Includ, an up-and-coming children’s clothing brand, has announced the successful closure of its seed funding round, securing $1.5 million. Spearheaded by Incubate Fund Asia, the round saw substantial investments from Escape Velocity, Abhishek Goyal (Co-founder of Tracxn), and the IIM Indore Alumni Angel Fund.
The startup plans to utilize the funds to enhance its supply chain, develop proprietary technology internally, and bolster brand awareness.
Moreover, the company intends to invest in technology to vertically integrate with its suppliers, establishing a robust supply chain for timely delivery. Additionally, the firm will leverage the funds to implement effective marketing and brand strategies.
Established in 2023 by Ashwin Rastogi, a seasoned entrepreneur renowned for building prominent direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, Includ is strategically positioned to fill the market void for affordable yet premium-quality kidswear. Catering to children aged 0 to 14 years, the brand provides a diverse range of stylish and comfortable clothing. With India witnessing approximately 25 million births annually, the highest globally, Includ is poised to capitalize on a market projected to reach $20 billion, fueled by rising expenditure per child and the growing adoption of e-commerce.
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Ashwin Rastogi expressed his views on the evolving nature of the Indian kidswear industry, pointing out the growing need for fashionable yet reasonably priced apparel. The kidswear market in India is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with a quick increase in demand for stylish, reasonably priced luxury clothes. We hope that by providing parents with peace of mind via quality and affordability, our expanding range will enable every kid to embrace their uniqueness. “We are grateful that prominent figures in the industry like Abhishek, Escape Velocity, Incubate Fund Asia, and others are on board with our vision,” stated Rastogi.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership, Rajeev Ranka, Partner at Incubate Fund Asia, remarked, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Includ as they craft a design-centric, high-quality, and affordable brand tailored for the Indian kidswear market.”
Madhav Tandan, Managing Partner at Escape Velocity, lauded Rastogi’s extensive domain knowledge and innovative strategies. “We were greatly impressed by Ashwin’s profound expertise in the field, having established digital-first brands of considerable scale from the ground up. His understanding of apparel supply chains and keen insight into what remains largely unexplored territory, not only in India but also in other burgeoning markets, stood out to us,” he remarked.
Prior to founding Includ, Rastogi made a significant impact in the D2C sector, contributing to the success of brands like Urbanic London and Club Factory. His extensive background in e-commerce and supply chains, coupled with a keen understanding of consumer behavior in India and emerging markets, drives his passion for building a brand that resonates strongly with both children and parents. In less than a year since its launch, Includ has achieved monthly sales surpassing INR 2 Crore, underscoring the brand’s rapid growth trajectory and market acceptance.
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