A Tale of Youthful Determination and Innovation
21 years old Dhruv Verna and Sahil Manral, embarked on their entrepreneurial venture and founded Rizebar Solutions Private Limited in July 2023, after identifying a gap in the market for nutritious snacks. Facing challenges such as convincing manufacturers and securing funding, their passion for health and unwavering determination fueled their journey.
Q1. How did the idea for your company come about (inspiration), and could you share the initial challenges you faced?
Dhruv: Sahil and I are both health enthusiasts; we love hitting the gym and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We realized there was a gap in the market for nutritious snacks that not only provided ample protein but also tasted great without compromising on quality. To address this need, we embarked on a journey to create a premium health and wellness brand. Rize is the culmination of that vision. We conceived the idea in April 2023, established Rizebar Solutions in July 2023, and recently launched our products.
We must highlight that we’re still in college, juggling academic responsibilities alongside our entrepreneurial endeavors, with the unwavering support of our parents. One significant challenge we faced was convincing manufacturers to take us seriously. Being young entrepreneurs, many were hesitant to collaborate with us, doubting our ability to execute our vision.
Sahil: Additionally, securing funding posed a major hurdle. As college students with limited financial resources, we had to get creative in finding investors who believed in our concept and were willing to take a chance on us. However, we eventually found partners who shared our vision and helped us bring our products to the market.
Q2. How did you navigate these challenges and stay motivated?
Dhruv: Our passion for health and wellness served as a driving force throughout the journey. Despite setbacks, we remained steadfast in our commitment to bringing our products to market.
Sahil: Surrounding ourselves with a supportive network of mentors, friends, and family members also played a crucial role. Their encouragement and guidance helped us stay focused during tough times.
Q3. Can you tell us the story behind the name “Rize”?
Dhruv: We wanted a name that reflected our mission to uplift and energize consumers. “Rize” symbolizes the idea of rising to new heights, both physically and mentally. The unique spelling with a “Z” adds a modern touch to the brand. The choice of the sun as our branding symbolizes energy and vitality, welcoming customers to a new life.
Sahil: The sun is symbolic of warmth and new beginnings. This branding concept is something we’re currently exploring further.
Q4. Could you elaborate on the products you’ve developed under the Rize brand?
Dhruv: Initially, we launched with three products: Energy bars, formulated to provide a healthy source of sustained energy without the crash associated with caffeine, Dream Bites, melatonin chocolates designed to aid sleep, and Bliss Bites, chocolates tailored to alleviate menstrual discomfort. We’re proud to say that our products hold seven certifications including FDA, FASAID, GMP, HACCP, Kosher, and Halal.
Q5. How did you decide which ingredients to include in your products?
Dhruv: Our ingredient selection is guided by our commitment to providing nutritious, functional snacks. We prioritize natural, high-quality ingredients that offer health benefits without compromising on taste.
Sahil: Transparency is key for us, ensuring that our customers know exactly what they’re consuming. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, and we strive to educate our consumers about the nutritional value of our products.
Q6. Could you provide further insights into your energy bars?
Dhruv: Our energy bars are meticulously crafted to offer a sustained source of energy, free from the crash typically associated with caffeine or sugar-heavy snacks. We’ve curated a selection of ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, renowned for their richness in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Flavours: 1) Berry Blast with oats, cranberries, strawberries, redberries, white chocholate and taurine, 2) Caramel Crunch with oats, almonds, corn flakes, caffeine, taurine and peanuts, and 3) Chocho Brownie with oats, taurine, corn flakes, almonds, caffeine and peanuts.
Our emphasis on quality and transparency sets our energy bars apart. Each batch is carefully prepared in small quantities to ensure uniformity and freshness. We provide comprehensive details about the ingredients and nutritional composition, empowering consumers to make informed choices with every bite. The positive reception from our customers underscores the success of our energy bars, praised for their delightful taste, pleasing texture, and efficacy. We remain dedicated to refining and enhancing our products to meet the dynamic demands of our clientele.
Sahil: Beyond delivering a swift energy boost, our bars are fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall health and well-being. Whether it’s a midday pick-me-up at work or an energy surge before a workout, our energy bars offer the ideal solution. We continually innovate and explore new flavors and formulations to ensure our product range remains diverse and enticing. Our ambition is to provide a wide array of options to cater to various tastes and dietary requirements. We eagerly anticipate witnessing how our energy bars continue to inspire individuals to embrace healthier, more active lifestyles. We firmly believe that nutrition is pivotal in fueling success, and we are privileged to contribute to our customers’ wellness journeys.
Q6. How do you differentiate Rize Bar products from other health and wellness brands in the market?
Dhruv: One of the key factors that sets Rize Bars apart is our focus on functionality. While many brands offer healthy snacks, we go a step further by formulating our products to address specific health concerns, such as sleep quality or menstrual discomfort.
Sahil: Additionally, our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing resonates with environmentally-conscious consumers. We believe that by prioritizing these values, we can create a brand that not only nourishes the body but also supports a healthier planet.
Q7. How does Rize incorporate sustainability into its products and practices?
Dhruv: Sustainability is a core value for us. All our packaging is recyclable, and we’re committed to minimizing food waste during production. We’re constantly exploring ways to further reduce our environmental impact while maintaining the quality of our products.
Q8. What do you think about the snack bar market?
Dhruv: The snack bar market is highly competitive, especially in India, where numerous players are entering the market with their healthy bars. However, some brands make misleading claims, such as being sugar-free while using harmful sweeteners. We aim to maintain the integrity of our products amidst this saturation.
Sahil: With the mass production of snack bars, we’re observing a decline in ingredient quality. We’re committed to eliminating this from our brand and offering only the best to our customers.
Q9. What about your plans for expansion? What regions or markets are you targeting next?
Dhruv: While our primary focus is establishing a strong presence in the Indian market, we’re also eyeing international expansion. Markets like the United States and Europe show promising demand for healthy, functional snacks. Our strategy involves online penetration first, followed by retail and distribution channels, including placement in airlines and the HoReCa sector.
Q10. What’s next for Rize Bars?
Dhruv & Sahil: We have exciting plans for the future, including expanding our product line to include innovative offerings like aphrodisiac chocolates, hangover chocolates, and acne-fighting treats. Our goal is to become a global leader in the health and wellness industry, empowering consumers to live healthier, happier lives.
Q11. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience? What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or individuals looking to start their own business ventures in the snack bar industry?
Dhruv: Our advice would be to focus on building relationships with like-minded individuals who share your vision for the brand. Keep moving forward relentlessly; Sahil and I haven’t stopped since we started, working tirelessly every day and weekend. This rapid pace allowed us to launch quickly.
Sahil: Typically, startups spend 1-2 years before an official launch. Our ability to forge strong connections and evolve quickly has been pivotal to our success.
Dhruv: We’d like to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported us on this journey, from our loyal customers to our dedicated team members. Without their unwavering support, none of this would be possible.
Sahil: And to all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there, pursue your passions relentlessly. Don’t let age or experience deter you from chasing your dreams. With hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, anything is possible.
With relentless dedication and youthful vigor, Dhruv and Sahil are not just shaping the future of the health food industry; they’re redefining what it means to pursue your dreams fearlessly, regardless of age or experience. As Rizebars continues to soar, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with passion, perseverance, and a sprinkle of audacity, anything is possible.
