Biography of Sahil Jatana: Founder & CEO of Svami- Indian Entrepreneur
Story of Sahil Jatana and Svami
Sahil Jatana's journey into the world of beverages began in
a way that might seem unusual. Raised in an environment where his father, an
Army officer, introduced him to the world of alcoholic drinks, Sahil’s first
encounter was with gin and tonic. This early experience sparked a lifelong
fascination with the drink, leading him to found Svami, a company dedicated to
revolutionizing mixers and non-alcoholic beverages. Svami, which began
operations in 2016, is now recognized for its innovative approach to tonic
waters and other beverages, aiming to elevate the drinking experience with a
modern touch.
Educational Background and Early Career
Sahil Jatana's educational journey laid the foundation for
his entrepreneurial spirit. He pursued his Post Graduate Diploma in Management
(Marketing) at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies in Pune, from 2003 to
2005. During his time there, he was actively involved in various student
activities, including serving as the Editor and Media Relations Coordinator for
his batch. His role in planning and executing the annual management magazine,
Dhiti, and designing promotional materials for business events like ‘Ooshma’
showcased his knack for media and communication. His early involvement in these
activities hinted at his future success in managing and marketing.
First Steps in the Professional World
After completing his education, Sahil entered the professional
realm with a role at Channel [v], where he was involved in off-air promotions
for major properties. This experience exposed him to the nuances of marketing
and promotion in a dynamic media environment. His role required him to handle
various marketing activities and initiatives, which honed his skills in
strategic planning and execution. This role was a stepping stone that provided
him with valuable insights into the media and marketing industry.
Venturing into Digital Media
Sahil’s career took a significant turn when he joined
Imagine TV (Turner General Entertainment Networks India) in 2007. Here, he was
responsible for the planning and strategizing of the website and social media
activities for Imagine TV. His work included launching the website, implementing
geo-tracking for localized content, and managing social media platforms. His
role involved monetizing content via YouTube and re-developing websites for
other channels, which broadened his expertise in digital media and content
management.
Building Expertise in Digital Solutions
In 2010, Sahil moved to Netcore Solutions, where he managed
digital services operations. His responsibilities included handling e-commerce
and payments for MyToday, a subscription-based SMS service. This role focused on
implementing payment gateways and acquiring new customers through various
digital channels. His experience here was crucial in understanding the
intricacies of digital transactions and customer acquisition, skills that would
prove valuable in his future ventures.
Biography of Sahil Jatana: Founder & CEO of Svami- Indian Entrepreneur/mixer & non-alcoholic beverage/age/Net worth/Wife/Svami Story/ Sahil Jatana
Founding Caffeinated Solutions LLP
In 2011, Sahil co-founded Caffeinated Solutions LLP, a
digital agency specializing in content management, social media marketing, and
web development. Under his leadership, the agency managed digital content for
prominent clients such as Balaji Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Ltd. The
agency’s work involved planning content strategies and implementing audience
development techniques, which further refined Sahil’s skills in digital
marketing and content monetization.
Pioneering Coffee Culture
Parallel to his digital ventures, Sahil also ventured into
the coffee industry with Caffeinated Solutions. He aimed to promote coffee in a
tea-dominated market by launching India’s first online coffee store. This initiative
included creating exclusive coffee blends, conducting workshops on brewing
methods, and offering consulting services for setting up cafes. His work in
this space not only contributed to the coffee culture in India but also
demonstrated his ability to innovate and disrupt traditional markets.
Founding Svami and Its Mission
In 2016, Sahil co-founded Svami with the aim of transforming
the non-alcoholic beverage market. The company's mission was to provide
high-quality mixers and non-alcoholic drinks that cater to adult tastes.
Svami’s flagship product, tonic water, was crafted to offer a refined
alternative to existing options, with a focus on low-calorie and low-sugar
variants. This innovation was inspired by Sahil’s personal experience with gin
and tonic and his desire to bring a premium, locally crafted tonic to the
market.
The Vision Behind Svami
Svami’s approach was to create a beverage brand that not
only met the needs of modern consumers but also embraced the rich heritage of
tonic water’s origins. The founders envisioned Svami as a brand that could
reclaim and elevate the tonic water category in India, offering products that
were as progressive and sophisticated as the times. This vision was reflected
in their diverse range of products, including low-calorie tonic waters, ginger
ale, and limited edition flavors.
Expanding Product Portfolio
Svami’s product range quickly expanded beyond tonic water.
The company introduced various mixers, including ginger ale and low-calorie
cola, catering to a broader audience. They also explored limited edition
flavors inspired by diverse sources, such as Maradona and obscure fruits. This
expansion demonstrated Svami’s commitment to innovation and its ability to
adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Growing Market Presence
As Svami gained traction, it established a strong presence
in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The company’s products were
featured in top restaurants and bars, enhancing its visibility and reputation.
Svami’s strategic focus on the Horeca market (hotels, restaurants, and cafes)
contributed significantly to its growth, with the brand becoming a preferred
choice for high-end establishments.
Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
Svami’s journey was marked by both challenges and
opportunities. The competition from established and emerging brands required
Svami to continuously innovate and differentiate itself. Despite the
competitive landscape, Svami’s early mover advantage and commitment to quality
helped it carve out a niche in the market. The company’s ability to adapt and
respond to market trends played a crucial role in its success.
Funding and Growth
To support its growth, Svami raised significant funding
through various rounds. The company’s Series A funding in 2020, led by Mumbai
Angels and other investors, provided a boost to its marketing efforts and product
development. This financial support enabled Svami to expand its product range
and enhance its market presence, setting the stage for continued growth.
Acquisition by Stranger and Sons
In August 2022, Svami was acquired by Stranger and Sons,
marking a new chapter in its journey. This acquisition was a testament to
Svami’s success and the value it had created in the beverage market. The
acquisition provided Svami with additional resources and opportunities for
further expansion and innovation.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Svami aims to continue its growth trajectory
by exploring new markets and expanding its product offerings. The company’s
focus on quality and innovation positions it well for future success. With
plans to introduce new products and enter international markets, Svami is
poised to make a significant impact in the global beverage industry.
Conclusion
Sahil Jatana’s journey from his early experiences with gin
and tonic to founding Svami is a story of innovation, dedication, and success.
His background in marketing, digital media, and coffee culture laid the
groundwork for Svami’s creation and growth. As Svami continues to evolve and
expand, it remains committed to delivering high-quality beverages that reflect
the changing tastes and preferences of consumers.
Timeline: Sahil Jatana and Svami
2003-2005: Sahil Jatana studies at Symbiosis Institute of
Management Studies, Pune.
2005-2007: Works at Channel [v], focusing on off-air
promotions.
2007: Joins Imagine TV, managing digital and social media
strategies.
2010: Moves to Netcore Solutions, handling e-commerce and
payments.
2011: Co-founds Caffeinated Solutions LLP, a digital agency
and online coffee store.
2016: Founds Svami, aiming to revolutionize the mixer and
non-alcoholic beverage market.
2020: Svami secures Series A funding from Mumbai Angels.
August 2022: Svami is acquired by Stranger and Sons.
2024 and Beyond: Svami plans to expand product offerings and
enter international markets.
