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Tag: Pavan Guntupalli

  • Five start-up founders who leveraged tech to disrupt

    Five start-up founders who leveraged tech to disrupt

    Mumbai: Earlier this year, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had highlighted in its report how Indian startups are likely to create 50 million new jobs and add $1 trillion to the economy by 2029-30 (FY30). The technological advancements witnessed in the last decade are proof of this projection, as they continue to help founders disrupt the industry with innovative solutions. From mobility to hospitality and even sectors such as media, gaming and entertainment, technological innovations have helped entrepreneurs claim new heights of success, from very early on.  

    Harnessing cutting-edge technologies, these young entrepreneurs have unlocked new benchmarks of success, building enterprises that deliver immense public value. We look at five such startup founders whose entrepreneurial passion has broken all barriers, and that too, early on in their lives.

    Ritesh Agarwal: Founded OYO Rooms in 2013 at the age of 19

    Ritesh’s extensive travel across India exposed a significant gap in the market—budget hotels that offered both affordability and quality service were hard to come by. This insight led to the creation of OYO in 2013. What began as a solution to a personal problem quickly evolved into one of the world’s largest hotel chains, now over 1.5 million rooms in more than 80 countries.

    By leveraging advanced technology, OYO has made booking affordable and quality accommodations effortless and accessible. Agarwal’s story is an inspiring example of turning a simple, idle observation into a global business. His other key achievements include being the youngest Shark on Shark Tank India Season 3 and getting featured in the Hurun Rich List with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion, among others.

    Dilsher Malhi: Founded Zupee in 2018 at the age of 23

    Dilsher Malhi is the founder and CEO of Zupee, a skill-based gaming company, known for its flagship game Zupee Ludo. For Dilsher, the journey started in 2018, when after graduating with a B. Tech degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, he went on to pursue his passion with entrepreneurship and gaming. His technology-led innovation and gamification approach took him to create Zupee, which has become a leader in gaming innovation in the fiercely competitive online gaming industry. Dilsher and his team reinvented skill-based Ludo in an online avatar to empower users with learning and joy. In the process, Zupee did not only own a category, they actually established the category. Under his leadership, Zupee has 100 mn users associated with them. Featured on Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, 2021, the story of Dilsher goes on to prove that with passion and vision, everything is possible.

    Bhavish Aggarwal: Founded Ola in 2010 at the age of 25

    Bhavish Aggarwal is the co-founder and CEO of Ola, a ride-hailing platform. His journey began in 2010, when, after earning a B. Tech degree in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Bombay, he decided to transform the transportation industry in India. Bhavish’s vision was to leverage technology to create a convenient and affordable solution to the country’s chaotic commuting challenges. What started as a small operation in Mumbai quickly expanded into a nationwide network, offering services in over 250 cities. Under his leadership, Ola has grown into a diversified mobility platform, branching into electric vehicles, food delivery, and financial services. Bhavish’s relentless pursuit of innovation has not only disrupted the traditional taxi industry but has also made Ola a household name across India

    Pavan Guntupalli (24), Aravind Sanka (25), and SR Rishikesh: Co-founded Rapido in 2015

    Within 9 years of its inception, Rapido undertook technology and business innovation to foray into all three verticals of ride hailing services, including Rapido Bike-taxis, Auto rickshaw, and cabs. Rigged with technology, the app connects commuters with bike taxis for an easy and pocket-friendly way of getting around cities quickly. Services are now available in more than 100 cities. Rapido is expanding its ride offerings in more cities, looking to further strengthen its position as a ride-hailing leader with its zero-commission model.

    Azhar Iqubal: Co-founded Inshorts in 2013 at the age of 22

    Azhar Iqubal is the Co-founder and CEO of Inshorts, a cutting-edge content discovery platform that has revolutionised how news is consumed in the digital age. At 22, Azhar recognised the need for a more efficient way to access information, especially in a world where attention spans are shrinking. Leveraging his technical expertise and an understanding of user behaviour, he co-founded Inshorts in 2013. The platform uses algorithms to curate and summarize news into 60-word snippets, delivering concise and relevant content to millions of users daily. Azhar’s tech-driven approach streamlined news consumption and also set a new standard in the media industry. Under his leadership, Inshorts has become a go-to source for quick, reliable news, proving that innovation in technology can fundamentally make a difference in how information is disseminated and consumed.

  • Rapido guarantees instant lowest price cabs and autos

    Rapido guarantees instant lowest price cabs and autos

    Mumbai: This IPL season, Rapido, a leading ride-hailing company operating in over 100 cities nationwide, is rolling out two impactful campaigns: ‘Lowest Price Guaranteed’ and ‘5 nahi toh 50’ spotlighting their cab and auto services respectively.

    Crafted by The Other Half, a boutique creative and production agency, each narrative in these campaigns ingeniously brings to light the suppressed feelings of distress and inconvenience encountered by commuters when they’re unable to secure immediate transportation. These stories vividly illustrate the emotional rollercoaster of the wait, emphasising the urgent need for prompt and low-price conveyance.

    The Rapido Cab campaign presents Rapido’s offerings as the hottest news in town in a hilarious manner. Promising commuters ‘Lowest price guaranteed’, the campaign ensures the lowest price or else double money in your wallet. Each film in the series depicts an eventful scenario where a taxi is urgently needed. However, the comedic essence lies in the overshadowing of these events by Rapido’s lowest price guarantee offer.

    In Rapido’s auto-focused campaign, “5 nahi toh 50”, the brand puts a humorous spin on the trope of doctors recommending products in traditional advertising. The campaign highlights the frustration experienced by female commuters when they cannot readily find an auto-rickshaw. In these lighthearted films, a doctor abruptly prescribes Rapido as the ultimate solution, surpassing regular auto-hailing apps. Rapido guarantees an auto will arrive within five minutes, or the customer receives 50 rupees in their wallet. This ensures Rapido provides swift and dependable transportation for its customers.

    The brilliance of these campaigns lies in their relatability and exaggerated depiction of these shared experiences, resonating deeply with audiences. The incorporation of fun and catchy jingles, such as ‘Guarantee pe guarantee, lowest price guarantee,’ and ‘5 nahi toh 50’ further enhances the humour and memorability of the messages conveyed.

    Rapido co-founder Pavan Guntupalli emphasised that “Our campaigns are crafted around fundamental category truths, showcasing the unique aspects of our offerings. The campaign will enable us to dial up brand preference. By crafting captivating stories (category truths) that resonate deeply with our users, we’re poised to establish Rapido as the undisputed leader in convenient, affordable, and reliable transportation solutions.

    Film director Arjuna Gaur commented, “Our Rapido campaigns tap into the frustration of waiting for a cab or an auto, especially in crucial moments. We highlight the importance of timely transportation and aim to connect emotionally with our audience. By adding humour and relatability, we turn mundane experiences into memorable stories. The catchy jingles, like ‘Guarantee pe guarantee, lowest price guarantee,’ and ‘5 nahi toh 50’ reassure consumers that Rapido understands their needs and is dedicated to providing affordable rides.”

    The 360-degree campaigns are promoted on key platforms like Jio Cinema, connected TV, and Star Sports, supported by a comprehensive strategy covering television, digital, print, and BTL. This plan targets diverse audiences in Kannada, English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi, helping Rapido establish itself as the top choice for hassle-free city travel during the IPL season and beyond.

  • Rapido hosts exclusive screening of blockbuster Gadar-2 for its Auto Captains in Noida

    Rapido hosts exclusive screening of blockbuster Gadar-2 for its Auto Captains in Noida

    Mumbai: Rapido, India’s leading auto and bike taxi aggregator platform, hosted an exclusive screening of the sensational hit movie Gadar-2 as a heartfelt tribute to its 100+ Auto Captains, under its Auto Dost initiatives. The event took place on 27 August, at the Cinepolis Cinemas in Noida. Over 100 Auto Captains experienced the special screening of Gadar-2.

    This heart-warming initiative underscores Rapido’s unwavering commitment to recognize and celebrate the relentless dedication and service of its Auto Captains who play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless transportation across Noida.

    For years, auto drivers have been the backbone of the city’s intricate transportation network, diligently connecting millions of commuters to their destinations day in and day out. The special screening of Gadar-2 was not only a gesture of appreciation but also rejuvenated Rapido’s esteemed Auto Captains, who continually strive to redefine the commuting experience.

    Rapido co-founder Pavan Guntupalli expressed his thoughts on this unique initiative, “Our Auto Captains are the backbone of our services, and we are dedicated to providing them with opportunities to unwind and recharge. Gadar-2 holds a special place in the hearts of audiences, and we want our captains to share this cinematic experience together.”

    Gadar-2, featuring the iconic Sunny Deol, has already achieved the remarkable status of being the second-highest grossing film of 2023. Having been made with a production budget of Rs 60 Crore, Gadar-2’s box office performance continues to impress, with earnings reaching an impressive Rs 411.10 crore within just 13 days of its release.

    Under the Auto Dost initiative, the organization endeavors at enhancing the well-being of its auto captains, Rapido announced significant upgrades including the installation of seat belts and curtains in autos operating within Delhi. These initiatives underscore Rapido’s holistic approach to creating a safe, comfortable, and rewarding environment for its valued Auto Captains. Gadar emerged as one of the most monumental hits of 2001, and its sequel, Gadar-2, successfully rekindled the same level of success 22 years later.