Mensa Brands has raised $135 million in funding, which valued the 6-month-old venture at a billion dollars. This makes it the fastest Indian start-up to achieve unicorns. The funding round was led by its existing investor Falcon Edge Capital with other investors like Accel, Norwest and Tiger Global Management. Mensa has bought 12 companies in designer sarees, jewellery, men’s wear, intelligent devices and personal care. Most of these brands are growing 100 per cent year-on-year since the time of acquisition, the company said.

“Our deep focus on technology and digital brand building has allowed us to expand our plan, and we are trying to build global breakout brands from India. I am proud that women founders lead over 50 per cent of our brands and that Mensa supports small and medium-sized businesses across the country,” Narayanan said. Mensa has raised more than $300 million in equity or debt so far. Debt is the critical tool to buy firms as it is cheaper than equity. Mensa is among the best-funded startups in the e-commerce space in India.