Neulife Raises $1 Million to Redefine India’s Premium Protein Market with Science-Backed Innovation

In a country where fitness and nutrition are increasingly becoming lifestyle priorities, one homegrown brand is setting out to rewrite the rules of performance nutrition. Mumbai-based Neulife, a science-led, protein-forward brand, has raised $1 million in its maiden seed funding round co-led by Subhkam Ventures and Singularity Ventures, with participation from Sunicon Ventures, Cosma Ventures, and select HNIs. For a brand that has been bootstrapped since its inception in 2014, this marks a significant turning point in its growth journey.

Neulife Funding

The funding comes at a pivotal time for India’s fast-growing performance nutrition market, which has long been dominated by imported or generic supplement brands. With this fresh capital, Neulife plans to double down on R&D-driven product innovation, clinical validation, and expansion of its protein portfolio, all while strengthening its global growth ambitions.

Founded by Samit Gupta, a fitness industry veteran widely recognized as one of the pioneers of sports nutrition in India, Neulife’s story began much before protein shakes became mainstream. Having spent years bringing top-tier international nutrition brands to Indian consumers, Samit eventually realized there was a deeper problem that no one was addressing — the fundamental inefficiency in how proteins were being formulated and consumed.

“As a carb-free ketogenic athlete myself for over a decade now, I always struggled with protein supplements,” Samit explains. “Most were designed wrong, contradicting the way protein actually occurs in nature — which is always accompanied by a fat source for optimal synthesis and energy efficiency. With Neulife, we’ve solved that problem using our patented Ketofuel® MCT technology, creating proteins that go beyond absorption to deliver true metabolic advantages.”

This technology, which lies at the heart of Neulife’s innovation, enables 30% higher absorption and efficiency compared to conventional whey or plant proteins. By mimicking the body’s natural nutrient synergy, Neulife’s formulations help improve muscle protein synthesis, energy efficiency, and even gut health — offering what the brand calls a “metabolically superior” protein experience.

Investors are clearly taking notice. “We believe Neulife is addressing critical gaps in India’s performance nutrition market with its differentiated, science-first approach,” said Rishabh Kathotia, Partner at Subhkam Ventures. “Samit and his team bring unmatched experience and R&D depth to this category, and that really impressed us. This is not just a brand play — it’s a technological leap in nutrition.”

Echoing this confidence, Yash Kela, Partner at Singularity Ventures, added, “Neulife’s patented technology and focus on protein efficiency position them uniquely to become a category leader in India and beyond. By combining science, innovation, and domain expertise, Neulife has the potential to become India’s most trusted performance nutrition brand.”

Long before most Indian nutrition startups began talking about research, Neulife had already built a robust in-house R&D ecosystem. The company’s research unit, operational for over six years, has filed five patents, of which two have already been granted. This scientific foundation culminated in the launch of Neulife’s D2C brand in 2022, introducing consumers to a new generation of performance nutrition.

Among its flagship products are the PRO STANDARD WHEY, launched in 2023 — a Leucine-fortified Whey Isolate designed for professional athletes and certified by LGC U.K., and SUPER ISOLATE, introduced in 2024 — a next-gen whey/vegan isolate powered by Ketofuel® MCTs. Both products have become benchmarks for clean-label, research-backed protein innovation in India’s premium fitness space.

As Neulife gears up for its next phase of growth, the company has set its sights on capturing around 15% market share in India’s premium protein segment by 2028. Beyond India, it aims to expand into global markets, building an Indian-origin performance nutrition brand that can compete with international giants on both science and quality.

With the fresh infusion of funds, Neulife plans to scale its operations, expand its clinical research pipeline, and introduce more functional protein products tailored for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday consumers seeking healthier protein alternatives. The company is also planning to raise an additional $3 million by 2026-end to further accelerate its growth trajectory.

In a market crowded with lookalike supplements, Neulife’s science-first approach could very well redefine the way India — and perhaps the world — perceives protein nutrition. With its patented innovations and a clear vision, Neulife isn’t just building a brand; it’s building a movement around smarter, metabolically efficient nutrition for the modern body.