WickedGud
Overview
WickedGud is an Indian direct-to-consumer (D2C) food startup focused on providing healthy alternatives to traditional junk foods, particularly pasta and noodles. Founded in July 2021 by Bhuman Dani, Soumalya Biswas, and Monish Debnath, the company aims to "unjunk" everyday meals by substituting common ingredients with nutrient-rich alternatives. Headquartered in Mumbai, WickedGud has raised significant funds from various investors, including a recent INR 20 crore investment led by Orios Venture Partners. The brand's products are available online and in numerous physical outlets across India.
Recent Developments
- 2024: WickedGud is planning to enter the North American market by Q2 FY25, alongside its ongoing presence in the UAE. The company has also set a target for generating INR 20 crore in revenue by the end of FY25.
- March 2024: The company launched Korean-flavored instant noodles at the #NoodleBar in Reliance Signature Plus stores in Mumbai, enhancing its product line.
- May 2023: Actress Shilpa Shetty invested INR 2.25 crore in the brand, becoming its brand ambassador. This investment aligns with WickedGud's mission to promote healthier eating habits in India.
- December 2023: WickedGud sold 200,000 packs of its chips, highlighting the growth in demand for healthier snack options. This follows its successful appearance on Shark Tank India Season 2.
- 2022: The company raised $1 million in a seed funding round led by Mumbai Angels. Notable contributors include NB Ventures and Dholakia Ventures.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | July 2021 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founders | Bhuman Dani, Soumalya Biswas, Monish Debnath |
| Revenue | Target of INR 20 crore in FY25 |
| Key Investors | Titan Capital, Mumbai Angels, Aman Gupta, Shilpa Shetty |
| Industry | Food and Beverage (D2C) |
| Number of Employees | Not publicly disclosed |
Early History
WickedGud was launched in 2021 by Bhuman Dani and his co-founders Soumalya Biswas and Monish Debnath, backe by a wealth of experience in business operations and consulting. The brand emerged as a response to the rising consumer demand for healthier food alternatives without compromising taste, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic's influence on food consumption patterns. Initially, they introduced gluten-free pasta that struggled in the Indian market due to local taste preferences, prompting a recipe redevelopment that prioritized taste through the use of whole wheat alongside nutritious ingredients.
Company Profile and Achievements
WickedGud has positioned itself as a pioneering brand that combines healthy eating with convenience. The company leverages innovative technologies like SCAD (Steaming and Convection Air Drying) to reduce unhealthy fats and maintain nutrients in its products. With a focus on pasta and noodles made from alternative health-focused ingredients like pulses and oats, WickedGud aims to transform commonly junk foods into nutrition-rich meals.
- Key Milestones:
- Seed Funding: $340,000 led by Titan Capital in September 2021.
- Business Model: An omnichannel presence, selling via e-commerce and over 2,500 physical outlets.
- Product Expansion: Adding innovatively flavored noodles and snack options.
Current Operations and Market Position
WickedGud continues to disrupt the ready-to-cook food segment with its health-centric product offerings. Its market penetration strategy includes both online platforms and physical retail, and the brand holds a competitive edge by emphasizing nutrition without sacrificing taste. The use of strategic celebrity endorsements has bolstered its brand image.
Wickedgud Company Products
WickedGud offers a variety of products targeted at health-conscious consumers, including:
- Pasta and Noodles: Made using SCAD technology to keep them low in saturated fats.
- Chips: Created with popping technology to maintain low fat content while preserving flavor.
Wickedgud Company In India
WickedGud operates extensively throughout India, with products available nationwide online and in numerous retail outlets. The company has also seen rapid growth in non-metro regions as health-conscious consumers seek better dietary options.
Conclusion
WickedGud stands out in the Indian D2C landscape with its innovative approach to healthier food options. The company's commitment to "unjunking" food resonates with modern Indian consumers who are increasingly health-conscious. As the startup continues to expand its product offerings and geographical reach, it is poised to significantly impact the healthy food segment both domestically and internationally, aiming to scale up operations while securing deeper market penetration.