Zouk
Zouk is an Indian direct-to-consumer (D2C) lifestyle brand specializing in handcrafted, vegan bags, wallets, footwear, luggage, and accessories. Founded in 2016 by Disha Singh and Pradeep Krishnakumar, Zouk is headquartered in Thane, Maharashtra, India. The brand emphasizes Indian craftsmanship, using traditional fabrics such as ikat, jute, and khadi, and is recognized for its 100% vegan, PETA-approved products. Zouk operates both online through its website and e-commerce platforms and offline through exclusive brand outlets, with plans to expand to 75 stores across India.[3][4]
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fashion, D2C (Direct-to-consumer) |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Disha Singh, Pradeep Krishnakumar |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra , India |
Key people | Disha Singh (Co-Founder), Pradeep Krishnakumar (Co-Founder) |
| Products | Bags, Footwear, Fashion accessories |
| Revenue | INR 100 Cr (Projected for FY23)[1] |
Number of employees | 200+ (2024)[2] |
| Website | zouk |
History
Zouk was inspired by a 2015 trip to Kutch, Gujarat, during Disha Singh’s MBA at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. Encountering handcrafted products lacking modern functionality, Singh identified a gap in the market for stylish, functional Indian-made accessories.[5] Alongside her husband, Pradeep Krishnakumar, she founded Zouk in 2016 with an initial investment of ₹20 lakh, starting with 20 laptop bags manufactured in a small factory in Thane.[6]
The brand gained traction for its vegan leather products and Indian-inspired designs, growing from an online-only platform to a hybrid model with offline stores. By 2023, Zouk reported serving over 700,000 customers and collaborating with more than 1,000 artisans across India.[7] In 2024, Zouk expanded into luggage, introducing backpacks and trolley bags, and partnered with actress Sara Ali Khan as its brand ambassador.[8]
Products
Zouk offers a range of products, including:
- Handbags: Sling bags, satchels, totes, and office bags.
- Wallets and Accessories: Cardholders, eyewear cases, and travel pouches.
- Footwear: Sandals and flats featuring Indian fabrics.
- Luggage: Backpacks and trolley bags (launched in 2024).
All products are made with vegan leather and handcrafted fabrics sourced from regions like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.[9] The brand’s office bags are designed to accommodate laptops and daily essentials, combining traditional aesthetics with modern functionality.[10]
Funding
Zouk has raised a total of $14.5–14.8 million across three funding rounds, primarily to fuel offline expansion, branding, and supply chain enhancements.[11] The following table summarizes its funding history:[12][13]
| Date | Round | Amount | Lead Investor | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2021 | Pre-Series A | $1.5 million | Stellaris Venture Partners | Titan Capital, Others |
| March 2023 | Series A | $3 million | Stellaris Venture Partners | Sharrp Ventures, Titan Capital, JJ Family Office, Dilip Khandelwal, Manoj Meena, Vineeta Singh, Kaushik Mukherjee |
| October 2024 | Series B | $10 million | Aavishkaar Capital | Stellaris Venture Partners, Titan Capital, Sharrp Ventures, JJ Family Office |
Legal Entity Details
Zouk is owned and marketed by Sea Turtle Private Limited. Its registered address is: Floor No. 1, Bldg K6/1 to 13, Bldg K7/11 to 14, 16 & 17, Shree Arihant Compound, Reti Bandar Road, Kopar, Thane, Bhiwandi, Thane, Maharashtra, 421302, India.[14]
Reception and Awards
The brand has been praised for its fusion of Indian craftsmanship and modern design, with Forbes India noting its potential to compete in the cut-throat accessories market.[5] Its collaboration with over 1,000 artisans has also been highlighted as a significant contribution to preserving Indian handicrafts.[15]
See also
References
- ↑ "Zouk Eyes ₹100 Cr Annual Revenue Run Rate By FY23". Economic Times Retail. Retrieved 2022-01-31.
- ↑ "Zouk's Priority Is Expansion Across Channels: Co-Founder Pradeep Krishnakumar". India Retailing. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
- ↑ "Zouk Funding: Zouk Bags $10 Mn To Expand Offline Presence". Inc42. 2024-10-22. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "About Zouk: Our Mission, Vision, Story & Presence". Zouk. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "How Zouk Is Bridging The Gap Between Indian Handicrafts And Modern Design". Forbes India. 2023-07-05. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "This woman entrepreneur's vegan and handicrafts-focused accessories brand has raked in Rs 5 Cr revenue". YourStory. 2020-07-15. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "Zouk Bags $10 Mn in Latest Funding to Strengthen Brand and Expand Presence". Indian Retailer. 2024-10-24. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "Zouk". LinkedIn. 2024-11-22. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "Zouk: Frequently Asked Questions". Zouk. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "Office Bags for Women: Buy Best Ladies Office Bags Online". Zouk. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "Zouk - 2025 Company Profile, Funding, Competitors & Financials". Tracxn. 2025-05-02. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "D2C Lifestyle Brand Zouk Bags Funding From Stellaris Venture For Offline Foray". Inc42. 2023-03-16. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "Handbag maker Zouk raises $10M in Series B round led by Aavishkaar". YourStory. 2024-10-23. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "Country Of Origin & Brand Legal Details". Zouk. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "Disha Singh of Zouk works with over 800 artisans across India". The Established. 2023-09-19. Retrieved 2025-05-08.