Introduction:
India's industrial and service sectors are expanding rapidly, creating significant demand for workwear that emphasizes safety, comfort, uniformity, and branding. The Indian workwear market is projected to reach $14 billion by 2030, growing at a 7% CAGR, driven by industrialization and heightened awareness of safety standards, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality. However, this market remains highly fragmented and unbranded, leaving businesses in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities underserved with limited access to quality, functional, and standardized workwear.
NuMode , India’s first dedicated workwear brand, addresses this gap by offering ergonomic, durable, and technologically advanced solutions tailored to meet diverse sectoral needs. From scrubs and aprons to flame-retardant uniforms, NuMode integrates performance fabrics with advanced features like antimicrobial, flame-resistant, and fluid-repellent properties, ensuring comfort, safety, and durability. By combining functionality and style, NuMode delivers workwear solutions that enhance employee well-being and support effective branding for businesses.
NuMode was founded by Ayyappan Lakshmanan and Venkatesh Gopalaiah, both bringing substantial experience in the apparel and B2B sectors. Ayyappan, the CEO, has over 16 years of experience managing fashion businesses, previously overseeing P&L for 500 Crore brands. His expertise in scaling fashion brands and private labels positions him well to drive NuMode's growth. Venkatesh, the COO, has 17+ years in B2B apparel sales and technical services, along with a successful background in managing a corporate gifting business. His skills ensure strong client relationships, which are crucial for navigating India’s fragmented market.
Market Opportunity:
NuMode's market has a $12 billion potential for work uniforms solutions in India. This includes all sectors that require professional attire, such as healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail. The specific market that NuMode can target is worth $185.9 million, focusing on small to medium-sized businesses in Tier 2/3 cities, which struggle to find quality work uniforms. Furthermore, the revenue that NuMode realistically expects to capture in the near term is projected at $18.6 million, reflecting a conservative estimate based on competitive analysis and market dynamics. Their expansion into both B2B and D2C channels presents significant opportunities for growth, as they position themselves to meet the increasing demand for professionalized work uniforms in a market where 90% of solutions are unbranded.
100X.VC Thesis:
Redefining workwear with its innovative, durable, and performance-driven apparel designed for industries like manufacturing, automotive, and food service. As businesses prioritise employee safety, comfort, and productivity, NuMode’s blend of functionality meets the growing demand for high-quality, specialised uniforms. We believe NuMode’s innovation, and scalability make it a compelling investment for long-term growth in the evolving workwear industry.
Conclusion:
As industries increasingly prioritize employee safety and well-being, NuMode’s comprehensive approach to work uniforms—focused on comfort, safety, and productivity—positions it for substantial growth. By combining functionality, fashion, and scalable, technology-driven solutions, NuMode offers businesses tailor-made work uniforms that meet industry-specific needs. The company’s ability to cater to both large enterprises and smaller businesses in underserved Tier 2/3 cities presents a significant market opportunity. With a strong founding team, a large and untapped market, NuMode presents a compelling investment opportunity in India's evolving work uniforms industry.
