Maneesh Menon

Celebrating One Year at Elev8 Venture Partners! What started as humble beginnings at co-working spaces like Axilor and WeWork, has finally culminated into our second home at Elev8 VP. Exactly one year ago, we inaugurated our new office on 12th Main in Indiranagar, marking a significant milestone in our journey. Initially, I was hesitant about large offices or high rentals, especially on the high street. However, thanks to Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Anuj Golecha, and Gaurav Jain, Anil G Jain, we took the plunge. We secured an office space that was more than I initially thought we could afford. Today, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions for Elev8 Venture Partners. In the world of venture capital, office location and décor surprisingly play a crucial role, especially for a first-time fund. It's not about extravagance or lavish spending but about creating a welcoming, professional environment. Our beautifully done office, complete with lush plants, has greatly contributed to building a positive external perception. This perception & vibe, is our reality. Home is not built by bricks but by memories. Over the past year, we've made incredible strides. Our investments in IDfy and Astrotalk have been pivotal, marking the beginning of our journey to support high-quality tech companies at the growth stage. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without my incredible team, whose dedication and hard work have turned our office into a second home. Here’s to many more years of growth, innovation, and impactful investments. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey with Elev8 Venture Partners. #Elev8VP #Anniversary #VentureCapital #Investment #TechStartups #GrowthStage #Teamwork #Innovation #Success Divy Chopda, Ashwini Khemka, Aman Ahmed, Abhisekh Shah, Parth Doshi, Mayank Jajoo, Komal Vichoor, Zaveria Mohammad, Mitali Rai, Eric (Jung Ho) Yoo, Donghyun Kim

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We've been part of this journey with Vidur Kataria Sidhanth Madan & Radhika Mittal since the pre-seed round in 2020 (also closer to heart since this was the first deal from Fund II). The investment thesis for us was always very simple - we tried cooking Chinese food at home during Covid, and all that was available was "Ching's Secret Schezwan Fried Rice Masala" & it was surprising that the second most enjoyed cuisine in the country is Chinese & we have just one brand that catered to this audience. Then we ended tasting the Masterchow sauces & we were just floored to see the difference in quality and taste. Having said that, the thesis that we believed in, didn't ring a bell with a lot of folks that we spoke to in the last 4 years. These were the top reasons why VCs hesitated -> 1) Market size is not large enough - Our belief was that the market appeared to be small, because the only brand available thus far was Ching's. Then Ching's got sold to Tata for ~5500cr, then noone questioned the market size any more. 2) Products are too expensive - Their sauces which was the first category they got into - was priced at ~Rs.240. Lot of people thought that this was expensive for India. But that was just the first category, after that in just last 2 years the founders have innovated on the product (Cup Noodles, Ramen, Chilli oil) and made products cheaper (Masterchow Staples, Chowmein, Schezwan). But I'm glad we got some believers along the way in the form of Anicut Capital LLP & Surge. And now, Tanglin Venture Partners. The founders continue to surprise everyone & I believe they'll do so in the future as well! #startup #funding #fmcg https://lnkd.in/g2wdAvmx

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🚀 Swiggy Set to Make Waves with ₹11,300 Crore IPO: Key Details and Market Implications 🌐 Swiggy, India's food delivery giant, is set to go public with an IPO launching on November 6, 2024, aiming to raise around ₹11,327 crore (~$1.35B). Shares will be priced at ₹371-₹390 each (around $4.64), with trading expected to start on November 13, 2024. IPO Highlights: Price Range: ₹371-₹390 per share Funds Allocation: Expanding logistics and quick commerce operations This IPO is launching amidst rising tech-driven competition in India’s market. By securing capital, Swiggy plans to advance its quick commerce capabilities, aiming to gain a strategic edge over competitors like Zomato. Market Impact: Swiggy’s IPO offers a unique investment opportunity with strong growth potential, balancing between established dominance in food delivery and quick commerce expansion. Investor Insight: With a grey market premium around ₹25, sentiment is optimistic. As Swiggy steps into the public sphere, it's poised to redefine India's fast-paced delivery ecosystem. #IPO #SwiggyIPO #Investment https://lnkd.in/eyHRRPXh

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Disruption: The Key to Building Consumer Brands in India A founder's journey is akin to navigating uncharted waters, where every decision is a delicate balance between probabilities and possibilities. Sometimes, the founders are at the right place at the right time when disruptive waves are manifesting primarily in three formidable forms: regulatory, technological, and demographic. 1. Regulatory Disruption: Regulatory changes often appear as a vast blue ocean, promising untapped opportunities. Yet, one must tread carefully. The very nature of regulation implies that what is granted can be swiftly taken away. And many times, what is generally not specified also treads towards an eventual "No." 2. Technological Disruption: Technological advancements offer a compass for our voyage. Leveraging emerging technology platforms to create breakthroughs can unlock tremendous growth. 3. Demographic Disruption: India, a nation teeming with youth, stands at the precipice of never before seen disposable income that can be monetised digitally at scale. By meticulously segmenting markets, one can craft products and services that not only sell but seamlessly integrate into the lifestyle narratives of the emerging consuming class. At Endurance Capital, we work with early stage founders to be leaders in India's consumer revolution. As founders, the opportunity is immense. It's time to disrupt the old guard and innovate with an India-first approach. Let's craft consumer brands that aren't just loved but become a legacy for the generations to come. 🚀🇮🇳

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Today, we are excited to share our biggest investment as Antler, in India so far. At Antler, incl. our Elevate continuty fund (Fady Abdel-Nour, CFA), we're thrilled to co-lead a $11M pre Ser A in Namma Yatri, alongside Blume Ventures Karthik B. Reddy and Google In this business, a few times in your career, you come across a truly disruptive business model that challenges the way things have been done, and extremely obsessed founders creating a culture that is so unique, you have never seen it before. When that happens, despite all the things not clear, it’s a joy to jump on board that potential rocketship. That’s what we have seen in the way Namma Yatri is being built by Magizhan Selvan and Shan M S with (a) a disruptive business model in urban mobility, rethinking how to make the life of a driver better and (b) Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) at its heart. 46 million trips have already been completed, with >7 million registered users. For us, this is also a continuation of our commitment to investing in a future on DPI / Beckn / ONDC, started in 2022. h/t Susmit Patodia. Rajiv Srivatsa Magnus Grimeland Martell Hardenberg Teddy Himler Keerat Singh Sethi Vimal Kumar Sheetal Lalwani T Koshy sujith nair Pramod Varma

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As an investor its fascinating to watch founders tackle a complex market, nail a sticky value proposition and figure out global GTM. When we met Shashank Bijapur Madhav Bhagat and Rohith Salim a couple of years back it was still early. In a short while Spotdraft has changed the way mid-market businesses leverage AI to make contract management more efficient and intelligent. The company has seen strong market pull by scaling to 400+ customers, 120% NRR, 85%+ gross margin while doubling revenue in each of the past three years. Here is their journey straight from the founders. SpotDraft Arkam Ventures

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Co-lead a workshop (with Sumathi my business partner and Komal lath of Tute Consult) on branding and communication and why/how its' strategic & important for the portfolio companies of an early stage growth focused PE fund in Mumbai this noon. very interactive session. lots of takeaways. one of the biggest benefits of doing such workshops with founders and CXOs of growth companies is that you get to first hand understand their pain points and priorities. which makes you realize there is a long road ahead laden with great opportunity for those in PR & comms if we take off our hats and look at it from their perspective.

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Today marks an incredible milestone for us at Inflexor Ventures as we proudly announce the 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 ₹350 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝. This isn't just a number—it's a symbol of our steadfast commitment to empowering founders who are ready to amplify their proven potential and take their vision to new heights. In my journey from being an entrepreneur to a VC, I've witnessed firsthand the critical juncture where vision meets opportunity. The Opportunities Fund is designed to be that bridge—supporting visionary founders who have already proven their potential and are ready to scale further and faster. To all the founders who trust us with their stories and growth, thank you for your resilience and ambition. You inspire us daily to be more than just investors; you motivate us to be partners who champion your vision and share in the challenges and triumphs of building something extraordinary. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to HDFC AMC Select AIF FoF I scheme and our other valued limited partners for their trust and belief in our mission. Your support fuels our drive to not just invest in ventures but to become true partners in the journey, championing innovation and resilience every step of the way. I also want to acknowledge my colleagues, whose dedication and expertise drive us forward, and the wider ecosystem that plays an essential role in making ventures thrive. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without each of you contributing to this vibrant network of progress. To the entrepreneurs who dare to dream, build, and inspire: your determination is why we do what we do. We are honored to walk alongside you in navigating the exhilarating journey of scale and impact. Here's to nurturing more stories of growth and innovation as we embark on this exciting chapter together. Venkat Vallabhaneni, Jatin Desai, Pratip Mazumdar, Murali Krishna Gunturu, Harsha Mundhada, Parmi Doshi, Aishwarya Kulkarni, Pratik Ahuja, Kirti Chaturvedi, Akhil Nehru, Minal Sequeira, CA Vijay Sundar A N https://lnkd.in/gJUHBZk6 #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #OpportunitiesFund #Innovation #Gratitude

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The One That We Had To Back. It is rare in venture to find a team so complete. As the former leadership team of NDTV, an iconic Indian media powerhouse - Suparna Singh Arijit Chatterjee and Kawaljit Singh Bedi have been battle-tested in ways that most of us can't even imagine. With over 3 decades of experience in digital media, broadcasting and media tech - the team has seeded ventures, scaled them, and navigated a publicly listed company from turnaround to profitability (stock price went up 27x and was voted Asia's Best Media Company under Suparna's leadership). Miraculously, they have the hunger and drive to do it all over again. As a VC, it is rare to come across complete teams at the seed stage with the perfect blend of business acumen, domain expertise and technical prowess.Those tend to get built over time. Compounded by unanimous positive feedback on leadership ability + startup drive and hustle - that's the rarest of the rare. We simply had to back them. Frammer AI is building on a thesis that we have long harboured. The world of media is changing so fast, eyeballs are moving digital and most importantly to social media. Formats are becoming shorter but yet brands, publishers, enterprises were using the same ol' means of content creation and targeting. Manual, tedious and imprecise. Frammer AI makes the entire process of short form video creation faster, cheaper and most importantly monetisable. And unlike other prosumer solutions - Frammer's AI is trained on some of the smartest and premium data sets available in the world - news content which is complex, dense, multi-faceted as opposed to low quality Youtube shorts. In a span of 8 months since launch, they are already integrated with several large global clients from the US, Europe, and MENA with leading domestic clients like India Today, ZEE, Acko and several others. Big Tech is already talking to them to collaborate on enterprise projects. Given the demand for the round globally, it's a privilege to be part of their journey. Lumikai Fund We can't wait for what lies ahead. Onwards and upwards! 🚀 🚀 🚀

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We recently brought together our Merak Ventures & growX Ventures portfolio founders for an evening of connection & inspiration in Bangalore. It was amazing to finally meet some of them in person. A quick summary of the evening - rich conversations, real stories & palpable passion to build (and scale) something new. Feels good to have front row seats to witnessing these innovators as they create game-changing technologies. A huge thank you to our Founders for making it a special evening, I'm excited to see what's next for our portfolio companies as they continue to innovate & make their mark! #Bangalore #VentureCapital #Investments #Founders #LIPostingChallengeIndia

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Next steps in India Mobility are continuing to show progress - one of the top investments that continues to show IndiaFirst #ProudInvestor #ProudVC #IndiaFirst #BestLPs

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Game On, India: A VC Perspective on the Untapped Potential in Sportswear (Beyond Jerseys) 🇮🇳 The Indian sportswear market is poised for a major leap, fuelled by a growing passion for fitness and exploring the great outdoors. But let's talk beyond the ubiquitous cricket jerseys for a moment and delve into a hidden gem – the booming market for outdoor gear! 💸 A VC's Perspective: Why I am Bullish on Outdoor Sportswear in India As a Venture Capitalist, the Indian outdoor sportswear market presents a compelling investment opportunity for several reasons: 💹 High-Growth Market: The market is projected to reach a staggering USD 1.93 billion by 2029, with a growth rate exceeding 16% annually (source: Maximize Market Research). This significant growth trajectory signifies a large and rapidly expanding consumer base. 🥇 Untapped Potential: Unlike cricket jerseys, the outdoor segment lacks a centralized and organized retail experience. This fragmentation creates a prime opportunity for innovative brands and platforms to capture market share. 📯 Shifting Consumer Preferences: Growing participation in activities like running, cycling, trekking, and adventure travel is driving demand for specialized outdoor gear. Consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, functional products that enhance their outdoor experiences. 🇮🇳 Rise of Domestic Brands: This market shift presents a golden opportunity for Indian brands to offer high-quality, affordable options alongside established international players. This approach can resonate with cost-conscious Indian consumers while fostering domestic innovation. 🦋 Experience-Driven Retail: The rise of experience-based travel and adventure sports opens doors for brands to connect with customers beyond just products. VCs are looking to invest in companies that curate a holistic outdoor experience, fostering brand loyalty and customer engagement. 🚵‍♂️ The REI Model for India? The current market lacks a comprehensive online or physical store similar to REI in the US or Outdoor Goat internationally. A platform that curates a selection of established international brands alongside promising domestic ones, offering expert advice and a focus on the entire outdoor experience, could revolutionize the Indian market. 🔊 Calling All Outdoor Enthusiasts and Industry Leaders! Share your thoughts in the comments. What exciting possibilities do you see in the Indian outdoor sportswear market? #sportswear #india #outdoors #entrepreneurship #marketresearch Khyati V Bhinde Joanne Kiara Fernandez Lakshmi Naga Potluri Abhay Vashistha Amisha Vashistha Garima Vashistha

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It is fabulous to see the growing interest in Angel Investments in Startups.. The news of Mamaearth stocks and also those of Zomato, Policy Bazar etc doing so well and making many new millionaires is definitely helping the cause. Some of these angel investors are beneficiaries of exits and esops and hence believe in this asset class, while others are looking to build such breakout events in their lives. Yet there are others who thrive in the ecosystem and enjoy riding the wave while making profits or losses from it. Whatever is the motivation, this space needs to be tread with caution. As a lead investor of our syndicate VG Angels at VentureGarage and having over a decade of experience in this space, I often advice my fellow angel investors the following: 1. Angel Investment is probably the riskiest asset class and requires patience. If you want to be one, then invest in 7-8 cos in 3 years or so and then expect a breakout in the 4th year from one of them. 2. There are over 20000 startups registering in the country every year, it is almost impossible for you to source and then invest in one of the top 20 of those. Follow a syndicate lead investor or a curated angel network for the deal flow and evaluation. 3. Founders are not looking for your mentorship. Invest in them first and then maybe you can mentor them. Definitely do not invest in founders who need your active guidance. 4. Learn about the future opportunities and build your thesis around some sectors. Learning new stuff is one of the big requirements and motivators of angel investments after all. Invest in those sectors which you are bullish about. Happy investing! https://lnkd.in/g2xx3zBX

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Recently read a very interesting post by Balaji BK about how he’s frustrated with the Indian VC ecosystem. While I completely agree with you, I think you should chat with us. We have a different and new strategy at All In Capital. Best in class or not we don't know but we are surely doing our best to achieve that. 1) We back way more companies than a traditional VC would back (20-25) - It allows us to back non-obvious founders and newer technologies. 2) Our Value add is very well defined our expertise lies in backing non-obvious founders who are not ready for tier 1 VC and preparing them for that. Our 100+ founders would vouch for that. 3) Yes we are a bit conservative but very open to backing new technologies - our portfolio includes a space tech company - PierSight Space, @Piiko.io - Helping improve diagnosis with a deep tech revolutionary device and many more. 4) We have this thesis of obvious and non-obvious founders and we don't back companies alongside tier 1 VCs but before them. Many of our founders are not from tier-1 colleges. Our strategy does get pushback at times but we continue to try and disrupt the pre seed VC market in India.

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My partner Bejul Somaia wrote last year - India is not for the faint hearted. India is tough. But India is worth it. Well - Rural and Semi-Urban India is most definitely not for the faint hearted. It is incredibly tough. And it is definitely worth it. Over the last year, I had the privilege of seeing this first-hand as Wheelocity pivoted into a commerce business building access for millions of under-served semi-urban and rural Indian consumers, starting with TN. What they've built is incredible, delivering high quality produce every day, in an economically viable model to consumers across the smallest of towns and villages. It's required building a Bharat-first tech stack, a hybrid offline-online model, deep supply chain innovation and most importantly, a team that's passionately committed to the mission. Today, the company announced its most recent fundraise led by Lightspeed India, and our friends at Alteria Capital and Anicut Capital LLP. Excited to continue building with Selvam VMS, Senthil Kumar and the team. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gJ7XCTa8 Gaurav Punia Ankur Agarwal Vivek Gambhir Abha Bhakoo Richa Sharma Siddharth Sangwan Amit Mehra Vinayak Mishra Pavani Nath Anuj Bhargava Vidur Chhabra Mansi Chugh Carina Chopra

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Monday Momentum: Strategy #4: Preparing for a Successful Exit: Compelling Value Propositions: I was woken up this morning in Delhi with a friendly yet insistent string of bird chatter. This beautiful parrot was sitting on the ledge outside my window on the 19th floor and showing high interest in checking me out. Its distinct beauty and character is a perfect metaphor for today’s exit strategy: A strong value proposition is the heartbeat of your business—and a major factor that will attract buyers when the time comes to exit. To stand out, you need to present a valuable offer that clients simply cannot resist and strategically seize new opportunities. Tip 7: Develop an Irresistible Offer Create a value proposition so compelling that clients feel the impact from the start. Offer a free trial or a pilot program with clearly defined measurable success criteria. Demonstrating the tangible value you bring upfront builds trust and credibility, making it difficult for clients to walk away. Tip 8: Find Untapped Market Opportunities Look for the “white space” in the market—those unaddressed areas where your competitors aren’t focusing but where clients are seeking solutions. By filling these gaps, you make your business not only more valuable but indispensable. Buyers will recognize your ability to capitalize on these overlooked opportunities and will see huge potential for growth. By crafting a compelling value proposition and claiming untapped market opportunities, you create a business with undeniable appeal to both clients and future buyers. Ready to make your offer irresistible? #ExitStrategy #ValueProposition #BusinessGrowth #MarketOpportunities #Club33 #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #Leadership

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Super stoked to announce the close of our third fund! Grateful to have been a part of the journey thus far. 🚀 🚀 If you are building in the consumer brand space, please reach out to us- we would love to have a chat. We invest in businesses at a pre-seed, pre-revenue stage with the ability to support our portfolio companies until growth/ late stages. #Fund3 #ConsumerBrands #EarlyStageInvesting #SauceVC #Startups  #Entrepreneurship #IndiaGrowthStory #PreseedInvestment #VentureCapital #Consumer

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Gen Z comprises 377 million individuals in India today. They’re not just the future; they’re the now, reshaping the consumer landscape and demanding brands to catch up! In case you missed the Gen Z report by Snap and BCG (where were you yesterday??), here are the cliff notes (I reccomend you read the actual report too!) 🌟 Gen Z currently drives $860 billion in consumer spending in India, with projections soaring to $2 trillion by 2035. 💡 With 75% emphasizing authenticity, keep it real, or you might find yourself ghosted! 🛍️ They engage in “shopcializing,” sharing experiences and seeking advice from their inner circle. About 66% say their friends influence their purchasing decisions! 🎨 Nearly 80% of Gen Z is glued to visual content. Brands must step up with eye-popping, immersive visuals— preference is for short, engaging videos. 🌍 They are 1.6 times more likely than millennials to rally behind causes they care about. Over 60% actively participate in social justice campaigns and community efforts! 🎉 Gen Z flows seamlessly between online and offline shopping. They expect a truly omni-channel experience, with 70% wanting brands to provide consistent messaging across platforms. 🔍 Gen Z is the Sherlock Holmes of shopping, spending 1.5 times more effort researching products before they buy. They value reviews, ratings, and user-generated content, making them savvy consumers. 👩‍🎤 Influencers are Gen Z’s guiding stars. About 70% check out creators’ pages for product recommendations. Brands that collaborate with relatable influencers can capture their attention effectively. 💖 This generation is open about mental health—75% feel positive about discussing it. Brands that support mental health initiatives will win their hearts like a puppy video on a bad day!a 🌱 With 67% of Gen Z willing to pay extra for sustainable products, brands need to get their eco-friendly game on. They prefer brands with transparent supply chains and ethical practices. 🌈 Gen Z values representation. Brands that celebrate diversity will connect more effectively. 83% of Gen Z believes that brands should take a stand on social issues and reflect diverse perspectives in their advertising. ☕ Personalized Experiences FTW! 79% of Gen Z prefers brands that know their favorite coffee order. They value customized marketing messages and tailored recommendations. 💻 Gen Z expects brands to incorporate technology into their shopping experiences. They’re fans of AR/VR for trying products before buying, with 50% expressing interest in immersive shopping experiences. ⚡ While Gen Z can be brand loyal, they will bolt if their needs aren’t met. 60% are willing to switch brands if they find a better fit, highlighting the need for continuous engagement and innovation. 🤑Building for Gen Z is a massive value unlock—are you ready to ride the Gen Z wave? 🌊 Ajit Mohan Abheek Singhi 🙌🏼🙌🏼 Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/g4NRF_ki

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V3 Ventures Deal Announcement: Creme Castle - A tech first driven assembly line bakery for Bharat! 🔥 While I was evaluating this file, a lot of people said - bakery? There are 100s of home bakers. How is this scalable? I would have agreed, until I met Pranjay Mittal, who brought innovation from IIT-D, FMS and CarDekho Group to his mom’s humble bakery in Noida. You might remember their Shark Tank episode where his mom famously said, “Main neend mein baking kar sakti hu” 😊 That passion is exactly what we want in founders! From a small bakery in Noida to now clocking monthly sales of over 1 Cr, Creme Castle is disrupting the $12.6 billion Indian bakery industry. 🎂 Here is why we invested… ✅Changing consumer behavior from mithai → cakes & desserts India is a land of festivals and no festival is complete without mithai. However, cakes & desserts are now taking center stage in these celebrations. as the Gen Z takes over. We all know India is trading up. So, there's a growing demand for Tiramisu in Tier 2 and 3. But, we’re lacking a player. ✅The Assembly Line Model: And, we need a player that’s standardized. The biggest problem with F&B is that when you order from the 2nd and 3rd outlet - the product isn’t as good. This is the most unique part of Creme Castle. Cakes are made in 3 components in a central kitchen - base (sponge), icing and customization. At spoke kitchen it’s only about putting these parts together - thus ensuring quality! ✅This industry is regionalized and heavily fragmented: Think about it, growing up, we all had cakes from our favorite local bakery. Every city has one, but when we moved for college or work - it wasn’t there. Cakes have a nostalgia factor associated with it and so making this change is hard. With all of this Creme Castle is can offer something India hasn’t seen before: - 100% customized cakes in just 2 hours - World's highest # of flavor profiles to choose from They have >10 Lakh loyal customers with a 60% repeat rate and we’re all geared up to expand from NCR to Jaipur and Chandigarh! We’re excited to back the mother-son duo of Veena and Pranjay to disrupt India’s cake market 🎂 What’s do you order cake? PS: Delhi-NCR folks, give us a try. Even available on Blinkit! #india #investment #startup #investor #entrepreneur

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