Yu, a renowned instant food brand known for its chef-crafted products, has secured Rs 20 crore in a follow-on Series A funding round, building on its previous fundraise in November 2022
Scaling Manufacturing Capacity: With this infusion of capital, Yu aims to expand its manufacturing capacity while venturing into new product categories and market segments. The brand, recognized for its diverse distribution channels, including offline stores, online platforms, institutional segments, and exports, plans to strengthen its nationwide distribution network within the next year.
International Expansion and Consolidation: In addition to bolstering its domestic presence, Yu intends to consolidate its footprint in South Africa, where it has rapidly established itself in over 2000 stores. This strategic move underscores the brand’s commitment to redefining the packaged foods landscape globally.
Reimagining Packaged Foods: Founded by Bharat Bhalla and Varun Kapur, Yu prides itself on offering a range of 25 distinctive instant food products crafted using advanced lyophilization technology. From natural instant noodles and pastas to refreshing coconut water, Yu’s products are 100% natural, with zero preservatives, catering to discerning consumers’ preferences.
Expansion and Growth Trajectory: Yu’s remarkable growth trajectory is evident from its 200% quarter-on-quarter growth, achieving sales of 1.5 million units in Q3-FY24 (Oct-Dec 2023). Founders Bharat Bhalla and Varun Kapur express their gratitude to investors for their continued support, emphasizing the brand’s success in both domestic and international markets.
Investor Landscape: Apart from Ashish Kacholia and the Asian Paints Promoter Group, Yu boasts a roster of illustrious investors, including Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, Sameer Mehta (Founder of Boat), Srikrishna Dwaram (Partner, True North Private Equity), Nikhil Srivastava (PAG Private Equity), and the DPIIT’s Start-Up India Seed Fund. This diverse investor base reflects confidence in Yu’s vision and potential.
Conclusion: Yu’s latest funding round underscores its commitment to innovation, quality, and expansion. With a focus on scaling manufacturing capabilities, diversifying product offerings, and consolidating its global presence, Yu is poised to redefine the packaged foods landscape and delight consumers worldwide.