Kaarya Naturals, a Mumbai-based health food company has raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding from Mumbai-based Roots Ventures, a multi-stage and sector agnostic investing platform.
Kaarya was founded by Kajal Bhatia, India’s first certified whole food nutritionist and a diabetes educator in November 2017. Kaarya currently retails its range of protein and health bars under the brand eighty20. The company plans to expand its range of healthy snacks.
“As a whole food nutritionist and a homemaker, I was always searching for honest food products that develop high-quality, clean and safe food from sustainable and humane sources. When I struggled to find these products consistently, I decided to create my own. It is about inclusiveness, expanding choices, and fostering innovation. We found a good fit with the Roots Ventures team when we first met them. They believed in my vision for the Company and we share similar value systems. Further, Japan and the team's stellar investing track record made our decision easier,” Kajal said in a statement.
Eighty20 makes 100% natural, vegan, gluten-free, and minimally processed healthy snacks. The current product portfolio comprises of energy bars for nutrition-on-the-go that comes in three flavours cranberry, Blueberry and Toughnut. It has recently launched India's first 20gm Plant Protein bar called ‘Plant Protein Plus’.
“We are what I call a snacking nation, but at the same time, we are increasingly witnessing a trend of eating healthy without compromising on taste. Consumers are focusing on nutrition and additionally, vegetarians looking for ways to overcome protein deficiency in their traditional diet. We are excited to be partnering with Kajal who brings her significant experience in health and nutrition to launch great tasting and healthy snacks, their association with TJUK will provide the company, ability to reach a wider audience in a short period of time,” Japan Vyas, Managing Partner, Roots Ventures, says.