The Betel Leaf, a burgeoning direct-to-consumer (D2C) paan brand, has secured $1.2 million in a bridge funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures and Venture Catalysts.
This latest investment follows the startup’s successful seed capital raise of $800,000 in November 2021, led by Venture Catalysts and 100Unicorns (formerly 9Unicorns). The capital infusion is earmarked for strategic expansion initiatives, including ramping up its retail and online presence. Plans to increase its kitchen count from 45 to 100 across India and overseas within the next two years.
Founded in 2019 by Prem Rheja and Payal Raheja, The Betel Leaf has carved out a niche in the market as a purveyor of FSSAI-certified paan and paan-based products. Its offerings range from traditional paan to innovative creations like ARID paan, which boasts a shelf life of 9 months and is made from betel leaves.
With the infusion of fresh capital, The Betel Leaf is set to bolster its production capabilities by developing new automation technologies to ensure consistency and scale up production volumes. Additionally, the brand is keen on expanding its product range to include more innovative offerings.
The Betel Leaf’s product lineup currently includes Fresh Paan, ARID Paan, Celebration Hampers, Betel Chocolate, and Betel Leaf Tea, catering to a diverse consumer base. The startup is also eyeing expansion into key retail chains, with plans to onboard significant players such as Reliance Retail and Spar.
In addition to its domestic ambitions, The Betel Leaf has been making strides in the international market, exporting its products to destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Nairobi, the UK, and the USA.
The Betel Leaf’s success underscores the growing demand for authentic, high-quality paan products, both domestically and abroad. With its innovative approach and commitment to quality, the brand is poised to cement its position as a leader in the D2C paan industry.
