Investment Overview
Strokes by Namrata Mehta, a homegrown consumer lifestyle brand, announced on 21 October 2026 that it has raised ₹3.3 crore from actor‑investor Shriyam Bhagnani. The capital infusion is intended to strengthen the company’s operations, expand its market presence and accelerate its next phase of growth across India.
Company Background
Founded in 2020 by artist, architect and entrepreneur Namrata Mehta, the brand began as a small home‑based venture and has evolved into a lifestyle label specialising in cruelty‑free bags and accessories, including handbags, totes, work bags and slings. Strokes distributes its products through a direct‑to‑consumer (D2C) website, major online marketplaces and a network of offline retail outlets.
Use of Funds
The ₹3.3 crore investment will be deployed to build on the existing foundation, broaden the product portfolio, and deepen the brand’s footprint in the Indian consumer lifestyle market while maintaining its purpose‑led positioning.
Investor Comments
Namrata Mehta, Founder and CEO, said the investment is “an important milestone” as the brand seeks to “strengthen our business and expand our reach” while staying true to its cruelty‑free values. Deepak Bhagnani, Angel Investor and Founder of the Deepak Bhagnani Family Office, described Strokes as “an interesting opportunity in the growing Indian consumer market” with the potential to scale its distinctive product offering. Shriyam Bhagnani, Actor and Investor, highlighted the brand’s distinct identity, focus on bags and accessories, and its cruelty‑free philosophy coupled with a commitment to animal welfare, expressing excitement to support the next growth phase.
Investor Profiles
Deepak Bhagnani brings over 30 years of public‑markets experience, having managed investments exceeding US$100 million. He now backs promising startups from seed to Series A, typically investing between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore, and offers strategic guidance and mentorship. Shriyam Bhagnani, known for his lead role in the upcoming ZEE5 series Sumo Didi (premiering 23 October), is an actor with a keen interest in distinctive Indian consumer brands.
Social Impact
Strokes operates on a cruelty‑free philosophy and allocates a portion of its website sales to the feeding and medical care of stray animals, an initiative inspired by Namrata’s rescued cat, Chino. The brand’s purpose‑led approach is positioned as a core differentiator in its growth strategy.