The Rise of Healthy Snacking and IPO Buzz in India
April 26, 2025, 4:12 pm
In the bustling landscape of Indian startups, two narratives are emerging: the healthy snacking revolution and the IPO frenzy. Both are reshaping the market, each in its own unique way.
Phab, a nutrition-led snacking brand, recently secured $2 million in seed funding. This investment comes despite a dip in operating revenue. The company’s revenue fell by 12% to INR 5 crore in FY24. Yet, Phab managed to trim its net loss by nearly 3%, bringing it down to INR 6.8 crore. This resilience is a testament to the brand's potential in a rapidly growing sector.
Founded by Ankit and Gayatri Chona, Phab is not just another snack brand. It’s a vision. The couple has a rich background in the food industry. Ankit's experience and Gayatri's expertise as a certified nutritionist blend seamlessly. Together, they craft snacks that are high in protein and bold in flavor. Their mantra? Healthy snacking should be joyful, indulgent, and sustainable.
Phab's product lineup includes protein bars and healthy milkshakes. These are available on major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. The brand claims to have sold over 2 million units to date. This is no small feat in a market where consumers are increasingly seeking healthier, protein-rich alternatives.
The Indian food and beverage market is projected to touch $68 billion. This makes it a fertile ground for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands like Phab, Yoga Bar, and Beyond Snack. The shift towards healthier eating is not just a trend; it’s a movement.
Investors are taking notice. OTP Ventures led the recent funding round, with participation from Capri Global and several angel investors. The excitement is palpable. The Chonas are poised to use this capital to expand their team, invest in infrastructure, and strengthen their presence both online and offline.
Meanwhile, the IPO landscape is buzzing with activity. Ather Energy, an electric vehicle (EV) two-wheeler maker, is set to open its IPO for subscription on April 28. This marks a significant moment for the Indian market. The IPO is valued at INR 2,980.76 crore, with a market cap of INR 11,955.66 crore.
Ather’s IPO consists of a fresh issue of equity shares worth INR 2,626 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) component of INR 354.76 crore. The price band is set between INR 304-321 per share. This move signals a resumption of activity on the mainboard, a welcome sign for investors.
However, not all companies are moving forward. LG Electronics has paused its IPO plans due to market volatility. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the market. The company has indicated that it may resume proceedings if conditions improve.
In contrast, Flipkart is making strategic moves. The e-commerce giant is relocating its legal domicile from Singapore to India. This shift signals intentions for a domestic listing. Flipkart's decision underscores the growing importance of the Indian market.
The IPO landscape is further enriched by Prestige Hotel Ventures Limited. The company has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The IPO will comprise a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to INR 1,700 crores and an OFS of INR 1,000 crores.
Prestige plans to use the proceeds for debt repayment and strategic acquisitions. This approach reflects a broader trend among companies looking to strengthen their financial positions while pursuing growth opportunities.
The Indian startup ecosystem is vibrant and dynamic. On one hand, brands like Phab are redefining healthy snacking. They are tapping into a growing consumer demand for nutritious options. On the other hand, the IPO buzz is indicative of a maturing market. Companies are looking to capitalize on investor interest while navigating challenges.
The confluence of these two narratives paints a picture of a market in transition. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious. They are seeking products that align with their values. At the same time, companies are exploring innovative ways to raise capital and expand their reach.
As the healthy snacking trend continues to gain momentum, brands like Phab are well-positioned to thrive. Their focus on quality and innovation resonates with consumers. The investment from OTP Ventures and others will help them scale effectively.
In the IPO arena, Ather Energy's upcoming offering is a bellwether for the market. It signals renewed investor confidence. Flipkart's domicile shift adds another layer of excitement.
In conclusion, the Indian market is a tapestry of opportunities. Healthy snacking and IPOs are two threads weaving a narrative of growth and resilience. As these stories unfold, they will shape the future of the Indian economy. The journey is just beginning, and the potential is vast.
Phab, a nutrition-led snacking brand, recently secured $2 million in seed funding. This investment comes despite a dip in operating revenue. The company’s revenue fell by 12% to INR 5 crore in FY24. Yet, Phab managed to trim its net loss by nearly 3%, bringing it down to INR 6.8 crore. This resilience is a testament to the brand's potential in a rapidly growing sector.
Founded by Ankit and Gayatri Chona, Phab is not just another snack brand. It’s a vision. The couple has a rich background in the food industry. Ankit's experience and Gayatri's expertise as a certified nutritionist blend seamlessly. Together, they craft snacks that are high in protein and bold in flavor. Their mantra? Healthy snacking should be joyful, indulgent, and sustainable.
Phab's product lineup includes protein bars and healthy milkshakes. These are available on major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. The brand claims to have sold over 2 million units to date. This is no small feat in a market where consumers are increasingly seeking healthier, protein-rich alternatives.
The Indian food and beverage market is projected to touch $68 billion. This makes it a fertile ground for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands like Phab, Yoga Bar, and Beyond Snack. The shift towards healthier eating is not just a trend; it’s a movement.
Investors are taking notice. OTP Ventures led the recent funding round, with participation from Capri Global and several angel investors. The excitement is palpable. The Chonas are poised to use this capital to expand their team, invest in infrastructure, and strengthen their presence both online and offline.
Meanwhile, the IPO landscape is buzzing with activity. Ather Energy, an electric vehicle (EV) two-wheeler maker, is set to open its IPO for subscription on April 28. This marks a significant moment for the Indian market. The IPO is valued at INR 2,980.76 crore, with a market cap of INR 11,955.66 crore.
Ather’s IPO consists of a fresh issue of equity shares worth INR 2,626 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) component of INR 354.76 crore. The price band is set between INR 304-321 per share. This move signals a resumption of activity on the mainboard, a welcome sign for investors.
However, not all companies are moving forward. LG Electronics has paused its IPO plans due to market volatility. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the market. The company has indicated that it may resume proceedings if conditions improve.
In contrast, Flipkart is making strategic moves. The e-commerce giant is relocating its legal domicile from Singapore to India. This shift signals intentions for a domestic listing. Flipkart's decision underscores the growing importance of the Indian market.
The IPO landscape is further enriched by Prestige Hotel Ventures Limited. The company has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The IPO will comprise a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to INR 1,700 crores and an OFS of INR 1,000 crores.
Prestige plans to use the proceeds for debt repayment and strategic acquisitions. This approach reflects a broader trend among companies looking to strengthen their financial positions while pursuing growth opportunities.
The Indian startup ecosystem is vibrant and dynamic. On one hand, brands like Phab are redefining healthy snacking. They are tapping into a growing consumer demand for nutritious options. On the other hand, the IPO buzz is indicative of a maturing market. Companies are looking to capitalize on investor interest while navigating challenges.
The confluence of these two narratives paints a picture of a market in transition. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious. They are seeking products that align with their values. At the same time, companies are exploring innovative ways to raise capital and expand their reach.
As the healthy snacking trend continues to gain momentum, brands like Phab are well-positioned to thrive. Their focus on quality and innovation resonates with consumers. The investment from OTP Ventures and others will help them scale effectively.
In the IPO arena, Ather Energy's upcoming offering is a bellwether for the market. It signals renewed investor confidence. Flipkart's domicile shift adds another layer of excitement.
In conclusion, the Indian market is a tapestry of opportunities. Healthy snacking and IPOs are two threads weaving a narrative of growth and resilience. As these stories unfold, they will shape the future of the Indian economy. The journey is just beginning, and the potential is vast.