FirstCry Completes ₹146 Cr Investment Securing Majority Stake in GlobalBees

FirstCry has completed a ₹146 crore ($17 million) investment in its rollup subsidiary GlobalBees, increasing its stake to 51.51% and gaining majority control. This investment was made over several tranches during 2025, with the latest ₹73 crore tranche allowing FirstCry to subscribe to Series C2 compulsory convertible preference shares, helping GlobalBees raise over ₹100 crore in the round. GlobalBees, which manages a portfolio of direct-to-consumer brands like The Better Home, Yellow Chimes, Rey Naturals, and The Butternut Company, reported a 31% year-on-year revenue increase to ₹426.5 crore in Q1 FY26 but also a 6% rise in losses to ₹20.8 crore, partly due to rationalization of some brands. Despite operational challenges including leadership exits and an insolvency plea, GlobalBees contributes significantly to FirstCry’s group revenue, with FirstCry itself reporting a 12% decline in consolidated net loss to ₹66.5 crore and a 13% rise in operating revenue to ₹1,862.6 crore in Q1 FY26. The strategic funding aims to boost GlobalBees’ presence in India’s digital consumer market and accelerate its brand acquisition efforts amid growing competition in the D2C rollup space.