Biography of Zoya Biglary: Founder and CEO of Finneato Fysh Foods -Entrepreneur
Biography of Zoya Biglary:
Vision for Inclusion: Creating Fysh Foods
Zoya Biglary, an established chef and entrepreneur, wanted
to make sure people who didn’t eat raw fish could still enjoy delicious,
sustainable seafood alternatives. Her inspiration came from the challenge she
faced when dining out at her favorite restaurants. As someone who didn’t eat
raw fish, she often found herself stuck with limited options, like avocado
rolls or an assortment of veggies. This gap in the market led her to create
Fysh Foods, a revolutionary plant-based seafood company.
The Birth of Fysh Foods
Zoya, alongside her co-founder Alix Traeger, who previously
worked for BuzzFeed Tasty, set out to create an alternative that could satisfy
both the environmental and dietary concerns of conscious consumers. Fysh Foods
offers a fully vegan alternative to raw fish, with no food coloring, soy, or
chemicals. The plant-based seafood is designed to be the cleanest option in the
seafood aisle, free of harmful elements like mercury, parasites, and
microplastics, and it’s as tasty as it is sustainable.
The Journey to Shark Tank
In September 2021, Zoya officially launched Fysh Foods from
her apartment kitchen in Los Angeles. Starting with a shoestring budget, she
self-funded the venture, ensuring that the product remained top quality despite
limited resources. The brand's focus was on creating a plant-based seafood
alternative that was not only sustainable but also delicious. She knew the
challenges that lay ahead but remained committed to her vision of making people
feel included at the table.
Biography of Zoya Biglary: Founder and CEO of Finneato Fysh Foods -Entrepreneur#startup#age#net worth#investor#Finneato Fysh Foods story#shark tank
Fysh Foods and the Seafood Industry
When presenting Fysh Foods on Shark Tank, Zoya and Alix
highlighted the serious issues plaguing the seafood industry, such as
overfishing, pollution, and the environmental costs of consuming fish. They
introduced Fysh as a sustainable solution that could help combat these
problems. Their pitch wasn’t solely about the product—it was also a call for
awareness and change in the way seafood is produced and consumed.
Shark Tank Pitch: Overcoming Hurdles
On Shark Tank, the duo initially asked for $150,000 in
exchange for 10% equity in Fysh Foods. However, the Sharks raised several
concerns, including the company's financials and the scalability of its
business. Despite some setbacks, Zoya remained confident and focused on the
mission of Fysh Foods. She wasn’t willing to compromise on the quality of the
product, even if that meant growing the business slowly but steadily.
Getting the Deal
Despite the initial resistance from the Sharks, Fysh Foods
found an ally in guest Shark Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of KIND Snacks.
Lubetzky recognized the potential in Fysh Foods and offered to invest $150,000
for a 40% stake in the company. After negotiations, the deal was finalized at
$150,000 for a 30% stake, giving Fysh Foods the investment it needed to expand
operations and continue growing the brand.
A Game-Changing Product
Fysh Foods is more than just a seafood alternative—it’s a
game-changer for conscious consumers. It provides a delicious, plant-based
option for people who want to enjoy the flavors of seafood without the negative
environmental impact. By offering a sustainable alternative, Fysh Foods is
helping reshape the future of the seafood industry. The brand has been gaining
attention in restaurants and catering companies, making waves in the food
industry.
Sustainability at the Core
One of the main selling points of Fysh Foods is its
commitment to sustainability. Unlike traditional seafood, Fysh Foods is made
without harmful additives or chemicals. It contains clean, plant-based
ingredients that are not only good for the environment but also for the health
of consumers. The product has no soy, gluten, or mercury, making it a safe and
guilt-free alternative to fish.
Reaching New Heights
With the backing of Daniel Lubetzky, Fysh Foods is on its
way to growing and expanding its reach. The company is already starting to make
a mark in restaurants and catering services that cater to conscious consumers.
Zoya’s journey from a small kitchen in Los Angeles to securing a deal on Shark
Tank shows the power of perseverance and vision in the world of
entrepreneurship.
Commitment to Quality
Zoya's journey with Fysh Foods is a testament to the
importance of staying true to your values. From day one, she prioritized the
quality of her ingredients, never compromising on the product’s integrity. Even
when faced with challenges, Zoya’s commitment to producing the best plant-based
seafood alternative remained unwavering. It was this dedication that allowed
Fysh Foods to stand out in a competitive market.
The Future of Fysh Foods
Looking ahead, Fysh Foods is set to become a major player in
the plant-based food space. With the growing demand for sustainable and
health-conscious food options, Fysh Foods is poised to capture the attention of
more consumers who are seeking alternatives to traditional seafood. Zoya and
Alix's story is an inspiring reminder that with passion, dedication, and a
clear vision, anything is possible in the world of entrepreneurship.
Timeline for story
September 2021 – Zoya launches Fysh Foods from her apartment
kitchen in Los Angeles.
2021 – Fysh Foods focuses on creating a sustainable,
plant-based seafood alternative.
2021 – Zoya and Alix pitch Fysh Foods on Shark Tank, seeking
$150,000 for 10% equity.
2021 – Fysh Foods secures a deal with Daniel Lubetzky for
$150,000 in exchange for 30% equity.
2022 – Fysh Foods expands its reach, gaining attention in
restaurants and catering services.
2023 – Fysh Foods continues growing, gaining recognition for
its sustainable and plant-based offerings.
