Includ, a burgeoning kidswear brand that positions itself in the mass premium segment, has successfully secured $1.5 million in seed funding, with the round led by Incubate Fund Asia. Notable participants in this funding initiative include Escape Velocity, Abhishek Goyal (Co-founder of Tracxn), and the IIM Indore Alumni Angel Fund. The investment underscores the brand’s promising approach to filling a vital gap in the Indian market for high-quality, yet affordable children’s apparel.
Founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Ashwin Rastogi, Includ quickly distinguished itself by catering to an age group ranging from newborns to 14-year-olds, providing a variety of stylish yet comfortable clothing options. With sustainability and ethical practices at its core, Includ aims to appeal to environmentally and socially conscious parents.
Strategic Use of Funds
With the fresh infusion of capital, Includ has outlined a strategic plan focused on three primary areas: enhancing its supply chain, developing in-house technology, and boosting its marketing efforts. “Our goal is to ensure that high-quality, sustainable fashion is accessible to everyone and that our operations support this vision,” stated Ashwin Rastogi, founder of Includ.
Enhancing Supply Chain Capabilities
Includ intends to use part of the funding to vertically integrate with its suppliers to streamline operations and ensure timely delivery of its products. This step is crucial to maintaining the brand’s commitment to affordability and quality, enabling it to rapidly respond to market demands and seasonal trends.
Investing in Technology
The company is also setting sights on leveraging technology to enhance every facet of its operations, from production to customer interactions. This technological upgrade aims at improving efficiency and consumer satisfaction, ensuring that Includ remains competitive in the fast-paced retail environment.
Marketing and Brand Awareness
A significant portion of the investment will also go into strategic marketing campaigns and brand awareness initiatives. These efforts are designed to solidify Includ’s presence in the market and educate potential customers about the brand’s unique value propositions, including its focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
In less than a year since its launch, Includ has reported impressive monthly sales figures, crossing Rs 2 crore. This success signals not only market acceptance but also the effectiveness of Includ’s business model and its potential to scale. The company’s commitment to sustainable materials and ethical practices is set to play a vital role in distinguishing Includ from other players in the kidswear market.
As Includ moves forward with its expansion plans, the brand is poised to set new benchmarks in the Indian apparel industry, proving that ethical business practices and profitability can go hand in hand. The journey of Includ will be keenly watched by industry insiders and consumers alike, as it strives to transform the landscape of kidswear in India.
