Summary:

  • Go Zero was founded by Kiran Shah and has quickly built a diverse product lineup, including low-calorie, high-protein, and vegan ice creams.

  • The round is led by DSG Consumer Partners, Saama, V3 Ventures, and notable angel investors such as Arjun Purkayastha.

  • The brand has rapidly expanded its presence, now operating in 16 cities and over 125 dark stores.

Ice cream brand Go Zero has secured $1.5 million in its follow-on pre-Series A funding round, with investments from DSG Consumer Partners, Saama, V3 Ventures, and notable angel investors such as Arjun Purkayastha.

This follows a previous pre-Series A funding round in August of the previous year, where the startup raised $1 million from the same key investors: DSG Consumer Partners, Saama, and V3 Ventures.

Go Zero was founded by Kiran Shah and has quickly built a diverse product lineup, including low-calorie, high-protein, and vegan ice creams. The startup distinguishes itself by using plant-based sweeteners that are low in calories for all its products, catering to health-conscious consumers.

The brand has rapidly expanded its presence, now operating in 16 cities and over 125 dark stores. Go Zero’s ice creams are accessible via quick commerce and e-commerce platforms, achieving this extensive reach in under two years since its launch.

The startup has shown remarkable growth, claiming a 4X increase in revenue in FY24 compared to FY23. Additionally, it experienced a 7X growth on quick commerce platforms within just five months over the summer, indicating strong consumer demand and effective market penetration.

Go Zero is carving out its place in a competitive market, going head-to-head with established brands like Hocco and NIC. NIC, another notable player, raised $11 million in a growth funding round led by Jungle Ventures last year. Meanwhile, Hocco recently secured $12 million from the Chona family and other investors.

The fresh infusion of $1.5 million will enable Go Zero to accelerate its growth trajectory, further enhance its product offerings, and expand its market reach. The continued support from key investors signals strong confidence in Go Zero’s business model and growth potential.

Go Zero’s commitment to providing healthier ice cream options aligns well with current consumer trends favouring low-calorie and plant-based products. This strategic focus has likely contributed to its rapid market adoption and impressive growth metrics. By leveraging plant-based sweeteners and focusing on high-protein and vegan options, Go Zero is tapping into a niche yet expanding market segment, positioning itself as a forward-thinking and health-conscious brand.

In addition to its unique product offerings, Go Zero’s expansion strategy through dark stores and quick commerce platforms has enabled it to efficiently reach a wide consumer base. This approach has proven particularly effective in the rapidly evolving retail landscape, where convenience and quick delivery are paramount. The startup’s ability to scale operations and maintain robust growth metrics is indicative of strong operational execution and market demand.

The competitive landscape in the ice cream sector is heating up, with substantial funding rounds being closed by peers like NIC and Hocco. NIC’s $11 million growth funding led by Jungle Ventures and Hocco’s $12 million raised from the Chona family and others highlight the increasing investor interest in innovative and fast-growing ice cream brands. Go Zero’s success in securing follow-on funding amidst this competitive backdrop underscores its potential and the attractiveness of its value proposition.

Looking ahead, Go Zero is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for healthier dessert options. The additional capital from this funding round will likely be directed towards scaling production capabilities, expanding distribution networks, and enhancing marketing efforts to capture a larger share of the market. As Go Zero continues to innovate and grow, it remains focused on delivering quality, health-conscious ice cream products to an increasingly health-aware consumer base.

In summary, Go Zero’s recent funding round marks a significant milestone in its growth journey. With strong investor backing and a clear focus on health and quality, Go Zero is set to make substantial inroads in the competitive ice cream market, poised for continued success and expansion.