ONYC Footwear was born from a simple realization: while parents carefully choose food, diapers, and skincare for their children, footwear — despite playing a crucial role in healthy growth — is often overlooked. Nearly 70% of a child’s foot development happens in the first 10 years, making shoes more than just fashion accessories; they are essential for healthy growth.
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The founders saw a clear gap in the market: shoes that were either affordable but unhealthy, or well-designed but out of reach for most families. Their belief was simple — parents shouldn’t have to compromise between comfort, health, and affordability.
The Founders
ONYC Footwear was founded in 2023 by three entrepreneurs with complementary strengths:
- Praval Pratap Singh – CEO & Co-Founder
- Ayush Singh – COO & Co-Founder
- Mritunjay Prasad – CFO & Co-Founder
Ayush Singh and Mritunjay Prasad brought deep expertise in footwear manufacturing, while Praval Pratap Singh contributed his experience from DealShare, where he served as a founding team member and Sales & Marketing Head. Together, they combined manufacturing know-how, marketing acumen, and strategic vision to build ONYC.
The Idea
Parents spend hours choosing the best food and clothes for their children, but footwear often gets less attention. The founders realized that poorly designed shoes could affect posture, comfort, and long-term foot health.
Their question was simple: “Why isn’t there a footwear brand in India that focuses seriously on kids’ foot health while keeping designs fun and stylish?”
This question became the foundation of ONYC. The team researched materials, studied children’s foot patterns, and tested designs until they found the right balance between comfort, durability, and affordability.
Early Growth
Despite being new, ONYC quickly gained traction. Through a digital-first approach, the brand reached parents across India via its website and online marketplaces. Their focus on comfort-driven design and affordable pricing resonated with families.
Customer feedback played a huge role in shaping ONYC’s products. By listening to parents and children, the founders refined their designs to meet real needs.
The Super Founders Moment
A major breakthrough came when ONYC Footwear appeared on the startup show Bharat Ke Super Founders.
The company secured ₹3.15 crore in funding from prominent investors including:
- Nitish Mittersain
- Ankur Mittal
- A. Velumani
- Aarti Gupta
- Aditya Singh
In exchange, investors received around 5.24% equity. This funding not only boosted ONYC’s growth but also gave the brand national visibility.
Product Philosophy
ONYC Footwear is designed with children’s natural movement in mind. Kids run, jump, and play — their shoes should support that, not restrict it.
Key features of ONYC shoes:
- Lightweight – for free movement
- Flexible – to support natural foot development
- Breathable – for all-day comfort
- Durable – built for everyday play
Surveys with hundreds of families helped ONYC fine-tune sizing, comfort, and design, ensuring every pair meets real-world needs.
Vision for the Future
The founders aim to grow ONYC into a ₹500-crore brand by 2030, expanding their product range and reaching more families across India. With India’s D2C market booming, ONYC is well-positioned to become a leader in kids’ footwear innovation.
Conclusion
The story of ONYC Footwear shows how a simple observation can spark a meaningful startup. By focusing on children’s comfort and foot health, the founders have created a brand that resonates with modern parents.
From its launch in 2023 to securing funding on Bharat Ke Super Founders, ONYC’s journey is proof that great businesses often begin by solving small, everyday problems with thoughtful solutions.
ONYC Footwear isn’t just about shoes — it’s about helping children move freely, grow confidently, and enjoy every step of their childhood.
