Introduction to Salt Oral Care
Mumbai-based oral wellness startup Salt Oral Care has successfully raised $1 million in a pre-Series A funding round from Lotus Holdings, the family office of personal care major Lotus Herbals. This investment, which will be disbursed in two tranches, values the startup at a post-money valuation of Rs 46 crore (approximately $5.3 million).
About the Founders and the Startup
Salt Oral Care was founded in 2022 by Karan Raj Kohli and Viraj Kapur. The startup positions itself as a science-backed luxury oral wellness brand that is rooted in sustainability. Its product portfolio includes toothpaste and a glass-packaged mouthwash, with formulations that emphasize clinical efficacy, aesthetic refinement, and clean-label ingredients.
Purpose of Fundraising
The primary purpose of this fundraising is to expand the company’s research and development (R&D) capabilities, drive product innovation, strengthen brand and marketing initiatives, and support team growth and operational scalability.
Growth and Future Plans
"Our journey has been exciting, and having the Lotus Herbals team onboard is a huge win. Salt is now being benchmarked against global players — something very few Indian brands can claim," said Karan Raj Kohli, co-founder. Kapur, the co-founder and CEO, added that the company has deliberately stayed away from discount-led growth tactics and is pleased to have found a partner in Lotus that shares their long-term vision for building a legacy brand.
Performance and Revenue Growth
Salt has grown rapidly in the past year, reporting a 448% year-on-year revenue increase. This growth has been driven by high customer retention, strong direct-to-consumer (D2C) traction, and repeat purchases anchored in product performance. This marks Salt’s second external funding round, following an earlier raise of $358,000 from Saurashtra Capital and other angel investors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Salt Oral Care’s successful fundraising and remarkable growth are testaments to the startup’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With the support of Lotus Holdings, Salt Oral Care is well-positioned to continue its expansion, drive innovation, and establish itself as a leading luxury oral wellness brand in the market. The startup’s focus on clean-label ingredients, clinical efficacy, and aesthetic refinement has resonated with customers, and its deliberate approach to growth, avoiding discount-led tactics, underscores its dedication to building a lasting legacy brand.