The chronicles of entrepreneurship are often laden with stories of persistence and perseverance. Vikas D Nahar’s journey embodies this narrative, as he encountered failure not once but 20 times before birthing a thriving health snack business. Today, Vikas stands tall as the founder of Happilo, a leading direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand renowned for its dried fruits, nuts, and nutritious snacks. Nahar’s philosophy is clear: “Running a startup is not a sprint, but a marathon,” a belief that has seen him through the most challenging periods.
From the verdant fields of Karnataka, where his family managed coffee and black pepper plantations, the seeds of entrepreneurship were sown early in Vikas’s life. Observing his father and brother build their endeavors from the ground up, Vikas understood that success was a product of hard work and dedication. His family’s background in agriculture laid the foundations for what would become a significant enterprise, now valued at approximately Rs 500 crore.
Vikas Nahar’s educational journey equipped him with the tools to navigate the complex world of business. He completed his MBA from Symbiosis International University, strengthening his management skills between 2008 and 2010. Prior to this, in 2005, he graduated from Bangalore University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Application, which gave him a technical edge in the increasingly digital landscape of modern commerce.
The practical experience came from his role as a senior import manager with the Jain Group after his graduation. This position allowed him to hone his skills in international trade and business strategies. Yearning for further education, he pursued his MBA, which in turn led him to Satvikk Specialty Foods where he served as managing director. It was here where Vikas accrued invaluable experience, prepping the stage for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
The road to success, however, was far from smooth. Before Happilo became a household name, Vikas braved through nearly two decades of unsuccessful ventures, each failure providing a critical lesson in resilience and fortitude. His unyielding spirit was the catalyst for what happened in 2016—the founding of Happilo. Against the odds and with a humble capital of just Rs 10,000, Vikas launched his venture, which started with just two employees.
Happilo’s inaugural product, ‘Trail mix’, was a sensational hit, tapping into the growing market of health-conscious consumers. It signaled the birth of a brand that would come to be associated with quality and wellness. The company’s exponential growth is a testament to Vikas’s strategic vision and an understanding of the evolving consumer preferences towards healthier lifestyle choices.
The significance of Nahar’s achievements was recognized on a national level when he appeared as a guest judge on the popular reality TV show Shark Tank India in March 2023. His participation showcased his acumen and positioned him as an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs across the country.
Beyond the glittering valuation and recognition lies a tale of a man who saw each failure as a stepping stone. It is a lesson in entrepreneurship that transcends industries—the value of unwavering perseverance in the pursuit of one’s dreams. Vikas D Nahar, with his company Happilo, symbolizes the potential of what can be achieved with patience, tenacity, and an unfailing belief in one’s vision.
As the world continues to navigate through health crises and shifting economic landscapes, businesses like Happilo serve not only as beacons of success but also as reminders of the potential inherent in every determined entrepreneur. Vikas D Nahar’s story is not just one of personal triumph but a narrative that fuels the hopes of countless others looking to leave their mark through innovation and indomitable spirit.
