Biography of Sunil Chandra Saha: Founder & CEO of Blue Tea- Entrepreneur
Biography of Sunil Chandra Saha:
Sunil
Chandra Saha is a dynamic entrepreneur known for his innovative approach to
wellness through his company, Blue Tea. As a co-founder and CEO, he has played
a crucial role in creating a new category of tea that emphasizes health
benefits and unique flavors. His journey is a testament to the power of
creativity and resilience in business.
Educational
Foundations
Sunil’s
academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Microbiology
from Savitribai Phule Pune University. He then pursued an MBA in Marketing from
the same institution, where he graduated with top honors. His education
provided him with a solid foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures.
Early
Career Experiences
Before
establishing Blue Tea, Sunil gained extensive experience in corporate roles and
consultancy. He worked with notable companies such as Airtel and Aditya Birla,
which allowed him to hone his skills in marketing and brand management. His
transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire for
greater creative freedom.
The Birth
of Blue Tea
Sunil
co-founded Blue Tea in July 2017, alongside his friend Nitesh Singh. The idea
was sparked after they encountered the aparajita flower, known for its
medicinal properties. Initially, they planned to supply this flower to
restaurants, but soon realized the broader potential of creating a tea product
from it.
Discovering
a Unique Ingredient
The duo
learned about the aparajita flower, or butterfly pea flower, through online
research. They were fascinated by its health benefits and popularity in
Southeast Asia. After realizing that this flower could be marketed as a
medicinal brew, they set out to produce their unique blue tea.
Facing
Initial Challenges
Initially,
sourcing the dried aparajita flower proved challenging. Unable to find it
locally, they decided to import it from Southeast Asia. The flower's popularity
in Europe and its use in cosmetics made it clear that they were onto something
special.
A Shift to
Local Production
After a
successful first consignment that sold out quickly, Sunil and Nitesh decided to
focus on local production. They aimed to harness the flower's benefits by
cultivating it in India, which would also allow them to support local farmers
and reduce reliance on imports.
Biography of Sunil Chandra Saha: Founder & CEO of Blue Tea- Entrepreneur/dried aparajita flowers/age/net worth/investor/startup/ Blue Tea story/
Convincing
Local Farmers
Transitioning
to local production wasn’t easy. They faced skepticism from farmers, who were
hesitant to grow a new crop instead of traditional vegetables. Sunil and Nitesh
took the time to educate farmers about the benefits of growing the aparajita
flower and promised to cover any potential losses, which eventually led to six
farmers agreeing to cultivate it.
Expanding
the Brand
As Blue Tea
gained traction, the company expanded its reach to 11 countries, including a
strong online presence in India through platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
They aimed to make their product accessible and convenient for consumers who
seek healthier alternatives.
Shark Tank
India Appearance
Sunil’s
innovative approach attracted attention, leading to Blue Tea's feature on Shark
Tank India. During their pitch, they sought ₹75 lakhs for 1% equity, valuing
the company at ₹75 crores. They successfully raised ₹50 lakhs for 3% equity and
₹25 lakhs in debt, showcasing the brand's potential to investors.
Recognizing
Market Demand
The
founders recognized a growing consumer demand for caffeine-free and healthy tea
alternatives. Blue Tea positioned itself to meet this need, offering a unique
product that stood out in a crowded market dominated by traditional green teas.
Building a
Unique Brand Identity
At Blue
Tea, Sunil takes on the role of the "Chief Problem Solver," focusing
on branding and creating a relaxed culture within the team. He believes that a
happy work environment fosters creativity and productivity, which is crucial
for a startup's success.
Launching
Unicorn Comics
In addition
to his work with Blue Tea, Sunil is also a comics creator. He founded Unicorn
Comics Universe, inspired by his daughter Piku. This project aims to produce
India’s first AI-based comics, featuring characters that resonate with Indian
children, such as unicorns and mermaids.
Passion for
Creativity
Sunil's
passion for storytelling and drawing led him to create comics that reflect
Indian culture. He recognized that many popular children’s stories were
foreign, so he aimed to create relatable narratives for Indian kids. His comics
promote values of hope and imagination, making them appealing to both children
and parents.
Commitment
to Empowerment
Through
both Blue Tea and Unicorn Comics, Sunil demonstrates a commitment to empowering
local communities. By working with farmers and creating content for Indian
children, he strives to make a positive impact in various ways.
Conclusion:
A Journey of Innovation
Sunil
Chandra Saha’s journey from corporate employee to entrepreneur exemplifies the
spirit of innovation and determination. With Blue Tea and his creative
projects, he continues to inspire others to explore new ideas and make a
difference. His story reminds us that with passion and perseverance, it is
possible to create meaningful change in the world.
A timeline
for Sunil Chandra Saha’s journey with Blue Tea and Unicorn Comics:
2010 -
Sunil earns a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Microbiology from Savitribai
Phule Pune University.
2012 - He
completes his MBA in Marketing, graduating with top honors.
2013-2017 -
Gains corporate experience at Airtel and Aditya Birla, developing skills in
marketing and brand management.
July 2017 -
Co-founds Blue Tea with Nitesh Singh, inspired by the medicinal aparajita
flower.
2017 -
Begins sourcing dried aparajita flowers from Southeast Asia after initial local
sourcing challenges.
2018 -
Shifts to local production by educating and partnering with Indian farmers.
2019 - Blue
Tea expands to 11 countries, establishing a strong online presence in India.
2020 -
Appears on Shark Tank India, raising ₹50 lakhs for 3% equity and ₹25 lakhs in
debt.
2021 -
Recognizes growing demand for caffeine-free alternatives, strengthening brand
positioning.
2022 -
Launches Unicorn Comics Universe, aiming to create relatable Indian stories for
children.
2024 -
Continues to empower local communities and innovate in wellness and
storytelling.
