The first ice popsicle company from India to appear on Shark Tank India, Skippi Ice Pops, has raised $1.4 million, or about ₹11.6 crore in a new fundraising round. A variety of institutional and strategic investors, including Hyderabad Angels, Venture Catalysts, HEM Angels, and others, made investments in the Hyderabad-based firm. It is anticipated that the cash infusion will increase Skippi’s capacity for production, quicken the pace of product development, and increase its retail presence in both Indian and foreign markets.
This fundraising round comes after the brand’s triumph on Shark Tank India Season 1, where Skippi made waves by getting all five sharks to endorse it, making the founders one of the few people to get such a deal. The brand gained national prominence as a result of that appearance, which also increased consumer credibility and confidence.
Shark Tank India: A Turning Point
As the first frozen food company to appear on Shark Tank India, Skippi Ice Pops rose to national prominence. The sharks were pleased by co-founders Ravi and Anuja Kabra‘s distinctive, nostalgic product as well as their emphasis on natural ingredients, food safety, and hygiene. All five sharks—Aman Gupta, Vineeta Singh, Ashneer Grover, Peyush Bansal, and Namita Thapar—invested ₹1 crore in the company after their proposal was well received by the investors.
The visibility from Shark Tank India gave the brand a tremendous boost in both sales and brand recognition. Within days of airing, Skippi reported a 40x spike in online orders and saw a dramatic increase in retail distribution requests. The exposure also helped build trust with parents and children, the brand’s primary target audience.
Scaling Production and Enhancing Distribution
In order to keep up with the growing demand, Skippi intends to greatly expand its production operations using the newly acquired funds. Since its television appearance, the brand has experienced a significant increase in sales and retail enquiries, needing the investment in greater production equipment. To guarantee greater availability of its products in Tier I, II, and III cities, Skippi plans to optimise supply chains and enhance distribution networks, according to co-founder Ravi Kabra.
The startup is already active in more than 20 Indian states and is becoming more and more visible on e-commerce sites and contemporary trade outlets. In addition, Skippi exports its goods to a few foreign countries and plans to grow even more internationally. The firm wants to reach unexplored markets in the frozen treat sector because consumer desire for entertaining, healthier snacking is growing.
Product Innovation and Consumer Appeal
In a market full with sweet, artificial substitutes, Skippi’s line of natural, preservative-free ice popsicles stands out. With fruit-based concentrates and no chemical colouring, the brand provides a selection of flavours, such as mango, cola, orange, raspberry, and bubblegum. Skippi has gained popularity among urban families and schoolchildren because of its positioning as an enjoyable yet healthy snack.
Additionally, the brand’s emphasis on sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging increases its appeal to customers who care about the environment. In an effort to dominate the frozen dessert market in India, Skippi is currently developing new product lines and creative frozen treat options that accommodate a variety of palates and dietary requirements.
Future Outlook for Skippi
With a loyal customer base, growing demand, and investor trust, Skippi Ice Pops is headed in the right direction. The founders of the company are committed to make Skippi a household name in the frozen snack market, both in India and beyond. The brand’s retail footprint will be strengthened, operations will be ramped up, and R&D activities will be strengthened with the help of the most recent $1.4 million fundraising round.
Skippi is a perfect example of how a specialised product with the correct positioning can grow quickly in a time when Indian companies are becoming more and more motivated by innovation and powerful branding. Skippi is well on its way to becoming a major role in India’s expanding FMCG ecosystem as it keeps developing and diversifying.
Also read: Snack Smart: Troovy’s Rise as the New-Age Nutrition Brand for Kids
