Delhi NCR–based Gully Labs, a premium handcrafted sneaker brand inspired by Indian culture, has secured ₹1 crore in funding on Shark Tank India Season 5 (Episode 15), marking a major milestone in its journey as one of India’s most distinctive D2C fashion startups. Founded by Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra, the brand impressed the Sharks with its strong cultural positioning, premium product quality, and clear ambition to build a global sneaker label rooted in India.
During the pitch, the founders sought ₹1 crore for 0.5% equity, valuing Gully Labs at ₹200 crore. After deliberations, Aman Gupta made a counter-offer of ₹1 crore for 0.57% equity, implying a valuation of approximately ₹175 crore, which the founders accepted—closing the deal successfully. The investment positions Gully Labs among the top-valued D2C footwear brands to emerge from Shark Tank India, reinforcing growing investor confidence in premium, culture-led D2C brands India.
Founded in 2023, Gully Labs operates at the intersection of Direct-to-consumer India, streetwear, and storytelling. The brand creates handcrafted sneakers using high-quality leather and durable rubber soles, with designs inspired by Indian streets, cities, and subcultures. Unlike mass-produced footwear, Gully Labs focuses on limited drops, thoughtful design, and comfort-led silhouettes—appealing to urban consumers seeking authenticity over logos. This approach aligns strongly with D2C consumer behavior India, where buyers increasingly value originality, craftsmanship, and brand philosophy.
Gully Labs’ unapologetically Indian aesthetic is a key differentiator in the crowded D2C fashion and lifestyle space.
Each sneaker tells a local story, blending nostalgia with contemporary street style. By positioning itself as a premium-yet-cultural brand, Gully Labs is tapping into a rising wave of homegrown D2C brands India that are redefining what “Made in India” means for global audiences. This narrative-first strategy has helped the brand build strong recall and organic traction among sneaker enthusiasts.
From a D2C startup news lens, the Shark Tank deal is less about capital and more about validation. Aman Gupta’s backing brings not just funding but deep expertise in scaling consumer brands, building communities, and driving brand-led growth—critical as Gully Labs looks to expand beyond niche audiences. The fresh capital will be used to strengthen supply chains, scale production without compromising craftsmanship, invest in brand building, and expand digital reach across India.
The Indian sneaker and streetwear market is witnessing rapid evolution, driven by Gen Z and millennial consumers who see footwear as an extension of identity. As per broader D2C market trends 2025, premium footwear brands with strong storytelling, limited-edition models, and digital-first distribution are outperforming traditional players. Gully Labs fits squarely into this trend, positioning itself for sustained D2C revenue growth.
Looking ahead, the founders aim to scale Gully Labs as a globally relevant Indian sneaker brand—one that competes on design, quality, and culture rather than discounts. With Shark Tank visibility, a strong valuation, and a clear brand thesis,
Gully Labs is well-placed to become a defining name in Latest D2C startups emerging from India’s fashion ecosystem.
As Indian D2C updates increasingly spotlight brands that blend heritage with modern aspiration, Gully Labs stands out as a powerful example of how local culture, when executed well, can unlock premium valuations and long-term brand equity in the D2C ecosystem India.
