MAM
Kidbea secures $1mn funding in Pre-Series A round led by Venture Catalysts
Mumbai: Kidbea, an innovative bamboo-based kids fashion brand, has announced that it has raised $1 million in funding in the Pre-series A round led by early-stage investment firm Venture Catalysts.
The funding round also saw involvement from Agility Ventures and BestVantage Investments, as well as notable figures in the industry such as Sandeep Agarwal and Upasana Agarwal, founders of Droom, Ashok Bahadur, alongside a group of experienced angel investors, and Hiro Mizushima, a well-known celebrity actor in Japan.
Founded in 2021 by Swapnil Srivastav, Mohammad Hussain, and Aman Kumar Mahto, Kidbea specialises in creating bamboo plant-based, skin-friendly, and comfortable children’s apparel. Kidbea’s products effectively tackle issues such as discomfort, skin rashes, and food spillage in newborns by providing GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified clothing that is environmentally friendly and gentle on children’s skin.
Kidbea will use the funding to boost its marketing and branding initiatives, expand its team, and improve operations. Additionally, a strategic portion of the funds will be allocated to research and development and technology to maintain a leading position in the rapidly evolving children’s fashion industry.
At present, Kidbea has a presence on all major online platforms and is available in over 30 partnered stores located in premium children’s hospitals. Additionally, Kidbea has expanded its global reach to include the UAE, Bahrain, and Australia. The brand’s varied product portfolio features over 250 SKUs, encompassing kids’ rompers, bodysuits, reusable cloth diapers, soft toys, and accessories.
On the expansion plan and the new funding, Kidbea co-founder Aman Kumar Mahto said, “The funding signifies a major milestone in our journey to turn Kidbea into a Rs 500 crore brand within the next 3 years. This funding provides us with the means to improve our sustainable offerings, extend our global presence, and persist in redefining children’s fashion.”
On the overall opportunity and growth potential, the founders added that Kidbea posted an impressive eight times revenue growth in FY-23 demonstrating the brand’s growing appeal in the burgeoning kidswear segment that is pegged at $16.4 billion.
Highlighting the potential within the children’s apparel and accessories market, Venture Catalysts co-founder and managing director Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma expressed, “Choosing to invest in Kidbea was an obvious decision for us. With India’s daily birth rate exceeding 67,000 children, there is a substantial opportunity for Kidbea to target the market across both metropolitan areas and small towns, driven by the increasing awareness among new parents regarding sustainable and eco-friendly clothing. Kidbea’s innovative approach and dedication to quality align with the changing expectations of mindful consumers. We have confidence in Kidbea’s potential not only to redefine children’s fashion but also to make a significant contribution to the sustainable fashion landscape.”
Striving to evolve into a Rs 500 crores brand within the next three years, Kidbea is on a trajectory of growth. The company’s dedication to sustainability and quality, along with the strategic deployment of its recent funding, positions Kidbea to further its expansion and solidify its position as a frontrunner in the global children’s fashion industry.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
