Tag: Anshul Gupta

  • OPG Mobility appoints Maharana Ray as president & chief growth officer

    OPG Mobility appoints Maharana Ray as president & chief growth officer

    MUMBAI: OPG Mobility (formerly Okaya EV), announced the appointment of Maharana Ray as president & Chief Growth Officer (CGO). In his new role, he will lead the company’s EV business including the Ferrato and OTTOOPG brands while driving expansion, market development, brand building, and strategic business alliances within the Indian electric mobility value chain.

    A distinguished leader with over two decades in the auto, electric mobility, and energy sectors, Maharana is known for his excellence in driving business expansion, forging strategic alliances, and growing operations. He most recently served as vice president at Chetak Electric (Bajaj Auto), spearheading the network development, strategic planning, and customer experience initiatives, successfully expanding the brand’s pan-India footprint.

    Maharana’s career spans both international and domestic markets, with hands-on experience in 16 countries. His expertise covers Sales, Service, Spares, Channel Management, and HR, making him a well-rounded professional equipped to deliver holistic business growth and operational excellence. He is an alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, and has been a member of the Achiever’s Club at Symbiosis. His strategic leadership skills have been further complemented by training at IIM Ahmedabad.

    Commenting on the appointment, Anshul Gupta, co-founder, OPG Mobility said, “We are delighted to welcome Maharana Ray to our leadership team. As OPG Mobility enters into its next phase of expansion, his leadership and extensive experience in the mobility and energy segments will be critical to accelerating our business. His vision and emphasis on execution fit well with our overall strategy for the electric vehicle businesses.”

    Talking about his new role at OPG Mobility, Maharana Ray expressed, “As one of India’s fastest growing electric mobility solution providers, I am excited to join OPG Mobility and Power Pvt. Ltd. The company’s mission to develop inclusive, reliable, and sustainable electric mobility solutions that truly shape the future of transportation deeply resonates with me, and I look forward to collaborating with the leadership to explore new avenues for growth, scale operations, and strengthen our presence across India and international markets. We will strive together to build a future where OPG Mobility is a trusted partner in India’s and the world’s EV journey.”

  • “We aim to deliver tangible value that transcends mere bill payments”: GoPromoto’s Anshul Gupta

    “We aim to deliver tangible value that transcends mere bill payments”: GoPromoto’s Anshul Gupta

    Mumbai: Behind the scenes of GoPromoto’s rise in the marketing realm is an entrepreneurial journey marked by resilience and vision. Founded by Anshul Gupta, the company thrives on a ‘Brand-First, Solution-Finding’ ethos, crafting a 360-degree marketing experience.

    Founded in 2018, GoPromoto has become a major player in the marketing and branding landscape, helping brands like Harley Davidson, Lenskart, and IndiGo connect with audiences through

    innovative and data-driven campaigns.

    Anshul Gupta’s journey, marked by personal challenges, has propelled GoPromoto beyond mere market share. From navigating personal obstacles to securing prestigious projects like London Fashion Week 2023, the story is a testament to both creativity and success in a fiercely competitive landscape.

    Indian Television caught up with GoPromoto founder and CEO Anshul Gupta to talk about GoPromoto’s establishment, his entrepreneurial journey, and more.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the inspiration behind establishing GoPromoto and its vision differing from traditional marketing agencies

    The inspiration behind establishing GoPromoto stemmed from recognising the challenges within the traditional marketing agency model in India. We observed that there were numerous hurdles, such as intermediaries and complex processes, which made it difficult for new brands to access marketing services conveniently and affordably. This gap prompted us to envision a different approach. We aimed to create a space characterized by transparency, innovation, and efficiency, where we could bridge the divide between businesses and their target audience more effectively. Our vision revolves around implementing fresh, unconventional strategies that resonate with a broader audience, ultimately driving conversions and nurturing a thriving marketing ecosystem.

    On your entrepreneurial journey shaping GoPromoto’s culture and work ethic, and key achievements that stand out in overcoming such obstacles

    My entrepreneurial journey has been filled with personal and business challenges, which have profoundly influenced the culture and work ethic at GoPromoto.

    Starting from scratch without external assistance taught me invaluable lessons and shaped my character. I learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from setbacks.

    Each obstacle became an opportunity for growth. I developed essential skills like time management, crisis management, and financial acumen. Embracing challenges early on allowed me to anticipate and navigate future hurdles more effectively.

    At GoPromoto, we’ve embedded these values into our work culture. We prioritize honesty, transparency, and intelligence, alongside hard work. We strive to impart these lessons to our team members, encouraging them to continually improve and evolve.

    Key achievements have arisen from our ability to overcome these obstacles. By embracing a culture of continuous learning and resilience, we’ve been able to navigate complexities and achieve milestones that have propelled our company forward.

    On on GoPromoto’s “Brand-First, Solution-Finding” philosophy and how it shapes your innovative approach to marketing

    At GoPromoto, our philosophy is rooted in “Brand-First, Solution-Finding.” This means that we prioritise our clients’ brands above all else, viewing them as sacred entities deserving of the utmost respect and authenticity.

    We begin by thoroughly understanding the fundamental needs and objectives of each brand, as well as their long-term goals. This allows us to tailor solutions that offer comprehensive growth within the allocated budget, whether in monetary terms or through barter arrangements.

    In influencer marketing, where issues like inflated numbers and fake reports abound, we remain steadfast in our commitment to integrity. Instead of chasing superficial metrics, we focus on aligning with influencers whose genuine engagement and relevance benefit the brand. Our approach is not merely transactional; we aim to deliver tangible value that transcends mere bill payments.

    By integrating both digital and offline strategies, we develop innovative solutions that are results-oriented and drive meaningful outcomes for our clients. This holistic approach ensures that our clients’ brands receive authentic, impactful representation across all channels.

    On GoPromoto achieving success without conventional promotion, in a landscape saturated with competition

    In a landscape saturated with competition, GoPromoto has achieved success without conventional promotion by adhering to a simple yet powerful principle: let our work speak for itself. We firmly believe that satisfied customers are the most effective advocates for our brand. By consistently exceeding expectations and maintaining honesty in all our dealings, we have earned the trust and loyalty of our clients.

    While the marketing industry may be crowded, we recognise the scarcity of truly exceptional and authentic work. This is where we stand out. GoPromoto has built its reputation on delivering consistently high-quality results to our clients, even in the face of challenges. We always have a contingency plan in place, ensuring that we can navigate any setbacks with ease.

    Remarkably, we have achieved this success without employing traditional sales tactics. Instead, the majority of our business comes through referrals and organic growth. This speaks volumes about the strength of the relationships we have cultivated with our clients over time. They have become our strongest advocates and brand custodians.

    On GoPromoto integrating technology and digital trends into its marketing strategies to stay relevant and innovative

    At GoPromoto, we prioritise the integration of technology and digital trends into our marketing strategies to remain relevant and innovative in a rapidly evolving landscape. Drawing from our technological background, we leverage inbuilt tools and advanced data analysis techniques to inform our approach.

    Our process begins with a deep dive into data, both from internal sources and provided by our clients. By conducting thorough audits and analysis, we gain insights into what works best for each brand. We then blend this data with current best practices and emerging trends to craft tailored, innovative solutions that meet our clients’ objectives effectively.

    This approach ensures that our strategies are not only informed by data but also incorporate the latest technological advancements and digital trends, keeping our clients ahead of the curve in their marketing efforts.

    On the strategies that GoPromoto employs to secure international projects

    Our strategy is straightforward: we take our work seriously and strive to deliver our best. We’ve received numerous inquiries from outside India via platforms like LinkedIn and our website, which has allowed us to gradually expand into the international market.

    Our initial forays were into markets like Nepal and Singapore, and recently, we had the opportunity to work on the London Fashion Week, specifically for the fashion show of Pepe Jeans.

    The most effective way to secure international projects is to consistently deliver value and meet deadlines. Ultimately, the quality of our work speaks for itself and word-of-mouth referrals play a significant role in our expansion.

    On your future expansion plans including team growth and strategic initiatives for global market penetration

    We currently have a team of 20 members, and we are continuously hiring to support our rapid expansion plans. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the marketing industry with their innovative ideas that resonate with the masses. By mid-year, we aim to establish offices in Mumbai and Bangalore to further strengthen our presence.

    Additionally, we are actively pursuing mandates this year and beyond, which will require us to recruit candidates for higher management roles. In terms of strategic initiatives, we are considering partnerships with global companies to facilitate effective market penetration, leveraging cross-functional abilities and skills. We’re excited to see what the future holds for us.

  • Ayodhya Kirana community readies for Ram Temple festivities: 70 per cent stock puja items

    Ayodhya Kirana community readies for Ram Temple festivities: 70 per cent stock puja items

    Mumbai: With the grand Ram Temple set to be inaugurated on 22 January 2024, the entire country is echoing the spirit of enthusiasm and looking forward to the celebrations just like Diwali. A recent survey conducted among retailers in Ayodhya by India’s largest Kirana Community, Kirana Club, also showcases a similar sentiment with local kiranas looking at the event with utmost fervour.

    Lakhs of devotees are expected to participate in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and Kirana owners see this as a great opportunity to enhance their sales. Accordingly, over 70 per cent of kirana stores are stocking up Puja Samagri including cotton wicks, ghee and oil, diya, camphor, rice and wheat, and honey among other things before January 22.  Kirana owners are also stocking up Packed Mithai and chocolates, with 15 per cent retailers anticipating increased sales during the auspicious occasion.

    The third-most stocked products at Kirana stores in Ayodhya are Chips and Namkeen. Over 9 per cent of retailers expect a heavy demand for these products as they prepare to welcome lakhs of devotees from across the country. Cold drinks and water as well as personal care products such as hair oil and soaps are some of the other categories being stocked up by kiranawallahs in the holy city.  

    Kirana Club founder Anshul Gupta said, “Our survey among kirana owners in Ayodhya showcases optimism and festive spirit ahead of the historic inauguration of the Ram Temple. Local kirana owners are seeing this as a significant business opportunity to increase footfall in their stores and anticipating increased sales of Puja Samagri, Packed Mithai and Chocolates. The foresightedness of these retailers reflects their understanding of the current market and consumer pulse as well as their commitment to cater to the needs of devotees who would want to pay reverence to Lord Ram in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.”

    Survey results: 

     

    Products

    % of retailers 

    Puja Samagri

    70.15 per cent

    Packed Mithai and Chocolates

    14.70 per cent

     

    Chips and Namkeen

    8.89 per cent

     

    Cold Drinks and Water 

    3.53 per cent

     

    Personal Care such as Hair Oil, Soaps etc. 

    2.74 per cent

     

     

     
  • Mayfield pumps Rs 21 crore in Mumbai based food technology startup Box8

    Mayfield pumps Rs 21 crore in Mumbai based food technology startup Box8

    MUMBAI: On-demand food delivery service Box8 has raised approximately Rs 21 crore in Series A funding from US-based venture capital fund Mayfield. Founded by IIT graduates Amit Raj and Anshul Gupta in 2012, Box8 is one of the front-runners in India’s Rs 50,000-crore food tech market.

     

    One of its best-selling products, ‘all in one’ meal box was developed keeping in mind the hectic and fast paced life of the Indian consumer. The company’s strength lies in its strong development team, which comprises experienced chefs from ITC and Marriott Hotels. 

     

    “We keep only one thing in mind when we make our food; that we would only serve food that we enjoy eating. Food is a tricky business. It has many moving parts and is very personal to customers,” says Raj.

     

    Having 22 delivery units across Mumbai, with over 2,000 transactions per day, Box8 has grown 10x in the last 15 months. Keeping a focus on taste, technology and innovation has resonated well with its customers, as 80 per cent of its daily transactions come from repeat customers. Therefore, the funding comes at a welcome time when they not only need to keep their quality consistent but more man power on board.

     

    “We have over 30 IITians in our team and we would like to hire more such talented individuals from different backgrounds. Execution is the key to the success of this business and we want to build a team, which focuses on getting the job done,” added Gupta.

     

    Box8 is also backed by multiple angel investors, including Mu Sigma founder Dheeraj Rajaram, Avendus Capital co-founder and managing director Kaushal Aggarwal and Indian Angel Network.