Carlyle-backed VLCC secures ₹110 crore from BlackSoil for expansion
VLCC will use the capital to expand its beauty, wellness and personal-care portfolio, grow its store network and digital-first businesses, and pursue acquisitions. The company acquired men’s grooming brand Ustraa in 2023.
What happened
Carlyle-backed VLCC raised ₹110 crore from BlackSoil Capital to expand its beauty, wellness and personal-care portfolio, store network and digital-first
Key facts
- ₹110 crore
- 2023
- more than 250 locations
- over 130 cities
- 1989
Why this matters
VLCC now has additional capital to pursue beauty, wellness and personal-care acquisitions that can deepen its portfolio, expand customer segments and enhance omnichannel reach.
What to watch
- Store-opening pace, franchise versus company-owned mix and same-store sales trends.
- Any announced acquisition, particularly in men's grooming, skincare, dermatology or digital wellness.
- Ustraa revenue growth, distribution expansion and integration with VLCC's service network.
- Digital sales mix, customer-acquisition costs, repeat purchase rates and loyalty-program adoption.
- Debt terms, further fundraising, profitability milestones and signals of a future public-market listing.
- Open or franchise additional beauty and wellness centres in high-density metros and tier-2 cities.
- Increase investment in D2C commerce, marketplace distribution, loyalty programs and online consultations.
- Expand Ustraa's offline reach through VLCC locations, modern trade and salon-led grooming services.
- Pursue bolt-on acquisitions in men's grooming, skincare, wellness services or beauty-tech.
- Use fresh funding and Carlyle backing to improve supply-chain scale, product innovation and potential IPO readiness.