Latest news with #RukamCapital
Entrepreneur
08-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
WiseLife and Linkrunner Raise Early-Stage Funding for Growth
The below brands have announced their latest funding rounds. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. WiseLife Raises INR 8 Cr from Rukam Capital to Expand Yoga and Wellness Offerings WiseLife, a homegrown brand for yoga and fitness essentials, has raised INR 8 crore in a pre-Series A round led by Rukam Capital. The funds will be used to scale the brand's presence as India's leading provider of premium, eco-friendly yoga gear and wellness products. Founded in 2022 by Prateek Kedia, WiseLife offers biodegradable yoga mats, fitness equipment, and lifestyle accessories designed for sustainability, affordability, and aesthetics. The startup first gained national attention after its appearance on Shark Tank India Season 3, where it secured funding from all four sharks — Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal, Ritesh Aggarwal, and Namita Thapar. "The current funding round will help us scale WiseLife from a boutique brand to India's No. 1 yoga brand," said Kedia. "We'll develop better products and content for yoga and fitness enthusiasts." Previously, WiseLife raised USD 145K in seed funding in September 2024. Backing the vision, Rukam Capital's Archana Jahagirdar said, "India is at the cusp of a wellness revolution. WiseLife stands out by creating products that are both functionally superior and emotionally resonant." With a growing customer base, WiseLife plans to expand distribution, introduce new products, and deepen community engagement in the coming year. Linkrunner Secures INR 5 Cr Funding from Titan Capital to Redefine App Analytics Linkrunner, an AI-powered app attribution and analytics platform, has raised INR 5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Titan Capital, with participation from angel investor Samir Sood and early-stage venture firm The funds will be deployed towards hiring across engineering, data science, and sales teams, as well as driving product innovation and go-to-market strategies across India, the company said in a press statement. Founded by Shreyans Sancheti and Darshil Rathod, both early team members at Bluelearn, Linkrunner offers a homegrown mobile measurement partner (MMP) platform tailored for modern Indian consumer apps. The platform helps businesses track user metrics, optimise advertising spend, and make data-driven growth decisions. "Major ad networks like Google and Meta don't recognise any Indian MMPs, which limits options for local companies," said Sancheti. "We're building one of India's first AI-driven attribution engines to change that." Linkrunner has already onboarded clients like Stimuler, Grapevine, Fold Money, and Abcoffee, with onboarding completed in under an hour and a pricing model designed for startups. A Titan Capital spokesperson said, "Linkrunner is solving a critical gap in India's app ecosystem by unifying marketing data and enabling smarter decisions."
Business Standard
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Antinorm Enters the Indian Beauty Market with Disruptive, Purpose-Built Product Line
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 2: Antinorm, a new-age minimalist beauty and personal care brand founded by former investor Aparna Saxena, officially launched in Delhi with an exclusive event attended by key stakeholders, including early backers and VC partners Arjun Vaidya (V3 Ventures) and Archana Jahagirdar (Rukam Capital), who shared their support for the brand's bold vision. With an initial line-up of fresh takes on the Dry Shampoo, Hair Cream, and Lip Balm, Antinorm aims to redefine the way Indian women approach beauty -- with clean, effective, and intelligently crafted formulations for Indian climate. Antinorm is designed for fast-moving, hard-working Indian women who want results without the clutter. Rooted in clean science and built with minimalist design thinking, the brand challenges the over-engineered routines dominating the beauty market. Every product is multifunctional, rigorously tested, and created for Indian skin, hair, and lifestyle -- factoring in everyday stressors like pollution, humidity, and heat. Speaking on the brand's mission, Aparna Saxena, Founder & CEO of Antinorm, said, "Antinorm is built on the idea that beauty should keep up with life -- not slow it down. After years of investing in and studying Indian consumer behavior, I saw a major gap -- beauty brands were over-promising, under-delivering, and ignoring the realities of Indian skin, climate, and routines. Antinorm is my attempt to fix that. Our mission is simple: less product, more impact. We want to empower women to do more, with less." The grand launch witnessed high consumer interest on Day 1 across online platforms, signaling strong early product-market fit. Antinorm is currently available through its D2C website and will soon be launching on leading e-commerce marketplaces. Plans are also in motion for entry into premium offline retail. Commenting on the launch, Arjun Vaidya, Co-founder and Managing Partner at V3 Ventures, said,"At V3 Ventures, we look for brands with founder-market fit, and AntiNorm exemplifies that. Aparna's deep consumer investing experience and product-first approach have resulted in a brand that breaks through the clutter with thoughtfulness and purpose. AntiNorm isn't just another beauty label--it's a fresh perspective on what Indian women truly need." Commenting on the Archana, General Partner at Rukam Capital, added, "You rarely get an opportunity to unveil an entire range of a brand that is built for consumers who seek simple yet effective skincare. When Aparna first spoke to us, we were impressed by how she listened to the market and the needs of millions of potential consumers. She envisioned innovating for Indian women, who are high-performers and always on the move. She focused on essential, not excessive, while formulating products that are attuned to Indian hair and skin. This vision and understanding of the market also percolated into how she communicates with her audience, making a direct connection with her consumers." With new SKUs in development, a strong D2C strategy, and an ARR target of ₹20 crore by FY25-26, Antinorm is poised to disrupt the Indian beauty landscape. Built at the intersection of clean science, sustainability, and function -- this is not just another brand launch, it's a movement to simplify beauty care for a generation that's doing it all. About AntiNorm AntiNorm is a new-age D2C beauty and personal care brand designed for fast-moving, hard-working Indian women. Built at the intersection of clean science, functionality, and minimalism, the brand exists to challenge the cluttered, over-engineered beauty routines that dominate the industry today. Founded by Aparna Saxena, a former Silicon Valley investor who turned entrepreneur, AntiNorm was born from a simple insight -- most Indian women don't need more, they need better. Beauty products that work as hard as they do. That move seamlessly with them from early meetings to late-night plans. That deliver real results without the drama. At its core, AntiNorm is purpose-built: utility-first formulations designed to replace multiple steps in a care routine, with no compromise on performance. Backed by deep research, activity mapping, and a lab-first approach, each product is clean, conscious, and crafted for Indian skin, hair, and climate realities -- including stressors like pollution, humidity, and heat. Inspired by product thinking from the tech world, AntiNorm approaches beauty like a SaaS company would -- simplifying user experience, solving friction points, and constantly iterating based on real user insight. The brand also takes pride in its commitment to sustainability, with travel-friendly, spill-proof, and fully recyclable packaging that reflects its dedication to reducing environmental impact. Every packaging innovation is designed for convenience while aligning with the modern consumer's demand for responsible, eco-conscious beauty. In a market built to sell more, Antinorm is here to solve better. Its philosophy is unapologetically clear: Less product. More impact. Designed to keep up with women who do it all. AntiNorm isn't just a brand. It's a movement -- rewriting the rules of beauty care, one clean, effective, intelligently made product at a time. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Fashion Network
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Mila Beauté scales D2C operations, looks to Tier 2 shoppers for growth
Indian beauty brand Mila Beauté is scaling up its direct-to-consumer operations and expanding into Tier 2 and 3 cities as part of a wider strategy to localise its beauty offerings for Indian consumers. Backed by Rukam Capital, the brand is investing in digital infrastructure, product development, and in-house manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen control over formulation and quality. Founded by Saahil Nayar, Mila Beauté focuses on skincare-infused makeup designed for Indian skin tones and climate. 'Beauty is not just about how you look. It's about how you feel,' Nayar told Indian Retailer Bureau in an interview. The brand currently offers products across categories including lips, eyes, and face, with plans to launch over 44 new SKUs this year. With a presence in metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi, Mila is now targeting smaller cities such as Lucknow, Ludhiana, and Coimbatore through hyperlocal marketing, retailer partnerships, and tailored product assortments. South India has been identified as a high-potential market, with region-specific campaigns and vernacular content currently in development. Mila Beauté's omni-channel model includes quick-commerce sampling and CRM-enabled personalisation, while its exclusive in-house production allows for faster product iterations. 'In five years, I want Mila Beauté to be remembered as the brand that rewrote the rules of color cosmetics in India," said Nayar. Mila Beauté's marketing campaigns are designed to spotlight diversity to appeal to a wide customer base. Based in Faridabad, the brand has a post money valuation of $35.3 million as of March 27, 2025, according to business information platform Tracxn.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Funding, consumer trust key hurdles for Indian startups: Rukam Capital founder
Live Events Indian startups today contend with a range of hurdles, including access to consistent funding, navigating intricate regulatory and tax frameworks, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles, retaining talent, and earning consumer confidence in a price-sensitive market, according to Rukam Capital 's Archana Jahagirdar . Jahagirdar -- the founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm, which has invested in startups like Beco , Sleepy Owl, Indus Valley, GO Desi, Burger Singh, and believes that while ambition and innovation of Indian startups are undeniable, access to consistent funding, especially at the early stage, remains a major roadblock."Unlike more mature ecosystems, India still sees uneven distribution of capital, with non-metro startups facing even steeper barriers. Operating within a maze of complex rules and taxing systems is another industry challenge."Beyond funding, Indian startups often grapple with regulatory bottlenecks, talent retention, and building consumer trust in a price-sensitive market. A common pitfall is chasing valuations without establishing a clear path to profitability or differentiation," she must double down on building strong fundamentals, stay nimble, and leverage tech for scale and efficiency. Surrounding themselves with the right partners, whether VCs, advisors, or early evangelists, can make all the difference, Jahagirdar the past decade, India's startup scene has transformed dramatically. From a few thousand startups in 2016 to over 150,000 today, the ecosystem has matured in both scale and tech has been at the heart of this change, revolutionising how Indians shop, pay, travel, and interact online."We are seeing a new generation of consumer tech startups coming from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, creating products that are hyperlocal, digital-first, and highly personalised," says capital, she notes, has been a key enabler -- not just by providing funding, but by partnering with founders to shape business models, scale operations, and build strong leadership recent IPO momentum and growing interest in AI-led consumer experiences, investor confidence is bouncing back."Indian startups aren't just chasing growth, instead, they are building with clarity, stronger unit economics, and long-term vision. The bar is higher, and that's a good thing," she sees significant, largely untapped opportunities in Bharat -- the one beyond the over 63% of the population outside urban centres, sectors like agritech, education, financial services, and clean energy are ripe for that engage thoughtfully with these communities and build context-driven, tech-enabled, cost-effective offerings can drive real impact while expanding their market presence."When you are building for Bharat, you are not just solving for scale, you are solving for relevance. The needs of middle India are nuanced and deeply rooted in context," she advises believes startups can thrive despite fierce competition for funding and the pressure to scale quickly. Scalability, she explains, means building a business model that can grow efficiently without ballooning stand out in a crowded funding landscape, founders need a clear, compelling story and a solid business plan. Exploring diverse funding avenues -- angel investors, crowdfunding, government grants, and venture debt -- can reduce reliance on traditional VC routes, she initiatives like Startup India, the Seed Fund Scheme , and various state-led policies have played a meaningful role in shaping the landscape, providing funding, mentorship, and regulatory like Startup Mahakumbh are bringing startups from across the country together, giving early-stage companies much-needed visibility. Jahagirdar suggests that further simplifying compliance and tax laws, supporting dual listing, and offering better incentives for domestic investors could strengthen the ecosystem even more.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Funding, regulations, consumer trust key hurdles for Indian startups: Rukam Capital founder
Indian startups today contend with a range of hurdles, including access to consistent funding, navigating intricate regulatory and tax frameworks, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles, retaining talent, and earning consumer confidence in a price-sensitive market, according to Rukam Capital 's Archana Jahagirdar . Jahagirdar -- the founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm, which has invested in startups like Beco , Sleepy Owl, Indus Valley, GO Desi, Burger Singh, and Antithesis. #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare He believes that while ambition and innovation of Indian startups are undeniable, access to consistent funding, especially at the early stage, remains a major roadblock. "Unlike more mature ecosystems, India still sees uneven distribution of capital, with non-metro startups facing even steeper barriers. Operating within a maze of complex rules and taxing systems is another industry challenge. "Beyond funding, Indian startups often grapple with regulatory bottlenecks, talent retention, and building consumer trust in a price-sensitive market. A common pitfall is chasing valuations without establishing a clear path to profitability or differentiation," she said. Founders must double down on building strong fundamentals, stay nimble, and leverage tech for scale and efficiency. Surrounding themselves with the right partners, whether VCs, advisors, or early evangelists, can make all the difference, Jahagirdar said. Live Events Over the past decade, India's startup scene has transformed dramatically. From a few thousand startups in 2016 to over 150,000 today, the ecosystem has matured in both scale and ambition. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Consumer tech has been at the heart of this change, revolutionising how Indians shop, pay, travel, and interact online. "We are seeing a new generation of consumer tech startups coming from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, creating products that are hyperlocal, digital-first, and highly personalised," says Jahagirdar. Venture capital, she notes, has been a key enabler -- not just by providing funding, but by partnering with founders to shape business models, scale operations, and build strong leadership teams. With recent IPO momentum and growing interest in AI-led consumer experiences, investor confidence is bouncing back. "Indian startups aren't just chasing growth, instead, they are building with clarity, stronger unit economics, and long-term vision. The bar is higher, and that's a good thing," she says. Jahagirdar sees significant, largely untapped opportunities in Bharat -- the one beyond the metros. With over 63% of the population outside urban centres, sectors like agritech, education, financial services, and clean energy are ripe for innovation. Startups that engage thoughtfully with these communities and build context-driven, tech-enabled, cost-effective offerings can drive real impact while expanding their market presence. "When you are building for Bharat, you are not just solving for scale, you are solving for relevance. The needs of middle India are nuanced and deeply rooted in context," she advises startups. Jahagirdar believes startups can thrive despite fierce competition for funding and the pressure to scale quickly. Scalability, she explains, means building a business model that can grow efficiently without ballooning costs. To stand out in a crowded funding landscape, founders need a clear, compelling story and a solid business plan. Exploring diverse funding avenues -- angel investors, crowdfunding, government grants, and venture debt -- can reduce reliance on traditional VC routes, she said. Government initiatives like Startup India, the Seed Fund Scheme , and various state-led policies have played a meaningful role in shaping the landscape, providing funding, mentorship, and regulatory support. Platforms like Startup Mahakumbh are bringing startups from across the country together, giving early-stage companies much-needed visibility. Jahagirdar suggests that further simplifying compliance and tax laws, supporting dual listing, and offering better incentives for domestic investors could strengthen the ecosystem even more.
