Early learning startup Panda’s Box has successfully raised Rs 1.2 crore following its appearance on Shark Tank India, with the investment jointly led by boAt co-founder Aman Gupta and Emcure Pharmaceuticals’ Executive Director Namita Thapar. With this milestone, the startup has gained both capital and strategic backing from two prominent industry leaders.
According to the company, Panda’s Box will actively deploy the newly raised funds to accelerate product development, broaden distribution channels, strengthen its digital brand presence, and expand its reach to more families across India. As a result, the startup aims to scale its operations while maintaining its focus on quality and learning impact.
Founded in 2022 by Sukriti Mendiratta and Rajat Mendiratta, Panda’s Box operates in the screen-free early learning space, where it delivers culturally rooted, hands-on learning products for children aged 0 to 6 years. Through this approach, the brand addresses growing parental concerns around excessive screen exposure during early childhood.
Moreover, Panda’s Box offers a diverse product portfolio that includes interactive musical books, storytelling tools, and mantra-based plush toys, all designed to actively support cognitive, emotional, and sensory development without digital dependency. Consequently, the startup positions itself as a mindful alternative to screen-centric learning tools.
Notably, the company reports a monthly run rate of approximately Rs 1.5 crore, driven by rising demand from parents who increasingly seek offline, experiential learning solutions for young children. This consistent traction highlights strong market validation for the brand’s core philosophy.
At the same time, Panda’s Box competes in a crowded early learning market that includes established players such as FirstCry, Smartivity, PlayShifu, Skillmatics, and KLAY Preschools, all of which offer educational toys, activity kits, or early childhood learning solutions. Despite this competition, Panda’s Box differentiates itself through its screen-free, culturally relevant product design.
Panda’s Box is emerging as a strong contender in India’s evolving early learning ecosystem by combining screen-free education with culturally meaningful experiences. Backed by prominent Shark Tank India investors and supported by rising consumer demand, the startup is well-placed to scale its impact while addressing a critical gap in early childhood development. As parents increasingly prioritize balanced and mindful learning, Panda’s Box appears poised for sustained growth and long-term relevance.
