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Unilever Ventures Leads $3 Million Seed for India’s Clean-Perfume Brand Secret Alchemist

The funding positions the startup to scale R&D to meet rising demand for cleaner perfumes in India.

Overview

  • The round totals $3 million and was led by Unilever Ventures with participation from DSG Consumer Partners.
  • The financing includes a mix of primary and secondary capital, with Inflection Point Ventures remaining an investor.
  • Secret Alchemist will use the funds to expand its fragrance portfolio, deepen formulation and R&D, build leadership, and scale distribution.
  • Founded in 2021 by Ankita Thadani and Akash Valia, the brand later added actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu as a co‑founder.
  • The company sells via its website, major marketplaces and quick‑commerce platforms, with full‑size perfumes starting at INR 1,099, and it emphasizes ingredient transparency.