Founders Stories - Founders Club

From Rs 22 to Rs 1700 Crore ( The story of Vasanth & Co )

H. Vasanthakumar’s entrepreneurial journey is a remarkable story of determination, innovation, and market insight. Started with just Rs 22, now Vasanth & Co is a leading retail chain with a turnover of approximately Rs 1700 crore in Fiscal 2023. Humble Beginnings Vasanthakumar, the founder of Vasanth & Co, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with humble beginnings. He started his career as a salesman at VGP, a renowned retail chain in India. His experience there taught him valuable lessons in customer relations and business management. With no significant financial backing, Vasanthakumar decided to start his own business in 1978. He began with a small provision shop in Chennai, which a friend had offered him on a rental basis. To make the shop functional, Vasanthakumar had to be resourceful. He made a signboard from a packaging box to save costs and started implementing a unique installment payment scheme that he had observed at VGP. Customers could pay half the product’s price upfront and the remaining amount in installments. This approach allowed him to build a loyal customer base quickly. Growth and Expansion Vasanthakumar’s keen understanding of the market and his focus on customer satisfaction fueled the growth of his business. He expanded his product range to include household appliances and electronics, catering to the growing middle class in Tamil Nadu. Over the years, Vasanth & Co became synonymous with affordable, reliable products and excellent customer service. A key factor in Vasanth & Co’s success was its focus on rural markets. While most competitors were concentrated in urban areas, Vasanthakumar saw potential in rural regions, where consumers had fewer options. By offering installment payment options, he made it easier for rural customers to purchase quality products, thus expanding his customer base significantly. Current Market Position Today, Vasanth & Co is one of South India’s largest retail chains, with over 95 showrooms across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The company has established itself as a leader in the consumer electronics and home appliances sector, with a product portfolio that includes televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and more. The firm’s success is also reflected in its financial performance. Vasanth & Co’s turnover reached approximately ₹1,700 crore in fiscal 2023, up from ₹1,272 crore in the previous year (CRISIL). This growth is a testament to the company’s ability to adapt to market changes and maintain strong relationships with over 40 leading brands. Business Strategy and Future Outlook Vasanth & Co’s business model has always been centered around customer satisfaction. The company offers competitive pricing, flexible payment options, and robust after-sales service, making it a preferred choice for consumers in South India. Vasanthakumar’s emphasis on detail-oriented planning and his ability to navigate challenges have been crucial to the company’s enduring success. Looking ahead, Vasanth & Co plans to continue its expansion across South India, enhancing its product offerings and strengthening relationships with global brands. The company is also focusing on digital transformation, leveraging e-commerce to reach a wider audience. Conclusion Vasanthakumar’s entrepreneurial journey from a small shop in Chennai to establishing one of South India’s largest retail chains, Vasanth & Co, is a remarkable story of vision, resilience, and dedication. Even after his passing in 2020, his legacy continues to influence the retail industry in South India. Vasanthakumar not only built a successful business but also left behind a model of customer-centric retailing that focuses on accessibility, affordability, and after-sales service. His approach to business, particularly his focus on rural markets and installment payment schemes, has inspired many in the industry. Vasanth & Co remains a testament to his innovative strategies and commitment to customer satisfaction. His vision lives on as the company continues to thrive and expand, carrying forward the principles he championed. Vasanthakumar’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, innovation, and a deep understanding of customer needs, it is possible to turn even the smallest venture into a lasting legacy.

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Ambi Moorthy: Visionary Leader and Entrepreneur

Founders Stories / Team FC

Early Career and Founding GoZen.io Ambi Moorthy, CEO and Co-Founder of GoZen.io, has a rich background in product marketing and management. Before launching GoZen.io in January 2022, Ambi served as the Global Head of Partner Development at Zoho Corporation, managing CRM and SaaS partnerships. His extensive experience in the SaaS industry was instrumental in founding GoZen.io with co-founder Rahul. Together, they bootstrapped the company to success, focusing on creating high-quality, user-friendly products that received positive feedback for their UI/UX design. Struggles and Growth Ambi’s entrepreneurial journey was not without its challenges. The transition from a stable corporate role at Zoho to the uncertain terrain of a startup was daunting. Bootstrapping GoZen.io meant that Ambi and his team had to be resourceful and strategic with limited funds. There were times when financial constraints threatened the progress of their projects, requiring them to make tough decisions and prioritize essential features. Despite these challenges, Ambi’s resilience and determination drove the company’s growth. He leveraged his extensive network from his Zoho days to secure early customers and feedback, which was crucial for refining their products. Ambi’s ability to pivot and adapt to market needs helped GoZen.io navigate initial hurdles and achieve significant milestones. Other Ventures Ambi Moorthy’s entrepreneurial journey includes several successful ventures: Contributions to the Startup Ecosystem Ambi Moorthy has significantly contributed to the startup ecosystem through his involvement with the Aalamaram Startup Incubator. This incubator was founded to support first-generation entrepreneurs, especially from tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Aalamaram focuses on long-term R&D, providing a fully equipped workspace, mentorship, and funding to help startups grow without the burden of overhead expenses. Over two years, Aalamaram has incubated 19 startups, created more than 80 jobs, and generated a combined revenue of $1.5 million. This initiative has had a significant economic impact, particularly in less urbanized areas. Mission and Vision Ambi’s mission revolves around creating impactful and innovative SaaS products that enhance business operations while fostering a people-first culture. He emphasizes employee happiness and well-being, believing that a supportive work environment translates into better products and services. Ambi’s vision is to make GoZen a significant player in the SaaS industry, driven by trust, authenticity, and a focus on employee success. His leadership at GoZen.io is characterized by investing in employee happiness, which he believes directly contributes to the company’s success. Thoughts Ambi Moorthy’s leadership and innovative approach have earned him significant praise from various leaders and peers in the startup ecosystem. Colleagues at Zoho Corporation and those involved with his other ventures commend him for his leadership and innovative approach. Leaders in the industry often highlight Ambi’s ability to create impactful products and his dedication to supporting first-generation entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Aalamaram Startup Incubator. His contributions to the startup ecosystem are well-regarded, with many appreciating his mentorship and focus on sustainable business practices. Conclusion Ambi Moorthy exemplifies visionary leadership and dedication to innovation and employee well-being. Through his ventures and contributions to the startup ecosystem, he continues to inspire and drive positive change in the business world. His focus on creating impactful SaaS products, combined with a people-first approach, sets a benchmark for sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship. Ambi’s journey from managing global partnerships at Zoho to founding successful startups demonstrates his commitment to innovation, excellence, and fostering a supportive entrepreneurial environment.

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Sudharsanan Ganapathy’s Journey from Engineer to Personal Branding Pioneer

Founders Stories / Team FC

Introduction Sudharsanan Ganapathy is an engineer-turned-entrepreneur from Chennai. Raised by a single mother, he chose a non-traditional path, leading to his focus on personal branding and growth hacking. How It Started Sudharsanan shifted from engineering to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to follow his own aspirations rather than societal expectations. His transformation began when he realized that the world’s expectations didn’t align with his goals. Determined and eager to learn, he transitioned from engineering to entrepreneurship, seeking to explore uncharted territories and forge his own path. He started his journey as a Social Media Marketing Strategist, working as a freelancer from June 2012 to November 2021. During this period, he collaborated with over 100 small business owners, CEOs, and thought leaders, assisting them in digital transition, building their social media profiles, and creating ad campaigns. The Social Company In December 2021, Sudharsanan founded The Social Company to help individuals and businesses enhance their personal brands through authenticity, storytelling, and digital presence. As a Personal Branding Strategist, Sudharsanan’s mission is to unlock the power of personal brands for global impact. He believes that authenticity and effective storytelling can significantly elevate a brand’s presence in the digital world. Current Role In addition to leading The Social Company, Sudharsanan is a Co-Founder at a stealth mode startup based in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on community building and entrepreneurship education, starting from March 2024. Key Lesson Sudharsanan’s journey highlights the importance of breaking free from societal norms and embracing authenticity for success. His story teaches us that conformity isn’t the only path to success. By embracing his uniqueness, he discovered untapped potential. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, artist, or professional, authenticity matters. The world craves genuine voices, and Sudharsanan exemplifies this truth. Takeaways Here are the takeaways from Sudharsanan Ganapathy’s journey: Conclusion Sudharsanan Ganapathy’s journey from engineer to entrepreneur underscores the value of authenticity and the potential of unconventional paths. His work with The Social Company highlights the importance of personal branding in today’s digital age. By breaking free from societal norms and focusing on genuine connections, Sudharsanan has made a significant impact. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals to embrace their unique paths and invest in their personal brands. Through his experiences, Sudharsanan teaches us that success is not solely defined by conformity but by the courage to be authentic and impactful. The lessons from his journey are valuable for anyone looking to carve their own path and make a lasting impression in their field.

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The story of 7 Eagles & Ashkar Gomez

Founders Stories / Team FC

Meet Ashkar Gomez, a seasoned Growth Marketer and SEO expert with over a decade of experience in the field. Besides his expertise in marketing, Gomez is also an entrepreneur, having founded and built 7 Eagles, Fincareplan, and Ficodo. Over the years, Gomez has worked with over 200 clients globally, providing services in Growth Marketing, SEO, Performance Marketing, Content Marketing, LinkedIn Marketing, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads. On LinkedIn, he shares his entrepreneurial journey, mindset, SEO tips and strategies, marketing campaigns, growth marketing hacks, and financial tips. The Journey What started as a solo venture, 7 Eagles has evolved into a team of over 25 visionpreneurs ( They hire people who have entrepreneurial mindset), excelling in SEO & Growth Marketing. In 2023, they achieved a revenue of $400K ARR. But let’s take a step back and look at how it all began. Four years ago, Gomez started 7 Eagles as a side hustle in a small space. At that time, the market lacked a dedicated agency focusing solely on SEO services. This gap in the market sparked Gomez’s dream to build an agency dedicated to SEO services. Gomez learned SEO on his own, spending countless nights building the website and creating content. Until November 2020, he had no idea about hiring, but he continued doing what he loved – training people in what he had learned. That’s when his students turned into his team. Today, 7 Eagles provides world-class services in SEO & Growth Marketing. But their journey doesn’t stop here. They have started investing assets into building products and are on a mission to build a community of financially knowledgeable entrepreneurs through their ‘FINtrepreneur’ Newsletter. They are heading towards a day when every youngster breaks the stigma of dependency. About the Company 7 Eagles started as a bootstrapped marketing agency and grew from scratch to $400K ARR in just four years with a team of over 25 members. Now, they are transitioning into a technology company where they are building products that could solve problems of marketing agencies, Healthcare & hospital, Fintech, D2C, and Real estate sectors. 7 Eagles is a leading Growth Marketing Agency, specializing in SEO services, and Performance Marketing with a Growth Hacking Strategy. They are based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. They are a team of marketing professionals from different sectors, joined together to provide the best business solutions to their clients. Their company was founded by Gomez in 2019 as a digital marketing agency. Recognizing that “Riches are in the niches”, they decided to focus on one service – SEO. In just three years, they became one of the leading SEO companies in India, working with 200 clients across 10+ countries. During the initial days, Gomez built the team by training every individual to become a pioneer in SEO through an internship program. This led to the birth of the 7 Eagles Academy, offering an SEO course at their office. With a vision of expanding, they have started an online SEO course with the goal of creating more SEO freelancers and agency owners. In the last year, they have been focusing on Growth Marketing and Performance Marketing as their next set of services. Key Learnings Focus on Specialization: Ashkar’s success is attributed to his specialization in Growth Marketing and SEO. By concentrating on a specific niche, entrepreneurs can establish themselves as experts and stand out in a competitive market. Continuous Learning: Ashkar’s commitment to continuous learning is a key takeaway. Entrepreneurs should prioritize staying updated on industry trends, acquiring new skills, and adapting to changing market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge. Provide Comprehensive Solutions: Entrepreneurs should aim to understand their customers’ pain points and offer tailored solutions that add significant value, fostering long-term relationships and business growth.

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Suresh Krishna : A Chennai Entrepreneur Making AI Accessible (Wolfers Tech , TalkSmart)

Founders Stories / Team FC

“I Even get bullied during my school days. But those experiences taught me something valuable – when someone treats you wrong, the best response is to treat them right. Life always gives me two choices that, I could sit and blame my circumstances, crying on what I didn’t have. Or I can think and change the things with what I have now, to get what I want.” – N.a.s.suresh krishna The story of N.a.s.suresh krishna stands out as a testament to perseverance and innovative spirit. Born into a world filled with challenges, Suresh’s journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial success is marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of his dreams. Early Challenges Growing up, Suresh faced his fair share of obstacles, including teasing at school and familial financial struggles. However, instead of allowing these challenges to deter him, he used them as fuel to propel himself forward. Despite the adversities he encountered, Suresh remained steadfast in his pursuit of success. Entrepreneurial Ventures In 2019, Suresh took the bold step of founding WolfersTech, a venture dedicated to harnessing innovation. This marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, where he sought to leverage technology to address real-world problems. Subsequently, in 2020, he ventured into ecommerce with Pocket Friendly, further expanding his entrepreneurial portfolio. Literary Contributions Alongside his business endeavors, Suresh found creative expression in the literary world. He authored several books, including “சில்லறை கவிதை,” “சிறகுகள்,” and “Scribble Thoughts,” showcasing his versatility and passion for storytelling. Social Impact and Initiatives Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, Suresh established the “Hope Community” to address societal issues such as hunger and suicide prevention. This initiative reflected his commitment to giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of others. Collaborative Ventures In 2022, Suresh co-founded TalkSmart, an AI speech coach, in collaboration with members from WolfersTech. This venture exemplified his vision of democratizing technology and empowering individuals through innovative solutions. Moreover, his advocacy for equity-based opportunities underscored his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Multifaceted Achievements Suresh’s journey was characterized by a diverse array of accomplishments, including modeling, cinematography, ethical hacking, and mentoring. His multifaceted talents and achievements served as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. Inspirational Reflections Through platforms like Josh Talks, Suresh shared his personal experiences and insights, offering valuable lessons and inspiration to others. His reflections on resilience, community support, and self-belief resonated deeply with audiences, encouraging them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the journey of N.a.s.suresh krishna is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and innovative thinking in overcoming challenges and achieving success in the entrepreneurial landscape. His story serves as a source of inspiration for individuals seeking to embark on their own entrepreneurial endeavors, reminding us that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.

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Nirmal Kumar : Govt Laptop to Own ventures with Mentor

Founders Stories / Team FC

Nirmal Kumar’s story is nothing short of inspirational, showcasing a journey from a simple background to achieving lakhs in the digital marketing world. Born to a family where his mum sold flowers in front of a temple and his dad ran an old TV repair shop, Nirmal’s early life was grounded in humility. Despite the financial struggles, he was a bright student with dreams of becoming a doctor, but fate had other plans. After facing a personal setback when his dad met with an accident, Nirmal had to drop out of his engineering course, a decision that hit him hard. However, he didn’t let this deter his spirit. Switching his path, he joined an arts and science college. It was during this phase that Nirmal’s curiosity led him to a book that changed his outlook – “Rich Dad Poor Dad”. This book made him realize the importance of skills over traditional education. His interest in digital marketing sparked when he came across a YouTube video and expressed his eagerness to learn in the comment section. To his fortune, Arun, a seasoned professional in digital marketing, replied, offering to mentor him. This was the turning point. Under Arun’s guidance, Nirmal started grasping the basics of digital marketing. Despite only having a government laptop to work on, he saved enough to enroll in a digital marketing course, determined to make the most of his resources. Nirmal’s break came through a networking meet where he landed his first freelance gig. This opportunity was a game-changer, setting him on a path of professional growth and financial improvement. Years later, Nirmal, together with his mentor Arun, ventured into specializing in securing the high-paying clients for B2B services. Their journey from interacting through a YouTube comment to strategizing business together is truly remarkable. Nirmal Kumar’s tale is a powerful reminder of how determination, coupled with the right guidance, can help overcome barriers, making a mark in the digital space. His story resonates with many, illustrating that with hard work and perseverance, achieving one’s dreams is indeed possible, regardless of one’s humble beginnings.

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Started with Rs 500 Now Making in Lakhs : Story of Sudhan

Founders Stories / Team FC

Meet Sudhan, a young lad from Theni district whose journey into digital marketing is truly inspiring. When he was 17 years old, one day, he learned about a word called digital marketing on YouTube. So he decided to start learning about that using Google and YouTube. After that, he decided to start a small drop-shipping business to practice digital marketing using that. Starting Digital Marketing A few months later, he started with his two friends and 500 rupees. He mentioned that in the beginning, they were so confident that they would get lots of clients, but nothing happened. He decided to tweak their approach a bit. After reaching multiple business owners in person, none of them converted. So he decided to create a small marketing plan for them while meeting, and that worked well. That was how he got his first client, and he also started creating content on Instagram about how he was running his agency. Their efforts on Instagram started paying off too. Sudhan’s talent for creating engaging content became their superpower. Now, their Instagram reels get lots of attention, bringing in clients without them having to do much extra work. Now he is studying 2nd year in college. Doing college as part-time and running a digital marketing agency full-time. Giving Back In another part of Sudhan’s story, when he was a kid, he, along with his brother and mother, had a tough time and had to live in an orphanage for five years because of family problems. After Sudhan started making money, he gave some of it to the orphanage as a way to say thank you for helping them when they needed it most.

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