Indian entrepreneur Girish Mathrubootham

Global IndianstoryGirish Mathrubootham: The man behind Freshworks successful IPO and the 500 new crorepatis

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Girish Mathrubootham: The man behind Freshworks successful IPO and the 500 new crorepatis

Written by: Ranjani Rajendra

(September 24, 2021) On September 22, 2021, an Indian startup created history when it became the first-ever software maker from the subcontinent to list on the NASDAQ. The Indian startup ecosystem erupted in joy as Girish Mathrubootham, his family and a small group of Freshworks employees celebrated the momentous occasion by ringing the opening bell. What sets the Freshworks success story apart is the fact that it is one of those rare decacorns (a company evaluated at over $10 billion) that has emerged from a sea of unicorns. Freshworks Inc had a blockbuster listing on NASDAQ taking the company’s $3.5 billion valuation to $13 billion.

Girish Mathrubootham and his family before the IPO

For a company that was founded 11 years ago, this is no mean feat. The listing helped Girish turn 500 of his employees into crorepatis, proving that he’s a man of his word. He had once told Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin that while launching Freshworks in 2010 he’d told his wife Shoba, “I’m not starting a company for me to buy a BMW, I’m starting this so that everybody (employees) can do that.”

Soon after the IPO, Girish in an interview with MoneyControl said, “I feel like an Indian athlete who has won a gold medal at the Olympics. We are showing the world what a global product company from India can achieve.”

Today, I feel good! Yesterday @FreshworksInc officially became a public company, trading on @Nasdaq as $FRSH. I’m humbled and grateful to lead this amazing company and invite you to learn a little more about our journey. https://t.co/j0R6aLECGm pic.twitter.com/pTZHkiE0VI

— Girish Mathrubootham (@mrgirish) September 23, 2021

From Tiruchirappalli to the world

Born in Tiruchirappalli in 1975, Girish’s parents separated when he was seven. Their separation became a defining moment in many ways in his life and prepared him for his entrepreneurial journey. He realized the importance of independent decision making, a practice he carries not just in his life as a parent, but also as an entrepreneur and mentor. “I believe as parents we shouldn’t be taking all the decisions for our children because, at the end of the day, when you take your own decisions, you learn to live with the consequences,” he told Entrepreneur in a 2018 interview.

Raised in Trichy, Girish went on to do his engineering from SASTRA University in Thanjavur before moving to Chennai to do his MBA from University of Madras in 1996. Upon graduating in 1998, he bagged his first job with HCL Cisco ODC where he worked for a year before moving on to eForce as a senior software engineer. In between his job stints, Girish would teach JAVA, in fact, he quit his job with HCL in the US to move back to India and launch a training company in 2001. However, he found that from being all the rage in 1999 (when he first began teaching JAVA) he now had to convince people why JAVA was still relevant.

Girish Mathrubootham and his family with Rajinikanth, the mascot of Freshworks

He ended up taking up a job with AdventNet in 2001, which was later rebranded as ZOHO in 2005 and Girish once again moved to the US in his job as Vice President of Product Management. The decade he spent working at ZOHO opened his eyes to the opportunities SaaS presented. When he returned to India in 2010, he happened to have an unpleasant experience with a household goods company. Repeated calls and emails came to naught. But when he left them a scathing remark on Twitter, the company jumped into action to right the wrong. “That’s when I realized that there exists an opportunity to build a fresh helpdesk. It wasn’t difficult as I had built multiple helpdesks as a part of the management team at ZOHO. In customer support helpdesk was still something new. That’s why we called the company Freshworks,” he said.

A decacorn was born

Back in 2010 when Girish co-founded the company with Shan Krishnasamy, it was called Freshdesk. The company’s flagship product of the same name became a game changer in the industry. What began as a single product focused on customer service has now bloomed into a company that operates globally to deliver a comprehensive suite of products to over 50,000 clients. These products include tools for sales, marketing, IT service management, and HR. Backed by the likes of Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital, and Accel, the company rebranded itself as Freshworks in 2017.

Girish Mathrubootham at the IPO of Freshworks Inc

With its IPO, Girish says, the company has had its Roger Bannister moment. “He was the first athlete who broke the record for running a mile in under four minutes and then in the immediate year after, you had so many other athletes that did it. I see this moment of Freshworks as the equivalent of that,” he told Economic Times in an interview. “There are more startups waiting in the wings, and over the next few years we will see them all coming out. I personally believe that SaaS for India is as big as the IT services moment that happened in the 90s.”

Employees first

While Freshworks has been impressing clients with its impressive suite of products, it has also ensured that its employees grow along with it. In an interview with CNBC TV 18, this Global Indian said, “We don’t really believe in hiring people who believe in solving the same sets of problems on the same scale. We believe in hiring smart people and letting them work on the job and get stuff done. We are willing to put in time to build the people we want, the way we want them to be, rather than expecting readymade talent.”

It is also evident in the fact that with the company’s successful listing, 500 of its employees have become crorepatis: 70 of them are below the age of 30.

Just flooding your timelines with more pics from the day that's been a historic moment for India's startup ecosystem, #SaaS ecosystem, founders & of course, the entire team at @FreshworksInc!

India to the world 🚀. #IdeaToIPO pic.twitter.com/uzpUu8pBA8

— SEQUOIA INDIA & SEA (@Sequoia_India) September 22, 2021

All work and play too

In a country where the focus is traditionally on academics, Girish has been pushing for all round development through the promotion of sports. He founded FC Madras, a residential academy that offers free scholarships to talented players and promotes grassroots youth football in Chennai. He also organizes sporting events for youngsters like the Trichy Premier League, a minor cricket league played with tennis balls. “We’ve been an opportunity-scarce country for a long time, but not anymore. So, with that mindset, we made education an enemy of sport,” he said, explaining that we appreciate students who get 100 in math, but not if they are good at football or cricket. “A champion should be celebrated, be it a scientist or a sportsman,” he added.

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Published on 24, Sep 2021

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Sakshin Niranjan: The Indian entrepreneur making New Zealanders’ everyday life easy

(July 7, 2022)Had he listened to his heart, Sakshin Niranjan would still be in the food delivery space. But it was his mind that told him it was "crowded" and nudged him to start something of his own. This led to the launch of NexDo in New Zealand during the pandemic. Dubbed as the "Uber for home services", it connects home services providers with customers via an app. That's not all, in less than two years, it already boasts of 10,000 customers and recently raised $2 million in funding. "We empower local businesses through our startup, and at the same time are solving an everyday problem faced by many New Zealanders," Forbes 30 Under 30 Sakshin tells Global Indian. Entrepreneurship in blood The Chennai-born and raised, who comes from a business background, dreamed of becoming a pilot. But like many childhood dreams, this didn't come to pass as he realised this wasn't the right path for him. That's when he enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration at SRM University. This led to a job at Amazon as an associate which helped him gain "experience in technology and how the market works." "Those two years at Amazon triggered an interest

helor of Business Administration at SRM University. This led to a job at Amazon as an associate which helped him gain "experience in technology and how the market works."

Indian entrepreneur | Sakshin Niranjan | Global Indian

"Those two years at Amazon triggered an interest in business. In fact, my best friend at university and I decided to start our first company soon. But it didn't work out as he left for higher education, and I moved to Zomato in 2015." The high-growth environment and the workings of a startup turned out "pretty well" for Sakshin, who learnt a lot in the process. The stint helped him bag a position in Ola in 2016, but to climb up the ladder, he was told in various ways that MBA is a must. He chose Auckland University of Technology and flew almost 11000 km to start afresh in a new country.

"I did it out of peer pressure," laughs the 30-year-old who was surprised by the difference in the work culture. While he was studying full-time, he worked with Ola part time. "While India has a very hierarchical culture, where the down below is often suppressed, New Zealand has a flat culture. Everyone can speak to the CEO and present their ideas. Initially, it was a little challenging to adapt to this but it changed me as a person," adds Sakshin, one of the key members who helped launch Ola in New Zealand in 2018. Having worked in India for years, Sakshin was ready to bring the ride-sharing company in competition to Uber, but with his own set of challenges. "It was a different ball game in terms of market. I had to understand how the consumers work, understand the change in marketing and accordingly customise the product," says the entrepreneur who learnt a lot through trial and error. "Understanding what's local was the key, and helped me understand what I can bring to the table."

How pandemic became a boon

The pandemic nudged Sakshin Niranjan to return to his dream of being an entrepreneur. "Seeing uncertainty in the market and people losing their jobs, I started questioning what I truly wanted to do. Though I had a job and was even getting better offers at such a time, this gave me enough confidence that things were certain for me even in such uncertain times. With no family to support and locked in the country for two years, I knew this was the best time to give it a shot," says Sakshin who launched NexDo in 2020.

Indian entrepreneur | Sakshin Niranjan | Global Indian

"I always had a passion for solving a problem, and the idea of NexDo stemmed from a personal requirement. I realised that it took days to get an appointment, so I knew it was a space that I could explore for my startup. As many like me were feeling the heat, I took the plunge," says Sakshin but venturing into entrepreneurship came with its learnings. Like most startups, he started in a garage with just two-three people. "Each day I was waking up early to clean the place, search for funds, and learn how to run Facebook ads. I took a course on YouTube to learn design and make marketing campaigns. I knew I always wanted to do something of my own, but it did get overwhelming at times," says the entrepreneur whose team has now expanded to 15 members and also employs 150 contractors.

Making an impact

With NexDo, Sakshin is "empowering service professionals and turning them into entrepreneurs." "Most employees are exploited in terms of pay or work hours. What we are doing with NexDo is creating micro finances for free, where we give them training and guidance," says the man who made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He calls it "shocking" but is happy with the validation that he's on the right path. "There was a time I was cold-emailing so many people but now, right people are reaching out to us."

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Bringing a new idea to a new country has its advantages, and this "edge" helped Sakshin find footing in New Zealand's startup ecosystem with NexDo. "Had I started the same thing in India, it would have been easier to find funding with the kind of contacts and experience I possessed. Would I have succeeded? Maybe. But in New Zealand, it was a bit harder initially. However, the media helped in spreading the word. Since we were doing something unique for this market, the novelty struck the right chord with the customers and investors," says the entrepreneur."I started by borrowing money from family and friends. Within six months, local investors started showing interest and in these last two years, we have seen 200-300 percent growth."

Sakshin Niranjan, who likes to unwind by spending time with friends and watching movies, has plans of expanding NexDo to Australia. The entrepreneur, who has now made a name for himself in New Zealand, says "there is no rule book to follow. You can be anywhere and make things happen if you have a vision."

Follow Sakshin Niranjan on LinkedIn and Instagram

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The serial entrepreneur from Varanasi: Neena Pandey is painting her canvas with transformative strokes

(September 12, 2023) Neena Pandey’s infatuation with colours, designs, textures, and silhouettes goes back a long way. Growing up in the enchanting city of Varanasi, she experienced firsthand, how skilled weavers and artisans weaved magic on silks with their age-old techniques. She aspired to become an entrepreneur but her highly successful stints in the Silicon Valley wouldn’t let her go. Until one day, when she changed the trajectory of her life and gave up the corporate world to launch her own fashion brand. “My creations are a tribute to the intricate artistry that defines Indian fashion, combined with the contemporary sensibilities I have embraced abroad,” smiles serial entrepreneur Neena Pandey, speaking to Global Indian. A member of the Forbes Business Council, the US-based Neena Pandey is the founder and CEO of The String Code, a luxury fashion brand. She also founded IndieRoots, a lifestyle brand of products, and is the President of Club Z Tutoring, the fastest-growing franchise in the US. The list of top companies she has worked with in Silicon Valley is really long. “I am all about this cool concept called a portfolio career. It's this approach where you don't put all your eggs in one professional basket. You

l about this cool concept called a portfolio career. It's this approach where you don't put all your eggs in one professional basket. You diversify, dabble in different ventures, and keep that professional life vibrant and the entrepreneur says.

[caption id="attachment_44809" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey | Global Indian Entrepreneur Neena Pandey[/caption]

Clothes have this incredible ability to work wonders for women, she feels. “They can boost confidence, make a lady feel beautiful, spread genuine happiness, and help her truly appreciate herself,” points out Neena, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Sachin, an engineer, and their two children, Aditya and Anya. “I have lost count of instances where I noticed that when I am dressed to impress, I walk into meetings with my head held high and crush my presentations,” says Neena. The entrepreneur describes her fashion brand as a canvas where the colors of her Indian upbringing merge with the strokes of contemporary international influences.

A Varanasi girl

Growing up in a middle-class Indian family in Varanasi, Neena and her two elder sisters were consistently reminded by their parents that being unable to support themselves was not an option. “I grew up with limited resources, and always thought that I would ultimately find myself working for someone else as an adult – a path that I did follow,” recalls Neena, who in her younger days, took on the role of the family's designer, creating clothing for everyone at home.

[caption id="attachment_44817" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Neena Pandey | Global Indian IndieRoots artisans at work[/caption]

She did her schooling at St John's School, Varanasi, and an undergraduate degree in Chemistry with Honours from the Banaras Hindu University. During her academic years, Neena aimed to become a doctor due to the limited options typically presented in Indian households at that time – either medical or engineering. “However, I couldn't clear the pre-medical test, which turned out to be a fortunate turn of events in retrospect. I swiftly redirected my focus towards something I was passionate about – fashion and apparel,” informs the entrepreneur, whose professional journey began with India’s largest retail chain, Weekender.

Moving to the Silicon Valley

Before she kicked off her brands, Neena was crushing it as a fierce and outspoken marketing executive in Silicon Valley. While doing an MBA programme with a marketing major at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business, she got an internship at Adobe Systems during her first summer break in 2007.

Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey

“Adobe asked me to stick around part-time while I finished my programme. I took it up,” informs Neena, who later got an offer from Sun Microsystems, a big player back then and the brain behind Java. They offered her the chance to be the first product marketing manager for Open Solaris, their open-source operating system. Neena had a blast wearing her creative marketing hat– instituting innovative GTM plans to target students and the developer community worldwide. “We ended up exceeding targets by 106%, a full year sooner than projected,” says the former corporate honcho. Later, when Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems, she moved there and worked for two years. She was the ambassador for their cohesive hardware-software messaging. “I also proposed a product idea that became a star product offering later.”

From there, Zyme Solutions came knocking and the entrepreneur was leading the marketing squad for something groundbreaking — channel data management, which was all about giving retailers the tech tools to conquer the retail scene. “We ended up launching the product internationally, making a difference in the lives of retailers, says Neena, who earlier did her Masters in Garment manufacturing technology from NIFT, Delhi.

A leader at heart

She had her fair share of victories at the Silicon Valley but deep down, she had this constant itch to venture into entrepreneurship. Eventually, Neena recognised that entrepreneurship was her calling. “I am the first person in my family to go on an entrepreneurship route. Obviously, my family members were scared when I left my promising career in corporate,” the entrepreneur says. Despite the uncertainty, she ventured into this new journey, acknowledging that success wouldn't be immediate.

[caption id="attachment_44810" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey Entrepreneur Neena Pandey[/caption]

With technology revolutionising fashion retail by reshaping e-commerce and marketing becoming hyper-personalised through data-driven insights and augmented reality, Neena says her tech wins combined with her deep dive into the fashion-retail world have her primed to shape a future all about connections and doing right by the planet.

Neena is also a featured author and contributor for Forbes. “Forbes values my opinion in various polls and publications. Being a part of this, I also get to tap into the vast knowledge pool of accomplished business leaders from all corners of the globe,” the entrepreneur says. As a proud member of the Council, Neena is unlocking a bunch of exclusive opportunities that are tailored to elevate her professional influence to new heights. “I'm connecting and collaborating with other esteemed local leaders in our own private space and at members-only events.”

[caption id="attachment_44821" align="aligncenter" width="601"] Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey | Global Indian Neena during the photoshoot for The String Code[/caption]

In the midst of this whirlwind, she carves out time for her own well-being. “I hit the gym at 5 in the morning or squeeze in a late-night swim at 10 p.m. Her workout routine covers a wide spectrum – from weightlifting and intense body combat sessions (a fusion of martial arts and kickboxing) to Pilates, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and swimming. “I have incorporated meditation into my daily routine.”

The String Code

The String Code is not just a brand – it's a movement rooted in women's empowerment and manifestation of inspiring ideas and concepts, says Neena. “Our designs cater to diverse sizes and silhouettes, making sure every body type feels confident and comfortable in String Code outfits,” informs the serial entrepreneur, who is the start-up mentor at The Centre for Global Enterprise, New York.

[caption id="attachment_44819" align="aligncenter" width="669"] Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey | Global Indian A collection from The String Code[/caption]

Launched in July 2021, The String Code is her way of connecting with women across the spectrum. “I have woven my enduring confidence and passion into every string, every thread, and every distinct look meticulously designed for String Code,” says the entrepreneur, whose clothing brand adheres to the United Nations development goals. “The clothing is made in small batches using natural fibers, upcycled fabric, and environmentally conscious business practices when possible.”

Each piece she designs meticulously balances traditional elegance with modern sophistication. “My fashion brand is a canvas where the colors of my Indian upbringing merge with the strokes of contemporary international influences. I offer a collection that resonates with individuals regardless of their cultural background.”

IndieRoots

Collaborating with 60 artisan collectives across India and Southeast Asia, Indieroots is a lifestyle brand offering a range of products. “Its essence lies in bridging the gap between artisans and the global community by establishing a sustainable international market for talented creators. It fosters a spirit of entrepreneurship.”

[caption id="attachment_44816" align="aligncenter" width="701"] Neena Pandey | Global Indian Neena with some of the artisans of IndieRoots[/caption]

Describing IndieRoots - which was established in 2018 - as a profound calling that resonates with her passion for handicraft and home decor, Neena says every piece that finds its way into the homes of her customers narrates a story of artisan traditions kept alive by craftsmen from various corners of the world. She partners with over 60 artisan groups across India. “We've expanded our horizons to include collaboration with other Southeast Asian countries as well,” informs the entrepreneur, who is the executive member of the International LEAP network.

A book worm

Books are Neena’s getaway. The eclectic reader dives into Historical fiction, fiction, and mystery. “Lately, though, I have been drawn to non-fiction. There's something about inspirational, self-help, and spiritual books that just resonates with me,” says the entrepreneur. When it comes to music, she says it's woven into her family's fabric. “My children are passionate singers. Karaoke evenings and backyard jam sessions are pretty much standard fare at our house.”

TV shows? “I've had those nights where I've binged-watch till the wee hours, even when there's a business meeting waiting for me in the morning!” says the entrepreneur, whose favourites span a range of genres, from gripping thrillers and suspenseful espionage tales to comedy. And, when it's time to unwind, Neena finds solace in a good glass of wine.

Follow Neena Pandey on Instagram

Reading Time: 6 mins

Diaspora Odyssey: Raj and Bina Sharma are spicing up Maine with its oldest Indian restaurant – Bombay Mahal

(July 14, 2023) More than three decades back when Raj and Bina Sharma landed in Maine, the northeastern state of the United States for a vacation, little did they know that it would soon become a place that they would be calling home. Over the years, the couple established three restaurants there and today their customers span three generations of diners. The Indian-origin entrepreneurs are now an integral part of the Maine community and are famous for owning the oldest Indian restaurant in the area – Bombay Mahal. “We opened Bombay Mahal in 1991 the oldest Indian restaurant in Maine located in Brunswick, alongside two other restaurants - Tandoor in Portland, and Taste of India in Bangor. We sold the other two over the years and have held onto the Bombay Mahal,” Raj Sharma tells Global Indian. The restaurant which serves North Indian food has won numerous popularity awards and has been featured in various renowned publications including USA Today. Apart from in-house dining, Bombay Mahal hosts and caters to events, and serves food at festivals. [caption id="attachment_41636" align="aligncenter" width="542"] Raj and Bina Sharma[/caption] Introducing Indian cuisine to Maine Back then, Mainers weren't familiar with ethnic cuisine and there weren’t

ns including USA Today. Apart from in-house dining, Bombay Mahal hosts and caters to events, and serves food at festivals.

[caption id="attachment_41636" align="aligncenter" width="542"] Indian Diaspora | Raj and Bina Sharma | Global Indian Raj and Bina Sharma[/caption]

Introducing Indian cuisine to Maine

Back then, Mainers weren't familiar with ethnic cuisine and there weren’t many immigrants running businesses in the state either. Raj and Bina fell in love with the place on their vacation and decided to introduce it to the foreignness of Indian cuisine – finding it to be a good USP of their entrepreneurial venture. With Raj’s background in working in the food industry, the entrepreneurs tasted success in their businesses.

“When Bina and I moved to Maine in 1990 from Europe, it was a big move and we were shocked at how little Americans knew about India, even when Indian food was already famous in other parts of the world like England and Germany,” Raj says. A lot of people in Maine had never tasted Indian food and were scared to try it, fearing it to be too spicy and something too foreign for what they were used to.”

People would research before they came into the restaurant about what dishes they wanted or would pose a lot of questions to the staff on how a certain dish was prepared and which types of spices were being used. “To them, India was so foreign and different, they didn't know anything about us and our culture,” Raj says.

Over time, the entrepreneurs managed to gain a lot of attention from the community and media due to the unique flavours that they were offering on the platters of the locals.

[caption id="attachment_41637" align="aligncenter" width="551"] Bombay Mahal | Raj and Bina Sharma | Global Indian Bombay Mahal[/caption]

Bombay Mahal’s journey

In the 32 years of Bombay Mahal’s journey, the décor and menu have undergone some changes but otherwise, everything largely remains the same, including the challenges.

“The restaurant is in the same location and just like any hospitality business, staffing is always an issue. It’s even harder when you are looking for desi curry cooks, tandoori bread chefs, and Hindi or Punjabi speaking staff to relocate to a small and less populated US state like Maine,” Raj says.

“Staffing challenges are part and parcel of the restaurant business and on top of that even harder when you're located in a part of the world where there isn't that large of a desi community,” he adds.

Immigration stories

Like numerous immigrants to the United States, Raj and Bina arrived with their own unique stories fuelled by a desire to explore the world beyond their homelands. Raj was born and raised in Punjab while Bina grew up in Mombasa, a city in East Africa. After completing his culinary studies, Raj felt an eagerness to venture beyond the borders of India and experience what the world had to offer. With a loan of $500 from his parents' agricultural business, he embarked on a journey that took him through various kitchens across countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, and Canada. Along the way, he encountered a whole new universe of cuisine, culture, and hospitality.

Bina’s ancestors had left India generations ago due to British occupation and settled in Tanzania, where her mother was born. Subsequently, the family moved to Kenya, driven by a combination of factors - better opportunities and increasing political pressures in Africa. Raj and Bina entered a traditional arranged marriage in London before settling in Cologne, Germany, where they lived for almost a decade until the Berlin Wall fell in 1989.

Over time, they became parents of three sons. It was during a family vacation in Maine that they discovered the breathtaking beauty of Acadia National Park and the coastal charm of Portland, ultimately falling in love with the region.

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A post shared by BOMBAY MAHAL (@bombaymahal)

No matter where Raj and Bina have lived over the years, they have always made efforts to understand the local language and respect the local culture without undermining their own. “We both are very much in touch with India and especially our Punjabi culture.”

“We both grew up speaking Punjabi and Hindi and India will always be part of our identity. India is also the land which is the cornerstone of Bombay Mahal and all the other restaurants we've had over the years with a cuisine which is now becoming more popular in America,” says Raj.

Raising Global Indians

Despite being half a world away from their countries of origin, the couple has firmly planted the seed of love and respect for their Indian roots in the minds of the three sons who were born outside India – two in Germany and one in the UK. “It was very important for us to raise our three boys to fluently speak Punjabi and have a deep connection and understanding of what it means to be an NRI,” says Raj.

“We have told our kids - no matter where you go in the world, never forget your country of origin and keep the attitude to succeed and work hard to have more than what you came with. Ours is the global story of how immigrants, especially desi people are adapting to new cultures despite being rooted in their culture and doing well in so many countries around the world,” he remarks.

[caption id="attachment_41638" align="aligncenter" width="541"] Indian Diaspora | Raj and Bina Sharma | Global Indian Raj and Bina Sharma with Vikash, Vanit and Sumit[/caption]

Over the past three decades, the couple has experienced immense joy in witnessing their three sons graduate from esteemed universities in the United States. While their eldest son, Vikash, established his physical therapy practice in New York, their other two sons Vanit and Sumit have turned entrepreneurs after working in the UK and Australia respectively. Commemorating their family’s entrepreneurial legacy, Van and Sumit launched Rupee Beer to showcase the magnificence of Indian culture to a global audience. It has evolved into a prominent brew in many US states.

Then and Now

“Maine is still not as diverse as other US states like California and New York, but more immigrants have arrived over the years.” In the 1990s, access to South Asian ingredients in Maine was difficult, requiring Raj to travel to Boston at least once a month.

With very few Indian families in the area, it was a very close-knit small community where they would all get together for their kids’ birthdays and celebrations like Holi and Diwali. In due course, the Indian Association of Maine got formed which is still running and holding events across the year. “When the boys were small Bina used to be very involved with all the activities of the association as we wanted them to make friends with other Indians who are to date their friends,” says Raj.

Journey ahead

Raj and Bina express their gratitude for the warmth and support they have received from their patrons over the past three decades. As the couple reflects on their journey, they emphasize the importance of unity in both good and challenging times, in sickness and in health. They believe that life is not merely a search for something elusive, but rather the collective effort of making the most out of it together.

[caption id="attachment_41641" align="aligncenter" width="713"] Bombay Mahal | Raj and Bina Sharma | Global Indian Bombay Mahal[/caption]

Talking about their life ahead they say, “We want to take Bombay Mahal into its next 30 years of serving Maine and our loyal customers. We are planning to also have a presence in Europe, India, and Florida in the coming years.”

Follow Bombay Mahal on Facebook and Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

How Ajay Jain’s Kunzum bookstores are creating community and culture in New Delhi

During a book launch a few months ago, Ajay Jain ran into a senior citizen who loves books but could no longer read due to eyesight issues. His bookstore also had a college student visiting who loved reading but could not afford to buy them. “The two got talking. Before the evening was out, the former purchased a book for her newly-acquainted reader, ensuring that someone would go to sleep reading a book,” Ajay tells Global Indian. The 54-year-old is an author, photographer, traveler, and founder of Kunzum, a chain of boutique bookstores. An engineer and a management student who graduated from Cardiff University, the entrepreneur set up his chain of bookstores in 2022 and currently operates six outlets in New Delhi. At a time when everyone bemoans the lack of physical bookstores, this enterprising reader has actually walked the talk, creating an atmosphere of reading and a space where people can meet, engage, and build relationships. [caption id="attachment_48094" align="aligncenter" width="537"] Ajay Jain with Javed Akhtar[/caption] The wealth of words An avid reader since childhood, Ajay took to writing books in 2007 (he has eleven published works so far), and while his initial focus was on travel, he expanded his

2-913x1024.jpg" alt="" width="537" height="602" /> Ajay Jain with Javed Akhtar[/caption]

The wealth of words

An avid reader since childhood, Ajay took to writing books in 2007 (he has eleven published works so far), and while his initial focus was on travel, he expanded his oeuvre to write on personal development, marketing, and fiction too. And this is how Kunzum was born. He shares, “It was the name of my travel blog (Kunzum is a high altitude pass in the Indian Himalayas) and publishing imprint. I set up the Kunzum Travel Café in 2010 to serve as a gallery for my photography and books. We built a community there around events and coffee.”

It was in the aftermath of the pandemic that Kunzum Travel Café was rebranded as Kunzum Books. When the pandemic forced a shutdown, the entrepreneur took it as an opportunity to reflect and recalibrate the bookstore.

Building a community

Since Ajay has been focused on writing books, he understands their importance to society and adds, “I have been disappointed at the dearth of bookshops in India. Especially the ones that make browsing a pleasing experience. And it also made things difficult for authors—how do they promote their books if distribution is scarce? Online platforms like Amazon have their value, but most authors need to face their customers to be able to make an impression.”

Thus, he took the decision to invest in bookshops, despite the uncertainty of the pandemic still hanging heavy. The entrepreneur realized that retail had to focus on one differentiator: experience. He went about building that with a community of authors, readers, editors, designers, and publishers who can come together for the love of books. And with the help of curated lists, book clubs, events, and activities, he created a cerebral space for bookworms.

Breaking barriers in more ways than one, Kunzum Travel Café followed the ‘pay-what-you-like’ model; the idea was to eliminate any entry and exit barriers to the place and give a sense of ownership to guests.

[caption id="attachment_48095" align="aligncenter" width="719"] Kunzum, Delhi[/caption]

At Kunzum Books, Ajay tweaked the model a bit: coffee and tea, along with their secret brownie cookies, are complimentary, but only if people buy a book. He smiles and says, “We still do not sell the coffee. If you want a cuppa at Kunzum, you have to buy a book. It’s become a talking point and another idea that is shaping the culture called Kunzum.”

Going against the tide

While bookstores are closing in India, one wonders what pushed Ajay to start not one but six stores! “Because someone had to,” he deadpans and answers, “not as charity, but as a venture for profit. So it sustains. A good and useful idea cannot be allowed to fail. But it’s a business with a cause. Bookstores are repositories of our culture, our values, our ideas, our stories, and our literature. They shape the character of who we are as individuals and as a society.”

The road to success is challenging, especially in the business of bookstores. Ajay nods and adds, “People. That is the single biggest challenge for any business, but more so for small and medium enterprises. Since capital is always limited, one cannot burn cash, and finding the right personnel is also not easy.”

One of the biggest problems with physical bookstores is the heavy discounting online players offer. Physical bookstores cannot compete with price cuts on Amazon, the only book e-commerce player of note. The entrepreneur is cognizant of this discrepancy and adds, “Publishers can plug this—they can impress upon Amazon to eliminate discounts and hold back supplies to offending vendors on the site. If they have the will, they can do it. With a level playing field, customers would any day prefer to pick up their books from a physical store.”

Facing all of these challenges is not easy. But Ajay is not one to give up easily. Kunzum bookstores are a haven for those who want a respite from the endless materialism of modern-day life. Their pre-loved book selection, the lovingly curated store, and the passion of the founder make it a cozy and welcoming space.

Ajay recounts a meeting with an elderly woman who visited the store with her daughter and two granddaughters. "Even at 90, she cannot sleep unless there are at least 3–4 books on her bed," Ajay smiles. Experiences like these motivate the founder to put more energy into his belief that bookshops are vital to shaping the culture and character of societies and individuals. He adds, “This belief has driven us to invest in such community spaces and thus do our bit to make ours a better world to live in.”

The next evolution for Kunzum is to be a community of communities. They are seeding chapters of the Kunzum Book Club in schools, corporates, residential neighborhoods, and any other groupings of like-minded people.

[caption id="attachment_48096" align="aligncenter" width="654"] Kabir Bedi at Kunzum[/caption]

Ajay signs off, saying, “We will engage people in book discussions, author interactions, competitions, workshops, and more. As more people come into the fold, we will expand the culture of reading, leading to individual and societal development.”

Follow Ajay and Kunzum on Instagram.

Madhukar Varshney: The US-returned innovator-turned-entrepreneur helps children problem solve

(November 30, 2021) If the Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum is right, 65 percent of students entering primary school will ultimately work jobs that haven’t even been invented yet. Then how does one prepare children for the future? It involves a farsightedness that Madhukar Varshney, founder of NimbleQ, has made a part of his DNA. The IT honcho imbues children with essential skills — creative thinking, communication, problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Technology is at the heart of many jobs, and understanding how to apply it to innovate and create able future generations is Varshney’s core strength. The idea, says the innovator-turned-entrepreneur, is to teach children to apply knowledge to solve real world problems and have a growth mindset. “Did you know only 2 percent of Fortune 500 companies have CEOs of Indian-origin?” he asks, adding, “This is because there is some flaw in the way we teach our kids. We focus on the math, but where is the creativity? Where is the proclivity to create and innovate?” [embed]https://twitter.com/HakimHabibulla/status/1418132814600433673?s=20[/embed] A holistic approach NimbleQ’s holistic skills development programme focuses on building the next generation of leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs, and it was developed by the US-returned Varshney and his wife Shailey Motial, who handles brand

mbed]https://twitter.com/HakimHabibulla/status/1418132814600433673?s=20[/embed]

A holistic approach

NimbleQ’s holistic skills development programme focuses on building the next generation of leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs, and it was developed by the US-returned Varshney and his wife Shailey Motial, who handles brand development and strategies.

What started as an after-school curriculum, now focusses on helping youngsters to innovate. “The idea is to get children to think independently like creators. While it is important to learn all things tech-related, it is also important that children know how to apply the knowledge, understand business, entrepreneurship, and money,” says Madhukar, who was in the US for 20 years thanks to the citizenship he was awarded under the Outstanding Researcher Category in 2009.

[caption id="attachment_16994" align="aligncenter" width="4898"] Global Indian Madhukar Varshney Madhukar Varshney with students during a NimbleQ class[/caption]

Raised in a very conventional family in Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh), entrepreneurship didn’t even cross his mind. Born in 1974 to a father, who was a government contractor father, and teacher mother, Madhukar grew up believing that the route to success was through a US education. “Career choices then were either as doctors or engineers. I’d never thought about starting up. When I moved to the US, I got the opportunity to explore with an exposure to diverse cultures and professional experiences,” recalls Madhukar, who graduated in chemical engineering from HPTI, Kanpur, and then did a master’s and PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Arkansas.

Madhukar then worked at Cornell University as a research associate studying micro and nanomechanical cantilever-based sensors. A job at NABsys, a company which develops semiconductor-based tools for genomic analysis, came next.

The researcher turned educationist

During his career as a researcher, Madhukar published over 35 papers and owns three patents. Bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, he decided to branch out on his own. In 2014, he set up his first company Forty-Five NE, a digital healthcare company that influences disease outcomes by empowering patients to get involved in self-care.

[caption id="attachment_16984" align="aligncenter" width="1065"] Global Indian Madhukar Varshney Madhukar Varshney with his wife and co-founder Shailey Motial[/caption]

He ran the Massachusetts-based company for two years. The Varshneys then began searching for something empowering in education. “We weren’t too happy about where the education system was headed. For instance, in India, students are not encouraged to question. There is no room for creativity, independence or leadership qualities. In the US too, though the system is different, there is still a loophole that needs to be plugged,” he tells Global Indian.

The seed was planted, and the couple moved lock, stock, barrel and family, to India and set up NimbleQ in 2017. Headquartered in Lucknow, NimbleQ is aimed at developing nimbleness of the mind. “They say that intelligence and capability are not natural talents; they are built by the flexibility of the mind. At NimbleQ, that’s what we aim to do: we encourage students to learn how to learn, question, focus, (even) fail and take in their stride and begin again,” says the founder of the so far bootstrapped startup.

Designed to teach

The NimbleQ experience is designed to teach kids to adapt, be flexible, question the status quo and adopt a holistic approach to life. “This is why business and entrepreneurship and understanding money are important aspects of the programme. So children are truly future ready,” he adds.

[caption id="attachment_16986" align="aligncenter" width="758"] Global Indian Shailey Motial Shailey Motial[/caption]

With programmes aimed at kindergartners to class 10 students, the startup has already been seeing some very positive results. For instance, a six-year-old student of theirs, won a Business Idea Hackathon for suggesting that energy be harnessed from Mars. “We don’t want our engineers to build a Taj Mahal. What’s the point of a Taj Mahal if it cannot be sold? The idea is for our engineers to innovate and design buildings that can be scaled and sold,” says Madhukar. So far, about 4,000 students have signed up since they started, with 80,000 plus hours of classes conducted.

The programmes are designed to treat students like adults, show them real time scenarios and what real jobs involve. After months of research, sit-downs with industry leaders, educationists, and researchers, Madhukar developed the programmes which today they are helmed by NimbleQ teachers (all engineers).

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlpvltyIF9M[/embed]

The startup has students in India, US and UAE. Plans are afoot to resume offline classes again, with expansion plans. “We’re also looking to raise funding to aid these plans,” says Madhukar, who is headquartered in Lucknow and always wanted to start small. "We’re not in it for the race.”

The father of two, loves to unwind with his children and encourages them to explore and question the world.

“At the end of the day, we put the student at the centre. We treat them like grown-ups. We don’t restrict ourselves to premium schools, we want to democratise education and also tie up with mid-size and small schools,” says the entrepreneur, who loves to sketch.

Follow Madhukar Varshney on LinkedIn.

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