Zeus Hygia, an Indian manufacturer of nutraceutical ingredients, has raised US$2.5 million in series A funding from NAB Ventures, the venture capital arm of Nabard.

This funding will assist the company in product development and expanding its global reach.

Founded by Dr. Arunkanth Krishnakumar and Shankaranarayanan Jeyakodi, Zeus Hygia offers herbal extracts with eight branded ingredients and more in the pipeline.

The funds will be used to create solutions for pain, weight, and women’s health, as the company expands exports beyond 15 countries and grows operations in the US, Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific, and MENA.

Zeus Hygia targets 70% of its revenue from international markets within three years through direct sales and partnerships, including upcoming joint ventures in Japan and South Korea.

🔗 Source: Zeus Hygia

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ India’s nutraceutical sector poised for exponential global growth

Zeus Hygia’s expansion strategy aligns with India’s rapidly growing nutraceutical market, which is projected to more than double from $4 billion to $10 billion by 2022, representing a 21% CAGR 1.

This growth trajectory is significant and aligns with the global nutraceutical market’s expansion from $172 billion in 2014 to $241 billion in 2019 1.

The company’s focus on international markets, with plans to generate 70% of revenue globally within three years, strategically positions them to benefit from both domestic growth and the larger global opportunity.

Their establishment of a U.S. unit and partnerships with Japanese and Korean companies highlights how Indian nutraceutical firms are increasingly positioning themselves as global players rather than just domestic manufacturers.

Zeus Hygia’s science-backed approach addresses a critical requirement in international markets, where regulatory scrutiny and consumer expectations for evidence-based products are typically more stringent than in developing markets.

2️⃣ Market growth driven by demographic shifts and lifestyle disease prevention

The nutraceutical boom is tied to two major demographic trends: an aging global population and the rising incidence of lifestyle-related chronic diseases 1.

As cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and obesity rates climb globally, consumers are increasingly turning to preventative health solutions rather than just treatment options, creating sustained demand for evidence-backed wellness ingredients.