For our latest Startup Spotlight Series interview, we speak to Shambhunath Chatterji, the founder of Reborn Healthy. He talks to Trendscout about his mission to create healthy, natural and tasty beverages & food Products in line with emerging consumer needs.

 

Shambhunath is a Marketer with in-depth knowledge of Consumer Behavior, Branding and Marketing, Business Strategy and Product Design based on Consumer needs which helps fill in gaps in the market. His exposure to three different industries – Durables, FMCG & Media, has moulded Shambhunath into an astute business strategist with a bandwidth encompassing product design to manufacturing and selling – culminating in Consumer delight. Shambhunath also has experience setting up organizations and launching businesses and Brands across different industries and revamping loss-making or poorly performing companies, giving him an acute understanding of key factors contributing to the achievement of targeted Toplines and Healthy bottom lines.

 

 

Before we dive in, our readers would love to get to know you better. So, can you tell us a bit of your “backstory” and how you got started?

 

I have been an avid researcher and visiting faculty at Top business schools in India. During a lecture on Brand ranking worldwide, I was asked by a student why Coke reigns as the No One Brand despite so many health harmful tangibles. ( Coke reigned as the No 1 Brand for 7 consecutive years, after which Apple took over .)

 

This query by my student set the bells ringing, and I pondered over the possibility of creating an alternative to Coke and other Sodas that could address all the negative tangibles and offer Safe & Functionality of health-positive tangibles based on the requirement of different demographic profiles of Consumers.

 

What was the most exciting story that happened to you since you launched your startup?

 

The day we managed to breakthrough in developing our prototype, which was stable and met.

 

All requirements of solubility and shelf life are more prolonged than the competition.

 

No startup founder is immune from making mistakes, and it’s part of the “growing pains” they go through. Can you share one mistake you’ve made with us and the valuable lesson it taught you?

 

I had committed the most significant blunder when I refused to agree to dilute IP rights in an equal ratio as Equity dilution to the Biggest FMCG Giant in India – ITC.

 

This was purely due to poor knowledge as my Venture was built single-handedly initially, and being a First Gen Entrepreneur. My understanding was poor in handling equity partnerships and IP controlling stake in the relationship.

 

There has been much talk about supporting diversity and inclusion among startup investors. This may be obvious to you, but can you share with our readers the reasons why it’s so crucial for investors to support startups with a diverse and inclusive executive team?

 

Diversity and inclusion are essential in business today. A healthy variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures provides us with the balance of voices and the diversity of thought we need.

•  Innovation & Creativity
• Diversity provides a range of skills.
• Diversity and inclusion are important factors that many people look for when accepting a job offer. Thus, this will allow businesses to hire the best talent, ensuring that the best skills are hired.
• Employees will be happier! Working in an environment that promotes diversity and inclusivity will make employees feel more pleased to be at work, reflecting on the work produced.
• Increased productivity- Teamwork and co-operative work can increase productivity in business. This is because a diverse team can provide their ranges of experiences and skills and allow other co-workers to learn and work well together.

 

If you can inspire a movement that would bring a positive change within your community, what would that be and why?

 

We plan to become the biggest disruptor in the Soda / CSD industry worldwide by offering natural, safe & healthy alternatives to the top World Brands, which shall help to add healthier children and adults to the world space of consumers.

 

If you had a chance to spend a day with someone and have the liberty to ask anything, who would that person be? What three questions would you ask?

 

I would love to meet up with Mr Richard Branson – I would ask him

• Why did his Venture into Colas fail
• Would he like to relook at starting a business into Sodas again with products curated by me?
• Would he like to enter the Functional water business, the fastest-growing beverage category in beverages?

 

Can you share your favourite life quote with us and why this is so relevant to you?

 

My favourite quote is my Own – Outdo, Outwit, Outlast.

 

This is self-explanatory, which is also my mantra for setting up my Venture.

 

Great! Thanks for that. Now, let’s go to the main focus of this interview. Can you share with us the story behind that “A-ha Moment” you had that led to the idea of creating and launching your startup?

 

I have been an avid researcher and visiting faculty at Top business schools in India. During a lecture on Brand ranking worldwide, I was asked by a student why Coke reigns as the No! Brand despite so many adverse health harmful tangibles. ( Coke reigned as the No 1 Brand for 7 consecutive years, after which Apple took over .)

 

This query by my student set the bells ringing, and I pondered over the possibility of creating an alternative to Coke and other Sodas that could address all the negative tangibles and offer The functionality of health-positive tangibles based on the requirement of different demographic profiles Of Consumers.

 

What do you think makes your startup stand out? Can you share with us examples to show this?

 

We are probably the Only Company in the World who have successfully curated and craeting100 % Natural, Safe and Healthy/ Functional alternatives to Coke, Pepsi, and other Colas.

 

The World, other than refreshing nature and taste, have nothing positive to offer but adverse health contributing factors. Brands such as Pepsico and Red Bull, amongst many others worldwide, have tried to create Colas similar to ours but have failed due to high technical firewalls.

 

What are some “myths” or misconceptions people have when launching a startup that you’ve debunked throughout your journey?

 

Dream of being the Biggest and Best in The World and have no fear of competition with the World’s Top Brands.

 

If there’s one significant difference between launching a startup and launching a small business, what would that be and why?

 

The Vision and the groundwork for creating USP for the concept can be the biggest disruptor.

 

What are the top three traits that entrepreneurs must possess to launch a startup successfully? Can you expound on why you chose these three traits?

 

• Adaptability – To be in sync with Consumer needs and habits.
• Persistence – Big dreams also bring significant setbacks in the journey, and thus to be steadfast in the journey to achieve the Vision.
• Work ethic – Discipline has been the backbone of all won Wars. Secondly

 

Ethics build up a reputation within and outside, which helps the right team spirit and partnerships over both short and long periods.

 

Let’s flip things around: What do you believe are the three things that can cause a startup founder not to become successful, and why?

 

Disconnect with Consumer.

 

If the concept cannot help consumers address any needs of his or are in sync with the consumer mindset, then the trigger to start a business is a waste.

 

Patience

 

Required at every step while dealing with bottlenecks and workforce.

 

Resilience & Tenacity

 

Pitfalls or setbacks are a part of a startup – and to get up and get going at every such hurdle can only bring success.

 

As a parting gift to our readers. What are the top three pieces of advice that you can give to them about launching a startup and why? Please share a story for each.

 

No Shortcut to Success

 

Be ready to face challenging hurdles on your journey to success.

 

Readiness to sacrifice personal comfort zones

 

Personal sacrifice in terms of comfort, Working hours, habits, and relationships with friends.

 

Support of family members

 

On aspects of the financial crisis, motivation, sharing of work. And discussion or sharing of ideas to fight challenging situations.

 

Networking with Senior Professionals

 

Key area helps gather knowledge and ways to enhance the idea and Vision.

 

Adaptability

 

To listen to experts and redesign strategy according to the market’s changing needs.

 

Thank you for these fantastic insights and for your time. We truly appreciate it and wish you all the best on your journey.

 

Reborn Healthy is Raising!

 

Click below to learn more about this exciting startup investment opportunity.