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Revolutionising Indian Agriculture: The ONO Way

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Rama Rao Kancharapu, CEO ONO

In a country where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, ONO is emerging as a trailblazer dedicated to transforming the agri-value chain through cutting-edge technology and data-centric solutions. Founded by Rama Rao Kancharapu to address critical inefficiencies within India’s agricultural ecosystem, ONO leverages digital innovation to empower farmers, traders, and commission agents.

After extensively travelling across India and studying the operational dynamics of over 675 APMCs and MANDIs, the ONO team identified key pain points such as information asymmetry, unreliable transactional data, and supply-demand mismatches. With its comprehensive suite of products—ONO CLICK, ONO MANDI, ONO CASH, and ONO CONNECT—ONO offers a groundbreaking approach to market intelligence, seamless trading, and accessible formal credit, paving the way for a more transparent, efficient, and prosperous agricultural sector. Join us as we delve into the journey of ONO and discover how this innovative startup is making waves and driving economic growth in India’s heartland.

Here are the snippets from the conversation with Mr Rama Rao Kancharapu, who has transformed the industry and brought a revolution in agriculture.

You mentioned that your desire to enter the entrepreneurial world goes back to your early career days, where you were instrumental in building automated and data-intensive solutions to eliminate inefficiencies and improve quality of life. Can you share more about what inspired you to start ONO and the fundamental problems you identified within the agriculture ecosystem that you wanted to address through your venture?

After 14+ years of professional experience in the USA, I have returned to India for good. I have been closely watching the Indian startup ecosystem and the progress of digital transformation. In 2021, Q3 moved back to India and started travelling across the country, especially visiting various APMCs / MANDIs. The impact created by India’s digital stack, like Aadhar, UPI, and eKYC, is a motivating factor for transforming into this agricultural domain. Given the late adoption of technology and data democratisation, we saw this as an opportunity to create value. 

Team ONO visited more than 675 APMCs / MANDIs in India to gain insights into the challenges faced by farmers, commission agents, traders, transporters, buyers, and lenders, among other participants in the agri-value chain. Information asymmetry, which causes inefficiencies and price swings; a lack of reliable transactional data, which restricts access to formal credit; and supply-and-demand mismatch and lack of transparency, which drive trust issues throughout the supply chain, are the three main issues of today’s agriculture.

You’ve highlighted that ONO has developed a distinctive business model that leverages data and technology to address the specific needs of stakeholders in the agriculture value chain. Can you elaborate on the unique aspects of your business model and how it utilises data-centric mechanisms and technological innovations to tackle challenges such as information asymmetry, lack of reliable transactional data, and supply-demand mismatches plaguing the agriculture sector?

Before ONO, At Mandis – Commission Agents / Trades maintained all books of accounts (Invoices, Ledgers, Payments, Collections, Expenses and Advances) through manual bill books and ledgers. Two issues with this approach are:

1) Tedious and error-prone 

2) Creating colossal supply and demand gaps, price fluctuations and lack of access to formal credit.

After ONO, digitising this flow (books of accounts) is helping them democratically see arrival quantities, market price intelligence, timely collections and payments, and improved stakeholder relationships. In addition, now all digital Mandis can avail of timely formal unsecured credit from their fingertips. 

You’ve mentioned that ONO has developed a suite of products and solutions, such as ONO CLICK, ONO MANDI, ONO CASH and ONO CONNECT, to cater to the specific needs of different stakeholders. Can you provide a more detailed overview of these offerings and explain how they address critical pain points like timely access to formal credit, price intelligence, market discovery, and supply-demand visibility, which have historically hindered the growth and efficiency of the agriculture sector?

ONO CLICK – MANDI DIGITIZATION PLATFORM

APMC / MANDI SaaS platform for commission agents and traders that offers price and market intelligence, invoices, payments, collections, and digitisation of APMC / MANDI operations.

ONO MANDI – MANDI TO MANDI TRADE PLATFORM

A mid-mile trading platform for traders. It enables supply and demand visibility, price intelligence, market discovery and seamless connectivity among APMCs / MANDIs. 

ONO CASH – NEO-LENDING PLATFORM

Neo-Lending is a platform for farmers, commission agents, and traders. It offers timely access to formal finance through invoice discounting, working capital loans, and farmer advances.

ONO CONNECT – FARMER PLATFORM

Crop Price and Mandi is a discovery platform for farmers. It allows users to locate neighbouring APMCs / Mandis and offers real-time, accurate crop prices across Mandis.

You’ve highlighted that ONO’s customer-first approach and focus on empowering all critical stakeholders at APMCs/MANDIs, rather than bypassing them, is a key differentiator for your company. Can you elaborate on how this customer-centric philosophy has shaped your product development, engagement, and partnership strategies? Additionally, can you share insights into how your pan-India network and collaborations with various stakeholders have helped build reliable and mutually beneficial relationships across the agriculture ecosystem?

In our business model, we have embedded a dedicated full-time MANDI CUSTOMER SUCCESS MANAGER at each MANDI who will stay with our partners daily. This has helped us build strong relationships, provide timely access to customer queries/enquiries, and provide continued business consultation for all our partners in MANDI. 

Prior ONO: Typically, Mandi Mandi trade and price discovery happens through a closed network of a few trades at Source Mandis and vice versa (A few traders at Destination Mandis). Beyond that, traders won’t have visibility of prices, quality and varieties of the crops available in the market. In addition, traders have to make long-distance physical visits now and then to address disputes or credit defaults and make new connections, which has been a hectic and cost-intensive process. 

With ONO: Now, traders can find a vast network of source and destination traders and various Mandis and their daily price intelligence from their fingertips. Our proprietary vetting process ensures credible trader discovery and complete assistance on credit recovery and quality for both source traders and destination traders, respectively. In addition, based on the trade behaviours with ONO, traders can now avail themselves of unsecured working capital loans and trade advances to increase their business. 

What are your plans for expanding ONO’s geographic reach and developing new products and solutions as you look ahead? How do you envision ONO contributing to the overall growth and transformation of the agriculture sector in India, and what role do you see the company playing in empowering farmers and other ecosystem players to achieve greater economic prosperity?

Our long-term vision is to enable economic growth opportunities for farmers and ecosystem players like Traders and Commission Agents. As part of this mission, we are on the right track to connect farmers with better destinations where the price realisation will be more timely sale as well.  In the next 2-3 years, we aim to reach 1000+ Mandis with 5M+ farmers.

For more information about ONO, visit their website: https://ono.ag/all-products

Lords Hotels and Resorts expands footprint with new property in Katra 

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Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts

Lords Hotels and Resorts has signed their newest property, Lords Inn Katra, in Jammu and Kashmir. This move supports the company’s goal to enhance its presence in key religious destinations across India, strengthening its position as a leading hotel management brand.

Set to open in early 2025, Lords Inn Katra will offer 52 well-appointed rooms designed for comfort and relaxation. Guests can enjoy a rooftop restaurant with stunning views and a delightful dining experience. The hotel will also feature a state-of-the-art spa and therapy center, providing a serene retreat for those seeking rejuvenation after their spiritual journey.

Conveniently located near the Katra railway station and only 300 meters from the Yatra starting point to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Lords Inn Katra ensures easy access for guests on their pilgrimage.

Lords Hotels and Resorts remains dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences as the company grows. They plan to expand to 100 hotels within the next three years, increasing their presence in India, Nepal, and other emerging markets.

Pushpendra Bansal, COO of Lords Hotels & Resorts, expressed his excitement about this new venture, highlighting the cultural importance of Katra. He noted that the hotel is set to become an ideal choice for devotees and pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, emphasizing the strategic importance of expanding in Jammu and Kashmir.

Vikas Suri, vice president of operations & development at Lords Hotels & Resorts, commented on the new acquisition, stating, “To maximize further growth and expansion opportunities, we are delighted to consolidate our presence in Jammu and Kashmir with the opening of our second property in this region. The hotel will offer top-class accommodation and the finest services at competitive rates.”   

He also expressed his enthusiasm for the new collaboration, stating, “This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, and we are excited to work together to bring exceptional hospitality services to Katra.”

Proptech startup Jugyah raises $1.5M in a funding

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Arshad Balwa (left) and Ansuman Mohanty, founders, Jugyah

Proptech startup Jugyah has secured $1.5 million in a funding round led by White Venture Capital, QED Investors, and Godrej Properties. Whiteboard Capital, Singularity Ventures, and angel investors like Cred founder Kunal Shah, Harsh Jain of Dream Sports, and Ramakant Sharma of Livspace also participated.

With these new funds, Jugyah plans to expand its reach within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and grow its market share.

Founded in 2023 by Arshad Balwa and Ansuman Mohanty, Jugyah is a real estate brokerage platform connecting property buyers and tenants with sellers and landlords. The platform also offers extra services, including an in-house mortgage origination arm that provides financing options.

“To truly solve the home buyer and renter’s problems, we had to re-architecture the entire home sale and rental value chain from first principles. We realized that listing platforms are very surface level and barely solve the search and discovery problem. What happens after, that is the visit, negotiation, transaction and post move-in experience, is completely offline and unstandardized,” said Balwa, cofounder of Jugyah.

“By vertically integrating all the five steps through a digital platform with a physical experience center and embedding a fin-tech layer to remove nuisances and adding features such as legal assistance, loan financing we realized we could create an affordable, truly 10x, phygitally enabled method of finding a home. The goal is to make real estate brokerage a standardized product instead of a variable quality service.” 

All tenants on the platform must complete an e-KYC procedure and credit assessment, helping landlords choose credit-verified tenants. Buyers benefit from free seepage warranties, free legal support, and zero-commission mortgage pre-approval.

Jugyah has set up offline experience centers in South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, where buyers, sellers, tenants, and landlords can get help from Jugyah’s agents.

The company claims it is growing over 50% month-over-month and expects to be positive cash-flow by year-end.

Additionally, Jugyah noted that India’s long-term rental and resale market is estimated to reach $300 billion by 2026, with the brokerage and property management market expected to hit $20 billion by the same year.

“We are excited about Jugyah’s vision to comprehensively solve challenges that buyers, renters, landlords and agents face in today’s marketplace. Arshad and Ansuman bring to bear insights, networks, and energy which can truly make a difference in the everyday lives of middle-class India in growing metropolises – we can’t wait to see what they will build here,” Sandeep Patil, head of Asia at QED Investors. 

Jugyah’s major competitors include Nobroker, Property Guru, and Housing.

Circuit House Technologies raises $4.3mn in funding 

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Raghu Reddy (L) and Kailash Sankaranarayanan, cofounders, Circuit House Technologies

Circuit House Technologies, a consumer electronics company founded by Raghu Reddy, the former CBO of Xiaomi India, has raised $4.3 million. Stellaris Venture Partners and 3one4 Capital led this funding round.

The firm did not reveal the valuation of the funding but mentioned that the entire $4.3 million came from equity funding. This is the company’s first institutional funding. Several angel investors, including Mamaearth co-founder Varun Alagh and Tracxn co-founder Abhishek Goyal, also joined in the funding.

“We see tremendous potential in Circuit House Technologies’ approach to the consumer tech market. Raghu and Kailash bring unparalleled expertise and vision to the table, and their innovative strategies and leadership inspire great confidence. We are certain they will drive the company to new heights, achieving remarkable success in the industry,” said Rahul Chowdhri, partner at Stellaris Venture Partners. 

Circuit House will develop and sell consumer electronic products, beginning with home entertainment items launching early next year. Reddy and Kailash Sankaranarayanan founded the company in March this year. Reddy was previously the chief business officer at Xiaomi India, while Sankaranarayanan was the senior director and revenue head of grocery at Flipkart.

“Today’s modern, aspiring Indian consumer expects superior and relevant local experiences. At Circuit House, we believe that leveraging innovative technology and unique Indian consumer insights can help deliver a differentiated proposition. Our goal is to build the next-generation Indian consumer tech company, offering cutting-edge home entertainment products,” Reddy said.

Agritech startup Arya Ag raises $29mn in funding

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(L-R): Arya.ag ED & Co-founder Anand Chandra, MD & Co-founder Prasanna Rao, and Co-founder D Chattanathan

Agritech startup Arya Ag has raised $29 million (Rs 242 crore) in a funding round led by Blue Earth Capital from Switzerland.

Additionally, Luxembourg-based investment firm Asia Impact and Quona Capital joined the round.

Arya Ag will use the funds to grow its market share and boost profitability. The startup will also form partnerships to enhance on-farm Package of Practices (PoP) and implement measures to reduce food loss across the supply chain.

“This investment will help accelerate our growth trajectory. With these funds, we plan to expand our reach, serve more farmers and buyers, and introduce innovative offerings to strengthen our position as India’s most trusted agri-commerce platform,” said cofounder and chief executive Prasanna Rao. 

Founded by Rao, Chattanathan Devarajan, and Anand Chandra, the Agritech startup Arya.ag is an integrated grain commerce platform focused on post-harvest services. It operates in 60% of Indian districts and manages 11,000 warehouses.

Arya Ag claims to aggregate and store $3 billion worth of grain each year. Additionally, it has facilitated over $1.5 billion in loans to smallholder farmers, their organizations, and other stakeholders. By 2028, Arya Ag aims to enable more than $3 billion in agri-loans and expand its storage capacity by over four times.

According to Arya Ag, the startup reported a revenue of Rs 360 crore and a profit of Rs 17 crore in FY24.

Commenting on the investment, Rohan Ghose, director of Private Equity Partnerships at Blue Earth Capital, said, “Arya.ag’s work with farmers, FPOs and ‘climate champions’ to build trust, optimise resource allocation, and minimise adverse environmental impacts has been extremely impactful, especially in the face of climate-induced stress in agriculture.” 

The firm last raised $60 million in 2022 in a funding round led by Asia Impact SA. Existing investors, including Lightrock India and Quona Capital, also participated in this round.

Unveiling the Future of Rail Security: An Interview with Dormakaba’s Mr. Amit Kumar Sharma

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Mr. Amit Kumar Sharma, Business Development Lead (ENSC- Entrance Products), Dormakaba

Dormakaba, a world-renowned leader in secure access control solutions, played a pivotal role in shaping discussions on next-generation railway security at the recent 3rd Rail Modernization Summit held in New Delhi. This prestigious event, organized by Traicon Events and featuring Business Review Live as a media partner, brought together key stakeholders within the Indian railway industry. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Amit Kumar Sharma, Business Development Lead (ENSC- Entrance Products) at Dormakaba, sheds light on the company’s innovative solutions designed to revolutionize rail access control and rail security, paving the way for a more secure and efficient future for Indian Railways.

Question 1: Dormakaba is known for its innovative security solutions. Can you tell us about any new access control technologies you’re introducing specifically for the rail industry?

Dormakaba is pioneering the integration of automatic fare collection (AFC) systems with high-speed barriers. This will create a seamless entry process for passengers holding valid tickets, restricting unauthorized platform access. This technology significantly benefits Indian Railways, enhancing security and safety and potentially increasing revenue collection. We anticipate its implementation in upcoming modernized railway stations.

Question 2: Beyond platform access control, does Dormakaba offer solutions for other areas within the railway network?

Absolutely. Dormakaba’s robust electronic access control solutions are ideal for securing back office areas, administrative buildings, and other restricted zones within railway facilities. These systems ensure controlled access for authorized personnel, contributing to a more secure environment.

Question 3: The railway industry faces unique security challenges. How is Dormakaba helping to address these concerns?

Dormakaba recognizes the multifaceted security challenges within the railway industry, particularly the numerous unguarded entry points to platforms. Infiltration by unauthorized individuals poses a significant risk, increasing congestion and compromising overall rail safety.

To address this, Dormakaba proposes the integration of high-speed swing barriers with Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems. Like metro stations where QR tickets grant access through barriers, this technology would restrict platform entry to authorized ticket holders in railway stations.

AFC (Automatic Fare Collection) is a software-based system that verifies passenger tickets before granting access through integrated barriers. This eliminates manual verification, streamlines the entry process, and ensures only authorized individuals enter platforms, significantly enhancing security and reducing congestion.

Dormakaba’s high-speed swing barriers and AFC technology offer a modern and efficient solution for railway platform access control. This cashless and automated system mirrors the successful implementation in metro stations, promoting a more secure and streamlined passenger experience.

Question 4: How does Dormakaba incorporate sustainability into its rail solutions?

Dormakaba prioritizes environmental responsibility throughout its product lifecycle. This commitment is reflected in their achievement of Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification for many of their products.

EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is a third-party verified document assessing a product’s environmental impact across its lifespan. This includes the product’s materials, manufacturing processes, use phase, and eventual disposal. By obtaining EPD certification, Dormakaba demonstrates transparency and a commitment to sustainable practices within the railway industry.

Question 5: Can you share examples of successful rail projects where Dormakaba has implemented innovative solutions?

Dormakaba’s focus for the Indian railway sector lies in pioneering future-proof security solutions. While no large-scale implementations of AFC-integrated high-speed barriers exist, the concept is actively discussed with railway authorities.

The success stories lie in Dormakaba’s proven track record within the metro rail industry. Their vision is to adapt this highly secure and efficient platform access control system for Indian railways, significantly enhancing security and streamlining passenger experience.

Question 6: The current state of access control presents challenges in rail stations. What are your thoughts on the future of rail access and security systems, and how does Dormakaba envision its solutions shaping that future?

Dormakaba sees a future with secure and controlled platform access. Unrestricted entry currently leads to congestion, security risks, and strains of resources. Our proposed integration of high-speed barriers with AFC systems, inspired by successful models in metro stations, addresses these concerns. This technology would restrict entry to ticketed passengers, reducing congestion and enhancing security. Streamlined access would also optimize resource allocation. Imagine platforms resembling organized, secure environments like airports, eliminating passenger stress and facilitating smoother movement. Dormakaba’s approach leverages successful security models from other transportation systems, reflecting a broader trend in the industry towards replicating these models for a more secure and efficient future for both passengers and railway operations. 

Courtyard By Marriott Aravali Resort appoints Daya Shanker Chaubey as Executive Chef

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Monday, 8th July: We are delighted to announce the appointment of Daya Shanker Chaubey as the new Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort. With an impressive career spanning over 18 years in the culinary industry, Daya brings a wealth of expertise and a fresh perspective to our culinary team.

Throughout his distinguished career, Daya has worked with some of the most prestigious brands in the hospitality industry, including ITC, Taj, Hyatt, Shangri-La, Accor, and Marriott. His extensive experience encompasses diverse culinary styles, including Banquets, Oriental (Pan-Asian), Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine, reflecting his innovative approach to creating customized dining experiences.

Daya is highly qualified, holding a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from the Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, New Delhi. He also has a Black Belt in Six Sigma, highlighting his commitment to quality and efficiency in all aspects of culinary operations.

In his new role, Daya will oversee all culinary operations at Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort, ensuring that every dish meets the highest standards of quality and excellence. His proven ability to lead teams, manage large-scale events, and continuously innovate aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences.

Daya’s vision includes implementing dynamic menu strategies that cater to the evolving tastes of our guests, leveraging his comprehensive knowledge of food preparation techniques, hygiene standards, and resource management. He is dedicated to enhancing the dining experience by introducing new and exciting culinary offerings while maintaining rigorous quality control and cost management practices.

“I am thrilled to welcome Daya Shanker Chaubey as our new Executive Chef. His extensive background and passion for culinary excellence will be invaluable as we continue to elevate our dining experiences. I look forward to working closely with him to achieve new culinary heights at Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort.” said Rajneesh Kumar, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort.

About Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort

Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort is a luxurious retreat nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Aravali Mountains. Offering a range of upscale amenities, including spacious rooms, delectable dining options, a rejuvenating spa, and picturesque outdoor spaces, the resort provides an unforgettable experience for leisure and business travelers. Located in Aravali, the resort combines comfort, tranquility, and warm hospitality to create an oasis of serenity.

E-procurement platform Centriti raises INR 6-Cr in pre-series A funding 

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Daljeet Singh, founder & CEO of Centriti

Centriti, a B2B company providing an online procurement platform (SaaS) for the hotel, restaurant, and catering (HoReCa) industry, secured INR 6 crore in a pre-Series A funding round. Emergent India Ventures (EV2) led the investment, with participation from Atrium Angels, Alluvium Capital, Venture Garage, CoralBay Ventures, HOF, and Brigade Group. This funding round will fuel Centriti’s growth in the HoReCa e-procurement space.

Speaking on the funding, Daljeet Singh, founder & CEO of Centriti, said, “This investment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and will enable us to revolutionize procurement systems in the hospitality industry at scale. Within two years, we have been able to create a significant impact in the geographies we operate in. With this support, we are poised to deliver unparalleled value to our partners and customers.”

Centriti uses cutting-edge technology, including smart warehouses, advanced logistics, and AI-powered inventory management, to significantly boost hotels and restaurants. This translates to reduced costs, less waste, and smoother overall operations. Centriti’s clever AI software tracks inventory automatically, even suggesting what needs restocking and when. It also provides valuable data and forecasts so businesses can make smart choices.

The funding they secured will help the firm level up their tech even further. This means faster service for their clients and expansion into new areas. Speaking of clients, Centriti already works with big names in hospitality, like Taj Hotels, Oberoi Hotels, and Accor Group. Popular chains like Barbeque Nation and Chai Point rely on them, too. Currently serving Delhi, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, Centriti has ambitious plans to reach Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai within the next two years.

Karan Mittal, general partner at Ev2 Ventures, commented, “As an impact-focused mobility fund, enabling supply chain efficiencies is paramount to our investment thesis. While leveraging AI, Centriti’s innovative approach in providing a holistic solution for the HoReCa industry through its end-to-end procurement platform has immense potential to revolutionize distribution and mid-mile logistics across the sector.”

Adda247 acquires CA test preparation firm Ekagrata Eduserv 

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Adda247 CEO Anil Nagar

Google-backed edtech startup Adda247 on Tuesday said that it has acquired Ekagrata Eduserv, a chartered accountancy (CA) test preparation firm. 

This acquisition allows Adda247 to enter the CA test preparation market for the first time.

“This acquisition is expected to significantly expand Adda247’s user base, which currently has 40 million monthly users,” the company said in a statement, without disclosing the deal’s financial details.  

This acquisition adds Ekagrata Eduserv to Adda247’s growing list of companies. Previously, in 2021, they acquired StudyIQ, a platform focused on UPSC exam prep. More recently, in 2023, they bought Veeksha, a company developing learning modules that use augmented and virtual reality.

“We’ve been planning to launch the CA category, and in Ekagrata, we found the perfect team to lead and grow this segment. Over the next several years, we aim to invest substantially in this category and establish a leadership position in the CA test preparation market,” said Adda247 CEO Anil Nagar. 

Adda247, founded in 2016 by Anil Nagar and Saurabh Bansal, caters to students aiming for careers in public sector banks, government departments, and the railways. Their comprehensive selection of exam preparation resources includes live online classes, pre-recorded video courses, practice tests, e-books, and study materials for different exams.

The edtech startup offers courses in 12 regional languages and is planning to expand to even more states and languages this year, reaching two or three new regions. 

To strengthen their new CA test prep section, the founders and employees of Ekagrata Eduserv will join Adda247. Ekagrata’s founder, Anshul Agrawal, will take the lead as director of the CA category at Adda247.

“Joining forces with Adda247 presents an exciting opportunity to scale our impact in the CA test preparation space,” said Agrawal.  

The Edtech firm boasts an impressive user base with roughly one million paid users as of May 2024. They aim to grow this number to 1.7 million by year’s end.

Financially, the company is on an upward trajectory. Headquartered in Gurgaon, the startup reported a revenue of Rs 243.39 crore for the 2023-24 financial year. This represents a significant 88% increase compared to the previous year. There’s positive news on the profitability front as well. The firm reduced its net loss by a substantial 66%, bringing it down to Rs 101 crore from Rs 296 crore in the same period.

In terms of funding, the startup secured $35 million in its latest funding round led by WestBridge Capital in 2022. This round also saw participation from tech giant Google, alongside existing investors like Info Edge Ventures and Asha Impact. Adda247’s total funding reaches a healthy $63 million with this latest infusion.

Charting Global Success: The Journey of Pierag Consulting LLP

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Abhishek Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner of Pierag Consulting LLP

Have you ever wondered how a consulting firm can rise to global prominence within a few years? Meet Abhishek Gupta, the dynamic Founder and Managing Partner of Pierag Consulting LLP, who turned a small team of five into a global powerhouse in Assurance and Advisory services. Since its inception in February 2021, Pierag has expanded its footprint across key international markets and partnered with industry giants like Baker Tilly-US. Abhishek’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation has driven Pierag’s impressive growth, making it one of the fastest-growing firms in the consulting industry. Join us as we explore the journey and vision of the man behind Pierag’s remarkable success.

BRL: How did the firm evolve over the years? What is the inspiration behind this global consulting firm?

Pierag Consulting LLP is a global assurance and advisory firm offering specialized strategic guidance to various companies. Since its inception in February 2021, Pierag Consulting has registered impressive growth. The firm began with a small team of 5 individuals and secured its first client in March 2021 – a prominent US Management Consulting firm in the Risk and Accounting Advisory domain.

Pierag’s growth accelerated as the firm started working with a leading US Public Accounting firm, significantly expanding its team to provide assurance services. By August 2021, Pierag had further diversified its client base, adding one of the world’s largest Venture Capital firms to its portfolio. 

A pivotal moment came in 2022 when Pierag collaborated with Baker Tilly-US, a top 10 global public accounting firm. This partnership flourished, leading to a joint venture between the two firms. Today, Pierag’s client list includes industry leaders such as the world’s seventh-largest airline, the world’s largest e-commerce company for resellers, and one of the largest solar companies in the US.

By building a solid portfolio of clients and continuously expanding service offerings, Pierag has rapidly transformed from a startup into one of the fastest-growing organizations in the field.

BRL: What unique value does Pierag bring to the consulting industry, especially globally?

Pierag Consulting brings together a team of seasoned professionals and domain experts to help organizations tackle intricate business challenges. Its approach is twofold: it aids companies in overcoming complex challenges while also identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for growth and innovation.

The firm’s global perspective, combined with industry-specific knowledge, positions it as a valuable partner for organizations seeking to enhance their competitive edge and achieve sustainable success. From audit and assurance to accounting advisory, business risk advisory, and technology risk advisory, Pierag offers services to clients across diverse industries globally, primarily focusing on the US and Indian markets. The firm plans to expand its global footprint in the UK and Australia geographies.

BRL: What is the firm’s USP, and what services does it offer?

Pierag Consulting distinguishes itself through a dedicated focus on serving a global clientele. The firm was established to fill a crucial gap in the assurance advisory and consulting market, offering bespoke solutions catering to international businesses’ unique and varied needs.

Strategically headquartered in Gurugram, Pierag has expanded its presence with offices in Jaipur, Chandigarh, Bangalore, and Washington DC. This well-planned network of locations enables the firm to provide efficient and accessible services across key geographical areas, effectively serving clients in the US, UK, and India across various industries.

The firm’s comprehensive service portfolio comprises Audit and Assurance, Accounting Advisory, Business Risk Advisory, and Technology Risk Advisory. It also offers a unique bouquet of services to some of the leading Venture Capitalist firms in the world. Its unique approach to understanding the client’s needs, blending technology with functional expertise, and creating scalable, customized solutions has helped it stand out in this niche. 

This diverse range of services allows Pierag to address multiple aspects of client’s business needs, providing integrated solutions that drive overall organizational success.

BRL: What kind of clients do you seek, and who will benefit from this service?

Pierag Consulting aims to engage clients who can benefit from its specialized services, which are tailored to address their unique needs and challenges. Pierag currently serves a global clientele, focusing on the US market, especially within global accounting and advisory firms.

Pierag’s domestic clients span various industries, from large corporations to mid-sized companies and startups. The firm customizes its services to meet all client’s specific requirements and objectives, providing personalized solutions that drive substantial results and guarantee long-term success.

BRL: In the competitive consulting landscape, what strategies has Pierag employed to stand out and maintain its reputation?

Pierag serves its international clientele with over 200 highly trained and skilled professionals. The firm has carved out a niche specializing in particular industries, service offerings, and target markets. Pierag also prioritizes understanding clients’ needs, objectives, and pain points to customize consulting services. The firm also differentiates itself through innovation, thought leadership, and following emerging trends, best practices, and technologies.

The recruitment strategy extends beyond major metropolitan areas to include tier 2 and tier 3 cities, allowing the firm to tap into diverse talent pools nationwide. This expansive approach enables Pierag to discover and nurture high-potential individuals from various backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas into the advisory and consulting space while creating employment opportunities in smaller cities and towns.

Once onboard, the work culture emphasizes continuous learning, a collaborative work environment, and opportunities for career advancement. By investing in its people, Pierag ensures its people are equipped with cutting-edge skills and industry knowledge, empowering them to deliver exceptional value to clients. This commitment to talent development and excellence is a key differentiator in the competitive consulting landscape. It allows Pierag to consistently provide high-quality services, reinforcing its position as a trusted advisor to businesses across various sectors and geographies.

BRL: How does Pierag foster effective internal and external collaboration with clients across different regions and cultures?

Pierag Consulting prioritizes building diverse and inclusive teams, bringing together members from various backgrounds, cultures, and skill sets. This diversity fosters creativity and innovation by introducing different perspectives to every project. 

To support this approach, Pierag’s team members undergo comprehensive cultural sensitivity training, enhancing their ability to understand and respect cultural differences when working with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. This training is crucial for effective communication and relationship-building across global operations.

Pierag maintains regular communication through scheduled meetings, both virtual and in-person, to keep team members aligned, share progress updates, and address any challenges that arise. These gatherings also serve as valuable opportunities for team bonding and strengthening relationships within the firm.

With its global footprint, Pierag can tap into regional expertise, gaining a deeper understanding of local nuances, regulatory requirements, and cultural norms. By doing so, the firm tailors its solutions to meet clients’ specific needs in different markets, ensuring that local insights always inform the global perspective.

BRL: What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs looking to establish consulting firms, especially globally?

Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to establish a consulting firm should first determine a specific niche or area of expertise where they can offer unique value to clients. Specializing in a particular industry, service offering, or target market can help differentiate your firm in a competitive landscape. Simultaneously, cultivating relationships with professionals in your industry, both locally and globally, is crucial. This networking can open doors to potential clients, partners, and collaborators who can help grow your consulting business. One must always strive to deliver exceptional value to your clients by focusing on quality and measurable results. 

Building a reputation for delivering tangible outcomes will attract and retain clients, regardless of geographic location. In today’s digital age, leveraging technology is essential to streamline operations, enhance communication, and reach clients worldwide. Investing in digital tools and platforms will facilitate remote collaboration and project management within your organization.

Understanding and respecting cultural differences is paramount for those aiming for a global scale. Invest in cultural sensitivity training for yourself and your team to navigate diverse business environments effectively. This approach will enable young entrepreneurs to work seamlessly across different cultures and regions.