive store expansion, quick commerce pilots, new jewellery categories, and international market expansion. Backed by a strong omnichannel D2C strategy, 359 stores, and growing demand for accessible premium jewellery, the Titan-owned brand continues strengthening its position within India’s rapidly evolving consumer and lifestyle ecosystem.

Read more →

3. LT Foods reported a strong FY26 performance with revenue rising 26% to ₹11,023 crore, driven by premium basmati rice, international expansion, and rapid quick commerce growth. Backed by rising demand across North America, ecommerce, and premium food categories, the company continues strengthening its position within India’s fast-growing packaged foods and D2C consumer ecosystem.

Read more →

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Business Boost:

1.Mamaearth parent Honasa Consumer reported strong Q4 FY26 growth with revenue rising 23% to ₹657 crore and profit surging to ₹69.4 crore. Backed by The Derma Co.’s rapid scale-up, omnichannel expansion, and growing demand across beauty and grooming categories, the company continues strengthening its leadership in India’s D2C ecosystem.

Read more →

2. MediBuddy reported its first profitable quarter in Q4 FY26 with annual revenue crossing ₹1,500 crore, positive EBITDA, and a 60% reduction in cash burn. Backed by strong digital healthcare adoption, enterprise partnerships, and operational efficiency, the company continues strengthening its position within India’s rapidly growing health-tech ecosystem.

Read more →

3. Wakefit reported strong FY26 growth with revenue rising 17.5% to ₹1,534 crore and operating cash flow surging 3.2X. Backed by rising demand for sleep and home solutions, operational efficiency, and improving profitability, the D2C brand continues strengthening its position within India’s rapidly growing home and lifestyle ecosystem.

Read more →

4. Country Delight has raised ₹65 crore in debt funding from Alteria Capital as it accelerates quick commerce expansion and strengthens its daily essentials ecosystem across India. Backed by strong D2C revenue growth, farm-to-home infrastructure, and rising consumer demand for rapid delivery, the company continues scaling within India’s fast-growing D2C food ecosystem.

Read more →

Founders funded:

1.Legend of Toys has raised ₹21 crore in a pre-Series A round to scale its premium toy and RC vehicle brand across India and international markets. Backed by rapid D2C growth, strong consumer traction, storytelling-led products, and rising demand for premium toys, the startup is emerging strongly within India’s fast-growing children and play ecosystem

Read more →

2. Neurotech startup Sychedelic has raised $3.5 million in seed funding to scale its AI-powered neuromodulation wearable across India and global markets. Backed by growing demand for wellness technology, adaptive healthcare solutions, and wearable innovation, the startup is strengthening its position within the fast-growing digital health and neurotech ecosystem.

Read more →

3. Dogsee Chew is targeting ₹1,000 crore revenue by 2028 as it scales its premium global pet wellness brand across the US, Europe, Japan, and India. Backed by strong D2C growth, rapid ecommerce expansion, premium functional products, and IPO ambitions, the company is strengthening its position within India’s fast-growing D2C pet care ecosystem.

Read more →

Nitesh Singh, Co-founder — Blue Tea India

Most startup stories today celebrate speed.

Fast growth.

Big funding rounds.

Hockey stick charts.

But Blue Tea India’s journey tells a very different story.

Eight years ago, it started with two people, no business background, and a simple belief that healthy beverages could also taste good.

No perfect conditions.

No roadmap.

Just conviction.

Their first year saw around 5,000 orders.

Today, Blue Tea serves 30+ lakh customers, processes nearly 5,000 orders a day, works with 600+ Indian farmers, and has grown into a 100+ member team.

But the most powerful part of the story is this:

Their growth was never loud.

It was steady.

Profitable.

And real.

In a category where many brands struggle to survive, Blue Tea kept building patiently, one customer at a time.

No hype.

Just consistency.

And maybe that is the biggest reminder for founders today:

Strong businesses are not always built overnight.

Sometimes they are built quietly over years, through belief, resilience, and relentless execution.

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📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE — SUPER ANGELS ANNUAL DAY 🚀

This isn’t just another founder event.

This is the room where India’s D2C ecosystem comes together.

Super Angels Annual Day is bringing founders, operators, and investors who’ve built some of the country’s most influential consumer and tech companies — all under one roof.

With leaders like Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Deep Bajaj, MuraliKrishnan B, Aakash Anand, Bhisham Bhateja, Vikas Aggarwal, Riya Gupta and many more in the room, the conversations are expected to be as powerful as the people attending.

From scaling brands used by millions to building category-defining businesses, this is where real stories, real insights, and real relationships come together.

📍 Gurugram

🗓 30th May | 2 PM onwards

India’s D2C inner circle.

One room. One evening. Huge momentum. 🚀

1.D2C Insider is set to launch ConsumerX Ventures — a ₹150 crore Category II AIF focused on backing the next generation of early-stage D2C brands and consumer enablers across India.

Built on the strength of a 25,000+ member ecosystem including 20,000+ brands, 7,500+ enabler-founders, 2,500+ investors, and 16 startup investments already deployed, ConsumerX Ventures aims to accelerate the growth of India’s rapidly evolving consumer and D2C economy.

Read more →

2. Tata Consumer Products crossed ₹20,455 crore in FY26 revenue with Q4 profit rising 22 percent, driven by strong FMCG, RTD beverage, innovation, and omnichannel growth. Backed by rising consumer demand, premiumisation, and expanding retail presence, the company continues strengthening its leadership across India’s fast-growing food, beverage, and D2C consumer ecosystem.

Read more →

3. Titan reported a strong FY26 performance with Q4 profit rising 35 percent to ₹1,179 crore and quarterly sales surging 48 percent to ₹20,607 crore. Backed by premiumisation, strong jewellery demand, omnichannel expansion, and rising consumer spending, Titan continues strengthening its leadership across India’s fast-growing lifestyle, retail, and D2C consumer ecosystem.

Read more →

4. Wingreens acquired pesticide-free food brand Safe Harvest and raised ₹120 crore in a Series D round led by Ashish Kacholia to strengthen its farm-to-consumer food platform. Backed by growing demand for healthy, sustainable, and premium food products, the company continues expanding across India’s fast-growing D2C food and beverage ecosystem.

Read more →

Business Boost:

1.Dil Foods has raised ₹72 crore in a Series B round led by Bikaji Foods Family Office to expand its virtual restaurant and regional cuisine brands across India. Backed by strong investor confidence, expanding supply chain capabilities, and rising food delivery demand, the startup is rapidly scaling within India’s fast-growing D2C food-tech ecosystem.

Read more →

2. Parag Milk Foods reported strong FY26 growth with Q4 profit rising 23 percent to ₹40.14 crore, while its premium nutrition and dairy brands Pride of Cows and Avvatar crossed ₹100 crore quarterly revenue. Backed by strong D2C growth, premiumisation, wellness demand, and omnichannel expansion, the company continues strengthening its position in India’s evolving food ecosystem.

Read more →

3. Fashion retail veteran Shailesh Chaturvedi launched Neopolis Brands and raised ₹90 crore to scale international women’s fashion and accessories brands across India. Backed by marquee investors, omnichannel expansion plans, and rising premium fashion demand, the venture aims to build large-scale lifestyle brands within India’s fast-growing D2C fashion and retail ecosystem.

Read more →

4. Prismara by KGK, has launched its first retail store in New Delhi, strengthening its presence in India’s premium D2C jewellery market. Backed by KGK Group’s 120-year legacy, omnichannel expansion plans, and rising demand for sustainable luxury jewellery, the brand is scaling rapidly across India’s evolving lifestyle ecosystem.

Read more →

Founders Funded:

1.Moi Soi has raised its first institutional funding round from GVFL and Wipro Consumer Ventures as the pan-Asian food brand scales across quick commerce and modern retail. With over ₹6 crore in monthly sales, presence across 2,000+ pin codes, and rising demand for premium Asian foods, the brand is emerging strongly within India’s growing D2C food ecosystem.

Read more →

2. The EleFant has raised $1 million in a pre-Series funding round led by Growth Sense Venture Fund to expand its toy subscription and circular play platform across India. Backed by rising demand for sustainable parenting solutions, subscription commerce, and technology-led consumer experiences, the startup is rapidly scaling within India’s growing D2C ecosystem.

Read more →

3. Bombay Banta has raised ₹8 crore in a Pre-Series A round led by DSG Consumer Partners to scale its premium nostalgia-led beverage brand across quick commerce, hospitality, and retail channels. Backed by strong consumer demand, rapid sales growth, and expanding product innovation, the startup is strengthening its position in India’s fast-growing D2C beverage ecosystem.

Read more →

Swaroop Krishnan, Founder — MyDesignation

A lot of founders chase validation.

Awards.

Forbes lists.

Podcasts.

LinkedIn applause.

Swaroop Krishnan believes most of it is noise.

Because customers do not care about your visibility.

They care about whether your product is worth their money.

For years, MyDesignation quietly built without media attention, investor buzz, or startup hype.

No noise.

Just customers returning again and again.

While others focused on being seen, they focused on something much simpler.

Talking to customers.

Understanding what people actually felt about the brand.

Listening closely.

Improving constantly.

And over time, that mattered more than any PR campaign ever could.

One moment captured it perfectly.

George Muthoot personally reached out to say he loved the brand.

Not for a partnership.

Not for publicity.

Just as a happy customer.

That meant more than any award.

Because real validation does not come from applause.

It comes from people choosing your product again and again when nobody is watching.

And maybe that is the real question every founder should ask themselves:

If all the attention disappeared tomorrow,

would your customers still stay?

D2C INSIDER UPDATE — CHENNAI CXO MEET 🚀

The final stop of the Bharat Edition is here.

After Jaipur, Chandigarh, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad — the journey now heads to Chennai for one last high-signal gathering of founders, operators, investors, and D2C leaders.

🗓 23rd May | 📍 Chennai

🎟 Register: d2ci.co/cxo-meets

• Reliance Consumer Products, Nykaa, Let’s Try & Dholakia: Scale and dominance across FMCG, beauty, snacks, and luxury.

• Snabbit, HyugaLife & Pine Labs: Capital and infrastructure shaping the next wave.

• House of Chikankari, SportVot & Ctruh: Early-stage founders building new categories.

• Founder’s Corner — Deep Bajaj: Why relevance fades, comebacks are built quietly, and execution is the only real moat.

• D2C Insider Update — Elevate: Cohort 6 starts 🚀

A high-signal room of founders, operators, and real conversations — where clarity turns into execution and execution into scale.

👇 Scroll down for:

National Disruptors | Business Boost | Founders Funded | Founder’s Corner | D2C Insider Update 🚀

National Disruptors:

1. Reliance Consumer Products reports ₹7,350 Cr Q4 revenue and crosses ₹22,000 Cr in FY26, driven by strong growth across grocery and beverages. With global expansion, supply chain investments, and aggressive scaling, RCPL is emerging as a dominant force in India’s rapidly evolving D2C FMCG ecosystem.

Read more→

2. Dholakia Lab Grown Diamond raised ₹800+ crore to scale manufacturing, retail, and deep-tech capabilities. With strong investor backing, global presence, and expansion into high-precision applications, the brand is emerging as a leading player in India’s D2C luxury ecosystem, driving innovation, sustainability, and rapid growth in the lab-grown diamond segment.

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3. Nykaa is expanding its House of Brands strategy beyond its platform, with new launches and omnichannel scaling. Targeting ₹6,000 Cr GMV by 2030, the company is building independent, high-growth brands across beauty and fashion, strengthening its leadership in India’s rapidly evolving D2C ecosystem and consumer-driven market.

Read more→

4. Let’s Try crosses ₹400 Cr ARR with 350% YoY growth, driven by quick commerce expansion and strong product positioning. Backed by leading investors and improving profitability, the brand is rapidly scaling as one of India’s fastest-growing D2C snack brands in the evolving D2C food and beverage ecosystem.

Read more→

Business Boost:

1. Snabbit raised $56 Mn to scale its quick home services platform, with the round co-led by Susquehanna Venture Capital, Mirae Asset Venture Investments, and Bertelsmann India Investments, alongside participation from Nexus Venture Partners, Lightspeed Ventures, and new investor FJ Labs. With strong funding, 100X operational scale, and aggressive micromarket expansion, it is emerging as a key player in India’s D2C consumer services ecosystem.

Read more→

2. HyugaLife raised ₹100 crore in Series A funding, with the funding round led by IvyCap Ventures and participation from First Bridge Fund, to scale its AI-driven nutrition marketplace. With strong investor backing, omnichannel expansion, and a focus on authenticity and personalisation, the startup is emerging as a leading player in India’s D2C wellness ecosystem and one of the fastest-growing D2C brands.

Read more→

3. Pine Labs acquires Shopflo in a ₹88 Cr deal to strengthen its full-stack commerce platform. By integrating payments with checkout optimization, the company is enhancing merchant capabilities and driving higher conversions, positioning itself as a key player in India’s rapidly evolving D2C ecosystem and ecommerce infrastructure space.

Read more→

Founders funded:

1. House of Chikankari raised ₹25 crore in a Series A round led by Cap Alpha Ventures to scale its omnichannel presence and global expansion. With strong growth, artisan-led impact, and premium positioning, the brand is emerging as a fast-growing leader in India’s D2C fashion ecosystem and a standout D2C success story.

Read more→

2. SportVot raises ₹32.7 Cr led by IAN Alpha Fund to scale its AI-driven sports streaming platform. With strong global reach, innovative technology, and expansion plans, the startup is rapidly growing as a key player in India’s D2C sports-tech ecosystem, transforming grassroots sports broadcasting and digital engagement.

Read more→

3. Ctruh raises $2.5 Mn in seed funding to build spatial internet infrastructure and scale immersive commerce. With strong investor backing, AI-led innovation, and global expansion plans, the startup is emerging as a key player in India’s D2C ecosystem, enabling next-generation interactive experiences for brands and consumers.

Read more→

Relevance doesn’t last forever.

You can be leading today and struggling tomorrow.

And sometimes, the ones people write off come back stronger.

That’s how business works.

Markets shift.

Momentum changes.

Nothing stays fixed for too long.

No company stays on top forever.

No founder gets everything right.

What brings a company back isn’t noise or big announcements.

It’s the team.

The people who keep showing up,

fixing things quietly,

and doing the work every single day.

Step by step.

Decision by decision.

Because in the end, one thing makes the difference.

Execution.

The ones who stay in the game,

who take the hits and still move forward,

they are the ones who last.

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE — ELEVATE COHORT 6 🚀

It starts here.

Cohort 6 is officially kicking off and the room is stacked.

EnerChi, Giftana, Allyv, Dranks, Misfits, Sober & Co, Odo, Skyway, Prakriti Purity, Project Skin, Sanch, Debaans, Get Daily, Habbits and more are coming together in Gurgaon to build what actually scales.

This is where founders stop guessing and start executing.
Where conversations turn into direction.
And direction turns into real growth.

The journey begins now.

1.Hocco raises ₹100 Cr in Series C led by Sauce VC and crosses ₹530 Cr revenue in FY26. With strong D2C expansion, quick commerce growth, and supply chain innovation, the brand is scaling rapidly, targeting ₹1,000 Cr revenue and positioning itself as a leading player in India’s D2C food ecosystem.

Read more→

2. Havells reports a 40% jump in Q4 profit to ₹723 crore with steady revenue growth. Strong performance in cables and switchgear, improved margins, and disciplined costs highlight its strength. Despite short-term demand softness, the brand remains well-positioned as a leader in India’s growing D2C consumer electrical ecosystem.

Read more→

3. Spinny reports ₹4,747 crore revenue in FY25 with 24% growth and reduced losses. With a full-stack D2C model, improved unit economics, and GoMechanic acquisition, the company is strengthening its auto ecosystem. It continues to scale rapidly, positioning itself as a leading player in India’s evolving D2C mobility and commerce landscape.

Read more→

4. Daalchini doubles revenue to ₹140 Cr in FY26 with 5.7x EBITDA growth and 5,500 smart vending machines. With strong expansion plans, rising enterprise demand, and upcoming funding, the startup is rapidly scaling, emerging as a key player in India’s evolving D2C retail tech and smart vending ecosystem.

Read more→

Business Boost:

1.Akshayakalpa Organic enters Mumbai and Pune with a ₹50 crore investment to scale its clean dairy D2C business. With strong revenue growth, expanding distribution, and a focus on organic, high-quality products, the brand is rapidly emerging as a leading player in India’s premium D2C food and dairy ecosystem.

Read more→

2. Alpino crosses ₹100 crore revenue, reporting 2.5X YoY growth and targeting ₹500 crore in the next two years. Backed by Shilpa Shetty, the D2C health food brand is scaling rapidly through strong omnichannel expansion, product innovation, and rising demand for clean, protein-rich nutrition in India’s growing wellness ecosystem.

Read more→

3. Shobitam acquires Kalaneca to expand its D2C fashion portfolio and strengthen global reach. With strong omnichannel presence, artisan network integration, and a focus on premium handcrafted textiles, the brand is scaling rapidly, positioning itself as a key player in India’s D2C fashion and lifestyle ecosystem.

Read more→

4. PrimeInvestor raises ₹19.5 Cr from Rainmatter to scale its PMS offering and expand its wealthtech platform. With a fee-only model, strong early traction, and focus on simplifying investing, the startup is emerging as a promising player in India’s growing D2C fintech and wealth management ecosystem.

Read more→

Founders Funded:

1.Fifth Sense raises ₹6.3 Cr led by OTP Ventures to build a premium D2C fragrance brand. With climate-adapted products, strong investor backing, and a differentiated positioning, the brand is tapping into India’s growing perfume market, emerging as a promising player in the D2C personal care ecosystem.

Read more→

2. Clarity Labs raises ₹4 crore in a seed round led by Artha Venture Fund II to build a functional D2C personal care brand. Focused on simple, effective skincare and omnichannel expansion, the startup is scaling rapidly, emerging as a promising player in India’s growing D2C beauty and personal care ecosystem.

Read more→

3. CureMeAbroad raises $600K pre-seed round from marquee angel investors to build an AI-powered medical tourism platform. With advanced tech, global hospital network, and expansion plans across GCC, UK, and Africa, the startup is emerging as a promising player in India’s fast-growing D2C healthcare and medical tourism ecosystem.

Read more→

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“Some of the most valuable lessons… you figure it out on your own.”

Over time, Akshika realized something simple but powerful.

The real learning doesn’t come from being told what to do.

It comes from being in situations where you have no choice but to figure it out yourself.

No perfect plan.

No certainty.

Just decisions, mistakes, and the courage to keep going.

And in that process, clarity slowly builds.

Looking back, her journey comes down to a few hard-earned truths:

You don’t start with a brand.

You start with a gap.

While most people focus on aesthetics and identity,

the real work is understanding the customer

and building something that genuinely solves for them.

Because brand is not what you create first.

It’s what you earn over time.

There will also be rooms where you feel out of place.

Where you are the only one who looks different, thinks different, or built differently.

Walk in anyway.

Your presence there already matters.

There will be doubt.

A lot of it.

But doubt isn’t a signal to stop.

It’s a sign that you care.

The ones who stop questioning are usually the ones who stop growing.

And through it all, one thing stays true:

You don’t need to be loud to be powerful.

Show up.

Do the work.

Stay consistent.

Let what you build speak for you.

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATES🚀

Ahmedabad is live today 🔥

Jaipur. Chandigarh. Pune.

Now the momentum lands in Ahmedabad.

Another high-signal room.

Another set of real conversations.

Next up: Hyderabad.

🎟 Register: d2ci.co/cxo-meets

___________

ELEVATE COHORT 6 — KICKOFF 🚀

The next batch of builders is getting started.

Elevate Cohort 6 kicks off in Gurgaon, bringing founders into a room built for clarity, execution, and real growth.

This is where the journey begins.

🚀 Apply: d2ci.co/elevate_register

1. The Hosteller raises ₹150 Cr in a Series B round led by PROMAFT Partners and V3 Ventures, with participation from ITI Growth Opportunities Fund and others. With rapid expansion, strong demand, and a super app in the pipeline, the brand is scaling fast in India’s D2C travel and hospitality ecosystem.

Read more →

2. GIVA crosses 300 stores with its flagship Delhi launch, accelerating omnichannel D2C growth. With strong retail expansion plans targeting 800–1,000 stores and a balanced online-offline strategy, the brand is scaling rapidly, emerging as a leading player in India’s premium jewellery and D2C fashion ecosystem.

Read more →

3. Snitch clocks ₹900 Cr revenue in FY26 with 80% growth, driven by omnichannel expansion and quick commerce innovation. With strong offline momentum, lifestyle category expansion, and a ₹1,400 Cr FY27 target, the brand is emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing D2C fashion players.

Read more →

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Business Boost:

1. Aliste Technologies raises ₹30 Cr in a pre-Series A round led by Big Global JSC, with participation from YourNest VC and HBeon Labs. With strong traction, sustainability impact, and growing enterprise adoption, the startup is emerging as a key player in India’s evolving D2C ecosystem and energy-tech innovation space.

Read more →

2. Ivory raises $1 Mn in seed funding to scale its brain health platform, focusing on early detection and cognitive care. With strong investor backing, tech innovation, and healthcare partnerships, the startup is rapidly emerging as a key player in India’s growing D2C healthtech and wellness ecosystem.

Read more →

3. Unbound raises ₹8 Cr led by Fireside Ventures to launch its performance-led men’s grooming range. Focused on multi-functional, high-efficacy products, the brand is set to disrupt India’s D2C personal care space, tapping into evolving consumer needs and emerging as a strong player in the growing D2C ecosystem.

Read more →

Founders Funded:

1.Cohoma Coffee raises ₹5 Cr in a seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures, with Swishin VC participation. With a vertically integrated model, strong omnichannel presence, and 90% repeat customers, the brand is scaling rapidly, expanding globally, and emerging as a premium player in India’s D2C coffee ecosystem.

Read more →

2. Smart Garage raises ₹2.4 Cr in Pre-Series A to scale its AI-driven auto-service platform. With plans to expand its network, enhance technology, and target ₹80 Cr revenue by FY27, the startup is emerging as a strong player in India’s evolving, tech-led D2C ecosystem.

Read more →

3. Kingdom of Chess raises ₹1.65 Cr to scale its AI-powered D2C learning platform. With 10,000+ students across 30+ countries and strong revenue growth, the brand is expanding globally, combining AI, coaching, and gamification to emerge as a leading player in India’s fast-growing D2C EdTech ecosystem.

Read more →

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Marc Randolph, Co-founder — Netflix

“Success isn’t about certainty. It’s about starting.”

Before Netflix, there was no big master plan.

Just ideas, experiments, and the courage to begin.

Marc believes something most people forget.

Nobody really knows what they are doing at the start.

The only way to know if an idea works is to try it.

Not think about it.

Not perfect it.

Just start.

Because the biggest thing that holds founders back is waiting.

Waiting to feel ready.

Waiting for the right moment.

But if you don’t start, nothing really moves.

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE - AHMEDABAD 🚀

Jaipur, Chandigarh, Pune - done.

Now, Ahmedabad is next.

🗓 25th April | 📍 Ahmedabad

One room. Real builders. Real momentum.

🎟 Register: https://d2ci.co/cxo-meets

1. Nykaa posted its strongest Q4 in three years, nearing the ₹10,000 crore milestone with strong beauty, fashion, and omnichannel growth.

Read more →

2. boAt’s Aman Gupta Raises 100 cr for OFF/BEAT, Backed by Bessemer Venture Partners for AI-Led Growth.

Read more →

3. Drools is investing ₹180 crore to enter fresh pet food, bringing innovative packaging and scaling its D2C pet care presence.

Read more →

4. Pluckk Raises ₹100 Cr to Power D2C Growth in India’s Fast-Evolving Farm-to-Fork Ecosystem.

Read more →

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Business Boost:

1. Uppercase raises ₹20 crore from Accel and Volrado to drive expansion and strengthen its sustainable D2C travel gear play.

Read more →

2.KisaanSay has raised ₹34 crore in a Series A round led by NABVENTURES to scale its farm-to-consumer D2C model.

Read more →

3. ClayCo Raises 34.59 Cr Series A, Accelerating Growth in India’s D2C Beauty and Skincare Market.

Read more →

4. Ecoil Raises $2.5 Mn Series A to Scale Biofuel Innovation in India’s Clean-Tech D2C Ecosystem.

Read more →

Founders Funded:

1. Filli & Me Raises 1.5 Cr Pre-Seed Round, Led by D2C Insider Super Angels, Building Early-Years D2C Kids Accessories Brand.

Read more →

2. Dam Good Fish raised funding at a ₹30 crore valuation to expand its AI-led seafood D2C model across new metro markets.

Read more →

3. Helium Raises $2 Mn Seed Round to Build Smart, Affordable ACs for India’s D2C Appliance Market.

Read more →

Jaydeep Barman, Co-founder — Rebel Foods

“Company building isn’t fun. It’s pain management.”

After 15+ years of building,

Jaydeep breaks it down simply —

There are 3 types of pain in entrepreneurship.

And your job isn’t to avoid them.

It’s to manage them.

1) The Pain of Being Written Off

When no one believes in you.

Not investors. Not media. Not the market.

Strangely — this is freedom.

Because when expectations are zero,

you can take your boldest bets.

2) The Pain of Constraints

When cash is low.

Time is short.

And everything feels boxed in.

This is where most break.

But this is also where innovation is born.

Constraints don’t kill companies —

they force clarity.

3) The Pain of Endurance

The hardest one.

When you’re exhausted.

Burnt out.

And every part of you wants to stop.

But you keep going.

Because this is what builds

enduring companies.

Through all three, one thing matters most —

The team.

Because endurance is lonely.

But when people around you keep pushing,

your own strength lasts a little longer.

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📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE — BHARAT EDITION 🚀

Jaipur set the tone.

Chandigarh carried the momentum.

Today, it’s Pune.

The Bharat Edition is moving city by city, bringing together high-signal rooms where real conversations happen.

Next up: Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai

750+ founders. 500+ brands. 150+ investors. 100+ enablers.

One ecosystem, building across India.

🎟 Register: https://d2ci.co/cxo-meets

1. Libas crosses ₹1,000 crore ARR with 30%+ growth, profitability, and omnichannel expansion, positioning itself for IPO-led scale in India’s D2C fashion market.

Read more →

2. Palmonas raised $40M in Series B, accelerating omnichannel D2C growth, retail expansion, and premium affordable jewellery positioning.

Read more →

3. ITC made Sproutlife Foods (Yoga Bar) its subsidiary, strengthening its D2C food and wellness presence with strong growth momentum.

Read more →

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Business Boost:

1. Lahori Zeera Crosses ₹540 Cr Revenue, Accelerates D2C Growth with Strong Brand Momentum and Market Disruption.

Read more →

2. Amaha raises ₹50 crore at a ₹300 crore valuation, nearly doubling its value as it scales rapidly in India’s D2C mental health and wellness ecosystem.

Read more →

3. BlaBliBlu hits ₹100 crore ARR in six months with ₹8 crore monthly revenue, scaling fast through its affordable luxury fragrance D2C strategy.

Read more →

Founders Funded:

1. Solethreads has been acquired by Tauseef Mirza, accelerating its D2C growth with strong funding, ₹6 crore monthly run rate, and omnichannel expansion plans.

Read more →

2. Cropcoin secures ₹12 crore in pre-Series A funding to expand its D2C agritech platform, driving sustainable supply chains and farmer network growth.

Read more →

3.Lickcious raises ₹50 lakh from Anupam Mittal, turning an unaired Shark Tank pitch into a strong D2C growth and storytelling moment.

Read more →

Parul Gulati, Founder — Nish Hair

“Being different isn’t a choice. It’s the edge.”

When Parul Gulati entered the hair industry,
extensions were something people hid.

She saw something else -
a tool for expression.

So she didn’t just build a product.
She rewrote the narrative.

Hair became fashion.
Experimentation.
Identity - without permanence.

Because the real insight was simple:
People don’t always want to commit.
They want the freedom to change.

And that shift changed everything.

Today, Nish Hair isn’t just selling hair
- it’s selling confidence, flexibility, and control.

Because the best brands don’t follow demand.
They reshape how people think.

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D2C INSIDER UPDATE — ELEVATE 🚀

A 12-week, operator-led program to help D2C founders scale with clarity and execution.

100+ startups accelerated. 15+ funded.

Learn from those who’ve done it. Build with those who are doing it.

🚀 Apply: d2ci.co/elevate_register

_______

📍 Next: CXO Meet Bharat Edition — Pune, 11 April.

🎟 Register Now: cxomeets.d2cinsider.com

Cult.fit Raises Rs 440 Cr from Temasek, Strengthens D2C Growth Ahead of IPO

Cult.fit has secured Rs 440 crore ($47 million) from Temasek, reinforcing its status as one of the rapidly growing direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India. This recent investment indicates rising investor interest in the D2C sector, particularly among wellness startups with significant growth potential.

The funds were invested through Temasek’s MacRitchie arm, increasing its stake to 11.88%. This move further strengthens Cult.fit’s position within the landscape of venture capital-backed and top-funded D2C companies. In this funding round, the company issued 9,098,052 Series G compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at Rs 483.62 each, valuing the company at Rs 13,668 crore ($1.45 billion) post-money. This valuation underscores relative stability in the D2C startup space amid shifting market dynamics.

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Fullife Healthcare Raises ₹300 Cr to Accelerate D2C Growth, Global Expansion and Wellness Innovation

Fullife Healthcare, the parent company of Fast&Up and Chicnutrix, has raised ₹300 crore ($32 million) in a Series D funding round led by Elev8 Venture Partners. This funding round represents an important development in the D2C sector and demonstrates increasing investor interest in India’s Direct-to-Consumer market, especially within the expanding health and wellness segment.

This investment marks Elev8’s initial entry into the Indian D2C ecosystem, indicating both deep investor understanding of this space and a growing allocation of institutional capital toward consumer-focused, high-growth brands. With this funding, Fullife joins other VC-backed D2C companies aiming to grow through product innovation, a multi-channel approach, and international market expansion.

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Swish Raises $38 Mn to Scale Quick Commerce D2C Model, Strengthening Its Position in India’s Food Delivery Ecosystem

Swish, a Bengaluru-based startup specializing in ultra-fast food delivery, has secured $38 million in a funding round led by Hara Global and Bain Capital Ventures, with contributions from Accel and venture debt provided by Alteria Capital and Stride Ventures. This investment represents a notable development in D2C funding, signaling increased investor confidence in quick commerce models within India’s D2C sector.

As a result of this round, Swish’s valuation has increased by more than 2.4 times, reaching approximately ₹1,267 crore (about $140 million post-money). This positions the company among the top funded D2C brands and emerging leaders in India’s Direct-to-consumer market. The new capital will support Swish’s expansion efforts, particularly by enhancing its network of cloud kitchens and strengthening delivery infrastructure to reduce turnaround times.

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Business Boost:

Kidbea Raises ₹30 Cr Series A to Scale Sustainable D2C Kidswear Brand and Expand Omnichannel Footprint Across India

Noida-based kidswear company Kidbea has secured ₹30 crore ($3.2 million) in a Series A funding round led by Enrission India Capital. Other participants include Inflection Point Ventures, LetsVenture, FE Securities, Venture Catalysts, Lead Angels, along with several angel investors. This funding round underscores ongoing momentum within the D2C sector and reflects sustained investor confidence in sustainable D2C brands operating in India’s expanding direct-to-consumer market.

The round also attracted notable angel investors such as Ghazal Alagh, Roman Saini, Sumit Jalan, Ajay Aggarwal, Bahram N Vakil, Vinod Rustagi, Amit Rathi, and Sanjit Advani. Their involvement indicates increasing interest in venture-backed D2C companies and opportunities within India’s direct-to-consumer space. Kidbea intends to use this capital to accelerate its expansion plans, emphasizing offline retail growth, product innovation, and national distribution.

Read more →

Pee Safe Leads with Offline Expansion and Quick Commerce Push to Reach 50 Million Women, Powering Its Next Phase of D2C Growth

Pee Safe, a women’s hygiene and wellness brand, is intensifying its omnichannel approach by combining offline retail and quick commerce to advance its direct-to-consumer (D2C) growth. Amid a broader expansion of the D2C ecosystem in India, the brand aims to reach over 50 million women nationwide, representing a notable increase in its scale and market presence.

This strategic shift aligns with a trend where D2C brands in India are moving beyond digital-first models to develop omnichannel operations. Pee Safe’s growth reflects changing market dynamics anticipated by 2025, with brands prioritizing broader distribution, ease of access, and consumer convenience to achieve wider adoption. Currently, the brand is available in more than 50,000 retail locations and plans to expand to 200,000 outlets, enhancing its D2C footprint across both urban and emerging markets.

Read more →

Pep Technologies Narrows Losses by 81% as Hyphen Emerges as Key D2C Growth Engine

Pep Technologies, the parent company of mCaffeine and Hyphen, reported a notable financial improvement in FY25, combining steady growth in direct-to-consumer (D2C) revenue with an 81% reduction in losses. This development highlights a key shift in India’s D2C landscape, where profitability and efficient scaling are becoming increasingly important.

The company’s operating revenue increased by 23% year-on-year, reaching Rs 237.5 crore in FY25 compared to Rs 193 crore in FY24, demonstrating sustained momentum across its D2C brand portfolio. Total income, including Rs 1.5 crore from interest, amounted to Rs 239 crore, reflecting balanced financial management alongside operational expansion.

Read more →

Founders funded:

BeastLife Raises ₹20 Cr to Scale D2C Nutrition Brand, Eyes ₹500 Cr Revenue Milestone

In the latest D2C news India and D2C daily news, nutrition-focused D2C startup BeastLife has raised ₹20 crore in a pre-Series A round from GVFL and Equantis, marking a strong step forward in India’s rapidly evolving D2C ecosystem India. The round values the company at approximately ₹320 crore, highlighting rising investor confidence in VC-backed D2C brands and the booming health and wellness segment within Direct-to-consumer India.

Founded in 2024 by fitness influencer Gaurav Taneja and former mCaffeine executive Raj Vikram Gupta, BeastLife is part of the new wave of latest D2C startups leveraging creator-led distribution and digital-first strategies. This positions the brand among emerging creator-led D2C brands that are reshaping D2C business India through strong personal branding, community engagement, and direct consumer relationships.

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Canvaloop Secures $1.5 Mn to Scale Sustainable Materials, Powering Next Wave of D2C Innovation in India

Canvaloop, a biomaterials startup, has secured $1.5 million in a funding round led by Gujarat Venture Finance Limited (GVFL) and Rockstud Capital. This investment represents a notable step in the development of sustainable innovation within India’s D2C sector. In the context of recent D2C funding activities, the round signals growing investor interest in climate-focused, venture-backed D2C brands and next-generation material startups shaping India’s direct-to-consumer landscape.

Founded in 2020 by Shreyans Kokra, Canvaloop is developing a platform that converts agricultural waste into fibers suitable for textile production. This approach aligns with evolving D2C trends anticipated for 2025 and the rise of sustainable D2C brands. Based in Surat, the company employs a proprietary closed-loop technology designed to minimize water and chemical use, addressing increasing consumer demand in India for sustainability, transparency, and environmentally responsible products.

Read more →

RN Kids Raises ₹7.1 Cr to Build a Trusted Pediatric D2C Wellness Brand Focused on Clean, Clinically Backed Nutrition

Pediatric wellness startup RN Kids has secured ₹7.1 crore (approximately $760K) in a pre-seed funding round, marking its entry into India’s evolving direct-to-consumer healthcare and wellness market. The round included participation from Ashish Kacholia, Lashit Sanghvi, and prominent angel investors such as Mohit Sadaani, Hitesh Dhingra, Ajay Mehra, Samir Palod, alongside select family offices. This reflects growing investor interest and confidence in venture capital-backed D2C brands within the Indian ecosystem.

Founded in September 2025 by Rushabh Nandu and Nihar Parekh, RN Kids aims to establish a pediatric wellness brand focused on clean-label, clinically supported formulations addressing everyday health needs for children. This approach places the startup within both the D2C wellness and wider personal care sectors, where trust, transparency, and scientific innovation are increasingly influencing consumer choices.

Read more →

“Entrepreneurs need to be grounded and rooted — like plants.”

During a podcast, Sreejith was asked:

What can entrepreneurs learn from plants?

His answer was simple —

Stay grounded. Stay rooted.

But the meaning deepened over time.

Reflecting on early interactions in his journey, he realised something powerful:

People may forget what you said —

but they never forget how you made them feel.

Because in every interaction,

respect is never one-sided.

Sreejith believes —

Every person you meet is better than you in some way, and worse in another.

And when you truly understand this,

you start listening more.

Respecting more.

Learning more.

For founders, this isn’t optional.

It’s foundational.

Because only when you’re grounded —

you truly hear your customers, team, and partners.

But being grounded doesn’t mean being passive.

Like water lilies —

you can float with confidence,

yet stay deeply rooted.

In a world of “fake it till you make it,”

confidence is important.

But losing touch with reality is dangerous.

That’s when founders become disconnected,

overconfident,

and stuck in their own bubble.

And that’s where many startups fail.

The balance is everything —

Be visionary.

Be confident.

But always stay

grounded and rooted.

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📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE — ELEVATE 🚀

Not every founder needs more information.

They need the right room, the right feedback, and the right push.

That’s what Elevate by D2C Insider is built for.

A 12-week, operator-led program where D2C founders get hands-on guidance, real playbooks, and direct access to people who’ve actually scaled brands.

No noise.

No guesswork.

Just clarity, execution, and momentum.

🚀 Cohort 6 applications are now open

👉 Apply: d2ci.co/elevate_apply

Akshayakalpa Organic is Raising ₹175 Cr to Scale D2C Dairy Expansion and Strengthen India’s Organic Food Ecosystem

Akshayakalpa Organic, an organic dairy brand, is securing ₹175 crore (about $19 million) in a Series D funding round led by ABC Impact Fund, supported by Temasek. This marks a notable milestone for D2C food and beverage companies within India’s direct-to-consumer ecosystem. Existing investors such as Rainmatter, Asha Ventures, Catamaran Ventures, Waterfield Fund, Pratithi Growth Fund, and A91 Partners also participated, reflecting sustained investor interest in D2C brands emphasizing sustainability and quality

.

This news stands out within the current D2C startup landscape in India, illustrating how consumer-focused brands in essential categories like dairy continue to attract substantial investment. Regulatory filings indicate the company will issue 36.81 lakh Series D Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares at ₹475 each. ABC Impact is leading with an investment of ₹101 crore, followed by Rainmatter contributing ₹21 crore, with the remaining funds coming from other investors. The post-money valuation is estimated between ₹1,600 and ₹1,700 crore, placing Akshayakalpa Organic among the highest-funded D2C players in India’s organic food sector.

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Pee Safe’s Growth Delivers 9.6X Exit for Venture Catalysts, Highlighting Strength of India’s D2C Wellness Brands

Hygiene and wellness brand Pee Safe has yielded significant returns for early investors, as Venture Catalysts concluded its investment with a 9.6X return and a 30.53% XIRR. This exit, occurring during Pee Safe’s $32 million Series C funding round, underscores the increasing maturity of D2C exits in India and the strength of direct-to-consumer brands within the personal care and wellness sector

Established in 2015, Pee Safe has become a well-known name among D2C personal care and wellness startups in India. Initially focused on toilet and menstrual hygiene solutions, the company has broadened its offerings to include intimate care, menstrual wellness, pain management, and hygiene essentials, distinguishing itself among premium D2C brands in the country.

The brand’s progression aligns with wider trends in India’s D2C ecosystem, where digital-first companies are expanding through robust omnichannel strategies. Pee Safe’s products are now available in over 50,000 retail outlets across 100 cities, alongside a strong online presence via their website, e-commerce platforms, and quick commerce channels.

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Burger Singh Raises ₹82 Crore Series B to Scale Franchise-Led Growth in India’s D2C Food Ecosystem

Burger Singh, a domestic quick-service restaurant brand, has secured ₹82 crore in a Series B funding round led by Artal Asia. This marks a key phase in the development of direct-to-consumer (D2C) food and beverage brands within India’s D2C sector. The investment underscores growing investor interest in franchise-driven consumer brands with scalable potential.

Other participants in this round include Negen Undiscovered Value Fund and Aurum Rising India Fund, reflecting increased venture capital interest in D2C brands that are establishing structured and scalable business frameworks. This funding aligns with a broader shift where Indian D2C brands are evolving from digital-first ventures into comprehensive consumer businesses.

Founded in 2014 by Kabir Jeet Singh, Burger Singh employs a hybrid expansion strategy combining company-managed outlets and franchise partnerships.

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Business Boost:

Zoomies Raises ₹5 Crore Pre-Seed Round Led by D2C Insider Super Angels to Build India’s Next Big D2C Pet Nutrition Brand

Pet food startup Zoomies has secured ₹5 crore in a Pre-Seed round led by D2C Insider Super Angels, marking a strong early signal in India’s rapidly evolving D2C ecosystem India. The round also saw participation from marquee angel investors including Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini, Pallavi Mohadikar, Puneet Gupta, and others, reinforcing growing investor confidence in VC-backed D2C brands and D2C funding rounds in emerging categories.

Founded in September 2025 by Sumedh Battewar, former Co-founder & Chief Business Officer at EMotorad, along with co-founder Spriha Choubey, Zoomies is building a Direct-to-consumer India brand focused on solving one of the biggest gaps in the D2C pet care brands segment—clean, transparent, and nutritionally complete pet food. As part of the latest D2C startups shaping D2C business India, Zoomies is positioning itself at the intersection of D2C food and beverage brands and functional nutrition.

The brand’s core offering revolves around complete meals made from 100% real, human-grade meat, free from additives, preservatives, and synthetic supplements.

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Mave Health Raises $2.1M to Scale Neurotech Innovation and Build a Breakthrough D2C Wellness Brand

Neurotechnology startup Mave Health has secured $2.1 million (approximately ₹18 crore) in a seed funding round led by Blume Ventures, with additional investment from Inuka Capital, Stanford Angels, Aureolis Ventures, All In Capital, and several notable angel investors. This funding highlights the growing overlap between deep technology and the direct-to-consumer (D2C) market in India, signaling a new stage in the development of wellness-focused D2C startups.

Founded in 2023 by Dhawal Jain, Jai Sharma, and Aman Kumar, Mave Health is positioning itself uniquely in the Indian D2C landscape by offering non-invasive wearable headsets aimed at enhancing focus, mood, and stress management. The company combines neuroscience with consumer technology to introduce a novel segment within D2C electronics and wellness products.

The capital raised is intended to support the company’s plans for expanding its D2C presence, including launching its wearable headset across India and the United States, and scaling manufacturing operations.

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Betterhood Raises ₹5 Crore Seed Funding to Build India’s Preventive Pain Care D2C Ecosystem

Betterhood, a preventive health startup, has secured ₹5 crore in seed funding led by Kairon Capital, with additional participation from investors including Yogesh Kabra, Rishubh Satiya, Rohit Chawla, Sifat Khurana, and Shayamal Vallabhjee. This investment supports the company’s objective to develop a preventive musculoskeletal health ecosystem through scientifically validated products, digital tools, and expert-led interventions.

Established in October 2024 by Vikram Kadam and Neha Zade in Bengaluru, Betterhood operates at the intersection of healthcare and the growing Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) wellness market in India. The company addresses musculoskeletal health concerns by offering products such as posture supports, orthotic devices, recovery tools, educational resources, and digital assessment platforms that enable early identification and management of pain.

The raised funds will be allocated toward enhancing product development, expanding the core team in product, content, and growth areas, and broadening distribution across both online and offline channels.

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Founders funded:

Laani Raises ₹9.1 Cr Pre-Seed to Build Next-Gen D2C Personal Care Brand for Modern India

Personal care startup Laani has secured ₹9.1 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by V3 Ventures and Saama Capital. This marks an important early phase in the development of direct-to-consumer (D2C) personal care brands within India’s D2C ecosystem. The round also included contributions from notable angel investors such as Arjun Purkayastha, Manish Taneja, Kunal Bahl, and Dr. Aneesh Sheth, indicating increasing investor interest in Indian D2C ventures.

This funding event highlights how D2C brands in India are attracting early-stage investment by addressing unmet needs in large consumer categories. Laani’s emphasis on functionality and innovation reflects current market trends, where brands focus on effectiveness, convenience, and unique product formats to differentiate themselves in a competitive environment.

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Pinq Polka Raises ₹4 Cr from IPV as D2C Innerwear Brand Clocks 19X Growth and Scales in India’s Booming Intimate Wear Market

Innerwear and shapewear brand Pinq Polka has secured ₹4 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). This investment marks a significant step in India’s D2C startup landscape and reflects ongoing momentum among D2C brands in the region, especially in niche segments like intimate wear.

The new funds will be used primarily to accelerate expansion plans focused on D2C channels, with emphasis on scaling marketing efforts for the shapewear line, enhancing internal team capabilities, and supporting working capital needs. This development aligns with broader trends, where VC-backed D2C companies are intensifying efforts to lead their categories while strengthening consumer-centric operations within India’s D2C ecosystem.

Since its founding in 2017 by Manveen Ssharma, Pinq Polka has become one of the fastest-growing D2C brands in intimate wear, achieving approximately 19 times growth over the past three years.

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MANNLICH Raises $294K Seed Round to Accelerate Growth in India’s D2C Men’s Grooming Market

Men’s grooming brand MANNLICH has raised $294,000 in a seed funding round led by BeyondSeed, marking a notable development in the growing D2C personal care sector in India. The round also included investments from Chandigarh Angels Network, Signal Ventures, Growth Sense, Growth91, and prominent angel investors such as Arjun Vaidya, Arush Chopra, Megha Sabhlok, and Gaurav Kumar. This reflects a growing interest among investors in Indian D2C startups.

This funding highlights how early-stage D2C brands in India are attracting capital by offering differentiated and quality products. MANNLICH positions itself as a German-quality grooming brand tailored to Indian consumers, aligning with trends forecasted for the broader D2C market by 2025, where brands blend global standards with local needs.

Founded in 2023 by Pritam Kudev, MANNLICH offers dermatologically tested, chemical-free grooming products without parabens or sulphates.

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Circato Secures ₹90 Lakh on Shark Tank India to Scale Sustainable Plastic Waste Construction Solutions

Circato, a sustainable construction startup based in Bengaluru, has secured an investment of ₹90 lakh for 10% equity on Shark Tank India Season 5, valuing the company at ₹9 crore. This investment marks a significant step as the company seeks to expand its innovative construction solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting net-zero building systems.

Founded by T Paul Koshy, Sushma Joseph, and Praveen Crasta, Circato operates at the crossroads of sustainability, infrastructure innovation, and the growing direct-to-consumer (D2C) ecosystem in India, with a focus on environmentally responsible materials. The startup is developing advanced wall and construction systems that incorporate recycled plastic waste, facilitating faster and more energy-efficient building processes while addressing the issue of plastic pollution.

Circato’s vision aligns with the ongoing transformation within India’s D2C ecosystem, where startups leverage technology, research, and material innovation to create scalable solutions for pressing environmental challenges.

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“Great brands don’t start in boardrooms. They start with a real problem.”

In 2017, Kruthika wasn’t building a brand.

She was solving her daughter’s skin concern.

So she went to her kitchen…

and made goat milk soap.

No funding. No strategy. Just intent.

What began as a personal solution soon found resonance —

moving from a kitchen to a small store in Coimbatore.

From homemaker to founder.

But Vilvah’s story isn’t just about where it started —

it’s about how it was built.

While the market chased trends,

Vilvah chose efficacy over noise.

While others chased virality,

they focused on product and trust.

From sustainable choices…

to early recycling initiatives…

to building a 40,000+ sq ft facility…

Every step was intentional.

Today, Vilvah isn’t just a brand —

it’s a community built on consistency.

Because in the end —

A brand isn’t built in moments.

It’s built in decisions.

Every single day.

And over time —

those decisions become trust.

5 TAKEAWAYS FOR FOUNDERS

1. Start With a Real Problem

The strongest brands begin with personal truth.

2. Don’t Chase Trends — Build Efficacy

Products outlast hype.

3. Intent > Perfection

Honest steps compound over time.

4. Sustainability Is a Mindset

Not a campaign.

5. Brands Are Built Collectively

People, systems, and discipline create scale.

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📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE — CHANDIGARH, YOUR TURN 🚀

After Jaipur, the momentum moves forward.

Chandigarh is next.

On 28th March, a new room opens — filled with founders building, operators executing, and investors looking for what’s next.

Not just another event.

A space where ideas get sharper, conversations get real, and the right people find each other.

📍 Chandigarh | 3 PM – 8 PM

The Bharat Edition continues.

And every city is adding its own energy to it.

🎟 Register here:

d2ci.co/cxo-meets