From Finance to Food: An Entrepreneur’s Journey with Hachi Foods

In a world where career stability often takes precedence, Dheep Vora dared to take a bold leap. After a successful decade in wealth management, they transitioned from a secure finance career to founding Hachi Foods, a health-focused snack brand. This journey wasn’t just a career shift; it was a quest for deeper fulfillment and a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives through nutritious food.

Inspired by their experiences as an endurance runner, Dheep Vora discovered invaluable lessons about perseverance, discipline, and mental resilience—qualities that have shaped their approach to entrepreneurship. Hachi Foods aims to redefine snacking, proving that healthy choices can be both delicious and enjoyable.

In this interview, Dheep Vora shares insights into their journey, the challenges faced along the way, and the core values that drive Hachi Foods.

1. Can you tell us more about your journey from a finance professional to an entrepreneur? What inspired you to make this transition?

Transitioning from a career in finance to entrepreneurship was a leap of faith I took in 2018. I was doing well for myself, the company was great and work was rewarding too which was driven by a desire for fulfillment and deeper meaning. I feel most of the times we are not honest with ourselves, we are so busy doing what we are doing that we forget to stop and introspect. My journey with running marathons played a big role in helping me become more honest with myself and my aspirations. After spending a decade in wealth management, I had to face the truth—I couldn’t see myself continuing in this field for the next 20 or 30 years. I realized I wanted to create something impactful, to improve people’s lives and empower them, even if I wasn’t initially sure how. This clarity led me to step away from the comfort of a stable career and pursue my entrepreneurial journey with Hachi Foods

2. How has your experience as an endurance runner influenced your approach to entrepreneurship?

I always say that it’s more about the journey than the destination. A lot of training is required leading up to the marathon, and while running and finishing the marathon itself is a fulfilling experience, most of the magic happens during the training period. This journey has given me some invaluable lessons about perseverance, discipline, problem-solving, and mental resilience—qualities that are equally crucial in entrepreneurship. Endurance running pushes you to embrace discomfort and keep moving forward, no matter how tough it gets. This mindset has been instrumental in navigating the ups and downs of building a business. Whether managing setbacks or celebrating small victories, the principles of consistency, patience, and the drive to push beyond limits have drastically shaped my approach as an entrepreneur and made me a better human

3. What are some key lessons you’ve learned from marathon running that have helped you in your entrepreneurial journey?

Marathon running has instilled in me the importance of setting long-term goals and maintaining focus. It’s not just about the finish line, but about the journey, and the incremental progress along the way. In business, this translates to understanding that success doesn’t happen overnight; it requires sustained effort, strategic planning, and the ability to pace oneself. Another key lesson is the value of preparation—just as training is essential for a race, thorough preparation and planning are critical in entrepreneurship to tackle challenges head-on. But even with the best preparation, things don’t always go as planned, and this is where problem-solving becomes vital. Marathon running has taught me to adapt and find solutions when things take unexpected turns, a mindset that has been invaluable in business.

Founding Hachi Foods

4. What motivated you to start Hachi Foods, and what is your vision for the brand?

Hachi Foods was born out of a desire to create something that aligned with my passion for health and wellness. Since the time my journey into fitness started, I have considered my body as a temple, I have been very careful about what I put into my body. This lead me to create snacks that were not only delicious but also genuinely good for you—a combination I found lacking in the market. From the start of Hachi, I’ve been focused on every little detail, from the quality of the nuts to their precise quantity, natural flavorings, replacing refined sugars with jaggery, and roasting everything to the perfect crunch. My vision for Hachi Foods is to become a household name in India’s good-for-you snack segment, a brand synonymous with quality, taste, and innovation, a brand that people can blindly trust. I aim to redefine snacking by offering products that people can enjoy without guilt, knowing they’re making a better choice.

5. Can you share some of the challenges you faced when transitioning from wealth management to the food industry? How did you overcome them?

The shift from wealth management to the food industry was a steep learning curve. Coming not only from a finance background but also a more stable career without any prior business experience, I had to familiarize myself with the nuances of the food industry—from sourcing ingredients to understanding consumer preferences. One of the biggest challenges was dealing with the difference in professionalism—things often move slower, and people may not be as detail-oriented or timely as they are in finance. Establishing credibility in a field where I had no prior experience was another hurdle. Corporates and even retail clients were hesitant to trust us on pricing and quality, we also did not have an online presence at the time. I immersed myself in every aspect of the business, learning from Google, YouTube, talking to others, and being open to feedback. Building a strong team that shared my vision and values also played a crucial role in navigating these challenges

6. What are the core principles and values that drive Hachi Foods, and how do they reflect your personal beliefs?

At Hachi Foods, our core principles are quality, transparency, and simplicity. We are committed to using the finest ingredients and maintaining the highest standards in our products—these are the same snacks my family consumes with the same dry fruits, jaggery and virgin cold-pressed coconut oil that are used in my home as well. I think that food should be both nourishing and enjoyable. I also believe in leading by example, which is why we prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainability in our operations. My focus with Hachi Foods is on creating a positive impact, not just through our products but also by supporting our community, empowering individuals who work with us and fostering a culture of inclusivity within our team.

Business Strategy and Industry Insights

7. How do you see Hachi Foods revolutionizing the snacking industry? What makes your products stand out?

Hachi Foods is revolutionizing the snacking industry by combining taste with nutrition in a way that challenges the misconception that good-for-you snacks can’t be delicious. What sets us apart is the simplicity and transparency of our granola snacks—no fuss, just 5-6 key variants where there’s something to suit every palate. We want to reduce the confusion in people’s minds giving fewer but enough options. In terms of what goes into the snacks, its only the finest, natural ingredients that not only taste great but also feel great on the body for example, nuts, seeds, jaggery, virgin cold-pressed coconut oil, berries and more. Each of our granola has been thoughtfully crafted to meet diverse preferences, whether you’re looking for a light snack or something more indulgent. The simplicity and quality of our offerings have even led many individuals and corporates to choose Hachi for festive gifting, housewarming, weddings, birthdays and so much more. Besides, our commitment to our consumers ensures we are always elevating the snacking experience by focusing on every little thing that matters

8. What role does innovation play in your business strategy, and how do you foster it within your team?

Innovation plays a crucial role at Hachi Foods, and our consumers have been instrumental in shaping our product range. Their feedback and preferences have often led us to develop new offerings. For example, our Mocha Hazelnut Granola came to life after a client who loved our Double Chocolate Granola suggested we explore something with coffee. This collaborative approach helps us stay connected with our audience and create products that truly resonate.

However, we are very intentional about what we launch. While we experiment with many product ideas, only a select few make it to the shelves. Our goal is to reduce confusion in people’s minds by offering a carefully curated selection, rather than overwhelming them with 20-30 different products. We believe in creating ‘hero products’ that stand out, and every item we introduce aims to earn a spot on that list. 

9. What are some of the key trends you see in the snacking industry, and how is Hachi Foods adapting to them?

The snacking industry is seeing a growing demand for products that are both good-for-you and convenient. Consumers are increasingly looking for snacks that fit into their busy lifestyles without compromising on taste. There’s also a rising interest in plant-based and functional foods. Most of our products are naturally vegan, as we use jaggery instead of honey. While some of our gourmet cakes contain milk, they can also be made vegan. Our recent launches include cookies and crackers, where we’ve swapped butter with ghee and virgin cold-pressed coconut oil, using millets like ragi as the base.

Closing Thoughts

10. What message would you like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs and those who look up to your journey?

Entrepreneurship is far from glamorous, it’s a rollercoaster of challenges, from financial stability to emotional resilience. Speak to other founders not only from your industry but outside that too, the learnings will be immense. Also, understand that dejections and setbacks are part of the journey, don’t take them personally. Be clear on your goals but stay open to pivoting when needed. Ensure your finances are stable, and keep your accounts clear from Day 1 to avoid trouble down the road. Have a hobby that keeps you grounded, and most importantly, believe in yourself and your vision. Take the leap of faith, knowing that success often follows persistence

11. What does success mean to you, both personally and professionally?

For me, success is about making a meaningful impact, both in the lives of our customers and within our community. Professionally, it’s about building a brand that stands for quality, integrity, and trust. It is knowing that I’m creating something that reflects my values and contributes positively to others’ well-being. 

12. Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey or Hachi Foods?

The journey with Hachi Foods has been incredibly fulfilling and passion-driven, but it’s also been a continuous learning process, for which I’m truly grateful. Entrepreneurship teaches you lessons through real-life experiences that no educational course can. I’m excited about what the future holds for Hachi Foods, and as a team, we are fully committed to staying true to our values as we continue to grow.