Founded in April 2021 by Sayali Babasahib Shinde and Preeti Prabhakar Shinde, Gudworld is redefining the way jaggery (gud) is consumed in India and beyond. With a vision to blend tradition with modern convenience, the startup has introduced bite-sized, flavored jaggery cubes that cater to contemporary lifestyles while honoring a family legacy of 40 years in jaggery manufacturing. Available in hygienic 5–10 gram portions and 12 delightful flavors like ginger and coffee, Gudworld’s products stand out as a healthy and innovative alternative to sugar.
The journey of Gudworld began in December 2019 when the founders conceptualized the idea of modernizing jaggery to meet evolving consumer needs. Officially launched in 2021, the company leverages its deep-rooted family expertise in jaggery production while embracing modern FDA-certified technology to deliver a product that’s both traditional and cutting-edge. This fusion of past and present has not only made Gudworld a household name in India but has also gained international acclaim, with over 2 crore units sold globally. Gudworld’s jaggery cubes, boasting a shelf life of one year, offer convenience and variety, positioning the brand as a strong competitor to established names like Organic India and 24 Mantra Organic.
The founders’ ambition goes beyond selling jaggery—they aim to make it a global staple. Their vision is to reach 1 crore people over the next five years through an expansive strategy that includes online platforms, retail stores, and exports. This commitment to scaling the business has already set them on a promising trajectory, supported by an initial family investment of ₹4.5 crores. The ownership structure reflects the founders’ hands-on involvement, with Preeti Shinde holding 45% equity, Sayali Shinde 25%, and the remaining 30% owned by family members.
Gudworld’s appearance on Shark Tank India marked a turning point for the business. During their pitch, the founders emphasized their unique product, robust production capabilities, and growth potential. Their jaggery cubes, which merge health benefits with flavor innovation, impressed the sharks but also sparked debates about scalability and strategy.
Aman Gupta made the first offer of ₹50 lakhs for 6% equity, valuing the company at ₹8.33 crores. While Peyush Bansal and Vineeta Singh opted out due to concerns about equity structure and go-to-market strategy, respectively, Varun Alagh matched Aman’s offer but with a critical condition: no family involvement in the business. Anupam Mittal, though impressed, stepped out, feeling the founders already had two strong offers on the table.
The final negotiations were intense. The founders countered with an ask of ₹50 lakhs for 3% equity, which Varun declined. Aman Gupta then revised his offer to ₹50 lakhs for 5% equity, valuing Gudworld at ₹10 crores. After careful consideration, the founders accepted Aman’s deal, securing not just the investment but also mentorship from one of India’s leading entrepreneurs.
Gudworld is now poised for its next phase of growth, driven by its commitment to innovation, health, and sustainability. By reimagining jaggery as a versatile, flavorful, and convenient product, the brand has captured the attention of modern consumers while staying true to its roots. With their Shark Tank success and ambitious plans for expansion, Sayali and Preeti Shinde are well on their way to making Gudworld a global leader in the jaggery market.
