FreeStand, a pioneering B2B marketing platform specializing in targeted and measurable product sampling campaigns for leading Indian FMCG enterprises, has announced the successful closure of a Seed funding round totaling $400,000. The investment, led by Venture Catalysts and Nocking Point Advisors, underscores growing investor confidence in the potential of marketing technology startups in India.
Joining the round were IIM-Calcutta Innovation Park, SucSEED Indovation, and strategic angel investors Guneet Singh and Varun Singh Hooda. The capital injection will fuel FreeStand’s expansion efforts as it seeks to revolutionize the way FMCG brands engage with consumers through innovative sampling initiatives.
Co-founded by industry veterans Sneh Soni, Kavach Chandra, and Konark Sharma, FreeStand has rapidly gained traction among major FMCG players such as HUL, Nestle, Reckitt Benckiser, L’Oreal, Nivea, Piramal Healthcare, Cipla Health, and Emami. The platform’s unique approach streamlines the execution of product sampling campaigns, ensuring that samples reach the intended audience while providing brands with actionable insights into campaign performance.
“We are thrilled to have the support of Venture Catalysts, Nocking Point Advisors, and our other investors as we embark on the next phase of FreeStand’s journey,” said Sneh Soni, Co-founder and CEO of FreeStand. “This funding will enable us to expand our offerings, enhance our technological capabilities, and solidify our position as the go-to platform for FMCG marketers seeking to drive meaningful engagement with consumers.”
FreeStand’s platform offers FMCG brands access to a diverse array of sampling channels, including ad networks, e-commerce platforms, quick commerce services like Swiggy and Flipkart, as well as modern retail chains. By leveraging AI-driven insights and analytics, the company aims to optimize targeting, improve campaign performance, and deliver a personalized sampling experience to consumers.
“Our mission is to empower FMCG brands with the tools and insights they need to maximize the impact of their sampling campaigns,” said Kavach Chandra, Co-founder and COO of FreeStand. “With the support of our investors, we are poised to expand our reach and deliver even greater value to our clients.”
The success of FreeStand’s Seed funding round reflects the growing demand for innovative marketing solutions in the Indian FMCG sector. As consumer preferences and behaviors continue to evolve, brands are increasingly turning to technology-driven platforms like FreeStand to connect with their target audience in more meaningful ways.
“We see tremendous potential in FreeStand’s approach to product sampling and marketing analytics,” said Apoorv Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder and President of Venture Catalysts. “Their platform addresses a critical need in the market and has already demonstrated significant traction among leading FMCG brands. We are excited to support their growth and expansion plans.”
In addition to expanding its sampling channels, FreeStand plans to enhance its platform with new features and capabilities designed to further streamline the sampling process for FMCG marketers. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, the company aims to stay ahead of the curve and deliver best-in-class solutions to its clients.
“FreeStand has quickly emerged as a leader in the B2B marketing space, and we believe they are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for innovative marketing solutions in India,” said Prashant Pansare, Co-founder of Nocking Point Advisors. “We are confident that their experienced team and strong investor backing will drive continued success in the years to come.”
With the support of its investors and the backing of some of India’s most prominent FMCG brands, FreeStand is poised to reshape the landscape of marketing technology in India. As the company continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it remains committed to delivering value and driving results for its clients in the fast-paced world of FMCG marketing.
