In a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning travel market in India, mid-market consumer and healthcare-focused fund Lighthouse Funds has announced an investment of Rs 2.29 billion in luggage maker Safari Industries. This investment comes through their recent fund, Lighthouse India Fund IV AIF, marking the second investment by Lighthouse from its newly raised fourth private equity fund.

Sachin Bhartiya, co-founder and partner at Lighthouse Funds, emphasized the growth potential of the Indian luggage market, attributing it to increasing leisure travel and wedding expenditures. Bhartiya noted the significant improvements in rail, road, and aviation connectivity over the past decade, indicating favorable conditions for the sector. He highlighted India's high tourism potential and the visible structural tailwinds driving growth in the luggage market.

?Safari is positioned to capture this opportunity with expanding discretionary spending and changing aspirational consumer behavior in favor of branded luggage,? Bhartiya stated, underlining Safari's potential to capitalize on the evolving consumer preferences.

In response to the investment, Sudhir Jatia, chairman and managing director of Safari Industries, expressed confidence in leveraging Lighthouse's expertise to penetrate deeper into the Indian market. Jatia affirmed that the collaboration would strengthen Safari's position in the industry as it seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for branded luggage in India.

The investment by Lighthouse Funds underscores the growing interest of private equity firms in sectors poised for substantial growth, leveraging emerging consumer trends and market dynamics. As the travel and leisure sectors continue to expand in India, partnerships like these are expected to drive innovation and market leadership for companies like Safari Industries.

The injection of funds by Lighthouse into Safari Industries signals a strategic alignment with the evolving needs and preferences of Indian consumers, positioning both entities for mutual growth and success in the dynamic landscape of the travel market.