The announcement comes at a time when DesignCafe is experiencing strong business momentum following its integration with HomeLane. Since the merger, the company has recorded approximately 30 percent growth, expanded its retail footprint by more than 50 percent, and increased its store network from 15 to 23 outlets within 18 months. Notably, the company achieved this expansion in a considerably shorter period compared to the 15 stores it established during its first nine years of operation. Alongside growth, DesignCafe has also significantly improved its cost structures and profitability. The company is currently on track to achieve 40 percent year-on-year growth during the ongoing financial year, reinforcing its readiness for the next phase of expansion and its long-term initial public offering ambitions.
Shezan Bhojani, who co-founded DesignCafe, played a pivotal role in building the company into a design-led brand with a strong national presence and a loyal customer base. The foundation established under his leadership continues to drive the company's future growth strategy. As part of its expansion plans, DesignCafe intends to open 11 additional stores during the current financial year, reflecting confidence in market opportunities and sustained demand within the home interiors sector.
The successful integration of DesignCafe and HomeLane has strengthened both organizations and is being viewed as a notable example of a successful partnership within the home interiors industry. With the company entering a new phase of growth, DesignCafe has emphasized that it possesses a strong leadership structure and a clear strategic roadmap.
Gita Ramanan, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of DesignCafe, will continue to lead the business, ensuring continuity in vision, culture, and long-term strategy. She will be supported by a seasoned leadership team that includes Anoop Krishnan, Chief Operating Officer, who oversees revenue realization and operations across markets, and Swati Santani, Senior Vice President, who leads product development, catalogue management, and new growth initiatives.
At the group level, HomeLane continues to be led by Co-founders Srikanth Iyer and Tanuj Choudhry, further strengthening leadership across both brands.
Commenting on the transition, Gita Ramanan said that Shezan Bhojani brought an explorer’s mindset to every aspect of the business, consistently pushing boundaries and seeking new opportunities. She stated that DesignCafe continues to carry that spirit forward and expressed confidence in the opportunities ahead, the strength of the team, and the company’s readiness for future growth.
Srikanth Iyer, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of HomeLane, said the integration of DesignCafe and HomeLane has delivered strong results across growth, profitability, and scale. He described the merger as evidence of the strength of the combined platform and acknowledged Shezan Bhojani’s contribution in building DesignCafe into a category-defining brand. He also expressed confidence in the leadership of Gita Ramanan and the operating team as the company advances into its next phase of growth.
Reflecting on his departure, Shezan Bhojani said that building DesignCafe had been one of the most meaningful journeys of his life. He expressed pride in the organization and the team that will carry the company forward. He added that, under the leadership of Gita Ramanan and the broader management team, coupled with the strong momentum generated following the HomeLane integration, DesignCafe is well-positioned for its next chapter and its anticipated initial public offering.
As DesignCafe and HomeLane continue their partnership, both companies reaffirmed their commitment to transforming India’s home interiors industry through design innovation, technology-driven solutions, and a superior customer experience. The leadership transition comes at a crucial stage in DesignCafe’s growth journey, with the company entering a period defined by expansion, operational strength, and preparations for its long-term public market aspirations.
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