ConsumerX Ventures: A Groundbreaking Initiative by D2C Insider

D2C Insider, a community for founders in the direct-to-consumer sector, is preparing to launch ConsumerX Ventures, its Category II alternative investment fund. Insider sources have indicated that the fund aims to acquire a corpus of Rs 150 crore, intending to support 25 early-stage D2C brands and enablers in their pre-seed and seed phases. Advanced discussions are underway with a significant consumer conglomerate, aiming to secure their participation as an anchor investor.

Investment Strategy of ConsumerX Ventures

The fund seeks to hold around 10–15% of its portfolio companies, with 40% of the total corpus allocated for follow-on investments to support high-performing startups. Recently, ConsumerX Ventures received the green light from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its designation as a Category II AIF. The firm is anticipated to commence investor roadshows for fund participation shortly.

Financial Goals and Future Plans

ConsumerX Ventures plans to invest an average of Rs 3–5 crore per transaction, with the objective of guiding portfolio companies towards generating Rs 100 crore in revenue, advancing towards profitability, and securing Series A funding from prominent venture capitalists within a period of 18 months.

Key Leadership at ConsumerX Ventures

Abhishek Shah, the Chief Evangelist at D2C Insider, will assume the role of Managing Partner for ConsumerX Ventures. Chhavi Bhardwaj Kargaonkar, who currently oversees the D2C Insider Super Angels Fund, is set to join as a Partner.

D2C Insider’s Ongoing Initiatives

D2C Insider is actively deploying its Category I AIF Super Angels Fund, which boasts a corpus of Rs 25 crore and has garnered backing from over 70 operator limited partners. The cohort has already made investments in 16 D2C startups, such as Basil, Pikndel, Samosa Party, Crest, Assembly, Futwork, The Solved Skin, BusinessOnBot, Snackible, Divine Hindu, Goat Life, Steam Pro, Dobra, Gubbachhi, Zoomies, and Filli & Me.