Founders: Sumanth Sampath & Sonali Sharma

Portfolio Partner: 2020

Operational State: Karnataka

Nugu Home (Iron Stone Handicrafts) makes handcrafted dinnerware and tableware products for the hospitality and retail market. The brand makes high-quality, customizable modern design products with competitive prices for the environmentally-conscious consumer.

Nugu empowers and trains the rural artisan communities of India in modern designs and techniques there nurturing their skills, craft, and income. They supply across the globe and have a retail presence in North America as well.

Visit their website to learn more.

About the Founders:

Sonali Sharma is an impact entrepreneur with over 15 years in learning and sustainable development. She co-founded Nugu with her partner Sumanth to create sustainable rural ecosystems and promote responsible production. An MBA graduate from the University of Roehampton and holder of a Design Thinking certificate from MIT, Sonali is also a startup coach and mentor. She received the Times Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2020 and enjoys dancing and yoga with her daughter.

Sumanth Sampath is an expert ceramicist with a background in engineering and business. He has spent over a decade perfecting sustainable pottery techniques and supporting local potters by training them and consulting on ceramics projects across Asia. Sumanth also co-founded a handmade tile factory in South India and is passionate about regenerative agroforestry, integrating ancient sustainable practices into his work and community.