Wakao Foods: Investors, Stake and Financial Performance

Wakao Foods, situated in Panaji, Goa, is trying to improve food systems by providing people with juicy, wonderful tasting food that is both healthier for them and the environment. Wakao advocates for a brighter tomorrow, one in which humanity thrives. They are dedicated to assisting farmers and their welfare through their Friends of Farmers program.

Every time someone buys one of their items, they may donate 1% of the revenues to local farmers in India who are fighting to feed the country. Their sustainable food brand provides handpicked natural items with the goal of improving the earth by curating products made from ethically grown and sourced foodstuff that is then hygienically processed and packed.

All Wakao products contain no preservatives, have a one-year shelf life, and do not require refrigeration. Their Notable Features: Just the Good Stuff: Jackfruit meat is gluten-free, certified vegan, and does not contain hormones or GMOs. Free Delivery – They provide free home delivery for purchases above Rs.500; Easy Payment Options – Card payments, digital wallets, and net banking are all available.

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Below mentioned are the Angel Investors in Wakao Foods, funding was secured in Shark Tank India:

1. Vineeta Singh: CEO and Co-founder of SUGAR Cosmetics
2. Namita Thapar: Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals
3. Ghazal Alagh: Founder of MamaEarth

The funding amount was INR 75 lakh (about $93,750), and the equity stake that investors received was 21%.

Its most recent funding round was an Angel round on January 27, 2022, for $100,000. Namita Thapar, Ghazal Alagh, and Vineeta Singh are among the three investors in the company’s most recent funding round.

Wakao has one institutional investor, Thapar Vision. Ghazal Alagh and two others are Angel Investors in Wakao.

• Pre-Shark Tank: the founder, Sairaj Dhond, owned 100% of the shares.
• Post-Shark Tank: The 3 female sharks bought a combined 21% interest, leaving Sairaj Dhond with 79%.

During the Shark Tank India pitch, Wakao Foods was valued at around INR 3.57 crore (approx. $446,875).

Wakao has raised a total of $100,000 in one round.

Wakao’s board has two active members. Sairaj Dhond is a team member, while Pratima Gaurish Dhond serves as an independent board member.

Wakao Foods has had 25% month-on-month sales increase, thanks to its direct-to-consumer (D2C) and business-to-business (B2B) initiatives.

A substantial percentage of its revenue (60%) comes from online sales platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and its main website.

While the company’s profit margins and net income details are not widely disclosed, its heavy emphasis on high-margin, plant-based “Ready to Cook” goods suggests a healthy profit margin. Its strategic agreements with HoReCa (hotels, restaurants, and cafés) companies like Hilton and Marriott help to generate continuous revenue.

Wakao Foods uses a 60:40 split between online and offline markets to diversify revenue streams and reduce risk from any single sales channel.

D2C and B2B sales are increasing, with plans to add new goods such as jackfruit chips, pulp, and nuggets to fuel future growth.

Wakao Foods has announced its largest-ever supply of jackfruit products, totaling 13 tonnes. The business stated that this is the first of two containers delivered to the United States.

The shipment consists of Raw Jack, BBQ Jack, Indian Gravy, Continental Jack burger patties, Jack Supreme burger patties, American Herbs sausages, Hot and Spicy sausages, and Teriyaki Jack.

The company stated that it has spent eight months decoding the taste and palate of the US market in order to design items that are specially tailored to it.

“We are excited to expand our reach to the United States with India’s largest plant-based food consignment and look forward to exploring the dynamic food scene in the US,” said Sairaj Dhond, Founder and CEO of Wakao Foods.