Ankit Chona (Phab): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Ankit Chona is a notable Indian entrepreneur, primarily recognized as the co-founder of Phab, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) healthy snacking brand. Known for blending indulgence with nutrition, Phab has become a prominent name in India's growing health and wellness sector. Ankit's background in the food industry, notably through his involvement with the family ice cream business, Hocco, contributes to his capability as an entrepreneur. His endeavors, including his collaboration with his wife Gayatri Chona, who brings nutritional expertise to the table, set the stage for a fascinating exploration of the key aspects defining Ankit Chona's journey and career.

1. Ankit Chona's Early Life and Education

Ankit Chona hails from a family with a rich legacy in the food industry. He pursued higher education at Purdue University, where he built a robust foundation in business practices and entrepreneurship. This academic background set the stage for his future ventures in the dynamic food and beverage industry in India. Ankit's upbringing in a family immersed in entrepreneurial endeavors further influenced his career path, preparing him to take forward his insights into health-focused ventures.

2. Role in Hocco Ice Cream

Ankit Chona's initiative in the family business, Hocco, an established ice cream brand, marked his debut in the culinary market. His contribution helped modernize and expand the brand, making it a household name. His tenure at Hocco provided him with significant industry insights and experience, which he later applied to his subsequent ventures. Ankit's effective leadership at Hocco positioned him as a formidable figure in the management of food products, balancing quality with consumer preferences.

3. Foundation of Phab

In 2018, Ankit Chona, alongside his nutritionist wife Gayatri, founded Phab, a brand dedicated to healthy snacking. Their vision was to offer high-protein, flavorful snacks that addressed nutrition shortages while satisfying taste preferences. Phab's innovative approach aimed to redefine the snacking segment by focusing on quality ingredients without compromising flavor and indulgence. This entrepreneurial venture was fuelled by Ankit's operational expertise and Gayatri's deep understanding of consumer health needs.

4. Ankit Chona’s Family Influence

Ankit's family, deeply rooted in the food business, significantly influenced his career trajectory. His father, a stalwart in the ice cream sector, provided him with the entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen necessary to succeed. Married to Gayatri Chona, Ankit has a family-oriented approach to business, often integrating family values into his professional ethics, thereby combining traditional insights with modern strategic maneuvering.

5. Phab's Innovative Product Line

Phab revolutionized snacking options with its range of healthy products, including protein bars and milkshakes, which cater to India's rising health-conscious demographic. The brand's success lies in its commitment to clean, sustainable ingredients while maintaining an indulgence-first philosophy. This approach has quickly made Phab a favorite among consumers looking for nutritious yet delicious options, further affirming Ankit's knack for addressing market needs effectively.

6. Ankit Chona's Net Worth and Business Impact

Ankit Chona's ventures, primarily Hocco and Phab, have significantly contributed to his net worth, positioning him as an influential figure in India's food industry. Despite the challenges posed by market competition and economic fluctuations, Ankit's strategic expansions and brand positioning have underpinned his financial success and recognition as a visionary entrepreneur.

7. Recent Developments and Funding

In 2025, Phab secured $2 million in seed funding, led by OTP Ventures and additional investors, illustrating confidence in the brand's potential. This funding is aimed at expanding Phab's digital and offline presence and broadening its product range. Ankit's ability to attract investment showcases his strategic foresight and the innovative potential of Phab in the competitive healthy snacking market.

8. Market Strategy and Business Philosophy

Ankit Chona emphasizes a balanced approach to business, blending traditional business practices with innovative ideas to meet modern consumer demands. His strategy focuses on leveraging digital platforms and quick commerce for expansion while maintaining high production standards. Ankit's business philosophy revolves around creating consumer-centric products that merge nutrition with pleasure, ensuring sustainable growth and customer loyalty.

9. Challenges and Resilience

Like many entrepreneurs, Ankit faced challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which tested the resilience of Phab. Navigating through supply chain disruptions and economic hurdles, Ankit's leadership ensured that Phab adapted swiftly, implementing operational changes to meet shifting consumer needs, proving his capability to manage crises effectively.

10. The Future Outlook for Ankit Chona and Phab

Looking ahead, Ankit Chona is set to further explore avenues for Phab, with plans to broaden its product line and enhance its market footprint both within and outside India. Driven by growing health awareness and the demand for nutritious food, Ankit sees immense potential for Phab to lead innovation in the healthy snacking segment, promising exciting developments on the horizon.

Conclusion

Ankit Chona exemplifies a thriving entrepreneur whose journey from traditional ice cream roots to cutting-edge nutrition products marks a significant narrative in India's food and beverage industry. Through ventures like Phab, Ankit, supported by his family, particularly his wife Gayatri, continues to blend health with culinary delight, leaving a lasting impact on consumer habits. As the brand expands further, its story under Ankit's leadership prompts intriguing prospects for the industry, inviting consumers and stakeholders to explore possibilities within the convergence of taste and wellness.