Melorra

Melorra operates as a direct-to-consumer (D2C) jewelry brand, strategically positioning itself at the intersection of fashion, technology, and jewelry. Founded in 2015 by Saroja Yeramilli and Krishnakumar R, the Bengaluru-based company was established to address a gap in the market for lightweight, contemporary fine jewelry suitable for everyday wear. Yeramilli, the CEO, brings extensive experience from her tenure at companies like Titan, where she was instrumental in the turnaround and marketing of the Tanishq brand, and Dell. This background in building consumer brands and retail provided her with the insight that traditional jewelry was often reserved for special occasions, leaving a demand for fashionable, daily-wear pieces unmet. Krishnakumar R complemented this with his expertise in supply chain and logistics, having been part of Tanishq's initial team.

The company's business model is centered on a "fast fashion" approach, a concept it has applied to the fine jewelry sector. Melorra launches over 75 new designs weekly, inspired by global fashion runway trends from style hubs like Paris and Milan. This rapid design cycle allows the brand to stay current and cater to the modern consumer, primarily women aged 25-45 who are digitally savvy and seek versatile accessories. To achieve this, the company leverages technology, including 3D printing, for precise and elegant product finishes. Initially launched as a digital-first brand, Melorra's revenue is primarily generated through online sales via its website and mobile apps. This direct-to-consumer model helps in maintaining competitive pricing. Recognizing the importance of a physical presence in the jewelry market, the company adopted an omnichannel strategy, launching its first offline experience center in December 2020. It has since expanded to numerous stores across India, allowing customers to interact with the products firsthand.

The product portfolio includes a wide range of hallmarked gold, diamond, and gemstone jewelry, such as earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets, all designed to be lightweight and affordable. The company has received significant financial backing, raising a total of $88.3 million over 14 funding rounds from investors including Lightbox, ValueQuest, and Symphony International Holdings. A notable milestone was its initial $5 million seed funding in 2016, one of the largest for an Indian startup at the time, secured with just a presentation, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the founder's vision. The company has shown substantial growth, reporting revenue of over ₹360 crore in FY22. Melorra delivers to thousands of towns across India and has also begun exporting to markets like the US, UK, and Singapore.

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