Homegrown sneaker label Gully Labs has raised ₹30 crore in a Series A round led by Saama Capital, with participation from existing investor Zeropearl VC and several angel backers. The funds will be used mainly to expand the brand’s offline retail footprint, broaden its product range, and strengthen omni‑channel capabilities across key Indian markets.
Background and brand positioning
Founded in 2023 by Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra, Gully Labs has quickly carved a niche in India’s premium sneaker and streetwear segment. The brand draws on Indian culture, art and street aesthetics to offer a locally rooted alternative to international sneaker labels, targeting younger, fashion‑conscious consumers seeking design-led, story‑driven products.
Investor support and significance of the round
The Series A round underscores growing investor interest in consumer brands that combine distinctive design with community-led marketing and scalable distribution. Saama Capital’s lead investment signals confidence in Gully Labs’ growth trajectory and unit economics. Zeropearl VC, which backed the company at seed stage, increased its exposure by contributing more than its pro‑rata share, while several experienced angel investors also participated.
Investor participation from both institutional and angel cohorts suggests belief in the management team’s execution capabilities and the brand’s potential to differentiate in a competitive footwear market.
Offline expansion and omni‑channel strategy
A substantial portion of the fresh capital will be deployed to grow Gully Labs’ physical retail presence across major Indian cities. Having initially scaled through a direct‑to‑consumer online model, the company now aims to create immersive in‑store experiences where customers can touch products, assess craftsmanship and engage with the brand narrative—factors that influence purchase decisions in the premium footwear category.
Plans include opening new branded stores and strengthening distribution via multi‑brand outlets. Parallel investments will target digital experience enhancements, integrated inventory and fulfilment systems, marketing, community engagement and talent acquisition to support an omnichannel customer journey.
Financial traction and growth ambitions
Since its seed round earlier this year, Gully Labs has posted steady growth, reaching about ₹30 crore in annualised revenue. The company says it has established operations in multiple cities and built a loyal customer base, indicating early product‑market fit for a young label.
Management has set an ambitious target of scaling to ₹100 crore in annualised revenue. To support this expansion, Gully Labs is also evaluating international opportunities in markets such as the US and UK, where demand for culturally distinctive lifestyle brands and premium streetwear is rising.
Market context
The move reflects a broader shift in India’s consumer landscape, where rising disposable incomes and a preference for premium, homegrown brands are creating opportunities for niche lifestyle labels. For players like Gully Labs, combining design credibility with robust retail and digital distribution will be critical to converting early momentum into sustained scale.
