Biography of Surabhi Shah: Founder and CEO of Carragreen- Entrepreneur
Biography of Surabhi Shah:
In Indore, a passionate woman named Surabhi Shah embarked on
a mission to make the planet greener and healthier. As a dedicated eco-preneur,
she founded Carragreen, a company that specializes in biodegradable packaging
and stationery. Surabhi's journey was inspired by her parents, who instilled in
her the values of hard work and the importance of sustainable living. Her
desire to create innovative solutions for plastic pollution was driven by a
profound sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Education and Early Career
Surabhi's academic journey began with a degree in
information technology from SRM University in Chennai. After graduating, she
gained valuable experience by working for a multinational company. She then
returned to her family business, which had been in the manufacturing sector for
over three decades. This experience honed her skills and provided her with
practical insights into running a business. It was during this time that
Surabhi realized the significant waste generated in the packaging industry, sparking
the idea for Carragreen.
The Birth of Carragreen
In 2018, Surabhi took a leap of faith and established
Carragreen, aiming to provide eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products.
She started with biodegradable stationery items, such as pens, pencils, and
seed paper diaries, focusing on reducing single-use plastic in daily life.
Surabhi's vision was clear: she wanted to create products that not only served
a purpose but also promoted sustainable living.
Partnering for Success
Soon after launching Carragreen, Surabhi's mother-in-law,
Chetna Shah, joined her as a partner. Chetna brought with her a wealth of
experience from the bakery business, which proved invaluable. Their partnership
thrived as they combined their strengths—Surabhi focusing on manufacturing and
marketing, while Chetna handled customer relations and design. This familial
bond added an extra layer of support and understanding, making their
entrepreneurial journey more enjoyable and productive.
Tackling Plastic Pollution
The duo recognized the urgent need to combat plastic
pollution, a pressing issue affecting their planet. They aimed to replace
conventional plastic packaging with biodegradable alternatives. Through
extensive research and consumer analysis, they developed products that were
both innovative and affordable. Carragreen's range expanded to include items
like biodegradable spoons and food packaging, addressing a significant gap in
the market for eco-friendly solutions.
Recognition and Support
Carragreen's efforts did not go unnoticed. The company was
selected for the prestigious Stanford Seed Spark Program, which provided access
to world-class faculty and resources tailored for entrepreneurs in Asia.
Surabhi was also proud to have Carragreen recognized as one of the top 100 women-led
startups in India, affirming the impact of their sustainable initiatives. These
accolades not only boosted their confidence but also helped them connect with a
network of influential leaders.
Biography of Surabhi Shah: Founder and CEO of Carragreen- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/biodegradable stationery/Carragreen story
A Game-Changing Moment on Shark Tank
In December 2021, Surabhi and Chetna made a bold move by
pitching Carragreen on Shark Tank India. Competing against 68,000 startups,
they were thrilled to be among the 60 chosen to present their business. Their
pitch was well-received, leading to an investment of ₹50 lakh in exchange for
20% equity in the company. This moment marked a turning point for Carragreen,
providing the financial backing needed to scale their operations.
Innovative Product Development
With the funding from Shark Tank, Carragreen focused on
developing unique products that stood out in a competitive market. They
introduced items like "carraspoons" and "carraboxes," which
were not only biodegradable but also designed for versatility. These products
could transform from packaging into plates and spoons, showcasing the brand's
commitment to sustainability and innovation. Their innovative designs captured
the attention of both consumers and businesses alike.
Building a Strong Customer Base
Carragreen's B2B model began to thrive as they secured
partnerships with well-known brands like Haldirams and Balaji Foods. Their
reputation for providing high-quality, eco-friendly packaging solutions grew,
and they established a loyal customer base. Surabhi and Chetna continued to
emphasize their mission of promoting sustainable practices, and their products
became increasingly popular among environmentally conscious consumers.
A New Chapter as a Mother
As Surabhi embraced motherhood, her commitment to
sustainability deepened. She became even more determined to leave a better
world for her child and future generations. This personal journey inspired her
to advocate for women's empowerment and champion eco-friendly initiatives.
Surabhi saw her role as not just a businesswoman but also a mentor for other
aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Surabhi
began speaking at schools, colleges, and various platforms to raise awareness
about sustainability. She shared her experiences and the significance of making
eco-conscious choices in daily life. Surabhi believed that empowering young
minds was crucial for fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation in
the future.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
With Carragreen's continued success, Surabhi and Chetna have
ambitious plans for the future. They aim to expand their product range further,
introducing reusable packaging solutions for various consumer goods. Their
vision extends beyond just selling products; they aspire to inspire a movement
towards sustainable living. By collaborating with like-minded individuals and
organizations, they hope to amplify their impact on the environment.
Breaking Barriers in Business
The first season of Shark Tank India highlighted a major shift in the startup ecosystem, with nearly half the funded businesses having women co-founders, and 15% being led by solo female founders. Judges like Namita Thapar from Emcure Pharmaceuticals and Vineeta Singh of SUGAR Cosmetics were thrilled to see such representation. Vineeta, in particular, admired Malvica Saxena, who defied expectations from her traditional family to build a funky footwear brand, Quirky Naari. Another inspiring story was that of Jimmy Shah, who launched a sugar-free ice cream business with her children, bringing a powerful sense of clarity and purpose to the pitch. The support of male investors like Anupam Mittal, Peyush Bansal, Aman Gupta, and Ashneer Grover further underscored a growing inclusivity in startup investments.
Green Innovations and Family Partnerships
One standout story was that of Surabhi Shah, who left her job at TCS to start Carragreen, an eco-friendly brand focused on biodegradable stationery and packaging. Her mother-in-law, Chetna, later joined her, contributing valuable business insights from her bakery background. Carragreen developed clever products like seed paper calendars and wooden Carraspoons, along with food boxes that can turn into plates and spoons. The startup, incubated at IIM-Bangalore and part of the top 100 women-led ventures chosen by NSRCEL, impressed the sharks and received Rs 50 lakh in funding from Peyush Bansal and Anupam Mittal. The entrepreneurs hope the sharks’ experience and networks will help their green mission thrive.
Young Leaders and Skincare Success
Among the youngest achievers was 13-year-old Anoushka Jolly, who turned her concern over school bullying into a mission. After witnessing bullying in sixth grade, she created the Anti-Bullying Squad and later developed the Kavach app to enable students and parents to anonymously report incidents. Her project aims to create safer school environments with real-time reporting and data-driven solutions. On a different note, Aishwarya Biswas combined her beauty industry knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to build Auli Lifestyle, a holistic skincare and wellness brand. Starting from her home in 2017, the business now has over 50,000 customers and donates part of its profits to support Honey Hunter families in the Sunderbans. Her impactful pitch earned her Rs 75 lakh from Namita Thapar for 15% equity, marking another win for women-led businesses on the show.
A Legacy of Change
Surabhi Shah's journey from a young engineer to a successful
eco-preneur reflects her unwavering dedication to making a difference. Through
Carragreen, she has created a legacy of innovation and sustainability.
Surabhi's story is not just about business; it is about a commitment to
preserving the planet for future generations. Her efforts continue to inspire
others to join the fight against plastic pollution, proving that change is
possible when passion meets purpose.
A timeline for Surabhi Shah’s journey with Carragreen:
1990s - Surabhi inspired by parents’ values of hard work and
sustainability.
2013 - Graduates with a degree in information technology
from SRM University.
2015 - Joins family business, gaining insights into
manufacturing.
2018 - Founds Carragreen, focusing on biodegradable
stationery.
2020 - Partners with mother-in-law Chetna to expand the
business.
2021 - Carragreen selected for the Stanford Seed Spark Program.
December 2021 - Pitches on Shark Tank India, securing ₹50
lakh investment.
2022 - Launches innovative products like
"carraspoons" and "carraboxes."
2023 - Establishes partnerships with major brands like
Haldirams.
2024 - Advocates for sustainability and women’s empowerment
in communities.
