Rajshree Upadhyaya | Jaipur | Business Remedies | By blending Indian culture with modern sneaker aesthetics, Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra have built a strong identity by launching the Gully Labs brand. They started Gully Labs in 2023. They had a clear and personal understanding that Indian sneaker culture lacked its own identity. Being highly influenced by global streetwear, they observed that most brands in India were either international labels or local copies of Western designs. This gap inspired them to create something original-a brand that could connect with the new generation of consumers seeking authenticity.
From the beginning, Gully Labs positioned itself as much more than just a footwear company. The founders focused on creating premium handmade sneakers that combine traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary streetwear silhouettes. Their offerings include limited-edition sneakers, culture-inspired footwear collections, and a growing direct-to-consumer sneaker brand ecosystem built around storytelling and exclusivity. Each design is inspired by elements such as Indian textiles, embroidery styles, and everyday street culture, giving the product a distinct identity that stands out in a crowded market.
In its early days, the company adopted a focused and somewhat unconventional approach to growth. Instead of scaling rapidly through third-party manufacturing, the founders invested in setting up their own production unit in Noida. This allowed them to maintain strict quality control and experiment with complex handcrafted designs. By the end of 2024, the brand’s monthly revenue had reached around Rs. 50 lakh, indicating strong early traction for a startup less than two years old.
Increase in visibility and credibility in India
With rising brand recall and increasing sales, Gully Labs also attracted investor attention. In 2025, the company raised approximately Rs. 8.7 crore in seed funding. This was followed by a larger funding round of around Rs. 26 to Rs. 30 crore in early 2026. These funds were aimed at expanding manufacturing capacity, strengthening brand presence, and expanding into offline retail formats, while continuing to build a community-driven approach.
A turning point in the brand’s public journey came with its appearance on Shark Tank India Season 5. Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra entered the show seeking Rs. 1 crore for 0.5 percent equity, valuing the company at Rs. 200 crore. Their pitch stood out for its cultural narrative and premium positioning, sparking debate among investors. After negotiations, Aman Gupta invested Rs. 1 crore for 0.57 percent equity, closing the deal at a valuation of around Rs. 175 crore. The exposure from the show significantly boosted the brand’s visibility and credibility across India.
Gradually building presence in Indian and global markets
After the show, Gully Labs continued to expand its presence and strengthen its position as a premium Indian sneaker brand. The company launched a flagship retail store in Delhi, designed not just as a transactional space but as a community-driven experience. Along with offline expansion, the brand continued to grow its online presence and product drops, targeting both domestic and international customers.
Like many early-stage startups, the journey has not been without challenges. Operational issues, including an internal fraud incident reported in 2026, highlighted the pressures of rapid growth. However, the founders have continued to focus on strengthening internal systems and maintaining transparency while moving forward with their growth plans.
Gully Labs is currently operational and growing rapidly. With a strong focus on premium handcrafted sneakers, evolving designs, and a growing customer base, the brand is gradually establishing its presence in both Indian and global markets. Its journey reflects a larger shift, where Indian startups are no longer competing solely on price but are building identity-driven brands that combine culture, craftsmanship, and modern design to create distinctive products.
