Cirkla, a company specializing in sustainable packaging solutions, has successfully secured approximately $3 million in pre-seed funding. This funding round was led by major investors Matrix Partners India and Stellaris Venture Partners, along with contributions from various angel investors. The newly acquired capital will be strategically utilized to support Cirkla’s expansion efforts, strengthen its sales team, and enhance its technological capabilities.

Cirkla, headquartered in the United States, employs a three-stage approach to develop and implement eco-friendly packaging solutions for businesses. This approach includes portfolio assessment, design and prototyping, and global fulfillment services. The company sets itself apart with its proprietary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) models, which enable it to evaluate the environmental impact of a brand’s packaging choices.

Cirkla operates through teams located in the United States, India, and China, leveraging its global presence to manufacture and distribute sustainable packaging solutions across a wide range of categories. These solutions encompass materials such as molded fiber, recycled polymers, pulp, and paper. The company has established a network of contract manufacturers in Asia, including China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and India.

Cirkla is led by a trio of dedicated founders, each bringing a wealth of expertise to the table. Vaibhav Goel, an alumnus of IIT Bombay and the Kellogg School of Management, is one of the co-founders. Ankur Gupta, with academic roots in IIT Kharagpur and ISB, contributes his knowledge to the team, as does Kapil Bhardwaj, an alumnus of NMIMS and the Indian Institute of Packaging.

Interestingly, one of the co-founders, Vaibhav Goel, redirected the company’s focus approximately six months ago from its initial incarnation as a food delivery company known as Zume. Under its current mission, Cirkla is committed to assisting brands in replacing virgin plastic with sustainable alternatives, helping them achieve their eco-friendly packaging goals. Presently, Cirkla’s team comprises 25 dedicated members, working collectively towards a greener and more sustainable future.