The Indian luggage industry is currently flooded with plastic-made products, but one brand is breaking the mold. Introducing Uppercase, emerging as a pioneer in eco-friendly luggage brand, it aims to redefine the travel experience with its innovative, sustainable, and stylish products. Founded in 2021, Uppercase targets young, design-conscious travelers who value both aesthetics and environmental responsibility.
The Indian luggage market is valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore (approximately USD 1.9 billion) as of recent estimates. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 14.4% from 2024 to 2030, driven by tourism growth and consumer demand for high-quality products.
Uppercase’s Sudip Ghose is the most respected names in the travel gear industry with over a decade in leadership roles in majors such as Samsonite and VIP Industries, Sudip has built some of the most successful brands in the segment such as American Tourister, Skybags, Lavie and Caprese to name a few.
He along with Uday Sodhi and Arnob Mondal founded Acefour Accessories, the company behind Uppercase, in 2021. They officially launched the brand in 2022.
Why Sustainability?
Uppercase differentiates itself from other manufacturers in its approach to making its products. It manufactures hard-backed polycarbonate luggage using a combination of virgin polycarbonate and recycled polycarbonate.
“They (competitors) all use virgin plastics, which means a 100% they’re producing and creating new plastic while we are creating a certain percentage less than what a regular guy would produce,” Ghosh, Founder at Acefour Ventures said in an interview.
Uppercase aims at making Travel Gear for the young with a taste for things that don’t just help them look or feel good, but also do good. We create fashion-forward products carried by them on their person such as backpacks, messenger bags, duffels, gym bags as well as travel bags.
Product Categories by Uppercase
- Hard Luggage:
- Check-in Trolley Bags: Available in various sizes, including medium and large options like the Striker and Topo models, these bags feature anti-scratch surfaces and TSA locks.
- Cabin Suitcases: Smaller sizes suitable for carry-on, such as the Bullet Small Cabin Suitcase.
- Backpacks:
- Laptop Backpacks: Designed for daily use, such as the Pixel 2503 Sustainable Laptop Backpack, which includes features like rain covers and trolley sleeves.
- School Backpacks: Campus series backpacks are designed for students, offering well-padded compartments and organizers.
- Travel Backpacks: Suitable for short trips, often featuring water-repellent materials and multiple compartments.
- Duffel Bags:
- Trolley Duffel Bags: Models like the Terra 52 Duffle Trolley Bag offer quick front pocket access and detachable shoulder straps.
- Office Satchels:
- Although not prominently listed, Uppercase is known to offer office satchels as part of its sustainable travel gear range.
- Specialty Products:
- Uppercase also caters to corporate gifting and offers products suitable for kids and babies through partnerships with platforms like FirstCry.
Funding
- Series B Funding: In August 2024, Uppercase secured $9 million in its Series B funding round led by Accel, with participation from existing investors such as Sixth Sense Ventures and Enam Holdings promoter Akash Bhansali. This round valued the company at $60 million.
- Total Funding: With this latest round, Uppercase has raised a total of INR 150 crore (approximately $18 million) since its inception.
- Previous Rounds: Prior to the Series B round, Uppercase raised $7 million in a pre-Series A round in 2022 led by Sixth Sense Ventures.
Uppercase at NYFW
Uppercase, made a historic debut at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on 6th February 2025. This milestone marked the first time an Indian luggage brand showcased its products on such a prestigious global stage, highlighting the “Made in India” story and sustainable craftsmanship.
The brand emphasized its mission to redefine luggage with a focus on conscious living, promoting eco-friendly solutions alongside classic design. Uppercase’s participation was part of a broader “Made in India” initiative, showcasing sustainable production practices.
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