Biography of Dhruv Verma: Founder & CEO of Rize- Entrepreneur
Dhruv Verma’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Dhruv Verma, a young entrepreneur with a passion for health
and wellness, is the co-founder and CEO of Rize, a growing D2C brand based in
Gurugram. Dhruv, along with his business partner Sahil Manral, created Rize
with the mission to offer healthy snack options, including energy bars, dream
bites, and bliss bites. They both aimed to revolutionize the way people view
healthy eating by creating snacks that not only tasted good but also provided
real health benefits. Their journey into the wellness industry started in 2023,
and with their innovative products, they quickly attracted attention.
The Birth of Rize Bar
Rize’s inception traces back to early 2023, when Dhruv and
Sahil combined their unique skills and backgrounds to solve a common
problem—finding healthy and indulgent snacks. Dhruv brought his entrepreneurial
drive, while Sahil used his culinary knowledge to craft the perfect recipes.
Their products, including Rize Energy Bars, Dream Bites, and Bliss Bites, are
made with natural ingredients, such as oats, muesli, and real fruits, without
the use of added sugars or preservatives. They wanted to provide a healthier
alternative to traditional snacks, catering to people who are active and
health-conscious.
The Road to Shark Tank
Rize, a brand still in its early stages, faced numerous
challenges, especially in terms of funding and market penetration. Despite
being in the pre-revenue stage, the duo decided to pitch their business on
Shark Tank India. They sought ₹45 lakhs for 6% equity, valuing their company at
₹7.5 crore. While they had an innovative product and a clear vision, their high
valuation raised questions, especially given the lack of revenue at that stage.
The duo’s confidence was boosted by their strategic partnership with Sunny
Leone, who joined as both an investor and brand ambassador.
Facing the Sharks’ Tough Questions
During their Shark Tank pitch, Dhruv and Sahil faced some
tough questions from the investors. Namita Thapar was particularly curious
about their high valuation despite being in the pre-revenue stage. The founders
explained that they believed having Sunny Leone onboard as a brand ambassador
added significant value to their brand. Additionally, they highlighted the
unique selling proposition of their products, such as the inclusion of caffeine
and taurine, which set them apart from other energy bars in the market.
The Rejection and Resilience
Although the duo’s pitch was filled with passion and a solid
product offering, the sharks were not convinced. Namita and other investors
were hesitant to invest in Rize, citing concerns about the valuation and the
founders’ experience. Aman Gupta, in particular, offered advice but ultimately
declined to invest, suggesting the duo needed more experience before jumping
into such a competitive market. Despite the rejection, Dhruv and Sahil did not
let it deter them; instead, they took it as an opportunity to learn and grow,
which is a common sentiment shared by many young entrepreneurs.
Sunny Leone's Support
The biggest turning point in Rize’s journey came after their
appearance on Shark Tank India. Although the sharks passed on the deal, the duo
had already secured the backing of Bollywood actress Sunny Leone and her
husband, Daniel Weber. They had invested ₹30 lakh in Rize, valuing the brand at
₹2.5 crore. This endorsement from a well-known public figure gave Rize a
significant boost in terms of visibility and credibility. Sunny’s support not
only helped raise awareness but also attracted more customers to Rize’s
products.
The Power of Social Media and Partnerships
With the backing of Sunny Leone, Rize’s visibility
skyrocketed. Social media buzz and online support helped the brand gain a
significant following in a short period. The combination of quality products
and a strong celebrity endorsement led to increased customer interest and
sales. The founders were able to use their newfound popularity to expand their
product range, introducing new items that catered to different wellness needs,
such as products designed for better sleep or menstrual relief.
The Unique Selling Proposition of Rize
Rize’s success lies in its unique positioning in the market.
The brand aims to cater to a health-conscious audience that seeks convenient
and healthy snack options. Each of Rize’s products is designed to offer a
specific benefit, from energy-boosting bars to sleep-enhancing dream bites.
Their energy bars are packed with prebiotics, fiber, and protein, while the
dream bites include melatonin powder and valerian extracts to promote restful
sleep. This focus on functional snacks has helped Rize stand out in a competitive
market.
Biography of Dhruv Verma: Founder & CEO of Rize- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/healthy, customizable snacks/Dhruv Verma story
The Product Evolution
From the initial idea of energy bars, Dhruv and Sahil
experimented with different ingredients and recipes to perfect their offerings.
The brand started small, producing bars in limited quantities on weekends and
refining the recipes as they received customer feedback. Their dedication to
product quality and innovation led them to expand their range to include Rize
Bliss Bites and Rize Dream Bites, further addressing the needs of their target
market. This evolution of their product line demonstrates their commitment to
continuous improvement.
The Challenges of Starting Up
Building a brand like Rize was not without its challenges.
Dhruv and Sahil had limited resources in the early stages, relying on funding
from their parents to kickstart their operations. They faced difficulties in
securing manufacturers within their budget, and their initial investments in
research and development were modest. However, their perseverance and ability
to think creatively allowed them to overcome these hurdles. They found the
right partners and suppliers who helped them scale their business.
The Importance of Resilience
Rize’s story is a testament to resilience and persistence.
Despite the rejection from the sharks, the founders remained committed to their
vision and worked tirelessly to build their brand. They understood that success
does not come easily and that setbacks are an inevitable part of the
entrepreneurial journey. Their ability to stay focused on their goals, learn
from their experiences, and adapt to market needs has been key to their growth.
A Promising Future for Rize
Looking forward, Rize’s founders are optimistic about the
future. They have set ambitious goals for the brand, projecting ₹1.5 crore in
revenue for the fiscal year 2025. With the backing of Sunny Leone and a growing
customer base, Rize is well on its way to becoming a leading player in the
healthy snacks market. Dhruv and Sahil’s commitment to providing high-quality
products and focusing on wellness has resonated with consumers, and the future
looks bright for Rize.
Inspiration for Young Entrepreneurs
Dhruv and Sahil’s journey with Rize is an inspiring example
for young entrepreneurs. They have demonstrated that with passion, innovation,
and perseverance, it is possible to overcome obstacles and create a successful
business. Their story also highlights the importance of learning from setbacks
and using challenges as opportunities to improve. Rize is not just a business;
it is a reflection of the founders’ commitment to promoting a healthier and
happier lifestyle.
A timeline for Dhruv Verma’s entrepreneurial journey:
2023 – Dhruv Verma and Sahil Manral co-found Rize, aiming to
offer healthy, customizable snacks.
Early 2023 – Develops first products: Rize Energy Bars,
Dream Bites, and Bliss Bites, made from natural ingredients.
2023 – Pitches Rize on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹45 lakhs
for 6% equity, but faces rejection due to high valuation.
2023 – Secures investment of ₹30 lakh from Sunny Leone and
Daniel Weber, who also become brand ambassadors.
2024 – Grows brand visibility through social media and
celebrity endorsement, expanding product offerings.
2025 – Aims for ₹1.5 crore in revenue, with plans to further
scale Rize’s reach and product range.
