Biography of Roshaan V Mishra: Founder & CEO of Brandsdaddy- Entrepreneur
Biography of Roshaan V Mishra:
Roshaan V Mishra, the founder of Brandsdaddy, has always
been driven by a passion for solving real-world problems. Born with a keen
interest in both business and technology, he started his career in the
insurance industry, working his way up from a sales manager to a strategic role
in Vietnam. His professional journey involved stints with major insurance
companies, but his true entrepreneurial spirit was ignited after a personal
experience that would change his life forever.
A Personal Tragedy That Sparked an Idea
One of the most defining moments in Roshaan's life came from
a tragic event during his childhood. His father worked at a mill, and one day,
a fire broke out. Their house, located in a nearby slum, was one of the first
to catch fire. The family had to spend the night at a railway station after
losing everything in the blaze. This traumatic experience made Roshaan acutely
aware of the dangers of fire and the lack of accessible solutions for immediate
fire control. The incident stayed with him for years, inspiring him to seek a
way to fight fires without having to be physically close to the flames.
Entering the Entrepreneurial World
In 2012, Roshaan decided to channel his frustration into
something positive. He founded Brandsdaddy, a company focused on creating
innovative products that could solve real-life problems. Drawing inspiration
from his father’s fire-related experience, he focused on developing a product
that could help prevent fires from spreading. Brandsdaddy’s mission was simple
yet impactful: to manufacture affordable, high-quality products that people
could use without the need for specialized training.
The Birth of the AFE Ball
Roshaan’s breakthrough idea was to create an automatic fire
extinguisher (AFE) that could be used easily by anyone in case of a fire
emergency. After years of research and development, Brandsdaddy launched the
AFE ball, a lightweight, portable device designed to extinguish fires by
releasing a white powder when thrown or placed near flames. The product was not
only simple to use but also required no maintenance, making it a perfect
solution for individuals and organizations alike.
A Revolutionary Product with a Simple Concept
The AFE ball is designed to fight small fires before they
have a chance to escalate. Its portability and ease of use are key selling
points. It works by releasing a fire-retardant powder when it comes into
contact with fire, effectively putting out the flames. The simplicity of the
product, which anyone can use, even children, ensures that fire emergencies can
be handled immediately, reducing the risk of widespread damage.
A Growing Market for Fire Safety
Brandsdaddy quickly realized the significance of its product
in a country like India, where there is a severe shortage of fire stations,
firefighters, and firefighting equipment. According to reports, 90% of people
don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher, and there are significant gaps in
fire safety infrastructure across the nation. These challenges further
reinforced the importance of Brandsdaddy’s mission to make fire safety more
accessible and effective for everyone.
From Vision to Reality: Entering the Market
The journey to market was not easy. It took Brandsdaddy four
years of hard work to perfect the AFE ball and prepare it for launch. Despite
the challenges, the team remained focused and determined. When they finally
introduced the product, it caught the attention of several key organizations,
including government bodies, fire brigades, hospitals, schools, and even large
insurance companies. The product quickly gained traction and began to generate
interest from a variety of sectors.
A Major Milestone: Shark Tank India
In 2021, Brandsdaddy got a significant opportunity to
showcase their product on Shark Tank India, one of India’s most popular
business reality shows. The founders, Roshaan and his co-founder Ankita Gandhi,
pitched their innovative AFE ball to the sharks, asking for INR 70 lakhs in
exchange for 5% equity at a valuation of INR 14 crore. The demo was nothing
short of impressive, with the AFE ball successfully extinguishing a fire in a
controlled setup.
Biography of Roshaan V Mishra: Founder & CEO of Brandsdaddy- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/solve real-world problems/Brandsdaddy
The Sharks' Response
The Sharks were impressed with the potential of the AFE
ball, but they had mixed opinions on the business model. While Vineeta felt
that the product had tremendous potential, she didn’t believe she could add
much value to it. Peyush, too, felt it was too early for such an investment,
especially with the complexities of scaling a product in the B2C space.
However, Namita Thapar saw the vision and believed that with her network and
resources, she could help Brandsdaddy grow significantly, especially in the B2B
market.
The Winning Deal
After some negotiation, Namita offered INR 35 lakhs for a 5%
stake in the company, along with INR 35 lakhs in debt at 12% interest. The deal
valued Brandsdaddy at INR 7 crore, a significant decrease from their original
ask of INR 14 crore, but it was a fair deal considering the company's current
growth stage. Roshaan and Ankita accepted the offer, excited about the new
opportunities and the support they would receive from Namita.
Scaling Up and Expanding
Following the deal with Namita, Brandsdaddy began to scale
up its operations, focusing on expanding its reach in the B2B sector. The
company secured contracts with large organizations, including fire brigades and
insurance companies. In addition, the AFE balls found their way into schools,
hospitals, and corporate offices, where fire safety was a major concern. The
brand's commitment to quality and affordability helped it gain widespread
recognition.
The Road Ahead for Brandsdaddy
With Namita’s investment and guidance, Brandsdaddy was
poised for rapid growth. The company planned to further improve its marketing
strategies and strengthen its presence in both the B2B and B2C markets. Roshaan
and Ankita were also looking to expand internationally, with plans to introduce
their products in other countries, including the Maldives. As of now,
Brandsdaddy’s future looks promising, with its unique product helping to
address a critical need for fire safety.
The Company’s Mission and Vision
The heart of Brandsdaddy’s mission is to provide innovative,
life-saving solutions to the public at affordable prices. The company aims to
continue solving real-life problems through technology and innovation. With a
strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, Brandsdaddy strives to create
products that meet the highest quality standards while also making a meaningful
impact on society. Their vision is to create a safer world by preventing the
destruction caused by fire.
A Profitable and Growing Business
Despite the challenges that come with running a startup,
Brandsdaddy is a profitable company. With a gross margin of 60% and a net
profit of 10%, it has managed to maintain a steady upward trajectory in its
financials. In FY 2020-21, the company generated a revenue of INR 51 lakhs,
which grew to INR 1.45 crore the following year, reflecting an impressive
growth rate of 184.3%. These numbers underscore the potential of Brandsdaddy’s
business model and its ability to scale.
The Impact on the Fire Safety Industry
Brandsdaddy’s innovative approach to fire safety is
transforming the industry in India. The company’s products are making a real
difference in the lives of everyday people, as well as in businesses and
organizations that deal with high fire risks. By offering an affordable,
easy-to-use fire extinguisher, Brandsdaddy is making fire safety more
accessible than ever before. Their impact extends beyond just commercial
success, as they are actively contributing to a safer society.
Conclusion: A Vision Realized
Roshaan and Ankita’s journey from a tragic personal loss to
the creation of Brandsdaddy is a testament to their resilience and
determination. Their story highlights the power of innovation to address
pressing real-world problems. With the continued support of Namita Thapar and
their growing network, Brandsdaddy is on its way to becoming a household name
in fire safety, all while continuing to make a difference in people’s lives.
The future looks bright for this game-changing company, and its impact will undoubtedly
be felt for years to come.
A timeline for Roshaan V Mishra's entrepreneurial journey:
Childhood (Tragedy) – Roshaan experiences a devastating fire
that sparks his interest in fire safety.
2012 – Roshaan founds Brandsdaddy, aiming to create
innovative products to solve real-world problems.
2015-2019 – Research and development phase for the AFE ball,
an automatic fire extinguisher.
2019 – Brandsdaddy officially launches the AFE ball, a
portable, easy-to-use fire extinguisher.
2021 – Brandsdaddy pitches the AFE ball on Shark Tank India,
securing a deal with Namita Thapar.
Post-2021 – The company scales up its operations, expanding
its presence in the B2B sector, including partnerships with fire brigades,
hospitals, and schools.
2022 – Brandsdaddy’s revenue grows significantly, reflecting
strong market demand and expansion.
2024 – Focus on expanding internationally, including into
the Maldives, and continuing product development for fire safety.