This Week's D2C Power Moves: Curefoods, Nykaa, Woolah, Eggoz & More
In the 96th edition of Pulse Weekly, we bring you the biggest shakeups in the Indian D2C space. From game-changing fundraises to strategic expansions, and more...
Curefoods is making waves by filing its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI, aiming to raise a whopping ₹800 crore through a fresh issue and an offer for sale (OFS) of 4.85 crore shares. This IPO is a big milestone for the Bengaluru-based cloud kitchen and D2C food brand as it looks to expand its digital-first food empire.
In the OFS, stakes will be diluted by investors like Iron Pillar (1.9 crore shares), Crimson Winter (97.6 lakh), Accel India (45.75 lakh), Chiratae Ventures (64.5 lakh), and Global eCommerce (35.24 lakh). Interestingly, founder and CEO Ankit Nagori has chosen not to participate in the OFS, which shows his commitment to the long-term vision of the company.
2. Nykaa Eyes Fashion EBITDA Break-Even in FY26, Launches Korean Brand Anua
Nykaa is setting its sights on achieving EBITDA break-even in its fashion division by FY26, which shows a clear shift towards prioritizing profitability beyond just its beauty segment.
According to their latest investor update, Nykaa Fashion has experienced impressive growth, boasting a 55% CAGR, with its GMV skyrocketing from ₹666 Cr in FY21 to ₹3,804 Cr in FY25. The customer base for fashion has exploded from 700K to 8 million, thanks to an expanded product range and new brand collaborations.
As Wakefit prepares for its ₹468 Cr Initial Public Offering (IPO), co-founders Ankit Garg and Chaitanya Ramalingegowda have bolstered their equity stake by purchasing 26 lakh equity shares through a rights issue, as revealed in the company’s Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP).
This strategic decision comes right on the heels of the D2C home and sleep solutions brand transitioning into a public company. The share allotment highlights the founding team’s long-term dedication and faith in Wakefit’s business as it steps into the public markets. The IPO will feature a fresh issue of ₹468 Cr along with an Offer for Sale (OFS) of 5.84 Cr equity shares from various institutional investors, including Peak XV Partners, Verlinvest, SAI Global, and Redwood Trust.
2. Woolah Tea Secures Global Patent for Bagless Tea Technology, Puts Assam on the D2C Map
In a significant milestone for the Indian D2C ecosystem, Assam-based D2C food and beverage brand Woolah Tea has secured a 20-year global patent for its revolutionary Bagless Tea Technology. The patented process, titled “Compressed True Whole Leaf Tea Dips and Method Thereof”, redefines convenience and sustainability in tea consumption—paving the way for Woolah to stand tall among the fastest-growing D2C brands in India.
Woolah Tea, operated by TTLT India Pvt Ltd, has taken a bold leap forward in the D2C business India landscape. The startup’s innovation eliminates the need for plastic-based tea bags by compressing handpicked whole leaf Assam tea into compact, eco-friendly pods. These pods dissolve directly into hot water like traditional dip bags but leave behind zero waste. With no nylon, plastic, glue, or staples, Woolah’s offering aligns perfectly with the rising trend of sustainable D2C brands and modern D2C consumer behavior in India.
1. Eggoz To Raise ₹125 Cr In Series C Led by Gaja Capital
Gurugram-based agritech startup Eggoz is gearing up to raise ₹125 crore (around $14.6 million) in its Series C funding round, led by Gaja Capital, with support from existing investors IvyCap Ventures and Rebright Partners. According to regulatory filings, Gaja Capital is set to invest ₹100 crore, while IvyCap will contribute ₹20.94 crore and Rebright will chip in ₹4.05 crore.
On top of that, Eggoz plans to secure an additional ₹1.3 crore through a preferential allotment from angel investor Anurag Jhanwar. Founded in 2017 by Abhishek Negi, Aditya Singh, and Uttam Kumar, Eggoz sources its eggs directly from farmers and distributes them across India through both online platforms and physical stores.
2. Aukera Raises $15 Mn Series B To Expand Lab-Grown Diamond Footprint
Aukera, the Bengaluru-based brand specializing in lab-grown diamond jewelry, has successfully raised $15 million in a Series B funding round led by Peak XV Partners, with contributions from existing investors like Fireside Ventures, Sparrow Capital, Prath Ventures, and Alteria Capital. This funding will be used to boost retail operations, enhance their product range, and solidify their presence in India’s dynamic fine jewelry market.
Founded just two years ago by Lisa Mukhedkar and Kumar Saurabh, Aukera currently operates 13 stores in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Hyderabad. The brand is now looking to expand into new cities and has set an ambitious goal to become a ₹1,000 Cr brand within the next 5 to 7 years.
3. FitFeast Raises INR 5.5 Cr from IPV, Onboards Shane Watson to Lead the D2C Protein Revolution in India
In a significant move for the D2C ecosystem India, FitFeast, one of the latest D2C food and beverage brands, has raised INR 5.5 crore in a D2C funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The seed round also saw participation from high-profile investors, including Raghav Singhal (Founder, Swasthum Wellness), Santosh Govindaraju, and senior executives from HSBC—boosting FitFeast’s presence in the ever-evolving D2C startup news landscape.
Founded in 2021 by Aditya Poddar, FitFeast has emerged as a direct-to-consumer India brand dedicated to reinventing protein-rich snacking. With a product range including protein chips, Malai Kulfi shakes, and dessert bars tailored for Indian palates, FitFeast is leading the way among creator-led D2C brands and celebrity-backed D2C startups in the functional food category.
Mystiqare – Centuries of Wisdom, Scientifically Perfected
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Mystiqare is reimagining skincare by merging time-tested beauty rituals from around the world with cutting-edge, AI-led formulation science. Focused on delivering high-performance, sensorial skincare, the brand stands out for its commitment to quality, design, and affordability—without cutting corners.
Founded by Sandeep Singh, Mayar Rizvi, Siddhartha Dutta, and Nidhi Kumari, Mystiqare brings together a rare combination of scientific research, brand-building expertise, and a deep respect for heritage. Each product is built with care—using clean, powerful ingredients, thoughtful packaging, and global standards in mind.
Whether it's glow-boosting serums or nourishing creams, Mystiqare caters to the modern Indian consumer who seeks the best of both worlds: traditional wisdom and scientific innovation.
Sanjeev Barnwal, Co-founder of Meesho, shares how a personal question sparked one of India’s most impactful startups. Returning from Japan after working on high-end tech at Sony, Sanjeev found himself wondering: Who are we really building for?
The answer wasn’t in labs or luxury markets—it was in the everyday lives of people he grew up around. Along with Vidit Aatrey, he set out to create a platform that could shift the balance, using technology to empower small sellers across the country. What began in a small flat in Koramangala became a movement of millions.
Get Your Brand in the Right Room – D2C Insider CXO Meet – West is Happening in Mumbai on 26th July
The most anticipated gathering of the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) ecosystem in Western India is just around the corner! D2C Insider is thrilled to announce the Regional CXOMeet – West, taking place on 26th July in Mumbai. This exclusive, invite-only event will bring together the brightest minds and most influential leaders shaping the future of D2C brands in India.
At the heart of this regional CXO meet is a simple mission: to create meaningful connections among top founders, investors, and enablers in the D2C space. Whether you're looking to explore strategic partnerships, gain industry insights, or simply be part of a powerful network, this event promises unparalleled value. With over 100+ handpicked attendees, the event will feature high-impact conversations, curated networking opportunities, and a premium goodie bag showcasing emerging products from promising brands. If you're looking to get your product into the right hands or elevate your presence in the D2C community, this is your moment.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be where the D2C action is. Whether you're an established brand or an emerging player, the D2C Insider Regional CXO Meet – West is your gateway to growth, visibility, and powerful connections. Register now and join us in Mumbai on 26th July to be a part of a movement that’s redefining consumer commerce in India.
