Sankar Bora’s Footwear Startup CHK Secures $2.5 Million to Accelerate Growth

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CHK, a new D2C footwear startup co-founded by Sankar Bora of Dealshare, has raised a total of $2.5 million in seed funding, with a major contribution from global venture capital firm Accel. The funding, which follows a pre-seed round from BlueStone Jewellery and Lifestyle Limited, will help the company accelerate its production and strengthen its go-to-market strategy. CHK aims to provide innovative lifestyle footwear designed specifically for India’s millennial and Gen-Z consumers, tapping into a growing demographic of young professionals. Positioned as a “Made in India” brand, CHK plans to produce its footwear in a cutting-edge facility in Tamil Nadu, focusing on top-quality design and manufacturing.

Introduction to CHK’s Working Model and Funding Background

Sankar Bora’s D2C Footwear Startup CHK has recently gained significant attention in the fashion and footwear industry after securing $2.5 million in seed funding. This funding round, led by the global venture capital firm Accel, marks a pivotal moment for the startup. CHK previously raised a pre-seed round from BlueStone Jewellery, laying the foundation for its growth. With the latest funding, CHK aims to boost production and refine its marketing strategy ahead of its April launch.

CHK’s D2C model offers stylish, high-quality footwear directly to consumers, bypassing traditional retail. Its “Concept to Creation” model gives full control over production, ensuring faster turnarounds and adaptability to evolving fashion trends.

The Revenue Model: A Closer Look

CHK’s revenue model targets trendy footwear for millennials and Gen-Z, boosting sales with bold and subtle designs. Its D2C model ensures competitive pricing, high quality, and excellent customer service.

The company’s revenue will rely on repeat customers, with brand loyalty and fashion-driven buying behavior. CHK’s Tamil Nadu facility boosts production efficiency, lowering costs, speeding delivery, and enhancing customer satisfaction for long-term growth.

Founder’s Background: Sankar Bora and His Team

CHK was founded by Sankar Bora, a former Dealshare executive, alongside experienced professionals. The team includes Deepan Babu (ex-McKinsey), Bharat Mahajan (design expertise from Wildcraft, Puma, Adidas), and Deepak Patil (former Myntra Director). Their combined experience in strategy, product development, and design strengthens CHK’s foundation in the competitive footwear market. Deepak’s expertise ensures CHK’s products meet the Indian market’s needs and expectations.

CHK’s Product and Services Offering

CHK’s core offering is footwear designed specifically for fashion-forward millennials and Gen-Z consumers in India. The brand is all about blending style with comfort, offering shoes that make a statement without compromising on quality.

What sets CHK apart is its “Concept to Creation” model. This approach allows the company to have complete control over every stage of the production process. CHK ensures every shoe reflects its philosophy of innovation and craftsmanship, from design to final product. This approach allows the brand to quickly adapt to changing consumer trends, keeping its products relevant and on-trend.

Market Trends and Growth Potential

The Indian footwear market has been witnessing significant growth, driven largely by the increasing purchasing power of millennials and Gen-Z consumers. These younger generations are more inclined toward purchasing products that align with their values, including sustainability, quality, and design.

Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs

As CHK’s success story unfolds, there are several valuable takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups looking to make their mark in the Indian market. First, focusing on a clear and unique value proposition is key. CHK has differentiated itself with its “Concept to Creation” model, which ensures faster production and more innovative products. Second, the importance of a strong founding team cannot be overstated. With a diverse team that brings expertise in business strategy, product development, and design, CHK is able to execute its vision effectively.

Lastly, the power of seed funding should not be underestimated.

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