Mumbai, December 16, 2011: FREECULTR has launched a full range of lifestyle apparel and accessories available online at freecultr.com. The company isthe newest venture launched by the Smile Group backed by Sequoia Capital which has invested over 4 Million USD in FREECULTR. FREECULTR combines the latest in international styling delivered direct to the customer’s doorstep.

FREECULTRplans to expand rapidly and will soon be available internationally. Sequoia Capital is the first investor and the investment will be used to develop a strong in house design team and a seamless e-commerce platform. The funds will also be utilized to maintain inventory for products and acquiring new talent.

Shailendra Singh, Managing Director, Sequoia Capital said, “We believe India has a dearth of differentiated consumer brands in fashion and apparel, and the Internet is becoming a viable channel for the launch of new brands – FREECULTR is a new apparel brand, first launched on the Internet. We liked the FREECULTR brand positioning and strategy of focusing on “premium basics” from the get-go. We are excited to partner with Sujal, Sandeep and theteam and believe that their emphasis on product design, quality and affordable pricing will help FREECULTR emerge as a favored lifestyle brand. “
“FREECULTR addresses the need for a premium, high street fashion brand which delivers the best of everyday casual wear direct to consumers across the country and internationally,” said Sujal Shah, CEO & Co-Founder, FREECULTR. “We are integrating e-commerce and fashion to give our consumer the best value for money, choice, and consistently updated product range. The investment from Sequoia Capital is a strong endorsement of our business and will help us build a world class product range and brand.”
Harish Bahl, Chairman of FREECULTR and Smile Group said, “We are certain that the energy and excitement that FREECULTR exudes will transgress domestic boundaries. It is our endeavor to reach every corner of the country and expose the modern and discerning Indian consumerto this vibrant brand which has an extraordinary combination of style and affordability. It is also our aim to create a Global brand which showcases India’s capabilities and talent in the apparel and lifestyle segment. We are proud to add another jewel to the Smile portfolio and eagerly await consumers to partake of the movement called –“FREECULTR”.”

FREECULTR offers attractively priced and uniquely designed lifestyle products including casual tees, polos, tunics, sweaters, shorts, cardigans, denims, ] pants, footwear and accessories for both men and women.Prices range from INR499 to 2000 plus.

The founding members of FREECULTR represent comprehensive expertise spanning across all areas of the business. Founder & Chairman, Harish Bahl is also the Founder & Group CEO of The Smile Group, India’s pioneering Internet Business Solutions Company. With an MBA from Columbia Business School and roles such as the former VP & Head of Fashion, India at IMG, Sujal Shah brings on board 17 years of international experience in Leadership, Brand Management, and Business Execution as the CEO and Co-Founder of FREECULTR. With a deep understanding of the emerging media and technology market over the past 10 years, COO and Co-Founder of FREECULTR, Sandeep Singh is highly experienced and commended in the digital industry as a dynamic professional with acute business acumen in Digital Marketing, Brand Management and Advertising. As Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder, Rajesh Narkar brings in over 16 years of international experience developing products for some of the world’s leading brands and managing teams to drive overall Business Development, General Operations, Revenue Generation and Profitability.

About Sequoia Capital
Sequoia Capital currently manages funds capitalized at close to US $1.4 billion and invests across venture, growth and late stage opportunities in India. It takes a long term view on investments and plays the role of an active, value added partner to entrepreneurs, business families and management teams. Over the last 10 years, Sequoia Capital has invested in more than 50 Indian companies including Café Coffee Day, Comviva, Fashion & You, Idea Cellular, Just Dial, Manappuram Finance, Paras, Quick Heal, Micromax, Via and Vasan Health Care. Sequoia Capital operates out of offices in Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Globally, Sequoia Capital has an unparalleled track record of partnering with entrepreneurs to create global market leaders. Sequoia Capital has been an early investor in companies such as Google, Cisco, Yahoo, YouTube, Oracle, Apple, Zappos, Dropbox, and LinkedIn. Sequoia Capital maintains dedicated teams in US, China, Indiaand Israel.
For more information, please visit: www.sequoiacap.com/india
MORE ABOUT FREECULTR

FREECULTR is the quintessential online destination for Premium Lifestyle Apparel, being the first to bring to India freedom of choice through its diverse product portfolio and seamless online shopping experience, only atwww.freecultr.com.

FREECULTR offers a full range of lifestyle apparel & accessories featuring casual tees, polos, tunics, sweaters, shorts, cardigans, denims, jeggings, pants, footwear and accessories for both Men & Women. Uniquely designed for global citizens, this premium brand offers the latest in international styles at reasonable prices, delivered direct to your doorstep. The most vibrant color stories, constant innovation and cultures from around the world are part of the DNA of this brand – so feel free to experiment and express your own true style at this fashion address.

Ease of access and a consistent retail experience is ensured through this seamless online shopping portal. By only selling what is actually ready to ship, delivery across India is guaranteed within 2-5 days. No Hassle Shopping with Free Returns and Free Shipping on all orders over INR 1000, makes FREECULTR the best and easiest way to shop online for your favorite t shirts, denims, and much more. The fanatics of Customer Care at FREECULTR guarantee prompt response and unparalleled service to ensure the best possible experience every day of the week.

AboutSmileGroup

Smile Group is India’s largest privately held group of ventures focused on the digital industry with extensiveholdings indigital media,e-commerce & retail infrastructure.

Its founder & Chairman, Harish Bahl is a serial entrepreneur and has several successful ventures to his credit with large global players like WPP (Quasar), Yahoo! (Tyroo) and ScanGroup (sQuad). Harish diversified into the e-commerce in late 2009 with fashionandyou.com, India’s leading private sales business, followed by his launches of dealsandyou.com in the daily deals space, bestylish.com in the shoe retail space, and freecultr.com in the lifestyle brand space. Smile Group other ventures include: Blazar, Creons, healthpa.com, Quasar, Zoomtra and Creon Infrastructure.

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Nikita Shivdasani / +91.99300.08317 / nikita@mypeepul.com
The PRactice
Sashi B Ghising/+ 91.9871979566/ sashi@the-practice.net

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For more information, please visit: www.FREECULTR .com