Biography of Ankur Jain: Founder & CEO of Bira 91& B9 Beverages -Entrepreneur
Biography of Ankur Jain:
Ankur Jain is the founder and CEO of Bira 91, an innovative
Indian craft beer brand that has gained international recognition. With a sharp
focus on team building, capital and resource management, corporate finance, and
legal affairs, Ankur has established himself as a formidable entrepreneur. Over
the past five years, he has co-founded two major businesses and played
significant roles in at least three other early-stage ventures. His leadership
has been pivotal in the rapid growth of Bira 91, which he launched in 2015
under B9 Beverages Private Limited, achieving remarkable success by 2017.
Early Life and Background
Born in 1981 in Delhi, Ankur Jain comes from a family with a
rich professional background. His father is an architect specializing in urban
planning, and his mother is an author and interior designer. These influences
likely contributed to Ankur's innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. In 1998,
he moved to the United States to pursue higher education, setting the stage for
his future career.
Educational Pursuits
Ankur attended the Illinois Institute of Technology in
Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science in 2002. This
academic foundation provided him with the technical skills and knowledge
necessary for his future ventures. After completing his degree, Ankur gained
industry experience by working with Motorola for a brief period, which
broadened his understanding of corporate operations and technology. Before
that, he attended Delhi Public School - Mathura Road from 1984 to 1998, where
he completed his high school education.
Internship at Motorola
In the early stages of his career, from 2000 to 2001, Ankur
interned at Motorola. This one-year stint provided him with valuable industry
experience and helped him develop skills that would be beneficial in his later
roles.
Volunteering with American India Foundation
Between 2003 and 2006, Ankur dedicated three years to
volunteering with the American India Foundation. This experience allowed him to
contribute to various philanthropic initiatives and support the organization's
mission of improving lives in India.
Cofounding ReliantMD
Before his tenure at Reliance, Ankur co-founded ReliantMD in
October 2002. For over four years, he played a crucial role in the healthcare
revenue cycle management firm, which helped medical group practices improve
their revenue generation and collection processes. Additionally, ReliantMD
provided Electronic Medical Record (EMR) solutions to its clients, enhancing
their operational efficiency.First Steps into Entrepreneurship
Ankur's entrepreneurial journey began in New York, where he
started his first venture in healthcare revenue management. This early
experience in the business world honed his skills in managing resources,
leading teams, and navigating the complexities of corporate finance and legal
matters. These skills would later prove invaluable as he ventured into the craft
beer industry with Bira 91.
Ankur Jain - Professional Life
After completing his studies in 2002, Ankur Jain spent four
years in the United States, continuing his entrepreneurial journey. He
successfully sold his healthcare revenue management startup in New York to an
undisclosed healthcare provider network, earning significant returns. Upon
returning to India in 2007, Ankur briefly worked at Reliance Industries but
left after a year to pursue his passion for beer. With a keen interest in
different types of beer, he aspired to taste every beer in the world and
decided to start his own beer venture.
Biography of Ankur Jain: Founder & CEO of Bira 91& B9 Beverages Entrepreneur/ Beerpreneur/Startup/Success story of Ankur Jain/Life story of Bira 91& B9
Starting as a Beerpreneur
Ankur Jain's journey as a beer entrepreneur, or
"beerpreneur," began in earnest when he returned to India in 2007.
His father initially disapproved of his career choice, not speaking to him for
around four years after Ankur expressed his desire to enter the beer industry.
Despite this familial strain, Ankur was determined to follow his passion. In
2008, he began by importing 20-30 types of beer that were not available in
India, using this experience to understand the preferences of the Indian youth.
Learning the Market
Through his beer import business, Ankur learned that young
Indian consumers preferred lighter flavors and wheat beers. He also identified
the optimal price points that made these products attractive to the local
market. With this knowledge, he was well-prepared to establish his own beer
brand, creating products that resonated with Indian tastes and preferences.
Launching Bira 91
In 2015, Ankur launched Bira 91 through his company, B9
Beverages. Despite the challenges, including gaining investor confidence and
navigating international expansion, his strategic insights and understanding of
the market helped Bira 91 thrive. The brand quickly became one of the
fastest-growing craft beer brands originating from India, thanks to its unique
flavors and quality brews.
Building Bira 91
In 2015, Ankur launched Bira 91, aiming to revolutionize the
craft beer market in India. Under the umbrella of B9 Beverages Private Limited,
the brand quickly gained a reputation for its unique flavors and high-quality
brews. Ankur's leadership and vision were crucial in scaling the business, and
by 2017, Bira 91 had achieved significant market success and recognition. The
brand's rapid growth and popularity reflect Ankur's strategic acumen and his
ability to align capital and resources effectively.
Overcoming Challenges
Ankur faced numerous obstacles in convincing investors of
his vision for international expansion. His persistence and clear business plan
eventually paid off, as Bira 91 began to gain traction and popularity. The journey
was tough, but Ankur's dedication and strategic approach helped him build a strong
foundation for his brand.
B9 Beverages Private Limited
B9 Beverages Private Limited, headquartered in New Delhi,
India, manufactures a variety of alcoholic beverages, specializing in diverse
flavors of beer. The company serves customers across both the United States and
India, proudly owning and selling the craft beer brand Bira 91. Founded by
Ankur Jain in 2015, B9 Beverages has successfully raised $20 million in bridge
financing from prominent investors such as India's Sequoia Capital and
Belgium's Sofina.
Ankur Jain's Role at B9 Beverages
Ankur Jain, the CEO of B9 Beverages, has been instrumental
in the company's establishment and growth. Since founding the company in 2015,
he has led B9 Beverages to become a significant player in the craft beer
market. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in the brand's expansion
and success.
Bira 91: A Global Craft Beer
Bira 91, launched in 2015 by B9 Beverages, is a unique beer
brand that distills its products using ingredients imported from France,
Belgium, the Himalayas, and Bavarian farms. This global blend of ingredients
gives Bira 91 its distinctive taste. In 2019, the company expanded by
developing two new breweries in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Currently, Bira
91 operates four breweries in India and has a presence in 400 cities across 10
countries, aiming to quadruple its production capacity.
Market Potential and Growth
The craft beer market, driven by the rising demand for
unique and premium flavors, is expected to grow significantly. It is
anticipated that Bira 91 may reach a market valuation of $502 billion by 2025.
The brand already holds over 5% of the overall beer market and more than 20% of
the premium beer segment. This growth potential underscores the increasing
popularity of craft beers globally and Bira 91's strong market position.
Funding Milestones
B9 Beverages' journey has been marked by significant
investments. In 2016, Sequoia Capital India made its first investment in the
alcohol beverage segment, contributing $6 million, with Ankur raising $1.5
million from this initial funding. In 2018, Belgium's Sofina invested $50
million, bringing the total funding to $100 million. Sixth Sense Ventures
further supported the company with a $4.3 million investment in 2019. These
investments have been crucial in supporting Bira 91's growth and expansion into
new markets.
Expanding Globally
The strategic investments from Sequoia Capital, Sofina, and
Sixth Sense Ventures have enabled Bira 91 to expand its footprint in the United
States and Southeast Asia. The financial support has not only facilitated the
company's growth in existing markets but also positioned Bira 91 to make a
significant impact on the global beer industry. The brand's expansion strategy
aims to capture a larger share of the international market, leveraging its
unique product offerings and strong market presence.
Achieving Success
Today, Bira 91 stands as a testament to Ankur Jain's
entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. The brand's rapid growth and
success highlight Ankur's ability to turn his passion into a thriving business.
From importing beers to creating a beloved craft beer brand, Ankur's journey
showcases the power of perseverance and a deep understanding of the market.
Personal Life and Achievements
Ankur Jain's entrepreneurial success is complemented by his
personal milestones. As of 2020, at the age of 39, he had a net worth of Rs.
160 crores, highlighting his significant achievements in the business world.
Ankur is married and was expecting a baby post-lockdown, marking a new chapter
in his personal life. His journey from a student in the United States to a
successful entrepreneur in India underscores his dedication, innovation, and
impact on the craft beer industry, making Bira 91 a beloved brand among beer
enthusiasts globally.
A timeline of Ankur Jain’s life and career:
1981 - Born in Delhi, India.
1984-1998 - Attended Delhi Public School - Mathura Road,
completing high school.
1998 - Moved to the United States for higher education.
2002 - Earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from
the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.
2000-2001 - Interned at Motorola, gaining industry
experience.
2002-2007 - Co-founded ReliantMD, a healthcare revenue cycle
management firm.
2003-2006 - Volunteered with the American India Foundation,
contributing to philanthropic initiatives.
2007 - Returned to India, briefly worked at Reliance
Industries.
2008 - Began importing various types of beer into India,
exploring market preferences.
2015 - Launched Bira 91 through B9 Beverages Private
Limited.
2017 - Bira 91 achieved significant market success and recognition.
2018 - Secured $50 million investment from Belgium's Sofina,
raising total funding to $100 million.
2019 - Developed two new breweries in Andhra Pradesh and
Karnataka; Sixth Sense Ventures invested $4.3 million.
2020 - Achieved a net worth of Rs. 160 crores; married.
2024 - Bira 91 operates four breweries in India, has a
presence in 400 cities across 10 countries, and aims to quadruple its
production capacity. The craft beer market is projected to reach $502 billion
by 2025.
