Biography of Simran Khara: Founder and CEO of Koparo- Entrepreneur
Simran Khara's Journey to Koparo: A Mother’s Mission for Safe Home Care
The Start of a Concerned Mother’s Quest
In March 2020, when India went into its first
pandemic-induced lockdown, Simran Khara, like many others, spent a lot of time
at home with her family. As she and her husband took on household chores
together, their five-year-old daughter also started helping out. One day,
Simran noticed the labels on the cleaning products they were using and realized
they contained harmful chemicals. Concerned about the safety of her daughter,
she began researching alternative, safer options.
The Discovery of Harmful Chemicals in Everyday Products
As Simran dug deeper into the cleaning products in her home,
she discovered that many commonly used cleaners, including dishwashing liquids
and floor cleaners, contained chemicals that could be dangerous to health.
These substances included volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could cause
respiratory issues, increase cancer risks, and negatively impact development.
It was a wake-up call for Simran as she realized the very products she was
using to clean and sanitize her home could be doing more harm than good.
The Need for Change
Simran’s concern wasn’t just for herself but for all mothers
who were unknowingly exposing their children to these toxic chemicals. She
realized that there was a gap in the market for eco-friendly, child-safe, and
pet-safe cleaning products. This realization sparked an idea to create a line
of natural home care products that were not only safe but also effective in
cleaning.
Turning a Vision into Reality
Simran’s background in business and her experience as the
CEO of Juggernaut Books gave her the confidence to embark on a new
entrepreneurial venture. She had worked in corporate roles for over 14 years
and understood the challenges of starting a business. After researching
different alternatives, Simran was determined to create a product that would
offer a safe solution without compromising on cleaning power.
Biography of Simran Khara: Founder and CEO of Koparo- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/startup/investor/natural, plant-based ingredients like coconuts
The Birth of Koparo
In February 2021, Simran officially launched Koparo Clean, a
home care brand that focuses on natural, plant-based ingredients such as
coconuts (or "kopra" in Hindi). The brand's mission was clear: to
offer an eco-friendly alternative to the toxic cleaners commonly found in
households. By prioritizing safety and sustainability, Koparo aimed to make
cleaning safer for families while providing effective cleaning solutions.
Koparo’s Unique Value Proposition
What set Koparo apart from other cleaning products on the
market was its commitment to being free of harmful chemicals such as ammonia,
chlorine, phosphates, bleach, and artificial colors. Simran worked closely with
an R&D lab in Bengaluru to formulate products that would not only be safe
for children and pets but also be tough on dirt and grime. She wanted a product
that parents could trust to clean their homes without worrying about exposure
to harmful substances.
Challenges in Formulation
Creating a natural cleaning product wasn’t an easy task.
Simran faced numerous challenges in finding the right formulas that would work
effectively while staying true to her brand’s values. The surfactants, the key
ingredients that help clean grease and dirt, had to be non-synthetic. This
required extensive research and experimentation, which took time and money, but
Simran was determined to make it work.
Finding Support from Shark Tank India
Simran’s entrepreneurial journey gained significant
visibility when she appeared on Season 3 of Shark Tank India. Her pitch, which
sought an investment of ₹70 lakh for 1% equity in her company, impressed the
sharks, particularly Vineeta Singh and Aman Gupta. Both recognized her business
acumen and clear vision for Koparo. They offered Simran the deal, and with
their support, she took her business to new heights.
Boosting Sales Through the Shark Tank Platform
Simran’s appearance on Shark Tank India had a profound
impact on Koparo’s growth. The platform provided exposure to a wider audience,
resulting in a significant boost in sales. Simran appreciated the feedback she
received from industry experts, which helped her refine her business strategy.
Moreover, Vineeta and Aman’s continued guidance post-show helped Simran
navigate the complexities of scaling up her business.
Building Trust with Consumers
Koparo’s products, ranging from laundry detergents and
fabric care to hand washes and surface cleaners, gained the trust of consumers
for their safety and efficacy. By offering alternatives that were free of
toxins, Simran provided a sense of security for families concerned about the
chemicals in conventional cleaners. The company’s eco-friendly approach also
resonated with a growing number of environmentally conscious consumers.
Tackling the Bigger Problem
Simran’s decision to start Koparo wasn’t just about creating
a safer alternative for her family; it was about addressing a larger problem.
She recognized that the cleaning industry was saturated with products that,
despite their effectiveness in cleaning, posed serious health risks. By
offering a cleaner, greener alternative, Simran hoped to revolutionize the home
care market and raise awareness about the importance of safe cleaning products.
The Road to Success and Challenges Ahead
While Simran’s journey with Koparo has been filled with
successes, it hasn’t been without challenges. Scaling up a business, especially
one focused on natural ingredients, requires constant innovation and
adaptation. However, Simran’s determination and commitment to her vision have
kept her on track. She continues to grow Koparo, expanding its product line and
reaching more households across India.
Looking Forward: A Mission for a Healthier Future
Simran’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her
dedication to creating a safer, healthier future for families. Koparo is more
than just a cleaning brand; it’s a mission to change the way people think about
household products. With a focus on natural ingredients, eco-friendliness, and
the safety of children and pets, Simran is paving the way for a new standard in
the home care industry. The impact of her work will continue March 2020 -
Simran Khara realizes the harmful chemicals in household cleaning products
during the pandemic lockdown and begins researching safer alternatives.
Timeline for story
2020-2021 - Discovers the need for eco-friendly, child-safe
cleaning products, sparking the idea for a new business.
2021 - Co-founds Koparo Clean, a home care brand focusing on
natural, plant-based ingredients like coconuts ("kopra").
2021-2022 - Develops Koparo’s unique value proposition of
chemical-free, safe cleaning products. Faces challenges in creating effective
natural formulations.
2022 - Appears on Shark Tank India, secures an investment
deal with Vineeta Singh and Aman Gupta, significantly boosting the brand’s
visibility and sales.
2022-2024 - Builds consumer trust through Koparo’s safe and
effective products, expanding its reach and product line across India.
Future - Focuses on growing Koparo further, revolutionizing
the home care market with eco-friendly, natural alternatives, and addressing
the need for healthier cleaning options.to resonate with consumers looking for
cleaner, safer alternatives in their homes.
