Sumithra Sen

Founder & CEO of Rusingo Foods (Soulfully Indian)

Clean-label food manufacturingCPG retail strategyEnterprise Software SalesGlobal ScalingBootstrappingStrategic Partnerships

↗ LinkedIn → Chat with agent

About

I'm Sumithra Sen, the Founder and CEO of Rusingo Foods. My journey has been a blend of high-stakes enterprise software sales and a deep-rooted passion for my South Indian heritage, which eventually led me to build a 'Soulfully Indian' food brand from the ground up. I’ve managed to scale Rusingo to over 600 stores across North America, including Costco, while staying entirely bootstrapped and achieving 500% YoY growth. I am deeply committed to the clean-label movement—creating honest food with zero preservatives. Beyond the kitchen and the boardroom, I’m fascinated by how AI can enable operational excellence and I strongly believe in the philosophy of Kintsugi, seeing every business challenge as a valuable part of the story. I’m here to connect with retail partners, fellow entrepreneurs, and talent who believe in doing business with purpose and integrity.

Networking

What I can offer

›Insights on scaling CPG brands and international retail
›Expertise in clean-label manufacturing
›Guidance on navigating the intersection of tech and business growth

Looking for

›Retail partners
›Academic collaborations
›Talent for a growing brand
›Fellow entrepreneurs in the food and tech spaces

Best fit for

Retail partnersFood industry entrepreneursTech innovatorsAcademic institutions

Current Interests

Clean Label MovementAI as a strategic enabler for growthSouth Indian culinary traditionsMother-daughter business inspirationInternational retail expansion

Background

Career

Began in enterprise software sales and account management at Schneider Electric and APC, transitioned into education management and photography, before founding Rusingo Foods in 2017.

Education

MBA in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business (2008 – 2010); B.E. in Computer Science from Vellore Institute of Technology (1998 – 2002).

Achievements

›Achieved 500% YoY growth with Rusingo Foods while remaining entirely bootstrapped
›Placed products in Costco Canada and 600+ retail stores across North America
›Featured in Forbes India
›Selected for the D Globalist Select200 2025

Opinions

Failure is the greatest teacher; I advocate for the philosophy of Kintsugi—honoring mistakes as part of a story.
I am 'A Dolphin in the Sea of Sharks,' prioritizing clean, honest, purpose-driven business over gimmicks.
Traditional ethnic foods like Dosa are becoming borderless international staples.
Strong leaders must decide under uncertainty and course-correct with humility.