Fraganote raises $1 million in funding; founder says, 'India needs its own iconic perfume house'

Fraganote Fragrances, a modern Indian fragrance/perfumery brand, has raised $1 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Rukam Capital. 

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The startup plans to use the raised capital to expand its fragrance portfolio, introduce new scent-forward formats, and launch offline retail pilots and immersive brand experiences. It will also focus on strengthening supply chain and fulfillment capabilities to enable pan-India distribution.

Additionally, the brand will invest in integrated omnichannel touchpoints, including strategic partnerships and pop-up activations, to enhance consumer engagement and discovery. 

Fraganote, co-founded by Garima Kakkar and Arjun Anand, is seeking to change how consumers in India approach fragrance. The brand develops all its perfumes in-house, including scents such as Baked Vanilla, Drunken Cake and Beach Holiday, which have found a following among younger, brand-aware customers. It aims to create fragrances that reflect contemporary Indian lifestyles and preferences.

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"At Fraganote, we are building a luxury fragrance brand that is born in India but belongs everywhere. We believe India needs its own iconic perfume house, one that is modern, accessible, and built for a new generation of consumers who view brands as communities," said Garima Kakkar. 

"Fraganote stands out for its originality, brand voice, and deep understanding of India’s evolving scent culture. We are excited to back a brand that’s not only creatively distinct but also rooted in operational discipline and long-term scalability. Fraganote has the potential to lead a premium fragrance revolution from India to the world," added Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner, Rukam Capital. 

The funding comes at a time when India’s perfume market is on a strong growth trajectory, valued at $281 million in FY2024, it's projected to reach $873.3 million by FY2032, growing at a CAGR of 15.23% between FY2025 and FY2032.