Malaki, featured on Shark Tank India, raises Rs 5.7 crore fund

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Malaki, a Mumbai-based premium beverage brand, raises Rs 5.7 crore fund in a seed funding round led by early-stage investment platform Venture Catalysts, with participation from Maarc Ventures and the Dadachanji Family Office. The funding will drive expansion across major metropolitan cities, including Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. After its appearance on Shark Tank India, Malaki gained widespread attention and now focuses on increasing its footprint on quick-commerce platforms and in premium hospitality chains. The brand, founded in 2020 by brothers Mohit and Ashish Bhatia, has built a distinctive identity in India’s growing market for high-quality, design-driven beverages.

1. Introduction to Malaki: A Premium Beverage Brand

Malaki, founded in 2020 by brothers Mohit Bhatia and Ashish Bhatia, has quickly become a prominent player in India’s premium beverage market. The brand offers a range of high-quality beverages, including tonic waters, alkaline waters, sparkling waters, and ginger ales, all packaged in environmentally conscious glass bottles. What sets Malaki apart is its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The brand’s patented Crystal Bottle design symbolizes this commitment, making it instantly recognizable.

The company’s products are already available in over 500 premium HORECA (hotels, restaurants, and cafés) outlets in India, including partnerships with prominent establishments such as Singapore Airlines, Ritz Carlton, and Hyatt. Malaki’s focus is to provide world-class products crafted by a homegrown brand that stands for innovation and quality. The company is aiming to expand its reach to new cities and consumers, tapping into the health-conscious and design-savvy market that is increasingly shaping India’s beverage industry.

2. Funding and Strategic Expansion Plans

Malaki raises Rs 5.7 crore fund in a seed funding round led by Venture Catalysts, an early-stage investment platform. The round also saw participation from Maarc Ventures and the Dadachanji Family Office. The brand will primarily use the fresh capital to accelerate its expansion into major metropolitan markets, including Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. Additionally, Malaki aims to strengthen its presence on quick-commerce platforms and further integrate into premium hospitality chains across India.

This funding also comes on the heels of the brand’s appearance on Shark Tank India, which significantly increased its visibility and market recognition. The show provided Malaki with the opportunity to reach a larger audience and attract interest from investors who believe in the brand’s potential.

3. Malaki’s Revenue Model and Market Strategy

Malaki’s revenue model is based on direct sales to premium HORECA outlets, as well as partnerships with high-end airlines and hotels. The brand’s premium positioning in the market enables it to tap into a niche segment of health-conscious and design-savvy consumers who are willing to pay a premium for quality beverages. The company also plans to leverage e-commerce platforms and quick-commerce apps to reach a larger audience and increase sales.

The expansion into key metro cities is, therefore, a crucial part of Malaki’s larger goal of establishing itself as a leading premium beverage brand in India. Moreover, with its strong sustainability focus and innovative product offerings, the brand is positioning itself for long-term growth. As a result, Malaki is not only enhancing its presence in major markets but also building a solid foundation for sustained success in the evolving beverage industry.

4. Product Portfolio and Innovation

Malaki’s product portfolio is designed to meet the evolving preferences of India’s premium beverage market. The company offers a range of beverages that include tonic waters, alkaline waters, sparkling waters, and ginger ales. Malaki packages all its products in environmentally conscious glass bottles, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability while adding a luxury appeal to the brand.

The brand’s flagship innovation, the Crystal Bottle design, is a key differentiator. This packaging not only appeals visually but also functions to preserve the quality and taste of the beverages. Malaki continuously innovates its product offerings to meet the evolving demands of its health-conscious consumer base.

5. Malaki’s Founders and Their Vision

The co-founders, Mohit Bhatia and Ashish Bhatia, have a deep passion for building homegrown brands that can compete globally. Both founders have an extensive background in the business and consumer goods sectors, giving them the expertise needed to launch a successful brand like Malaki.

In their own words, Mohit Bhatia shared, “Malaki was born from our belief that Indian consumers deserve world-class products crafted by homegrown brands innovating for a new generation.” As a result, this vision has driven Malaki’s growth and, consequently, attracted strong investor interest.

Ashish Bhatia further elaborated, “At Malaki, we’re committed to building a brand that embodies quality, innovation, and purpose. This fundraise validates our vision and equips us to accelerate expansion, bringing a fresh perspective to hydration and beverage culture in India.”

6. Industry Insights and Trends

India’s premium beverage market is experiencing significant growth as more consumers move towards health-conscious choices and sustainable products. The rise of quick-commerce platforms and e-commerce apps has created new opportunities for beverage brands to expand their reach beyond traditional retail outlets. Brands like Malaki, which combine sustainability with luxury appeal, are well-positioned to tap into this growing trend.

Moreover, India’s rising middle class and increasing disposable incomes are contributing to a larger market for premium products. The demand for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing beverages is expected to grow, providing Malaki with ample room to scale its business across the country.

7. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs

Malaki’s journey offers several valuable insights for startups and entrepreneurs:

1. Innovation and Sustainability: By focusing on innovative product offerings and sustainable packaging, Malaki has differentiated itself from competitors in the crowded beverage market. Entrepreneurs can learn the importance of innovation and sustainability in building a strong brand.
2. Strategic Partnerships: Malaki’s partnerships with high-end hotels and airlines have played a crucial role in its growth. This highlights the importance of strategic collaborations for startups looking to expand their market presence.
3. Leveraging Visibility: Malaki’s appearance on Shark Tank India provided a significant boost to its visibility. This reinforces the value of media exposure and strategic networking for new brands.
4. Building a Premium Brand: By focusing on quality and luxury appeal, Malaki has successfully positioned itself as a premium brand. Startups can benefit from understanding their target market and tailoring their products and messaging accordingly.

Conclusion: Malaki Raises Fund to Accelerate Growth in India’s Premium Beverage Market

In conclusion, Malaki raises fund to fuel its expansion into key metro cities and further solidify its position in India’s growing premium beverage market. With its innovative product offerings, sustainability focus, and commitment to quality, Malaki is poised to become a leading player in the industry. The recent seed funding round, led by Venture Catalysts and supported by Maarc Ventures and the Dadachanji Family Office, will enable the brand to reach a wider audience and scale its operations effectively.

As the premium beverage market in India continues to grow, Malaki is well-positioned to tap into the rising demand for quality, health-conscious products. The brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it a model for startups looking to make a mark in India’s competitive consumer market.

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