House of Chikankari transitions to a omnichannel model with new investments
30 April 2026, Mumbai
House of Chikankari has secured Rs 25 crore in a Series A funding round led by Cap Alpha Ventures, marking a major transition from its digital-first origins to a comprehensive omnichannel model. Having successfully modernized the centuries-old Lucknowi craft, the New Delhi-headquartered brand intends to utilize the capital to establish its inaugural physical retail stores and broaden its presence across high-growth domestic markets. This investment arrives as the company reports an annual revenue run rate (ARR) of Rs 50 crore for FY26, following a 50 per cent Y-o-Y growth trajectory.
Operational scale and market penetration
The startup currently manages a robust supply chain involving over 10,000 skilled artisans, predominantly women, ensuring the scalability of hand-embroidered apparel. Beyond physical expansion, the management aims to optimize working capital and enhance product diversification into categories like menswear and kidswear. While the brand already maintains a significant international footprint - shipping to over 20 countries including the US and UK - the upcoming offline push is designed to capture a larger share of India’s organized ethnic wear market, which is increasingly favoring premium, heritage-linked products over mass-produced alternatives.
Strategic outlook and industry context
Industry analysts suggest, for D2C brands, the transition to physical retail is no longer optional but a mechanical necessity to lower customer acquisition costs. The capital will help us scale in a more structured way and take the brand beyond our own digital channels, noted Aakriti Rawal, Co-founder. As House of Chikankari integrates its online platform - which sees over 9 lakh monthly sessions - with upcoming physical touchpoints, it faces the challenge of maintaining artisan-led quality at a commercial scale. However, the move positions the brand to capitalize on the projected $112 billion Indian fashion segment by 2030.
Brand architecture and market position
House of Chikankari specializes in contemporary hand-embroidered ethnic wear for women and men, blending traditional Lucknowi craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. Serving over 2 lakh customers across 20 countries, the brand focuses on premium fabrics like mulmul and cotton. Having achieved an ARR of Rs 50 crore, the company is now targeting aggressive omnichannel growth and profitability.
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