Ahana Gautam, the visionary founder and CEO of Open Secret, has achieved a significant milestone as her startup crosses a remarkable turnover of Rs 100 crore. This accomplishment is the result of Gautam’s courageous decision to leave her well-paying job at the age of 30 and embark on a journey to revolutionize the landscape of healthy snacks in India.
An alumna of IIT-Bombay and Harvard University, Gautam’s entrepreneurial journey began during her MBA at Harvard. The pivotal moment came when she recognized the pressing need to ‘unjunk’ Indian snacks. Inspired by a visit to a Whole Foods store in the US, Gautam identified a gap in the market for better-for-you products in India.
Open Secret, Gautam’s brainchild, has not only filled this gap but has also achieved remarkable success in a relatively short period. The journey, marked by risks and challenges, is a testament to Gautam’s determination and vision for a healthier snack industry in India.
Gautam attributes her confidence and success to her mother, who not only provided the initial seed capital for Open Secret but also instilled crucial values. Her mother emphasized the significance of education in leveling the playing field and the importance of financial independence.
Acting as a shield against societal pressures, Gautam’s mother supported her decision to pursue entrepreneurship before succumbing to societal expectations like marriage. This unwavering support empowered Gautam to follow her passion, overcome biases, and achieve success with Open Secret.
Despite facing personal loss during the challenging times of the second wave of COVID-19, Gautam’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have propelled Open Secret to become a major player in the healthy snacks market.
