PC Musthafa's inspiring journey from poverty to founding iD Fresh Food, valued at Rs 3,000 crore, highlights resilience, education, and entrepreneurial success.
The journey of self-made individuals serves as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing how determination and a positive outlook can pave the path to remarkable accomplishments, despite facing life's challenges. Among these tales of triumph, the story of PC Musthafa, the CEO of iD Fresh Food, stands out, with his company now valued at Rs 3,000 crore.
Early Struggles
Born into poverty in a small village in Kerala's Wayanad, Musthafa's upbringing was marked by financial hardship. His father, a daily wage laborer, earned a meager Rs 10 per day. At the age of 10, Musthafa had to quit school after failing the 6th grade to assist his father with farming. To supplement the family's income, Musthafa and his siblings undertook odd jobs like selling firewood, with his first earnings amounting to Rs 150, which he wisely invested in purchasing a goat.
Teacher's Influence
Encouraged by a compassionate teacher, Musthafa returned to his studies. With the profits from selling the goat, he purchased a cow, which proved to be a valuable asset as it provided milk for sale, helping the family financially. Through these small-scale savings and investments, Musthafa managed to secure admission to the National Institute of Technology (NIT), where he pursued a degree in computer science.
Career Progression
After graduating, Musthafa secured employment at Motorola and a stint at Citibank in Dubai. Subsequently, he returned to India to pursue an MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. During his MBA studies in 2005, Musthafa, in collaboration with his cousins, embarked on a modest venture with an initial investment of Rs 50,000, focusing on producing dosa and idli batter.
Business Expansion
This startup, iD Fresh Food, soon gained traction by offering convenient, ready-to-eat packaged meals. Their strategic decision to expand into supplying idli and dosa batter proved to be a game-changer, significantly bolstering their sales. Musthafa emphasizes that what sets his brand apart is their commitment to using natural ingredients, devoid of any harmful chemicals.
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