Drools, a prominent pet food company based in Bengaluru, has officially entered the coveted unicorn club startups valued at $1 billion or more after Swiss multinational Nestlé acquired a minority stake in the company. This milestone makes Drools the fourth Indian startup to reach unicorn status in 2025, joining the ranks of Netradyne, Porter, and JSW One Platforms.
Nestle's Strategic Role In Partnership
While Nestlé has confirmed its investment in Drools, the global giant emphasized that Drools will maintain operational independence, retaining its existing leadership team and business strategy. The financial details of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed. The primary objective of this collaboration is to provide Drools with capital support, allowing it to scale its operations while preserving its unique brand identity and entrepreneurial agility.
Drools: The Fourth Indian Unicorn Of 2025
In 2025, India has witnessed a surge in unicorn startups, with Drools being the latest to achieve this status. The year started with deep tech company Netradyne reaching unicorn valuation in January, followed by fintech firm Juspay in April and logistics platform Porter in May. Drools’ ascent underscores the dynamic and rapidly evolving Indian startup ecosystem.
The Rapid Growth Of India’s Pet Care Industry
India’s pet care market is expanding at a remarkable pace, driven by increasing pet ownership, especially among urban youth. Factors such as rising disposable incomes, shrinking family sizes, and a cultural shift towards treating pets as integral family members are fueling demand for premium pet products, including nutrition, grooming, and healthcare services.
The pet care sector in India is growing annually at a rate exceeding 20% and is projected to cross the $1.15 billion mark by 2026, indicating substantial opportunities for businesses in this domain.
Drools’ Journey From Startup To Industry Leader
Founded in 2010, Drools has grown to become one of India’s leading pet food brands. It garnered significant backing from L Catterton, a private equity firm affiliated with the luxury conglomerate LVMH. In 2023, Drools secured $60 million in funding aimed at expanding its manufacturing capabilities and enhancing its distribution network across the country.
Drools competes with well-established international giants like Mars Petcare as well as domestic challengers such as Heads Up for Tails, showcasing its strong position in a competitive market.
Why Nestle’s Entry Is A Game Changer
Nestlé, globally renowned for its pet nutrition brand Purina, had limited exposure to India’s pet market until now. By investing in Drools, Nestlé gains access to the growing Indian pet care industry without disrupting its broader global business model.
This partnership enables Drools to leverage Nestlé’s vast experience, technological know-how, and international best practices, which will help accelerate its growth trajectory.
Increasing Corporate Interest In India’s Pet Care Sector
Nestlé’s move is part of a larger trend where major corporations are recognizing India’s pet care market as a lucrative opportunity. Companies like Godrej Consumer Products have also recently entered this space, signaling the sector’s transition from a niche market to a mainstream business category.
Industry experts believe that as more players enter the market, innovation and product variety will increase, further boosting consumer interest and market expansion.
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