Naagin Raises ₹18 Crore in Pre‑Series A Round Led by 360 ONE Asset
Naagin, an emerging Indian condiment startup celebrated for its bold, regionally inspired hot sauces, has successfully raised ₹18 crore (approximately $2.1 million) in a pre‑Series A funding round led by 360 ONE Asset. Joining the round was returning investor 8i Ventures—now backing Naagin for the third time—along with a group of around 12 angel investors .
By Faber
Spicing Up Operations & Global Ambitions
Founded in 2019 by Mikhel Rajani, Arjun Rastogi, and Kshitij Neelakantan, Naagin has rapidly positioned itself as a trailblazer in the Indian hot‑sauce space. Drawing on regional chilli varieties like Bhut Jolokia, Sankeshwari, and Kanthari, the brand crafts sauces, oils, and chilli flakes with deep storytelling rooted in Indian culinary heritage.
The infusion of capital will be deployed across multiple fronts:
-
Production expansion – building out manufacturing capabilities
-
Team growth – strengthening core operations and go‑to‑market functions
-
R&D and marketing – launching new formats and increasing brand visibility
-
Growth channels – amplifying B2B, e‑commerce, D2C, and HORECA penetration
-
Global scaling – boosting exports via key corridors like Amazon, Walmart, and Carrefour
To date, Naagin’s products are available in over 700 premium retail outlets and have served more than 1 million customers, enjoying a strong presence across fast‑commerce platforms and restaurants.
What the Founders & Investors Say
Mikhel Rajani, Co‑Founder of Naagin, highlighted the alignment with 360 ONE Asset’s vision:
“We aligned with 360 ONE instantly on our bold vision … to create products people truly love … expanding globally to put Indian Hot Sauce on the world map.”
Abhishek Nag of 360 ONE Asset emphasized Naagin’s potential:
“Naagin isn’t simply bottling heat, it’s distilling India’s rich chilli heritage … positions them to redefine the global hot‑sauce aisle.”
Sustainability & Supply‑Chain Strength
Naagin’s approach goes beyond flavor innovation—it emphasizes:
-
Transparency and traceability via blockchain and farmer partnerships
-
Plastic‑neutral or minimal packaging initiatives
-
Regional sourcing networks that support local agricultural communities
These efforts reinforce Naagin’s dual mission: celebrating Indian flavor traditions and building a globally competitive, sustainable brand.
What Lies Ahead
The freshly raised ₹18 crore is set to fuel several pivotal developments:
-
A phased launch of new products and categories, including oil and chilli‑flake extensions
-
Deeper penetration into international markets, placing Indian condiments on the world culinary map
-
Enhanced infrastructure to support D2C and B2B expansion, including across the hospitality sector
Naagin aims to redefine the global hot‑sauce aisle—not just by bringing heat, but by showcasing India's rich spice heritage through craft, sustainability, and story‑driven branding.
Final Take
This funding round cements investor confidence in Naagin’s distinctive strategy: chef‑crafted products, clean ingredients, a compelling brand narrative, and sustainable sourcing. The company is now strategically poised to pepper global store shelves and tables with the essence of Indian chili culture.
What's Your Reaction?