Bombay Shaving Company has raised ₹136 crore in its latest capital raise, combining both primary and secondary infusions.
The round was led by existing investor Sixth Sense Ventures, with participation from CEO & founder Shantanu Deshpande, former cricketer Rahul Dravid, and other family offices and high-net-worth individuals.
Why the funding and what it will be used for
- The brand plans to use the funds to deepen its omnichannel presence — combining online, offline retail, and marketplace channels.
- The raise also aims to bolster brand building, enhance capabilities, and strengthen leadership in India’s grooming and personal-care segment.
- According to disclosures, the company has achieved a revenue run-rate of over ₹550 crore and has become PAT-profitable.
- The company is eyeing an IPO, indicating this raise is part of a pre-listing growth push. Storyboard18
Context & background
- Founded in 2016 by Shantanu Deshpande, Bombay Shaving Company started as a direct-to-consumer men’s grooming brand and has since expanded into perfumes, skincare, and a women’s brand “Bombae”.
- In FY24 the brand’s net loss had reduced significantly while revenues grew ≈ 26 % to ₹204 crore from ₹161.8 crore in FY23.
- The personal-care/grooming market in India is growing rapidly, making strong brands and expansion strategies vital for competitive differentiation.
Implications
- The funding validates investor confidence in the brand and its growth momentum—especially important in a crowded D2C/grooming market.
- With profitability achieved and a solid run-rate, the company is in a stronger position ahead of a potential IPO, which may help it access a wider capital base.
- The omnichannel strategy suggests the company sees offline/retail presence (stores/distribution) as key — often a costly phase but critical for scaling in India.
- For consumers, a stronger brand may translate into wider availability, improved products, and perhaps more competitive pricing or offerings.
Things to watch
- Execution of expansion: Rolling out more retail footprint and omnichannel presence needs strong operations and supply-chain efficiency.
- Retention of profitability: With rapid growth and investment in brand/retail, maintaining or improving margins will be critical.
- IPO timing and structure: How the company structures the public listing (valuation, share structure) will matter for existing and new investors.
- Competitive pressures: The grooming/personal-care space has many players (local and global); staying differentiated will be important.
- Sustainability of growth: Growing revenue run-rate is promising, but consistency over the next few years will determine long-term success.
Summary
The Bombay Shaving Company raising ₹136 crore is a notable milestone: the brand is showing traction (profitability + robust run-rate) and gearing up for the next growth leg with omnichannel expansion and a likely IPO. The raise positions it well, but the execution ahead will determine how well it capitalises on its potential.
