Footwear startup RARA Barefoot has raised US $ 500,000 in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round and launched its debut sneaker line, the company announced in a recent press release.
The funding round saw participation from a range of notable investors, including founders and senior executives from Zomato, Urban Company, Tata 1mg, Shyft and HexaHealth, along with Managing Directors and Partners from ChrysCapital and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The capital raised will be utilised to support a nationwide D2C rollout, establish select offline partnerships and scale up local manufacturing operations.
According to the company, its early investors bring deep entrepreneurial and operational expertise, having built unicorns and pioneered new market categories. Co-founder Varun Mimani noted that having such experienced backers provides the team with strong strategic guidance and confidence to develop RARA into a brand that redefines India’s approach to performance footwear.
RARA Barefoot’s sneakers are designed to support natural biomechanics, featuring a flat sole, wide toe box and flexible construction—all manufactured in India. The design philosophy aims to blend comfort, functionality and minimalist aesthetics while promoting natural movement and better foot health.
As per Grand View Research, India’s sneaker market is projected to reach US $ 4,665.9 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%, signalling strong potential for emerging players in the performance-wellness footwear segment.
Launching as a D2C brand, RARA Barefoot plans to expand through multi-brand retail stores and offline pop-up experiences across major Indian cities in 2026.
