Mensa Brands raises $135-M from Naspers, existing investors; turns Unicorn

Bengaluru-based Thrasio style D2C products firm Mensa Brands has raised USD 135 million in fresh funding led by existing investor Falcon Edge Capital, with participation from other existing investors Accel, Norwest and Tiger Global Management. Prosus (Naspers) is the new entrant to the league. The round values the six-month-old venture at over $1-B, making it the fastest to become a unicorn. Mensa, founded by former Myntra CEO Ananth Narayanan, runs a model similar to the US-based Thrasio, which buys profitable, well-reviewed online sellers on Amazon and turbocharges their growth with technology, marketing and product growth capabilities. Mensa has acquired 12 brands so far in categories such as designer sarees, jewellery, men's wear, smart devices and personal care.