Indian footwear startup Yoho has raised Rs.23 crore in a fresh bridge funding round. The money will help the company expand its offline retail presence and strengthen its performance running shoe category. For a brand that started as a direct-to-consumer footwear company, this is an important move. It shows that Yoho now wants to reach customers not only through websites and online marketplaces, but also through physical stores where people can try shoes before buying.

This funding also comes at a time when India’s footwear market is becoming more competitive. Consumers want comfort, style, affordability, and better performance. Yoho is trying to find space in this fast-growing market.

What Is Yoho?

Yoho is a Delhi-based footwear brand that sells shoes, slippers, sandals, and lifestyle footwear. The company focuses on comfort-led products for everyday use.

The startup was founded in 2021 by Ahmad Hushsham and Prateek Singhal. Yoho began as a D2C brand, which means it sold directly to customers through its own online platform and marketplaces.

Over time, Yoho has expanded across online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, and Nykaa. Reports say the brand has sold more than three million pairs of footwear so far.

Yoho Raises Rs.23 Crore-Key Funding Details

Yoho’s latest bridge round is worth Rs.23 crore. According to reports, the round includes Rs.15 crore in equity and Rs.8 crore in debt. The funding was led by Gulf Islamic Investments and Rajeev Misra. Existing investors, including Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, also participated.

A bridge round is usually raised between two larger funding rounds. It helps a company continue growth plans, launch new products, or prepare for the next major round of investment.

In Yoho’s case, the fresh capital will mainly support two areas which are offline retail expansion and performance running footwear.

Why Offline Expansion Matters

Buying shoes is still a very physical experience for many people. Customers often want to touch the material, check the fit, walk a few steps, and compare sizes before making a decision. This is why offline retail can be powerful for a footwear brand.

For example, a customer may discover Yoho online but hesitate to buy because they are unsure about size or comfort. If the same customer sees Yoho in a store, tries the shoe, and likes the fit, the purchase decision becomes easier. Offline stores also help build trust. In India, many buyers still feel more confident when a brand is available in a nearby shop or mall.

Yoho’s offline expansion may include exclusive brand outlets, retail partnerships, and presence in multi-brand footwear stores. This can help the company reach customers beyond metro cities and online-first shoppers.

Focus on Performance Running Shoes

Another important part of Yoho’s plan is the running footwear category. Running shoes are no longer bought only by athletes. Many people now use them for walking, gym workouts, office commutes, travel, and daily comfort. This has created a larger market for affordable performance footwear.

Performance shoes usually focus on cushioning, grip, light weight, breathability, and support. If Yoho can offer these features at a price that feels accessible, it may attract young professionals, fitness beginners, college students, and casual runners.

This is a smart category to enter, but it is also highly competitive. Customers compare brands carefully because comfort and durability matter a lot in running shoes.

Yoho’s Previous Funding Journey

Yoho has raised capital before this bridge round.

In 2022, the company raised around Rs.20 crore in a funding round backed by investors including Rajeev Misra, Rukam Capital, and Vijay Shekhar Sharma.

In 2024, Yoho reportedly raised Rs.27 crore in another round led by Gulf Islamic Investments, with participation from other investors.

The latest Rs.23 crore bridge round shows that existing backers continue to support the company’s growth story.

Who Are Yoho’s Competitors?

Yoho competes in a crowded footwear market. Its competitors include Indian and global brands across different price points.

In India, brands like Bata, Campus, Liberty, Red Tape, Asian Footwear, and Relaxo already have strong offline reach. In the sports and performance segment, Yoho also faces competition from Nike, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, and Decathlon.

The challenge for Yoho is clear which is that it must offer strong comfort, attractive design, and reliable quality while keeping prices competitive.

The opportunity is also clear. Many Indian consumers want stylish and comfortable footwear without paying premium international brand prices.

Why This Funding Is Important for Yoho

The bigger story is about how D2C brands are changing their growth strategy. A few years ago, many consumer startups focused mainly on online sales. Online channels helped them launch quickly, test products, and reach early customers. Now, many of these brands are moving offline because they want scale. Physical retail gives visibility, trust, and repeat discovery. For Yoho, offline expansion can help in three ways.

1. First, it can improve brand awareness. More people will see the products in stores.
2. Second, it can reduce customer hesitation. Shoes are easier to buy after trying them.
3. Third, it can support repeat purchases. If customers like the fit, they may return for more pairs.

What It Means for Customers

For customers, Yoho’s offline push could mean easier access to its footwear. Instead of relying only on online size charts and reviews, buyers may be able to visit stores and try the products. This is especially useful for running shoes and daily comfort footwear, where fit makes a big difference.

If Yoho expands well, customers may also get more choices in the affordable comfort footwear segment.

For example, someone looking for office-friendly shoes, casual walking shoes, or lightweight running shoes may get another Indian brand option alongside established players.

Conclusion

Yoho’s Rs.23 crore bridge round is a sign that the brand is preparing for its next stage of growth. The company started as a D2C footwear startup and is now moving more seriously into offline retail. This makes sense because shoes are a category where touch, fit, and comfort strongly influence buying decisions. The funding will also help Yoho strengthen its running footwear range, a category that is growing as more Indians look for comfortable and performance-focused shoes.

Facts Input- ET Retail