Kidswear brand Includ raised $1.5 million in a seed funding round. The funding was led by Incubate Fund Asia, with participation from Escape Velocity, Abhishek Goyal (Co-founder, Tracxn), and IIM Indore Alumni Angel Fund. This substantial investment marks a milestone for Includ as it aims to transform the children’s fashion industry by delivering high-quality and trendsetting apparel offerings.
Founded in 2023 by Ashwin Rastogi, an experienced operator turned entrepreneur, Includ aims to address the gap in the Indian kidswear market for premium-quality yet affordable apparel. The brand caters to children aged 0 to 14 years old, offering a diverse range of comfortable and stylish clothing options.
With approximately 25 million births annually, India boasts the largest birth rate globally, presenting a substantial market opportunity for kidswear. The market, estimated to reach $20 billion in the coming years, has historically been dominated by a few major players offering generic designs with limited differentiation. Includ sets itself apart by providing unique and contemporary designs at competitive prices, making high-fashion accessible to consumers across India.
The recent funding round will enable Includ to enhance its supply chain, develop in-house technology, and increase brand awareness. The company plans to heavily invest in technology to integrate vertically with its suppliers, ensuring timely delivery and a seamless shopping experience for customers through its front-end platform and mobile application.
“We are excited to partner with Includ as they build design-led high quality and affordable brand for the Indian kidswear market,” Rajeev Ranka, Partner, Incubate Fund Asia said. “Ashwin’s vision, combined with strong execution capabilities and global supply chain expertise we are very excited to support him and build a global brand from India.”
“India’s kidswear market is experiencing a dynamic shift – we are seeing rapid growth in demand for in-trend clothing in the affordable premium segment. With our growing collection, we aim to empower every child to embrace their individuality while offering parents peace of mind through quality and affordability,” Ashwin Rastogi, Founder, Includ said.
Includ’s commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices further distinguishes the brand in the market. Based in Gurgaon, India, Includ strives to ensure that every piece of clothing is not only fashionable but also safe and environmentally friendly.
