New Delhi: D2C brand Ugees, an industry-leading innovator in undergarment care, raised its pre-seed round with an undisclosed amount from EvolveX, a global startup accelerator by We Founder Circle (WFC).
Ugees emerged as a standout contender in EvolveX’s premier accelerator program, Cohort 4, which launched in August 2023. Captivating investor interest with its innovative advancements in intimate wear hygiene, Ugees successfully secured an undisclosed amount in the Pre-Seed round, with EvolveX leading the investment charge. Notable contributions also came from We Founder Circle (WFC), Vikas Aggarwal, and Amity Technology Incubator. This injection of capital will be strategically allocated to fortify Ugees’ customer acquisition efforts, streamline operations, and expand its product portfolio with the introduction of new SKUs.
Commenting on the investment, Bhawna Bhatnagar, Co-Founder of EvolveX, stated, “Traditional hygiene products, laden with harsh chemicals, have led to unsafe washing practices over the years. Ugees bridges this gap with a safe, plant-based solution that not only simplifies undergarment care but also promotes better genital health. At EvolveX, we see great potential in Ugees to reshape the wellness markets through the integration of sustainable practices. As a guiding force, we stand well-positioned to provide strategic guidance, steadfast support, and mentorship throughout every phase of their development. Our commitment is to empower Ugees in surmounting challenges, seizing opportunities, and ultimately setting a new standard in undergarment care.”
Headquartered in Noida, Ugees has been co-founded by Rahul Tyagi and Samiksha Yadav. Founders are seasoned professionals boasting a background in Biotechnology coupled with an MBA. With over nine years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and lifestyle and operations, both founders embody a commitment to excellence. This dedication is reflected in Ugees’ products, which boast antibacterial and antifungal properties, effectively eliminating infection-causing bacteria and yeast. Free from harmful chemicals such as Sulphate, Phthalate, Paraben, and additives, Ugees products feature IFRA-certified, mild allergen-free fragrances.
Commenting on the funds raised, Samiksha Yadav, Co-Founder and CEO of Ugees, remarked, “EvolveX’s investment transcends mere financial support; it stands as a profound endorsement of the transformative impact our products hold. We aim to redefine industry norms, promote better hygiene practices, and continue challenging the conventional practices in the hygiene and wellness industry. With Ugees-undergarment liquid wash, we aspire to transform the task of washing underwear from a mundane chore into a delightful experience. Our goal is to extend this joy with everyone, redefining how undergarment care is perceived and practised.”
In a market saturated with harsh “Blue” soaps notorious for leaving fabrics and skin feeling compromised, Ugees is recognized for introducing India’s first liquid wash exclusively for undergarments. The brand is on a mission to revolutionize age-old, unhygienic practices of cleaning undergarments with safe, plant-based solutions. Their vision is also to destigmatize the conversation around underwear hygiene, promoting better genital health and mitigating the risk of diseases such as UTIs.
About EvolveX:
EvolveX is an early-stage program founded by We Founder Circle that has been providing high-impact acceleration to early-revenue startups from various sectors since its inception in 2021. With a mission to take startups to the next level, EvolveX offers its extensive network of seasoned mentors and successful entrepreneurs to guide startups on their journey to success. The program offers a range of benefits, including one-on-one mentorship sessions with handpicked angel investors and industry experts, upfront funding of $30K, and $200K worth of credits. EvolveX is committed to providing a continuous opportunity for startups, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
About We Founder Circle:
Established in 2020 in Mumbai, We Founder Circle is a global community of successful founders & strategic angels that have come together to push the startup industry and steer it towards aggressive growth. WFC invests USD 50K- USD 2Mn amount in early-stage startups that are fueled with ambition, sustainability, and a strategic approach. WFC provides seed funding, business development, and global networking opportunities to startups as it believes early-stage startups need a lot beyond just financial support to become scalable and stable. It has already enabled USD 12 million worth of investments across 33 startup deals in the year 2021 alone and has invested in 70+ startups since incorporation.
