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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 🚀

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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.

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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.

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📌 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Read more→

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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

Mosaic Wellness Raises ₹200 Crore from 360 ONE Asset to Accelerate Growth of Its Digital-First Consumer Health Brands

Mosaic Wellness, a consumer health platform, just got a fresh ₹200 crore (about $21 million) investment from 360 ONE Asset. This is a big step for the company, and it also lets Spring Marketing Capital, an early investor, sell some of its stake.

This deal is happening as more and more digital health and wellness brands in India are growing fast. They’re doing it with strong customer demand, tech-based health solutions, and different ways of getting their products to people. Mosaic Wellness will use the money to invest in new chances in the health and wellness area. They want to stay one of the fastest-growing brands in the Indian digital healthcare world.

Since starting in 2020, Mosaic Wellness has built up a group of digital brands like Man Matters and Be Bodywise. Together, these brands help over six million people each year with things like hair health, personal care, fitness, and kids’ health.

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Mia by Tanishq Opens Its 275th Store in Bengaluru, Accelerating Growth of India’s Premium D2C Jewellery Ecosystem

Mia by Tanishq, Titan Company’s modern jewelry brand, just opened its 275th store in Kammanahalli, Bengaluru. This is another step in the brand’s fast growth in India’s direct-to-consumer jewelry scene. This opening shows how premium direct-to-consumer brands in India are creating great store experiences and better engaging with their customers.

The store, which is about 1,200 square feet, offers a fresh shopping experience made for today’s fashion-forward shoppers. Shyamala Ramanan, the Business Head of Mia by Tanishq, and Ajay Dwivedi, Regional Business Head – South at Titan Company, opened the store. This opening shows Mia’s increasing presence in Bengaluru, a city that has really helped shape the brand and its customer base.

Opening the 275th store is a big deal for Mia, as it is one of the fastest-growing jewelry brands in India’s expanding direct-to-consumer world. To celebrate, the company gave away 275 gifts to customers who visited the store.

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DrinkPrime Secures ₹20 Crore Funding at 30% Valuation Premium as India’s D2C Appliance Subscription Market Expands

In the latest D2C news India and D2C startup news from the country’s rapidly evolving consumer technology landscape, DrinkPrime has raised ₹20 crore in fresh funding from Artha Venture Fund and Mirabilis Investment Trust. The round highlights continued investor confidence in technology-enabled Direct-to-consumer India platforms that combine hardware, software, and subscription-based services.

According to regulatory filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), DrinkPrime’s board approved the allotment of 21,718 Series A3 CCPS and 10 equity shares at an issue price of ₹9,205 per share, raising a total of ₹20 crore. Both Artha Venture Fund and Mirabilis Investment Trust contributed ₹10 crore each in the round. The proceeds will be used in line with the company’s approved business plan as it continues scaling within India’s expanding D2C ecosystem India.

Industry estimates indicate that the fresh funding has pushed DrinkPrime’s valuation to approximately ₹340 crore (around $37 million), representing a 30% valuation premium compared to its previous valuation of ₹261 crore.

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Business Boost :

Zoff Foods Raises $2 Million to Accelerate Omnichannel Expansion in India’s Fast-Growing D2C Spices Market

Zoff Foods just got $2 million (₹18.5 crore) in a pre-Series B funding led by JM Financial through its India Growth Fund III. Aman Gupta also joined in, showing investors are really believing in the growing Direct-to-consumer food and FMCG scene in India.

This funding is a big step for Zoff, showing how well D2C food and beverage brands are doing in India. Zoff Foods plans to use the money to get into more stores, both big chains and local shops, grow on fast delivery D2C platforms, and put more into its brand through marketing and sales.

Akash Agrawalla and Ashish Agrawal started Zoff Foods in 2018. They’re creating a modern spice brand that focuses on fresh, quality cooking stuff using tech in their production and delivery.

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Boba Bhai Raises $4.3 Million to Accelerate Expansion as India’s D2C Food and Beverage Ecosystem Grows

Boba Bhai, an India-based D2C startup, just got $4.3 million (about ₹40 crore) in a new funding round. Existing investors such as 8i Ventures, Titan Capital (through its Winners Fund), and Global Growth Capital put money in. Big Capital and some angel investors also joined in. This shows they really believe in Boba Bhai, which is one of the fastest-growing food and drink D2C brands in India.

This new money is a big step for the company and shows that people are getting more interested in D2C brands that have a strong identity and sell in many ways. The company plans to use the money to open more stores, get better leaders, and create new products as it grows across the Indian food scene.

Dhruv Kohli started Boba Bhai in 2023, and it quickly became a well-known name in the new group of Indian food and drink D2C startups.

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Healthtech Startup Cent, Raises $5 Million to Build India’s Next-Gen Direct-to-Consumer Healthcare Platform

Practo’s co-founder and CEO, Shashank ND, just launched a new preventive healthcare company called Cent. He’s already secured around $5 million in seed funding (about ₹45.8 crore). This move is a big deal for direct-to-consumer healthcare in India, where tech, data, and prevention are becoming more and more important.

Cent is a platform that wants to spot life-threatening diseases before you even feel sick. It uses fancy imaging, AI, and different diagnostic tests to find health risks early on. This fits into the larger trend of direct-to-consumer healthcare in India, which is moving toward more proactive and custom solutions.

Shashank ND started Cent with Anshul Khandelwal, who used to be the CMO at Ola, and Arpit Garg, who has tons of experience in sales.

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Founders Funded:

Basil Health Raises $1.5 Million Pre-Series A to Expand IoT-Powered Fresh Beverage Network in India

Basil Health, a new beverage brand, just got $1.5 million in funding to grow across India’s quickly growing beverage market. Whiteboard Capital led the round, with participation from Brigade REAP, Barbershop Fund, and some angel investors like Deep Bajaj and Siddharth Kothari.

This funding is a big deal for the Delhi startup. They want to expand their drink retail approach, which mixes small kiosks with automated machines. They’ll use the money to move into new cities, improve their supply setup, build their brand, and grow their team. Basil Health intends to be a major player in India’s D2C food and beverage scene.

Started in 2023 by Harshita Kejriwal, Akshay Chaudhari, and Karan Dwivedi, Basil Health is creating a modern drink retail setup that uses tech to serve fresh, cafe-quality drinks.

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AI-Powered Commerce Startup Ctruh Secures Shark Tank Deal to Transform Digital Commerce for D2C Brands

Ctruh, a startup from Bengaluru, just got a strategic investment after being on Shark Tank India Season 5. Vinay Agastya founded the company, which is creating what they call the world’s first AI-powered Unified XR Commerce Studio. It’s designed to help brands make cool, interactive online shopping experiences.

During his pitch, Vinay Agastya wanted ₹1 crore for 1.2% of his company, which he valued at over ₹83 crore. After talking with the Sharks, Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh made a counter-offer: ₹1 crore for 2.4% equity. Agastya took it, getting money and advice from two big investors from the show.

Ctruh, started in January 2023, wants to change how people find and check out products online. Because India’s direct-to-consumer scene is changing so fast, brands need new ways to connect with customers online.

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Pink Adrak Secures Strategic Backing from String Ventures’ Shivam Mishra, Targets ₹55 Crore Revenue by 2028

Pink Adrak, a new QSR platform from India, just got some backing from Shivam Mishra. This is a big deal for D2C news in India and the country’s growing direct-to-consumer food scene. The investment shows that people are believing more and more in tech-based, food brands that can grow, make money, and involve customers.

The funding includes ₹12.25 crore in a mix of stock and sales help. This will let the company grow in North India while making its QSR platform and tech better. Pink Adrak is now among the newest D2C companies creating platform-led food brands made for how India is changing what they eat.

Ankur Gakkhar started Pink Adrak because he wanted to create a food services company based on a platform. Right now, the brand has 12 locations in Gurugram and Jaipur. They’ve served over 1.5 lakh customers and filled over 5 lakh orders, with a good 4.6 rating on food delivery platforms.

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“Capital should amplify momentum — not replace clarity.”

When Littlebox started, many fashion startups launching at the same time had far more funding.

Most of them don’t exist today.

For the first three years, Rimjhim Deka built Littlebox without raising external capital. The brand crossed 1 million orders, built a 40,000 sq ft factory in Noida, and reached over 22 lakh customers — entirely customer-funded.

It wasn’t an ideological choice.

It was clarity.

After 14 years in the fashion industry, Rimjhim had seen what happens when brands raise money before understanding their business. Teams start optimizing for growth graphs instead of repeat customers, expand categories before mastering one, and build inventory before proving real demand.

In fashion, that distortion can be fatal.

Instead, Littlebox focused on what actually matters — supply chain discipline, inventory velocity, and real customer demand.

Their systems weren’t built in boardrooms.

They were built through real experimentation — and real losses.

A 25-day inventory cycle, a 7-day trend-to-website pipeline, and a strong CLV-to-CAC ratio came not from strategy decks but from figuring things out with their own money.

Only after the model proved itself did the company raise ₹17.5 crore from Huddle Ventures and Prath Ventures.

Not to discover the business.

But to scale what was already working.

For Rimjhim, funding is simple:

Capital should accelerate strength — not hide weakness.

📌 D2C INSIDER UPDATE — ELEVATE COHORT 6 🚀

Most founders don’t lack effort.

They lack the right room.

That’s exactly what Elevate by D2C Insider is built for — a 12-week accelerator where early-stage founders get direct access to operator-led insights, sharp feedback, and a community that pushes them to build what actually scales.

No vanity metrics.

No surface advice.

Just real conversations, real mentorship, and real growth.

Elevate Cohort 6 applications are now open.

🚀 Apply here: d2ci.co/elevate_register

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Forest Essentials Enters New Growth Phase as Estée Lauder Moves to Acquire Full Ownership

In a major moment for D2C news India and the country’s premium beauty industry, luxury Ayurveda brand Forest Essentials is entering a new phase of global growth as The Estée Lauder Companies moves to acquire full ownership of the iconic Indian label. The acquisition, expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2026 subject to regulatory approvals, represents a significant milestone for one of the most successful premium D2C brands India has produced.

For India’s Direct-to-consumer India ecosystem, the development highlights how homegrown brands built on strong cultural identity, product quality and storytelling are gaining global attention. Forest Essentials has become a defining example of how Indian D2C brands India can successfully combine heritage, luxury positioning and a modern D2C business model India to build enduring consumer trust.

Founded in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials was created with a clear vision: to bring the science and philosophy of Ayurveda into the world of modern luxury skincare and wellness.

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Indriya Jewels Crosses 50 Stores in Under Two Years, Accelerating Aditya Birla Group’s Organised Jewellery Retail Expansion

In a significant milestone for D2C news India and the evolving D2C ecosystem India, Aditya Birla Group’s jewellery retail brand Indriya has crossed the 50-store mark across 30 cities, less than two years after its launch on 27 July 2024 in Delhi. The latest outlet in Koramangala, Bengaluru, signals the brand’s growing confidence in competitive southern markets and reinforces its ambition to build a national presence within India’s organised jewellery segment.

Launched under Novel Jewels Ltd., the Group’s dedicated jewellery retail venture, Indriya marked Aditya Birla Group’s formal entry into one of India’s oldest yet fastest-transforming consumption categories. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, the brand’s swift expansion stands out in a sector historically dominated by legacy family-run jewellers and gradual scale-ups.

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RAS Luxury Skincare Raises $7.5 Mn in Series B as FMCG Giants Accelerate D2C Acquisitions Across Beauty and Wellness

In a significant development for D2C news India and the broader D2C ecosystem India, D2C skincare brand RAS Luxury Skincare has raised $7.5 million (approximately ₹68.7 crore) in its Series B funding round led by Dabur Ventures, with participation from existing investor Unilever Ventures. The latest D2C funding news underscores growing investor confidence in premium D2C beauty and skincare India brands amid accelerating consolidation and D2C acquisitions 2025 across high-growth niches.

Founded in 2021 by Shubhika Jain, along with Suramya Jain and Sangeeta Jain, RAS operates on a differentiated ‘farm-to-face’ model, sourcing botanicals from partner and family-owned farms in Raipur and managing formulation and manufacturing in-house. This vertically integrated D2C business model India approach enables supply chain control, quality assurance, and stronger brand storytelling—key pillars in D2C brand building stories shaping Direct-to-consumer India.

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Rozana Raises ₹290 Crore in Series B to Scale Rural Retail and Power India’s Omnichannel D2C Ecosystem

In a major development in D2C news India and the evolving Direct-to-consumer India landscape, rural-focused omnichannel retail platform Rozana has raised ₹290 crore in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII). The round also saw participation from Fireside Ventures, US-based Spark Growth Ventures, Bikaji Family Office, FE Securities, and several prominent family offices, highlighting strong investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory and the broader D2C ecosystem India.

The funding marks one of the significant D2C funding rounds in the country’s rural commerce segment and signals increasing interest from investors in D2C business India models that tap underserved markets. With this fresh capital infusion, Rozana plans to accelerate its expansion strategy, strengthen its technology infrastructure, and scale its omnichannel retail presence across northern India

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Karan Aujla Partners with Veeba to Launch Zyro, a Zero-Calorie Beverage Brand Targeting India’s Clean-Label D2C Market

In a notable update for D2C news India and the broader D2C ecosystem India, Karan Aujla has entered the fast-growing zero sugar beverage segment with the launch of Zyro India in partnership with Veeba (through VRB Consumer Products). The brand has also unveiled its first digital campaign, ‘Nothing Unnecessary’, marking a culture-led entry into India’s evolving Direct-to-consumer India landscape.

For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, Zyro India represents the growing momentum of celebrity-backed D2C startups and creator-led D2C brands tapping into high-frequency consumption categories. Positioned as a zero sugar and zero calorie beverage brand, Zyro aligns itself with clean-label demand and shifting D2C consumer behavior India, where simplicity, transparency, and mindful consumption are gaining importance.

The digital film supporting the launch features Karan Aujla and draws from his personal journey to highlight the brand’s philosophy of clarity and conscious choice. Using a pared-back narrative style, the campaign positions Zyro as a beverage built around minimalism and clean consumption, rather than traditional celebrity-driven storytelling.

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Moneyboxx Finance Raises ₹33.4 Crore to Expand Rural Lending, Strengthening India’s Growth-Focused D2C Ecosystem

In the latest D2C news India and D2C startup news highlighting India’s evolving financial ecosystem, Moneyboxx Finance has raised ₹33.4 crore through the allotment of equity shares to accelerate growth and strengthen its lending operations across rural and semi-urban markets. The development marks an important milestone in Indian D2C updates and the broader D2C ecosystem India, particularly as financial infrastructure becomes increasingly critical for enabling entrepreneurship and business expansion across the country.

The fundraise was completed through the preferential allotment of 44 lakh equity shares with a face value of ₹10 each at an issue price of ₹76 per share, including a premium of ₹66 per share. This latest round adds to Moneyboxx Finance’s cumulative equity capital raised since inception, which now stands at ₹303.9 crore. Notably, the entire equity raised in FY26 has come from promoters and existing shareholders, reflecting strong internal investor confidence and reinforcing positive D2C investor insights around the company’s business model and long-term growth potential.

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10on10 Foods Raises ₹2 Crore Pre-Seed to Reinvent India’s Staples Market with Fresh, Stone-Ground Atta

10on10 Foods, a Bengaluru-based fresh food tech startup, has raised ₹2 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by a group of angel investors, marking an exciting addition to the growing wave of D2C startup news emerging from India’s rapidly evolving Direct-to-consumer India ecosystem. The funding reflects rising investor confidence in D2C brands India that are innovating in everyday consumer categories and building scalable businesses within the expanding D2C ecosystem India.

The startup is building a new-age Direct-to-consumer India staples brand focused on delivering freshly milled, stone-ground flours that aim to bring better nutrition, freshness, and transparency to one of the most fundamental food categories in Indian households. As India’s D2C industry news increasingly highlights the rise of digitally native food brands, 10on10 Foods is positioning itself among the latest D2C startups transforming traditional categories with technology-driven distribution and product innovation.

Founded by Dr. Ashish Bajaj, Avinash Jain, and Mohsin Ali, the brand combines traditional stone-grinding techniques with modern D2C business model India strategies, leveraging digital distribution, community-led growth, and quick commerce partnerships to reach consumers directly.

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EDINORA Secures ₹2 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India Season 5, Strengthening India’s D2C Personal Care Ecosystem

In a significant moment for D2C news India and the broader D2C ecosystem India, Kerala-based EDINORA Personal Care has emerged as one of the most differentiated D2C brands India to feature on Shark Tank India Season 5. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, EDINORA’s funding milestone highlights how innovation-led D2C personal care brands are reshaping Direct-to-consumer India.

Founded in 2022, EDINORA positions itself as the world’s first edible oral care solution prepared using edible and natural ingredients. At a time when D2C industry news is dominated by D2C beauty and skincare India and D2C wellness startups, EDINORA stands out with its Ayurveda-inspired formulation rooted in ingredient transparency and microbiome balance. The brand eliminates added chemicals such as SLS, parabens, silica, calcium carbonate, and triclosan—aligning with rising D2C consumer behavior India that favors clean-label and Sustainable D2C brands.

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RehabVeda Secures ₹1 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India Season 5, Accelerating Growth in India’s HealthTech and D2C Ecosystem

In a notable development for D2C news India and the broader D2C ecosystem India, Ahmedabad-based RehabVeda made a strong impact on Shark Tank India Season 5, securing fresh capital to scale its neurorehabilitation technology platform. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, RehabVeda’s funding milestone signals how deep-tech healthcare startups are increasingly becoming part of the evolving Direct-to-consumer India growth narrative.

Founded in 2019 by Shyam Parmar and Neel Patel, RehabVeda is transforming neurorehabilitation through advanced brain-computer interface systems that integrate EEG-based neurofeedback, assistive robotics, and digital therapeutics. Designed to accelerate motor recovery for stroke and paralysis patients, the platform is built for both clinical settings and home use, offering scalable, data-driven, and personalized therapy solutions. As D2C industry news continues to spotlight D2C wellness startups and digital health innovation, RehabVeda stands at the intersection of healthtech, AI-driven therapy, and patient-centric design.

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Bubble Me Raises ₹1.5 Cr Pre-Seed from AJVC to Scale Magnesium-Focused D2C Wellness Brand

In the latest D2C news India spotlighting emerging wellness brands, Chandigarh-based startup Bubble Me has raised ₹1.5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by AJVC, the early-stage investment firm founded by Aviral Bhatnagar. The development marks a notable addition to Indian D2C updates and reinforces growing investor appetite for niche, science-led Direct-to-consumer India brands within the expanding D2C ecosystem India.

Founded by Akshina Jindal, Bubble Me is building a magnesium-focused D2C wellness startup targeting sleep support, stress relief, and muscle recovery — three high-demand categories aligned with evolving D2C consumer behavior India. The ₹1.5 crore pre-seed round, part of ongoing D2C funding rounds shaping the market, will be deployed toward deeper magnesium research, enhanced product testing, and improving formulation accuracy and consistency. The company also plans to strengthen its supply chain and quality control systems, highlighting a clear D2C supply chain innovation approach designed to support long-term D2C expansion plans.

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“Luxury doesn’t come from excess. It comes from authenticity.”

Long before Ayurveda became fashionable, Mira Kulkarni was quietly building something deeply rooted in India’s ancient traditions.

In the early 2000s, the beauty market in India was dominated by global brands promising modern science. Mira believed something different — that India already had centuries of beauty wisdom, and that Ayurveda could be reimagined as a global luxury category.

But she didn’t start with a grand business plan.

Forest Essentials began as a small passion project — crafting authentic Ayurvedic formulations in small batches using traditional recipes. Mira personally worked with Ayurvedic physicians, sourced pure ingredients, and insisted on uncompromising quality.

Her idea was simple yet radical:

Ayurveda didn’t need to compete with global luxury.

It could become luxury.

At a time when natural beauty was considered niche, Mira built a brand that combined ancient formulations with refined packaging, meticulous sourcing, and a deeply Indian philosophy of wellbeing.

The journey wasn’t overnight.

Years were spent perfecting formulations, building trust, and educating customers about the power of Ayurveda. Slowly, Forest Essentials grew from a niche brand into one of India’s most respected luxury beauty companies.

But what makes Mira’s journey remarkable isn’t just the business success.

It’s the conviction.

She built a brand rooted in heritage, patience, and craftsmanship — proving that global brands don’t always need Western ideas. Sometimes, the most powerful innovation comes from rediscovering what already exists.

That belief eventually caught global attention.

In a landmark moment for Indian luxury brands, global beauty giant Estée Lauder Companies partnered with Forest Essentials, recognizing the brand’s potential to take authentic Ayurvedic luxury to the world.

It was more than an investment.

It was validation — that a brand built on Indian heritage, authenticity, and patience could stand alongside the world’s most respected luxury names.

For Mira, entrepreneurship has never been about chasing trends.

It has been about building something timeless.

And that belief transformed Ayurveda from an old tradition into a modern luxury movement.

✨ This Women’s Day, we celebrate founders like Mira Kulkarni whose journey reminds us that the most enduring brands are built with courage, conviction, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in one’s roots — turning heritage into global influence.

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📌 D2C INSIDER WEEKLY UPDATE — JAIPUR, WE’RE LANDING 🚀

The Bharat Edition begins.

This week, Jaipur becomes the first stop for the D2C Insider CXO Meets — bringing together builders, backers, and operators shaping what India buys next.

New city.

New room.

Same high-signal conversations.

By the end of the evening, some ideas will evolve, some partnerships will begin, and a few brands will quietly take their next big step.

Jaipur, let’s make the first chapter count.

🎟 Register here: d2ci.co/cxo-meets

Home Essentials Raises ₹70 Crore Pre-Series B Led by 360 ONE Asset to Accelerate Omnichannel D2C Expansion

In a significant D2C news India development within the fast-growing home and kitchen segment, Home Essentials has raised ₹70 crore in a pre-Series B funding round led by 360 ONE Asset, with participation from existing investor India Quotient. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, this marks another strong signal of investor confidence in scalable, design-led Direct-to-consumer India brands.

Founded in 2024 by brothers Tanishq Jain and Divyam Jain, the Gwalior-based startup has quickly emerged as one of the Latest D2C startups building a differentiated D2C business India in the home and kitchen essentials category. The brand had earlier raised $2.2 million in seed funding from India Quotient and other investors, laying the foundation for rapid D2C revenue growth and disciplined execution within the D2C ecosystem India.

Home Essentials currently offers more than 1,000 thoughtfully designed home and kitchen products across categories including storage solutions, cookware, furniture, and décor. Positioned around the philosophy of “smart living,” the company focuses on blending thoughtful design, smart functionality, and space optimization at accessible price points—an approach aligned with evolving D2C consumer behavior India trends.

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ZeroHarm Sciences Raises ₹65 Crore Series A to Scale Nano-Formulated Plant-Based Nutraceutical Platform

In a major D2C news India development within the rapidly expanding D2C wellness startups segment, ZeroHarm Sciences has raised ₹65 crore (approximately $7.15 million) in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited, through its Kotak Life Sciences Fund I, which invested ₹40 crore, while Alkemi Growth Capital invested ₹25 crore. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, this funding marks a strong validation of science-led Direct-to-consumer India brands operating at the intersection of Ayurveda and advanced technology.

Founded in 2020 by Sachin Darbarwar and Shweta Darbarwar, the Hyderabad-based company develops plant-based health supplements using proprietary nano formulation technology. Positioned among the Latest D2C startups redefining preventive healthcare, ZeroHarm Sciences aims to build India’s first “Trust over Promise” health platform—where supplement efficacy is backed by measurable consumer health outcomes rather than marketing claims.

ZeroHarm’s core differentiation lies in converting plant-based nutrients into nano-sized particles to enhance bioavailability and enable controlled release at lower dosages. By integrating Ayurveda with advanced nano-science, the company is building a differentiated D2C business model India in preventive wellness.

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Puresta Raises ₹34 Crore Pre-Seed to Build AI-Powered Full-Stack Dermatology Platform, Acquires SKINQ Ahead of Launch

In a major D2C news India development within the D2C beauty and skincare India and D2C wellness startups ecosystem, Puresta has raised ₹34 crore (approximately $3.7 million) in a pre-seed funding round led by Spring Marketing Capital to build an AI-powered, full-stack dermatology platform. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, this marks one of the most ambitious early-stage D2C funding rounds in the intersection of beauty, health, and technology.

Founded in 2025 by Ashish Mishra along with The Man Company cofounders Hitesh Dhingra and Bhisham Bhateja, Puresta is positioning itself at the convergence of Direct-to-consumer India, AI diagnostics, and clinically validated skincare. The startup aims to deliver end-to-end skincare solutions that combine AI-led diagnostics, dermatologist-formulated products, clinical validation, and real-time progress tracking—an integrated D2C business model India approach aligned with D2C market trends 2025.

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MyDesignation Raises ₹40 Cr Series A to Accelerate Omnichannel Expansion in India’s Fast-Growing D2C Fashion Ecosystem

In the latest D2C news India spotlighting momentum across Direct-to-consumer India, Kerala-based D2C fashion and lifestyle brand MyDesignation has raised ₹40 crore in a Series A funding round led by RPSG Capital Ventures, with participation from existing investors Veltis Capital, Multiply Ventures, and Dominor Investments. This D2C funding news marks a significant milestone in the journey of one of the fastest-growing D2C brands India in the fashion and lifestyle segment.

For those tracking D2C daily news and D2C startup news, this round comes shortly after the company secured $1.25 million in seed funding in February 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence and continued angel investment D2C interest in high-growth consumer brands. The fresh capital will be deployed to expand MyDesignation’s offline retail footprint through company-owned stores, strengthen its senior leadership team, and launch new product categories as it enters the next phase of D2C expansion plans.

Founded in 2020 by Swaroop Krishnan and Gopika B Raj, MyDesignation operates as a digital-first, design-led D2C fashion and lifestyle brand focused on building a community-driven apparel business.

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Nailinit Raises ₹2.5–3 Crore Pre-Seed Round to Build India’s Next Community-Led D2C Nail Care Brand

In a fresh D2C news India development within the fast-evolving beauty segment, nail care brand Nailinit has raised ₹2.5–3 crore in a pre-seed funding round co-led by Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund (GCCF) and Marsshot VC. The round also saw participation from prominent angel investors including Razorpay co-founder Shashank Kumar, Arjit Johri, Yash Jain, Karan Jindal, Jivraj Singh Sachar, Nishank Jain, Yashvardhan Kanoi, Ashwarya Garg, Phot.AI founder Venus Dhuria, and Amishi Parasrampuria. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, this round highlights continued investor confidence in emerging D2C beauty and skincare India brands.

Founded by Tanishq Ambegaokar and Shubham Singhal, Nailinit is building a modern Direct-to-consumer India brand in a category that remains high-frequency yet under-branded in the Indian market. Positioned at the intersection of beauty, self-expression, and community, the brand goes beyond functional products to create culture-led engagement and content-native experiences. This aligns with broader D2C market trends 2025, where D2C brands India are increasingly community-driven and creator-led rather than purely product-led.

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Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds Crosses 60+ Stores with Visakhapatnam Launch, Accelerating South India Expansion

In a significant D2C news India update within the D2C fashion and lifestyle segment, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds has expanded its footprint in Southern India with the launch of its first store in Andhra Pradesh, located in Visakhapatnam. With this opening, the brand has crossed 60+ exclusive brand outlets nationwide, further strengthening its presence within the fast-growing Direct-to-consumer India jewellery landscape.

The Visakhapatnam store was inaugurated by Nirav Bhatt, Co-Founder of Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, along with Regional Partners Sridevi Budankailu and B. Vitalprasad, and members of the leadership team. The ceremony was also attended by Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation. For those tracking D2C daily news and Indian D2C updates, the launch signals strong momentum in the lab-grown diamond category, one of the most dynamic verticals in the evolving D2C ecosystem India.

With over 60 exclusive brand outlets and more than 40 shop-in-shops across 45+ cities, Limelight continues to scale its omnichannel D2C strategy while maintaining a focused D2C business model India approach.

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Basil Raises $2 Million Pre-Series A Led by Prime Venture Partners, Targets ₹100 Crore ARR by FY27

In a strong D2C news India update within the D2C fashion and lifestyle and kids essentials segment, YourBasil has raised $2 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Prime Venture Partners, with participation from existing investors Appreciate Capital and IIMA Ventures. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, this marks a significant milestone for one of the latest D2C startups scaling rapidly within the Direct-to-consumer India ecosystem.

This D2C funding news comes nearly two years after Basil raised ₹3.6 crore in a seed round co-led by IIMA Ventures and Appreciate Capital in February 2024. The latest pre-Series A round reflects growing D2C investor insights and confidence in the brand’s D2C revenue growth trajectory and capital-efficient D2C business model India strategy.

Founded in 2024 by Harini Rajagopalan and Mahesh Muraleedharan, Basil operates an online multi-category kids essentials platform. What began with bento lunch boxes and insulated food jars has evolved into a broader kids essentials brand serving over 1.5 lakh families across more than 20,000 pincodes in India.

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CURRYiT Secures ₹1.5 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India Season 5, Accelerating Growth in India’s D2C Food Ecosystem

In a notable D2C news India update from Shark Tank India Season 5, Delhi-based CURRYiT has secured ₹1.5 crore in funding from Shark Mohit Yadav, marking a significant milestone for the fast-growing Direct-to-consumer India food brand. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, this deal highlights rising investor confidence in clean-label, convenience-driven D2C food and beverage brands.

Founded in 2020 by Nischal Kandula and Richa Sharma, CURRYiT is a New Delhi-based D2C food brand focused on clean, preservative-free Indian cooking pastes. The founders entered the tank seeking ₹60 lakh for 1% equity, valuing the company at ₹60 crore. After negotiations, Mohit Yadav made a counter-offer of ₹1.5 crore for 3.3% equity plus 1.2% advisory equity. The founders accepted the offer, securing both capital and strategic mentorship—an important moment within D2C funding news conversations.

CURRYiT operates within the expanding D2C ecosystem India by simplifying traditional Indian cooking for modern consumers. With over 20 products across curry, biryani, and vegetable categories, the brand enables customers to prepare authentic Indian meals in approximately 15 minutes without chopping, excessive prep, or artificial preservatives.

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Misfits Secures ₹1 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India Season 5 to Scale India’s Offline Community Platform

In a notable D2C news India moment within the evolving social and community-driven Direct-to-consumer India landscape, Gurugram-based startup Misfits appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5 and secured a ₹1 crore investment for 3% equity. For those tracking D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, the deal highlights the growing investor appetite for platforms that build real-world engagement beyond pure ecommerce.

Founded by Shashwat Narhatiyar and Saurabh Chaitanya, Misfits is building hobby-based offline communities that help people connect through shared interests and activities. Positioned within the broader D2C ecosystem India, the startup enables users to discover, join, and host local clubs and hobby groups through its mobile platform. Activities span sports, music, art, game nights, and curated social meetups, reflecting emerging D2C consumer behavior India trends where community, belonging, and experiential engagement are becoming key value drivers.

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“₹500 crore didn’t make me happy. ₹2700 crore didn’t make me happy.”

Early on, Priyanka remembers telling her co-founder, “If we ever reach ₹100 crore, I’ll finally feel like we made it.”

They hit ₹100 crore.

The satisfaction lasted a few days.

By Monday morning, the question had changed:

“What does ₹500 crore look like?”

She’s spoken to enough founders to know this isn’t rare.

You chase a number. You hit it. And instead of joy, you feel a strange emptiness — as if the finish line was never really there.

At ₹1 crore, she thought ₹100 crore would mean freedom.

At ₹100 crore, she thought ₹500 crore would mean validation.

At ₹2700 crore, she still wakes up thinking about what’s not working.

The high from milestones fades quickly.

What stays is the gap between where you are and where your mind has already moved.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

That restlessness is what builds companies.

The inability to feel “done” is what took The Sleep Company from selling 3 mattresses a day to building a team of 1800+ people.

Even when everything is going right, the founder’s default setting is “not enough.”

Priyanka watches her son celebrate a football goal — fully, joyfully, without an asterisk. She can’t remember the last time she felt that way about a business milestone.

Maybe the founder brain isn’t wired for contentment.

She’s still figuring out whether that’s a superpower — or a cost.

📌 D2C INSIDER WEEKLY UPDATE — BHARAT MODE: ON 🇮🇳🚀

We’ve done metros.

Now we’re unlocking Bharat.

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

Six cities. One powerful confluence.

Jaipur. Chandigarh. Pune. Ahmedabad. Chennai. Hyderabad.

Not just networking.

Not just panels.

But curated, high-conviction rooms where operators, capital, and brands collide.

If you’re building in India’s consumer space, this isn’t optional — it’s strategic.

Bharat is building.

We’re bringing the ecosystem to it.

🎟 Registrations are live: cxomeets.d2cinsider.com

Reliance Consumer Acquires Manna, Strengthening Its Play in India’s Fast-Growing Millet & Health Foods D2C Ecosystem

Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), which is the FMCG part of Reliance Industries, has bought Southern Health Foods. This company from Tamil Nadu owns Manna, a well-known health food brand. The price isn’t public, but it’s a move to grow in the quickly changing India Direct-to-consumer and packaged food market.

If you follow India’s D2C news, this deal shows that the D2C scene in India is getting more consolidated. This is especially true for health-focused foods like millet-based products. Southern Health Foods has been around for over 20 years and made Manna a well-known brand in Tamil Nadu and nearby southern states.

Manna sells millets, oats, multigrain items, breakfast cereals, health mixes, dry fruits, and baby food. These products fit well with what Indian D2C consumers want, like good nutrition, traditional grains, and ways to stay healthy. Their millet flour, multigrain drink mixes, and baby food are trusted in the health food world. That makes Manna a good addition to RCPL’s growing food section.

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GIVA Raises $12 Mn in Series C Extension, Valuation Climbs to ₹4,900 Cr Amid Strong D2C Growth Momentum

In the latest D2C news India spotlighting sustained investor confidence in high-growth consumer brands, omnichannel jewellery startup GIVA is set to raise ₹110 crore (approximately $12 million) in an extended Series C funding round. The round is led by HPV CC1 Ltd, with participation from Premji Invest, Kenro Capital, and Titan Capital—marking another significant milestone in D2C funding news and Indian D2C updates.

This fresh capital infusion comes just nine months after GIVA raised ₹530 crore ($61.5 million) in its Series C round in June last year. With this extension, GIVA’s D2C startup valuation is expected to rise to around ₹4,900 crore ($545 million), reflecting a 22% increase from its previous valuation of nearly ₹4,000 crore. The development stands out in D2C funding rounds and reinforces GIVA’s position among top funded D2C brands in the D2C ecosystem India.

According to regulatory filings, GIVA’s board has approved the issuance of 94,01,710 Series C1 compulsorily convertible preference shares at ₹117 per share to raise the ₹110 crore tranche. HPV CC1 Ltd is leading the round with an investment of ₹74.25 crore, followed by Kenro Capital with ₹13.75 crore in primary capital. Premji Invest (via PI Opportunities Fund II) and Titan Capital (via Winners Fund) are investing ₹11 crore each. The proceeds will be deployed toward operational expenses, hiring, marketing, and other general corporate purposes—fueling GIVA’s D2C expansion plans and omnichannel D2C strategy

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Pepperfry Raises $17.6 Mn in Fresh Funding Round, Reinforces Omnichannel D2C Expansion Strategy Amid Evolving Market Dynamics

In the latest D2C news India and D2C funding news update, omnichannel furniture brand Pepperfry is raising ₹158.4 crore (approximately $17.6 million) in a fresh funding round led by Morde Foods and SageOne Investments, with participation from Newage Global Ventures, F3 Advisors, and over 50 investors, including angel investor and Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer. This development adds to the ongoing momentum in D2C funding rounds and highlights how established D2C brands India are recalibrating for sustainable growth within the D2C ecosystem India.

The board approved the issuance of 40,51,174 equity shares at an issue price of ₹391 each to raise the capital, as per regulatory filings. Of the total ₹158.4 crore, Pepperfry has already received ₹105 crore (approximately $11.7 million), with the remaining capital expected shortly. Morde Foods is leading the round with ₹25 crore ($2.77 million), followed by SageOne Investments with ₹20 crore and Newage Global Ventures with ₹14.8 crore. Angel investors Sidharth Iyer and Vikas Arora are investing ₹15 crore and ₹8.25 crore respectively, alongside 49 other investors.

This round follows Pepperfry’s $5.1 million raise in June 2025 from existing investors including General Electric Pension Fund, Norwest Venture Partners, Goldman Sachs, and Panthera Growth Partners.

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Business Boost

Clayco Cosmetics Raises ₹29.99 Cr Series A to Accelerate Premium Skincare Growth in India’s Expanding D2C Beauty Ecosystem

In one of the latest D2C news India updates and a strong signal in D2C funding news, Clayco Cosmetics, a premium direct-to-consumer India skincare brand, has secured ₹29.99 crore ($3.3 million) in a Series A funding round led by London-based Twenty Nine Capital Partners. The round marks a significant milestone for the 2023-founded startup and reinforces investor confidence in India’s rapidly expanding D2C beauty and skincare India segment.

Founded by Niharika Jhunjhunwala, Clayco Cosmetics operates as a premium D2C brand focused on building high-quality skincare solutions for modern consumers. The startup’s board allotted 1,529 Series A non-cumulative Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) at a premium of ₹1.96 lakh per share on December 23, 2025, raising ₹29.99 crore in fresh capital. This Series A funding India transaction positions Clayco among the latest D2C startups attracting global capital in India’s D2C ecosystem India.

The ₹29.99 crore ($3.3 million) Series A funding from Twenty Nine Capital Partners will enable Clayco Cosmetics to scale operations, invest in product innovation, strengthen R&D, and significantly ramp up brand marketing.

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Sweet Karam Coffee Raises ₹30 Cr in Series A Extension at 85% Valuation Premium, Strengthening India’s D2C Food Growth Story

In the latest D2C news India spotlighting strong investor conviction in regional food brands, South Indian food startup Sweet Karam Coffee (SKC) is set to raise ₹30 crore (approximately $3.31 million) in a Series A extension round from existing investors Peak XV Partners and Fireside Ventures. The fresh capital comes at an 85% valuation premium, marking a significant milestone in D2C funding rounds and reinforcing momentum in India’s fast-growing D2C food and beverage brands segment.

According to regulatory filings, the board of Sweet Karam Coffee has approved the issuance of 19,221 Series A1 compulsorily convertible preference shares at an issue price of ₹15,609 per share to raise ₹30 crore in this tranche. Peak XV Partners will lead the round with ₹20 crore, while Fireside Venture Investment will participate with ₹10 crore. With this extension, the company’s post-money valuation is expected to rise to approximately ₹580 crore (around $64 million), up from ₹313 crore (about $36.7 million) in its previous $8 million round.

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House of Biryani Secures Investment from Amol Parashar, Strengthening Celebrity-Led Growth in India’s D2C Food Ecosystem

Cloud kitchen brand House of Biryan got an investment from actor Amol Parashar. This is his first step into the food and beverage world as an investor, not just someone promoting the brand. This gives a boost to India’s quickly changing D2C scene, where famous people are buying stakes in growing consumer brands.

For those following D2C startup news, this shows a bigger change in the D2C landscape. Celebrities are doing more than just endorsing D2C startups; they’re investing and becoming long-term partners. Parashar is joining former Indian cricket captain M S Dhoni, who also backs House of Biryan, adding well-known and trusted figures to the brand’s investor group.

Parashar, known for his roles in Tripling, Sardar Udham, and Gram Chikitsalay, and as an IIT Delhi graduate, brings together creative charm and smart thinking—qualities that fit well with today’s D2C brand stories. He announced his involvement in a funny social media video, presenting himself as a long-term partner in House of Biryan’s business, not just a face for ads.

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Founders Funded

ROSADA Secures ₹1.25 Cr on Shark Tank at ₹31.25 Cr Valuation, Strengthening India’s Premium Kids D2C Ecosystem

In one of the notable moments in recent D2C news India and D2C startup news, Kolkata-based ROSADA – Tots Luxury Brand appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5 and secured a deal that reinforces growing investor confidence in India’s premium kids and gifting segment within the D2C ecosystem India.

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Kolkata, Rosada Unicorn Pvt. Ltd. is a 100% Make in India luxury brand specializing in customized baby and kids’ products. The founders, Shalu Agarwal and Bhupesh Agarwal, entered the tank seeking ₹1.25 crore for 4% equity, implying a valuation of ₹31.25 crore. After deliberation, Sharks Ritesh, Aman, and Namita made a counter-offer of ₹1.25 crore for 5% equity along with a 2% royalty until ₹1.25 crore is recouped. The founders accepted the offer, marking a significant milestone in India’s fast-evolving Direct-to-consumer India landscape.

ROSADA operates in the premium kids’ lifestyle space, offering handcrafted, personalized products including school bags, name hangings, bedsheets, nursery décor, and curated gifting solutions.

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Kreo Secures Shark Tank Deal at ₹200 Cr Valuation, Powering India’s Fast-Growing D2C Electronics Ecosystem

In one of the standout moments in recent D2C news India and D2C startup news, Bengaluru-based Kreo appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5 and secured a strategic investment that reinforces investor confidence in India’s rapidly expanding gaming and creator economy within the D2C ecosystem India.

Founded in 2022 by Ishan Sukul and Himanshu Gupta, Kreo is an Indian Direct-to-consumer India consumer electronics brand focused on gaming and content creation. The founders entered the tank seeking ₹2 crore for 1% equity, implying a ₹200 crore valuation. After discussions, Shark Ritesh presented a counter-offer of ₹1 crore for 1% equity along with ₹1 crore in debt at 9% interest for three years. The founders accepted the deal, marking a key milestone in India’s evolving D2C funding news and early-stage angel investment D2C landscape.

Kreo operates in the high-growth D2C electronics and gadgets category, offering high-performance mice, mechanical keyboards, microphones, tripods, and lighting solutions tailored for gamers and content creators.

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Kelvin6K Secures ₹1 Crore Shark Tank Deal to Accelerate 3D-Printed Sustainable Construction in India

Kelvin6K, a construction company in Chennai, just got ₹1 crore in funding on Shark Tank India Season 5. This is a big deal for India’s tech and startup scene.

Dr. Pradeepkumar Sundarraj started Kelvin6K in 2020. They use concrete 3D printing to make houses faster, cheaper, and with way less pollution.

He went on Shark Tank asking for ₹1 crore for 1.3% of his company. Ritesh Agarwal made a different offer: ₹1 crore for 2.86% equity plus 2.14% advisory equity. The founder agreed, getting money and business advice.

Kelvin6K mixes robotics, sustainability, and construction tech. They use 3D concrete printers made in India to build homes right on-site. This cuts construction time by 50%, costs by 30%, and pollution by 90%. Their business is scalable and has a real impact.

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“25 years ago, that was me.”

As Umar Akhter celebrated the launch of Koskii’s new app and website with his young tech team, he found himself transported back in time.

Fresh graduates.

1–2 years of experience.

Big dreams. Quiet ambition.

He saw his younger self in them.

A broken second-hand Hero Winner.

A starter salary.

Working relentlessly.

Dreaming of “kabhi meri bhi gaadi hogi… kabhi apna ghar hoga.”

He wasn’t the smartest in the room.

Not an IIT. Not an IIM.

But a few principles never changed.

Do what aligns with who you are.

If you’re not sharp at what you do, maybe you’re in the wrong field. Find your calling.

Put in the extra effort.

Business-as-usual won’t separate you. The late nights will.

Believe.

That quiet faith — “hoga, bas time ki baat hai” — carries you when nothing seems to move.

And most importantly: ownership.

Own the outcome. The mistakes. The learning. No excuses.

Looking back, there are no regrets. Only gratitude.

Watching Koskii’s young tech team build the future reminded him of one simple truth:

Time rewards clarity, effort, belief, and ownership.

And their time will come too.

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📌 D2C INSIDER WEEKLY UPDATE — SOUTH GOES LIVE

No countdown now.

It’s happening.

Bangalore hosts the D2C Insider CXO Meet – South today — and the room is full of people who don’t just talk growth, they build it.

Founders walking in with ambition.
Investors walking in with intent.
Operators walking in with experience.

By evening, new conversations will have started — and some of them will turn into the next big moves in D2C.

Bangalore, let’s get to work. 🚀

USV Secures Majority Stake in Wellbeing Nutrition at ₹1,583 Cr, Marks Strategic Push Into D2C Nutraceuticals

In one of the most significant D2C acquisitions 2025 and major highlights in D2C news India, pharmaceutical major USV has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 79% stake in Nutritionalab Private Limited, the parent company of Wellbeing Nutrition. The transaction values the Direct-to-consumer India nutraceutical brand at approximately ₹1,583 crore, marking a strong moment in India’s D2C ecosystem India and reinforcing the growing momentum in D2C industry news.

Founded in 2019, Wellbeing Nutrition has emerged as one of the fastest-growing D2C wellness startups within India’s evolving Direct-to-consumer India landscape. Operating in the nutraceutical segment, the brand offers a diversified portfolio of vitamins, minerals, protein blends, collagen, omega supplements, and other wellness-focused formulations. The company follows a robust omnichannel D2C strategy, selling through its own digital platform, online marketplaces, and offline retail channels, while also maintaining an international presence across the US, UK, and UAE. This expansion reflects broader D2C expansion plans seen across the D2C ecosystem India.

According to company disclosures, Wellbeing Nutrition reported revenue of around ₹170 crore in FY25, with a reported loss of approximately ₹30 crore.

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Supertails Raises $30 Mn to Build India’s Full-Stack Petcare Ecosystem

Supertails, an Indian direct-to-consumer (D2C) pet care company, just got a big boost, snagging $30 million in funding led by Venturi Partners. Other investors like Nippon India Alternative Investments and Titan Capital also joined in, along with previous investors such as Fireside Ventures.

Varun Sadana, Aman Tekriwal, and Vineet Khanna, who used to work at Licious, started Supertails in 2021. It’s grown from a simple online store for pet food and toys into a complete pet care system. Now they offer vet services, grooming, food, and all sorts of everyday pet stuff. This funding comes as more Indian pet owners are looking for long-term care and a real relationship with their pets.

The new money will help Supertails grow its online and offline presence in cities all over India. They plan to quickly open more clinics and offer more services. They already have four clinics and grooming centers in Bangalore that are open 24/7 and have advanced equipment. They also provide at-home vet services like check-ups and shots. This mix of online and offline services helps build trust, which is key for any D2C business in India.

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Slurrp Farm, Backed by Anushka Sharma, Bags Funding at $90 Mn Valuation in India’s D2C Food Market

Slurrp Farm, a brand that makes snacks and meals for kids, just got ₹30 crore (about $3.3 million) in a Series C funding round from Scarlet Ventures. This is a big step for them as they grow in India’s fast-changing direct-to-consumer market. This new money comes almost two years after their last funding, which shows that investors are still interested in unique, healthy D2C brands in India that are building value over time in everyday food categories.

Before this, Slurrp Farm raised ₹60 crore ($7.2 million) in a Series C round in January 2024. Fireside Ventures, Raed Capital, and other current investors participated. According to official papers, Slurrp Farm’s parent company, Wholsum Food Private Limited, issued 1,04,457 Series C1 preference shares at ₹2,872 each to Scarlet Ventures, raising ₹30 crore.

After this round, Slurrp Farm is now worth about ₹810 crore (around $90 million), which is about 59% more than the previous round’s value of ₹510 crore. Scarlet Ventures now owns 3.7% of the company. The brand is still supported by institutional investors and strategic supporters. Slurrp Farm has raised close to $18 million in different D2C funding rounds, making it one of the more capital-efficient, VC-backed D2C brands in India’s food and beverage market.

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Business Boost:

Pilgrim Scales 24x to ₹400 Cr Revenue, Cracking the Offline Playbook in India’s D2C Beauty Market

Over the last few years, India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) scene has changed a lot, especially in the crowded beauty and personal care area. Some new brands have had a tough time with slower sales, rising costs to get customers, and trouble standing out. But Pilgrim has emerged as a standout story in D2C news India, scaling its revenue 24x to ₹400 crore in FY25 and setting a clear path toward ₹600 crore by FY26.

Pilgrim started in 2019 with a simple idea: create products inspired by global trends but made locally, price them fairly, and focus on millennial customers who care about ingredients, sustainability, and being ethical. This helped them stand out in the busy Indian beauty market, where big companies and international brands are common.

Pilgrim has grown against the trend in the Indian D2C market these past three years. While some beauty brands saw their sales drop or stay the same, Pilgrim went from ₹17 crore to ₹400 crore, helped by over $54 million in funding. Because of this, they’re one of the fastest-growing D2C brands in India and often come up in discussions about D2C startups and the industry.

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Blissclub Enters Menswear with ‘The Legendary Collection’, Expanding India’s Direct-to-Consumer Apparel Play

In a significant development for D2C news India and the broader D2C ecosystem India, Blissclub has officially entered the menswear category with the launch of The Legendary Collection, marking its first offering for men. Known as one of the most distinctive D2C brands India in the movement-first womenswear segment, Blissclub is now extending its comfort-led, performance-driven design philosophy into everyday menswear—signaling a major step in its D2C expansion plans.

For followers of D2C daily news, D2C startup news, and Indian D2C updates, this launch reflects how Direct-to-consumer India brands are evolving beyond single-gender positioning to build larger, more scalable consumer platforms. The Legendary Collection includes pants, jackets, polos, and crew necks designed for work, travel, and casual use, reinforcing Blissclub’s focus on movement, versatility, and everyday functionality within the D2C fashion and lifestyle category.

Founder and CEO Minu Margeret emphasized that the collection has been two years in the making. She highlighted a key consumer insight driving the expansion: in India’s hot and humid climate, traditional denim may not be the most practical staple for men. With The Legendary Collection, Blissclub aims to offer a noticeably better alternative.

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SteamPRO Raises ₹3.8 Cr Seed Round; D2C Insider Super Angels Backs India’s First Bath-Tech & Hydro Wellness Platform

In a major moment for D2C news India and D2C startup news, SteamPRO has raised ₹3.8 crore in a seed funding round co-led by Anicut Capital, Zeropearl VC, Atrium Ventures, and D2C Insider Super Angels. The investment reinforces rising conviction in India’s evolving Direct-to-Consumer India landscape, particularly within emerging D2C wellness startups and premium home innovation categories.

Positioned as India’s first bath-tech and hydro wellness platform, SteamPRO is building a category that sits at the intersection of home wellness, sustainable design, and technology-led experiences. For the broader D2C ecosystem India, this represents a shift toward platform-driven D2C brands India that aim to own daily consumer rituals rather than just sell standalone products.

The capital will be deployed to expand in-house manufacturing capacity, scale national service operations, and accelerate the development of a pipeline of hydro wellness products. As part of ongoing D2C funding rounds and evolving D2C funding news, SteamPRO’s full-stack model — from survey and installation to after-sales and AMCs — highlights a scalable D2C business model India built for long-term defensibility.

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Founders funded:

PadCare Labs Raises $3 Mn Led by Rainmatter to Scale Sanitary Waste Recycling Across India and APAC

PadCare Labs got $3 million in a pre-Series A funding round. Rainmatter led the round, and 3one4 Capital, Brigade REAP, and PKRBCV Shroff Trust also put money in. Some earlier investors, Lavni Ventures and 3i Partners, also participated. EXIM Bank and ICICI Bank offered debt support. This funding, which is a mix of equity and debt, shows that PadCare’s way of doing things—focusing on following the rules and being able to grow in India’s fast-growing sustainability scene—is a good one.

Ajinkya Dhariya started PadCare Labs in 2018. It works where environmental stuff, tech, and businesses that want to make a difference meet. As more and more Indian D2C companies talk about being sustainable, PadCare has become a key player in recycling used sanitary waste. This is something that hasn’t been given enough attention but is very important for public health, keeping cities clean, and making the economy circular. The company has created special tech to recycle used sanitary waste in a safe, compliant, and big way, which fits with both what the government wants and what companies want to achieve with sustainability.

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Panda’s Box Raises ₹1.2 Crore from Shark Tank India to Scale Screen-Free, Culturally Rooted Early Learning in India

Delhi-NCR–based Panda’s Box has raised ₹1.2 crore in funding from Shark Tank India, marking a key milestone in its growth journey within India’s rapidly evolving Direct-to-Consumer India ecosystem. The round saw joint participation from Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar, reinforcing growing investor confidence in purpose-led, culturally relevant D2C brands India

Founded in April 2022, Panda’s Box operates at the intersection of early childhood development, wellness, and mindful parenting. At a time when concerns around excessive screen time, digital overstimulation, and limited cultural engagement among young children are rising, the brand has positioned itself as a calm, thoughtful alternative within the D2C ecosystem India. Its focus on screen-free, culturally rooted early learning aligns closely with shifting D2C consumer behavior India, where parents increasingly seek meaningful, development-first products rather than passive digital engagement.

The ₹1.2 crore funding will be deployed to accelerate product innovation, expand distribution channels, strengthen Panda’s Box’s digital presence, and reach more families across India.

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Peyush Bansal, Co-founder — Lenskart

“We are not splitting TAM. We are creating it.”

As Lenskart announced its Q3 FY26 results, the numbers stood out —

Revenue up 37% YoY.

EBITDA crossing 20% for the first time.

PAT tripling.

NPS touching 81.

But for Peyush Bansal, the real milestone wasn’t financial.

This quarter alone, Lenskart conducted 6.3 million eye tests — nearly half for people accessing vision care for the first time.

Every eye test doesn’t just drive revenue.

It expands the market.

For years, Peyush has believed that when AI becomes the operating system of a company, growth and profitability stop being trade-offs — they begin compounding together.

At Lenskart, that belief is now visible:

AI enables remote optometry.

Predicts store performance before launch.

Personalizes frame recommendations in real time.

Learns with every transaction.

What looks like sudden acceleration is actually years of patient technology investment compounding at scale.

International markets are scaling ahead of India’s early trajectory.

Meller is unlocking digital-first global eyewear expansion.

And with smart glasses, Lenskart is stepping from eyewear into wearable intelligence.

For Peyush, this isn’t a peak.

It’s Day Zero toward Vision for Billion.

Because real scale isn’t about reporting strong quarters.

It’s about building decade-long moats.

📌 D2C INSIDER WEEKLY UPDATE — BUILD & CONNECT 🚀

Big week. Bigger momentum.

🚀 ELEVATE COHORT 6 — Applications Now Open

If you’re serious about building a breakout D2C brand, this is your room.

Elevate by D2C Insider returns with Cohort 6 — built for founders who want access to the top 1% of D2C operators, mentors, and growth experts.

No theory.

Real playbooks.

Hands-on guidance.

Founder-first growth.

🗓 Batch starts March 2026

👉 Apply Now : d2ci.co/elevate_apply

If you’re building — this is your unfair advantage.

🔥 CXO MEET – SOUTH | BANGALORE

The ecosystem gathers next in Bangalore.

The D2C Insider Regional CXO Meet – South brings together a curated room of builders, backers, and operators who actually move the consumer space forward.

🗓 21st February | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Bangalore

150+ founders

80+ brands

50+ investors

20+ enablers

High-signal conversations.

Real collaborations.

Zero fluff.

🎟 Register Now: cxomeets.d2cinsider.com

Want to be part of the action behind the scenes?

🤝 Volunteer with us: d2ci.co/Volunteer-Reg

South, let’s build what India buys next. 🚀