Neha Dhupia Backs D2C Dinnerware Brand BlackCarrot

Bollywood actor Neha Dhupia has picked up an equity stake in D2C dinnerware brand BlackCarrot.

As part of the deal, Dhupia has also been onboarded as a brand ambassador of the startup and will promote the brand, BlackCarrot said in a statement. However, the startup didn’t disclose the amount of stake she acquired. 

Speaking with Inc42, BlackCarrot cofounder Yadupati Gupta said the actor acquired the stake in lieu of the brand partnership deal inked with the startup.

Founded by the father-son duo of Yadupati and Vishal Gupta, the D2C dinnerware brand sells items such as stoneware, glassware and stainless-steel cutlery. It claims to have more than 71 SKUs currently and is yet to raise funding from external investors. 

“BlackCarrot is a promising startup with a unique product offering and passionate founders backing it. Their dinnerware is both healthy and eco-friendly, while remaining stylish and elegant,” Dhupia said on her investment. 

In a joint statement, cofounders Yadupati and Vishal said, “At BlackCarrot, we believe that… we should also be mindful of how we eat. After all, what’s the point of having organic and pesticide-free food if the dinnerware negates our efforts towards being healthy? This belief is the driving force behind our complete range of dinnerware tailored for health-conscious consumers”.

The startup claims that its unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its health-conscious products. It claims its cutlery is crafted from FDA-approved 304-grade stainless steel while its drinking glasses are lead-free.

The bootstrapped startup competes with the likes of Nestasia and Pepperfry as well legacy brands such as Borosil and IKEA.

Dhupia’s investment comes at a time when Bollywood actors are making a beeline to invest in Indian startups. Earlier this year, audio tech giant boAt secured an undisclosed amount of funding from actor Ranveer Singh. In December last year, he also joined D2C sexual health and wellness brand Bold Care as its new co-owner.

In 2023, actor Suniel Shetty invested in multiple Indian startups, including WAAYU, Klasroom, Pro Panja League, and REGRIP. On the other hand, Shilpa Shetty Kundra also backed two startups, WickedGud and KisanKonnect, last year, while Sanjay Dutt backed alcobev startup Cartel & Bros and sneaker marketplace DawnTown in 2023.

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