Veeba Founder, Viraj Bahl Backs Awenest

Mumbai, Mar 13: Kids home and personal care startup Awenest has built a ₹3.5 crore business within a short span of time and is now projecting ₹10 crore in revenue for FY26 as demand grows for toxin conscious products designed specifically for children. The brand recently gained wider visibility after appearing on Sony LIV’s Shark Tank India, where its routine focused approach to kids care products drew interest from the Sharks and resulted in an investment offer from entrepreneur Viraj Bahl.

Since launch, Awenest has seen steady growth. The startup reported net sales of ₹1.6 crore in FY 2023 to 24 which grew to ₹3.52 crore in FY 2024 to 25. The company has already recorded ₹2.8 crore in revenue in FY 2025 to 26 year to date and is projecting ₹10 crore in net sales for the full year. The business reached a monthly run rate of ₹70 lakh in October 2025 while also improving unit economics as scale increased. Gross margins have expanded from 50 percent in FY 2024 to 25 to around 65 percent year to date.

The founders estimate the kids home and personal care category in India to be a ₹30,000 crore opportunity. Awenest focuses on routine specific products designed around children’s needs rather than adapting adult formulations. The brand emphasises simplified product design, ingredient transparency and formulations developed specifically for children.

While its appearance on Shark Tank India brought national visibility, the brand had already been gaining traction across digital platforms. Several Awenest products have emerged as top sellers on Amazon, reflecting growing demand from parents seeking safer kids care alternatives.

The company follows a digital first distribution strategy. Around 45 percent of sales come from Amazon and another 45 percent from quick commerce platforms including Blinkit and other q commerce channels. Modern trade currently contributes about 3 percent of revenue and is expected to expand as the company scales distribution.

Awenest was founded by Kinshuk, Atul and Jahangir, who bring experience across large consumer businesses. Kinshuk, an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, has previously managed businesses with revenues exceeding ₹3,000 crore. Atul, an alumnus of IIM Lucknow, brings experience in marketing and digital growth, including scaling platforms with more than 10 million subscribers. Jahangir leads operations and has extensive experience in P and L management and business turnarounds, having previously managed businesses of over ₹2,500 crore.

The idea behind Awenest stems from changing childhood routines. Children today move through tightly structured schedules across school, activities and indoor environments while being exposed to hidden toxins, allergens and harsh chemicals present in everyday products. With children’s bodies still developing and more sensitive to environmental exposure, Awenest focuses on products designed for their daily routines using non allergenic ingredients without compromising on performance.

Following its Shark Tank India appearance and the investment offer from Viraj Bahl, Awenest plans to accelerate growth by expanding its presence in modern trade, strengthening distribution across quick commerce platforms and launching new products designed around children’s everyday routines.