Pankaj Chaddah, co-founder of the food-tech giant Zomato, has embarked on a transformative journey from revolutionizing the culinary world to pioneering mental wellness solutions. His latest venture, Shyft, reflects his commitment to addressing the growing need for accessible mental health resources.
In 2008, Chaddah, alongside Deepinder Goyal, founded FoodieBay, which was later rebranded as Zomato. Starting as a simple restaurant directory in Delhi-NCR, Zomato rapidly expanded its services to include food delivery, online ordering, table reservations, and digital payments. Under Chaddah’s leadership, the platform became a household name in India’s food industry.
After a decade with Zomato, Chaddah departed in 2018 to explore new horizons. Recognizing the increasing importance of mental health, he co-founded Mindhouse in December 2019 with Pooja Khanna, an early Zomato employee. Initially, Mindhouse focused on offline meditation studios, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a swift pivot to online services. This transition allowed them to cater to a broader audience seeking mental wellness solutions during challenging times.
In 2022, Mindhouse underwent a rebranding to become Shyft, reflecting its expanded focus beyond meditation. The platform began offering yoga and nutrition services tailored for individuals managing chronic ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic back pain. By 2021, Shyft was experiencing a 30% month-over-month growth rate, with an annual recurring revenue approaching $1 million. Its valuation in 2022 was estimated between $20-50 million, underscoring its significant impact in the wellness industry.
Chaddah envisions Shyft as a comprehensive wellness platform that addresses both preventive and curative aspects of health. He emphasizes the untapped potential in “curative wellness,” aiming to provide structured and credible solutions for lifestyle-related diseases. The platform’s digital-first approach enables it to reach individuals globally, offering personalized experiences through technology.
Pankaj Chaddah’s journey from co-founding Zomato to establishing Shyft exemplifies his adaptability and foresight in addressing evolving consumer needs. By leveraging his entrepreneurial experience, he is now making significant strides in the mental wellness sector, providing accessible and effective solutions for individuals worldwide.
Key Highlights:
- Pankaj Chaddah, co-founder of Zomato, transitioned to the mental wellness sector by launching Mindhouse in 2019.
- Mindhouse, initially offering offline meditation studios, pivoted to online services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2022, the platform rebranded as Shyft, expanding its services to include yoga and nutrition for chronic ailments.
- Shyft has experienced significant growth, highlighting the increasing demand for structured mental wellness solutions.