GIVA raises Rs 530 crore funding led by Creaegis

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GIVA raises Rs 530 crore in Series C funding, and it’s not just another round—it’s a bold statement. Creaegis, a firm with a sharp eye for digital-first, consumer-centric brands, led the round, with longtime believers like Premji Invest, Epiq Capital, and Edelweiss Discovery Fund doubling down. Since its 2019 inception by Ishendra Agarwal and Nikita Prasad, GIVA has punched above its weight, growing from sleek silver collections to a diverse catalogue including 14K/18K gold and ethically created lab-grown diamonds.

This surge of capital isn’t just a buffer—it’s ammunition. GIVA plans to blast open new retail zones, turbocharge its digital experience, streamline its tech-driven supply chain, and launch products that haven’t even hit your radar yet. Already spread across 240 physical stores nationwide, the brand is eyeing 145 to 150 new locations in 2025, zeroing in on Tier II cities where demand is boiling over.

Even with FY24 revenue climbing 66% to Rs 274 crore, the brand isn’t breaking even just yet. Losses grew 30% to Rs 59 crore, but that’s the price of ambition. It’s the typical profile of a startup in sprint mode, investing in reach and recall.

GIVA’s not wading into an empty market. It’s up against Bluestone—already prepping a Rs 1,000 crore IPO—Titan-backed CaratLane, and agile D2C players like Melorra. But with Creaegis onboard and a laser focus on Tier II towns, GIVA is betting big on the aspirational middle India.

1. Introduction: GIVA Raises Rs 530 Crore Funding

The Indian startup scene is on fire, and GIVA’s Rs 530 crore raise is more proof that smart ideas backed by bolder execution can still grab serious attention. Creaegis didn’t just lead the round—they backed GIVA’s obsession with redefining how India buys jewellery. This isn’t about incremental growth; it’s a full-throttle attempt to rewrite the D2C jewellery playbook.

2. GIVA’s Operating Model

2.1 What GIVA Offers Consumers

GIVA doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s purpose-built for a new breed of Indian buyer who wants elegance without complication. Starting with sterling silver, it moved into gold and lab-grown diamonds, offering sleek designs that scream modern India.

2.2 The Omnichannel Strategy

GIVA is where clicks meet bricks. You’ll find them online, yes, but their 240+ offline stores form a crucial backbone. This hybrid model is why they’re scaling fast—and why 150 new stores are next in line, especially in rising Tier II cities.

2.3 Supply Chain and Technology

Behind the scenes, GIVA runs on smart tech. AI-assisted inventory, hyper-local logistics, and predictive analytics power every ring and necklace that gets shipped. The new funds are destined to make this backend even more bulletproof.

3. Revenue Model and Financials

3.1 Sales and Revenue

GIVA makes its money the old-fashioned way—by selling things people love. Every necklace, every ring adds to its top line, which shot up to Rs 274 crore in FY24. That’s a 66% jump, and it didn’t happen by chance.

3.2 Losses and Scale-Up

Hypergrowth isn’t pretty. Losses widened to Rs 59 crore, but that’s what you expect when you’re throwing everything into expansion. They’re betting on scale catching up with spend.

4. Founders and Their Vision

4.1 Ishendra Agarwal and Nikita Prasad

What started as a vision between Ishendra and Nikita has turned into one of India’s fastest-growing D2C brands. They didn’t just want to sell jewellery; they wanted to modernise it for a mobile-first, style-conscious generation.

4.2 Leadership Evolution

Aditya Labroo wasn’t just COO; he’s been a strategic engine. His elevation to co-founder isn’t ceremonial—it reflects his real skin in the game.

5. GIVA’s Product & Market Fit

5.1 Target Market

This brand speaks directly to India’s new-age professionals and fashion-forward youth. They want subtle glam, not heavy heirlooms. GIVA gives them that.

5.2 Differentiation in Design

Their collections aren’t cookie-cutter. Influencer tie-ups, fresh seasonal drops, and Insta-friendly aesthetics make GIVA stand out in a sea of sameness.

6. What Problems Does GIVA Solve?

6.1 Lack of Trust and Transparency

Let’s face it—buying jewellery in India has often felt shady. GIVA tackled that head-on with certified quality, transparent pricing, and policies that don’t require ten phone calls to invoke.

6.2 Accessibility to Modern Designs

Traditional jewellers stuck in the past? GIVA fills the style gap with modern, minimalist designs that match what today’s consumer wants to wear.

6.3 Lack of Reach in Tier II/III Cities

These cities are hungry for brands that feel premium but aren’t pretentious. GIVA’s expansion strategy is spot-on here.

7. Industry Trends and Growth Potential

7.1 Rise of D2C Brands

The D2C wave isn’t slowing down. By 2027, it’s expected to hit $100 billion in India. Brands like GIVA are riding that current like pros.

7.2 Demand for Lab-Grown Diamonds

Sustainable, affordable, and conflict-free, lab-grown diamonds are the future. Consumers know it, and GIVA’s diving in deep.

7.3 Tier II Cities as Growth Hubs

Smaller towns, bigger ambitions. Rising disposable income and aspirational buying are setting the stage for brands like GIVA to win big.

8. Competition Landscape

8.1 Bluestone

Bluestone has reach and reputation. Their IPO is looming, and their offline network is deep. GIVA has its work cut out.

8.2 CaratLane

CaratLane plays the legacy game, thanks to Titan. GIVA’s going after the modern buyer in a more agile way.

8.3 Melorra

Melorra is light, wearable, and fast-moving—a true D2C rival. But GIVA’s got the omnichannel edge.

8.4 Other Local Players

Local jewellers still own customer loyalty in smaller towns. GIVA needs to win their trust with design, service, and brand story.

9. Funding Journey and Capital Utilisation

9.1 Total Funds Raised

GIVA has now raised over $146 million, stacking the war chest for a retail and digital blitz.

9.2 Where the Money Goes

Rs 530 crore isn’t pocket change. It’s going into:

• 150 new stores
• Upgrading tech logistics
• Deeper lab-diamond skews
• New product verticals

Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This isn’t just a jewellery success story—it’s a startup masterclass. Want to learn?

• Nail product-market fit.
• Make tech your enabler, not your gimmick.
• Omnichannel isn’t optional.
• Tier II is not second-tier—it’s your next frontier.
• Build trust and stay loud about it.

Founders should watch how GIVA mixed old-school industry with new-school hustle and came out swinging.

About Foundlanes

At foundlanes.com, we spotlight more than headlines. We dig into India’s startup pulse—whether it’s deep-diving into D2C trailblazers or capturing unicorn momentum. In covering stories like GIVA raises Rs 530 crore funding, we’re showcasing what it means to build boldly in India today.