Rally | Ani Sanyal: Brewing Capital in Chai
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Spotlight | Ani Sanyal from Kolkata Chai Co.
Ani Sanyal started Kolkata Chai 6 years ago, in 2018, to bring authentic masala chai to New York City. Since then, he has created a powerful and meaningful cultural experience in the heart of Manhattan, centering both comfort and connection. Gold House Ventures is proud to support Kolkata Chai and we are excited to spotlight Ani’s work below.
How do you see this ecosystem evolving and changing in the coming years? What is your long-term conviction in the space?
As tastes evolve and Western palates crave authentic culinary experiences, we believe the future of Asian American consumer goods is bright. Chai, a drink enjoyed by approximately 80 million people globally each day, is largely underrepresented on Western grocery shelves. We believe chai is poised to become the next Asian-inspired beverage obsession in America, following in the footsteps of matcha, boba tea, and others. The South Asian population has grown by 37% since 2010, further supporting our thesis that chai will become an essential part of consumer habits in the next 2-3 years.
What is your advice for founders looking to fundraise, particularly those who may be raising for the first time? What specific challenges did you experience? What kinds of investors do you like working with?
My advice for those raising for the first time would be to know the details of your business inside and out and know how to tell your story in a way that captivates investors while leaving some details to imagination. It might take much longer than you expect to close, so resiliency and not taking anything personally during your fundraise is key as well. When we first raised in 2021, we did it without any institutional contacts or pedigree, but eventually chipped away until we connected enough dots to close the round.
Are there any unique challenges you see in 2024 and beyond?
More skepticism from investors around deploying capital in 2024. More examples of companies that failed to deliver as cautionary tales to stay away from certain verticals (ex: consumer product goods) will create headwinds too.
What key qualities do you look for in investors / VCs?
Most importantly, we are looking for patient capital. In addition to that, we like to work with investors who know where to add value and where to let founders lead.
What is your greatest strength as a founder? What is your advice for other founders who want to cultivate this superpower?
My greatest strength is being able to digest multiple perspectives and points of information to make the best decision for my company at that point in time. Indecision or moving without urgency ruins early stage companies, and it’s important to make decisions confidently while allowing for as many “two way door” decisions as possible.
What’s a small, step-change habit that has served you well, and you would recommend other founders to adopt?
Reframe every hardship, setback or difficult period as a time to learn more than you’d ever learn if things were going smoothly. These learnings help you build a resilient, anti-fragile company that is built for the long haul.
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Why is representation in startup leadership important to you? Why might Gold House Ventures be an impactful fund in the ecosystem?
The founder journey is long and harrowing. Knowing you have an ecosystem of caring, helpful individuals can make all the difference during the times you get stuck. GHV has continuously proven to have a team of people who go above and beyond to create a nurturing, educational environment to lean on while on this journey.
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