MUMBAI: Fancy a tale of entrepreneurial derring-do? Look no further than Art-E Mediatech Private Ltd, better known as Art-E Media, a marketing and technology maven that burst onto the scene in 2018. What began as a mere septet of tech-savvy chaps toiling in a humble garage has, in a rather spiffing turn of events, mushroomed into a formidable force of over 150 bright sparks, affectionately dubbed “ArtEans”. With a footprint stretching from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the glittering towers of Dubai, via Delhi and Bangalore, this outfit isn’t just playing the game; it’s practically written the rulebook for full-stack marketing, creator content, and tech artistry.
Over the years, Art-E Media has been canoodling with some rather grand names – the sort that make rivals green with envy. Think Google, Coursera, TCL, Sharp, Panasonic, Pantaloon, Ceat Tyres, Jubilant Foods, IndiaMART, Flipkart Seller Hub, Realme Smartphones, and even Hero.
At the heart of this empire stands Rohit Sakunia, a chap who clearly doesn’t believe in modest ambitions. This whizz-kid not only birthed Art-E Media but also propelled it to a staggering $10 million in annual revenue within a mere four years. But wait, there’s more! He also cooked up INVIZ, which raked in a cool $1.5 million in its sophomore year. Running a tight ship, he’s overseen a crew of over 100, masterminding delivery, creative genius, and the nitty-gritty of business development. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s pumped out content that’s garnered millions of organic views, forging brand equity and building businesses like a true titan of industry.
Indiantelevision.com’s Rohin Ramesh managed to corner this elusive guru. Expect the resulting interaction to be brimming with juicy details on new technologies, advanced tools, revenue generation, and a whole lot more that will undoubtedly make for a ripping good read.
Edited excerpts
On the inspiration behind the inception of Art-E Media
Honestly, Art-E wasn’t born out of a grand plan. It started over endless coffees and late-night chats where we kept questioning why marketing was either too flashy or too clinical. Why couldn’t it be real? Human? Isn’t that a big question today too in this era of AI.
For Tejender (my partner) and I, the idea was simple: build an agency where storytelling leads, and technology enables. Where marketing doesn’t feel like marketing. Where brands don’t chase trends but create their own narratives.
Our vision was to keep it very personal. To be humble but create loads of impact. We always believed data will do the talking but we also didn’t let it kill or cull creativity.
We have always said to the larger team too. That does not look very ahead of time. Look at the next campaign we are doing. And redefine it for your client. Our motto thus is one honest campaign at a time.
On how your agency is integrating advanced technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, big data) into marketing strategies to drive better outcomes
At Art-E, we’ve always believed technology should simplify, not complicate. AI, machine learning, and data tools aren’t just buzzwords for us. They’re enablers to understand human behavior better and craft sharper stories. That’s what the planners in the team use it for too.
Whether it’s using AI to predict consumer shifts, personalising content at scale, or leveraging data to decode what’s working and what’s just noise, we love blending tech with instinct. And we are extremely careful too. As I have mentioned above, creativity stays at the core, while technology plays the role of an amplifier. For us, the goal is simple, smarter marketing that feels human.
On your perspective on emerging trends in marketing, including AI-powered tools and immersive technologies such as AR/VR
Trends will keep coming. AI, AR, VR, all these are powerful no doubt but at Art-E, we stop a tad bit before getting very excited at something new. First we use the same and check for ourselves whether it can actually solve a problem. If it does, then we jump in joy. Because now we know that it can tell a story better.
AI-powered tools help us work smarter: We agree. AR/VR helps us build experiences that engage deeper this too. But the focus stays on why we’re using them, not just what we’re using.
We are firm believers that tools don’t build brands, stories do. These tools at best are probably amazing paintbrushes. And we’ll use them wherever they help create something meaningful.
On the evolving role of influencer marketing and the impact of technology on this space
Influencers today are storytellers and not billboards. And we use them precisely that way. We use tech to find and fit a voice that will resonate for the brand and not just plain echo the communication. The problem happens when you try to use influencer marketing for selling. The idea is to connect. Because when the connection happens, the selling or the impact definitely follows.
On strategies for building trust and fostering meaningful engagement with consumers in an increasingly digital world
For me, trust isn’t built through fancy campaigns or viral content or even through the biggest brand ambassador. It’s built in those small, consistent, vital moments where brands choose honesty over hype.
At Art-E, both Tejender and I and also our CEO Amit often tell our clients to stop marketing to people and start talking with them. Being more human. Being more transparent. We have said that saying no sometimes is ok and apologising is ok too. And on top of all this, listen more than you speak.
For our clients we ensure realness stands out in the digital chaotic world. Our strategy? Keep it simple. Keep it honest. Keep it human. That’s how you build trust.
On your plans for the future
Our plan for the future is very simple. We just intend to stay restless. How can you rest in an era like this where tech is disrupting our business so often. So we intend to keep questioning the obvious and keep chasing stories that matter.
We’re focusing more on blending content, commerce, and tech in ways that feel seamless. They don’t look forced. We are expanding into experiential and immersive spaces too, but again, only where it adds genuine value to the brand narrative.
We love numbers. But the goal isn’t just growth in numbers. It’s growth in impact. To stay boutique in mindset, but global in our thinking. And to ensure every campaign we craft feels less like work and more like a conversation worth having.