Global private equity firm L Catterton has announced a strategic investment in Healing Hands Clinic, India’s largest proctology-focused specialist chain. The investment, reportedly around $30 million, marks a significant milestone as it is the first external funding for Healing Hands Clinic, which has been bootstrapped since its founding in 2013. While the exact valuation of Healing Hands Clinic has not been publicly disclosed, this capital injection is poised to accelerate its growth trajectory.

Healing Hands Clinic, co-founded by Ashwin Porwal, Snehal Porwal, and Roshan Porwal, focuses exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of various proctological conditions, including piles, fissures, fistulas, and chronic constipation. The newly secured funding from L Catterton is earmarked to support the ambitious expansion of its network, which currently comprises 36 clinics spread across 14 Indian cities. This expansion is critical to cementing its position as a leading specialist clinic chain in a rapidly growing niche segment.

The demand for specialized proctology services in India has seen a notable increase, driven by factors such as evolving sedentary lifestyles and a heightened awareness of advanced, minimally invasive medical procedures. Healing Hands Clinic caters to this demand by offering a comprehensive range of outpatient and inpatient care. Their treatment approach uniquely combines conventional medical therapies with innovative minimally invasive techniques and plant-based products. Furthermore, the organization has pioneered a franchise model for proctology centers, enabling doctors to operate branded clinics with substantial central capital expenditure, operational support, and training provided by Healing Hands. They also claim to have introduced laser treatment for piles and fistulas for the first time in India and offer various sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, including colon hydrotherapy, manometry, and biofeedback.

This investment aligns with L Catterton's broader strategy, following the launch of its $600 million consumer-focused fund in July of the current year. The fund successfully completed its first close at $200 million and is targeting between 7 and 9 mid-market deals, with individual investment sizes ranging from $25 million to $150 million. Notably, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a key investor in this fund, having committed $30 million and holding an option to co-invest an additional $30 million, underscoring the potential seen in consumer-centric businesses in emerging markets.

L Catterton, established in 1989, is a globally recognized private equity firm with approximately $38 billion in equity capital under management across various asset classes including private equity, credit, and real estate. The firm boasts an impressive track record of over 300 investments in consumer businesses worldwide. Its diverse global portfolio includes significant stakes in prominent healthcare brands such as ClearChoice, Ideal Image, PatientPoint, and FYidoctors, alongside well-known consumer brands like Peloton and Birkenstock. Backed by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, L Catterton's investment philosophy centers on identifying and scaling consumer businesses across a wide array of categories, including food and beverage, healthcare-led services, restaurants, and branded retail, making Healing Hands Clinic a fitting addition to its portfolio.