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Kaizad Hansotia

Founder & CEO, SWIRL®
Vadodara, Gujarat,India
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Kaizad Hansotia's Overview

Total Experience18 years
CompanySWIRL®
CountryIndia

Kaizad Hansotia is an Indian-American entrepreneur renowned as the founder, former CEO, and visionary behind Gurkha Cigars, a brand synonymous with luxury and exclusivity in the premium cigar market. He acquired the rights to the historic but then-dormant Gurkha brand in 1989 (some sources cite 1992) for a mere $143 while on vacation in Goa, India. Hansotia subsequently relaunched and repositioned Gurkha Cigars, transforming it into one of the world's most famous super-premium cigar companies. He is known for his flamboyant marketing style, his focus on using rare and aged tobaccos, and the creation of elaborately packaged, often very expensive cigars, famously dubbing Gurkha the 'Rolls Royce of cigars.' His approach involved creating an aura of opulence and desirability around the brand, leading to iconic lines like 'His Majesty's Reserve' (HMR), one of the most expensive cigars in the world. While he stepped down as CEO in recent years, his legacy in shaping the modern luxury cigar landscape is undeniable.

Professional Summary

Kaizad Hansotia's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

SWIRL® - Founder & CEO (2021 to Present)
DraperU Ventures - Entrepreneur in Residence (2024 to Present)
GetNatty - Founder & CEO (2017 to 2021)
Skolarly - CMO (This project was a part of Lodhari Technologies pvt ltd) (2015 to 2015)
mytestbuddy.com - Co Founder & CMO (2013 to 2015)
Goliath Endeavors and Reality Pvt. Ltd - Founder and Director (2012 to 2013)
ARC Creation - Marketing Director (2010 to 2012)
Shree krishna polymers - Marketing Executive (2008 to 2009)
DewSoft Overseas Pvt Ltd - Sales Executive (2006 to 2007)

Notable Achievements

Revitalization and Elevation of Gurkha Cigars

Acquired the historic Gurkha brand in the late 1980s/early 1990s and successfully transformed it from an obscure entity into a globally recognized name in the luxury cigar market, known for premium quality and exclusivity.

Pioneer in Ultra-Premium Cigar Market

Successfully introduced and marketed some of the world's most expensive and elaborately packaged cigars, such as 'His Majesty's Reserve,' effectively creating and dominating a niche in the ultra-premium cigar segment.

Innovative Product Development and Branding

Known for utilizing rare and aged tobaccos, unique blends, and artistic, often ornate, packaging, setting new standards for luxury and presentation in the cigar industry. This established Gurkha as a symbol of opulence.

Global Brand Expansion

Expanded Gurkha Cigars' distribution and presence to numerous countries worldwide, establishing it as a prestigious international brand sought after by connoisseurs and affluent consumers.

Industry Recognition and Awards

Under his leadership, Gurkha Cigars received numerous accolades and high ratings from industry publications, solidifying its reputation for quality and craftsmanship in the competitive cigar market.

Educational Background

Master of Business Administration - MBA, Marketing & Finance, Marketing and Finance

IBS Mumbai - Year 2008

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Notable news
Hiring actively
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Company Overview

SWIRL®
Total employees75
HeadquartersMumbai
Founded2020

Swirl is a SaaS platform that empowers e-commerce businesses and brands to enhance customer engagement and drive sales through interactive live video shopping experiences. It allows brands to host live events, one-to-one video calls, and integrate shoppable videos directly onto their websites, making the online shopping journey more personal, engaging, and conversion-focused, similar to an in-store experience.

SWIRL® Funding Information
$13.6M - Total Funding Raised
$12.5M - Most recent funding amount
2 - Number of funding rounds
2 Feb, 2024 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Inflection Point Ventures
Sharrp Ventures
BEENEXT
AngelList India
Kae Capital

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