Secret Alchemist Welcomes Actress Samantha Prabhu as Co-founder, Raises $500,000 in Seed Round Led by Inflection Point Ventures
- ByStartupStory | October 4, 2024
Secret Alchemist, a holistic aromatherapy-based wellness brand, has announced the addition of versatile actress Samantha Prabhu as a co-founder. The brand has also successfully raised $500,000 in a seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), marking a significant step towards its expansion in the wellness and personal care sector.
With a focus on making aromatherapy more accessible to a wide audience, Secret Alchemist aims to utilize the new funds strategically for growth. This includes ramping up marketing efforts to enhance brand presence, expand customer reach, and increase awareness. The company also plans to broaden its product portfolio, which currently includes pure-grade essential oils, by adding holistic wellness products such as creams, mists, and shower gels.
Commenting on the fundraise, Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO of Inflection Point Ventures, said, “The beauty segment in India saw a surge in the ’90s, which unfortunately brought unrealistic standards. Secret Alchemist is redefining this by promoting mindful, affordable products that encourage well-being and relaxation. IPV believes in the team’s strong foundation and is committed to supporting their sustainable growth.”
Founded by Ankita Thadani and Akash Valia, Secret Alchemist boasts a 30-year legacy in the field of aromatherapy. The brand’s mission is to revolutionize personal care through natural, sustainable, and non-toxic wellness solutions, with a strong focus on aromatherapy and essential oils.
Samantha Prabhu’s involvement in Secret Alchemist aligns perfectly with the brand’s ethos, given her personal connection to wellness. As a widely recognized figure, Samantha’s influence in South Indian markets brings a valuable dimension to the brand, complementing the leadership of Ankita and Akash.
“At Secret Alchemist, our vision is to make aromatherapy an essential part of everyday wellness,” said Ankita Thadani, Co-founder at Secret Alchemist. “We aim to educate and inspire more people about the transformative healing properties of essential oils through purpose-driven personal care products. Samantha’s personal journey with aromatherapy perfectly aligns with our philosophy of addressing wellness at its roots, and together we plan to utilize the new funds to expand our product line, invest in brand building, and enhance our customer reach while deepening our impact in the personal care industry.”
Sharing her personal experience with aromatherapy, Samantha Prabhu, Co-founder at Secret Alchemist, said, “When I was on my healing journey and went for treatment abroad, aromatherapy became an unexpected source of comfort and healing for me. I realized just how much the healers in the West were making use of the power of essential oils to bring well-being. It made a big difference to my health that when I returned, I started searching for a brand that I could trust. And that’s when I found Secret Alchemist. After trying their oils and feeling their impact firsthand, I knew this wasn’t something I wanted to keep a secret. I wanted to share it with the world. It’s not just about investing in a brand—it’s about believing in the power of natural remedies to bring true well-being. I’m proud to be a part of this journey.”
The Indian beauty and personal care market is currently valued at $31.5 billion and is growing at a rapid pace of 30% year-on-year. The direct-to-consumer (D2C) body care segment, valued at $2.6 billion, is witnessing robust expansion. With its focus on sustainable, natural, and wellness-centric products, Secret Alchemist is well-positioned to tap into this high-growth niche.
About Secret Alchemist
Secret Alchemist is a pioneering personal care brand that specializes in aromatherapy-driven wellness solutions. Founded by Sumi Thadani and now led by Ankita Thadani, Akash Valia, and Samantha Prabhu, the brand is dedicated to making wellness accessible and impactful for everyone. With a focus on Ayurvedic practices and essential oils, Secret Alchemist offers innovative, cruelty-free, and sustainable products designed to address modern lifestyle ailments such as stress and anxiety.
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