₹25 Crore for Ashneer Grover’s Zippee, Futwork’s Raise ₹21 Crore, & JC Penney’s Inclusive Line
In our Sixty-fifth D2C Insider edition, explore Futwork raises ₹21 crore from D2C Insider Angel Abhishek Goyal, Ashneer Grover-backed Zippee in Talks to Raise ₹25 Crore and more!
Welcome back to the latest edition of D2C Insider Digest!
Here, you'll find all the latest D2C news, updates from India's largest D2C community, and insights from top brands.
In today’s newsletter, you’ll discover:
Futwork, a Mumbai-based startup specializing in providing businesses with remote sales teams, has successfully raised Rs 21 crore in a funding round led by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Artha Venture Fund, and D2C Insider Angel Network. The startup aims to leverage the funds to scale its platform and expand its workforce.
Key Points:
Investor Focus: The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is known for backing mission-driven startups that focus on job creation and economic empowerment. Artha Venture Fund invests in early-stage businesses, while D2C Insider Angel Network actively supports promising D2C and tech startups.
Services Offered: Futwork helps companies build and manage remote sales teams, increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Expansion Plans: The fresh capital will be used to scale operations, strengthen their technological capabilities, and expand their customer base.
Zippee, a grocery delivery startup founded in 2023 and backed by Ashneer Grover, is reportedly raising ₹25 crore in fresh capital to fuel its expansion across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Key Points:
Funding Goal: Zippee’s upcoming round will allow them to expand their services to underserved cities and towns in India. Competing in the hyperlocal delivery space, Zippee focuses on quick grocery deliveries, positioning itself as a strong rival to established players like Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket.
Strategic Vision: Ashneer Grover’s involvement brings significant attention and experience to Zippee, giving it an edge in the competitive quick-commerce space.
Growth Outlook: With rising demand for faster grocery deliveries, Zippee aims to tap into new customer segments and expand its logistical capabilities.
JC Penney Launches Adaptive Apparel for Wheelchair Users
JC Penney has introduced an adaptive apparel line designed specifically for wheelchair users, aiming to address the unique needs of people with disabilities.
Key Points:
Inclusive Design: The collection is tailored to enhance comfort and functionality while maintaining JC Penney’s focus on style and affordability. The new collection features inclusive design elements like magnetic closures, adjustable hems, and easy-access fastenings, making dressing easier for people with mobility challenges.
Strategic Move: This launch marks a broader push by the retailer to provide adaptive clothing options, part of an industry-wide effort to cater to diverse consumer needs.
Customer Impact: By expanding its product range, JC Penney aims to empower and include a larger segment of the population, creating a positive shopping experience for everyone.
Saddleback Announces Sportful Goes Direct-to-Consumer in the UK
Saddleback, a distributor of premium cycling apparel, has announced that Sportful, an Italian cycling brand, will now be available direct-to-consumer (D2C) via a dedicated UK website.
Key Points:
New Strategy: Sportful's shift to a D2C model in the UK aims to strengthen customer engagement and boost sales through direct interaction with consumers.
Improved Access: The dedicated website will allow UK cyclists to shop Sportful’s high-performance gear more conveniently, without relying on third-party retailers.
Market Growth: The move reflects the growing popularity of D2C channels for premium sports brands, allowing them to better control pricing, product launches, and customer data.
1. Regional CXO Meet North with Amit Jain
D2C Insider is bringing a Shark to your region! 🦈
Join us for exclusive insights and networking with some of the brightest minds in the D2C space.
Save The Date: 19th October 2024, Delhi - NCR, 2-10 PM
✅Secure your seat - Register here
✅Investors - Register here
But that’s not all...
2. D2C Insider Elevate Cohort 2 - Demo Day
On the same day, at the same venue.
Experience the Insider Elevate Cohort 2 Demo Day!
18 top D2C startups will pitch for a minimum committed capital of INR 1 Crore in front of 50+ seasoned investors.
Whether you're looking to see the future of D2C or invest yourself:
General Attendees - Reserve Your Seat
Investors - Register Here
3. Welcome Rahul Khetan as Our New Super Angel!
Introducing our new Super Angel for the D2C Insider Angels Fund:
Rahul is known for helping retailers launch physical stores faster and scale their businesses significantly with ultimate shopfitting solutions. Now, he’s here to help D2C insiders.
Get involved:
Apply to Become a Super Angel: Join Our Fund
Founders Seeking Funds: Apply Here
4. Working Capital Insights from Rahul Vishwakarma
Working capital is crucial for day-to-day operations, but can it go negative?
Rahul Vishwakarma, Founder & CEO of Crest, addressed this question during D2C Insider Elevate Cohort 2.
This is just one of many questions he is answering as he guides the upcoming D2C giants.
Join D2C Insider Elevate's Cohort 3 and be part of the hustle to grow your D2C business:
FableStreet is changing the fashion game for Indian women with its focus on perfect fit. Founded in 2016 by Ayushi Gudwani, the brand addresses the challenge of finding western wear that suits Indian body types.
We share everything—struggles, contacts, resources, talent, and support.
Together, we’re breaking stereotypes and proving that by helping each other, we can go further than ever before.
As a female founder running a D2C brand, you're already navigating a lot. But with our community of like-minded women, you're never alone.
Humility in Leadership
Bharat Sethi, Founder of Rage Coffee, in his recent post, talked about the importance of humility in the workplace. Whether you’re just starting out as an employee, entrepreneur, or professional, Sethi advocates for keeping egos in check as you navigate your career.
For young professionals looking to grow into strong leaders, humility is not just a virtue but a strategy for success.
India's retail landscape is evolving beyond quick commerce.
From the rise of omnichannel strategies to data-driven supply chains, explore what’s next in retail innovation and how it will reshape consumer experiences.
Don't miss out on future D2C knowledge bombs! 💣
Stay tuned for upcoming webinars and industry insights 🌟
Until then, keep rocking the D2C world! 🚀
