(February 20, 2024) To support vegetarians and young athletes in meeting their daily protein needs, Parth Mutha, a global management student at Boston University, launched his snack company PROMUNCH. The soybean-based snacks, available in flavours such as noodle masala, cheese and onion, tangy pudina and peri peri, are crunchy, protein-packed balls inspired by his grandparents’ recipe. “With 48% protein content, vegan and gluten-free, these roasted snacks are also non-GMO (products grown and processed without genetic modification),” claims Parth Mutha.
Emphasising the importance of non-GMO ingredients, he explained in an interview, “Given the prevalence of genetically modified crops today, avoiding GMOs is crucial to prevent health issues like cancer and other diseases.”
Witnessing the journey of the snack product, made with a recipe sourced from his family kitchen to Amazon storefronts in both India and the USA fills Parth with a sense of pride. He intends to introduce seven additional flavours to the PROMUNCH lineup. Mutha received a significant boost when PROMUNCH was recently selected as ‘Amazon’s Choice’ on Amazon India, acknowledging the healthy snack for its high ratings, competitive pricing, and immediate availability for shipping.
Parth Mutha
“It’s surreal to see my products available on Amazon, knowing that this journey began in my kitchen,” shared the startup founder and Chief Happiness Officer of PROMUNCH with BU Today, a publication of Boston University.
It started when…
As a vegetarian and a tennis player, Parth Mutha recalls the challenge of finding nutritious, protein-packed snacks particularly after workouts. He often resorted to unhealthy options like potato chips and puffs. Despite their taste, they failed to leave him feeling satisfied.
During the COVID quarantine of 2021, Parth found himself with ample free time, which he utilised to experiment with various recipes in pursuit of a delicious and filling snack. When he shared his plans with his family, they enthusiastically joined him, acting as taste-testers and assisting with production.
After initially selling his product in person towards the end of 2021, Parth’s venture slowly started gaining momentum. “When I started PROMUNCH Protein Snacks, I always dreamt of selling it in the USA, this dream has now been fulfilled,” he remarked.
Expansion with BUild Lab at Boston University
Parth attributes much of PROMUNCH’s growth to the BUild Lab IDG Capital Student Innovation Center, a collaborative space dedicated to assisting Boston University students in developing their business concepts. Inspired by Jen Migliore, the director of external affairs at Innovate@BU, Mutha decided to expand his snack start-up after attending the IDEA Conference at the Questrom School of Business last February.
Whether by fate or mere coincidence, Parth applied to BUild Lab’s Innovation Pathway programme on the final day of application submissions. Since then, the young entrepreneur has diligently worked through the ‘run stage’, which involves verifying that PROMUNCH can be scaled up effectively.
PROMUNCH’s customer base has steadily grown with word-of-mouth referrals, participation in small business events, consistent social media marketing efforts, and increased sales through the website.
Scaling up
Starting with just himself, the PROMUNCH team now comprises five members. The snack start-up has additionally engaged influencers and campus ambassadors, who receive a stipend along with complimentary PROMUNCH snack packs based on their marketing performance.
Parth Mutha has been trying his best to balance his studies and business venture. His workday usually commences at noon in Boston, stretching until early morning depending on the requirements. This schedule allows him to effectively manage and collaborate with his team located in a different time zone in India.
Despite the support from family and friends, Parth acknowledges that the challenges of entrepreneurship can be draining. “Some days, you question whether it’s truly worth it,” he reflects. “There are countless reasons that can make you doubt the value of your efforts.” However, the entrepreneur keeps himself motivated.
Parth Mutha
Future plans
Parth Mutha hopes to expand further into the US market, and then to Amazon United Arab Emirates and Australia over the next three years.
Since many people in India are vegetarians, he aims to address the protein deficiency gap for people in all parts of his country.
“With countless sleepless nights, multiple sampling sessions, various feedbacks, a lot of dreaming, planning and finally executing,” entrepreneurship has been an adventurous journey for the young start-up founder.
