A quintessential Indian snack, the samosa, became the unlikely foundation for a multi-crore enterprise for Bengaluru couple Nidhi and Shikhar Singh. Trading high-paying corporate careers and eventually their ₹80-lakh dream home, the duo embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that culminated in Samosa Singh, a brand now valued at approximately ₹200 crore.
From Biotech to Business Vision
Both Nidhi and Shikhar Singh shared a background in biotechnology, having met at Kurukshetra University. Shikhar rose to a principal scientist role at Biocon in Bengaluru, while Nidhi excelled in business development at a US pharmaceutical firm, earning a substantial annual salary.
Despite their successful corporate paths, Shikhar harbored an ambition to modernize and scale India’s beloved samosa, drawing parallels with global fast-food giants. He envisioned an organized, quality-controlled approach to a snack often associated with street vendors.
The ₹80 Lakh Gamble
In October 2015, Shikhar resigned from Biocon, and the first Samosa Singh outlet opened its doors in Bengaluru in February 2016. Initial operations relied on personal savings. However, a significant corporate order quickly exposed the limitations of their small kitchen, necessitating a substantial investment for expansion.
Rather than seeking external capital and diluting ownership early on, Nidhi and Shikhar made a bold decision: they sold their customized four-bedroom flat in Yelahanka for approximately ₹80 lakh. This critical infusion of funds allowed them to establish a larger, more capable kitchen facility in Electronic City, essential for handling bulk orders from corporate clients, airlines, and multiplexes.
Building a Scalable Samosa Empire
The founders dedicated over 10,000 hours to product development, meticulously experimenting with dough recipes, diverse fillings, and preparation methods. Their aim was to create samosas that maintained crispness and offered innovative flavors, including popular options like butter chicken and kadai paneer variants. This rigorous process focused on standardized manufacturing, stringent quality control, and robust supply chain management.
Samosa Singh expanded its menu beyond traditional samosas and adopted a multi-channel growth strategy. This included partnerships with delivery platforms, the establishment of cloud kitchens, retail outlets, catering services, and B2B collaborations. The company has since grown its presence across major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
Growth and Financial Outlook
By January 2025, Samosa Singh’s valuation reached an estimated ₹200 crore following a funding extension. The company has demonstrated significant revenue growth, with operating revenue increasing by about 30 percent to ₹18 crore in FY25, up from ₹13.9 crore in FY24.
However, like many scaling startups, profitability remains a challenge. Samosa Singh reported an estimated net loss of ₹5.7 crore in FY25, with total expenses reaching approximately ₹23.8 crore, as it continues to invest heavily in expansion and infrastructure.