Some people chase opportunities. Others create them. Siddharth Shankar belongs to the second kind. From a college dorm in India to boardrooms in London and Glasgow,
Siddharth’s journey is more than a business success story; it’s a reflection of what happens when passion meets persistence.
It All Started with Curiosity
Growing up in India, Siddharth didn’t wait for a fancy job or funding to start building. While still pursuing computer science engineering, he launched his first business during his
second year of college fuelled more by curiosity than capital. But Siddharth knew there was more to learn. In 2016, he packed his bags and moved to Glasgow to pursue an MBA at the University of Strathclyde. It wasn’t just about textbooks it was about perspective. Mentored by professors like Phillip Taylor and surrounded by peers from around the world, Siddharth began to think bigger, sharper, and more globally.
Tails Trading: A Leap of Faith
In 2017, that thinking took form when Siddharth co-founded Tails Trading, a company born from a simple, powerful idea connecting British brands to Asian markets.
The early days were full of hustle. From navigating trade rules to building trust with small businesses, the work was anything but easy. But Siddharth’s clarity never wavered: Help small brands dream bigger. When his co-founder stepped away in 2019, Siddharth took full ownership doubling down on his belief in the business. That belief paid off.
Building One of the World’s Largest Brand Portfolios
Under Siddharth’s leadership, Tails Trading transformed from a young startup into the 14th largest brand portfolio company in the world managing over 285 consumer brands and supplying to more than 150,000 customers globally. He built distribution channels across retail, HORECA, wholesale, and convenience stores. But perhaps his most underappreciated move? Launching a £2 billion trade finance fund to help businesses grow without drowning in debt. No flashy funding rounds. Just smart, sustainable scaling.
The Pandemic Test
Then came COVID-19. As international trade came to a halt, most companies froze. Siddharth pivoted. He focused on local UK markets, partnered with supermarkets, and kept
the wheels turning. It wasn’t just a survival strategy it was a launchpad for future growth. He proved that great companies aren’t just built in boardrooms; they’re built in crisis.
A $500 Million Decision
In 2024, Siddharth made a bold call he sold the consumer brand arm of Tails Trading for over $500 million. For some, it was a surprise. But for Siddharth, it was about timing and
knowing when to bring in specialized expertise to take the business to its next stage..
Beyond Business: Giving Back Where It Matters
Ask Siddharth what he’s most proud of, and he won’t talk about numbers. He’ll tell you about the young founders he mentors, the SMEs he helped scale, and the
jobs his work created. Whether it’s through Strathclyde Inspire or casual late-night calls with budding entrepreneurs, Siddharth is always ready to give back.
His message? “You don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to build something global. All you need
is vision, and the courage to stay consistent.”
What’s Next?
These days, Siddharth splits his time between advising private equity firms, guiding startups, and shaping the future of trade and distribution. But the fire’s still there. He’s not done building just building differently now.
In His Words
“Every brand, every founder, every number has a story. You just have to listen.”
— Siddharth Shankar
