5 D2C Brands run by Women Entrepreneurs
New Delhi : In India, a D2C revolution is taking place, and women entrepreneurs are leading the way.
Digitalization has significantly contributed to creating a comfortable path for company owners to expand their operations and connect with customers. The D2C industry, which was estimated to be worth $44.6 billion in 2021, is anticipated to grow to $100 billion by 2025.
The phenomenal growth of direct-to-consumer brands is women empowerment. Today, as entrepreneurs and consumers, women have come out in the open to pursue or enjoy their passion for what interests them. They are independent enough to turn their passion into a profession.
Indian consumers are reshaping the direct-to-consumer market thanks to the rise in the purchasing power of women.
Here, let’s look at five D2C brands led by women entrepreneurs.
1. Jhaji Store- It is a homemade Bihari Pickles & Chutneys startup, started in October 2020 by two women entrepreneurs Mrs. Kalpana Jha & Mrs. Uma Jha from Darbhanga Bihar. JhaJi Store aspires to be a single brand for everything related to Bihari cuisine. And create meaningful livelihood opportunities for 300+ women in Darbhanga region.
They are providing 20 different varieties of pickles & chutneys like- Lal Mirch ka Bharua Achar, Mithila Special Mango Pickle, Garlic, Ginger and Chilli Mix Pickle, Amra Pickle and so on. They are currently available on their own Website jhajistore.com, Amazon & Big Basket.
This duo which appeared in India’s biggest reality show, Shark Tank India Season 1 asked for Rs.50 Lakhs for 10% Equity but got rejected. After seeing their hard work, potential, and business’ impact, in season 2, Namita Thapar (Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Vineeta Singh (CEO and Founder of Sugar Cosmetics), and Jharkhand Angels offered a deal wherein Jhaji raised Rs 1.3 CR, with investments from Sharks Vineeta, Namita and Investors of Jharkhand Angels Network (JAN).
In FY 2021-2022, their total revenue is INR 85L and In FY 2022-23; they end the financial year around INR 4 CR in sales.
2. Melorra- Melorra is an online retailer of gold Jewellery for ladies, that was established in 2016 by Saroja Yeramilli. It asserts to be present in 718 districts and more than 2,800 municipalities across the nation.
It raised $16 Mn in May for its Series D investment round from a number of previous investors as well as Axis Growth Avenues AIF-I, SRF Family Office, and N+1. The business has so far received $66.9 Mn in investment. It states that during the past few years, it has expanded at a CAGR of 200%. Additionally, it claimed that in the fiscal year 2021–2022, it had revenue of more than 360 Cr. INR and an annual revenue rate of almost $100 Mn.
It now aims to generate more than $100 Mn in net income for the fiscal year 2022–2023.
3. Heads Up For Tails – Heads Up For Tails sells a wide range of pet products such as preservative-free pet treats, organic supplements, and orthopedic beds and Founded in 2008 by Rashi Narag. It aims to increase awareness among pet parents regarding the need for pet care and wellness.
The Delhi-based pet care company received $37 Mn in its Series A fundraising round, which was co-led by Verlinvest and Sequoia Capital India, in August 2021. During that time, it employed 350 people. Back then it sought to broaden its product portfolio in overseas markets and introduce new product offerings across India.
4. Monrow Shoes - Veena Ashiya Chindlur established Monrow shoes in 2016. Before establishing a footwear company for women that combines fashion and comfort, Veena held a Master’s degree in fashion management from NIFT and had previously worked for Versace and Tommy Hilfiger. The business's data-led conceptual model has accelerated its growth. Monrow Shoes raised an additional million dollars from LC Nueva Investment Partners, preexisting investors including LetsVenture, and first-time investor the Playbook Fund after receiving $1 million in funding in early 2021 from nine unicorns.
Monrow shoes are made for wider feet. Several women that Veena spoke to complained of pain and bruising from wearing the inappropriate fit and size. The shoes include four foam layers and a larger surface area for cushioning. The vegan materials the shoes are comprised of allow wearers to walk guilt-free in addition to being lightweight.
5. FableStreet - FableStreet is a clothing company that focuses on women and was established in 2016 by Ayushi Gudwani. It provides customised and ready-to-wear clothing for female working professionals. It claims to use a three-body measurement algorithm for manufacturing personalised apparels.
It received $2.95 million in Series A funding in 2019. Before that, it obtained unspecified seed funding in 2017.On its cap table are companies like Fireside Ventures, Uber India and South Asia's Pradeep Parameswaran, Deutsche Bank's Dilip Khandelwal, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group's Suhail Sameer, and Fusiontech Ventures, among others.
