How to choose an investment banker in India for business fundraising, private equity and mergers and acquisitions.

How to Choose the Right Investment Banker in India for Fundraising and M&A

Choosing the right investment banking or transaction advisory firm depends on a company’s growth stage, revenue, transaction size, industry, and fundraising or M&A objectives. Some firms focus on growth-stage and mid-market businesses, while others typically work on larger corporate transactions, substantial capital raises, and complex advisory mandates.

Whether you are raising your first institutional round, looking for growth capital or planning to sell your business, the investment banker you choose shapes the outcome. A good banker helps you reach the right investors, get a fair valuation and close the deal on time.

India has a wide mix of advisory firms, from global consulting names to homegrown banks and sector-focused specialists. Each one works best for a certain type of company. This guide lists the top investment banks in India in 2026, what each one does, and how to pick the one that suits your business.

 

How to Choose the Right Investment Banker

  • Deal size: Choose a firm that regularly handles deals of your size, so your mandate gets real attention.
  • Sector experience: Bankers who know your industry can tell your story better and already know the active investors.
  • Senior attention: Ask who will run your deal day to day after the first meeting.
  • Investor network: Look for networks with VCs, PE funds, family offices and strategic buyers.
  • Recent track record: Recent deals in your space matter more than old headline transactions. Boutique banks offer aggressive services than big banks.

1. FundTQ

  • Best suited for: Growth-stage and mid-market companies seeking fundraising or M&A advisory.
  • Typical deal size: ₹50–200 crore and above.
  • Deal focus: Mid-market fundraising, strategic investments, and mergers and acquisitions.
  • Specialisation: Sector-focused investment banking and growth advisory.
  • Key sectors: Healthcare, Consumer Brands, Technology, Wellness, education, agriculture, and jewellery.
  • Core services: Equity Fundraising, Buy-Side and Sell-Side M&A, IPO Advisory, Valuation, Financial Modelling, Investor Outreach, and Deal Structuring.
  • Client type: Founder-led startups, SMEs, and growing brands.
  • Senior involvement: Partners remain hands-on throughout key stages, from pitch preparation and investor outreach to negotiations and deal closure.
  • Investor network: Venture capital funds, private equity firms, family offices, and strategic buyers.

2. Avendus Capital

  • Best suited for: Scaled startups, high-growth businesses, and established companies pursuing substantial fundraising or strategic transactions.
  • Typical deal size: ₹500 crore and above.
  • Deal focus: Large private equity rounds, M&A, and strategic corporate transactions.
  • Specialisation: Full-service investment banking and financial services.
  • Key sectors: Technology, consumer, healthcare, and financial services.
  • Core services: Equity Fundraising, M&A Advisory, Private Capital Solutions, Wealth Management, and Asset Management.
  • Client type: High-revenue businesses, scaled startups, established companies, financial sponsors, and large corporations.
  • Senior involvement: Senior bankers participate in strategic decisions and negotiations, with involvement depending on transaction size and complexity.
  • Investor network: Private equity funds, International institutional investors, and strategic buyers.

3. EY (Ernst & Young)

  • Best suited for: Large corporates, multinational companies, and businesses undertaking complex transactions.
  • Typical deal size: ₹500-1000 crore and above.
  • Deal focus: Corporate transactions, M&A, financial due diligence, and restructuring.
  • Specialisation: Integrated transaction advisory combining financial, tax, and commercial expertise.
  • Key sectors: Financial services, technology, healthcare, consumer, and industrials.
  • Core services: M&A Advisory, Due Diligence, Valuation, Tax Advisory, Restructuring, and Transaction Support.
  • Client type: Established businesses, large corporates, multinational companies, and private equity funds.
  • Senior involvement: Senior professionals oversee engagements, while specialist teams manage detailed execution.
  • Investor network: Institutional investors, private equity firms, corporate buyers, and strategic acquirers.

4. KPMG

  • Best suited for: Large businesses requiring financial due diligence, transaction support, restructuring, or complex deal advisory.
  • Typical deal size: ₹500-1000 crore and above.
  • Deal focus: Corporate M&A, transaction diligence, restructuring, and deal execution support.
  • Specialisation: Deal advisory, financial analysis, and risk-focused transaction services.
  • Key sectors: Financial services, technology, consumer, healthcare, and industrials.
  • Core services: Financial and Tax Due Diligence, Valuation, Deal Structuring, Transaction Advisory, and Restructuring.
  • Client type: Large Indian and global companies, multinational corporations, and private equity funds.
  • Senior involvement: Senior professionals provide strategic oversight, with direct involvement depending on the engagement and transaction complexity.
  • Investor network: Corporate acquirers, institutional investors, and private equity firms.

5. Deloitte

  • Best suited for: Large enterprises and multinational companies seeking integrated transaction advisory and corporate finance support.
  • Typical deal size: ₹1,000 crore and above.
  • Deal focus: Enterprise-level transactions, M&A, financial analysis, and post-transaction integration.
  • Specialisation: Transaction advisory supported by financial, tax, risk, and consulting capabilities.
  • Key sectors: Technology, consumer, healthcare, financial services, and industrials.
  • Core services: M&A Advisory, Valuation, Due Diligence, Transaction Support, Restructuring, and Post-Deal Integration.
  • Client type: High-revenue enterprises, multinational corporations, and large private equity-backed businesses.
  • Senior involvement: Senior leadership oversees strategic and complex matters, supported by specialist teams for execution.
  • Investor network: Strategic buyers, institutional investors, and private equity firms.

6. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)

  • Best suited for: Established corporates, multinational companies, and private equity-backed businesses undertaking significant transactions.
  • Typical deal size: ₹500 crore and above.
  • Deal focus: Corporate M&A, transaction services, financial due diligence, and restructuring.
  • Specialisation: Deals advisory supported by financial, tax, and business consulting expertise.
  • Key sectors: Consumer, healthcare, technology, financial services, and industrials.
  • Core services: M&A Advisory, Valuation, Financial Due Diligence, Transaction Support, and Restructuring.
  • Client type: Established businesses, large corporates, multinational companies, and private equity funds.
  • Senior involvement: Partners and senior directors provide oversight, with direct involvement depending on the engagement scope and transaction requirements.
  • Investor network: Private equity firms, institutional investors, and strategic acquirers.

7. Ambit

  • Best suited for: Mid-market and large companies seeking investment banking, capital markets, or corporate finance support.
  • Typical deal size: ₹400 crore and above.
  • Deal focus: Corporate finance, capital markets, and strategic financial transactions.
  • Specialisation: Investment banking supported by research and institutional market expertise.
  • Key sectors: Financial services, consumer, healthcare, and industrials.
  • Core services: Investment Banking, Fundraising, Corporate Finance, Institutional Equities, and M&A Advisory.
  • Client type: Mid-sized businesses, established companies, and larger Indian corporates with significant financing requirements.
  • Senior involvement: Senior bankers guide transaction strategy and key negotiations, with involvement depending on deal size and complexity.
  • Investor network: Institutional investors, private capital providers, and strategic buyers.

8. JM Financial

  • Best suited for: Established businesses and large corporates pursuing capital markets transactions, fundraising, or strategic M&A.
  • Typical deal size: ₹1000 crore and above.
  • Deal focus: IPOs, equity and debt fundraising, and large corporate transactions.
  • Specialisation: Full-service investment banking and financial services.
  • Key sectors: Financial services, healthcare, consumer, technology, and industrials.
  • Core services: IPO Advisory, M&A, Equity Fundraising, Debt Capital Markets, and Corporate Finance.
  • Client type: Large corporates, listed companies, established businesses, and financial sponsors.
  • Senior involvement: Senior bankers oversee major transactions and strategic decisions, with direct involvement varying by mandate.
  • Investor network: Institutional investors, private equity funds, public-market investors, and strategic acquirers.

9. Kotak Investment Banking

  • Best suited for: Large Indian corporates and established businesses undertaking substantial capital markets or strategic transactions.
  • Typical deal size: ₹2,000 crore and above.
  • Deal focus: Large equity and debt transactions, IPOs, QIPs, and M&A.
  • Specialisation: Investment banking and capital markets backed by a diversified financial services group.
  • Key sectors: Financial services, technology, consumer, healthcare, and industrials.
  • Core services: Equity and Debt Fundraising, IPOs, QIPs, M&A Advisory, and Debt Capital Markets.
  • Client type: Large-revenue enterprises, listed companies, and established Indian corporates with substantial capital requirements.
  • Senior involvement: Senior bankers lead key strategic discussions and negotiations, supported by dedicated transaction teams.
  • Investor network: Institutional investors, public-market investors, private equity funds, and strategic buyers.

 

How Should Companies Choose the Right Investment Banking Firm?

The right firm depends on the company’s revenue, growth stage, funding requirement, transaction complexity, and strategic objectives.

  • For growth-stage and mid-market businesses: Consider firms with relevant sector experience, appropriate mandate sizes, and hands-on senior involvement.
  • For large private equity transactions: Evaluate firms with experience in substantial institutional fundraising, investor negotiations, and large-ticket deals.
  • For IPOs and capital markets: Consider firms with a demonstrated track record in public offerings, QIPs, and equity or debt capital markets.
  • For complex corporate transactions: Assess the firm’s capabilities in due diligence, valuation, restructuring, and transaction execution.
  • For sector-specific fundraising: Prioritise industry knowledge, relevant investor relationships, and an understanding of the company’s business model.

Companies should also assess the proposed deal team, senior banker accessibility, fees, investor reach, and the level of support available throughout the transaction.

 

Which Investment Bank Should You Choose?

The right investment bank is the one that fits your deal:

  • Raising ₹50–300 Cr in healthcare, consumer or tech: A sector-focused mid-market bank like FundTQ is usually a natural fit.
  • Very large late-stage rounds: Larger homegrown banks such as Avendus Capital, JM Financial and Kotak Investment Banking may suit you.
  • IPO or listing plans: Look at capital-markets-focused firms.
  • Need audit, tax and diligence together: The Big 4 can cover these under one roof.

Speak with two or three advisors, ask about their recent deals in your sector and size range, and find out who will actually manage your process.

For growth-stage and mid-market founders looking to raise ₹50–200 crore, FundTQ offers fundraising and M&A advisory tailored to founder-led startups, SMEs and growing brands. Its partners stay hands-on from pitch to closing, giving founders direct access to senior guidance through investor outreach, deal structuring and negotiations. For businesses seeking capital alongside practical support throughout the transaction, FundTQ is a strong option to consider.

The best choice depends on the company’s objectives, transaction size, sector, and the experience of the team handling the mandate. Companies should compare verified completed transactions and the proposed engagement team rather than relying on headline deal values alone.

Sodhi’s Retail private-label and store expansion strategy in Delhi NCR

Sodhi’s Retail Expansion Plans Focus on Private Labels and Delhi NCR

Sodhi’s Retail is building its growth plan around its own brands, more stores in Delhi NCR and easier shopping through stores and digital channels. FundTQ is the exclusive financial advisor to Sodhi’s Retail on its growth capital process.

According to the supplied company overview, Sodhi’s has 17 stores in Delhi NCR and earns more than 50% of its revenue from private-label products. The business aims to reach ₹2,000 crore in annual revenue by FY30. This is a future target, not its current revenue.

17 Stores

Current network, Delhi-NCR

>50%

Revenue from private label

17%

Targeted same-store sales growth

₹2,000 Cr

Current revenue / FY26 revenue + ₹2,000 Cr FY30 ambition

What Is Driving Sodhi’s Retail Expansion

Sodhi’s growth plan brings together three priorities: give customers more reasons to return, build a stronger presence in nearby markets and make shopping more convenient. The focus goes beyond opening stores. Each new location and product category needs to support sales, customer loyalty and sustainable growth.

Private Labels Give Customers a Reason to Return

Private labels are products sold under a retailer’s own brands. For Sodhi’s, these products already account for more than half of revenue, according to the company overview.

Its in-house brands include Sodhilicious, Snapdesi and Bold Brownie. The wider product range covers food, bakery items, household goods, toys, home furnishing and organic toiletries.

These products support Sodhi’s “Why Pay More” value proposition. They can help the business offer a different shopping basket and have more control over product selection, quality and pricing. Their success will depend on whether customers trust the products and buy them again.

A centralised bakery supplies the store network and more than 10 corporate customers, adding a business sales channel alongside retail shopping.

Sodhi’s Retail private-label and store expansion strategy in Delhi NCR

Delhi NCR Comes First in the Expansion Plan

Sodhi’s proposed expansion focuses on Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad before a wider move into North India. Building stores closer together can make stock deliveries, local marketing and customer delivery services easier to manage.

Choosing the right locations remains important. A new store should reach enough customers to cover rent, staffing and stock costs. It should also add to the existing network rather than simply shift sales from a nearby Sodhi’s store.

Stores and Digital Shopping Work Together

Sodhi’s shopping model combines physical stores, digital ordering and 30-minute delivery. Drive-through formats are under development. The supplied overview also describes an application designed to support customer loyalty, billing and stock management.

For customers, this means more ways to shop. For the business, better stock information can help reduce unavailable products, while loyalty tools can help encourage repeat purchases.

Fast delivery also adds costs. Sodhi’s will need to balance convenience with the cost of picking, packing and delivering each order. Order value and repeat purchases will help show whether the service supports profitable growth.

Understanding the ₹2000 Crore FY30 Target

Sodhi’s aims to reach ₹2,000 crore in annual revenue by FY30. Its supplied plan also includes a 17% same-store sales growth target. Same-store sales growth means higher sales from existing, comparable stores, rather than growth from newly opened locations.

The main areas supporting these goals are:

  • More private-label products and stronger repeat demand.
  • New stores in core Delhi NCR markets.
  • Connected store, delivery and digital ordering services.
  • Selected new categories, including planned entry into athleisure clothing.

Progress should be measured through sales, store costs, stock movement and cash needs. These measures will help show whether expansion is building a stronger business. Both revenue and sales growth figures are targets, not achieved results.

How FundTQ Supports the Growth Capital Process

FundTQ is acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Sodhi’s Retail on its growth capital process, helping present its expansion plans, funding needs and growth priorities to prospective investors. Sodhi’s private-label sales, regional store network and connected shopping model form key parts of its investment story.

FundTQ specialises in sector-focused investment banking for growth-stage and mid-market founders, typically working on ₹50–200 crore transactions involving mid-size fundraising and M&A. It serves founder-led startups, SMEs and growing brands across healthcare, consumer brands, technology, wellness, education, agriculture and jewellery. Its services include equity fundraising, buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory, valuation, financial modelling, investor outreach and deal structuring.

With a network spanning VCs, PE funds, family offices and strategic buyers, FundTQ helps businesses connect with investors suited to their needs. Its partners stay hands-on from pitch to closing, providing continuity and senior guidance through investor discussions, negotiations and transaction execution.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Sodhi’s Retail

Sodhi’s Retail is a regional supermarket business with a 17-store Delhi NCR network, according to the supplied company overview. It sells groceries and other consumer products, including its own brands.

What share of Sodhi’s revenue comes from private labels

Private-label products contribute more than 50% of Sodhi’s Retail revenue, according to the supplied company overview. Its in-house brands include Sodhilicious, Snapdesi and Bold Brownie.

Where does Sodhi’s plan to expand

Sodhi’s proposed expansion prioritises Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad before a wider North India rollout.

What is Sodhi’s FY30 revenue target

Sodhi’s Retail aims to reach ₹2,000 crore in annual revenue by FY30. This is a future ambition and should not be described as current revenue.

Who is advising Sodhi’s Retail on growth capital

FundTQ is the exclusive financial advisor to Sodhi’s Retail on its growth capital process.

Top Indian Startups

Top 100 Indian Startups in 2026

India is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing startup companies. From fintech and SaaS to healthcare, ecommerce, AI, and consumer brands, Indian startups are creating billion-dollar businesses and transforming industries. This guide covers the top Indian startups in 2026, including their founders, funding raised, business models, valuations, and the key lessons entrepreneurs can learn from their growth journeys.

Whether you are an investor, founder, student, or startup enthusiast, this list provides a comprehensive overview of India’s most successful startup companies.

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Top Indian StartupsQuick Answer: Which Are the Top Indian Startups in 2026?

Some of the top startups in India include CRED, Groww, Razorpay, Zerodha, Zepto, Meesho, Nykaa, Dream11, Udaan, PharmEasy, Lenskart, and PhysicsWallah. These companies are among the most successful startups in India because they have achieved strong customer growth, significant funding, scalable business models, and leadership positions in their respective industries. India’s startup ecosystem now includes more than 100 unicorns across fintech, ecommerce, SaaS, healthtech, AI, logistics, and consumer technology sectors.

Top Startup Companies in India at a Glance

The table below highlights some of the most successful startups in India based on market presence, funding, innovation, and growth.

Startup Sector Founder
Zerodha Fintech Nithin Kamath
Razorpay Fintech Harshil Mathur
CRED Fintech Kunal Shah
Groww WealthTech Lalit Keshre
PhonePe Fintech Sameer Nigam
Jupiter Fintech Jitendra Gupta
Slice Fintech Rajan Bajaj
Navi Fintech Sachin Bansal
Open Fintech Anish Achuthan
BharatPe Fintech Ashneer Grover
Nykaa Beauty Commerce Falguni Nayar
Meesho Social Commerce Vidit Aatrey
Zepto Quick Commerce Aadit Palicha
Lenskart Eyewear Commerce Peyush Bansal
FirstCry Baby Products Supam Maheshwari
Purplle Beauty Commerce Manish Taneja
boAt Consumer Electronics Aman Gupta
Blinkit Quick Commerce Albinder Dhindsa
Udaan B2B Commerce Sujeet Kumar
ElasticRun Logistics Saurabh Nigam
Freshworks SaaS Girish Mathrubootham
Zoho SaaS Sridhar Vembu
Chargebee SaaS Krish Subramanian
BrowserStack SaaS Ritesh Arora
Postman SaaS Abhinav Asthana
CleverTap SaaS Sunil Thomas
Uniphore AI & SaaS Umesh Sachdev
Yellow.ai Conversational AI Raghu Ravinutala
Sarvam AI Artificial Intelligence Vivek Raghavan
Krutrim Artificial Intelligence Bhavish Aggarwal
PharmEasy HealthTech Dharmil Sheth
Tata 1mg HealthTech Prashant Tandon
Practo HealthTech Shashank ND
MediBuddy HealthTech Satish Kannan
Niramai HealthTech AI Geetha Manjunath
Dream11 SportsTech Harsh Jain
MPL Gaming Sai Srinivas
PhysicsWallah EdTech Alakh Pandey
Unacademy EdTech Gaurav Munjal
Vedantu EdTech Vamsi Krishna
Ola Mobility Bhavish Aggarwal
Ather Energy EV Tarun Mehta
BluSmart EV Mobility Anmol Singh Jaggi
Skyroot Aerospace SpaceTech Pawan Kumar Chandana
Agnikul Cosmos SpaceTech Srinath Ravichandran
The Good Glamm Group D2C Darpan Sanghvi
Noise Wearables Gaurav Khatri
Wakefit D2C Furniture Ankit Garg
Country Delight FoodTech Chakradhar Gade
Rebel Foods Cloud Kitchen Jaydeep Barman

Top 50 Indian Startups in 2026 by Sector

India’s startup ecosystem is one of the largest in the world, with companies operating across fintech, SaaS, ecommerce, healthcare, artificial intelligence, mobility, logistics, and consumer technology. The startups listed below are among the most influential and fastest-growing companies in India based on innovation, market adoption, funding activity, and long-term growth potential.

Fintech Startups

  • Razorpay

  • Zerodha

  • CRED

  • Groww

  • PhonePe

  • BharatPe

  • Jupiter

  • Slice

  • Navi

  • Open

SaaS & Enterprise Technology Startups

  • Zoho

  • Freshworks

  • Chargebee

  • BrowserStack

  • Postman

  • CleverTap

  • Whatfix

  • Kissflow

  • LeadSquared

  • Druva

Ecommerce & Consumer Startups

  • Nykaa

  • Meesho

  • Zepto

  • Lenskart

  • FirstCry

  • Purplle

  • boAt

  • Wakefit

  • The Good Glamm Group

  • Country Delight

Healthcare & HealthTech Startups

  • PharmEasy

  • Tata 1mg

  • Practo

  • MediBuddy

  • Niramai

  • HealthifyMe

  • Redcliffe Labs

AI & DeepTech Startups

  • Sarvam AI

  • Krutrim

  • Uniphore

  • Yellow.ai

  • Mad Street Den

  • Gnani.ai

EdTech Startups

  • PhysicsWallah

  • Unacademy

  • Vedantu

  • upGrad

  • Teachmint

Mobility, Logistics & SpaceTech Startups

  • Ola

  • Ather Energy

  • BluSmart

  • Udaan

  • ElasticRun

  • Skyroot Aerospace

  • Agnikul Cosmos

These startups represent some of the best startup companies in India and continue to attract attention from founders, investors, venture capital firms, and strategic acquirers. Their growth stories offer valuable lessons in fundraising, customer acquisition, product innovation, market expansion, and long-term business building.

Why Successful Indian Startups Are Built Differently

India’s startup ecosystem is being shaped by UPI-led digital infrastructure, affordable mobile internet, a young digital consumer base, and a deeper investor network across angels, family offices, venture capital, private equity, and strategic acquirers. As of 2026, India has more than 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups, making the ecosystem broader and more competitive than ever. The best Indian startups are no longer judged only by valuation or growth-at-any-cost metrics. Investors are now paying closer attention to revenue quality, contribution margins, customer retention, governance, compliance, and the ability to build a sustainable path to profitability. 

Government initiatives such as Startup India have supported the ecosystem through recognition, tax benefits, easier compliance, and access to startup-focused schemes. But the larger driver is the rise of experienced operators, second-time founders, domain specialists, and finance-aware entrepreneurs who understand both execution and capital markets.

Snapshot: Top Indian Startups at a Glance in 2026

Top Indian Startups

Approximate Funding Raised by Top Indian Startups (in USD)

Funding Raised by Top Indian StartupsWhat These Startups Have in Common — and What Founders Can Borrow

Each company below solved a real market gap, built trust at scale, and used capital as a strategic tool. The strongest patterns are clear: category focus, sharp customer insight, strong distribution, clean cap tables, sector-specific investors, and founders who treated fundraising as a structured process rather than a last-minute activity.

Building a Startup and Planning Your Next Fundraise?

Many of India’s fastest-growing startups prepared for fundraising long before approaching investors. Strong financial models, investor-ready pitch decks, clean cap tables, and a clear growth story often make the difference between a successful raise and months of wasted outreach.

Explore FundTQ’s Startup Fundraising Advisory, Valuation Support, and Pitch Deck Services to understand how investors evaluate growing companies.

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Top 10 Startups in India

1. CRED
2. Groww
3. Zerodha
4. Razorpay
5. Zepto
6. Nykaa
7. Meesho
8. Udaan
9. Lenskart
10. Dream11

Most Successful Startups in India

The most successful startups in India are companies that have achieved large-scale adoption, sustainable revenue growth, and strong investor confidence. Examples include Zerodha, Nykaa, Groww, Razorpay, and CRED.

Startup Companies in Bangalore

Bangalore remains India’s startup capital. Leading startup companies in Bangalore include:

– Razorpay
– Groww
– CRED
– Zerodha
– Udaan
– PhonePe
– Slice
– Jupiter

Emerging Startups in India to Watch

Alongside established unicorns, several emerging startups are attracting attention from investors, customers, and strategic acquirers.

Some notable emerging Indian startups include:

  • Sarvam AI

  • Krutrim

  • Skyroot Aerospace

  • Agnikul Cosmos

  • BluSmart

  • Juspay

  • Niramai

  • The Good Glamm Group

These startups operate in high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, climate technology, space technology, fintech infrastructure, and digital healthcare. Many are expected to play a significant role in shaping India’s next generation of innovation.

Successful Startup Founders in India

Many of India’s leading startups are built by founders who identified large market opportunities and executed consistently over long periods.

Some of the most influential startup founders in India include:

  • Nithin Kamath (Zerodha)

  • Falguni Nayar (Nykaa)

  • Kunal Shah (CRED)

  • Harshil Mathur (Razorpay)

  • Aadit Palicha (Zepto)

  • Peyush Bansal (Lenskart)

  • Bhavish Aggarwal (Ola)

  • Lalit Keshre (Groww)

These founders are frequently studied by entrepreneurs because of their ability to scale businesses, attract investment, and create long-term enterprise value.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1.Which startup is number 1 in India?
There is no single number one startup in India. Companies such as Zerodha, Razorpay, CRED, Groww, Nykaa, and Zepto are considered among the most successful startups based on revenue, market leadership, innovation, and customer adoption.

2. What are the top 10 startups in India?
Some of the top startups in India include CRED, Groww, Zerodha, Razorpay, Zepto, Nykaa, Meesho, Udaan, Lenskart, and Dream11.

3. Which startup sectors are growing fastest in India?
Artificial intelligence, fintech, SaaS, healthtech, climate technology, electric vehicles, and quick commerce are among the fastest-growing startup sectors in India.

4. Which city is known as the startup capital of India?
Bangalore is widely considered the startup capital of India because it hosts thousands of startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, and technology companies.

5. How do Indian startups raise funding?
Indian startups typically raise capital through angel investors, venture capital firms, family offices, strategic investors, government schemes, and private equity funds.

6. What makes a startup successful?
Successful startups usually combine strong product-market fit, scalable business models, effective customer acquisition, financial discipline, and strong leadership teams.

 
Startup Success in India

Raising Capital for Your Startup?

The startups featured in this guide did not grow through funding alone. They combined strong execution with the right capital strategy.

If you’re preparing for a seed round, Series A, growth capital raise, acquisition, or strategic partnership, FundTQ helps founders with:

✓ Investor readiness assessment
✓ Startup valuation
✓ Financial modelling
✓ Pitch deck preparation
✓ Investor outreach strategy
✓ Fundraising and M&A advisory

Speak with the FundTQ team to understand the most suitable funding path for your business stage.

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Summary

What these startups have in common isn’t just scale — it’s intentionality. They raised smart, built defensible businesses, and treated capital as a tool rather than a goal. The startups above didn’t get there by accident. Behind almost every successful raise or exit is a team that understood the capital markets, ran a tight process, and walked into investor conversations fully prepared.

——————————————-
If you’re a founder thinking about your next equity raise, acquisition, or strategic exit — FundTQ’s advisory team has structured 200+ transactions across consumer, healthcare, and industrial sectors.
Talk to our team about what the right process looks like for your business.
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sell my business India

How to Sell Your Business in India: A Founder’s Step-by-Step Guide to M&A

When founders search “sell my business India”, they’ve already made up their mind. They just don’t know how to do it, and that costs them months, money, and sometimes a sale. Here’s a step-by-step guide to every phase of the M&A process: whether you’re ready to sell, valuations, and how to close with the right buyer.

When is the right time to sell your business in India?

The best time to sell a business in India is when the company is growing, financials are clean, and sector investor appetite is high — not after growth has plateaued or under financial distress.

Many people believe the myth: that you sell when you have to. The best exits happen when you don’t have to — when you have leverage. People will pay a premium for a company on the up, not one on the down.

There are three main reasons for timing:

  1. Growth trajectory: If you are at an inflection point – continuous revenue growth, growing margins, a strong market position – that’s the time. After the inflection, you’ll receive lower multiples.
  2. Market conditions: Sector multiples fluctuate. In the past five years, consumer brands, D2C, health and manufacturing have experienced distinct multiple cycles. An advisor can tell you where your sector is today.
  3. Owner readiness: Selling when burnt out is not a good idea You’ll get more for your business if you are selling it by choice, rather than necessity.

How to sell a business in India: step-by-step process

business sale process India timeline
Selling a business in India typically involves 6 stages: valuation, deal preparation, buyer identification, negotiation, due diligence, and final closing — spanning 4 to 9 months end-to-end.

  1. Valuation & financial cleanup – Establish a realistic range using DCF, EBITDA multiples or market comps. Get your books in good shape.
  2. Develop pitch deck / CIM – A Confidential Information Memorandum is what buyers view your business through. It must be a credible growth story – not just numbers.
  3. Target the right buyers – Strategic vs financial buyers (competitors, conglomerates, niche players, private equity funds, family offices). They have different motives, time frames, and discounting.
  4. Negotiate the term sheet – Price, structure (cash, equity, earnout), board rights, founder lock-in. All parts affect price.
  5. Due diligence – Acquirers will deeply review financials, legal, IP, contracts and cap table. Be ready – surprises here can terminate the deal or significantly reduce price.
  6. Final agreements & close – Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), filings, payment transfer, and integration plans.

Business valuation in India — How Much is your Company Worth?

Valuation is where founder and buyer expectations differ. Knowing the three main methods helps you start a discussion from a place of knowledge.

Business valuation in India

In India, the industry is a critical factor. A D2C-focused consumer brand might be valued differently to a manufacturing SME with the same EBITDA. Healthcare and technology-enabled companies are currently more in favour. Ask your advisor for real comps – not benchmarks.

Founder sin: getting stuck on a number someone suggested 3 years ago. Markets move. Do a proper valuation before you talk to investors.

Preparing your Business for Sale

The 6-12 months leading up to buyers’ inquiries is more important than you think. A 6x exit is one of preparation, an 8x exit is one of execution.

> Most importantly, get financials in order: three years of audited accounts, clear GST history, normalised EBITDA (no founder expenses). Then, legal structure: is your cap table clean? Any disputes, lawsuits or unregistered IP?

> Structurally, acquirers don’t like founders. If the company can’t operate without you for 30 days, they’ll give you a discount for that. Develop the management team first.

> Finally, tighten the pitch. Your plan for TAM, unit economics, moat, expansion, etc., needs to be articulate before it’s asked.

How to Sell Your Business in India

Who can Help You Sell Your Business In India?

Three types of professionals operate in this space, and they are not interchangeable.

> Business brokers typically handle smaller ticket transactions (under ₹5–10 Cr) with a matchmaking model. They list your business and find buyers, but don’t manage the process or negotiate on your behalf.

> Chartered Accountants handle compliance and tax structuring exceptionally well but aren’t equipped to run a competitive buyer process or build the deal narrative.

> Investment bankers / M&A advisors manage the entire exit process — valuation, CIM, buyer outreach, term sheet negotiation, due diligence management, and deal closure. For mid-market deals (₹10 Cr+), this is where value creation happens. The right advisor doesn’t just find a buyer — they create competitive tension between buyers, which is what moves price.

Fee structures typically include a retainer (signals seriousness and funds the process) and a success fee tied to deal value — usually 1–3% depending on deal size.

Emami acquires majority stake in Axiom Ayurveda

Legal Requirements To Sell A Company In India

Legal aspects of a business sale in India vary based on deal structure (share sale or asset/slump sale) and the presence of foreign acquirers.

Key documents are the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) that covers the reps & warranties, indemnities and conditions precedent. There will also be resolutions passed by the board and shareholders of the target company, and possibly regulatory approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (if a foreign company is involved) or SEBI (if a listed company).

Your M&A advisor should engage a transaction lawyer – it’s not worth skimping on. A bad SPA can leave you with post-closing liability that eats up all the deal proceeds you’ve worked so hard to secure.

Tax implications of selling a business in India

Selling a business in India attracts capital gains tax — long-term (20% with indexation) if shares held over 24 months, short-term (slab rate) if under. Deal structure (share sale vs slump sale) significantly affects the tax outcome.

This section is more important than most founders expect. Pre-deal tax planning may enhance the net proceeds.

In a share sale, the seller is liable for capital gains tax on the gain between the sale value and the share’s cost of acquisition. Long-term (shares held for 24+ months) is taxed at 20% with indexation. Short-term is taxed at the person’s income tax rate.

For a slump sale (sale of business as a going concern), the gain is based on net worth, not value of assets. This can be more or less tax-efficient.

Tax planning strategies – such as sales via a holding company, within a financial year, or Section 54F exemptions – should be discussed with a CA with M&A transaction experience before you enter into an agreement. 

Common Mistakes Founders Make When Selling Their Business

  • business sale mistakes India Anchoring high – Listing for a price that is not supported by financials or market comparable (comps) information. It’s a sign of inexperience to savvy buyers.
  • Poor documentation – Buyers will find holes. Fixing them before buyers do – and do – preserves valuations.
  • Hiring an advisor too late – Founders who seek advice after having initial discussions with buyers lose their negotiating power. Process, don’t respond to inbound.
  • Being impulsive – Selling to “friends”, without a process, is expensive. Buyers know this, and unsophisticated sellers pay for it.
  • Overlooking deal structure – A big headline deal with a huge earnout, rollover and deferred cash is not a cash deal. Do the math on the term sheet.

How long does it take to sell a business in India?

Selling a business in India typically takes 4 to 9 months from advisor engagement to deal closure, depending on deal complexity, buyer type, and diligence depth.

Selling a business in India

Deals with foreign buyers, regulatory complexity, or distressed situations take longer. Running a tight, well-managed process with an experienced advisor compresses timelines — because buyers know you’re organized and serious.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

1. How do I sell my business in India quickly?
Speed comes from preparation, not luck. Fast-selling businesses have clean financials, a CIM, and a broker with a buyer list. Knowing who to sell to – strategic and financial buyers – shortens the time. FundTQ has a 7,000+ network of investors and acquirers.

2. What documents are needed to sell a company in India?
Critical documents include: 3 years audited financials, MoA/AoA, cap table, GST returns, IP registrations, customer and vendor contracts, board/shareholder resolutions, existing investor agreements. Your advisor will prepare a data room list for your business.

3. Do I need an investment banker to sell my business?
Yes, definitely for deals of ₹10-15 Cr or more. An investment banker conducts a competitive process, deals with information asymmetry to your advantage, and negotiates on your behalf for terms you may not be aware of. In most cases, the fee is many times recouped in value and structure.

4. What is the minimum valuation for selling a business in India?
There’s no regulatory minimum. But M&A consultancy is viable for deals over ₹5-10 Cr Enterprise value. Less than that, use a business broker or referral. For deals above ₹10 Cr, a formal process with an investment banker is preferable.

5. Can a foreign company acquire my Indian business?
Yes, as per FDI policy and industry caps. Some require RBI or govt approval. Your M&A advisor works with lawyers to navigate the regulatory process – it’s normal in cross-border deals.

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Ready To Explore Your Exit Options?

FundTQ is a top-ranked India investment bank with partners from IIT Delhi, KPMG, PwC, and EY — and a track record of closing deals across consumer, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Most recently, FundTQ advised on Emami’s majority stake acquisition in Axiom Ayurveda, end-to-end.

Whether you’re 6 months from a decision or 6 years, the right time to start the conversation is now.

sell my business in India quickly

Consumer Brand Funding

How Consumer Brands Are Raising Capital in India’s New Funding Era

India’s consumer market is one of the most actively funded segments in private equity and venture capital right now. From D2C beauty to ayurvedic wellness, from pet care to home goods — capital is flowing. But most consumer brand founders we speak to still ask the same question: “How do we actually get funded?“

This guide breaks down how consumer brand funding works in India, what investors expect, and what separates the deals that close from the ones that stall.

get funding for startup
What Is Consumer Brand Funding?

Consumer brand funding is external capital that is collected by companies that make direct sales to end consumers – either directly via their own channels, via retail or via a marketplace. These are equity rounds (seed, Series A, strategic), PE buyouts, and acquisition-based results. 

It is different as compared to general startup funding in India since consumer brands are not only tested based on growth, but also brand equity, repeat purchase behaviour, gross margins and scalability of distribution.

Why Consumer Brands Are Attracting Serious Capital

A few structural tailwinds are driving this:

  1. Rising premiumisation: The Indian consumers are trading up across categories, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. This is benefiting directly on personal care, wellness, food, and lifestyle brands.
  2. D2C as a validation layer: The brands establishing a direct connection with consumers have more information about retention and cohorts, which facilitates more concrete due diligence discussions.
  3. Strategic buyers are present: Increasingly, large FMCG conglomerates are acquiring high-growth challenger brands instead of developing them internally. This is providing exit lines that are more expeditious to investors, making consumer deals at an early stage more fundable.
  4. Global investors are paying attention: Vehicles such as Unilever Ventures, L Catterton and others that are consumer-oriented are already in operation in India.

What Investors Actually Evaluate in a Consumer Brand

Before you build your deck or reach out to investors, understand that consumer brand evaluation has its own framework.

  • Gross Margins: Consumer brands require healthy gross margins: 55-70 +% D2C, a bit less B2B marketplace-heavy. In case your COGS structure is unable to bear this, the pricing or supply chain work must come first.
  • Repeat Purchase Rate and LTV: The early stages often have a high CAC. The more important thing is the return of customers. Investors desire to spend on LTV:CAC ratios greater than 3x and they will demand cohort information to confirm this.
  • Brand Defensibility: What is not easy to duplicate about you? This may be formulation IP, a sourcing story that is unique, a personal brand of a founder, a community, or a niche leadership. Investable brands and those that will lose to bigger budgeted incumbents are separated by defensibility.
  • Distribution Footprint: Are you expanding on a single channel or developing a multi channel presence? Investors are apprehensive of brands that are wholly reliant on a single market place or a single region.
  • Founder-Market Fit: Particularly in the initial phases, investors are supporting the knowledge of the founder in terms of the consumer and the category more than the product itself.

investor evaluation factorsOur Recent Deals: What Successful Consumer Brand Transactions Look Like

Emami Acquires Majority Stake in Axiom Ayurveda [Read Now]

FundTQ was an adviser on the acquisition of Axiom Ayurveda by Emami, one of the most recognised FMCG conglomerates in India. Axiom Ayurveda had developed a robust product range in the herbal and Ayurveda wellness sector with deep distribution in the offline channels.

This acquisition is indicative of a larger trend: big incumbents buying challenger brands that have already taken a targeted niche of a consumer market. Instead of creating competing products. In the case of Axiom, the strategic acquisition gave it the capital, distribution and brand halo it needed, to grow much more quickly than it would have done had it grown organically.

What founders can learn: A strong niche position, even without massive revenue scale, can attract strategic acquirers if the brand is differentiated and the consumer relationship is real.

Secret Alchemist on Successful Fund raise Led by Unilever Venturesu [Read Now]

Secret Alchemist — the beauty brand by actress and entrepreneur Samantha Ruth Prabhu — has been able to raise funds through Unilever Ventures as the principal investor with FundTQ serving as the sole financial advisor.

There are several reasons why this deal is important. Unilever Ventures is among the most discriminative consumer-oriented funds in the world. Their leadership of this round is indicative of the strength of the brand, the consumer relationship, and the potential of the category in the long run. To Secret Alchemist, this was not capital per se, but the Unilever world manual on how to create beauty brands.

What founders can learn: Investor-brand fit is as important as the size of the cheque. An investor with a strategic approach and knowledge of your category can speed up growth in a manner not possible to financial only investors.

How FundTQ Works With Consumer Brand Founders

FundTQ is a mid-market investment banking and advisory firm with a dedicated focus on consumer, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Our team has backgrounds from IIT Delhi, KPMG, PwC, and EY — and more importantly, we’ve closed transactions across brand categories, which means we understand what investors in this space actually need to see.

As investment banking advisors for consumer brands, we work with founders at different stages:

  • Pre-raise: Positioning your brand, building the financial model, and preparing investor-ready materials. If you need a starting point, we also offer startup financial model frameworks and free pitch deck templates for consumer brands.
  • During the raise: Investor identification, outreach, and managing the process so founders can stay focused on the business.
  • Transaction advisory: For founders exploring acquisitions, strategic investments, or equity funding for retail businesses.

We’ve been ranked among India’s top investment banks by Venture Intelligence. Our investor network spans domestic PE/VC funds, family offices, and global strategic investors.

Ready to explore your funding options? Write to us at deals@fundtq.com or visit fundtq.com.

Common Mistakes Consumer Brand Founders Make When Raising Capital

  1. Pitching too early: Investors in consumer brands desire to have evidence not merely a great story. When untested in your repeat rates or unclear in your margin structure, invest more time in product-market fit before formal raise processes.
  2. Underprepared financials: The majority of founders do not realise the extent to which investors question unit economics. Before your first investor meeting, know your contribution margin, your payback period, and your channel-wise CAC.
  3. Wrong investor targeting: The difference between a generalist fund and a consumer-oriented fund is not the same. Before outreach, align your stage, sector, and geography to the mandate of the investor.
  4. Valuation mismatch: Brand valuation is dependent on revenue multiples and brand potential, not only growth rates. Being aware of similar deals assists in setting realistic expectations.
fundraising mistakesFAQs: Consumer Brand Funding in India
  1. How much funding can a consumer brand raise at the seed stage?
    Consumer brand seed rounds in India typically fall between ₹2 crore and 10 crore. This will be based on traction – that is, revenue run rate, repeat-buy data and the ability to illustrate unit economics clearly. Strong D2C metrics and differentiated positioning lead to higher brands increasing on the upper part of this spectrum.
  2. What financial metrics do investors look for in a consumer brand?
    The non-negotiables include gross margin (5570%+ when dealing with D2C) and LTV:CAC ratio (3x or higher), repeat purchase rate, and month-on-month revenue growth. Payback period and contribution margin are also other factors that investors will consider to determine whether the business can expand without ablaze unwarranted capital.
  3. Is it possible to raise funding without a formal pitch deck?
    Technically yes – warm introductions and conversations may sometimes come before official materials. Practically, however, any investor serious about a deal will desire a deck and a financial model ahead of term sheets. Consider the pitch deck as the instrument that will allow investors to say yes sooner rather than a formality.
  4. What’s the difference between strategic and financial investors for consumer brands?
    A financial investor (VC, PE fund) is maximising mainly the capital. A strategic investor (such as a group of FMCGs or a worldwide brand house such as Unilever Ventures). Also seeking synergies – distribution leverage, category adjacency, or talent. Strategic investors usually come along with non-capital value that can speed up growth tremendously.
  5. Do I need an investment banker to raise a consumer brand funding round?
    Not necessarily- but advisory becomes more valuable with increased deal size. In rounds above ₹1015 crore, an established investment banking advisory service can get you access to a larger pool of investors. Deal more favourable terms and structural errors are difficult to correct once closed.

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FundTQ is an investment banking and advisory firm focused on consumer, healthcare, and industrial sectors.We’ve advised on transactions including the Emami–Axiom Ayurveda acquisition and the Secret Alchemist fundraise led by Unilever Ventures. To discuss your raise, reach out at deals@fundtq.com 

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Startup Funding News

Startup Funding News India – April 20, 2026

FundTQ Business News Highlights

India’s startup ecosystem is showing a mix of strong entrepreneurial momentum and cautious investor behaviour, with AI emerging as the dominant theme and funding strategies becoming more disciplined.

Top Funding & Strategic Moves:

1. Sarvam AI is reportedly in talks to raise $320–350 million in a new funding round, with Glade Brook Capital likely to participate. The round could value the company at around $1.5 billion, signaling strong investor interest in India’s AI ecosystem.

2. Razorpay is preparing to file confidentially for an IPO, aiming to raise $600–700 million. However, its expected valuation has dropped to about $5–6 billion from its earlier $7.5 billion peak, reflecting changing market conditions.

3. India’s startup ecosystem is witnessing a strategic shift as investors move away from large deals toward smaller, diversified investments. While total funding has dipped, deal activity has increased, indicating cautious but active participation from investors.

4. A growing number of senior IT professionals are leaving corporate roles to launch AI startups, contributing to the rapid expansion of India’s artificial intelligence sector across industries like healthcare, finance, and education.

5. Y Combinator hosted its first Startup School event in India, attracting a large number of aspiring founders and strengthening engagement with the Indian startup ecosystem despite minor logistical challenges.

6. The Indian startup ecosystem recorded over 55,200 new recognized startups in FY26, marking the highest annual growth since the launch of Startup India and highlighting strong momentum in entrepreneurship and job creation.

7. Weekly startup funding in India has slowed significantly, with around $60.4 million raised across 15 deals between April 13–18, showing a sharp decline but continued investor focus on high-quality and AI-driven startups.

8. Swiggy is reportedly expanding its quick commerce segment Instamart into more Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, aiming to strengthen last-mile delivery and compete aggressively with Blinkit and Zepto in the fast-growing instant delivery market.

9. Tata Electronics is accelerating its semiconductor manufacturing plans in India, with fresh investments expected in its chip fabrication and assembly units as part of the country’s broader push for self-reliance in electronics.

Key Highlights:

  • AI continues to dominate both funding and new startup creation
  • Capital deployment becoming more selective and structured
  • Startup formation hitting record highs despite funding slowdown
  • Global accelerators increasing focus on India

FundTQ Insight:

India’s startup ecosystem is not slowing down — it is maturing. While funding volumes have moderated, the increase in deal count, rise of experienced AI founders, and record-breaking startup registrations suggest a structural transformation toward long-term value creation rather than aggressive capital expansion. This is less a downturn and more a capital discipline phase, where execution quality matters more than fundraising speed.

Looking to raise funds for your startup?

Connect with FundTQ to access a curated investor network and discover funding opportunities aligned with your startup stage and sector.

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stepout-funding

FundTQ Leads Advisory for StepOut’s Fundraise Backed by Rainmatter

AI Sports Tech StepOut Funding: FundTQ Advises Rainmatter-Led Round

stepout-funding
StepOut
, an AI-driven sports technology platform redefining football analytics and talent development, has successfully closed its recent funding round led by Rainmatter by Zerodha, with participation from SucSEED Ventures, Misfits Capital, and Marwah Sports Pvt. Ltd. FundTQ acted as the exclusive deal advisor to StepOut, supporting the company across the entire business fundraising process. StepOut is building a data-first football ecosystem using artificial intelligence to enable smarter performance analysis, talent identification, and scouting solutions for academies, clubs, coaches, and athletes. By combining deep football domain knowledge with scalable technology. The platform addresses a critical gap in objective decision-making within grassroots and professional football. The successful fundraise marks a key milestone in StepOut’s growth journey. The newly raised capital will be utilized to strengthen its AI and analytics engine, expand product offerings, scale operations, and build deeper relationships across football academies and leagues. The round also reflects strong investor confidence in StepOut’s fundamentals, market opportunity, and long-term vision—underpinned by disciplined financial planning and robust business valuation frameworks.

StepOut’s AI-Led Football Analytics StrengthsDuring the transaction, FundTQ worked closely with the StepOut founding team on multiple aspects of the raise. Including refining the equity narrative, preparing investor-ready pitch deck templates, validating financial models, and engaging with aligned strategic and institutional investors. The focus remained on building long-term value rather than short-term capital, ensuring the right fit between founders and investors.

The participation of Rainmatter by Zerodha brings strategic depth to StepOut’s cap table. Offering not just capital but also long-term guidance in building scalable, technology-led businesses. The investor consortium is expected to support StepOut. It accelerates product innovation and expands its footprint within India’s rapidly growing sports tech ecosystem.

Stepout Funding Round

Reflecting on the engagement, the FundTQ team shared that their early interactions with StepOut stood out due to the founders’ clarity of purpose, execution discipline, and strong understanding of both technology and the football landscape.

“StepOut represents the next generation of sports technology platforms—deeply analytical, mission-driven, and scalable. Working with founders who are open to feedback, data-oriented, and focused on long-term impact makes the fundraising journey highly collaborative. We are excited to have partnered with StepOut and look forward to seeing the platform transform football analytics and talent development.”

Planned Deployment of StepOut FundingThis transaction reinforces the idea that effective fundraising goes beyond capital infusion. It is about trust, alignment, execution quality, and founders who consistently show up to build enduring businesses. With a strong investor base and a clear growth roadmap. StepOut is well-positioned for its next phase of scale and impact.

About FundTQ

Founded in 2016, FundTQ is a full-service investment banking firm providing a wide range of investment banking services, including M&A advisory, VC/PE syndication, tax advisory, due diligence, and strategic capital raising. The firm follows a founder-first approach, focusing on seamless execution, long-term value creation, and outcome-driven advisory.

Recognized among the Top 10 Investment Banks, FundTQ has advised startups and MSMEs across their lifecycle. From early-stage business fundraising to growth capital, strategic investments, and acquisitions. Backed by deep industry expertise, strong investor relationships, and structured use of financial modeling. Business valuation software frameworks. FundTQ continues to be a trusted partner in high-impact transactions across sectors.

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FundTQ acted as the deal advisor to Axiom Ayurveda

Transaction Spotlight: Emami Acquires Majority Stake in Axiom Ayurveda

FundTQ Advises Axiom Ayurveda
Some deals are transactions. Some are journeys.
This one was both. FundTQ Advises on Emami Acquisition of Axiom Ayurveda

FundTQ Investment Advisory is proud to have acted as the exclusive deal advisor to Axiom Ayurveda on Emami’s acquisition of a 73.5% majority stake in the brand — one of the most significant Ayurveda M&A transactions in recent years, and one of the most personally meaningful mandates the FundTQ team has been part of.

About Axiom Ayurveda

Axiom Ayurveda is a purpose-driven Ayurvedic brand that has built genuine consumer trust over the years through science-backed formulations, authentic positioning, and a deep commitment to the wellness category. The brand’s growth story is not just one of revenue — it is one of conviction, consistency, and category leadership in a space that demands both authenticity and agility.

About the Transaction

FMCG major Emami Limited — one of India’s most respected consumer goods companies with a strong legacy in health and wellness — acquired a 73.5% majority stake in Axiom Ayurveda, signalling a strong strategic bet on the premium Ayurveda segment.

For Emami, this acquisition represents a meaningful addition to its wellness portfolio. For Axiom Ayurveda, it marks the beginning of a new chapter — one backed by institutional strength, distribution muscle, and the kind of long-term support that allows a brand to truly scale.

FundTQ’s Role in the Transaction

FundTQ’s involvement with Axiom Ayurveda spans nearly 2–3 years — long before the deal was on the table.

That is the nature of transactions at this level. They require relationship-building, patient positioning, financial narrative development, and the kind of ongoing strategic alignment that does not happen in a few months.

The FundTQ team worked alongside the Axiom Ayurveda leadership through every stage — understanding the brand’s DNA, sharpening the investor and acquirer story, identifying the right strategic fit, and navigating the full complexity of a majority stake transaction from first conversation to final close.

Reflecting on the journey, the FundTQ team shared:

“Axiom Ayurveda is a brand built on real conviction. From our very first interaction, it was clear this wasn’t just a business — it was a purpose. Transactions of this nature demand patience, precision, and complete trust between all parties. We’re grateful to have been chosen as partners on this journey and are excited about what lies ahead for the brand under Emami’s leadership.”

A Founder Who Made the Difference

No deal of this nature closes without the right person at the helm.

Rishabh Gupta stands out as one of the most remarkable founders FundTQ has had the privilege of working with. His clarity of thought, depth of understanding of his own business, and the composure with which he navigated every stage of this multi-year process was exceptional.

The kind of founder energy that makes advisors want to give their absolute best — because you know the person across the table deserves nothing less.
Working alongside him was not just professionally enriching. It was genuinely inspiring.

What This Deal Reflects

The Axiom Ayurveda–Emami transaction is a strong signal for the Indian Ayurveda and wellness category. It validates what the best founders in this space have always known — that authentic brands, built with purpose and patience, attract the right partners at the right time.

It also reflects a truth that FundTQ carries into every mandate: great outcomes don’t happen overnight. They happen because someone kept showing up, every single day — refining, aligning, and never losing sight of the end goal.

To the entire Axiom Ayurveda team — congratulations. You earned every bit of this.
To Emami — welcome as partners. The best is yet to come.
And to every founder reading this — if you are building something real, with conviction, the right outcome will find you. Stay the course.

FundTQ Investment Advisory is a leading investment banking firm advising growth-stage consumer brands on M&A, fundraising, and strategic transactions. To explore how FundTQ can support your next deal, write to us at deals@fundtq.com

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Unnati Funding

Fueling Agritech Growth: FundTQ Secures Series B for Unnati from Zephyr Peacock

 

Unnati Agri (Akshamala Solutions Pvt Ltd), a leading player in the Agri-Input tech space, has successfully raised a part of their Series B Round. This investment is announced as a part of the Rs. 100Cr, which they are currently raising. The amount was invested with a participation from Zephyr Peacock along with participation of some other investors. Zephyr Peacock is a Mumbai-based investor renowned for its commitment to sustainable and high-growth businesses.. This fundraise will help Unnati to further strengthen its operations through their own brands portfolio and by acquiring companies in a similar space. Currently, the Company is aggressively working on launching their own portfolio of organic products.

Unnati Agri has established itself as one of the Leading players in the agricultural landscape with its focus on agri-inputs supply with climate sustainability. The company specializes in seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, with a strong focus on environmentally conscious solutions that foster long-term agricultural growth. Unnati’s products cater to the needs of farmers, ensuring high-quality, sustainable, and efficient solutions that contribute to better yields while promoting ecological balance. The AI-based platform assists in managing inventory and mentions the appropriate mix of various formulations based on crop needs.

The funds raised will be directed towards driving Unnati’s organic growth with increasing contribution of its own brand products combined with the strategic acquisitions of other agri-input companies to expand its product portfolio and market reach. The Company is now openly looking for new companies to acquire in agri-inputs category which can help Unnati grow inorganically. This combination of organic growth and acquisition strategy is expected to boost Unnati’s position in the rapidly evolving agri-tech sector and accelerate its impact in promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.

FundTQ is acting as an exclusive advisor to this Transaction and for acquisitions of the companies by Unnati.

Commenting on this growth initiative, Aanchal Mahani, Growth Partner at FundTQ said, “Unnati Agri’s move of successful fundraise is not just a transaction; it’s a strategic investment that positions the company for a bright and sustainable future. By capitalizing on the funds generated, Unnati is poised to make a significant impact in the agritech space, while simultaneously enabling Farmers To Always Make The Right Choice. Unnati is not just a platform, however it is helping India to become self-sustainable in terms of its agri inputs rather than depending on China”

This strategic move reinforces Unnati Agri’s mission to revolutionize the agriculture sector, create value for its stakeholders, and contribute to the global movement toward climate-smart agricultural solutions. As the agri-tech industry continues to evolve, Unnati’s commitment to growth and sustainability positions it for long-term success in both the Indian and global markets.

 

About FundTQ

FundTQ, established in 2016, operates as an Investment Banking firm, offering a comprehensive range of services encompassing M&A, VC/PE syndication, Tax Advisory, and Due Diligence Support. The company is driven by a success-oriented approach and places a strong emphasis on the successful conclusion of each transaction in its portfolio.

FundTQ is positioned amongst the Top 10 Investment Banks, due to its profound expertise in various diversified industries and an exceptional track record in both domestic and cross-border transactions. The diverse client base that FundTQ serves stands as a testimony to its capability to support startups and MSMEs at every stage of their journey, from securing growth stage funding to facilitating substantial transactions and providing expert M&A advisory services.

In last years FundTQ closed Alofut Beverages investment by Emami, NautiNati acquisition by Aditya Birla, among others

 

 

Unnati Funding

FundTQ Executes Series B Transaction for Unnati with Zephyr Peacock Participation

 

Unnati Agri (Akshamala Solutions Pvt Ltd), a leading player in the Agri-Input tech space, has successfully raised a part of their Series B Round. This investment is announced as a part of the Rs. 100Cr, which they are currently raising. The amount was invested with a participation from Zephyr Peacock along with participation of some other investors. Zephyr Peacock is a Mumbai-based investor renowned for its commitment to sustainable and high-growth businesses.. This fundraise will help Unnati to further strengthen its operations through their own brands portfolio and by acquiring companies in a similar space. Currently, the Company is aggressively working on launching their own portfolio of organic products.

Unnati Agri has established itself as one of the Leading players in the agricultural landscape with its focus on agri-inputs supply with climate sustainability. The company specializes in seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, with a strong focus on environmentally conscious solutions that foster long-term agricultural growth. Unnati’s products cater to the needs of farmers, ensuring high-quality, sustainable, and efficient solutions that contribute to better yields while promoting ecological balance. The AI-based platform assists in managing inventory and mentions the appropriate mix of various formulations based on crop needs.

The funds raised will be directed towards driving Unnati’s organic growth with increasing contribution of its own brand products combined with the strategic acquisitions of other agri-input companies to expand its product portfolio and market reach. The Company is now openly looking for new companies to acquire in agri-inputs category which can help Unnati grow inorganically. This combination of organic growth and acquisition strategy is expected to boost Unnati’s position in the rapidly evolving agri-tech sector and accelerate its impact in promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.

FundTQ is acting as an exclusive advisor to this Transaction and for acquisitions of the companies by Unnati.

Commenting on this growth initiative, Aanchal Mahani, Growth Partner at FundTQ said, “Unnati Agri’s move of successful fundraise is not just a transaction; it’s a strategic investment that positions the company for a bright and sustainable future. By capitalizing on the funds generated, Unnati is poised to make a significant impact in the agritech space, while simultaneously enabling Farmers To Always Make The Right Choice. Unnati is not just a platform, however it is helping India to become self-sustainable in terms of its agri inputs rather than depending on China”

This strategic move reinforces Unnati Agri’s mission to revolutionize the agriculture sector, create value for its stakeholders, and contribute to the global movement toward climate-smart agricultural solutions. As the agri-tech industry continues to evolve, Unnati’s commitment to growth and sustainability positions it for long-term success in both the Indian and global markets.

About FundTQ

FundTQ, established in 2016, operates as an Investment Banking firm, offering a comprehensive range of services encompassing M&A, VC/PE syndication, Tax Advisory, and Due Diligence Support. The company is driven by a success-oriented approach and places a strong emphasis on the successful conclusion of each transaction in its portfolio.

FundTQ is positioned amongst the Top 10 Investment Banks, due to its profound expertise in various diversified industries and an exceptional track record in both domestic and cross-border transactions. The diverse client base that FundTQ serves stands as a testimony to its capability to support startups and MSMEs at every stage of their journey, from securing growth stage funding to facilitating substantial transactions and providing expert M&A advisory services.

In last years FundTQ closed Alofut Beverages investment by Emami, NautiNati acquisition by Aditya Birla, among others