Biography of GD Prasad: Founder and CEO of VS Mani & Co.- Entrepreneur
Biography of GD Prasad:
In 2020, GD Prasad, driven by childhood memories of South
Indian coffee and snacks, founded VS Mani & Co., a Bengaluru-based food
startup. His inspiration stemmed from his grandparents' home in Chennai, where
he cherished his grandfather's morning coffee routine. The brand was created as
a tribute to his beloved grandfather, V Subramaniam, affectionately called
Mani. This personal connection shaped the company’s name and vision, focusing
on bringing authentic South Indian flavors to a broader audience.
A Nostalgic Connection to South Indian Snacks
Growing up in Chennai, GD was surrounded by delicious South
Indian snacks and filter coffee, which became his cultural touchstones.
However, after moving away for work and education, he struggled to find these
beloved foods outside South India. This nostalgia, combined with his desire to
make authentic South Indian snacks widely accessible, led to the creation of VS
Mani & Co.
The Birth of a Business Idea
The idea of starting VS Mani & Co. had been brewing in
GD's mind for a while, especially after working with Dentsu Webchutney. Despite
his professional success, he yearned to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions.
By 2021, GD decided to fully commit to the idea, enlisting co-founders Yashas
Alur and Rahul Bajaj to help scale the business. Together, they aimed to fill a
gap in the market for quality South Indian snacks and filter coffee.
The Struggles of the Early Days
In its early months, VS Mani & Co. struggled to find its
footing. Despite the passion behind the brand, their first year saw modest
revenue, barely reaching ₹5 lakh. However, their dedication to the brand and
its cultural roots began to resonate with their target audience, setting the
stage for future growth.
Introducing South Indian Coffee to a Wider Audience
VS Mani & Co. focused primarily on filter coffee, an
iconic South Indian beverage, as their flagship product. The decision was based
not just on coffee's popularity but also on its significance in South Indian
culture. Filter coffee, along with accompanying snacks, was seen as a gateway
to introduce people to the richness of South Indian food culture, both in India
and abroad.
Crafting Authentic South Indian Snacks
VS Mani & Co. prides itself on its authenticity. Every
product, from the coffee blends to the snacks, is crafted with the same methods
GD’s grandparents used in their home. The snacks, which include items like
Murukku, Banana Chips, and other regional favorites, aim to preserve the
traditional flavors of South India while making them available on a large
scale.
A Tribute to South Indian Culture
More than just a food brand, VS Mani & Co. is a cultural
endeavor. GD and his co-founders wanted to create a brand that spoke to the
heart of South Indian culture, showcasing its warmth, hospitality, and culinary
richness. By promoting this culture through food, they hoped to foster a deeper
understanding of South India beyond stereotypes and misconceptions.
Biography of GD Prasad: Founder and CEO of VS Mani & Co.- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/coffee and snacks/ VS Mani & Co/GD Prasad
The Challenge of Scaling a Regional Brand
One of the challenges GD and his team faced was the lack of
a reference point for a national South Indian food brand. While North Indian
snacks and brands like Haldiram's had established themselves across the
country, no major brand had successfully scaled authentic South Indian snacks
beyond the region. This gap in the market became both a challenge and an
opportunity for VS Mani & Co.
Embracing the D2C Model
VS Mani & Co. focused on a direct-to-consumer (D2C)
approach, which allowed the company to have better control over its brand and
customer experience. This model also provided an efficient way to deliver their
products across India and beyond. Despite the challenges of distribution, the
company successfully launched its products on e-commerce platforms and retail
stores in key South Indian cities.
The Growth of VS Mani & Co.
As the brand gained recognition, it began attracting more
attention. The company's commitment to quality and authenticity paid off, and
VS Mani & Co. quickly grew its customer base. In 2023, their filter coffee
blends and snacks were being sold not just in Bengaluru but also in cities like
Chennai, Pondicherry, and Coimbatore. Their products also reached online
marketplaces, making it easier for South Indians living outside the region to
enjoy their favorite snacks.
A Major Breakthrough on Shark Tank India
In a pivotal moment for the brand, VS Mani & Co.
appeared on the popular television show Shark Tank India in 2023. The founders
pitched their company, asking for ₹60 lakh in exchange for 1.5% equity. The
pitch impressed the sharks, and they received a ₹19 lakh investment for 1%
equity along with ₹41 lakh in debt at 10% interest. This deal valued the
company at ₹19 crore and significantly boosted its visibility and growth
prospects.
The Power of Social Media and Word of Mouth
Social media played a crucial role in VS Mani & Co.'s
success. The brand's authentic South Indian story, combined with high-quality
products, resonated with both South Indians longing for a taste of home and
non-South Indians curious to explore new flavors. Word of mouth and positive
reviews from customers on social platforms helped to build credibility and
attract a larger audience.
The Role of Co-Founders in Scaling the Brand
Yashas Alur and Rahul Bajaj, the co-founders who joined GD
in 2021, were instrumental in scaling the business. With their expertise in
operations and growth, they helped streamline the company’s processes and
expand its reach. The trio's combined skills and shared vision for the brand
helped VS Mani & Co. navigate the challenges of scaling and distribution.
The Future of VS Mani & Co.
Looking ahead, VS Mani & Co. plans to continue expanding
its product range and reach. The company aims to introduce more South Indian
delicacies and eventually become the go-to brand for authentic South Indian
snacks and coffee across India and globally. Their long-term vision is to build
a strong cultural identity around South Indian food and establish the brand as
a household name.
Building a Legacy Around South Indian Food
Ultimately, VS Mani & Co. is about more than just food;
it’s about building a legacy that celebrates the flavors, culture, and memories
of South India. GD and his team are dedicated to creating a brand that not only
delivers high-quality products but also shares the story and essence of South
India with the world. By staying true to their roots, they hope to bring a
piece of South Indian nostalgia to every household.
A timeline for VS Mani & Co.'s journey:
2020: GD Prasad founds VS Mani & Co. in Bengaluru,
inspired by childhood memories of South Indian coffee and snacks.
2021: GD partners with Yashas Alur and Rahul Bajaj to scale
the business and fill the gap for quality South Indian snacks.
2021: VS Mani & Co. begins focusing on filter coffee and
authentic South Indian snacks, growing its customer base.
2021: The brand adopts a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model,
selling on e-commerce platforms and local stores.
2023: VS Mani & Co. expands to cities like Chennai,
Pondicherry, and Coimbatore, reaching more customers.
2023: The company appears on Shark Tank India, securing ₹19
lakh investment for 1% equity and ₹41 lakh in debt.
2023: VS Mani & Co. grows rapidly through social media,
word of mouth, and online platforms.
2024: Plans to expand product range and become a leading
global brand for authentic South Indian snacks and coffee.
