Turning Setbacks into Success: iD Fresh's Journey

Hey there,

Failed 6th grade. Failed car business. Failed messaging app.

But today, Musthafa has turned iD Fresh into a ₹2000 Cr idli-dosa empire that churns out batter for ONE MILLION idlis daily! 🤯

Thread on how he did it👇

Musthafa's journey didn't begin on a high note. Failing the 6th grade, his academic prospects seemed bleak. But after taking his teacher's advice to heart, he continued schooling and finished his MBA at IIM Bangalore. A testament to his resilience.

His entrepreneurial spirit bloomed at an early age. At just 10, Musthafa helped his father with daily wage work and even started a makeshift kirana store. He’s had business in his blood since childhood.

Life wasn’t always smooth for Musthafa. In his early 20s, he started an online second-hand car showroom and a messaging app. Both ventures had to shut down. Yet, he didn't let these failures derail him.

The turning point came when his cousins approached him for assistance with their idli batter business in 2005. Here, Musthafa saw a niche waiting to be tapped into and leaped. His ability to spot opportunities amidst problems speaks volumes about his entrepreneurial acumen.

Let's revisit how the whole thing started:

- Initial Investment: 50,000 rupees
- Team Members: 5 people
- Kitchen Size: 50 sq ft.

Musthafa wanted to solve the hygiene and quality issues plaguing the Indian batter business. iD Fresh was his solution, a brand offering clean packaging, zero preservatives, and only fresh stock. An example of identifying and addressing a gap in the market.

Interestingly, for the first eight years, iD Fresh relied solely on organic growth, without spending a penny on marketing. An unconventional approach that highlights the firm belief in its product's value.

Today, iD Fresh isn't just about idli batter. The company has diversified into a range of ready-to-eat foods, boasting a revenue of nearly Rs 400 crores. Musthafa's venture also crosses borders, exporting to places like UAE, USA, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Canada. His humble venture has truly become a global sensation.

Musthafa's journey is a perfect example of how an unyielding spirit, combined with a sharp business mind, can turn any situation around.

From a school dropout to the captain of a 2000 Cr business, he proves that it's not about how you start, but how you finish. And Musthafa, without a doubt, is finishing strong.

✍️ Jargon of the day

Inventory management: 

Organizing and keeping track of all the items a company sells. It involves knowing how much of each item you have, where it is, and when you need to get more.

Good inventory management makes sure a company always has enough products to sell without having too much lying around. It's like making sure your kitchen has all the ingredients you need but not so much that things go to waste.

Loved this edition? Or have some thoughts to share? We'd love to hear from you

Cheers,
Karthik