Actor to 'angel': Samantha Prabhu wears co-founder hat again, startup tally rises to 12

Samantha Prabhu

Samantha Ruth Prabhu is expanding her startup portfolio not just as an investor but also as a co-founder. After Secret Alchemist, the actor has now become a co-founder  of ZOY, a menstrual and feminine healthcare brand.

Famous for her roles in popular streaming series like The Family Man (season 2), Prabhu has also remained focused on her entrepreneurship journey.

The actor so far has backed as many as 12 startups as investor or co-founder.

"I’m expanding my knowledge through my passions both in film and entrepreneurship. I look for brands that have the potential to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Be it with Secret Alchemist, Saaki or Ekam, or even the Chennai Pickleball team, the focus is always to back those businesses that I personally am passionate about," she told Moneycontrol.

Diversifying investments is essential, the actor said. "While actors often gain attention for their ventures, backing the right ideas and the people while making a difference is something that I believe in," Prabhu said.

The partnership with ZOY highlights the actor’s focus on wellness entrepreneurship. The actor, who has been open about her health journey and commitment to mindful living, fitness, and clean choices, said ZOY is a natural extension of her advocacy for healthier lifestyles and women empowerment.

"My journey with mental health has been a deeply personal one. During a challenging period in my life, I sought solace in a spiritual wellness, which proved to be a transformative experience. This sparked a passion for holistic wellness," she said.

The actor is exploring a diverse range of sectors when it comes to entrepreneurship and is ready to take the plunge where she sees potential.

Wellness has been at the core of her personal journey, she said. "For me, partnering with ZOY is not just about menstrual care, it’s about rethinking women’s health as a whole. I want women to feel empowered to make informed, healthier choices about their bodies. With ZOY, we are building a brand that is toxin-free, holistic, and designed to create a real shift in how women experience their cycles," the actor said.

According to ZOY founder Maheshwari Moorthy, the Indian menstrual hygiene market, projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2030 at a 12 percent CAGR, remains dominated by plastic-heavy, chemically processed products that research has linked to fertility issues, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), urinary tract infection (UTIs), and chronic discomfort.

Moorthy and Prabhu aim to change this through products like medicated strip sanitary napkins, Snow Lotus Therapy Pad, a patented wellness solution designed to regulate cycles, support PCOS management, and naturally detoxify the uterus.