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Friends with ‘IIT Kharagpur and IIM Bangalore on CVs’ leave US company to start Bengaluru cafe
Akash Kyal and Rishav Ranjan have been friends for over 15 years. They both graduated from IIT Kharagpur and then from IIM Bangalore.
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Two long-time friends with prestigious degrees from IIT Kharagpur and IIM Bangalore on their resumes have walked away from the corporate world to launch a unique cafe in Bengaluru. After working together at an American global management consulting firm, the duo decided to ditch their corporate desks following a life-changing trek. Realising that healthy, delicious acai bowls were missing from the Indian market, they took a bold entrepreneurial leap. Now located in Indiranagar, their new wellness-focused dessert and snack shop has caught the attention of social media users, who are highly praising their inspiring journey.
“15 years of friendship turned into a startup,” reads the caption posted on the Instagram page of the establishment, Acai Theory.
Also Read: ‘Not from IIT, not from Bengaluru’: 20-year-old founder from small Rajasthan city shares his journey
In the video, they shared that both of them graduated from IIT Kharagpur and then pursued higher education at IIM Bangalore. The founders reveal that initially, they took the traditional path of joining a corporate job and working with an American global management consulting firm.
However, during a trek one day, they stumbled upon acai bowls and wondered why this vibrant superfood hadn't yet been introduced to India in a delicious, ready-to-eat format.
That is when they decided to leave their job and start the cafe Acai Theory in Bengaluru. The establishment’s official website describes it as a place where people can get “authentic açaí bowls, refreshing natural smoothies, and wholesome super-snacks made for delicious moments, feel-good energy, and mindful living.”
How did their entrepreneurial journey start?
The website describes “Rishav had been enjoying açaí bowls for years while living in Dubai, but during a recent trip with his long-time friend Akash, he ordered one at a café in Sydney. Akash took a bite, loved the taste, and realised something surprising: food this delicious, fresh, and nourishing wasn’t easily available back home in India.”
How did social media react?
An individual wrote, “Such an inspiring journey.” Another added, “Great things.”
A third posted, “Big things come out from small beginnings.” A fourth wrote, “A bold decision.”
Who are the founders?
The cafe, which is labelled on Google as a dessert shop, was founded by Akash Kyal and Rishav Ranjan in 2025.
Kyal completed his schooling at St. Anthony's School, Ranchi, according to LinkedIn. He also visited HEC Paris as an exchange student. Before emerging as a founder, he worked at various organisations, including Auctus Advisors.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Ranjan completed his schooling at the M P Birla Foundation. He also worked as a business analyst at Auctus Advisors.
The cafe, started by friends who first met at IIT Kharagpur, is located in Indiranagar, Bengaluru.
