Brands
We believe in continuously evolving our menu to keep customers excited: Fat Tiger co-founders
Mumbai: Amidst the enticing aroma of spices and the hustle of daily life, Sahaj Chopra and Sahil Arya embarked on a flavorful journey that would redefine quick-service dining. Their brainchild, Fat Tiger, born in 2019, stands as a testament to their diverse backgrounds — one steeped in culinary arts, the other in finance and business development.
Indiantelevision.com caught up with Fat Tiger co-founders & directors Sahaj Chopra and Sahil Arya to gain deeper insights into their genesis, thriving strategy during the pandemic, their upcoming innovations and more…
Edited Excerpts:
On the inspiration to venture into the QSR sector and start Fat Tiger, given that both of you come from completely different backgrounds
The broad customer base and need for quick dining options in the QSR industry make it a promising market. We were motivated to provide excellent dining experiences for people by our passion for food. Entering the QSR industry was partly motivated by shifts in customer behaviour towards quick and easy dining options. One of us had extensive experience in the culinary arts, while the other had a strong background in business and marketing. This combination allowed us to create a brand that not only focuses on delicious and high-quality food but also on effective business strategies and customer engagement.
On Fat Tiger adapting its strategy to thrive during the pandemic
To reassure clients and staff, strict hygienic measures, contactless delivery choices, and adherence to health regulations were being put into place. To accommodate clients who remained at home, there was a greater focus on delivery services and maximising the effectiveness of takeaway operations. As well as optimising operational efficiency by modifying store hours and staffing levels in response to changes in local regulations and demand.
On Fat Tiger differentiating itself from other brands to capture and retain customer loyalty
This is achieved by having a distinctive menu, excellent customer service, and a great product selection, particularly for momos and boba tea. By fostering assurance and consistently exceeding customer expectations, ensuring all stores guarantee the use of premium ingredients and uniform food preparation. actively seeking out consumer input and applying it to enhance services, menu selections, and general client happiness.
On maintaining the authenticity of your offerings while also adapting to changing consumer preferences
We try our best to keep up with changing consumer tastes by following market trends, consumer input, and industry studies. Recognise the driving forces behind alterations in eating habits, dietary preferences, and taste. The cuisine should be gradually updated to reflect current trends without sacrificing authenticity. This could be changing the menu to match current customer interests, offering limited-time promotions, or rotating the menu seasonally.
On any upcoming projects or innovations we can expect from Fat Tiger
Yes, we are excited to share that we are working on expanding our menu to include new and innovative offerings. We believe in continuously evolving and enhancing our menu to keep our customers excited and engaged. Additionally, we are exploring ways to integrate more technology into our operations to improve customer convenience and streamline our processes. This might include enhancing our online ordering system, introducing a loyalty program, and exploring new delivery options. Our focus is on providing a delightful and seamless dining experience for our customers, both in-store and through our digital platforms.
On your plans for scaling Fat Tiger nationally and potentially internationally
Through examining more into partnership or franchise arrangements in order to enable quick market expansion. Since we are already expanding swiftly and with a similar strategy throughout India, we would like to expand internationally as well, especially since our product offering is well-rounded in terms of flavour and inclusiveness. In order to choose a partner, one must look for suitable franchisees or strategic partners who are able to maintain the brand’s standards and comprehend local markets.
Brands
Aman Gupta’s OFF/BEAT secures Rs 100 crore seed funding round
Bessemer backs new venture betting on AI and India’s digital shift
MUMBAI: Aman Gupta has raised Rs 100 crore in seed funding for his new venture OFF/BEAT, with Bessemer Venture Partners leading the round as it bets on a new wave of AI-led, consumer-first businesses in India.
The funding marks an early but significant push for OFF/BEAT, which is positioned to tap into a rapidly evolving market shaped by a digitally native generation and advances in artificial intelligence. The venture aims to build at the intersection of culture and technology, where brand identity and innovation increasingly go hand in hand.
Gupta, best known for co-founding boAt and scaling it into a Rs 3,000 crore-plus business, is now looking to apply those learnings to a new playbook. His focus this time is not just on building a consumer brand, but on leveraging AI and global networks to accelerate growth.
OFF/BEAT founder Aman Gupta said, “Having built from scratch before, I know what capital can do and what it cannot. This time, I was looking for partners with a global perspective who can help me leverage technology and AI, because that is where the future lies. Bessemer’s track record with companies like Anthropic, Shopify, Canva and LinkedIn says it all.”
The choice of investor reflects that ambition. Bessemer Venture Partners has backed global technology players such as Anthropic, Shopify, Canva and LinkedIn, bringing not just capital but strategic support and global reach.
Bessemer Venture Partners partner Anant Vidur Puri said, “We back founders who see around corners. Aman saw how a new India would come to think about aspiration, identity and quality, and built boAt as proof. He is now applying that same instinct to a market being reshaped by AI and by a generation with entirely new expectations.”
The investment comes at a time when India’s startup ecosystem is being reshaped by both consumer behaviour and technological disruption. Founders are increasingly expected to understand not just products, but the cultural shifts that drive adoption.
For OFF/BEAT, the journey is just beginning, but the signal is clear. In a market where attention is fleeting and expectations are rising, building something truly distinctive may be the only way to stay on beat.
