The Betel Leaf is a direct-to-consumer paan company founded in 2019 by Prem Rheja and Payal Raheja that sells packaged paan and paan-based products online. Its product line includes Fresh Pans, ARID Pans (a 9-month shelf-life betel leaf product), Celebration Hampers, Betel Chocolate, and Betel Leaf Tea. The company operates a network of kitchens (currently 45) and exports to the USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, and Nairobi while also placing products with retail chains such as Reliance Retail and Spar. Over the next two years it plans to expand its retail and online footprint from 45 kitchens to 100 kitchens in India and abroad and is developing new automation technology to boost consistency and production range. Financially, the startup has raised external capital (see deal details) and previously closed an $800,000 seed in November 2021. The business emphasizes shelf-stable product innovation (ARID paan) and retail expansion as core growth levers. The Betel Leaf Co, founded by Prem and Payal Raheja, is a direct-to-consumer paan retailer selling tobacco-free, preservative-free paans in 45 flavors. Products are packed in three-layered pouches and boxes, made with Calcutta and Magai leaves, and the company says condiments stay fresh up to 48 hours without refrigeration and 120 hours when frozen. Over the past 28 months the business has sold nearly a million paans and catered more than 250 weddings and social events. The founders aim to build the world’s first D2C paan company that can be enjoyed at home, combining traditional paan-making with technology to ensure consistent taste. The company plans to use new funds to expand its footprint in India and overseas, build a sustainable, standardized supply chain, and open 150 dark kitchens within the next 24 months. The product is positioned for all ages and emphasizes rejuvenating Indian cultural food heritage while scaling commercially.

Total raised

$1M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

May 2024