The startup stated that the investment will be utilized for regional expansion, deepening SKU presence, and developing and strengthening capacity. Vinay Kothari and Raksha Kothari, a brother-sister team, founded Go DESi in 2018 to offer packaged Indian snacks and sweets. The firm claims to have sold more than 15 million units, and their products are available in more than 40,000 locations across the country.
Go DESI, a startup that sells packaged Indian delicacies and sweets, raised INR 41 crore (about $4.9 million) in an undisclosed fundraising round headed by Aavishkaar Capital.
Rukam Capital, Roots Ventures, and DSG Consumer, all existing investors, participated in the round.
The firm intends to use the new capital to expand geographically, extend its SKU footprint, and grow and increase capabilities.
Vinay and Raksha Kothari, brother and sister, created Go DESI in 2018. The firm intends to commercialize age-old Indian delicacies and confectionary food items while also helping women in the country’s countryside.
Vinay Kothari was inspired by the colorful assortment of candy and fruit bars on sale at a chai shop while on vacation. These candies, made by local self-help groups, thrilled him so much that he brought 30 kilograms of them to Bengaluru to sell at a flea market. Vinay and his sister Raksha Kothari realized the enormous potential of local snacks and sweets that day, which solidified the notion of GO DESI.
It claims to have sold over 15 million pieces, and its products are available in over 40,000 retailers nationwide.
Vinay Kothari stated, “The investment agreement with Aavishkaar Capital will enable Go DESi to increase its product portfolio, accelerate marketing, swiftly scale our geographic focus, and expand our distribution reach. This investment validates Go DESi’s sustainable culture and will play an important part in achieving our vision.”
Speaking with Inc42, he stated that the startup has an omnichannel presence. In southern India, the products are available both online and offline, however, in areas such as Mumbai and Delhi NCR, Go DESI products are only available through fast commerce and online grocery applications.
In terms of product offerings, he stated that the firm intends to expand into the confectionery area.
According to Kothari, the products are totally made by women, and the company intends to employ even more women in the future.
Divya Gupta, Aavishkaar’s investment director, stated, “The company has built a strong brand reputation and a robust distribution engine in a short period of time. We feel the opportunity is tremendous, and the Go DESi team has all of the necessary elements to conquer India’s burgeoning confectionary industry.”
