New Delhi: Imagine turning a modest investment of just Rs 10,000 into a whopping Rs 500 crore business empire. This isn’t a fairytale but the real-life story of Vikas D Nahar, whose journey to entrepreneurial success was fraught with over 20 ventures that ended in failure before he struck gold.
Vikas D Nahar’s roots go deep into the agricultural heritage of Karnataka, where he was born into a family of farmers who cultivated coffee and black pepper. The entrepreneurial spirit ran in his blood, surrounded by family-run businesses, and it was this environment that inspired Nahar’s own aspirations of charting his path in the business world.
After completing his schooling, Nahar continued his education by studying computer science, graduating from Bangalore University in 2005. However, the pull of business proved stronger, and following a stint as a senior import manager at the Jain Group, he pursued an MBA from Symbiosis International University to hone his business acumen.
Post-MBA, Nahar took on the role of Managing Director at Satvikk Speciality Foods, acquiring first-hand experience in managing a business. Each business failure that followed this period taught Nahar valuable lessons, imbuing him with resilience that kept his entrepreneurial flame burning bright.
In 2016, after nearly 20 failed business attempts, Nahar decided it was time for one final roll of the dice. With sheer determination, Rs 10,000 in pocket, and a staff consisting only of two employees, he founded Happilo – a brand that would soon become synonymous with quality dried fruits, spices, and chocolates.
The growth of Happilo has been nothing short of meteoric. Today, the company boasts an extensive range of 40 different dried fruits, 60 varieties of spices, and a delicious selection of 100 types of chocolates. From its humble beginnings, Happilo now stands proud with a valuation at a staggering Rs 500 crore, painting a vivid picture of what tenacity and hard work can achieve.
Happilo’s product diversity is a testament to Nahar’s vision and the company’s capacity to innovate and cater to evolving market demands. Each variety of dried fruit is a promise of quality, every spice a celebration of flavor, and the array of chocolates represents a commitment to delectable diversity. This breadth of product offerings has not only provided consumers with a wealth of choices but has also positioned Happilo as a formidable presence in the industry.
Under Nahar’s leadership, Happilo has navigated the challenges of competitive markets and changing consumer trends. Nahar’s ability to recalibrate and adapt after each failed venture is indicative of his exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, one that underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Vikas D Nahar’s story is a powerful illustration of unwavering determination and the belief that there is no insurmountable obstacle on the road to success. From the fields of Karnataka to a towering corporate entity, Nahar has traversed a path that serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
In interviews, Nahar’s narrative serves as a beacon of hope to many who fear failure and hesitate to pursue their dreams. He personifies the spirit that every setback can translate into a setup for a comeback, provided one is willing to learn and continues to push forward.
Happilo’s voyage from a meager investment to an eminent enterprise reflects a tale of conviction, learning, and undying resolve. Vikas D Nahar’s journey sheds light on the power of unwavering determination and how it can transform the landscape of one’s destiny, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. As Happilo forges ahead, its products are not only a source of nourishment for the body but have become emblematic of the nourishment of entrepreneurial dreams against all odds.
