Réia Diamonds Bags ₹2 Crore in Pre-Seed Round to Accelerate Retail & Innovation
- ByStartupStory | October 15, 2025
Lab-grown diamond brand plans to expand its omnichannel footprint, deepen product offerings, and scale via franchise-led retail growth
In a strong show of investor confidence in India’s sustainable jewellery space, Réia Diamonds has secured ₹2 crore in a pre‑seed funding round. The round was led by Dinesh Talera & family (of Mysore Saree Udyog), with participation from Venture Catalysts.
Founded in 2023 by Prapanjj S K Kota, Jacob Mathew, and Ashwanth Ramesh, Réia specializes in lab‑grown diamond jewellery that is chemically and optically indistinguishable from mined diamonds. The founders envision combining innovation and craftsmanship to make diamond jewellery more accessible, ethically sourced, and modern in design.
From Boutique Origins to Retail Ambitions
Though still young, Réia has already established a physical retail presence with stores in Bengaluru, Guwahati, and Coimbatore. It also employs an asset-light franchise model to support quicker expansion without heavy capital burden.
According to the company, this funding infusion will be put to use for:
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Expanding its retail and omnichannel network, including new storefronts and stronger online integration
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Enhancing product innovation, particularly across engagement rings and versatile everyday jewellery collections
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Deepening design, sourcing, and manufacturing capabilities to maintain competitiveness and margins
The brand positions its engagement ring line as a flagship offering, while everyday designer pieces help broaden appeal.
Market Tailwinds & Competitive Edge
India’s lab‑grown diamond market is estimated at around USD 300–350 million in 2024, with projected growth at roughly 15 % CAGR over the coming decade. The rising demand for ethically sourced, affordable diamond alternatives is driving consumer interest in this segment.
Réia’s strength lies in blending transparent pricing, design aesthetics tailored for the modern Indian woman, and franchise‑driven scalability. By offering lab‑grown diamonds that mirror natural ones in brilliance and quality, the brand aims to neutralize the stigma associated with “synthetic” gems.
Challenges & Roadmap Ahead
While the prospects look promising, Réia will need to navigate several hurdles:
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Scaling retail efficiently while maintaining brand integrity and customer experience
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Balancing costs of high-quality materials, technology, and craftsmanship
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Differentiating amidst rising competition, both from established names entering lab‑grown offerings and new pure‑play startups
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Consumer education and trust building, especially in markets still skeptical about lab‑grown versus mined diamonds
Still, with fresh capital, a founding team versed in design and retail, and a capital‑efficient growth model, Réia is well poised to seize momentum in this evolving category.
Closing Note
Réia Diamonds’ ₹2 crore pre‑seed raise isn’t just funding another jewellery startup — it signals investor faith in the convergence of technology, sustainability, and modern luxury. As Réia expands its footprint and refines its offerings, it could emerge as a key player in redefining how India wears—and imagines—diamonds.
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