FirstClub, a members-only rapid-delivery retail platform, has raised $8 million in seed funding co-led by Accel and RTP Global.

This funding round also saw participation from Blume Founders Fund, Quiet Capital, 2AM VC, and angel investors, including Binny Bansal (Flipkart), Kunal Shah (CRED), Mukesh Bansal (Myntra, Cult), Lalit Keshre (Groww), Ankit Nagori (EatFit), and Shrenik Ghodawat (Sanjay Ghodawat Group).

Founded by Ayyappan R, former Flipkart Senior VP, and ex-CEO of Cleartrip, FirstClub plans to deploy the fresh capital to build its technology infrastructure, refine its omnichannel retail strategy, recruit talent, and expand product offerings.

The company is building a quick commerce platform focused on premium products. The startup will initially offer packaged and fresh foods, bakery items, dairy, nutritional products, and supplements.

The complete platform is set to go live by mid-2025.

The company aims to curate a selection of local and global products on a platform for packaged foods, fresh foods, bakery items, dairy, nutritional products, and supplements, catering to consumers who prioritize well-being and quality while balancing premium quality with affordability.

“India is often seen as a mass-market economy, but the time has come to unlock demand by providing access to high-quality, premium products at the right price. Our goal is to create a trusted platform that brings together the best of Indian regional specialties, international gourmet products, and innovative D2C brands. India deserves better and we’re here to empower Indian consumers, ensuring they never have to settle for less, but instead can enjoy the very best,” said Ayyappan R, Founder of FirstClub. “With the backing of Accel, RTP Global and other investors, we are excited to bring this concept to life and create a platform that celebrates the best of India and the world.”

Barath Shankar Subramanian, Partner at Accel, said: “FirstClub is reimagining the retail for India’s consumers by addressing their growing demand for premium products and services. By focusing on unparalleled quality, convenience and trust, Ayyappan and his team are redefining what modern retail can deliver. With Ayyappan’s leadership and deep operational expertise, we’re excited to partner with FirstClub as they shape the next phase of retail for a rapidly evolving market.”

With nearly 1.5 billion people, a significant portion of India’s population is entering the 25-45 age group, the key demographic driving consumption growth. Rising incomes and an expanding base of affluent households, projected to reach 80 million by 2030, have fueled the demand for premium products.

Nishit Garg, Partner at RTP Global, said: “At RTP Global, we have always believed in backing exceptional entrepreneurs who bring not just vision, but also the resilience and deep market understanding that comes from hands-on operational experience. Ayyappan is a prime example of this, leveraging his extensive background as an operator to craft a business that directly addresses evolving consumer needs. With FirstClub, he is pioneering a new approach to retail and we are excited to partner with him on this journey.”