Clean-label nutrition brand TruNativ has closed a $30 million deal with healthcare-focussed global investor OrbiMed Advisors LLC. The round includes both primary investment and the sale of secondary shares by some early investors.
The Mumbai-based company plans to use the capital to scale distribution, expand its product portfolio, and launch a new R&D centre, CEO Pranav Malhotra said.
Founded in 2019 by Pranav and Mamta Malhotra, TruNativ sells products across the sugar alternative, protein, gut health, and wellness categories.
“After the pandemic, people have become aware of their nutritional needs, but are struggling to meet them. So our entire focus has been to integrate nutrition into people's daily lives instead of forcing them to do a hard shift,” said Pranav Malhotra.
Additionally, the funds will support the growth of its B2B2C ingredients business, which supplies consumer brands in India, he said.
“We will also be investing in our R&D and innovation centre in Mumbai. Like others in the industry, we too import our whey protein but we have our own flavour additions and customisation of formulas,” he added.
The company will launch new products in categories like protein, gut health, and sweeteners.
Commenting on the deal, Dr Sunny Sharma, senior managing director, OrbiMed Asia, said, “We share Pranav’s passion for improving nutrition nationwide and enhancing health outcomes through healthier dietary habits.”
According to Pranav Malhotra, the company closed FY26 with Rs 130 crore in revenues and is on track to reach Rs 200 crore in the ongoing financial year.
The investment indicates corporate appetite for the wellness sector. TruNativ, in which Emami bought 19% stake in 2022, competes with the likes of HUL-backed OZiva, USV’s Wellbeing Nutrition, and Marico-owned Plix.
