Brands
Aman Gupta’s OFF/BEAT secures Rs 100 crore seed funding round
Bessemer backs new venture betting on AI and India’s digital shift
MUMBAI: Aman Gupta has raised Rs 100 crore in seed funding for his new venture OFF/BEAT, with Bessemer Venture Partners leading the round as it bets on a new wave of AI-led, consumer-first businesses in India.
The funding marks an early but significant push for OFF/BEAT, which is positioned to tap into a rapidly evolving market shaped by a digitally native generation and advances in artificial intelligence. The venture aims to build at the intersection of culture and technology, where brand identity and innovation increasingly go hand in hand.
Gupta, best known for co-founding boAt and scaling it into a Rs 3,000 crore-plus business, is now looking to apply those learnings to a new playbook. His focus this time is not just on building a consumer brand, but on leveraging AI and global networks to accelerate growth.
OFF/BEAT founder Aman Gupta said, “Having built from scratch before, I know what capital can do and what it cannot. This time, I was looking for partners with a global perspective who can help me leverage technology and AI, because that is where the future lies. Bessemer’s track record with companies like Anthropic, Shopify, Canva and LinkedIn says it all.”
The choice of investor reflects that ambition. Bessemer Venture Partners has backed global technology players such as Anthropic, Shopify, Canva and LinkedIn, bringing not just capital but strategic support and global reach.
Bessemer Venture Partners partner Anant Vidur Puri said, “We back founders who see around corners. Aman saw how a new India would come to think about aspiration, identity and quality, and built boAt as proof. He is now applying that same instinct to a market being reshaped by AI and by a generation with entirely new expectations.”
The investment comes at a time when India’s startup ecosystem is being reshaped by both consumer behaviour and technological disruption. Founders are increasingly expected to understand not just products, but the cultural shifts that drive adoption.
For OFF/BEAT, the journey is just beginning, but the signal is clear. In a market where attention is fleeting and expectations are rising, building something truly distinctive may be the only way to stay on beat.
Brands
Ranveer Singh joins Crossbond as brand ambassador for India push
Engineered wood brand taps star power to boost reach and design appeal
MUMBAI: Crossbond has signed Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador, marking a key step in its efforts to expand visibility and strengthen its presence across the Indian market.
The engineered wood and decorative panel brand plans to roll out an integrated campaign featuring the actor, with a mix of print and visual media set to go live from early April. The campaign will spotlight its flagship products, including HDMR Max and Boiltough, with a focus on durability and reliability.
Backed by the Metro Group, Crossbond has built a portfolio spanning MDF, HDMR and particle boards, along with laminates, acrylic panels and flooring solutions. These products cater to a wide range of applications, from furniture manufacturing to interior design and architectural projects.
The company is positioning this association as more than just a celebrity endorsement. By bringing Singh on board, it aims to connect more deeply with architects, interior professionals, dealers and end consumers, while reinforcing its image as a modern, design-forward brand.
Speaking about the partnership, Ranveer Singh said he was drawn to the brand’s focus on strength and finish. “I’m excited to partner with Crossbond, a brand that stands for strength, reliability and modern design. Whether it’s furniture, interiors or modern spaces, strength and finish matter. That’s what Crossbond is all about.”
Crossbond managing director Ram Agarwal said, “This partnership with Ranveer Singh marks a proud milestone in Crossbond’s journey. His energy and individuality align strongly with our evolving brand vision. As we expand our presence across India, this collaboration reflects our commitment to inspiring a new era of design, craftsmanship and innovation.”
With new campaigns in the pipeline, the brand is betting on a blend of product strength and star appeal to stand out in a competitive category. If all goes to plan, Crossbond’s next phase of growth could be as bold and high-energy as its new ambassador.
