Biography of Alok Ranjan: Founder and CEO of Gaon Restaurant -Entrepreneur
Biography of Alok Ranjan:
Alok Ranjan: A Journey from Startup Enthusiast to Industry
Leader
Alok Ranjan is an entrepreneur with a passion for food,
technology, and startups. His career trajectory is a fascinating one, filled
with diverse experiences that span various industries and roles. With over a
decade of experience, Alok is currently the founder of GAON, a unique
multi-brand food company, and serves as an Associate Director at Pine Labs, a
leading fintech company. His journey is one of perseverance, learning, and
constant growth.
Founding GAON: A Dream Turned Reality
Alok’s entrepreneurial journey took a major leap when he
founded GAON in November 2017. The vision behind GAON was clear—to offer
freshly prepared, authentic dishes inspired by the heartlands of India. He
wanted to create a space that resonated with rustic charm and presented Indian
food with a modern twist. With signature dishes like Champaran Handi Meat and
Litti Chokha, GAON became a restaurant that captured the essence of traditional
Indian cuisine.
The Shark Tank Experience
GAON's success story took a significant turn when it
appeared on the popular TV show, Shark Tank India, in Seasons 2 and 3. Alok's
pitch on the show was met with enthusiasm from investors, culminating in a deal
where GAON raised ₹80 Lakhs for 8% equity. This moment was a defining
milestone, bringing GAON into the spotlight and showcasing its potential for
growth. It was also a recognition of Alok’s hard work in building a unique
brand.
From Startup to Industry Expert
Before founding GAON, Alok had already amassed a wealth of
experience in the startup ecosystem. He co-founded BookingArena, a platform
that quickly grew to 100+ merchants and 3,000 daily visitors within a year. The
company raised half a million rupees in seed funding, and Alok’s leadership
helped scale it rapidly. This success laid the foundation for his future
ventures in the food and tech industries.
A Foundation in Business Education
Alok’s academic background played a significant role in
shaping his career. He completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in
Marketing and Supply Chain Management from the Delhi School of Business, where
he also took on leadership roles. As President of the Student Affairs Committee
and Joint Secretary of the Placements Committee, Alok demonstrated his ability
to lead and connect with industry professionals, skills that would prove
invaluable in his professional journey.
Biography of Alok Ranjan: Founder and CEO of Gaon Restaurant -Entrepreneur# startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank#Gaon Restaurant story#Alok R
Gaining Global Perspectives
To further broaden his knowledge, Alok also completed an
Executive Programme in Economics and International Business from the National
University of Singapore. This experience not only enhanced his understanding of
global markets but also provided him with the opportunity to visit major
companies like Tiger Brewery and IKEA in Singapore. These experiences further
shaped his approach to business.
Early Career Ventures: HungerBox and Paytm
Before embarking on his entrepreneurial path, Alok worked
with some of the leading names in tech and business. At HungerBox, he served as
the AVP for Supply and Revenue, leading the company’s growth in the foodtech
space. His time at Paytm, where he managed strategic alliances and key
accounts, gave him a deep understanding of the fintech and e-commerce
industries. These roles helped him refine his skills in business development,
partnerships, and operations.
Transitioning to Pine Labs
Alok's career took another step forward when he joined Pine
Labs in July 2024 as Associate Director in the Issuing-Prepaid Business. At
Pine Labs, Alok is responsible for overseeing the company's closed-loop payment
solutions and sales. This role allows him to apply his experience in fintech
and business management, while also contributing to Pine Labs’ mission of
transforming the payments landscape in India.
Leadership Roles at ShaadiSaga and NDTV
In addition to his work in the food and tech sectors, Alok
also took on leadership roles at ShaadiSaga and NDTV. As Business Head at
ShaadiSaga, he led the company through a critical phase of growth, launching
new initiatives and expanding its reach. His role at NDTV involved heading
Strategic Alliances & New Business, where he developed key partnerships
that helped elevate the company’s digital presence.
A Passion for Food & Foodtech
Food has always been at the heart of Alok's career. His
passion for the industry is evident in his various roles, including City Head
for Delhi/NCR at HungerBox, where he led the company’s expansion in the region.
Alok’s expertise in food costing, restaurant expansion, and foodtech operations
made him an invaluable asset in the growth of these companies.
Expanding the GAON Brand
With GAON, Alok has created a brand that goes beyond just
food. The restaurant’s design captures the spirit of rural India, with
village-themed decor that transports diners to a simpler, more traditional way
of life. The ambiance, combined with the authentic Indian cuisine, creates an
experience that is both nostalgic and modern. Alok’s vision for GAON has always
been to offer a complete experience for diners, blending food with culture and
history.
GAON Foods: A New Venture
Looking to diversify his business, Alok has plans to expand
GAON into the FMCG sector. Under the brand name GAON Foods, Alok aims to
introduce affordable spices, rice, and authentic North Indian delicacies. This
new venture will allow the GAON brand to reach a wider audience and introduce
its unique flavors to homes across India.
Learning from Setbacks
Alok’s journey has not been without its challenges. As with
any entrepreneur, he has faced setbacks and obstacles. However, his resilience
and determination have always helped him overcome these challenges. His
experience on Shark Tank India, for example, was a pivotal moment where he
learned to refine his pitch and business strategy, ultimately securing
investment and taking GAON to the next level.
A Vision for the Future
Alok Ranjan's vision for the future is clear: he wants to
scale GAON to become a nationwide brand, with multiple outlets across India and
a strong presence in the FMCG market. He also aims to continue innovating in
the foodtech and fintech sectors, building on his diverse experience to create
impactful, sustainable businesses that can thrive in the modern world.
The Personal Side of Alok Ranjan
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alok is known for
his personal commitment to growth and learning. His journey from a startup
enthusiast to an industry leader is a testament to his passion for
entrepreneurship and his dedication to making a positive impact in the business
world. Alok's story is one of hard work, creativity, and perseverance, and it
serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
Legacy and Impact
As Alok Ranjan continues to grow in his career, his legacy
is already beginning to take shape. Through GAON, he has created a brand that
honors the rich culinary traditions of India, while also paving the way for
future innovation in the food and tech industries. His journey is a reminder of
the power of resilience, creativity, and the importance of staying true to
one’s roots. Alok’s impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, both in
the restaurant industry and beyond.
Timeline for story
Nov 2017: Founded GAON, a multi-brand food company focusing
on authentic Indian cuisine.
2018: Co-founded BookingArena, raising seed funding and
scaling rapidly.
2020: Appeared on Shark Tank India, raising ₹80 Lakhs for
GAON.
2021: Joined HungerBox as AVP for Supply and Revenue.
2022: Worked at Paytm in Strategic Alliances and Key
Accounts.
Jul 2024: Became Associate Director at Pine Labs, overseeing
closed-loop payments.
2024: Expanding GAON into FMCG under the brand name GAON
Foods.
