Ramraj Cotton sprucing up systems and tech with 2030 IPO in mind: Founder

Ethnic wear brand Ramraj Cotton, widely recognised for popularising the humble dhoti, is in the process of setting up systems and processes with an initial public offering (IPO) as a goal by 2030.

“We have already built a large brand, and now it is time to preserve it for future; we are bringing in lot of professional systems and fine tuning our technologies. We are also getting a lot of interest from bankers and investors,” K R Nagarajan, Founder & Chairman, Ramraj Cotton, told businessline.

While the entrepreneur does not have a target turnover to go public, he said they would like to be at ₹10,000 crore turnover by the time they go for an IPO, which he feels will be likely by 2030. “We want to promote the brand further, want to take our culture wider and for these we need funds and a larger brand name,” he said. He did not disclose the group’s current revenue.

The Founder is supported in the professional management by his two son-in-laws, who have started to put software systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place. The company has also made key appointments of senior executives across technology, human resources, marketing, and operations.

“I consider myself a ‘culturepreneur’ more than an entrepreneur; ours will be the first time of a ‘culture IPO,’” said Nagarajan.

Story of grit

Founded in 1983, the brand has transformed the dhoti (or veshti) from a simple apparel into a symbol of cultural pride. What started out as a small dhoti business in Tiruppur, catapulted into a household name in Tamil Nadu. The entrepreneur’s motivation, however, came from a desire to help the weaver community and bring a cultural renaissance to the garment sector.

Denial of entry to a five-star hotel because of his traditional attire (which he dons every single day till date) further incorporated the grit in Nagarajan to bring respect to it, he added. From shirts and dhotis, the brand has come a long way and now houses all kinds of apparel in its large format stores.

Expansion plans

Ramraj Group has around 375 stores across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra, and Telangana. They also have over 15,000 dealers across India, which includes large retail chains like Saravana Stores and others in Tamil Nadu.

As festivities go multi-cultural across India, Ramraj is also training its eyes on North India. Currently retailing via dealers in the North, Nagarajan said that they will also look to grow further in the region. Ramraj Cotton has also onboarded actor Abhishek Bachchan as the brand ambassador.

The Group also has stores in Malaysia, Singapore, and Colombo. Their products are in high demand in the US, UK, and other countries, where they are sold as part of the products of the Indian stores and via online channel. “Demand is not something that is met, but something that is created. We have made sure to create a demand for our culture wherever we go,” says Nagarajan.

Published on March 25, 2026