Delhi, 2021 – In a surprising move away from traditional corporate careers, former KPMG consultant Sambhav Jain and ex-Deloitte strategist Akanksha Gupta have ventured into the gardening industry, marking a significant shift in Indian entrepreneurship. Their decision to leave secure positions in Big Four consulting firms to focus on cultivating gardens reflects a growing trend among seasoned professionals who are leveraging their business acumen to address everyday challenges and uncover lucrative opportunities.

Sambhav Jain, a Chartered Accountant with an MBA from IIM-Ahmedabad, and Akanksha Gupta, an ISB graduate, both enjoyed successful careers before their shared passion for gardening led them to alter their career paths. Sambhav’s love for nature drove him to conduct over 150 gardening workshops for major corporations, while Akanksha’s interest blossomed during the pandemic lockdowns, as she discovered the therapeutic benefits of nurturing plants.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a unique market opportunity as physical nurseries closed, leaving plant enthusiasts without access to greenery. Recognizing a $3 billion market, Sambhav and Akanksha identified the frustrations of fellow gardeners dealing with poor plant quality, delayed deliveries, and high shipping costs from online retailers. Their market analysis revealed that most plastic waste in e-commerce stemmed from packaging, with nearly half of all plastic being discarded after a single use.

The duo’s pivotal insight was understanding that plants require special care and handling, unlike other e-commerce products. This realization led to their philosophy of “Green at the speed of light,” which emphasizes the importance of growing fresh plants and delivering them within 24 hours.

Entering a rapidly expanding Indian gardening market valued at approximately $3 billion, with a projected 15 percent CAGR growth rate, Sambhav and Akanksha saw immense potential in a sector often overlooked by entrepreneurs. They recognized the increasing desire among India’s population to reconnect with nature.

Urvann, their startup, has experienced exponential growth, driven by a work culture founded on inclusivity, sustainability, and an open-door policy. This environment empowers team members to contribute ideas, resulting in innovative solutions that have expanded Urvann from a two-person startup to a 200+ member organization operating in nine cities and over 350 pin codes.

Sustainability is a core value at Urvann, guiding every decision. Their commitment to plastic-free packaging has saved 350,000 kilograms of plastic waste, while their fleet of over 200 electric vehicles has conserved 50,000 liters of fuel. This environmental consciousness is reflected in their workplace culture, where employees are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Urvann has quickly become a household name among India’s plant parents, demonstrating that unconventional ideas can lead to extraordinary outcomes. The company aims to unite plant lovers across the nation by offering a diverse range of leafy greens at competitive prices. In a world where corporate strategies dominate discussions, Sambhav and Akanksha’s journey illustrates that revolutionary business models can emerge from fundamental human needs, such as the desire to nurture life.