Sagar Kochhar (Rebel Foods)

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Overview

Sagar Kochhar is an influential figure in the food technology industry, best known as a co-founder of Rebel Foods, which was originally founded as Faasos. Kochhar has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the online restaurant and cloud kitchen model in India and globally. Under his guidance, Rebel Foods has expanded its footprint across various regions, becoming a unicorn in the process. Kochhar's innovative approach and leadership have been instrumental in establishing brands like Behrouz Biryani and the digital platform EatSure, which has become a prominent entity in the food delivery space.

Recent Developments

  • July 2024: Rebel Foods announced an ambitious expansion plan to invest up to ₹200 crore in opening more EatSure food courts and additional cloud kitchens. Sagar Kochhar, highlighting the return to offline dining, noted the focus on increasing the brand's presence across India and internationally.
  • January 2024: Rebel Foods became the first cloud kitchen company of its magnitude to integrate with ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), aiming to leverage this platform's reach to expand their business footprint.
  • August 2023: The company's financial health showed improvement with a significant reduction in net losses by 42% in FY24. Revenue climbed to ₹1,420 crore as the brand continued its strategic expansion.
  • October 2023: Rebel Foods eyed an IPO, with plans to go public, reflecting its growth trajectory and expansion strategy which includes moving into more Tier II and III cities and international markets like the UK and UAE.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameSagar Kochhar
BornN/A
NationalityIndian
OccupationCo-founder, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Rebel Foods
Known ForCo-founding Rebel Foods and leading its marketing and brand development strategies
Net WorthNot publicly disclosed
EducationMBA from SCMHRD, Pune; Engineering degree from NIT Kurukshetra

Early Life and Education

Sagar Kochhar hails from an engineering background, having completed his degree from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra. He further honed his business acumen with an MBA from the Symbiosis Centre for Management & Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune. Kochhar began his career as a design engineer at Larsen & Toubro, which laid the foundation for his analytical and engineering skills. Transitioning into the business sector, he gained valuable marketing experience at Perfetti Van Melle and Vodafone, which prepared him for the challenges of the dynamic food tech industry.

Career and Notable Achievements

  • Kochhar joined Faasos, now Rebel Foods, as Vice President of Operations. His efforts were crucial in transforming the company into the world's largest cloud kitchen network.
  • Under Kochhar's marketing leadership, Rebel Foods launched several successful brands such as Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story Pizza, and The Biryani Life.
  • Rebel Foods became a unicorn in 2021 under his co-leadership after raising $175 million in a funding round led by Qatar Investment Authority.
  • Sagar's leadership in launching EatSure has cemented its reputation as a leading digital foodcourt platform.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, as Co-Founder and Chief EatSure Officer at Rebel Foods, Sagar Kochhar continues to lead innovations in the food tech industry. His work focuses heavily on expanding EatSure's footprint and integrating technology to enhance consumer experiences across Rebel Foods' vast portfolio. His strategies significantly influence modern food delivery and dining through tech-driven convenience and innovation.

Rebel Foods Marketing Head

As the Chief Marketing Officer at Rebel Foods, Kochhar has pioneered strategies that blend technology with food quality. He has driven the establishment of solid brand identities for Rebel Foods' portfolio, leveraging digital marketing and community engagement effectively.

Rebel Foods Founder

Sagar Kochhar, along with Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, is credited with founding and transforming Rebel Foods into a global player in the food industry. Their vision has consistently focused on leveraging the cloud kitchen model to disrupt traditional dining formats.

EatSure Rebel Foods

EatSure, a brainchild of Kochhar, distinguishes itself in the digital food delivery space by allowing customers to order across multiple brands in a single transaction, thus creating a virtual foodcourt experience tailored for digital natives.

Conclusion

Sagar Kochhar's journey with Rebel Foods highlights his transformative impact on the global food tech industry. His efforts in co-founding and expanding Rebel Foods have not only changed how food is consumed digitally but have set benchmarks in cloud kitchen operations. With the upcoming IPO and further expansions, Kochhar's influence is likely to grow, marking significant footprints in both offline and online food markets globally.

References

  1. Mint Article
  2. Business News
  3. Economic Times
  4. Livemint
  5. Restaurant India