11/20/2024
Goa-based Wakao Foods, founded by lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Sairaj Dhond, is revolutionizing the way Indians embrace plant-based diets with its innovative jackfruit-based products. Sairaj’s journey is an inspiring one: starting as a criminal lawyer, he eventually pivoted to entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from his family’s business roots. After a brief stint managing family-run restaurants, he ventured into real estate in 2014, a business that thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to a standstill.
Determined to explore new opportunities, Sairaj invested his savings and launched Wakao Foods in October 2020. The brand gained traction quickly, with sales picking up by December. Today, it offers a range of ready-to-eat, jackfruit-based products, creatively packaged and marketed to appeal to a growing audience of vegans and health-conscious consumers.
Launching the brand wasn’t without challenges. During the R&D phase, the pandemic's impact was at its peak, and production in Kerala—a state heavily affected by COVID-19—added complexities. Yet, Wakao Foods has made remarkable strides. The brand is now available in over 30 vegan-focused stores in Goa and has earned a spot on the menus of prestigious hotels like JW Marriott and Hyatt.
Sairaj believes that “jackfruit-based mock meat can revolutionize the way we view healthy, gluten-free foods.” In under 10 months, Wakao Foods has served more than 10,000 customers and achieved a valuation of ₹15 crore.
A timeline for Sairaj Dhond's journey and the evolution of Wakao Foods:
1990s - Sairaj grows up in a family of entrepreneurs, gaining early exposure to business.
2015 - Graduates with a Bachelor of Laws from V.M. Salgaocar College of Law.
2016 - Practices law for a year before shifting focus to entrepreneurship.
2017-2019 - Explores various industries, including lighting and solar solutions.
2020 - Launches Wakao Foods, introducing jackfruit-based products to the market.
2021 - Wins the BW Disrupt Young Entrepreneur Award for his innovative approach.
2021 - Appears on Shark Tank India, securing investments and national exposure.
2022 - Experiences rapid growth, expanding Wakao Foods' reach beyond India.
2023 - Actively engages in community initiatives and advocates for sustainability.
2024 - Continues to innovate and expand Wakao’s product line in the plant-based market.
Biography of Sairaj Dhond: Founder & CEO of Wakao Foods- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/jackfruit-based products/Wakao Foods story
