Luxury fashion marketplace Culture Circle reported a near tenfold jump in revenue in FY25 as it completed its first full year of operations, signalling strong demand for verified sneakers and streetwear in India’s growing luxury resale market. The startup converted heightened visibility and consumer trust into rapid top-line growth despite an expansion-driven rise in costs.
Robust revenue growth in inaugural full year
Culture Circle posted operating revenue of ₹3.4 crore in FY25, up from about ₹31 lakh a year earlier. Including other income, total income reached nearly ₹3.8 crore, reflecting rapid scaling since the platform began operations in early 2024.
The jump follows the company’s incorporation shortly before launch, indicating early product-market fit for a service that specialises in authenticated resale of premium global brands to Indian consumers.
Higher expenses as the company scales
Alongside revenue, total expenditure rose to just over ₹7 crore in FY25, compared with under ₹50 lakh in the prior year. This increased spending produced a net loss of about ₹3.3 crore — a typical outcome for startups prioritising growth over short-term profitability.
Employee costs grew substantially as Culture Circle expanded teams for sourcing, authentication, technology and customer support. Marketing and brand-building investments were also elevated to boost awareness and accelerate user acquisition across digital channels.
Inventory-free model and emphasis on authenticity
Founded by Devansh Jain Nawal and Ackshay Jain, Culture Circle operates an inventory-light marketplace that links buyers with verified sellers of luxury fashion. The platform caters primarily to sneaker and streetwear enthusiasts and lists products from brands such as Nike, Yeezy, Dior, Supreme and Louis Vuitton.
By not holding inventory, the startup can scale listings quickly and limit capital tied up in stock. The company says it hosts thousands of sellers and millions of listings, positioning itself among India’s fastest-growing luxury resale destinations.
Authentication, transparent pricing and community trust remain central to Culture Circle’s proposition in a market where counterfeit concerns are common.
Shark Tank India appearance amplified visibility
Culture Circle’s feature on Shark Tank India played a notable role in raising its public profile. The founders’ pitch highlighted rising youth interest in premium fashion and resale culture, helping the startup attract media attention, investor interest and consumer confidence.
Post-broadcast coverage and word-of-mouth contributed to higher platform activity and sales volumes, accelerating the company’s early growth trajectory.
Focus on scale with profitability longer term
Going forward, Culture Circle plans to prioritise scaling operations, technology upgrades and deeper market penetration to capitalise on India’s expanding luxury resale and sneaker culture. Rising disposable incomes and shifting consumer preferences present an opportunity for continued expansion.
While losses are expected during this growth phase, the company’s strong revenue momentum in FY25 suggests it is building a foundation that could support sustainable profitability if execution and market conditions remain favourable.
