India’s first designer-led luxury leather handbag brand AKINNA has secured its first round of external funding after being bootstrapped for more than a year and a half.

Founded in 2023 by Creative Director Annika Saraf and CEO Sanchit Goyal, the brand is on a mission to put India on the global luxury map with its bold yet minimal designs.

AKINNA was born out of Annika’s vision to create handbags that speak her design language and Sanchit’s desire to highlight India’s craftsmanship that has long remained behind international labels. Together they built a brand proudly Made in India for the world.

Each bag is crafted by skilled artisans and combines sculpted silhouettes with emerald green interiors and AKINNA’s signature panelling.

What started in a Milan apartment has now grown into a movement that showcases Indian craftsmanship as modern and unapologetically global.

The recent funding round was led by Bipin Shah, Zeropearl, one of India’s top consumer venture investors.

“After 12 years of roti, kapda, makaan investments to next Rolex, Chanel, and LV… but made in India. Time for homegrown luxury.”

Bipin Shah, Investor, Zeropearl

With this capital, AKINNA plans to scale production by working with more artisans, expand its core team and strengthen its global presence.

Along with the investment, Bipin Shah has also joined the company’s board, bringing his expertise in building consumer brands.

For Annika and Sanchit, the focus is not only on growing bigger but also on growing with purpose. Their goal is to shape AKINNA into a defining name in Indian luxury while keeping craftsmanship at the center.