CHENNAI, INDIA — Cookd, a rising consumer food startup based in Chennai, has successfully raised Rs 16 crore (approximately $2 million) in a Pre-Series A funding round. The investment was led by Spring Marketing Capital, with significant participation from Eternal Capital, Sun Icon Ventures, and PeerCheque. This capital infusion is set to fuel Cookd's aggressive expansion across South India and accelerate its innovative product development pipeline.
Founded in 2020 by Aathitiyan V.S., Cookd operates at the intersection of consumer packaged goods (CPG) and digital content. The company has gained substantial traction by making home cooking easier and more enjoyable through a diverse range of products, mobile applications, and curated recipes. Cookd's unique approach blends convenience with culinary authenticity, offering preservative-free masalas, gravies, and ready-to-use kits, including popular biryani kits.
Aathitiyan V.S., founder of Cookd, emphasized the strategic use of the newly acquired funds. "We will be using the funds to expand our presence in the Tamil Nadu market. We will also enter the Kerala and Andhra Pradesh market. A lot of people watch our videos in these two markets, and there has been good demand," he stated. He added, "With the fresh funds, we are building a new category of cooking products that combines authenticity, convenience, and control. Our goal is simple: help people cook more often and with joy."
A significant factor in Cookd's rapid growth has been its robust digital presence and creator-led content strategy. The startup boasts an impressive following of over 6 million across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, generating more than 150 million monthly video views. This chef-driven content engine not only builds a loyal community but also provides valuable real-time feedback for product innovation, distinguishing Cookd in a competitive market.
Cookd's products are currently available in over 1,600 retail stores and are also sold through direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels and popular quick commerce platforms such as Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto. The company claims market leadership in the biryani kit segment within quick commerce, attributing its success to a "kit" formula that resonated well with consumers looking for both convenience and authentic taste.
Spring Marketing Capital, an investor known for backing successful brands like Purplle, Jar, and Giva, is betting on Cookd's unique blend of content, community, and commerce to drive further innovation in the Indian food sector. The investment reflects growing investor confidence in D2C food and beverage brands, especially those demonstrating strong market fit and an omnichannel strategy.
With this Pre-Series A round, Cookd is poised to solidify its position as a leading tech-driven consumer brand in the culinary space, bringing flavour-forward convenience to more South Indian kitchens and continuing its trajectory of growth and product innovation.
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