Abhay Hanjura
Building India's Beloved Food Brand - Licious
In the bustling world of entrepreneurship, some ventures capture not just the market but the hearts of millions. Abhay Hanjura, a curious entrepreneur with a dreamy-eyed team, embarked on a mission to create India's most loved food brand - 'Licious.'
Founded in 2015, Licious is redefining the way India perceives and consumes meat, seafood, and eggs. Abhay Hanjura, alongside his co-founder Vivek Gupta, has managed to create a meaningful difference in the lives of consumers and elevate the entire ecosystem of meat and fisheries in India.
Abhay Hanjura's journey to becoming a food industry pioneer is nothing short of inspiring. A native of Jammu, he moved to Bengaluru in 2004 to pursue a degree in biotechnology.
His early career led him into the insurance risk management and BFSI sector, which provided valuable insights into the world of business.
It was during this journey that he crossed paths with Vivek Gupta, a Chartered Accountant who had also made the move to Bengaluru in pursuit of a career in the software industry.
Together, Abhay and Vivek contemplated the idea of creating an app that could revolutionise the way meat, seafood, and eggs were procured and delivered in India.
The idea, though exciting, was met with some trepidation. However, the immense potential they saw in this venture emboldened them to take the plunge.
Licious, their brainchild, started as a humble endeavour with a five-member team. Since its inception, the company has witnessed remarkable growth. Notably, it has secured investments totalling approximately $489 million.
A significant turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic when Licious experienced exponential growth. The company's resilience and adaptability shone through as it witnessed a staggering 300% revenue increase during challenging times.
Licious has successfully delivered high-quality meat products to over 5 million customers in more than 20 Indian cities. As of 2022, the company had grown its team to include around 3,500 dedicated employees, reflecting its exceptional expansion and impact.
Abhay's professional trajectory includes roles in leading organisations, such as Futurisk Insurance Broking Co. Pvt. Ltd., where he contributed as Head of Business Intelligence. He also held pivotal positions in the fields of liability and casualty, business management, and more.
Abhay Hanjura's educational background is equally impressive. He pursued a fellowship in reinsurance, risk management, laws and economics, HR, marketing, PR, and asset management from the Indian Institute of Insurance. His notable achievement was securing the highest marks in reinsurance across India.
His academic journey also encompassed associate ships in fire, marine, engineering and liability, IT, miscellaneous, and motor insurance. Abhay's education was not limited to the field of insurance.
He also earned a BBM in HR, Marketing, and Finance from Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore University, and LOMA (Level 1 Associateship in Life & Health).
Abhay Hanjura's dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named in the prestigious Business World 40 Under 40 list.
He was also a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021, highlighting his significant contributions to the business world.
The Economic Times recognised him in their 40 Under 40 list, and the Entrepreneur Magazine included him in their 35 Under 35 lineup. Fortune Magazine placed him in their 40 Under 40 list in 2019.
He was honoured as one of GQ's 30 Most Influential Young Indians in 2022 and was previously acknowledged in GQ's 50 Most Influential Indians in 2019.
Abhay Hanjura's journey from a young biotechnology student to the co-founder of Licious, a company that has redefined India's food industry, is an inspiring narrative of innovation and determination.
His story serves as a testament to the limitless potential of Indian entrepreneurs and the enduring impact they can make in the world of business. Abhay continues to lead Licious towards even greater heights, proving that the pursuit of one's dreams can truly be a recipe for success.
Get The CEO Magazine to your Door Steps; Subscribe Now
