In the cutthroat world of entrepreneurship, stories of financial risk and personal sacrifice abound, yet few compare to the remarkable journey of Viraj Bahl.
The new judge on the latest season of Shark Tank India, Bahl famously sold his house to fund his startup, Veeba Foods, which is now a juggernaut in the Indian food industry valued at ₹1,000 crore.
His rise to prominence isn’t merely a tale of success but a testament to resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
From the seas to the sauce market
Viraj Bahl’s early career was far removed from the culinary world. As a marine engineer trained at Singapore Polytechnic, he steered his professional life through the waters of the merchant navy.
But his passion lay much closer to home—rooted in the family-run Fun Foods business, where Bahl first dipped his toes into the food industry during his formative years (DNA India).
Despite a promising naval career, Bahl yearned for entrepreneurial freedom. In 2008, a pivotal moment arrived when his father sold Fun Foods to Dr. Oetker for ₹110 crore, a decision Bahl opposed but leveraged as a catalyst for launching his own venture.
The sale marked both an end and a new beginning, driving him to envision something unique within the Indian FMCG sector.
Bold moves and big risks
Following the sale, Bahl ventured into the restaurant business with Pocket Full in 2009.
However, by 2013, facing financial strain, he made the drastic decision to sell his home alongside his wife to fund Veeba Foods—a move that pivoted his entrepreneurial journey toward a more stable footing.
Launching Veeba in Neemrana, Rajasthan, Bahl sought to revolutionize the sauce market, focusing on quality and innovation. His efforts paid off as Veeba quickly grew, establishing itself as a key player in the industry.
Today, the company boasts a diverse product line and a stellar reputation, projected to reach ₹1,000 crore in revenue for 2023-24 (Times of India).
The Shark Tank India debut
Now stepping into the national spotlight as a judge on Shark Tank India, Bahl reflects on his path with humility and gratitude.
Joining the panel alongside business titans such as Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar, Bahl brings his seasoned insight and experience to bear on the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs who stand where he once did—at the threshold of opportunity and challenge.
“It’s a privilege and a responsibility,” Bahl shared in an interview with the Times of India.
For him, the show is more than entertainment; it’s “cerebral” engagement, fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among viewers across India.
Lessons from a journey of ups and downs
Bahl’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance and the ability to learn from failure. Despite the setbacks with his restaurant, he saw them not as defeats but as lessons that paved the way for Veeba’s triumph.
“Failure is one of your best teachers,” he reflects.
“It’s the most difficult thing to do, but also as a human being, you need to accept that this is part of life.”As Bahl mentors newcomers on Shark Tank, his story stands as a blueprint for success built on risk, resilience, and relentless pursuit of a vision.
His own narrative of turning personal loss into corporate success is a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the potential that lies in taking bold steps into the future.
| Global Entrepreneurs News Team
