Ritesh D Ritelin, the founder of Manzuri, has candidly discussed his unique approach to business on the YouTube show 1% Club. Describing his role as “selling orgasms for a living,” Ritelin sheds light on his efforts to challenge India’s taboos around sexual wellness.
Breaking Taboos in Sexual Wellness
Manzuri, a Goa-based startup, focuses on providing pleasure products tailored for women. Ritelin aims to redefine the conversation about sexual health, highlighting the lack of reliable sources for sex toys in India when he launched the company in 2019-2020. He points out that despite significant progress, societal and governmental attitudes toward sex toys remain outdated.
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Navigating Societal Norms
Due to regulatory and societal constraints, Ritelin describes Manzuri as a “wellness startup” rather than a sex toy company. This terminology reflects the broader challenge of destigmatizing discussions about pleasure and sexual health in India. Ritelin’s mission through Manzuri is to make sexual wellness more accessible and acceptable.
Financial Insights
During his interview, Ritelin shared details about his financial status. His liquid net worth stands at ₹1.5 crore, while his non-liquid assets are valued between ₹8.5 to ₹9.5 crore. He holds a 70% stake in Manzuri, which is valued at ₹12 crore, bringing his total net worth to an estimated ₹10 to ₹12 crore. Additionally, he spends approximately ₹40 lakh annually.
Future Aspirations
Ritelin, who is also the founder and CEO of Porcellia, a direct-to-consumer wellness company, envisions Manzuri as a tool to address issues like the orgasm gap, gender pay disparity, and societal patriarchy. He is committed to transforming how pleasure and sexual health are perceived and discussed in India.
