RARA Barefoot, an Indian footwear brand, is making its entrance into the direct-to-consumer market in India with $500,000 raised in pre-seed funding.
The funding round had more interest than spots available and included people from Zomato, Urban Company, Tata 1mg, Shyft, and HexaHealth, plus Managing Directors and Partners from ChrysCapital and BCG. This shows investors are confident in the growing D2C market in India.
Varun Mimani and Manas Tripathi started RARA Barefoot in 2024, with the goal of being a performance-focused D2C footwear brand that mixes modern style with how feet are designed to work. They want to offer barefoot sneakers to Indian customers, based on natural movement and comfort. Their first collection is now for sale online, and they plan to build relationships with customers directly. By 2026, they expect to grow through retail partnerships and pop-up stores in big cities.
The new funding will help RARA launch nationwide, support manufacturing in India, and improve its supply chain. RARA aims to set an example for other growing D2C startups by combining product improvements with a commitment to sustainability. All RARA sneakers are from India, using global barefoot design ideas and materials from India.
Each RARA sneaker has a flat sole, a wide area for the toes, and a flexible bottom that works with the foot’s joints. This mix of usefulness and comfort shows that more consumers want sustainable brands in India.
The Indian sneaker market is growing fast and is predicted to reach $4,665.9 million by 2030. RARA Barefoot’s entry is well-timed, because direct-to-consumer brands are helping this expansion. The brand’s business model lets it control prices, ensure quality, and connect with consumers, which are keys to growth.
RARA Barefoot aims to change how India walks. They are creating a brand based on natural movement, Indian manufacturing, and careful design. With its successful funding, RARA Barefoot is one of the latest startups influencing the future of Indian footwear and supporting the growth of D2C business in India around the world.
