Shubham Poddar

Poddar is an entrepreneur and former venture-capital investor who founded Amaani, a Middle East-based beauty and wellness company developing consumer brands inspired by regional culture, ingredients and rituals. His shift from investor to founder reflects growing confidence in building globally ambitious consumer businesses from the Gulf.

Amaani was founded in 2023, according to Peak XV Partners. Its flagship brand, AÏZA, combines Middle Eastern references with contemporary skincare and haircare development, drawing on ingredients and traditions associated with the region while working with international formulation expertise.

AÏZA launched online in May 2025. Four months later, Amaani announced a $3m seed funding round led by Peak XV’s Surge programme, formerly Sequoia Capital India and Southeast Asia. Wamda reported that the investment marked Surge’s first consumer and seed deal in the MENA region. The business also reported an early commercial milestone. Poddar said AÏZA exceeded $2m in annualised run-rate revenue within months of its marketing launch. Before founding Amaani, Poddar worked in venture investing, including with Sequoia Capital India and Southeast Asia.