D2C startup HiYo secures $500K

HiYo, a D2C startup focused on optimising the consumer acquisition cost (CAC) model by leveraging engaged communities, has raised $500K (Rs 4.1 crore) in a funding round. Arun Prabhudesai, CEO & founder of Armoks Media, and Shachin Bharadwaj, founder, Zeno Collectibles participated in the round. 

Led by Yash Garg, HiYo plans to launch at least one more brand this calendar year and expand into the consumer technology space. With CACs rising by the day for D2C brands, a lot of revenue is spent on activities such as marketing. On the consumer front, HiYo aims to simplify the D2C model by adding a layer of commerce to creator-led communities, thereby significantly reducing CACs.

The startup’s first brand, FAADU! — launched in March 2023 — caters to the loyal and engaged audience of communities like Shorts Break and Take a Break via means of trendy apparel. HiYo plans to extend FAADU!’s offerings to more creators.

"Content is driving the future of commerce, and HiYo seems set to become a major player," said Arun Prabhudesai. "Shachin Bharadwaj, at the event said, “Adding a commerce layer to an engaging large community creates a new distribution-first marketing opportunity.