Biography of Himanshu Gakhreja: Founder & CEO of Cheesecake & Co.- Entrepreneur
Biography of Himanshu Gakhreja:
Himanshu Gakhreja always had a passion for baking,
especially cheesecakes. This passion led him to work at a local bakery, where
he spent two and a half years honing his skills. However, pursuing this dream
wasn’t easy, especially with his father's disapproval and the pressure to
follow the family business.
A Supportive Partner
Himanshu's journey took a positive turn when he married
Shreya Agarwal, who shared his love for baking. Together, they brainstormed
ideas for a business that would allow them to create delicious cheesecakes
while overcoming the challenges posed by their families. With Shreya's
encouragement, Himanshu decided to pursue his dream of starting Cheesecake
& Co.
The Birth of Cheesecake & Co.
Founded in 2021, Cheesecake & Co. quickly aimed to stand
out in the crowded dessert market. Unlike other bakeries, they focused on
crafting authentic, eggless cheesecakes that evoke the warmth and love
associated with home-cooked treats. Their mission was clear: to create a
"Cheesecake Revolution."
Rapid Expansion
In less than two years, Cheesecake & Co. flourished,
opening 52 stores across cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Jaipur. What began
as a small venture quickly transformed into a popular brand, thanks to their
commitment to quality and unique flavors that appealed to a wide audience.
A Diverse Menu
The company offers a range of products, including
cheesecakes, cheesecake jars, brownies, and shakes, all made from fresh
ingredients. With over 15 different cheesecake varieties, they ensure there’s
something for everyone. The team has grown to include over 100 members,
reflecting the brand’s rapid success.
The Shark Tank Experience
Cheesecake & Co. gained national attention after
participating in Shark Tank India. The founders presented their brand to a
panel of investors, showcasing their delicious cheesecakes and ambitious growth
plans. This exposure helped them connect with a broader audience.
Setting High Stakes
During their Shark Tank pitch, Himanshu and Shreya asked for
₹1 crore in exchange for 2% equity, valuing their startup at ₹50 crore. They
impressed the sharks with their impressive sales figures, including ₹6 crore in
revenue in the previous fiscal year and projected sales of ₹25 crore for the
upcoming year.
Biography of Himanshu Gakhreja: Founder & CEO of Cheesecake & Co.- Entrepreneur/authentic, eggless cheesecakes/age/net worth/investor/Himanshu G
The Sharks’ Offers
As the sharks tasted the cheesecakes, they praised the
quality and unique flavors. Offers started coming in, with Anupam Mittal
proposing ₹50 lakh for 5% equity and an additional ₹50 lakh loan at 15%
interest. However, the founders believed their business was worth more and
countered with their own terms.
Negotiation Challenges
The negotiations became intense as the sharks tried to
assess the value of Cheesecake & Co. Himanshu and Shreya countered with an
offer of ₹1 crore for 3% equity. The sharks were impressed by the founders'
confidence and understanding of their worth, but reaching a deal proved
difficult.
Sticking to Their Vision
The sharks offered a revised deal of ₹1 crore for 5% equity,
which valued the company at ₹20 crore. However, the founders held firm, wanting
to minimize equity dilution and keep control of their business. Their
determination showcased their commitment to building a lasting brand.
Learning from Rejections
Despite their best efforts, no deal was struck that day. The
founders left Shark Tank without an investment, but they remained optimistic
about their business. They understood the value of their brand and knew they
could continue to grow on their own terms.
Celebrating Success
Cheesecake & Co. celebrated its successes and the loyal
customer base that had formed around their brand. Their commitment to quality
and delicious flavors resonated with people, leading to repeat customers who
appreciated the homemade taste of their products.
Building a Community
The founders focused on creating a community around their
brand, encouraging customer feedback and engagement. They understood that
building relationships with their customers was key to their growth, fostering
a sense of loyalty and belonging.
Future Aspirations
Himanshu and Shreya saw their journey as just the beginning.
With ambitious plans for expansion and innovation, they aimed to explore new
markets and flavors, continually enhancing their offerings to meet customer
preferences.
The Road Ahead
With a strong vision and a passion for quality, Cheesecake
& Co. is poised for continued growth. Himanshu and Shreya remain dedicated
to their craft, ready to take on new challenges and further establish their
brand as a leader in the eggless dessert market.
A timeline for Himanshu Gakhreja’s story with Cheesecake
& Co.:
Before 2018: Himanshu works at a local bakery for two and a
half years, honing his baking skills.
2019: Himanshu marries Shreya Agarwal, who shares his
passion for baking and encourages him to pursue his dream.
2021: Cheesecake & Co. is founded, focusing on
authentic, eggless cheesecakes with a mission to create a "Cheesecake
Revolution."
2021-2023: Rapid expansion leads to the opening of 52 stores
in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Jaipur.
2022: Participates in Shark Tank India, presenting their
brand and impressive sales figures.
2022: Requests ₹1 crore for 2% equity during the Shark Tank
pitch, valuing the startup at ₹50 crore.
2022: Engages in negotiations with investors but ultimately
leaves Shark Tank without a deal.
2022-2023: Celebrates growing success with ₹6 crore in
revenue and ambitious projections of ₹25 crore for the upcoming year.
2024: Plans for further expansion and innovation, exploring
new markets and flavors in the eggless dessert segment.
