STARTUP-STORIES
Tuco Intelligent Raises $2 Million in Seed Funding to Revolutionize Kids’ Personal Care Market
SUMMARY
1. Tuco Intelligent, a kids’ personal care brand, raised $2 million in seed funding led by Fireside Ventures and Whiteboard Capital, with participation from key angel investors and early backers of major brands like Mamaearth and Sugar.
2. The brand offers natural and sustainable personal care products for children, using eco-friendly packaging made from reclaimed ocean plastic, and plans to expand its reach in the growing direct-to-consumer (D2C) market through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Nykaa.
Tuco Intelligent, a rising star in the kids’ personal care industry, has secured $2 million in seed funding in a round led by Fireside Ventures and Whiteboard Capital. This funding will help the brand expand its mission of delivering natural, sustainable personal care products exclusively for children.
Backed by Key Investors
The funding round also saw participation from notable investors such as Ashish Goenka-led Suashish Group and prominent angel investors, including Vijay Nehra, Reckitt Greater China managing director Arjun Purkayastha, and early backers of renowned brands like Mamaearth, Sugar, Pilgrim, Whole Truth, and Mokobara. This solid backing further demonstrates the confidence investors have in Tuco Intelligent’s vision and potential to disrupt the kids’ personal care market.
Natural and Sustainable Products for Kids
Founded in 2023 by Aishvarya Murali, a former Unilever executive, Tuco Intelligent stands out for its sustainable and eco-friendly product line designed specifically for kids. From soaps and lotions to deodorants and creams, the brand’s products are made with natural ingredients like beetroot and cocoa extracts, inspired by traditional recipes. Tuco’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of 100% reclaimed ocean and landfill plastic for all packaging, aligning with the global movement towards environmentally conscious consumption.
"From skincare made with beetroot and cocoa extract to deodorants crafted from rose water, these products are inspired by recipes from our grandmother’s kitchen. The sustainable mission of 100% recycled plastic is dear to me and a guiding packaging philosophy in all ranges," said Murali.
Growing Demand in the D2C Market
Tuco Intelligent's products are already available on popular e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Nykaa, and Firstcry, in addition to its own website. The brand is well-positioned to tap into the growing demand for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, especially as quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart boost fast deliveries and drive interest in children's products.
"The kids’ personal care market has remained largely untapped. While there are numerous brands for babies and adults, the 4-12 age group has limited options. We believe Tuco Intelligent, with its dedicated focus on this category, is well-positioned to serve the market," said Kannan Sitaram, co-founder and partner at Fireside Ventures.
With Fireside Ventures’ history of backing high-growth consumer brands like Mamaearth, Boat, and Yogabar, and Whiteboard Capital’s investments in innovative companies such as Atomberg, Cred, and Jupiter, Tuco Intelligent is poised to lead the way in the emerging kids' personal care space. This funding will enable the brand to scale rapidly, develop new products, and reach a wider audience of eco-conscious parents looking for natural, safe, and effective products for their children.
As the demand for sustainable D2C brands continues to grow, Tuco Intelligent is well-positioned to capitalize on this market shift, offering a fresh alternative for families focused on eco-friendly and natural care for their kids.