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Yoho Footwear Raises ₹20 Crore in Pre-Series B Funding

The image shows two men in business attire, smiling while standing in front of a backdrop of leafy greenery. Positioned to the right of them are several brightly colored sneakers displayed on geometric pedestals. Above the image, the "yoho" brand logo is prominently displayed, with a stylized hummingbird symbol.
By
Anurag Trivedi
2 min read

Delhi-based direct-to-consumer (D2C) footwear startup Yoho recently raised Rs 27 crore ($3.21 million) in a Pre-Series B round, led by Gulf Islamic Investments (GII). This funding is set to accelerate the startup’s plans for scaling its product innovation, offline presence, and marketing initiatives. Here's a detailed breakdown of Yoho’s journey and future plans:

Key Highlights:

  • Funding Round: Rs 27 crore ($3.21 million) raised in Pre-Series B, led by Gulf Islamic Investments (GII).
  • Founders: Yoho was co-founded by Ahmad Hushsham and Prateek Singhal.
  • Target Market: Specializes in orthopedic, comfort-centric footwear, blending performance and style for Indian consumers.
  • Investment Objective: Funds will be used to scale R&D, boost marketing, and expand retail operations both online and offline.

Business Strategy:

  • Core Offering: Yoho focuses on footwear that addresses common foot problems by offering orthopedic support, targeting a wide range of consumers who prioritize comfort and foot health.
  • Product Innovation: Incorporates advanced materials and AI-powered manufacturing, ensuring lightweight and ergonomic shoes that stand out in a competitive market.

Growth Trajectory:

  • Previous Funding: In 2022, Yoho raised Rs 20 crore in a Pre-Series A round, which included investments from Rajeev Misra (SoftBank) and Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Paytm).
  • Offline Expansion: Plans to enhance its offline presence by establishing more brick-and-mortar stores, while continuing to leverage e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart for online sales.

Future Plans:

  • New Product Launches: The brand is set to introduce more models focused on both comfort and style, catering to a broader consumer base.
  • Market Position: Yoho aims to challenge established players like RedTape and Campus, while capturing a share of India’s growing $13.5 billion footwear market​.

Conclusion:

Yoho's Pre-Series B funding reflects its growing influence in India’s D2C footwear market. With a strong focus on product innovation and orthopedic benefits, Yoho is poised to capture a significant market share, particularly as consumers become more health-conscious. This funding will enable the startup to accelerate its growth across both online and offline channels.

Source: Tech In Asia