Biography of Chitresh Sinha: Founder & CEO of The Plated Project- Entrepreneur
Biography of Chitresh Sinha:
Chitresh Sinha is the founder of The Plated Project, a
unique initiative that merges the worlds of art and social impact. Through his
venture, Sinha has created a business model where every product sold helps
fight hunger. The idea is simple yet powerful: for every piece of art—whether
it’s a decorative plate, coaster, mug, or tray—sold, a portion of the profits
is used to provide meals for those in need. This model is not only about
providing functional art for homes, but also about contributing to a cause that
has a far-reaching impact on society.
The Birth of The Plated Project
Sinha launched The Plated Project in 2019, driven by a
desire to solve hunger in India. With a background in engineering and an MBA,
Sinha had spent years working as a brand strategist before he took the leap
into entrepreneurship. The idea for The Plated Project emerged from Sinha’s
personal experience and childhood memories, particularly those of sharing food
with neighbors during festivals. The startup began as a small, digital,
direct-to-consumer business, but quickly gained attention for its innovative
approach to social change.
A Profitable "Profit-for-Impact" Business
Unlike many social enterprises, The Plated Project is a
for-profit business, with the mission of using art to support causes like
hunger and education. This business model allows the company to generate
revenue while still having a significant social impact. The venture has been
bootstrapped from the start and has maintained profitability for over three
years. The Plated Project aims to sponsor 1 million meals every year, and so
far, it has sponsored 750,000 meals—marking a significant milestone in its journey
to combat hunger.
Collaborating with Artists for Change
One of the key elements that sets The Plated Project apart
is its collaboration with over 100 artists from India and beyond. These artists
design unique, functional art pieces that also communicate a powerful message.
The project has successfully brought together artists from countries like
Norway, Poland, and the US, creating a vibrant global community united by the
cause of social change. Each product tells a meaningful story, making it more
than just a piece of decor—it becomes a symbol of activism and awareness.
The Plated Project's Connection with Social Issues
Each month, the team behind The Plated Project selects a new
social issue to focus on. This could range from hunger to mental health,
education for rural girls, or environmental sustainability. By partnering with
NGOs, the project ensures that each sale contributes directly to solving these
issues. Through the sale of decorative items like plates and mugs, the project
raises awareness about important causes, while also funding initiatives that
make a tangible difference in the lives of the underprivileged.
The Power of Functional Art
What makes The Plated Project truly unique is its focus on
functional art. While many organizations use art as a tool for awareness, The
Plated Project takes it a step further by offering products that can be used in
daily life. From dinnerware to home decor, each piece is designed to be both
aesthetically pleasing and meaningful. This approach has attracted a customer
base that values art not only for its beauty but for its ability to bring about
social change.
"Buy a Plate, Fill a Plate" – The Mission
The brand’s tagline, "Buy a Plate, Fill a Plate,"
encapsulates its mission. For every plate or item sold, The Plated Project
sponsors meals for people in need. The business is deeply committed to
providing food for those facing hunger, with a particular focus on supporting
rural communities and marginalized groups. The project collaborates with
established non-profits to ensure that every sale translates into real,
actionable change.
Featuring on Shark Tank India
The Plated Project received national attention when it
appeared on Shark Tank India in Season 2. Sinha pitched the business, asking
for 75 lakhs in exchange for 2% equity, which valued the company at 37.5
crores. The pitch caught the interest of the investors, and the project
ultimately received offers from four sharks. After negotiations, Sinha agreed
to a deal with Veenita, Aman, and Namita for 75 lakhs in exchange for 3.75%
equity. This partnership has helped The Plated Project scale its operations further
and expand its reach.
Biography of Chitresh Sinha:Founder &CEO of The Plated Project-Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/fight hunger/The Plated Project story/
Media Recognition and Global Coverage
The success of The Plated Project has been recognized not
just in India, but globally. The company has been featured in major
international media outlets, including The Guardian, The New York Times, and
Forbes. This media exposure has helped raise awareness about the social issues
the project addresses and has drawn attention to its innovative approach to
solving them. Being featured in these prominent publications has helped
solidify The Plated Project as a unique and impactful business model.
Tackling Hunger and Beyond
While the central cause of The Plated Project is hunger,
Sinha’s vision for the business goes far beyond just feeding people. By working
with different NGOs, the project also addresses a range of social issues, from
Down Syndrome awareness to the education of rural girls. Each product release
ties into a new theme, ensuring that the conversation around important causes
remains fresh and relevant. The aim is to create a platform where people can
buy products they love, knowing that their purchase is contributing to
something greater.
Building a Social Enterprise Through Art
The beauty of The Plated Project lies in its ability to
combine art and commerce for social good. By collaborating with artists to
create high-quality products that tell a story, the project has been able to
engage consumers in a unique way. The functional art pieces resonate with
people because they are not just decorative; they carry a message and
contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing issues. This model has
made The Plated Project a leader in the intersection of art, business, and social
impact.
Supporting Artists and Preserving Tradition
In addition to its social mission, The Plated Project is
also dedicated to preserving traditional art forms. By working with local
artists, many of whom use techniques passed down through generations, the
project helps keep these crafts alive. The collaboration allows the artists to
gain exposure and support while simultaneously introducing their work to a
global audience. This fusion of traditional and contemporary art has become one
of the defining features of the project.
A “Profit-for-Impact” Business Model
Unlike traditional charities, The Plated Project operates on
a "profit-for-impact" model. This means that the business generates
revenue to fund its social initiatives, but it does so by selling products that
people actually want to buy. The success of this model shows that businesses
can be profitable while still making a positive impact on society. For Sinha,
this balance between profit and purpose is what makes the project truly special
and sustainable.
The Pandemic Pivot
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, The Plated Project saw an
immediate need to support those affected by the crisis. During the first
lockdown, when migrant workers and daily wage earners were left without food,
the team at The Plated Project pivoted its efforts to meet the urgent demand.
They set a goal to sponsor 100,000 meals a month, eventually surpassing it with
150,000 meals in just the first month and a half. This flexibility and
commitment to social responsibility helped the project stay relevant and impactful
during one of the most challenging times.
Future Growth and Expansion
Looking ahead, Sinha plans to expand The Plated Project both
in India and abroad. With its strong brand recognition and proven business
model, the project is poised for growth. The company aims to increase its
artist network, expand its product offerings, and reach more consumers who are
interested in supporting social causes through their purchases. As the project
continues to grow, its impact on hunger and social change will only increase,
with the goal of sponsoring 1 million meals annually.
Conclusion: Art as a Tool for Change
The Plated Project is a prime example of how art can be used
as a tool for social change. By blending creativity with purpose, Sinha has
built a business that not only sells beautiful products but also contributes to
solving critical social issues. The success of the project shows that
businesses can be both profitable and socially responsible, and it sets a
powerful example for others to follow. Through art, commerce, and a strong
sense of social responsibility, The Plated Project is changing lives and making
the world a better place, one plate at a time.
A timeline for Chitresh Sinha and The Plated Project:
2019: Launched The Plated Project, blending art with social
impact to fight hunger.
2019-2023: Sponsored 750,000 meals and collaborated with
over 100 global artists.
2022: Featured on Shark Tank India, securing 75 lakhs for
3.75% equity.
2023: Expanded product offerings and social initiatives,
surpassing 150,000 meals in the first month of the pandemic.
2024 and beyond: Aims to sponsor 1 million meals annually
and expand globally, continuing its mission of social change through art.
