CONVERTING INNOVATIONS INTO STARTUPS

A lawyer by education and an entrepreneur by passion, Sairaj Dhond is the Founder and CEO of Wakao Foods, a new age Food Production Company. Hailing from a lineage of business experts, Sairaj had a natural inclination towards entrepreneurship from a young age. A serial entrepreneur at heart, Sairaj believes in a diverse business trajectory with ventures across various sectors of the market. Staying true to his vision, he has now entered the F&B space with his debut project WAKAO FOOD.

Sairaj began his professional journey with a year-long stint as a criminal lawyer but soon defied his academic led profession in pursuit of his true calling, entrepreneurship. In 2014, he started his venture under the banner of Dhond Group Green Infra LLP specializing in lightning and solar solutions. The company in its six years of existence has successfully branched into multiple verticals from lightning and solar solutions to real estate restoration and now the food and beverage industry.

Wakao is the first Jackfruit (Vegan) Meat brand in the country. It is a new age Indian food brand that makes products that are not only healthy and tasty, but good for the planet too.

Sairaj has worn and wears many hats throughout his professional life and does justice to each new venture with finesse. His organizational, communication, marketing and social skills make him a formidable entrepreneur. He is constantly working with great vigour to achieve his goals of making Goa a Green State and creating a global footprint for his company.

Outside of the professional world, Sairaj is involved on the social front and is invited to various forums and colleges to inspire and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.

An ardent cricketer, Sairaj continues to play and is a part of different cricket clubs honouring his state level training. He is a part of various social organizations like the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa Branch, The CII Young Indians, The Rotary Movement, The Jaycees, etc. He has also represented the state in cricket tournaments and been a part of cricket associations and clubs. In his leisure time, he likes to unwind with long drives, dance and food indulgence.