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FirstClub Technology Pvt. Ltd., founded by Ayyappan R, has raised $8 million in a seed funding round led by Accel and RTP Global. The funding round also included participation from Blume Founders Fund, Quiet Capital, 2am VC, and prominent angel investors such as Binny Bansal (Flipkart), Kunal Shah (CRED), Mukesh Bansal (Myntra, Cult), Lalit Keshre (Groww), Ankit Nagori (Eatfit), and Shrenik Ghodawat (Sanjay Ghodawat Group).
Ayyappan R, who previously held leadership roles as Senior Vice President at Flipkart, Chief Business Officer at Myntra, and CEO of Cleartrip, is now focused on transforming India’s omnichannel retail experience with FirstClub.
Redefining Retail for Quality-Conscious Consumers
FirstClub is a premium, member-only retail platform that aims to elevate shopping experiences for Indian consumers who prioritize quality. The platform offers a curated selection of mass-premium products across categories such as food, FMCG, bakery, dairy, and health.
The company integrates quick commerce, e-commerce, and offline experiences, creating a seamless omnichannel shopping journey.
Purpose of Fundraising
The $8 million raised will be used to:
- Build robust technology infrastructure.
- Refine its omnichannel retail strategy.
- Expand its product offerings, including Indian regional specialties, international gourmet items, and innovative D2C brands.
- Onboard top-tier talent across key functions.
The platform is expected to go fully live by mid-2025, promising a revolutionary approach to retail that prioritizes quality, trust, and convenience.
Leadership Vision
Ayyappan R shared his vision for FirstClub:
“India is often seen as a mass-market economy, but the time has come to unlock demand by providing access to high-quality, premium products at the right price. Our goal is to create a trusted platform that brings together the best of Indian regional specialties, international gourmet products, and innovative D2C brands. India deserves better, and we’re here to empower Indian consumers, ensuring they never have to settle for less.”
He further emphasized the role of strategic investors in enabling the realization of this vision, saying:
“With the backing of Accel, RTP Global, and other investors, we are excited to bring this concept to life and create a platform that celebrates the best of India and the world.”
Investor Insights
Barath Shankar Subramanian, Partner at Accel, highlighted the innovation behind FirstClub:
“FirstClub is reimagining the retail experience for India’s consumers by addressing their growing demand for premium products and services. By focusing on unparalleled quality, convenience, and trust, Ayyappan and his team are redefining what modern retail can deliver. With Ayyappan’s leadership and deep operational expertise, we’re excited to partner with FirstClub as they shape the next phase of retail for a rapidly evolving market.”
Nishit Garg, Partner at RTP Global, echoed the sentiment:
“At RTP Global, we have always believed in backing exceptional entrepreneurs who bring not just vision, but also the resilience and deep market understanding that comes from hands-on operational experience. Ayyappan is a prime example of this, leveraging his extensive background as an operator to craft a business that directly addresses evolving consumer needs. With FirstClub, he is pioneering a new approach to retail, and we are excited to partner with him on this journey.”
Shaping the Future of Indian Retail
FirstClub is set to redefine the premium retail market in India by catering to the evolving preferences of quality-conscious consumers. With its innovative omnichannel model and strong investor backing, the platform is poised to become a leader in modern retail, empowering consumers to access the best of Indian and international products effortlessly.
As India’s retail sector continues to evolve, FirstClub’s commitment to quality and trust positions it as a game-changer in the industry, creating a shopping experience that resonates with the aspirations of modern Indian consumers.
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