Ctruh, a startup from Bengaluru, just got a strategic investment after being on Shark Tank India Season 5. Vinay Agastya founded the company, which is creating what they call the world’s first AI-powered Unified XR Commerce Studio. It’s designed to help brands make cool, interactive online shopping experiences.
During his pitch, Vinay Agastya wanted ₹1 crore for 1.2% of his company, which he valued at over ₹83 crore. After talking with the Sharks, Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh made a counter-offer: ₹1 crore for 2.4% equity. Agastya took it, getting money and advice from two big investors from the show.
Ctruh, started in January 2023, wants to change how people find and check out products online. Because India’s direct-to-consumer scene is changing so fast, brands need new ways to connect with customers online. Ctruh’s platform does this by using AI, 3D tech, and XR (extended reality) to make product experiences super interactive.
The company’s tech lets brands create virtual versions of their products. Customers can look around, play with them, and learn more before they buy. Now that D2C brands in India are using online channels more and more to reach people, tech like XR and AI are becoming great tools for getting people interested and making sales.
Ctruh’s AI-powered Unified XR Commerce Studio lets brands create awesome product images, interactive stories, and digital storefronts that grab your attention. These things are very useful, as trends show that tech will be used a lot more in online retail. Brands are trying out things like virtual showrooms, 3D product views, and augmented shopping.
Ctruh’s idea fits well with what’s happening in the Indian D2C world, where new digital stuff is just as important as new products. Because there’s so much competition between both new and old brands, being able to create unique online experiences is becoming key.
Tech platforms like Ctruh are helping to connect regular ecommerce websites with more immersive digital places. For brands selling fashion, electronics, beauty products, or personal care items directly to consumers, showing products in an engaging way can really boost customer interest and confidence.
Investors are starting to notice startups that are enabling the next stage of online shopping. There are not many funds for the sector currently, but things that help brands grow online and improve customer experience are becoming the mainstream.
Ctruh being on Shark Tank India shows that AI and the D2C market in India are coming together. As brands fight for attention online, tech that makes storytelling better, products more interactive, and experiences more personal is going to be needed for online shopping to grow.
The investment from Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh also gives Ctruh some important support. This could help the startup grow its D2C plans faster, make its product better, and partner with new brands. As India’s digital world keeps getting bigger, startups that are building ways to do business are going to be a big part of what the future of online retail looks like.
For people following Indian D2C market updates, Ctruh is a new kind of startup that’s changing ecommerce. The company wants to change how people shop online by using AI, immersive tech, and digital storytelling to improve how people explore products and interact with brands.
As the Indian D2C scene keeps changing, things like XR-powered commerce platforms could open up new chances for brands to create better, more interesting shopping experiences in the future.
