Chennai-headquartered consumer food startup Cookd has successfully raised Rs 16 crore (approximately $2 million) in a pre-Series A funding round led by Spring Marketing Capital, with participation from Eternal Capital, Sun Icon Ventures, and PeerCheque. This fresh capital injection will fuel Cookd’s ambitious plans to deepen its presence in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, while accelerating product innovation.
Strengthening Footprint in South India’s Growing Food Market
Cookd, founded in 2020, has rapidly carved a niche in the consumer packaged food segment by blending authenticity with convenience. The startup’s founder, Aathitiyan V.S., shared that the funds will primarily support expansion in Tamil Nadu and entry into Kerala and Andhra Pradesh markets, where Cookd’s digital content already enjoys significant traction.
“A lot of people watch our videos in these two markets and there has been good demand,” he said, highlighting the startup’s strong regional appeal.
Innovative Product Pipeline Focused on Preservative-Free Offerings
The funding will also accelerate Cookd’s product development pipeline, which features a growing portfolio of preservative-free masalas, gravies, and ready-to-use cooking kits. These products cater to the evolving preferences of Indian consumers seeking healthier, hassle-free cooking solutions without compromising on traditional flavors.
Cookd’s flagship products include biryani kits, masalas, pastes, and recipe kits, designed to simplify cooking while preserving culinary authenticity.
Leveraging a Massive Digital Community for Growth
One of Cookd’s unique strengths is its chef-driven digital content model, which has helped build a loyal community of over 6 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. The brand garners more than 150 million monthly video views, creating a powerful feedback loop that informs product innovation and marketing strategies.
This digital-first approach has enabled Cookd to connect deeply with consumers, driving both brand awareness and direct sales.
Expanding Retail and Quick Commerce Presence
Currently, Cookd’s products are available in over 1,600 retail stores and through multiple direct-to-consumer channels. The startup has also established a strong presence on quick commerce platforms like Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto, where it claims leadership in the biryani kit segment.
Aathitiyan explained the success of their biryani kit:
“Everyone in the market came up with biryani masala. We offered a kit—and the formula clicked well for us.”
Why Cookd’s Funding Matters for Indian Food Startups
Market Expansion: The fresh capital will help Cookd tap into new regional markets with tailored products and marketing.
Health-Conscious Innovation: Focus on preservative-free, convenient cooking solutions aligns with rising consumer health awareness.
Digital Engagement: Leveraging social media and video content to build brand loyalty and drive sales is a modern growth strategy.
Quick Commerce Leadership: Early success in quick commerce biryani kits highlights the potential of integrated online-offline food retail.
Looking Ahead: Cookd’s Vision for the Future
With this funding, Cookd is poised to accelerate its mission of helping people cook more often and with joy by offering authentic, convenient, and healthy cooking products. The startup’s blend of product innovation, digital storytelling, and regional expansion positions it well to become a household name across South India.
In summary, Cookd’s Rs 16 crore pre-Series A funding round marks a crucial milestone in its growth journey, enabling the startup to scale operations, innovate product lines, and deepen consumer connections in India’s dynamic food ecosystem. As Cookd expands beyond Tamil Nadu into Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, it exemplifies the rising wave of Indian startups transforming traditional food experiences through technology and authenticity.