Marmalade Raises $684K in Seed Funding
Marmalade, a Pune-based startup known for crafting approachable, high-quality spirits, has successfully raised $684,000 (Rs 6 crore) in a seed funding round. The company is focused on making spirits that are easy to enjoy and accessible to a broader audience.
Notable Investors
The funding round attracted a diverse group of investors. Key participants include Ashok Chokalingam, COO of Amrut Distilleries, Robert Sellares from the founding family of Don Q Rum, Ishank Gupta, former Director at AB InBev and Founder of Humyn Labs, as well as the founders of Malt Society Arabia. The founders of HomeLane, Srikanth Iyer and Tanuj Choudhry, also contributed to this round.
Company Vision and Product Offering
Marmalade, co-founded by Udit Mediratta (CEO) and Surojit Bhattacharya, aims to disrupt the traditional spirits market by offering products that appeal to newer generations. Their flagship product, Brightside Craft Whiskey, launched in January 2026, embodies this vision. Described as "Not Your Father’s Whiskey," Brightside is designed to be smoother and more approachable, eliminating the harshness often associated with whiskey.
Udit Mediratta remarked on the changing landscape, stating, "Gen Z is expected to account for nearly 40% of India’s drinking population by 2030. Yet, much of the category still speaks to an earlier generation. We created Marmalade to close this gap."
Strategic Use of Funds
The capital raised will be utilized to increase the reach of Brightside Craft Whiskey and to develop more innovative spirits. Marmalade aims to capture the interest of India's young, legal-drinking-age population with its modern approach to traditional beverages.
Future Outlook
With this new injection of capital, Marmalade is well-positioned to expand its product offerings and market presence. The company intends to continue building brands that resonate with contemporary consumers, aiming to become a household name in India’s burgeoning spirits market.