Jai handles all commercial operations of AshaPops. His past roles include corporate strategy and divestment of AIG’s aircraft leasing division, fundraising for select startups in the US & India, and launching a tech marketplace (HouseStay) which provides month-to-month corporate housing for traveling professionals. Jai graduated with honors from Northeastern University with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Outside his professional life, Jai is a private pilot with a passion for aviation, travel and languages.

 
What inspired your team to create this company?
AshaPops is founded by Mother & Son duo, Asha & Jai to bring Plant-Based Superfoods to the US that Asha grew up eating, starting with Popped Water Lily Seeds. Asha enjoyed snacking on these pearls of nature with their delicious crunch since she was a little girl. She started eating them again in the summer of 2017 because the Magnesium in AshaPops helped her relax and sleep better. When friends & family loved her AshaPops, they felt that she must bring it to others in the LA community and encouraged Asha & Jai to start in farmers’ markets. AshaPops are packed with Plant Protein, Antioxidants and B Vitamins. Asha & Jai feel blessed to share this guilt-free superfood snack with their AshaPops fam here in the US.

What distinguishes your company and product in the market?
Our AshaPops Popped Water Lily Seeds are a delicious better-for-you snacking alternative to snacks like Popcorn, Chips or Puffs. Given they are allergen-free (Corn-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free), they’re safe for consumption for those with allergen sensitivities. At 100 calories per bag, they’re a Vegan & Paleo-friendly, low-calorie superfood and a good source of Magnesium, Antioxidants & B Vitamins. We handmake our AshaPops with love in small batches here in California and use Non-GMO Project Verified high quality ingredients only.