Gully Labs Secures ₹8.7 Cr in Seed Funding to Take India’s Cultural Sneakers Global

Founded in 2023 by engineers-turned-entrepreneurs Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra, Gully Labs isn’t just another sneaker brand. It’s a cultural statement. With design inspirations drawn from Phulkari embroidery, Onam festivals, and India’s bustling street life, the brand creates handcrafted sneakers that celebrate Indian identity with modern flair.

The startup’s mission is simple yet bold: to make Indian culture not just visible, but wearable — and cool. And that’s exactly what it’s been doing, one pair of sneakers at a time.

Credits: Indian Retailer

The Funding That Fuels the Vision

Gully Labs has raised ₹8.7 crore in its latest seed round, including ₹7.6 crore in equity and ₹1.1 crore in venture debt. This follows an earlier pre-seed equity round of ₹1.1 crore in 2024, taking the total capital raised so far to ₹9.8 crore.

The equity round was led by Zeropearl VC, with participation from an impressive lineup of founders and angels:

• Vivekananda Hallekere (Bounce)

• Suhasini Sampath (Yogabar)

• Nishchay AG (Jar)

• Ashutosh Valani (Renee Cosmetics)

• Anurag Ramadasan and Rahul Seth

Micro-funds Untitled Ventures and Atrium Ventures also joined the round. The debt component was led by Stride Ventures, known for backing high-growth startups with solid business fundamentals.

Where the Money’s Going

The freshly raised funds are aimed at scaling Gully Labs’ operations and reach. According to the founders, the capital will be deployed across three key areas:

1. Product Diversification: Expect new sneaker styles that tap into more regional stories, seasonal trends, and modern silhouettes — all while retaining Gully Labs’ signature cultural motifs.

2. Retail Expansion: The brand plans to open exclusive offline retail outlets, providing immersive, design-driven shopping experiences to fans and new customers alike.

3. Sales Channel Growth: With a strong D2C presence already via its website, the company will deepen its footprint in partner stores and potentially explore international distribution.

“We’ve always believed Indian stories deserve a global stage,” say co-founders Singh and Mishra. “This round gives us the confidence and responsibility to grow Gully Labs into a brand that carries Indian heritage to the world — through every step our customers take.”

A Brand Rooted in ‘Indiluxe’

Zeropearl VC’s backing isn’t just about capital — it aligns with their ‘Indiluxe’ investment thesis. The firm aims to support premium Indian brands that can rival global luxury labels while staying authentically rooted in Indian identity.

“Gully Labs embodies this spirit,” said Bipin Shah, Founder and Managing Partner at Zeropearl VC. “We see a growing shift among Indian consumers who want to embrace homegrown excellence over imported status symbols. Gully Labs has the design DNA and cultural resonance to lead that movement.”

From Niche to Nationwide — and Beyond

Already spotted in major fashion magazines like Vogue, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar, and worn in movies like Pushpa 2, Gully Labs is proving that homegrown can be world-class. With an expanding digital presence and high-quality production in Delhi, the brand is building a loyal fanbase in Indian metros.

And now, with stronger backing and sharper vision, it’s poised to scale across India — and perhaps one day, globally.

Credits: Finance Outlook India

Conclusion:

Gully Labs’ latest funding round is more than just a financial milestone — it’s a validation of a powerful idea: that India’s rich cultural legacy can be reimagined into globally relevant, design-forward products. In a market flooded with Western sneaker giants, Gully Labs is carving its own niche by proudly wearing its roots on its soles. With a team driven by passion, a loyal customer base that values authenticity, and investors who believe in the “Indiluxe” future, the brand is well-positioned to grow into a modern cultural icon.

As it expands into physical retail, diversifies its designs, and scales production, Gully Labs isn’t just building a business — it’s building a movement. A movement that challenges what it means to be cool, premium, and Indian. For a new generation that craves meaning with style, Gully Labs offers more than sneakers — it offers a statement. And that statement is proudly Made in India.