In a major consolidation of the Indian wellness market, Mumbai-based pharmaceutical giant USV Private Ltd has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 79% stake in Wellbeing Nutrition (Nutritionalab Private Ltd).
The all-cash transaction, announced on February 12, 2026, values the digital-first nutraceutical brand at ₹1,583 crore. This deal represents the largest exit to date in India’s health and wellness startup ecosystem.
Deal Breakdown & Shareholding Shift
The acquisition facilitates a complete exit for early institutional backers while allowing the founder to remain invested during the transition.
| Participant | Action | Stake Details |
| Hindustan Unilever (HUL) | Full Exit | Sold its 19.8% stake for ₹307 crore (approx. 5x return). |
| Fireside Ventures | Full Exit | Sold its 19.8% stake (clocking a ~15x return). |
| Avnish Chhabria (Founder) | Partial Sale | Sold 35% stake; retains 15% until March 2028. |
| USV Private Ltd | Acquisition | Becomes the majority owner with 79% equity. |
Strategic Rationale: The Pivot to “Medical Wellness”
For USV, a leader in diabetes and cardiac care (known for brands like Glycomet and Ecosprin), this acquisition is a strategic move to dominate the “preventive healthcare” space.
1. Entry into the GLP-1 Market
A core driver of the deal is the booming market for GLP-1 therapies (weight-loss and metabolic health).
- USV and Wellbeing Nutrition are reportedly co-developing oral delivery mechanisms for GLP-1 treatments, aiming to provide a simpler alternative to current injectables.
- They are also targeting Sarcopenia (muscle loss associated with rapid weight loss) by developing clinical-grade protein supplements to be used alongside these therapies.
2. Prescription-Led Growth
Wellbeing Nutrition, which grew its revenue from ₹42 crore in FY23 to ₹119 crore in FY25, aims to use USV’s massive network of doctors and pharmacies to move beyond its D2C roots and become a prescription-led brand.
3. Distribution Synergy
- Wellbeing’s Strength: High-frequency retail and quick commerce (Blinkit, Zepto).
- USV’s Strength: Deep penetration in traditional pharma channels and clinical credibility.
About Wellbeing Nutrition
Founded in 2019 by Avnish Chhabria and Saurabh Kapoor, the brand is known for “clean-label” nutrition and innovative delivery formats like its signature “Melts” (thin oral strips).
- Product Portfolio: * Melts: Nanotechnology-based strips for sleep, hair, and multivitamins.
- Slow: Time-release capsules combining oil and pellets.
- Daily Greens: Effervescent tablets for whole-food nutrition.
- Marine Collagen & Plant Proteins: Premium supplements for skin and muscle health.
- Presence: Over 6,000 retail outlets in India and international operations in the UAE, UK, and USA.
Industry Context
This acquisition follows a broader trend of FMCG and Pharma giants snapping up high-growth D2C wellness brands.
- Marico recently acquired a 60% stake in Cosmix (₹375 crore valuation).
- HUL (while exiting Wellbeing) has doubled down on OZiva, recently acquiring the remaining 49% stake in that brand.
