BRND.ME Achieves Profitability and Cash Flow Milestone

House-of-brands unicorn BRND.ME, formerly known as Mensa Brands, has officially achieved profitability—a major milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem. Founder and CEO Ananth Narayanan revealed at TechSparks 2025 that the company generated ₹15–20 crore in cash during FY25, making it one of the few Indian unicorns with sustainable operations.

“We are profitable now. The only thing that really matters is whether we are generating cash every year,” said Narayanan during a fireside chat with YourStory Founder Shradha Sharma.

In FY24, BRND.ME consumed ₹25 crore of cash, but in FY25, the company flipped that figure to a positive ₹20 crore, including working capital adjustments. “Cash flow matters—it’s what defines a healthy business,” Narayanan said.

From Mensa Brands to BRND.ME: A Strategic Rebrand

The transition from Mensa Brands to BRND.ME marks more than a name change. It reflects a shift toward brand identity, global ambition, and operational focus.

The new branding aligns with the company’s goal to build digital-first global brands that originate in India but have a worldwide presence. Narayanan emphasized that profitability and brand longevity are at the core of this strategy.

“We’ve learned that scale without profitability doesn’t work in the long run. BRND.ME profitability isn’t just a financial milestone—it’s a strategic one,” he said.

Financial Performance and Operational Focus

BRND.ME reported an operating revenue of ₹557.6 crore in FY24, narrowing losses to ₹155.8 crore. The FY25 numbers, expected soon, will likely reflect the full impact of its cost discipline and restructuring efforts.

The company’s improved margins stem from:

• Streamlined supply chains and better vendor partnerships
• Focus on profitable categories such as beauty, wellness, and nutrition
• Data-driven marketing instead of high ad spends on Meta and Google
• Centralized logistics to reduce inventory holding costs

Narayanan added that profitability is the foundation for the company’s next growth phase, which includes global expansion and new brand acquisitions.

IPO Plans and India Domicile Move

BRND.ME is currently working to flip its corporate structure from Singapore to India, a move that aligns with its future listing plans.

“We are in the process of becoming an Indian company. Once that’s done, we’ll evaluate when the IPO makes sense,” said Narayanan.

Analysts suggest that this move could position BRND.ME favorably with Indian investors, especially after the recent success of consumer-tech IPOs like Nykaa and Mamaearth.

Open to Acquisitions and Strategic Partnerships

Despite its focus on cash efficiency, BRND.ME continues to evaluate acquisition opportunities in complementary segments.

“We are always open to investing when we find the right fit,” said Narayanan.

Currently, BRND.ME manages three to four large brands, with MyFitness, the popular peanut butter label, being one of the flagship names.

Narayanan explained that BRND.ME’s acquisition strategy is selective and value-driven, focusing on scalability and alignment with existing categories such as fashion, home, beauty, and wellness.

Building Brands in a Challenging Market

Narayanan acknowledged that building consumer brands in India remains challenging due to intense competition and rising digital advertising costs.

“It’s difficult to start a consumer brand today. Meta and Google ads have become expensive, and online marketplaces are crowded,” he said.

To counter these challenges, BRND.ME is exploring omnichannel distribution, expanding into offline retail while leveraging its digital expertise.

The Global Play: Thinking Beyond India

Highlighting India’s limited online consumer pool—estimated between 70 to 100 million—Narayanan encouraged entrepreneurs to think globally.

He cited MyFitness as a case study for expansion potential:

“The peanut butter market in India is worth ₹1,500 crore. If you take the same product to the Middle East, it becomes a ₹4,500 crore opportunity.”

With efficient global logistics and an appetite for Made-in-India products, BRND.ME is actively exploring new export markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North America.

BRND.ME Profitability: A Sign of Maturity for Indian Startups

The BRND.ME profitability milestone stands as a beacon for India’s maturing startup ecosystem. As venture funding slows, more startups are shifting focus from hypergrowth to sustainable, profitable scaling.

Narayanan’s emphasis on cash flow, efficiency, and global ambition reflects this evolution.

“We built BRND.ME to last. Profitability gives us the freedom to make long-term decisions without depending on external funding,” he concluded.

Conclusion

With its strong financial turnaround, global ambitions, and disciplined growth model, BRND.ME has emerged as a benchmark for sustainable entrepreneurship in India’s consumer brand space.
The company’s renewed focus on profitability, innovation, and global reach signals the start of a new chapter for Indian house-of-brands ventures.