Krishnan Kasturirangan (Wastelink)
Overview
Krishnan Kasturirangan is a co-founder of Wastelink, a pioneering startup based in India that focuses on upcycling food waste into valuable animal feed ingredients. Wastelink operates within the circular economy framework, aiming to reduce food waste significantly. Founded in 2018 by Kasturirangan, alongside Saket Dave, the company leverages advanced technology such as AI and specialized feed science to address inefficiencies in food supply chains. Wastelink has gained recognition for providing sustainable solutions to food production challenges, while simultaneously contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
Recent Developments
- August 2025: Wastelink participated in the RESET 2025 event hosted by WRI India, focusing on dialogs to reduce food loss and waste. The company emphasized its commitment to fostering a sustainable and circular food system in India.
- August 2025: Wastelink secured $3 million in Series A funding from Avaana Capital to enhance its technology stack, explore new product categories, and expand geographically, particularly focusing on exports to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
- 2024-2025: The company reported having served over 5,000 pincodes across India, having upcycled over 35,000 tonnes of FMCG surplus into animal feed, known as ECOMIX, benefiting more than 38,500 animals annually.
- May 2023: Wastelink completed a seed round raising $787K, with plans to further its operations and research capabilities.
- Ongoing: The startup developed an AI-powered reverse supply chain tracking system providing food companies visibility into the usage of their waste, ensuring traceability and compliance, crucial for circular economy initiatives.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Krishnan Kasturirangan |
| Born | Not Publicly Available |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Co-Founder and Director of Wastelink |
| Known For | Co-founding Wastelink, a food upcycling company |
| Education | BTech in Civil Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras |
Early Life and Education
Krishnan Kasturirangan completed his BTech in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in 1998. Following his academic pursuits, Kasturirangan gained significant experience in strategy consulting, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey. Motivated by a robust understanding of industrial processes and a commitment to environmental sustainability, he co-founded Wastelink. His early life details, family background, and influences are not extensively documented.
Career and Notable Achievements
Krishnan Kasturirangan embarked on his professional career as a strategy consultant, where he developed a keen insight into operational and environmental challenges within various industries. In 2018, alongside Saket Dave, he established Wastelink:
- 2018: Co-founded Wastelink, aiming to revolutionize food waste management by converting it into animal feed.
- Developed ECOMIX: A proprietary product for use in animal nutrition, which improves milk yields by up to 15%.
- 2018-2025: Helped Wastelink raise significant capital through multiple funding rounds, notably $3 million in Series A funding in 2025.
- Advocated Circular Economy: Kasturirangan has been instrumental in promoting sustainable production systems through innovative circular economy solutions.
Current Work and Impact
Krishnan Kasturirangan, as the Co-founder and Managing Director of Wastelink, continues to drive the company's mission to reduce food waste on a massive scale. The startup's impact includes creating a broader understanding and implementation of circular economies in India. Kasturirangan’s leadership fosters collaborative strategies that integrate modern technology in traditional supply chains, benefiting both producers and the environment. Wastelink's pioneering efforts have set benchmarks in sustainability, emphasizing nutrient retention and economic efficiency.
Conclusion
Krishnan Kasturirangan’s work at Wastelink positions him as a prominent figure in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. His contributions to reducing food waste through innovative solutions resonate with global sustainability goals, making significant strides in the circular economy. As Wastelink continues to grow, Kasturirangan's influence is likely to shape new paradigms in waste management and sustainable production systems globally.