Meat e-tailer Licious 29th unicorn in 2021

CHENNAI/ NEW DELHI: Fresh animal protein direct-to-consumer (D2C) startup Licious is India’s 29th unicorn this year after raising a series-G funding of $52 million from new investors — IIFL AMC’s tech fund and Avendus FLF (Future Leaders Fund). The company said its valuation has crossed $1 billion after this round.

With over 95% of Licious’ sales happening via their own app and site and given that startups like FirstCry and Nykaa operate more as marketplaces, Licious is the first unicorn in the growing D2C segment.

Earlier in July, Licious raised $192 million in a series-F funding round led by Temasek & Multiples, making it the highest funded company in the fresh animal protein business category then.