Roundup · Commerce & Consumer Brands

Laani raises Rs 9.1 crore to launch deodorant

By Startup Enthusiast · 17 March 2026

What they do

Laani sells high-performance functional personal care products tailored for Indian skin and climate conditions

The startup raised Rs 9.1 crore in a pre-seed round led by V3 Ventures and Saama Capital

This funding supports brand building and research into new product categories beyond its initial deodorant stick

Laani raised Rs 9.1 crore in a pre-seed round of funding.
V3 Ventures and Saama Capital led the investment round.
Founder Nirja Bhatt returned to India after eight years in the US to start Laani.
The company focuses on the under-innovated body care segment for modern consumers.
Initial research involved insights from over 500 women across social media platforms.
Laani plans to use funds for brand building and research and development.
The startup aims to expand its portfolio into new personal care categories.
Existing market products were often described as greasy or ineffective in humid weather.

Laani addresses a gap for effective personal care in hot and humid Indian climates.
Founder Nirja Bhatt holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.
High-profile angel investors joined the round including Snapdeal founder Kunal Bahl.
The company leverages direct consumer feedback for product innovation.

Laani offers high-performance functional personal care products for modern consumers.
It targets the under-innovated body care segment specifically for Indian skin types.
The primary product is the Clear Deodorant Stick with up to 24-hour protection.
The deodorant promises no residue, stickiness, or stains on clothing.
Products are clinically tested to ensure safety and efficacy for users.
Research insights were gathered from over 500 women via WhatsApp and Instagram.
The company currently employs five people to manage operations and growth.
Web traffic data shows approximately 23,000 visitors in the last thirty days.
Laani operates as an ecommerce startup selling directly to consumers online.
The business model relies on format-led innovation in personal care items.

V3 Ventures (lead) — Venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology startups.
Saama Capital (lead) — Investment management firm specializing in alternative asset classes.
Arjun Purkayastha (angel) — Managing Director at Reckitt.
Manish Taneja (angel) — Founder of Purplle.
Kunal Bahl (angel) — Co-founder of Snapdeal.
Dr. Aneesh Sheth (angel) — Founder of Dr. Sheth's Skincare.

Product: Body and personal care products including deodorant sticks tailored for Indian consumers
Customers: Individual consumers seeking high-performance personal care products suited to Indian climate
How it makes money: D2C brand selling directly to consumers through online channels
What sets it apart: Research-driven approach identifying gaps through surveys of 500+ women; products designed for Indian weather conditions