Brands
Funskool plays it smart, crosses Rs 300 crore turnover with 20 per cent export boost and desi brand wins
MUMBAI: India’s homegrown toy titan Funskool just levelled up in a big way. For FY 2024–25, the company clocked a turnover exceeding Rs 300 crore—powered by a potent mix of desi hits and global play.
Recording over 20 per cent year-on-year growth, the brand credited its performance to a sharpened export strategy and deepening alliances with global toy majors. Exports alone surged by nearly 30 per cent, solidifying Funskool’s role as a serious player in the global toy trade.
“We are moving in the right direction. With an impressive growth trajectory, Funskool continues to play a vital role in advancing the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” said Funskool India Ltd CEO K.A. Shabir. “We are focused on deepening our partnerships with global toy brands and further positioning ourselves as a quality toy manufacturer in the international supply chain.”
Currently, Funskool contributes close to 20 per cent of India’s total toy exports. Its outbound shipments to the United States now account for around 40 per cent of that volume, giving the brand a strong foothold in one of the world’s largest toy markets.
The company’s ambitions don’t end there. For the ongoing fiscal, Funskool has set its sights on USD 40–45 million in revenue, driven by capacity expansions and the global tilt toward Indian manufacturing. The firm recently doubled output at its Ranipet facility and is now planning further upgrades at both Ranipet and Goa plants.
On the home front, the company has steadily built out its portfolio of Indian brands—including Giggles, Fundough, Handycrafts, Play&Learn, and its growing lineup of board and card games—cementing its reputation as a market leader.
With exports scaling and domestic love holding firm, Funskool’s FY25 performance proves that playtime pays off.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
