Biography of Sameer Mirajkar: Founder & CEO of InACan- Entrepreneur
Biography of Sameer Mirajkar:
A Background in Hospitality
Sameer Mirajkar's journey began with a solid foundation in
hospitality. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management and Catering
Technology from the Maharashtra State Institute of Hotel Management and
Catering Technology from 2004 to 2008. Following that, he pursued a Post
Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management at Ealing, Hammersmith and West
London College, where he studied various aspects of the industry, including
marketing, customer care, and quality management.
Climbing the Career Ladder
After completing his education, Sameer started his career in
the hospitality industry, gradually taking on more responsibilities. He worked
in various roles, including as a Chef de Partie and later as a Restaurant
General Manager. His experiences allowed him to develop key skills in team
management, inventory control, and customer service, setting the stage for his
future entrepreneurial ventures.
A Shift to Operations Management
In 2014, Sameer took on the role of Assistant General
Manager of Operations at Panchshil Realty. Over the course of seven years, he
managed hospitality operations across multiple IT parks, overseeing food courts
and ensuring customer satisfaction. His work involved everything from sales and
cost management to vendor relations, further honing his operational expertise
in the hospitality sector.
The Spark of an Idea
The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges with the
coronavirus pandemic, which forced bars and restaurants to close. During this
time, Sameer and his friend Virat Sawant found themselves missing the joy of a
good cocktail at home. Inspired by their love for mixology and convenience,
they began to envision a product that could deliver great cocktails without the
hassle of traditional bartending.
The Birth of InACan
With a shared vision, Sameer and Virat co-founded InACan,
India's first ready-to-drink canned cocktails, in April 2020. They aimed to
create a product that combined high-quality cocktails with the convenience of
packaging. Their innovative idea quickly took shape, appealing to consumers
looking for easy and enjoyable drinking options during lockdown.
Crafting Unique Flavors
InACan offers a diverse lineup of five distinct cocktail
flavors, including Long Island Iced Tea, Gin and Tonic, Whiskey Collins, Vodka
Mule, and Rum Latte. Each flavor was carefully crafted to ensure a high-quality
drinking experience, catering to a wide range of palates. This attention to
detail has made their products a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Aiming for Convenience and Quality
The core aim of InACan is to revolutionize how people enjoy
cocktails. Sameer and Virat wanted to provide a product that was not only
delicious but also easy to use. By packaging cocktails in cans, they eliminated
the need for glassware and bartending skills, making it simple for anyone to
enjoy a great drink anytime, anywhere.
Building a Business Model
InACan's business model focuses on producing high-quality
cocktails that are easily accessible. The founders established partnerships
with retailers and distributors, primarily operating in regions like Uttar
Pradesh and Goa. This approach allows them to expand their reach while ensuring
that customers can conveniently purchase their products.
Sales and Revenue Growth
Since its inception, InACan has experienced impressive sales
growth. In just one month, their revenue reached approximately 60 lakhs rupees,
a significant increase from previous months. This upward trajectory, with sales
growing by 40% monthly, indicates a strong demand for their products and the
potential for further expansion.
Understanding the Financials
The pricing strategy for InACan’s cocktails is competitive,
with each can priced at Rs. 140. The breakdown reveals a production cost of Rs.
55 per can, a retailer margin of Rs. 40, and taxes of Rs. 35, resulting in a
gross profit of Rs. 10 per can sold. This financial structure positions the
company for sustainable growth.
Biography of Sameer Mirajkar: Founder & CEO of InACan- Entrepreneur/ready-to-drink canned cocktails/age/net worth/investor/startup/Sameer Mirajkar
Funding and Investment Success
To fuel their growth, InACan raised a total of 10 crore
rupees, with a significant portion coming from family and friends. Both Sameer
and Virat hold equal stakes in the company, reflecting their commitment to its
success. The initial funding has been pivotal in supporting operations and
expanding their market presence.
A Pivotal Moment on Shark Tank India
In a bold move, Sameer and Virat pitched their company on
Shark Tank India, seeking 50 lakhs for 2% equity. The sharks expressed
interest, ultimately striking a deal for 1 crore rupees in exchange for 10%
equity. This moment marked a significant milestone for InACan, validating their
business model and potential for growth.
Marketing and Brand Building
InACan has established a robust marketing strategy that
leverages social media to engage with customers and build a community of
cocktail lovers. By creating engaging content and promoting their products
online, they aim to enhance brand recognition and position themselves as
leaders in the ready-to-drink cocktail market.
Future Aspirations and Expansion
With a strong financial position and increasing sales
momentum, Sameer and Virat are focused on expanding InACan’s product lines and
market reach. They aim to introduce new flavors and explore additional regions,
ensuring that their brand continues to grow and innovate in the competitive
beverage industry.
A Vision for the Future
Sameer Mirajkar's journey with InACan reflects a blend of
passion for hospitality and innovative thinking. By addressing a gap in the
market and creating a product that resonates with consumers, Sameer and his
co-founder are poised to revolutionize the way people enjoy cocktails. Their
story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality
and beverage sectors.
A timeline for Sameer Mirajkar's journey:
2004-2008: Earned a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management
and Catering Technology.
2008-2014: Gained experience in various roles in
hospitality, including Chef de Partie and Restaurant General Manager.
2014: Became Assistant General Manager of Operations at
Panchshil Realty, managing hospitality operations across IT parks.
2020: Co-founded InACan, India's first ready-to-drink canned
cocktails, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 2020: Launched InACan with five distinct cocktail
flavors, focusing on quality and convenience.
2021: Achieved impressive sales growth, reaching
approximately 60 lakhs rupees in revenue within the first month.
2021: Pitched on Shark Tank India, securing a deal for 1
crore rupees in exchange for 10% equity.
2024: Focused on expanding product lines and market reach
while enhancing brand recognition through social media.
