In a powerful boost for India’s growing startup and fashion ecosystem, Gully Labs, a homegrown sneaker brand rooted in Indian culture, has successfully raised ₹8.7 crore in seed funding. This round includes ₹7.6 crore in equity and ₹1.1 crore in venture debt. The investment will help the brand grow its product range, open retail stores, and bring India-inspired sneakers to a global audience.
Led by Zeropearl VC, the funding round also saw participation from well-known startup leaders like:
- Vivekananda Hallekere (Co-founder of Bounce),
- Suhasini Sampath (Co-founder of Yogabar),
- Nishchay AG (Co-founder of Jar), and
- Ashutosh Valani (Co-founder of Renee Cosmetics).
This strong lineup of backers reflects increasing investor interest in fashion brands that blend creativity, culture, and commerce.
A Startup That Tells Stories Through Sneakers
Gully Labs was launched in 2023 by two engineering graduates — Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra — who saw more than just shoes in sneakers. They saw a storytelling opportunity. Their mission? To make sneakers that proudly showcase India’s culture, not just mimic Western styles.
Unlike big global sneaker brands that often look the same everywhere, Gully Labs designs are based on Indian folk art, festivals, and traditions. For example:
- Some sneakers feature patterns inspired by Phulkari, a traditional embroidery style from Punjab.
- Others include designs related to Onam, the festival celebrated in Kerala.
- Each pair is designed to carry a story — not just a logo.
This approach is what makes Gully Labs different. It’s not just about fashion — it’s about identity and pride.
What Will the Funding Be Used For?
The newly raised funds will help Gully Labs expand and scale in several key ways:
1. Product Expansion
They plan to introduce more sneaker styles that represent different parts of India. From tribal art forms like Warli and Madhubani to city-based street culture, the brand wants every sneaker to connect with a piece of India.
2. Exclusive Retail Stores
Gully Labs wants to move beyond online sales and open exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) where customers can physically try and experience their sneakers. These outlets will also help the brand build a stronger offline community.
3. Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) and Global Expansion
With growing international interest in Indian design, the brand also plans to take its D2C model global — starting with NRIs and moving into global cultural streetwear spaces.
4. Technology and Scale
Some of the funds will go toward improving the brand’s e-commerce infrastructure, customer experience, and supply chain — all important for delivering products faster and better.
What the Investors Are Saying
Bipin Shah, Founder & Managing Partner at Zeropearl VC, said:
“Gully Labs embodies the spirit of taking India’s rich cultural story to the world through sneakers that are 100% made in India. We’re proud to support their journey toward becoming a global ambassador of Indian craftsmanship.”
This quote shows that investors see the brand as more than just footwear. They see it as a movement that can reshape how Indian culture is viewed in fashion worldwide.
Why India Needs More Brands Like Gully Labs
For a long time, Indian customers have been buying global brands without much representation of their own culture. Most premium sneakers come from the US or Europe — and they carry stories of those places.
But Indian culture is just as rich and diverse. Gully Labs is filling that identity gap — offering Indian youth a chance to wear sneakers that represent who they are and where they come from.
In a way, it’s the fashion version of what local food brands or homegrown tech startups are doing — building something global, but starting with India.
How They’re Keeping it Authentic
Gully Labs isn’t just printing Indian designs on sneakers. They work with:
- Local artists to create authentic art
- Craft communities to bring traditional techniques into sneaker making
- Indian factories to ensure 100% Made-in-India production
This makes their products truly local in heart, but global in quality — which is a hard balance to achieve in fashion.
Sneaker Culture is Booming in India
The Indian sneaker market is booming — especially among Gen Z and millennials. According to several industry reports:
- The Indian sneaker market is projected to cross $2 billion by 2025
- More than 60% of sneaker buyers are under the age of 30
- Social media and streetwear culture are driving demand
Young Indians want sneakers that are unique, comfortable, and say something about them. Gully Labs fits right into that space.
The Founders’ Vision: Culture Meets Street
Co-founders Arjun and Animesh believe that every product should tell a story. They are working toward making Gully Labs India’s most expressive sneaker brand — one that can stand next to Nike and Adidas, but with its own twist.
They’ve said in interviews that the idea came from noticing how Indians loved sneakers but didn’t have many local options that felt premium and personal. That’s when they decided to create a brand that not only matched global style but also felt Indian at heart.
What’s Next for Gully Labs?
Now that the brand has secured funding and attention, the next 12 months will be crucial. Here’s what they’re likely to focus on:
- Launching seasonal collections based on regional festivals and stories
- Collaborating with influencers and artists for capsule drops
- Hosting sneaker exhibitions and pop-ups in Indian metros
- Pushing export models to reach the Indian diaspora in the US, UK, and UAE
These steps could help Gully Labs evolve from a new-age D2C brand into a mainstream fashion label — one that’s proud, loud, and rooted in India.
Final Thoughts
Gully Labs isn’t just building sneakers — they’re building a story, a statement, and a movement. By mixing India’s cultural legacy with today’s streetwear trends, they’re giving the new generation a brand that finally reflects them.
And with ₹8.7 crore in fresh funding, the path looks wide open. One step — or sneaker — at a time.
