Alumni of IIT Kharagpur, IIM Bangalore leave corporate careers to start acai startup in Bengaluru | Today’s news
Two friends who have been friends for over 15 years have swapped successful corporate careers for entrepreneurship to open a health-focused cafe in Bengaluru that is quickly gaining traction online. Armed with degrees from IIT Kharagpur and IIM Bangalore, the pair previously worked together at a leading US management consultancy before deciding to take a completely different path.
The founders shared their story on Instagram through the account of their business, Acai Theory.
“15 years of friendship turned into a startup,” reads the video’s caption.
In the clip, the duo explained that after graduating from IIT Kharagpur, they both went on to study at IIM Bangalore. Like many graduates of prestigious institutions, they initially chose a corporate career and joined an American global management consultancy.
Their perspective changed after a trek where they discovered acai bowls and began to question why the popular superfood was not readily available in India in a tasty and convenient format.
Inspired by this idea, the friends quit their corporate roles and started Acai Theory in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar district.
According to the company’s website, the cafe offers “authentic açaí bowls, refreshing natural smoothies and healthy super-snacks made for delicious moments, good energy and mindful living.”
The website goes on to explain how the idea came about: “Rishav had been enjoying açaí bowls for years while living in Dubai, but during a recent trip with his longtime friend Akash, he ordered one from a cafe in Sydney. Akash took a bite, loved the taste, and realized something surprising: such delicious, fresh and nutritious food wasn’t readily available back home in India.”
Social media users are applauding the move
The entrepreneurs’ journey resonated with many social media users who flooded the comments section with words of encouragement.
One user wrote: “Inspiring journey… God bless”
Another user wrote: “Great job.”
A third user said, “No, IITians or IIMs made good food.”
A fourth user said: “More power to you.”
Meet the founders
Founded in 2025, Acai Theory is listed on Google as a dessert store and was founded by Akash Kyal and Rishav Ranjan.
According to LinkedIn, Kyal attended St. Anthony’s School in Ranchi and later participated in an exchange program at HEC Paris. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he held roles at several organizations, including Auctus Advisors.
Ranjan completed his schooling at MP Birla Foundation and also worked as a business analyst at Auctus Advisors before starting the venture.
Today, the cafe, founded by two friends who first met at IIT Kharagpur, operates in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, offering a range of acai-based products and snacks to health-conscious customers.
