Biography of Upamanyu Borkakoty: Founder & CEO of Woolah Tea -Entrepreneur
From Sivasagar to Shark Tank: The Woolah Tea Story
A Small-Town Dreamer with a Big Vision
Upamanyu Borkakoty, a passionate entrepreneur from
Sivasagar, Assam, has always been deeply connected to the region’s tea
heritage. Inspired by his uncle, who was involved in tea tasting and community
service, he envisioned a way to revolutionize the tea industry while supporting
local farmers and artisans. Despite coming from a small town, Upamanyu believed
that innovation, sustainability, and tradition could coexist to create
something remarkable.
The Birth of Woolah Tea
With this vision in mind, he founded Woolah Tea—India’s
first bagless tea brand. Woolah, which means "happiness" in Assamese,
aims to offer an eco-friendly and superior tea experience. Unlike conventional
tea bags that contain dust and fannings, Woolah provides whole-leaf teas,
ensuring a richer taste and aroma while eliminating microplastics and harmful
chemicals found in traditional tea bags.
A Revolutionary Tea Experience
What sets Woolah apart is its patented tea balls. These
innovative green tea balls unfurl into whole tea leaves when brewed and can be
reused multiple times, making them both economical and sustainable. Woolah’s
unique approach ensures consumers get the purest tea experience while
contributing to a greener planet.
Empowering Farmers and Women
Beyond creating a unique product, Upamanyu wanted to make a
difference in the lives of tea farmers and women in rural Assam. Woolah Tea
collaborates with small-scale organic tea growers across Assam, Darjeeling,
Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, empowering them with fair wages and
sustainable farming practices. The brand also supports over 140 rural women by
providing them with financial independence through tea processing and packaging
work.
A Pitch That Impressed the Sharks
When Upamanyu walked into the Shark Tank India Season 4
stage, he presented not just a business but a mission-driven enterprise.
Seeking ₹50 lakhs for 1.66% equity, he passionately shared Woolah’s story, its
commitment to sustainability, and its impact on the community. The Sharks were
intrigued by the brand’s biodegradable and eco-friendly innovation, recognizing
its potential to disrupt the tea industry.
A Strategic Deal with Aman Gupta
After an intense pitch and negotiation, Upamanyu secured a
deal of ₹50 lakhs for 2.5% equity, along with an additional 2.5% in advisory
equity. This valued Woolah Tea at ₹20 crores, slightly lower than the initial
valuation of ₹30 crores. The deal came with a strategic partnership with Aman
Gupta, who provided not just financial backing but also invaluable mentorship.
Biography of Upamanyu Borkakoty: Founder & CEO of Woolah Tea -Entrepreneur #startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank india#Woolah Tea story# Upamanyu
A Step Towards Market Expansion
The Shark Tank deal was a turning point for Woolah Tea,
opening doors to greater market visibility and expansion opportunities. With
Aman Gupta’s mentorship, the brand gained access to a broader distribution
network, helping it reach more customers across India and beyond. The
partnership also facilitated product innovation and brand development.
Connecting Consumers to the Source
One of Woolah’s standout features is its transparency. Each
pack comes with a QR code that allows customers to trace the tea’s journey back
to the plantation where it was sourced. This direct connection between
consumers and farmers fosters trust and appreciation for the craftsmanship
behind each cup of tea.
Sustainability at the Core
In an era where environmental concerns are rising, Woolah
Tea positions itself as a sustainable alternative to traditional tea bags. Many
tea bags contain plastic fibers that release microplastics into hot water,
posing health risks and contributing to pollution. Woolah eliminates this issue
with its biodegradable, bagless design, ensuring zero waste while enhancing the
tea-drinking experience.
Breaking the Conventional Tea Culture
Indian households have long relied on dust-based tea bags,
often compromising on flavor and quality for convenience. Woolah is challenging
this norm by offering whole-leaf tea in an easy-to-use form, ensuring both
superior taste and effortless brewing. This shift in perception is gradually
transforming how people experience tea.
The Journey of a Social Entrepreneur
Upamanyu’s journey from a commerce graduate at Zakir Husain
College to an entrepreneur leading a sustainable tea brand is a testament to
his determination. His background in marketing from IMT Ghaziabad played a key
role in shaping Woolah’s branding and outreach, helping it gain traction among
conscious consumers.
Shark Tank: A National Platform
Being featured on Shark Tank India provided Woolah with
nationwide recognition. The episode resonated with viewers who appreciated the
brand’s commitment to sustainability and its mission-driven approach. It also
sparked conversations about the importance of ethical sourcing and eco-friendly
packaging in the tea industry.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like any startup, Woolah faced its share of
challenges—ranging from market education to competition from established
brands. However, the brand’s unique value proposition and the growing consumer
demand for sustainable products worked in its favor, helping it carve out a
niche in the competitive tea market.
The Road Ahead
With increased visibility and a strong investor backing,
Woolah Tea is now focused on expanding its product range, strengthening its
supply chain, and reaching international markets. The company continues to
innovate, ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of its business
while delivering high-quality tea to consumers.
A Cup of Change
Woolah Tea is more than just a beverage brand—it’s a
movement towards conscious consumption, sustainable living, and community
empowerment. Upamanyu Borkakoty’s journey from a tea-loving dreamer in
Sivasagar to a Shark Tank-backed entrepreneur proves that passion, purpose, and
persistence can brew success, one cup at a time.
Timeline for story
1990s – Upamanyu Borkakoty grows up in Sivasagar, Assam,
inspired by his uncle’s tea expertise.
2010s – Completes commerce degree at Zakir Husain College
and marketing studies at IMT Ghaziabad.
2019 – Founds Woolah Tea with a vision for sustainable,
whole-leaf, bagless tea.
2020 – Develops patented tea balls, ensuring a superior and
eco-friendly tea experience.
2021 – Expands partnerships with organic tea farmers and
rural women in Assam.
2022 – Introduces QR code packaging for full transparency in
sourcing.
2023 – Gains national attention for sustainability efforts
and disrupts the tea market.
2024 – Appears on Shark Tank India Season 4, secures ₹50
lakhs from Aman Gupta.
2025 – Focuses on market expansion, product innovation, and
global reach.
