The Ayurveda is formally shutting down after building a business with more than Rs 150 crore in annual GMV, a team of over 1,000 people across on and off-roll roles, and a presence across online and retail channels in India.
Founder Shreedha Singh Bhargava announced the closure in a LinkedIn post, revealing that operations at the Ayurveda-focused beauty and wellness company had stopped in July last year. The company’s assets have since been liquidated, while the brand has remained inactive.
The Ayurveda Scaled Quickly Before Its Business Could Absorb The Expansion
Bhargava said she started The Ayurveda with Param Bhargava with the aim of making Ayurveda more relevant to younger consumers through a more proof-led approach. Over four to five years, the company expanded its retail and online presence while reaching consumers across India.
The rapid scale, however, came with operational complexity. Bhargava acknowledged that the company expanded too quickly and too broadly, while bringing in too many senior leaders before the underlying business systems were ready to support that structure.
She described the problem as a situation where a small baby had too many mothers, pointing to overlapping leadership and an organisation that had grown faster than its ability to absorb that growth.
Founder Takes Accountability For Decisions Behind The Shutdown
Bhargava said she has repeatedly reviewed the company’s major and minor decisions to identify where a different choice could have changed the outcome. She said there are many decisions she would approach differently today.
The founders also took significant personal financial risks while trying to keep the company operating. Bhargava said she and Param mortgaged their parental property and went without salaries for more than a year while attempting to turn the business around.
Despite the eventual shutdown, Bhargava said the experience included significant support from employees, customers, shareholders, channel partners, vendors, mentors and other industry stakeholders. She also acknowledged the personal toll of trying to sustain the company, including periods of physical and mental exhaustion.
FAQs
Why is The Ayurveda shutting down?
The Ayurveda is being formally closed after operations stopped in July last year. Founder Shreedha Singh Bhargava cited rapid expansion and business decisions that the company could not sustainably absorb.
What happened to The Ayurveda?
The Ayurveda stopped operations and its assets were later liquidated. The brand has remained inactive since then and is now being formally closed.
Who founded The Ayurveda?
The Ayurveda was founded by Shreedha Singh Bhargava and Param Bhargava with a focus on making Ayurveda relevant to younger consumers.
How much did The Ayurveda scale?
The Ayurveda reached more than Rs 150 crore in annual GMV and built a team of over 1,000 people across on-roll and off-roll roles.
