Chandigarh-based beverage company Lahori, known for its regional non-alcoholic carbonated drinks, is in advanced talks with multiple investors to secure a Rs 400 crore funding round. This investment could boost its valuation to around Rs 2,700 crore, a significant increase from its previous valuation of Rs 900 crore two years ago, according to sources close to the deal.

Funding Structure and Potential Investors

The funding is expected to involve both primary and secondary transactions, with potential investors including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Belgian investment firm Verlinvest, which is Lahori’s first institutional investor holding a 21.2% stake, may partially exit through this transaction. Verlinvest initially invested $15 million in Lahori’s Series A round.

Company Background and Growth Plans

Founded in 2017 by cousins Saurabh Munjal, Saurabh Bhutna, and Nikhil Doda, Lahori currently operates two manufacturing plants located in Punjab and Gujarat. The new funding aims to expand Lahori’s production capacity from 5 million to over 8 million bottles per day, as they prepare to establish another plant in Uttar Pradesh.

The company’s flagship product, Lahori Zeera—a cumin-flavored carbonated beverage—has gained popularity across northern India, alongside their lemon-based drink, Shikanji. The brand’s CEO, Munjal, reported that Lahori generated Rs 312 crore in revenue for the 2023-24 fiscal year and is targeting Rs 500 crore for the current year.

Market Context

Lahori’s expansion comes amid strong growth in India’s non-alcoholic beverage market, which the Indian Beverage Association projects will reach Rs 1.5 lakh crore by 2030, up from approximately Rs 67,000 crore today. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for diverse beverage options and healthier alternatives.

Competitive Landscape

The Indian beverage sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with numerous brands vying for market share. Lahori aims to differentiate itself by focusing on unique flavors and regional preferences while expanding its distribution network. The company’s strategy includes leveraging its existing presence in North India while exploring opportunities in other regions.

Financial Performance and Future Outlook

Despite the growing interest in quick-commerce platforms, Lahori’s offline sales account for 99% of its revenue, with North India contributing nearly 75% of total sales. The upcoming funding round will be crucial for scaling operations and enhancing market penetration.

Strategic Goals

With the planned investment, Lahori aims not only to increase production capacity but also to enhance marketing efforts to build brand recognition across India. The focus on expanding into new markets aligns with broader trends in consumer behavior favoring local brands that offer authentic regional flavors.

Conclusion

Lahori’s pursuit of a Rs 400 crore funding round represents a strategic move to triple its valuation and solidify its position within the rapidly growing non-alcoholic beverage market in India. By targeting unique product offerings and expanding production capabilities, Lahori is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends in consumer preferences.

As the company navigates this funding round and prepares for future growth, it will be interesting to observe how effectively it can leverage investor support to achieve its ambitious targets while maintaining its commitment to quality and regional authenticity.

Early-stage venture capital firm First Cheque, a part of India Quotient, plans to back 15-20 startups over the next 18 months with its third cohort. This time, First Cheque is setting up initial investments as high as $500,000, reflecting a significant increase in their funding strategy aimed at supporting emerging businesses.

Growing Pre-Seed Funding Landscape

Kanika Agarrwal, a partner at India Quotient, noted the evolving pre-seed funding landscape, stating:

“The pre-seed market offers a variety of funding options today, including angel investors, family offices, and micro VCs. We’re adjusting our program to collaborate with these groups, allowing us to make larger investments.”

This shift highlights First Cheque’s commitment to adapting its investment approach to meet the needs of the current market and to leverage the growing interest in early-stage funding.

Background of First Cheque

Founded in 2018 under the India Quotient umbrella, First Cheque primarily funds early-stage startups with support from family offices and institutions in India and globally. The firm has a sector-agnostic investment strategy but is particularly interested in direct-to-consumer (D2C) startups for this cohort. Agarrwal emphasized the need for brands that stand out in less saturated categories.

“There’s an abundance of D2C brands, but we’re seeking truly unique ones in underrepresented categories—think kids’ brands, sports, white goods, and brands for Gen Z,” she said, highlighting a focus on the younger demographic where “me too” brands are less common.

Investment Strategy and Portfolio

Bengaluru-based First Cheque has already invested in over 130 startups, supporting diverse companies such as jewelry brand Giva, SaaS startup Rocketlane, career platform Seekho, fleet management tool Fleetx, RO water provider DrinkPrime, and generative AI startup Simplismart. The firm aims to leverage its experience and networks to help new ventures scale effectively.

Financial Performance

In its previous funding rounds, First Cheque has successfully raised capital from various investors. For instance, it closed its second fund at approximately ₹38 crore (around $4.75 million) and has been actively involved in nurturing first-time founders through mentorship and resources.

Competitive Landscape

The Indian startup ecosystem is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share in various sectors. First Cheque’s focus on D2C brands aligns with broader trends indicating increased consumer preference for personalized shopping experiences. By targeting underrepresented categories, First Cheque aims to differentiate itself from other venture capital firms that may overlook niche markets.

Future Outlook

As First Cheque embarks on this new investment strategy, it will be crucial to monitor how these investments perform in the rapidly changing market landscape. The firm’s ability to identify unique opportunities within the D2C space could position it favorably for future growth and success.

Conclusion

First Cheque’s initiative to target 15-20 startups with larger pre-seed investments marks a significant evolution in its funding strategy. By focusing on D2C brands that offer unique value propositions, the firm aims to capitalize on emerging trends within the Indian startup ecosystem.

As this new cohort unfolds over the next 18 months, it will be interesting to see how First Cheque leverages its resources and networks to support these startups in achieving their growth objectives while navigating the competitive landscape of early-stage investments. The commitment to enhancing the pre-seed funding environment reflects a proactive approach to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India.

In a major consolidation for India’s insurance distribution sector, Gurugram-based InsuranceDekho is in advanced talks to acquire its rival, RenewBuy, in a predominantly share-swap deal. The transaction values RenewBuy at approximately $350 million, while InsuranceDekho is valued at around $600 million, bringing the combined entity’s worth close to $1 billion, according to insiders familiar with the matter.

Deal Structure and Valuation

The deal structure will see RenewBuy’s investors receive shares in InsuranceDekho proportional to each company’s valuation. Major backers of RenewBuy, including Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Apis Growth, Lok Capital, and IIFL Asset Management, are expected to exchange shares, though some early investors may seek partial or full exits through secondary sales.

Merging Agent Networks

Both companies plan to merge their extensive agent networks, creating one of India’s largest Point of Sales Person (PoSP) networks for selling insurance products across health, life, motor, and term sectors. Balachander Sekhar, CEO of RenewBuy, will join forces with Ankit Agrawal, CEO of InsuranceDekho, to lead the newly formed entity.

Market Context

The acquisition arrives amidst growing competition in India’s insurance distribution landscape, as players like PolicyBazaar-backed PB Partners, Nexus Ventures-backed Turtlemint, and RenewBuy strive for market share. InsuranceDekho, which spun out from CarDekho, is actively expanding its field agent network, which reached 1,10,000 agents in 2023 and recently announced intentions to double it over the coming year.

Financial Performance

The company, backed by major investors like Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, TVS Capital, and Goldman Sachs, reported a net revenue of ₹100 crore for the financial year 2023, though it posted a net loss of ₹51.6 crore. This acquisition is seen as strategically beneficial for InsuranceDekho, strengthening its physical distribution reach and bolstering its market position against competitors like PolicyBazaar, which is aggressively expanding its share.

Strategic Implications

The merger is expected to create synergies that enhance operational efficiencies and improve customer service capabilities. By combining resources and expertise, the new entity aims to better navigate the competitive landscape and capitalize on the growing demand for insurance products in India.

Future Prospects

As the insurance sector in India continues to evolve—projected to grow significantly in the coming years—the combined strengths of InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy could position them favorably against larger competitors. The merger may also attract further investment opportunities as they look to expand their market presence.

Conclusion

The potential acquisition of RenewBuy by InsuranceDekho represents a significant shift in India’s insurance distribution sector. By merging their operations and leveraging their combined agent networks, both companies aim to enhance their service offerings and strengthen their market positions.

As this deal progresses, it will be crucial for both parties to navigate regulatory approvals and integrate their operations effectively. The outcome could redefine how insurance products are marketed and sold in India, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved access and service quality.