Misfits, India’s emerging offline community platform for hobby lovers, has raised Rs 5 crore in a seed funding round. The investment will power the startup’s mission to connect people through shared interests and real-world interactions.
Founded by IIT Kanpur Alumni
Launched in 2022 by four IIT Kanpur graduates—Shashwat Narhatiyar, Chaitanya Dhawan, Saurabh Sharma, and Shaswat Kar—Misfits aims to unite club members, club leaders, and venues. The focus is on building active, healthy communities beyond the digital screen.
Strong Organic Growth in Delhi NCR
Misfits has already seen impressive traction. The platform has over 20,000 members and 40+ active clubs, hosting more than 3,000 social meetups in Delhi NCR. All growth has been organic, reflecting the strong need for genuine, face-to-face connections.
The Story Behind Misfits
The idea for Misfits began as a college assignment five years ago. The founders realised that online social platforms often fail to create meaningful connections. They wanted to build a space where people could bond over hobbies and interests in the real world.
Their journey started with casual meetups in Gurugram, which quickly grew into multiple thriving communities. The overwhelming response proved that people are eager for offline, hobby-based connections.
Fresh Funding: Tech Upgrade and City Expansion
With this new funding, Misfits plans to:
- Upgrade its mobile platform for easier joining, creating, and growing of communities.
- Expand into new urban cities, starting with more regions in Delhi NCR over the next three months.
The aim is to make hobby-based communities accessible to millions and help people find their tribe.
What Sets Misfits Apart?
- Offline-first approach: Prioritising real-world meetups over virtual interactions.
- Wide variety of clubs: From board games and sports to music, dance, and food, there’s something for everyone.
- Community-driven: Club leaders run their own groups, making each club unique and engaging.
- Organic growth: Built on word-of-mouth and authentic connections, not heavy marketing.
The Road Ahead
Currently active in Gurugram, Misfits is preparing for rapid expansion. The team wants to bring its offline community experience to more cities, helping urban Indians rediscover the joy of real friendships.