D2C Cat Food Startup Smylo Seeks ₹30 Crore Funding for Expansion

Direct-to-consumer cat food startup Smylo is currently in negotiations to secure approximately ₹30 crore (roughly $3.2 million) in a combination of equity and debt, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The funding round is expected to involve both a new venture capital participant and continued investment from existing backer DSG Consumer Partners.

Key Takeaways

• Funding objective: The company plans to use the capital for research and development, new product launches, and the establishment of a manufacturing facility.
• Market position: Founded in 2024, Smylo specializes in preservative-free, high-protein cat food and currently sells through its website, e-commerce marketplaces, and quick-commerce platforms.
• Revenue metrics: The founders reported average monthly sales of ₹50–55 lakh as of February, with 80% of revenue generated through e-commerce and website channels.
• Industry context: The move follows a broader trend of capital influx into India’s pet care sector, which is seeing increased investment in food, supplies, and healthcare startups.
• Sector growth: India’s pet care market is valued at $3.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $24.8 billion by 2032, according to data from the India Brand Equity Foundation.

Expansion Strategy and Market Growth

Smylo, established by former Titan Capital executives Abhishek Agrawal and Kartikeya Gupta, offers a product line that includes wet food, dry food, and broths for kittens and adult cats. While the exact allocation between equity and debt for the new funding round remains unconfirmed, sources indicated that equity will comprise the majority of the capital raised.

The startup previously appeared on Shark Tank India in early 2026, where it secured funding, though the specific amount was not disclosed at the time. The company’s current expansion plans align with a period of significant activity within the Indian pet care space. Competitors have also recently raised capital; for example, Lickicious secured ₹19 crore in September, and Supertails raised $30 million in February to bolster its clinic network and infrastructure.