Latest news with #Purplle
Mint
29-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
After Wakefit, Verlinvest lines up Purplle and Veeba for IPOs
One down, at least two more to go. After Verlinvest SA's portfolio company Wakefit Innovations Ltd filed for an IPO last week, the Belgium-based investment firm is queuing up beauty products platform Purplle and condiments maker Veeba for the public markets. At least two more consumer startups from the investment firm's India portfolio could go public over the next two years, said Arjun Anand, executive director at Verlinvest. Wakefit, which sells mattresses, beds, sofas, and home furnishings, filed for a ₹468.2 crore initial public offering last week. Verlinvest is now preparing some of its mature investments, including Purplle and Veeba, for a public market debut, Anand told Mint, adding that both these companies have crossed ₹1,000 crore in annual revenue. Veeba and Purplle have not yet filed their financials for 2024-25. While Wakefit is in an advanced stage of going public, Veeba and Purplle are likely to consider a listing over the next two years, Anand added. 'That's how the flywheel works," said Anand. 'Four to five mature companies will exit, three to four new ones will enter, and we will double down on the rest, just like we did with Blue Tokai." Verlinvest invested a second tranche of $9 million in Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters this month, after putting in $20-21 million last year in the cafe and coffee brand. Mint reported in January that the firm was planning to participate in a fresh investment round in pet care brand Heads Up For Tails. Verlinvest's other investments in India include yoghurt brand Epigamia and fertility services chain Ferty9. It previously also backed edtech platform Byju's. As part of its plan to add 2-3 brands to its India portfolio every year, Verlinvest is actively scouting segments such as healthcare services, food and beverage, beauty, and experiential lifestyle for fresh investments, according to Anand. Purplle, founded in 2012, has raised more than $500 million. In October, the beauty products retailer announced closing its Series F funding round at ₹1,500 crore (about $175,000), led by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. In July last year, Purplle said it had raised ₹1,000 crore in a funding round led by an arm of ADIA at a valuation of $1.25 billion. Its other investors include Blume Ventures, billionaire Azim Premji's Premji Invest, and Sharrp Ventures. Veeba, also founded in 2012, sells sauces, dips, and other condiments. According to market research platform Tracxn, Veeba has raised $58.3 million from investors including Verlinvest, DSG Consumer Partners, and Saama Capital, and is currently valued at about ₹1,860 crore (about $217 million). Purplle declined to comment on its IPO plans. Veeba didn't immediately reply to Mint's email. Verlinvest's flywheel Founded in 1995 by the family promoters of Belgium's AB InBev, the world's largest beer company, Verlinvest invests in consumer companies across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Unlike most private equity or venture capital funds, Verlinvest does not raise capital in cycles or return capital to limited partners, who are investors in PE and VC funds. Instead, it invests permanent capital from its founding shareholders and recycles gains from successful share sales into new investments. 'Our structure gives us flexibility on timelines. We are not bound by fund life," Anand said. 'We can keep putting more capital into a company over time, and exit when the market is ready." Verlinvest's approach 'gives founders breathing room to build products and expand distribution networks genuinely, rather than chasing quick returns", said Roma Priya, founder of Burgeon Law, which counts both established and emerging businesses among its clients. 'That aligns well with India's consumer brand landscape, where long-term development often wins over fast scale." India's public market has recently seen a pipeline of consumer-facing companies joining the IPO queue, following in the footsteps FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd (Nykaa) and Honasa Consumer (Mamaearth), both beauty products retailers, and electric scooter maker Ather Energy. Eyewear retailer Lenskart, online meat seller Licious, electronics and wearables maker boAt, and stock-broking platform Groww are also planning to ride the resurgence in India's IPO market. 'India had the highest number of IPOs in the Asia-Pacific region recently, and over 90 companies have already filed to go public," said Priya. 'For global investors, this signals better exit opportunities driven by improved market sentiment, regulatory support, and a maturing base of Indian retail and institutional investors." Per Wakefit's IPO filing, Verlinvest plans to offload about 10.19 million shares purchased at ₹82.67 apiece, signalling a lucrative investment exit for the firm. Earlier this year, Verlinvest sold its remaining 12% stake in Sula Vineyards Ltd, which made its public market debut in December 2022, and trimmed its holding in Purplle from 17% to 10% through a secondary transaction involving the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). 'Sula returned over 4-5x on our investment, and Purplle also delivered extremely high returns," said Anand. 'Because the exits did well, we are in a strong position to reinvest and scale up."
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
A Greener Tomorrow: How Pack8's Project Aranyam is Making an Impact
In an era where sustainability is a necessity, Pack8 is leading the charge with innovative eco-friendly packaging solutions. Praveen Shinde, Founder of Pack8 is committed to eliminating single-use plastic waste, the company has transitioned to paper-based materials, already removing over 3,600+ tons of single-use plastic waste from the environment. One of its most ambitious initiatives, Project Aranyam, is not just about sustainability, it's about creating a long-lasting impact on the planet. With a goal to plant 1 million trees by 2030, this project directly offsets carbon emissions, fosters biodiversity, and provides employment opportunities for local communities. Key Achievements of Project Aranyam As per Akshay Mhole, who leads the sustainability initiatives at Pack8, The Project Aryanam has planted more than 14,169 trees, sequestering 283,380 kg of CO2 upon maturity. He says that the initiative is not just about planting trees but ensuring their long-term survival. Each tree is nurtured for up to five years, increasing its chances of thriving and maximizing its environmental impact. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project has also provided employment opportunities for local communities, making sustainability an economic driver. Purplle, one of India's leading omnichannel beauty destinations quoted 'At Purplle, we believe that every small step towards sustainability counts. Partnering with Pack8 and adopting HexCush Honeycomb paper rolls has helped us eliminate plastic waste while actively contributing to reforestation through the Aryanam Project. It's a powerful reminder that responsible packaging can drive real environmental change.' How Project Aranyam Works In Project Aranyam, whenever Pack8 processes a significant amount of paper at their factory, they give back to nature by planting a tree, integrating sustainability directly into the company's business model. Trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, with a single mature tree absorbing approximately 20 kg of CO2 per year. Beyond just planting, Pack8 focuses on creating Microforests, Agro Forests, and Miyawaki Forests, enhancing biodiversity while strengthening ecosystems. Unlike many tree-planting initiatives, Pack8 ensures long-term maintenance for every tree, making the project truly impactful. Pack8's Shift to Sustainable Materials Beyond tree planting, Pack8 is revolutionizing the packaging industry by replacing plastic with sustainable alternatives. The company has already eliminated 3,600+ tons of single use plastic waste by transitioning to paper-based packaging. Additionally, Pack8 is moving away from virgin kraft paper, embracing 100% recycled paper, a move that significantly reduces environmental impact while promoting responsible sourcing. In FY 24-25, they have processed 466 tons of recycled paper and for FY 25-26 they are projecting to process 3000 tons of recycled paper. Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals Project Aranyam aligns with six key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By absorbing CO2 and mitigating climate change, it contributes to Climate Action (SDG 13). Its reforestation efforts support biodiversity and restore ecosystems, addressing Life on Land (SDG 15). Urban tree plantations improve air quality and reduce heat islands, promoting Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). By prioritizing sustainable packaging solutions, Pack8 fosters Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). The initiative also creates local job opportunities, helping to combat poverty (SDG 1), while food-bearing trees contribute to Zero Hunger (SDG 2). Pack8's 2030 Sustainability Goals By 2030, Pack8 aims to eliminate 10,000+ tons of single-use plastic waste through sustainable packaging alternatives. The company is also committed to planting 1 million trees, restoring green cover while offsetting carbon emissions. Another key target is to shift entirely to 100% recycled paper, ensuring responsible and sustainable sourcing of materials. How You Can Support Project Aranyam Sustainability is a collective effort, and every individual can contribute. By choosing Pack8's sustainable products, consumers directly support reforestation initiatives. Spreading awareness about Project Aranyam helps drive conversations around the importance of environmental restoration. Engaging in local tree-planting initiatives and adopting eco-friendly habits, such as reducing plastic use and conserving resources, can further amplify the impact. Conclusion Pack8's Project Aranyam is setting new standards for corporate responsibility, proving that business growth and environmental impact can go hand in hand. With every tree planted, Pack8 is building a greener tomorrow—(one tree at a time)*. As sustainability becomes a global priority, initiatives like Project Aranyam show that every action counts. Whether by choosing sustainable products, raising awareness, or participating in conservation efforts, we all have a role in shaping a healthier planet.
