Funding · Commerce & Consumer Brands

Marmalade raises ₹6 crore seed funding round

By Startup Enthusiast · 9 September 2026

What they do

Marmalade is a Delhi-based company that creates alcoholic beverage brands specifically designed for younger Indian consumers

The startup secured ₹6 crore in seed funding to support distribution expansion, brand-building, and hiring for sales and operations

The company's flagship product, Brightside, is an Indian craft whiskey developed to offer a smoother drinking experience with reduced bitterness

New-age drinks maker Marmalade collected ₹6 crore in fresh seed capital on September 9, 2026.
The company plans to use the capital to expand its distribution network and invest in brand-building activities.
Funds will also support hiring efforts across the company's sales and operations departments.
Marmalade currently operates in Delhi and launched its flagship whiskey brand, Brightside, in Pune in January 2026.
The company is targeting an annualised run rate (projected revenue over 12 months) of ₹5 crore by September 2026.
Management aims to reach an annualised run rate of ₹15 crore by December 2026.

The Indian alcohol market is highly regulated with state-by-state excise, pricing, and label registration requirements.
Younger legal-age adults in Gen Z are projected to comprise close to 40% of domestic alcohol consumers by 2030.
The founders see few competing choices on shelves in the ₹1,500–₹2,200 price bracket.

Marmalade builds alcoholic beverage brands tailored for the preferences of younger Indian consumers.
Its flagship product, Brightside, is an Indian craft whiskey created in partnership with Amrut Distilleries.
Brightside infuses botanical extracts alongside grain spirits and malts to create an easier sip with less harshness.
A 750ml bottle of Brightside is priced at ₹1,750 in the Maharashtra market.
The product features a pour meter on the glass to track consumption and a peel-to-reveal label.
The company is currently focused on expanding its presence into Mumbai and the broader Maharashtra market.

Ashok Chokalingam (participated) — COO of Amrut Distilleries and master blender.
Robert Sellares (participated) — Member of the Don Q Rum founding family.
Ishank Gupta (participated) — Former director at AB InBev.
Srikanth Iyer (participated) — Co-founder of HomeLane.
Tanuj Choudhry (participated) — Co-founder of HomeLane.

Product: Brightside craft whiskey and other flavour-forward alcoholic beverages
Customers: New generation of Indian consumers seeking approachable craft spirits and alternative drinking experiences
How it makes money: Direct distribution and retail sales of craft spirits with brand-first approach
What sets it apart: Partnership with Amrut Distilleries and master blender creating unique Indian craft whiskey