D2C kitchenware startup Basil has raised $2 million (₹18.2 crore) in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Prime Venture Partners, with continued participation from Appreciate Capital and IIMA Ventures. The investment underscores rising investor interest in lifestyle-driven home and kitchen brands catering to India’s expanding urban workforce and school-going demographic.
Founded in 2023 by Mahesh Muraleedharan and Harini Rajagopalan, Basil is reimagining everyday carry-ware with a design-led approach. The brand has built its identity around modern, compartmentalised bento boxes that blend aesthetic appeal with functional durability. By combining leak-proof formats, premium BPA-free materials and stainless steel finishes, Basil aims to transform the traditional Indian tiffin into a stylish, health-conscious accessory.
Operating primarily through its own website and major marketplaces including Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and FirstCry, the startup claims delivery reach across more than 20,000 pincodes nationwide.
With fresh capital in hand, Basil plans to diversify beyond lunchboxes into adjacent categories such as water bottles and insulated bags, positioning itself as a comprehensive “on-the-go dining” brand. The funds will also be deployed toward strengthening supply chain partnerships, accelerating fulfilment capabilities, expanding product design teams, and increasing digital marketing investments to build broader brand recall.
The funding comes at a time when India’s estimated $20 billion home and kitchen market is witnessing a shift from unorganised to branded players. As office attendance and school routines normalise post-pandemic, demand for durable yet design-forward carry solutions has surged.
Backed by Prime Venture Partners, known for scaling consumer and tech-led ventures, Basil is betting that functionality combined with aspirational design can carve out a strong position in India’s evolving kitchenware landscape.
