Vikas D Nahar Success Story
Vikas D Nahar is the co-founder and CEO of Happilo, a successful Indian company that produces healthy snacks, particularly dried fruits.
Despite facing 20 failed business ventures earlier, Nahar persevered and built Happilo from a mere Rs 10,000 investment into a Rs 500 crore company.
He also appeared in the second season of Shark Tank India.
Early Life
Vikas D. Nahar was born in 1984 into a family of farmers in Karnataka. His family formerly farmed coffee and black pepper.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial environment, Nahar was inspired to start his own business.
Education and Early Career
Vikas D Nahar pursued higher education at Bangalore University, graduating in 2005 with a degree in computer science.
He began his professional journey as a senior import manager at Jain Group, where he honed his skills in international trade and business management.
Seeking further enhance his business acumen, Nahar left his position to pursue an MBA at Symbiosis International University.
Upon completing his MBA, he took on the role of managing director at Satvikk Specialty Foods, gaining valuable industry experience and insights that would later prove instrumental in launching his successful venture, Happilo.
Journey to Success
Nahar’s entrepreneurial journey was marked by numerous setbacks. He tried around 20 different business ideas, all of which failed.
However, he did not lose hope and continued to work hard.
With perseverance and determination, he launched Happilo in 2016 with just Rs 10,000 and two employees.
Nahar’s ability to learn from his failures and keep pushing forward was crucial to his success.
Happilo’s Growth and Expansion
Happilo has grown significantly since its inception. Today, the company produces over 40 varieties of dried fruits, 60 types of spices, and 100 types of chocolates.
The company’s valuation has soared from the initial Rs 10,000 to a staggering Rs 500 crore.
Nahar’s success story demonstrates that with unwavering commitment and resilience, one can overcome multiple failures and build a thriving business.
His journey is a testament to the power of persistence, innovative thinking, and the importance of learning from setbacks.
Personal Life
Vikas D Nahar’s father, Dhanmal Nahar, is a businessman who has greatly influenced him. From a young age, Vikas admired his father and learned that patience, persistence, and fearlessness are essential for success.
Vikas married Sunita Bansal on March 2, 2014, and they have a daughter.
His brother, Veerendar Nahar, is the Managing Director of Satvikk Specialty Foods Pvt. Ltd., continuing the family’s entrepreneurial tradition.
Awards and Recognitions
Vikas Nahar has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, including:
- Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 by the Indian Achievers Forum
- ET Entrepreneur of the Year
- SIAL Innovation Awards 2022
- Times’ 40 Under 40
Television Appearance
In addition to his business achievements, Nahar was also a guest shark on Shark Tank India Season 2, where he joined other prominent investors, including Aman Gupta, Vinita Singh, Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, and Amit Jain, to evaluate and invest in promising startups.
