Power Players
In "Power Players" Haroon Bokhary chats with the brightest and boldest entrepreneurs, CEOs, finance gurus, authors, and business titans about their rise to the top. From epic wins to crushing failures, we'll explore the guts, grit, and glory behind their success stories.
Power Players
Caffeine and Capital: The Terra Kaffe Tale
Sahand, a former finance professional turned coffee innovator, shares his journey of transforming into the founder of Terra Kaffe. His entrepreneurial spirit, kindled by early ventures and a diverse cultural interest, propelled him from the world of investment banking to pioneering a sustainable coffee experience.
In this episode, Sahand discusses how Terra Kaffe is challenging the status quo with eco-friendly machines and a commitment to community culture in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that's as much about environmental consciousness as it is about premium coffee.
Join us as Sahand unveils his story of innovation, culture, and sustainability, painting a vision for a future where coffee is a symbol of mindful consumption and environmental responsibility.
Sahand's narrative is not just a business story; it's a testament to belief, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Show notes:
(0:00) Intro
(1:25) How did he end up being a finance bro?
(3:55) How were his 2 years in IB?
(4:59) Receiving a $100 gift card from his bank
(6:44) Impact investment banking has on you
(08:51) How architect parents have shaped his world view
(09:28) On Working too hard
(11:20) Parents hitting him with the "pls fix"
(13:29) Why choose Terra Kaffe over competitors?
(17:25) Terra Kaffe team
(19:02) How much money can you save drinking Terra Kaffe coffee?
(23:18) From IB to starting Terra Kaffe
(28:48) Idea to machine
(31:33) How long did it take to design the machines?
(33:57) Think about getting a co-founder
(35:11) Production process for coffee machines
(37:00) Where are the machines being produced
(39:14) What have you spent $14m of capital raised on?
(41:14) Why even raise capital?
(43:35) Scaling plan
(45:35) End goal, sell or keep the company?
(47:19) Would you consider selling right now at the right price?
(48:53) Culture at Terra Kaffe
(55:35) What Sahand's day to day looks like
(56:51) 1 week from going out of business
(1:01:00) Advice for entrepreneurs
(1:03:05) Are you truly happy
(1:05:22) Rapid-fire questions
Sahand Dilmaghani links:
Terra Kaffe Website
LinkedIn
My links:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
YouTube