Indian fashion and lifestyle brand Zouk has raised Rs 60.45 crore in a pre-Series C funding round, showing strong investor confidence in the company’s growth journey. The fresh funds will help the brand expand its business, improve operations, and strengthen its presence across India.
The funding round was led by existing investors Aavishkaar Capital and Stellaris Venture Partners. Sharrp Ventures and existing shareholder Mihir Gadani also participated in the round. Following this investment, Zouk’s valuation is estimated at around Rs 610 crore.
Existing Investors Continue to Back Zouk
Aavishkaar Capital and Stellaris Venture Partners invested Rs 25 crore each in the latest round. Sharrp Ventures contributed Rs 10 crore, while the remaining amount came from Mihir Gadani.
To raise the funds, the company issued 2,468 compulsory convertible cumulative preference shares (CCCPS) at a price of Rs 2,44,950 per share. Zouk said the capital will be used for business growth, working capital needs, and other corporate purposes.
The latest funding comes after the company raised significant capital in earlier rounds, including its Series B round in 2024.
A Brand Built Around Indian Designs
Zouk was founded by husband-and-wife duo Disha Singh and Pradeep Krishnakumar, both graduates of IIM Ahmedabad. The company operates under Sea Turtle Private Limited.
The idea for the brand came from a simple observation. While people appreciated traditional Indian handicrafts, many products lacked the modern functionality needed for everyday use. Zouk was created to bridge that gap by combining Indian-inspired designs with practical products.
Today, the company sells handbags, office bags, wallets, footwear, luggage, and accessories featuring Indian prints and patterns.
Another important part of Zouk’s identity is its focus on sustainability. The brand is completely vegan and does not use animal leather or silk. Instead, it uses handcrafted fabrics, jute, and premium vegan materials in its products.
Strong Revenue Growth, But Higher Expenses
Over the last few years, Zouk has reported steady growth in revenue. The company earned Rs 21.82 crore in FY22, which increased to Rs 47.41 crore in FY23 and Rs 78 crore in FY24.
In FY25, revenue jumped to Rs 127 crore, reflecting strong customer demand and growing brand recognition.
However, the company’s losses also increased during the year. Net loss rose to Rs 19.6 crore as Zouk spent heavily on marketing, customer acquisition, and expansion activities. Advertising and promotional expenses more than doubled compared to the previous year.
The company believes these investments are necessary to build a stronger brand and support long-term growth.
Focus on Indian Craftsmanship and Marketing
Zouk works closely with artisans across India and supports hundreds of skilled workers through its manufacturing network. The company says it directly and indirectly helps provide employment and skill development opportunities to more than 800 artisans.
The brand has also built a strong marketing strategy around Indian culture and craftsmanship. It regularly collaborates with creators and influencers to showcase its products in everyday settings.
To increase its visibility, Zouk recently partnered with Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon for its IPL 2025 campaign, helping the brand reach a wider audience.
Expanding Stores and Looking Beyond India
Zouk currently serves more than 15 lakh customers and processes around 40,000 online orders every month.
Along with its online business, the company has opened more than 10 exclusive stores in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Lucknow. It plans to expand its offline network further and aims to operate around 75 stores across the country in the coming years.
The company has also entered quick-commerce platforms and strengthened its delivery network to improve customer convenience.
Looking ahead, Zouk plans to expand into international markets including the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. With a goal of reaching Rs 1,000 crore in revenue over the next four to five years and eventually launching an IPO, the latest funding round is expected to support the company’s next phase of growth.