Namita Thapar, in a recent heartfelt post, praised the founders of Arata, Dhruv and Dhruv, calling them “the fabulous founders”. She singled out their “SENSE OF HUMOUR !!” as her favorite quality. Namita recalled how when the founders appeared on Shark Tank India Season 3, they were going through a tough financial crisis, yet, “in spite of that they knew how to keep that humour intact ..that playfulness/ BACHPANA which keeps the optimism & resilience alive!” This lightheartedness, she explains, was key to maintaining their drive and positive spirit even during difficult times, showing how humor can be a vital tool for founders to stay grounded and motivated.
Namita further highlighted their inspiring growth journey, celebrating how “they’re well on their way to crossing 100crs ARR!!” She also expressed personal gratitude for the generosity and support she received from the Arata team, including members Deepesh and Kushal, who “spent many hours teaching me the basics of performance & meta marketing.”
She affectionately shared a moment from her visit to their Delhi office with a picture, noting their playful pose which “always bring(s) a smile to my face.” Her words reflect both admiration for their success and appreciation for the warmth and mentorship that characterize Arata’s leadership culture.
About Arata and Its Offerings
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Delhi, Arata introduced India’s first alcohol-free hair gel, evolving over 9 years into a portfolio of 70+ products catering to diverse hair types and concerns. Their range includes shampoos, conditioners, serums, and styling products, all dermatologist-approved, cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated with plant-powered science targeting Indian hair issues like dandruff, hair fall, and frizz.
Arata products are sold across multiple channels including their official website, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Nykaa, and Flipkart, and quick-commerce players such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart, enabling wide accessibility.
Funding and Financial Growth
Arata raised $4 million (approx ₹34 crore) in a Series A round led by Unilever Ventures in December 2024, with participation from L’Oréal’s venture arm BOLD and existing investor Skywalker Family Office. This marked a significant endorsement from global consumer brands recognizing Arata’s potential for large-scale growth in India’s personal care market.
Financially, Arata has demonstrated rapid growth with a current ARR close to ₹72 crore—tripling over the past 12 months—reflecting strong consumer adoption and effective scaling. The founders have articulated plans to double down on R&D, innovation, and channel expansion to capture more market share.
Growth Metrics and Market Position
- Customers served: 1.5 million annually
- Products: 70+ haircare SKUs targeting Indian hair health
- Distribution: Pan-India presence through e-commerce, quick-commerce, and retail
- Revenue: ₹72 crore ARR with rapid growth trajectory.
Competitive Landscape
Arata competes with well-established D2C and FMCG brands in India’s booming natural and personal care segment, including:
- WOW Skin Science: A leading natural beauty brand focused on skincare and haircare.
- Mamaearth: Offering toxin-free personal care products with strong digital-first presence.
- Pilgrim: A newer entrant in the hair and skincare space catering to conscious consumers.
Other startups like Traya Health also compete in adjacent health and wellness categories, intensifying innovation and marketing efforts across this space.
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Recent Developments and Outlook
Since Shark Tank, Arata has unlocked substantial brand momentum and investor confidence, leveraging product quality and customer education around natural hair solutions. Unilever Ventures’ lead investment signals a strategic growth path aligned with global standards and scaling potential amid rising consumer awareness about clean beauty.
The founders continue to build strategic partnerships, optimize supply chains, and innovate with new formulations—aiming to become India’s most beloved haircare brand with a robust presence in traditional and digital retail.
In conclusion, Arata’s journey from a cash-strapped startup on Shark Tank to a fast-growing, investor-backed personal care leader encapsulates entrepreneurial resilience and smart scaling amid India’s competitive beauty market. With strong mentorship, institutional capital, and a growing customer base, Arata is well-positioned for sustained growth and market leadership in the years ahead
