Dream Chasers: Entrepreneurs who transformed their ideas into impactful enterprises
Today, we recognize and honor those pioneering leaders who, through their relentless determination and innovative thinking, have transformed their ambitious visions into substantial global enterprises.
- Aug 9, 2024,
- Updated Aug 9, 2024 12:20 PM IST
Establishing a worldwide brand from scratch is a monumental challenge that requires more than just a good idea. It involves navigating a complex landscape and overcoming numerous obstacles. Despite these difficulties, many CEOs have managed to build remarkable empires by employing a range of effective strategies and harnessing a strong, visionary drive to disrupt entire industries.
The journey to becoming a highly valued private startup is rare and challenging. It demands groundbreaking ideas, relentless dedication, strategic planning, and navigating a competitive market. However, success often hinges on receiving inspirational guidance and maintaining a steadfast commitment to goals.
Today, we recognize and honor those pioneering leaders who, through their relentless determination and innovative thinking, have transformed their ambitious visions into substantial global enterprises. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic insight in achieving extraordinary success.
Kunal Sharma, Founder & CEO at Flipspaces
As the Founder and CEO of Flipspaces, my entrepreneurial journey has been driven by a passion for innovation and technology and a commitment to redefining the traditional interior design industry. I live by the philosophy, "Make it simple, but significant."
Reflecting on my journey, I've realized that the key to any business thriving is ensuring client delight at every level of the process. Flipspaces is our dream realized with open eyes, fueled by the understanding that only dreams pursued with unwavering determination come true.
At Flipspaces, our entrepreneurial culture is defined by doing the same things differently with the use of technology and dreaming big. We believe that true innovation arises from simple ideas, coupled with invention of technology, consistency, belief, and a willingness to break away from tradition.
Before Flipspaces, I co-founded Mexus Education, an Edtech startup that became one of India’s largest educational ventures. This experience reinforced my belief that the most groundbreaking innovations often stem from simple ideas executed with persistence.
My journey has been challenging but immensely rewarding. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their visions with determination and creativity.
Arpit Mittal, Founder at SpeakX
Arpit Mittal, the visionary founder of SpeakX, is spearheading a revolution in language learning with cutting-edge GenAI technology. Driven by his conviction that English fluency is essential for thriving in today’s world—and recognizing the significant challenges such as reduced social acceptance and limited professional growth faced by those who lack it—he founded SpeakX in 2023.
Arpit launched his entrepreneurial journey by founding Edcited in 2011, an ed-tech venture that ranked among the ‘Top 10 startups in the APAC region’ at the RISE Conference and was acquired by Cocubes in 2015. He then founded Roofpik in 2016, ‘The TripAdvisor for real estate,’ that was named ‘Startup of the Year’ by Entrepreneur.com, and was acquired by Fastfox.com.
He channeled his vast experience and profound insights to pioneer his next game-changing project - SpeakX. In just one year, Arpit’s vision has propelled the platform to remarkable heights, earning multiple accolades including ‘Best EdTech Provider of the Year’ at the Elts 27th World Education Summit and recognition in Forbes India DGEMS 2023. The platform's transformative impact has also been lauded with the ‘Indian Achiever's Award’ and a spot in the prestigious ‘HolonIQ Top 100 Edtech Startups’.
Driven by Arpit's unstoppable ambition and vision,SpeakX leverages Speech Technology and LLM to offer personalized AI coaches and dynamic lessons, empowering learners to enhance their English proficiency affordably. Arpit aims to position SpeakX as a global leader in language learning, expanding its footprints to regions like Latin America, Indonesia, the UAE, and Europe .He also plans to elevate language learning to next level with cutting-edge virtual reality-based modules, offering a deeply immersive and transformative experience.
Jitendra Tanwar, MD and Founder at Namdev Finvest Private Limited
Jitendra, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, is renowned for his exceptional business acumen and unwavering commitment to creating a significant social impact. Drawing on his extensive expertise in portfolio management, credit risk assessment, market research, risk management, and strategic planning, Jitendra ventured into entrepreneurship with a vision to leave a lasting mark.
As a first-generation entrepreneur, his visionary leadership has been instrumental in driving Namdev Finvest towards remarkable success and exponential growth. With a sharp focus on excellence, Jitendra has been actively addressing the financial challenges facing the MSME sector by providing accessible financial solutions to underserved segments. Guided by values of openness, moral integrity, and empathy, he is dedicated to shaping a brighter future for individuals.
Leveraging his skills in identifying opportunities, corporate planning, meticulous risk management, and strategic business formulation, Jitendra aims to double the company's headcount and revenue growth in the current fiscal year. Committed to his professional goals, he is focused on expanding the company's portfolio and presence, empowering unserved communities to pursue their dreams and improve their lives.
Jitendra's dedication extends beyond business growth; he is also passionate about financial literacy and education. He frequently engages in community outreach programs, adoption of orphaned girls, free health checkup, blood donation camps, weekly meals for blind and handicapped children. His approach not only helps in business expansion but also fosters a culture of financial responsibility and empowerment among small business owners. Jitendra’s holistic approach ensures that Namdev Finvest not only thrives as a business but also contributes positively to society, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
Sarthak Sidana, Founder and CEO at Sere Resort Goa
Hailing from humble beginnings, Sarthak stands as a quintessential example of a first-generation entrepreneur who has reshaped the landscape of hospitality and entertainment. His journey, characterized by innovation and resilience, has propelled him to the forefront of the industry. Sarthak's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited during his formative years at Point Blank Music School London, where he honed his skills as a musician and an artist manager. This early exposure to the creative industry laid the foundation for his future ventures.
Translating his passion into tangible business ventures, Sarthak launched Underdoggs, a dynamic sports bar and grill concept with a rapid expansion, Underdoggs now boasts a network of ten outlets across the nation, including the ones under fitouts. Each outlet is a vibrant hub that seamlessly blends the thrill of live sports, the delight of gourmet cuisine, and an electrifying atmosphere. The recent signing of a new Underdoggs in gurgaon, a sprawling 25,000 sq. ft. arcade, will elevate the brand to unprecedented heights, making it a favored destination for sports enthusiasts and entertainment seekers alike.
Beyond the realm of sports and entertainment, Sarthak's entrepreneurial prowess is evident in the creation of Sere Resort, a luxurious haven nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Goa. This opulent retreat offers an unparalleled guest experience, combining modern amenities with the tranquility of its surroundings. Sere Resort has rapidly established itself as a benchmark for luxury hospitality, attracting discerning travelers from across the globe.
Sarthak's ability to seamlessly integrate his passions for music, sports, and hospitality has been instrumental in his success. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the power of vision, perseverance, and a willingness to explore diverse opportunities. As Sarthak continues to expand his empire, his influence on the hospitality and entertainment industry is undeniable.
Suvrat Jain, Founder and CEO at Onward Workspaces
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey of running managed offices and co-working spaces is a dynamic and rewarding endeavor in today’s business landscape for any individual. This journey begins with a vision; to create versatile, flexible work environments that cater to the needs of modern professionals and businesses.
Suvrat identified a growing demand for flexible office solutions in the city, where traditional office spaces were either too rigid or too costly for many new and established businesses. With a vision in mind, he secured a prime location and set about designing modern, functional office environment. After which his success story began with a clear ambition: to create a versatile and efficient workspace solution for businesses of all sizes.
He cited "When I start the process for a client, the first thing I do is the required market research, followed by the search for a location. Identifying a prime location that attracts a diverse clientele is crucial. The space must offer convenience and accessibility to our potential tenants. Once the location is secured, the next step is to design an engaging and functional environment. We do this by incorporating state-of-the-art infrastructure with bespoke layouts that cater to a client’s every need. All these amenities combined together with a welcoming environment make our offices the ideal workspace for all.”
“Running managed offices and co-working spaces involves a blend of strategic planning, operational management, community building, and adaptability. Success in this entrepreneurial journey depends on creating spaces that not only meet the needs of today’s workforce but also anticipate future trends, providing a conducive environment for business growth and innovation.”
As a Young Entrepreneur, who is aware of what this generation is looking for, he said “Developing a robust marketing strategy, including digital outreach and local partnerships, helps in attracting potential clients. We are committed to providing high quality products that not only impress our clients but push them to spread the word about Onward. Transparency and delivering products which exceed the expectations of clients can set you apart in a competitive market.”
Sameer Mohammed, Founder and CEO at Nocturnal Network
Sameer Mohammed, the CEO of Nocturnal Network, has been a trailblazer in revolutionizing live events and hospitality since 2010. His entrepreneurial prowess is evident in the transformation of Nocturnal Network in Bangalore into a diverse enterprise. This includes Artistry—a premier nightlife venue, TapasMe—a Euro-Asian dining concept, and We Are Nocturnal—a live events curator. His innovative approach has not only transformed these sectors but also made a significant impact on the local economy, demonstrating his business acumen.
Nocturnal Network first gained prominence in the music industry through tours featuring artists like Nadia Ali, laying the groundwork for future collaborations with over 100 international artists, including David Guetta. As the company grew, it began producing large-scale events such as the Amsterdam Dance Event and the Nocturnal Cell-Bloc Music Festival 2013, which brought Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike to India. The Five Six Zero conference, a joint venture with the Times Group, further showcased Sameer’s expertise in curating impactful musical experiences, setting new standards in Indian nightlife and dance music under his influential leadership.
In 2017 Sameer expanded into the hospitality industry by launching Artistry, a nightlife venue that seamlessly blends live entertainment, exceptional service, and cutting-edge design in Goa and Hyderabad. He also introduced TapasMe in Chennai, offering Euro-Asian culinary delights, which has since expanded to Hyderabad.
Sameer’s exceptional leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades, including India 500 CEO of the Year 2019, Times 40 Under 40, and the Business Icon award from Outlook Business and WCRC at the House of Lords, UK Parliament. These honors highlight his influential role in redefining industry standards and inspiring others in the field
Establishing a worldwide brand from scratch is a monumental challenge that requires more than just a good idea. It involves navigating a complex landscape and overcoming numerous obstacles. Despite these difficulties, many CEOs have managed to build remarkable empires by employing a range of effective strategies and harnessing a strong, visionary drive to disrupt entire industries.
The journey to becoming a highly valued private startup is rare and challenging. It demands groundbreaking ideas, relentless dedication, strategic planning, and navigating a competitive market. However, success often hinges on receiving inspirational guidance and maintaining a steadfast commitment to goals.
Today, we recognize and honor those pioneering leaders who, through their relentless determination and innovative thinking, have transformed their ambitious visions into substantial global enterprises. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic insight in achieving extraordinary success.
Kunal Sharma, Founder & CEO at Flipspaces
As the Founder and CEO of Flipspaces, my entrepreneurial journey has been driven by a passion for innovation and technology and a commitment to redefining the traditional interior design industry. I live by the philosophy, "Make it simple, but significant."
Reflecting on my journey, I've realized that the key to any business thriving is ensuring client delight at every level of the process. Flipspaces is our dream realized with open eyes, fueled by the understanding that only dreams pursued with unwavering determination come true.
At Flipspaces, our entrepreneurial culture is defined by doing the same things differently with the use of technology and dreaming big. We believe that true innovation arises from simple ideas, coupled with invention of technology, consistency, belief, and a willingness to break away from tradition.
Before Flipspaces, I co-founded Mexus Education, an Edtech startup that became one of India’s largest educational ventures. This experience reinforced my belief that the most groundbreaking innovations often stem from simple ideas executed with persistence.
My journey has been challenging but immensely rewarding. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their visions with determination and creativity.
Arpit Mittal, Founder at SpeakX
Arpit Mittal, the visionary founder of SpeakX, is spearheading a revolution in language learning with cutting-edge GenAI technology. Driven by his conviction that English fluency is essential for thriving in today’s world—and recognizing the significant challenges such as reduced social acceptance and limited professional growth faced by those who lack it—he founded SpeakX in 2023.
Arpit launched his entrepreneurial journey by founding Edcited in 2011, an ed-tech venture that ranked among the ‘Top 10 startups in the APAC region’ at the RISE Conference and was acquired by Cocubes in 2015. He then founded Roofpik in 2016, ‘The TripAdvisor for real estate,’ that was named ‘Startup of the Year’ by Entrepreneur.com, and was acquired by Fastfox.com.
He channeled his vast experience and profound insights to pioneer his next game-changing project - SpeakX. In just one year, Arpit’s vision has propelled the platform to remarkable heights, earning multiple accolades including ‘Best EdTech Provider of the Year’ at the Elts 27th World Education Summit and recognition in Forbes India DGEMS 2023. The platform's transformative impact has also been lauded with the ‘Indian Achiever's Award’ and a spot in the prestigious ‘HolonIQ Top 100 Edtech Startups’.
Driven by Arpit's unstoppable ambition and vision,SpeakX leverages Speech Technology and LLM to offer personalized AI coaches and dynamic lessons, empowering learners to enhance their English proficiency affordably. Arpit aims to position SpeakX as a global leader in language learning, expanding its footprints to regions like Latin America, Indonesia, the UAE, and Europe .He also plans to elevate language learning to next level with cutting-edge virtual reality-based modules, offering a deeply immersive and transformative experience.
Jitendra Tanwar, MD and Founder at Namdev Finvest Private Limited
Jitendra, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, is renowned for his exceptional business acumen and unwavering commitment to creating a significant social impact. Drawing on his extensive expertise in portfolio management, credit risk assessment, market research, risk management, and strategic planning, Jitendra ventured into entrepreneurship with a vision to leave a lasting mark.
As a first-generation entrepreneur, his visionary leadership has been instrumental in driving Namdev Finvest towards remarkable success and exponential growth. With a sharp focus on excellence, Jitendra has been actively addressing the financial challenges facing the MSME sector by providing accessible financial solutions to underserved segments. Guided by values of openness, moral integrity, and empathy, he is dedicated to shaping a brighter future for individuals.
Leveraging his skills in identifying opportunities, corporate planning, meticulous risk management, and strategic business formulation, Jitendra aims to double the company's headcount and revenue growth in the current fiscal year. Committed to his professional goals, he is focused on expanding the company's portfolio and presence, empowering unserved communities to pursue their dreams and improve their lives.
Jitendra's dedication extends beyond business growth; he is also passionate about financial literacy and education. He frequently engages in community outreach programs, adoption of orphaned girls, free health checkup, blood donation camps, weekly meals for blind and handicapped children. His approach not only helps in business expansion but also fosters a culture of financial responsibility and empowerment among small business owners. Jitendra’s holistic approach ensures that Namdev Finvest not only thrives as a business but also contributes positively to society, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
Sarthak Sidana, Founder and CEO at Sere Resort Goa
Hailing from humble beginnings, Sarthak stands as a quintessential example of a first-generation entrepreneur who has reshaped the landscape of hospitality and entertainment. His journey, characterized by innovation and resilience, has propelled him to the forefront of the industry. Sarthak's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited during his formative years at Point Blank Music School London, where he honed his skills as a musician and an artist manager. This early exposure to the creative industry laid the foundation for his future ventures.
Translating his passion into tangible business ventures, Sarthak launched Underdoggs, a dynamic sports bar and grill concept with a rapid expansion, Underdoggs now boasts a network of ten outlets across the nation, including the ones under fitouts. Each outlet is a vibrant hub that seamlessly blends the thrill of live sports, the delight of gourmet cuisine, and an electrifying atmosphere. The recent signing of a new Underdoggs in gurgaon, a sprawling 25,000 sq. ft. arcade, will elevate the brand to unprecedented heights, making it a favored destination for sports enthusiasts and entertainment seekers alike.
Beyond the realm of sports and entertainment, Sarthak's entrepreneurial prowess is evident in the creation of Sere Resort, a luxurious haven nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Goa. This opulent retreat offers an unparalleled guest experience, combining modern amenities with the tranquility of its surroundings. Sere Resort has rapidly established itself as a benchmark for luxury hospitality, attracting discerning travelers from across the globe.
Sarthak's ability to seamlessly integrate his passions for music, sports, and hospitality has been instrumental in his success. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the power of vision, perseverance, and a willingness to explore diverse opportunities. As Sarthak continues to expand his empire, his influence on the hospitality and entertainment industry is undeniable.
Suvrat Jain, Founder and CEO at Onward Workspaces
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey of running managed offices and co-working spaces is a dynamic and rewarding endeavor in today’s business landscape for any individual. This journey begins with a vision; to create versatile, flexible work environments that cater to the needs of modern professionals and businesses.
Suvrat identified a growing demand for flexible office solutions in the city, where traditional office spaces were either too rigid or too costly for many new and established businesses. With a vision in mind, he secured a prime location and set about designing modern, functional office environment. After which his success story began with a clear ambition: to create a versatile and efficient workspace solution for businesses of all sizes.
He cited "When I start the process for a client, the first thing I do is the required market research, followed by the search for a location. Identifying a prime location that attracts a diverse clientele is crucial. The space must offer convenience and accessibility to our potential tenants. Once the location is secured, the next step is to design an engaging and functional environment. We do this by incorporating state-of-the-art infrastructure with bespoke layouts that cater to a client’s every need. All these amenities combined together with a welcoming environment make our offices the ideal workspace for all.”
“Running managed offices and co-working spaces involves a blend of strategic planning, operational management, community building, and adaptability. Success in this entrepreneurial journey depends on creating spaces that not only meet the needs of today’s workforce but also anticipate future trends, providing a conducive environment for business growth and innovation.”
As a Young Entrepreneur, who is aware of what this generation is looking for, he said “Developing a robust marketing strategy, including digital outreach and local partnerships, helps in attracting potential clients. We are committed to providing high quality products that not only impress our clients but push them to spread the word about Onward. Transparency and delivering products which exceed the expectations of clients can set you apart in a competitive market.”
Sameer Mohammed, Founder and CEO at Nocturnal Network
Sameer Mohammed, the CEO of Nocturnal Network, has been a trailblazer in revolutionizing live events and hospitality since 2010. His entrepreneurial prowess is evident in the transformation of Nocturnal Network in Bangalore into a diverse enterprise. This includes Artistry—a premier nightlife venue, TapasMe—a Euro-Asian dining concept, and We Are Nocturnal—a live events curator. His innovative approach has not only transformed these sectors but also made a significant impact on the local economy, demonstrating his business acumen.
Nocturnal Network first gained prominence in the music industry through tours featuring artists like Nadia Ali, laying the groundwork for future collaborations with over 100 international artists, including David Guetta. As the company grew, it began producing large-scale events such as the Amsterdam Dance Event and the Nocturnal Cell-Bloc Music Festival 2013, which brought Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike to India. The Five Six Zero conference, a joint venture with the Times Group, further showcased Sameer’s expertise in curating impactful musical experiences, setting new standards in Indian nightlife and dance music under his influential leadership.
In 2017 Sameer expanded into the hospitality industry by launching Artistry, a nightlife venue that seamlessly blends live entertainment, exceptional service, and cutting-edge design in Goa and Hyderabad. He also introduced TapasMe in Chennai, offering Euro-Asian culinary delights, which has since expanded to Hyderabad.
Sameer’s exceptional leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades, including India 500 CEO of the Year 2019, Times 40 Under 40, and the Business Icon award from Outlook Business and WCRC at the House of Lords, UK Parliament. These honors highlight his influential role in redefining industry standards and inspiring others in the field