Komal Baldwa is the founder of Bleu, a brand that offers organic and hypoallergenic male latex condoms.
Her journey began when she experienced vaginal itching and dryness due to the chemicals used in traditional condoms.
This led her to research non-toxic alternatives and eventually launch Bleu condoms.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Background
Komal Baldwa was born into a Marwari family in Kolkata and had a strong entrepreneurial background.
She completed her MS in Marketing in the UK and started a festival goods supplies business.
After moving to Hyderabad after marriage, she joined her husband’s family construction business and briefly ran two other businesses: a premium lingerie brand and a luxurious baby care product range.
Although these ventures did not take off, they laid the groundwork for her future entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Idea for Bleu Condoms
Komal’s personal experience with vaginal itching and dryness led her to research non-toxic condoms.
She discovered that such products were available in Europe and decided to launch her brand.
She collaborated with a condomologist in Holland to set up the business and surveyed her friends and acquaintances to understand the prevalence of similar issues.
The survey revealed that 40% of women faced similar problems, which further solidified her decision to launch Bleu condoms.
Launch and Marketing Strategy
Bleu condoms were launched in December 2020 and are available on the company’s website and other e-commerce platforms.
Komal’s marketing strategy focuses on creating awareness about the importance of women’s health and pleasure.
She has been using social media campaigns to promote the product and is in the process of partnering with organizations, sex educators, and other stakeholders to increase awareness.
Success and Challenges
Komal’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges. She faced initial resistance when discussing the idea of non-toxic condoms, as many people were embarrassed to talk about it.
However, she persisted, believing that women have the right to decide on the products used and how they affect their health.
Her determination and commitment to her vision have been key to her success.
Acquisition by Sirona
Sirona, a Good Glamm Group-backed Femtech brand, has acquired Bleu, India’s first vegan condom brand, in an all-cash deal.
This acquisition marks Sirona’s entry into the sexual wellness category and aims to grow Bleu’s business by 10 times on marketplaces and D2C channels by March 2025.
Key Points:
- Acquisition Details: The deal was executed in an all-cash transaction, with Sirona acquiring Bleu, a vegan condom brand founded in 2019 by Komal Baldwa.
- Business Growth: Sirona aims to scale up Bleu’s business by 10 times on e-commerce marketplaces and D2C channels by March 2025, to make Bleu a ₹100 Cr brand by 2025, contributing 15-20% to Sirona’s overall sales.
- Synergy: The acquisition aligns with Sirona’s goal of offering an ecosystem of feminine care, focusing on women’s needs and comfort. Bleu condoms are made from natural latex and are designed to cater to women’s needs, which resonates with Sirona’s brand values.
- Founder Transition: Komal Baldwa, the founder of Bleu, will transition out of her role as the mentor of the startup over the next three months as Sirona executives take over the reins of the sexual wellness startup.
Quotes:
- Deep Bajaj, Co-Founder of Sirona: “With this acquisition, we add India’s first vegan condoms to our portfolio. Bleu condoms talk to women, which is what caught our attention. Bleu is made keeping in mind women and their needs. Komal has put in a lot of hard work in creating this brand, has customer validation, and we hope to scale it further.”
- Komal Baldwa, Founder of Bleu: “This acquisition is a significant milestone for us, as it allows us to leverage Sirona’s extensive expertise and resources to expand reach and impact. We are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead as we embark on this new chapter with Sirona.”
Financial Projections:
- Revenue: Sirona expects to achieve a revenue of ₹150-180 Cr in the current year.
- Growth: The company aims to make every channel profitable by the end of the financial year.
Impact and Recognition
Komal’s success has been recognized through various platforms. She has been featured in several articles and videos, including an interview on ELLE India, where she discussed her journey and the importance of breaking taboos around sexual health.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating a positive impact have earned her recognition and admiration from her peers and the wider community.
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