Alco-bev startup Marmalade raises Seed investment from multiple investors
A group of investors, including Ashok Chokalingam, Robert Sellares, Ishank Gupta, and HomeLane founders Srikanth Iyer and Tanuj Choudhry, contributed Rs 6 crore to the alco-bev business Marmalade’s seed investment round.
According to a news statement from Marmalade, the money raised will be used to improve sales and operational capabilities, increase distribution, and launch brand-building projects.
Udit Mediratta and Surojit Bhattacharya co-founded Marmalade, a cutting-edge beverage firm that creates spirits for the upcoming generation of Indian consumers, in 2025. In order to make drinking more pleasurable, approachable, and relevant for today’s consumers, the company produces flavorful, easy-to-drink alcoholic beverages.
Marmalade’s flagship brand, Brightside, is an Indian craft whiskey developed in partnership with Amrut Distilleries and master blender Ashok Chokalingam. The brand aims to offer a different way for a new generation to discover and experience whiskey through its product, branding, and category-focused innovations.
The Delhi-based startup plans to expand into Mumbai and the broader Maharashtra market. The company claims it is on track to reach an annualised revenue run rate (ARR) of Rs 5 crore in September 2026 and is targeting Rs 15 crore in ARR by December 2026. This would represent threefold growth in less than four months across two cities.
Marmalade claims that Brightside Craft Whiskey creates a smoother and more pleasant drinking experience without the harsh burn, harshness, and powerful aftertaste by combining excellent malts and grain spirits with a unique blend of botanicals. Additionally, Brightside has used innovative packaging to enhance the drinking experience.
In Maharashtra, a 750 ml bottle of Brightside Craft Whiskey costs Rs 1,750. The business lists its limited choices as being in the price range of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,200.
While focusing more on modern branding, smoother profiles, locally sourced ingredients, and premium-but-affordable pricing, India’s alcobev companies are experimenting with craft whiskey, gin, agave spirits, and liqueurs.
In a recent pre-Series A financing headed by Inflection Point Ventures, Feline Spirits raised Rs 5.2 crore. To expand its craft-gin business, Raincheck Earth Co., the manufacturer of Cherrapunji Craft Gin, raised $1.2 million from AngelList India Syndicate and Japanese investors. Pre-Series A funding of Rs 1.57 crore was obtained by Nuvola Spirits, the manufacturer of Mikiamo Limoncello.
