Brands
indē wild secures $5 million investment to fuel global expansion
MUMBAI: indē wild, the beauty brand pioneering Ayurvedistry skincare and haircare, has secured $5 million in a funding round led by Unilever Ventures, the company announced on 6 Marc 2025.
The investment round saw significant reinvestment from existing backers SoGal Ventures and True, marking a pivotal moment for the brand co-founded by entrepreneur and media personality Diipa Büller-Khosla.
Within just two years of launching, indē wild’s signature Champi Hair Oil has claimed the top bestseller position on Nykaa, India’s leading beauty e-commerce platform, outperforming established brands including Olaplex, L’Oréal and Kama Ayurveda.
The brand, which blends traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern chemistry, has achieved remarkable growth across India, the US and UK markets. Its community-driven approach involves extensive consumer engagement through focus groups across these regions, ensuring products align with consumer needs.
“Today’s generation seeks brands that reflect their identity,” said indē wild founder Diipa Büller-Khosla. “The most impactful brands are built on deep listening, constant evolution, and empowering communities to co-create their journey.”
Since its exclusive launch on Nykaa in India and direct-to-consumer platforms in the US and UK 18 months ago, indē wild has reported selling more than one unit per minute. This momentum has driven revenue growth of 400 per cent, with the company achieving double-digit contribution margins and EBITDA profitability during select periods last year.
Unilever Ventures partner Rachel Harris, who led the deal, commented: “By blending the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda with the efficacy of modern science,indē wild meeting the holistic needs of today’s beauty consumer in an accessible way.”
The fresh capital will primarily fund indē wild’s international expansion plans, focusing on its existing partnership with Sephora in the UK and upcoming launch in Sephora US. The company has also appointed Archit Vijoy, who served as the exclusive financial advisor on the funding deal, as finance director.
“With Unilever Ventures’ expertise in the beauty space and deep understanding of consumer needs, ind? wild will scale even faster in this rapidly evolving market,” added Oleg Büller-Khosla, CEO of indē wild.
SoGal Ventures managing partner Pocket Sun described iindē wild as “more than a beauty brand—it’s a symbol of the global South Asian community’s rise,” that honours heritage while embracing global ambition.
The brand’s recognition continues to grow, having been invited to join Sephora’s prestigious Accelerate program alongside securing a strategic retail partnership with the beauty giant.
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.
