A Big Indian Story: Company Profile

Background

Overview

A Big Indian Story (ABIS) is a Pune-based direct-to-consumer (D2C) sustainable fashion brand founded in 2018 by Anuradha Alurkar and Sriram Swaminathan. The company specializes in handcrafted, vegan, and cruelty-free fashion accessories and apparel, integrating traditional Indian crafts with contemporary designs. ABIS is committed to promoting sustainability and ethical practices within the fashion industry.

Mission and Vision

ABIS aims to pioneer the sustainable fashion movement in India by offering eco-friendly products that support artisan livelihoods and preserve traditional crafts. The brand envisions becoming India's most sustainable fashion label, bridging the gap between heritage and innovation.

Industry Significance

Operating in the sustainable fashion sector, ABIS addresses the growing consumer demand for ethical and eco-friendly products. By utilizing plant-based materials and collaborating directly with artisans, the company contributes to the preservation of traditional Indian crafts and supports local communities.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Sustainability: Integrate eco-friendly materials and practices into all aspects of product development.

• Ethical Production: Ensure fair wages and working conditions for artisans.

• Innovation: Introduce contemporary designs that appeal to modern consumers while honoring traditional crafts.

Areas of Specialization

• Fashion Accessories: Handbags, footwear, and jewelry made from sustainable materials.

• Apparel: Clothing items featuring traditional Indian textiles and techniques.

• Home Furnishings: Quilts and lifestyle products crafted using traditional Indian weaves and block prints.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Plant-Based Materials: Incorporation of Piñatex (pineapple leather), cactus leather, and Texon into product lines.

• E-Commerce Platform: Utilization of Shopify for online retail operations.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Domestic Market: Environmentally conscious consumers across India.

• International Market: Global consumers interested in sustainable and ethical fashion.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

ABIS has raised a total of $877.2K across two funding rounds:

• Seed Round (August 2022): $444.0K led by Bestvantage Investments, with participation from Hearth Ventures and Ingenious Advisors.

• Angel Round (December 2021): $433.0K from individual investors.

Utilization of Capital

The funds have been allocated towards:

• Product Development: Expanding the range of sustainable fashion products.

• Market Expansion: Enhancing online presence and exploring international markets.

• Operational Scaling: Strengthening supply chain and production capabilities.

Pipeline Development

Key Products

• Piñatex Bags: Handbags made from pineapple leaf fibers, offering a sustainable alternative to leather.

• Cactus Leather Footwear: Shoes crafted from cactus-derived materials, combining durability with eco-friendliness.

• Texon Apparel: Clothing items made from cellulose wood-pulp, providing a sustainable fabric option.

Development Stages

All products are in the market-ready stage, with ongoing efforts to expand the product line and incorporate additional sustainable materials.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Plant-Based Leathers: Development and use of Piñatex, cactus leather, and Texon in fashion products.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Sustainable Textile Production: Utilization of eco-friendly materials and traditional Indian weaving techniques.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Anuradha Alurkar: Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

• Sriram Swaminathan: Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

Professional Backgrounds

• Anuradha Alurkar: Experience in fashion design and a passion for sustainable practices.

• Sriram Swaminathan: Background in business development with a focus on ethical entrepreneurship.

Key Contributions

• Anuradha Alurkar: Led the integration of traditional Indian crafts into contemporary fashion designs.

• Sriram Swaminathan: Established strategic partnerships with artisans and managed operational scaling.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The sustainable fashion market in India is experiencing growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly products. ABIS competes with brands like Bombay Trooper, The Nomad Vibes, and Rimagined, which also focus on sustainable and ethical fashion.

Competitor Analysis

• Bombay Trooper: Designs eco-friendly apparel and gear for travelers and adventurers.

• The Nomad Vibes: Provides online retail of sustainable fashion items like hemp bags and clothing.

• Rimagined: An online platform featuring sustainable and upcycled fashion products and accessories.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

• Artisan Partnerships: Direct collaborations with artisans across India to ensure fair wages and preserve traditional crafts.

• Material Suppliers: Partnerships with suppliers of sustainable materials like Piñatex and cactus leather.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

ABIS differentiates itself through its commitment to sustainability, ethical production, and the integration of traditional Indian crafts into modern designs. The company leverages its D2C model to maintain control over branding and customer experience, while also exploring wholesale partnerships to expand its reach.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Growth Strategy

• Market Expansion: Increase penetration in Tier 1 cities across India and explore international markets like Europe and North America.

• Product Diversification: Introduce new product lines such as vegan footwear collections and expanded home décor offerings.

• Artisan Collaborations: Strengthen partnerships with local artisans to preserve traditional crafts while scaling production sustainably.

• Technology Integration: Leverage AI-driven tools for personalized customer experiences on its e-commerce platform.

• Brand Awareness Campaigns: Invest in digital marketing campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of sustainable fashion.

Contact Information

• Website: abigindianstory.com

• Social Media: Instagram - abigindianstory