Prime Highlights:
- AKINNA, co-founded by Creative Director Annika Saraf, secured its first external funding round, led exclusively by Zeropearl VC.
- The brand plans to use the investment to expand production, grow its team, and strengthen its global presence.
Key Facts:
- Founded in 2023, AKINNA aims to reshape the image of Indian luxury by combining modern design with traditional craftsmanship.
- Annika gained global recognition after winning the Borbonese Design Competition and presenting her Lucia Bag at Milan Fashion Week 2020.
Key Background:
In a strong endorsement of women-led entrepreneurship in luxury fashion, AKINNA, a handbag brand co-founded by Creative Director Annika Saraf, has raised its first round of external funding. The seed investment came solely from Zeropearl VC, and the amount has not been revealed.
The investment will enable AKINNA to grow and hire additional artisan partners, as well as extend its core staff with new hires and invest in brand-building to become more powerful globally. Bipin Shah, Founder and Managing Partner of Zeropearl VC, will also become a board member of the company as part of the deal.
Annika Saraf and CEO Sanchit Goyal started AKINNA in 2023 with the mission of providing Indian luxury with a fresh designation. Annika decided to take a very inspiring path. She left the London School of Economics to pursue her passion for design and signed up for Luxury Accessories Design at Istituto Marangoni in Milan. She became known after winning the Borbonese Design Competition and displaying her Lucia Bag at Milan Fashion Week 2020.
Annika believes the funding represents more than financial support. Annika explained that Indian leather has supported global luxury for many years, but the story was never told from India’s perspective. She believes AKINNA is bringing back that story and presenting Indian luxury with self-belief and pride.
Backing her vision, Bipin Shah added, “India is ready to take its rightful place in global luxury. AKINNA, with its strong design leadership, is the brand to watch.”
AKINNA’s journey shows how more women are leading in luxury and design. Annika’s leadership shows how Indian creativity and craftsmanship can make a mark on the international stage.
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