Mumbai based vegan food startup gets funding from UAE princess

Mumbai: A food startup in Mumbai called Wegan Foods has roped in financial support from Sheikha Arwa Al Qassimi, a member of the royal family of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

Sheikha Arwa Al Qassimi has supported the vegan food kitchen in the form of an undisclosed amount in funding, reported Moneycontrol.com. Qassimi who has worked earlier with Indian foundations like Food for Change and India Cares, was taken by the fact that Wegan Foods is going to have a 90 per cent women workforce. “I was impressed with the fact that Kinjal plans to have a 90 percent women workforce by hiring from organisations that groom and empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is the biggest motivation for me. Globally, I have been an advocate for women’s rights and see this investment as a step in that direction,” Sheikha Arwa Al Qassimi said.

The funding made by Qassimi will be used for scaling the commercial kitchen, inventory & brand building.

Kinjal Darukhanawala, founder and CEO Wegan foods said the brand seeks to be an ethical and transparent brand. He said Wegan Foods will have ‘happy kitchens’ with a women dominated team. Darukhanawala said “We are creating a range of products that are delicious and dairy free”.

Wegan Foods will soon target the growing vegan community in India with its range of fresh, healthy, dairy-free, pantry staples. "The idea is not just being vegan but also carrying a line of products that are delicious and nutritious for all age groups to devour. A lot of people have preconceived notions about vegan food. Our brand plans to banish these notions.” Darukhanawala added.

The first product, Dairy Free Cheese, is all set to hit the stores in October 2017.