From Bollywood Dreams to Croffle Empire: A Shark Tank Success Story
Rahul Vohra once shared screen space with Shah Rukh Khan. Today, he runs a thriving food business. His journey took a dramatic turn when he quit the film industry to start The Croffle Guys with friends.
The Pitch That Won Over Sharks
Shark Tank India Season 5 opened with a memorable pitch. Four young founders from Mumbai presented their unique product. They called it a croffle – a clever hybrid of croissant and waffle.
The panel of sharks included Kunal Bahl, Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Aman Gupta, and Mohit Yadav. The Croffle Guys asked for Rs 1 crore investment for just 1% equity. This bold move valued their company at Rs 100 crores.
The founders impressed the sharks with their film industry background. They walked away with a deal from Kunal Bahl and Mohit Yadav. The sharks invested Rs 2.5 crores for 5% equity in the company.
Why They Chose Kunal and Mohit
Rahul Vohra explained their decision in an exclusive interview. "We loved all the sharks," he said. "But Kunal has experience scaling a QSR business. We thought his expertise would really help us."
Mohit Yadav offered valuable insights too. He suggested a cloud-first approach to make The Croffle Guys a national brand. The founders found this strategy particularly appealing.
Humble Beginnings at Food Stalls
The Croffle Guys started small. They set up stalls at various events to test their product. On the first day, their stall often stood empty. People didn't understand what a croffle was.
"Croffle was an alien word to them," Rahul recalled. "We put up beautiful stalls, but people just walked by." The team worked hard to explain their product. They offered free samples to curious customers.
Their persistence paid off. Word of mouth spread quickly. Customers who tried the croffle returned with friends and family. This organic growth gave the founders confidence in their product.
Shark Tank's Immediate Impact
The television appearance boosted their business significantly. "Our journey has just begun," Rahul stated. "We can now make croffle a bread category in this country."
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- Daily store revenue increased by 30%
- Social media followers grew substantially
- Footfall at their stores rose noticeably
- They opened a fourth shop in Matunga
The founders prepared for this visibility surge. They set up systems to handle increased demand. Their preparation ensured they could service new customers effectively.
Leaving the Film Industry Behind
Rahul Vohra's film career included significant achievements. He worked with director Kabir Khan for nine years. "He is like a father figure to me," Rahul shared. "I went from being an intern to co-directing a film with him."
His advertisement with Shah Rukh Khan remains a highlight. "Doing an ad with SRK was like a dream come true," he remembered. "It was a proud moment just to be in his presence."
Quitting the industry wasn't easy. Rahul spent nearly a decade building his film career. "After I got married, it felt like the right step," he explained. "This opportunity presented itself like it was God-given."
Future Plans and Expansion
The Croffle Guys have ambitious plans. They're hiring senior industry professionals to strengthen their team. They're building proper structures and systems to support future growth.
Rahul emphasized their collaborative approach. "Everyone plays their role," he said. "That's what makes it special. We take each day as it comes."
The founders remain grateful for their Shark Tank experience. "You get validation from respected investors," Rahul noted. "As a first-time founder, you feel you're on the right path."
Their story shows how passion and persistence can create success. From film sets to food stalls, The Croffle Guys continue their delicious journey.
