The Sleep Company, a prominent direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, has successfully raised a substantial INR 184 Crores ($22.1 million) in its latest Series C funding round. This funding, led by existing investors Premji Invest and Fireside Ventures, marks a pivotal moment for the Mumbai-based startup, allowing it to intensify its focus on omnichannel expansion, product innovation, and brand building initiatives.
Series C Success and Valuation Surge:
Following the notable Series B funding round last year, where the company raised INR 177 Crores ($21 million), The Sleep Company has witnessed an impressive surge in valuation. Co-founder Priyanka Salot expressed her excitement, stating that the company’s valuation has more than doubled since the previous funding round. This achievement comes against the backdrop of remarkable 3X year-on-year growth since the brand’s inception in October 2019.
Strategic Allocation of Capital:
The freshly injected capital of INR 184 Crores is strategically earmarked for pivotal areas crucial to the company’s growth trajectory. A significant portion will be directed towards brand building efforts, cementing The Sleep Company’s position as a market leader. Additionally, the funds will facilitate omnichannel expansion and further innovation in product development, with a particular focus on the patented SmartGRID mattress technology that sets the brand apart in the market.
Offline Retail Expansion and Store Milestones:
Having ventured into offline retail in August 2022, The Sleep Company is set on an ambitious path of expansion. With exclusive stores already established in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, the company plans to increase its store count from the current 60 to an impressive 100 by March 2024. Co-founder Harshil Salot outlined the aggressive strategy, highlighting the opening of one store every four days, with the ultimate goal of reaching 200 outlets across 35-40 cities in India within the next year and four months.
Geographical Presence and Revenue Streams:
The startup’s robust offline presence in key cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR contributes to 50% of its overall revenue. D2C sales account for an additional 30%, while the remaining 20% is generated through various online marketplaces. The diversified revenue streams position The Sleep Company as a formidable player in the dynamic sleep solutions and mattress market in India.
International Ambitions and Revenue Targets:
Beyond the Indian borders, The Sleep Company successfully entered the markets of Japan and the UK last year. The founders revealed that international markets currently contribute 7-10% of the company’s total revenue, with plans to increase this figure to 20%. This strategic move precedes the company’s aggressive expansion into new international territories, solidifying its global footprint.
Financial Milestones and Profitability Goals:
With an impressive Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) surpassing INR 350 Crores, The Sleep Company aims to close the ongoing financial year with an ARR of INR 500 Crores. Notably, the company is poised to achieve positive Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBIDTA) by the next fiscal year, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable and profitable growth.