Continuing its strategic investment spree in GlobalBees, leading kids-focused omnichannel brand FirstCry has announced an additional investment of nearly INR 20 Cr, further consolidating its stake in the D2C brand aggregator.
In a recent stock exchange filing, FirstCry revealed that it has invested INR 19.96 Cr in GlobalBees, acquiring 89,886 shares as part of the transaction. As a result of this move, FirstCry’s shareholding in GlobalBees has increased from 51.51% to 51.68% on a fully diluted basis, cementing its majority ownership in the fast-growing startup.
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Investment Converted from Convertible Loan
The latest funding was initially extended as a convertible loan, which has now been converted into Series C3 Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS). According to the agreement, this conversion was to be completed within a two-month window. Following the share allotment, GlobalBees is also required to return a minor differential amount of INR 21,000 to FirstCry — the balance between the loan value and the final share issuance amount.
This structure indicates a carefully planned and pre-negotiated funding strategy, demonstrating FirstCry’s continued commitment to backing GlobalBees through its various growth phases.
Recent INR 146 Cr Infusion Highlights Strategic Focus
This fresh investment comes just days after FirstCry completed a larger infusion of INR 146 Cr into GlobalBees, which included an equity component of INR 73 Cr. That round resulted in FirstCry acquiring a 51.51% majority stake in the company as of September 11.
The close succession of these investments underscores FirstCry’s long-term vision for GlobalBees as a key part of its broader digital commerce ecosystem.
Why GlobalBees Matters to FirstCry
GlobalBees, a prominent house-of-brands platform, focuses on acquiring and scaling direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands across sectors like beauty, wellness, nutrition, home, and personal care. Its model involves acquiring high-performing online brands and accelerating their growth with operational, marketing, and technology support.
With this approach, GlobalBees complements FirstCry’s consumer-centric retail strategy, enabling access to new market segments and boosting cross-selling opportunities across both online and offline platforms.
Moreover, GlobalBees’ omnichannel capabilities align well with FirstCry’s own multichannel expansion plans, giving the parent company greater leverage in India’s booming D2C and ecommerce sectors.
Strengthening Market Position Ahead of IPO
FirstCry’s aggressive stake increase in GlobalBees is also being viewed as part of its larger preparation strategy for its upcoming IPO. By strengthening control over high-potential subsidiaries, the company is likely aiming to bolster its consolidated financials and strategic positioning before going public.
With a growing portfolio and increasing control over its high-growth investments, FirstCry is positioning itself not just as a kids and babycare brand, but as a diversified retail and digital commerce powerhouse.
Keywords: FirstCry GlobalBees investment, FirstCry stake increase, GlobalBees Series C3 CCPS, D2C brand aggregator, FirstCry funding news, FirstCry IPO preparation, GlobalBees shareholding, ecommerce investments India, FirstCry 2025 update, omnichannel retail strategy
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