Bengaluru-based House of Brands startup Meolaa has successfully raised $6 million (INR 53 crore) in its pre-Series A funding round, led by General Catalyst. The round also saw participation from Ranjan Pai’s family office Claypond Capital, Colossa Ventures, CRED founder Kunal Shah, and several existing investors who remain undisclosed.
Founded in 2022 by Ishita Sawant, Meolaa initially started as a D2C marketplace but has since pivoted into a tech-driven house of FMCG brands. This strategic transformation has positioned the startup as a rising force in India’s booming consumer goods space.
From Marketplace to FMCG Powerhouse
The pivot has already shown promising results. In early 2024, Meolaa launched HIRA, a fragrance brand that swiftly gained traction in the market. Within just three months, HIRA achieved a recurring monthly revenue of INR 1 crore, showcasing both product-market fit and operational efficiency.
With the newly secured funding, Meolaa plans to expand aggressively. Over the next 18 months, the startup aims to launch two new brands in the beauty and personal care category, as well as one brand in the kitchen and F&B space. These new offerings will help Meolaa diversify its product portfolio and deepen its presence in high-growth consumer segments.
AI-Powered Growth Engine
What sets Meolaa apart is its commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of its operations. From predictive analytics and consumer insights to creative workflows and marketing automation, Meolaa is integrating AI to make smarter, faster, and more data-driven decisions.
Founder and CEO Ishita Sawant emphasized the company’s tech-first approach, stating, “If we’re building an FMCG house in today’s 21st century, technology and AI are the backbone of what we build.”
This AI-led model allows Meolaa to anticipate consumer trends, optimize marketing spends, and enhance product innovation, creating a competitive edge in the fast-evolving FMCG landscape.
Backed by Visionary Investors
The strong investor backing reflects the market’s confidence in Meolaa’s vision and execution. Lead investor General Catalyst has a global track record of identifying disruptive startups, while Claypond Capital and other strategic investors bring valuable operational and scaling expertise to the table.
With notable entrepreneurs like Kunal Shah also on board, Meolaa is expected to benefit from high-level mentorship and a strong entrepreneurial network.
The Road Ahead
India’s FMCG market is undergoing a digital transformation, and Meolaa is well-positioned to ride this wave. By combining brand-building expertise with AI-powered operations, the startup is carving a unique niche as a next-gen house of brands.
As it prepares to roll out new product lines and scale its operations, Meolaa is set to become a key player in India’s new-age consumer brand revolution.
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