by Vijaylakshmi
Betel Leaf, India’s first FSSAI-certified online paan company has raised USD 1.2 million in a Bridge Round led by Inflection Point Ventures & Venture Catalysts. The funds raised will be utilised to expand the current retail and online presence from 45 kitchens to 100 kitchens in India and overseas within the next 2 years, while also enabling the development of new automation technology to enhance consistency and increase production volume and range, including innovative products like the ARID paan, a paan with 9 months shelf life that can be carried anywhere to a Digestive Innovative Tea made from pure betel leaves.The Betel Leaf Co, was founded in July 2019 by Prem Rheja and Payal Raheja. Their goal is to change how people enjoy paan by offering consistently made products, packed in triple-layer pouches for clean and minimal hand touch, ensuring a fresh and hygienic experience.
Prem Rheja, founder of The Betel Leaf Co, brings over 23 years of experience and an MBA in International Business & Finance to the table. His entrepreneurial journey includes starting a mixer grinder factory in Bangalore, establishing an FMCG importing and distribution company, and setting up a factory for tortilla chips and gourmet popcorn in Sri Lanka. Co-founder Payal Raheja complements the team with over 21 years of experience and an MA in Psychology & Consumer Behaviour. Together, they’ve demonstrated expertise in manufacturing, retail, import, branding, and distribution, driving the success of The Betel Leaf Co.
Ivy Chin, Partner, Inflection Point Ventures says, “In a fast-paced & transforming India, finding authentic, hygienic, and convenient options for traditional Indian desserts like the paan can be challenging. The Betel Leaf Co is addressing this problem head-on by delivering hygienic, fresh, and authentic paan with a variety of flavours right to our doorstep. IPV supports their insights to solving a very unique problem and trusts their commitment to quality.”
