Arcatron Mobility’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) arm Frido is on track to become a Rs 200-crore brand. The company has recently inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Talegaon, Pune, to enhance its production capacity as it expands its product portfolio and presence in online and offline markets. It is manufacturing products for global markets as well, having already ventured into the UAE with insoles and cushions and is planning to enter the US market soon.
Founded by Ganesh Sonawane (co-founder and CEO) and Arif Minaj Khan (co-founder and COO), Arcatron was initially incubated at the AIC-Pinnacle Entrepreneurship Forum. The company started with mobility solutions, including electric and manual wheelchairs, commode wheelchairs, and various healthcare products designed to assist the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
Over time, it expanded into solutions for foot, back, neck and tailbone pain, developing orthopaedic body supports and gaining recognition as a top-performing brand in these segments on e-commerce platforms.
The company’s orthopaedic foot supports (gel soles, flat feet soles, heel pads, and foot cushions) and orthopaedic body supports (neck and back supports) are now among the best-selling products in these categories. Arcatron’s assisted mobility devices, such as foldable travel wheelchairs and shower commode wheelchairs, have become popular among customers.
According to data from Frido, approximately 37% of respondents suffer from neck pain, 48% from back and tailbone pain, and 51% from foot and ankle pain. In response, Arcatron is designing, developing, and manufacturing solutions to address these issues. “We are building next-generation ergonomic products for pain relief and enhancing comfort from head to toe,” Sonawane stated.
Arcatron’s wheelchairs are designed for improved maneuverability, ensuring minimal transfer pain for patients with limited mobility and their caregivers. Before Arcatron’s introduction, high-end wheelchairs were often imported and expensive. Their foldable shower and commode wheelchair received pre-orders, attracting demand not only in India but also from international customers. Within six months, the company achieved bestseller status on Amazon, with hospitals also placing orders for their wheelchairs.
Sonawane mentioned that Frido sells more insoles than all competing brands and has surpassed one million units in sales, expecting a tenfold growth in this segment. Additionally, their orthopedic pillows rank among the highest-selling products online. With a range of new product launches, including electric wheelchairs, they aim to secure the top position in the wheelchair market.
Notably, around 25% of their customers are individuals aged 18-24 who purchase these products as gifts for their parents and grandparents.
Frido is set to launch its branded store in Pune, which will offer personalised solutions using high-tech equipment for gait analysis, podiatrists, 3D scanners, and 3D printing. Upcoming products include recliners for the elderly and motorised chairs that facilitate easier sitting and standing. Frido is also exploring categories in home furnishings and car accessories and is entering the ergonomic office chair segment.
The company has established a strong presence on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart and is now testing its products on quick commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, and BigBasket.
The company recently raised an undisclosed amount to fund growth plans. The family offices of B L Taparia and Chona family are existing investors. MGA Ventures and global healthcare-focused investment firm, OrbiMed had funded in the subsequent rounds (around $ 20 million).