“Sanjit Konda: How a BBA Dropout Became the Founder of Dropout Chaiwala”

Sanjith Konda and Dropout Chaiwala

Sanjith Konda, originally from Bengaluru, is the founder of Dropout Chaiwala, a chai café chain based in Melbourne, Australia. After moving to Australia in 2018 to study at La Trobe University, Sanjith realized during his fifth semester that his passion lay outside academics. He dropped out and, along with three friends, invested Rs 18 lakh (about $30,000) to start a tea business in 2021.

Growth and Revenue

Starting with just five varieties of tea and gradually expanding the menu, Dropout Chaiwala quickly gained popularity for its authentic chai experience. Strategic marketing and menu additions like samosas and sandwiches helped attract a diverse customer base. The business expanded to multiple outlets, including a mobile tea truck and prominent locations across Melbourne.

By 2022, Dropout Chaiwala was generating an annual turnover of Rs 5.2 crore (approximately $650,000). The brand now employs around 40 people, and Sanjith’s journey from dishwashing jobs to building a multi-crore tea empire has been widely recognized as an inspiring entrepreneurial success.

Profitability

While the reported annual revenue is Rs 5.2 crore, it is estimated that the net profit margin is about 20% after expenses, according to available media reports.

Key Highlights

• Founder: Sanjith Konda

• Brand: Dropout Chaiwala

• Location: Melbourne, Australia

• Annual Revenue: Rs 5.2 crore

• Employees: 40

• Started: 2021, with an initial investment of Rs 18 lakh

• Menu: Multiple tea varieties, snacks, and mobile tea truck

• Estimated Net Profit Margin: ~20%6

Sanjith Konda’s story demonstrates how passion, perseverance, and smart business strategies can turn a simple idea-selling tea-into a thriving multi-crore enterprise.