The Indian direct-to-consumer health and wellness scene is still going strong, as people want products that are proven and honest. Adding to this, The Stack, a supplement brand that’s all about science and clear ingredients, just got ₹5.5 crore in its first funding round. OTP Ventures and Huddle Ventures led the investment, with some angel investors joining in. It’s a big thumbs-up to their different way of doing things in the fast-growing Indian D2C world.
Shreya Jain and Kshitij Rihal started The Stack because they were annoyed with the Indian supplement market. When Rihal was training for long-distance running, he couldn’t find supplements that were as good as global brands. So, he teamed up with Jain, a chemical engineer who knew a lot about making medicines, and they decided to fix what they thought was a big problem in the Indian D2C world.
Instead of following trends or hype, The Stack has based its brand on strict formulas, ingredients from around the world, and clear results. Right now, they’re putting their energy into specific health areas like sleep and gut health, focusing on doing a few things really well. This smart plan fits with what’s happening in the D2C market, where people are getting smarter and don’t believe big claims and flashy ads as much.
Investors think this focus on the future is what makes them special. Sanil Sachar from Huddle Ventures said that the brands that will last in consumer health are the ones that fix real problems, not just chase quick money. Similarly, Suhail Sameer said that The Stack’s really honest supply chain and focus on working well made it stand out, making trust a key part of its brand story.
The Stack is already doing well. In the past year, some products have grown a lot, and many customers keep coming back for more. These numbers show that their income is going up, their costs are under control, and customers like what they’re doing – all of which are good signs for the future in the D2C world.
Industry leaders have noticed, too. Mohit Kumar, the founder of Ultrahuman, talked about how involved the founders are in the science, formulas, and testing, showing that people respect brands that are both credible and can get things done.
The money they just raised will go towards coming up with new products, building their team, and improving their brand and packaging. They’ve been growing on their own until now, and the founders see this funding as a big step in creating a top-notch D2C brand that values trust, results, and taking care of customers in the long run.
As India’s wellness and nutrition market keeps growing, The Stack’s focus on science and honesty puts it in a good spot to shape the future of consumer health. The funding shows that investors believe in research-based models that create lasting brands, not just short-lived crazes in the changing Indian D2C scene.
