StartupTalky

Tag: Gurugram Startups

  • Visualr: Simplifying Data Visualization

    Data is the new oil but it’s worth only when you can squeeze useful information from it. While every other person talks about data, very few know how to analyse and use it. No organization can exist without data; a company needs to make data-driven decisions to be successful. There are hundreds of business intelligence tools and dashboards in the market to help companies segregate and analyze the data received from various sources. Unfortunately, only a small number of them are easy to comprehend and utilize, especially from a layman point of view.

    Visualr Software began with the vision of making data visualization easy for all, big or small, so that no business is robbed of the plethora of insights hidden under huge datasets. StartupTalky interviewed Visualr Software founder Mr. Kunal Chaturvedi to learn more about the idea behind the company, its existing challenges, growth trajectory, future plans, and more.

    Startup Name Visualr Software
    Headquarter Gurugram
    Founder Name Kunal Chaturvedi
    Sector Enterprise Software
    Founded 2014
    Parent Organisation StepOut Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

    Visualr Software – About
    Visualr Software – Industry Details
    Visualr Software – Founder
    Visualr Software – The Idea And Launch
    Visualr Software – Name And Logo
    Visualr Software – Customer Acquisition
    Visualr Software – Challenges
    Visualr Software – Funding
    Visualr Software – Advisors And Mentors
    Visualr Software – Awards
    Visualr Software – Founder’s Productivity Hacks
    Visualr Software – Founder’s Advice
    Visualr Software – Future Plans

    Visualr is a data visualization solution that makes data more meaningful and comprehensible for businesses. Visualr enables businesses to connect with multiple data sources. With Visualr, businesses can connect with MS Excel, My SQL, MS SQL, Oracle, and even flat file databases easily and quickly—generating useful business intelligence and stats. Visualr can also fetch data from Twitter and Google Analytics through exposed APIs. By using Visualr, data can be presented creatively through graphics and can be seamlessly shared with others.

    Our eyes are more responsive to lines, graphs, and colors when compared to tabular data. Visualr dashboard takes advantage of this and is designed such way that users understand trends and patterns in seconds, allowing them to take rational decisions quickly and derive conclusions. The user-friendly data analytics platform is available in two versions: on-cloud and on-premise.

    Visualr comes with the following benefits:

    • It is a self-service data analytics platform bundled with built-in SQL and NO-SQL database connectors.
    • Time for installation and setting up Visualr is less than two minutes.
    • Visualr doesn’t have a “data engine”, rendering hardware requirements to minimum. It is a browser-based tool independent of the type of machine used to access it.
    • Visualr is easy to use. An hour’s training suffices for a newbie.
    • It has a subscription based model permitting organization to adopt it with no large upfront cost.

    Currently, Visualr is being incubated by Huddle, a sector-agnostic incubator and co-working space based in Gurugram.

    Every resource in an organisation should have access to data for better and quick decision making – Kunal

    Visualr Software – Industry Details

    The self-service Business Intelligence (BI) and data visualization market was valued at USD 4.51 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach USD 7.76 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 9.47% over the forecast period 2018-2023. North America is the largest market for business intelligence in the world. The United States is the major shareholder in the North American region. In Canada, which was relatively stable during the recessionary period, the gains are more visible.

    Visualr Software – Founder

    Visualr Software founder Kunal Chaturvedi is a passionate entrepreneur who quit his plush 9-5 job to follow his dreams and explore avenues. Coming from humble beginnings in Agra, Kunal Chaturvedi is an electrical engineer by qualification.

    He earned accolades and awards for his short stint in the automobile Industry where he worked on various projects for companies like Nissan UK, Tata Motors India, and Mahindra & Mahindra India to name a few. With a knack for taking challenges head-on, he has contributed in milestone projects like Tata Nano and Mahindra Xylo (both are firsts in their respective segment) in the past. Kunal is a voracious reader and likes to read books on philosophy and autobiographies of his inspirations.

    Read More: Indian Startup Founder Inspiring Quotes

    Visualr Software – The Idea And Launch

    Organizations generate data with each passing second and considering the complexity and economics involved in existing BI solutions, these institutions aren’t able to leverage their data to the fullest. Visualr was the bridge to this gap.

    Kunal understood from the market that people needed to see trends and patterns from their own data, let alone third party data. Suggestions and other insights expected from a BI solution are secondary in nature. They decided to serve the topmost requirement of a business when it comes to data—an appealing and comprehensible Dashboard.

    The feedback received from the first few users of Visualr prototype motivated the team to go ahead with the idea and convert it into a full fledged BI Solution.

    Visualr is an abbreviation of Visualizer. The company’s elevator pitch reads as: ‘Revealing Business Potential by Making Data Visualization Easy‘.

    Visualr Logo

    Visualr Software – Customer Acquisition

    The Visualr team worked hard to convince initial clients to use their product and gradually gained traction through word of mouth publicity from these users. Through an edifice of these success stories, the company was able to penetrate deeper into the market.

    The Visualr team is bullish about its mission of creating a solid consumer base resting on positive customer experiences, evident by its existing clientele.

    Visualr sees itself  more as a customer problem-centric organization than a technology-centric entity. The company strives to solve business problems by all means, be it technology or through simple hacks.

    In terms of competition, we are always keen to learn new development in the Data world so we study a lot of data analytics startup as well as big giants – Says Kunal

    Read More: 8 Ways to Toggle SaaS Customer Retention

    Visualr Software – Challenges

    The most challenging thing is keeping the entire team motivated during the low phase, when you need maximum support to keep yourself motivated for a new day. Keep on fighting for one more time. Also, it was tough to get rejection every other day from the prospects. There were doubts and down times but Kept sailing. – Kunal said

    Read More: Propstory – Data-Driven Platform for Real Estate Buyers and Investors

    Visualr Software – Funding

    The company is bootstrapped and looking to raise funds soon.

    Visualr Software – Advisors And Mentors

    Mr. Subinder Khurrana is serving as advisor as well as mentor to Visualr. Subinder has more than twenty years of startup experience and founded the NASSCOM DeepTech Club. He also sits on the Board of Members of TiE Delhi.

    Visualr Software – Awards

    • Visualr was recognized by Finance Online for best User Experience Award, and received the Rising Star Award in Data Analytics domain.
    • Top 50 Startup by MSME.
    • Top 200 Startup by RISE Conference in 2017.  

    Visualr Software – Founder’s Productivity Hacks

    Kunal emphasizes on the importance of discipline.

    Discipline is the only way you can manage things. Discipline should be your lifestyle. Your daily routine, your work ethics and your interaction with the outer world.

    Kunal also believes in the power of follow up. According to him, follow up is the biggest tool one can use effectively to complete tasks. Introspection is not to be forgotten!  

    Visualr Software – Founder’s Advice

    Focus on the business problem. Learn business first. Technology is just a tool to solve a business problem effectively.

    Visualr Software – Future Plans

    The company spent the last 15-18 months in understanding BI adoption behavior in the market. The primary focus now is on revenue and profitability.  In 2019, the company has decided on a customer acquisition target for the first time. It is focusing on a million dollar ARR before the end of 2022.  Strategic Markets are India (home), North America, and SEA.

    The Visualr team envisages Visualr as a global company bridging the gaps in the industry, solving specific business problems through data analytics with minimal dependency on IT skills.

  • Construmart – Emerging Leader in Sanitaryware Industry

    Construmart Highlights

    Startup Name Construmart
    Headquarter Gurugram
    Founders Harsh Sethi & Mitesh Kumar
    Sector Ceramic-Sanitaryware
    Founded 2016
    Registered Entity Name Construmart Online Private Limited

    Construmart – Introduction
    Construmart – Industry Details
    Construmart – Founder
    Construmart – The Idea and Starting Up
    Construmart – Name and Logo
    Construmart – Product
    Construmart – Business and Revenue Model
    Construmart – Customer Acquisition
    Construmart – Funding
    Construmart – Challenges
    Construmart – Competitors
    Construmart – Achievements
    Construmart – Awards and Recognitions
    Construmart – Future Plans

    Construmart – Introduction

    Bathrooms are no longer those dirty and stinky corners of the house. With increasing awareness about sanitization and cleanliness and increase in income bathrooms have now transformed into a spot where one can relax, refresh and get rejuvenated. Owing to this changing trend, the demand for bathroom fitting and sanitaryware has increased in India. However, shopping for these materials is still a daunting task. To simplify the process of buying bathroom fittings and bathroom ware, entrepreneurs, Harsh Sethi and Mitesh Kumar founded Construmart in the year 2016.

    Construmart ’s mission is to –

    • To act as a catalyst in the sanitation economy
    • To become an alternative, as well as an easier and faster option for sourcing complete bathroom suite or all kinds of genuine washroom material in one place at a standardized price

    Construmart’s long  term vision is to position itself as India’s leading specialist bathroom retailer with offline stores pan India.

    Construmart – Industry Details

    The sanitaryware industry is no longer a segment that is unorganized or not important. It has become an intrinsic part of every urban household that adds definition to the way of living. The sanitary ware industry is witnessing unprecedented growth in India as well as globally. The growth is driven by the high demand for fixtures and components used for sanitation purposes. These include a wide array of products like washbasins, water closets, bathtubs, toilet bowls, faucets, among others.

    According to Invest India, the construction market in India is growing at a fast pace and by 2025 it will be the 3rd largest construction market in the world.  

    The sanitaryware industry in India is experiencing a growth of 12-15% CAGR and it is expected that by 2021, the market will grow to approximately $31 billion (source toiletboard.org)

    The global ceramic sanitaryware market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% approximately    

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    Construmart – Founder

    Harsh Sethi and Mitesh Kumar founded Construmart in 2016.

    Both have hands-on experience with B2B e-commerce companies, traditional trading companies as well as manufacturers.

    Harsh Sethi has over 15 years of experience working with emerging brands operating in the B2B construction domain. He has held critical positions across portfolios including internal systems, telesales, and marketing. He has worked with renowned new age companies focused on real estate space, including Power2SME and Tolexo.

    Mitesh holds extensive experience in housing material sector and has held critical roles in companies like Buildzar, Power2SME and RAMA TMT in his previous jobs.

    Construmart currently has a 13 member team.  

    Construmart Team

    Construmart – The Idea and Starting Up

    While scouting for materials for repair work for our own houses, we noticed that the market of construction materials is extremely unorganized and scattered across the city. The story is the same across the country. The customer needs to do a lot of running around to collect various items in case there are getting their houses constructed. We found that particularly sourcing stuff for a washroom is far more cumbersome than the kitchen and any other interiors.  

    It is interesting to note that on an average a typical washroom will have 52 different SKUs ranging from floor tiles, wall tiles, sanitary ware, bath accessories, bath linen such as bath towels, waterproof doors, washroom mirrors, lights, holders, cabinets, handles, latches, locks, to name a few. Construmart aims to emerge as an alternative as well as an easier and faster route for sourcing complete bathroom suite at a standardized price.

    We aim to be the one-stop destination for all construction materials, running on a smart hybrid offline and online model. Hence, the name ‘Construmart’’ – mart for construction material is an apt one

    Construmart Logo

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    Construmart – Product

    Construmart’s founders have a vision of creating India’s leading specialist bathroom retailer, that offers complete washroom suites at a standardized price. Besides bathroom fittings and bathroom ware, the company also delivers electrical, tiles, plumbing materials, building materials, paints, construction tools and gensets.

    Harsh and Mitesh have learned from customer feedback that one of the key pain points in this industry is material delivery from different vendors. Many times there is no synergy between material deliveries and it is a hassle to receive the material from different vendors at different times.

    At Construmart, we are committed to solving this. We offer a single-shot delivery for all material ordered through us. This has received a great response from our customers.  

    Construmart – Business and Revenue Model

    We understood that this sector is relatively unorganized and has little cognizance with technology. Hence, we decided to begin our entrepreneurial journey with a concept that will provide a solution to the hassles of procurement.

    Construmart aggregates demand and places orders to the lead stockist of the area, this aggregation leads to better negotiations and benefits are passed on to the customers. The company has a hybrid model. Unlike other online players in this domain who have an online-only mechanism, Construmart provides samples of actual products to the customers so that they are able to take a more informed decision about the material while building their dream home. Construmart also has extensive tie-ups with local distributors which gives it a clear edge over competitors. It delivers all kinds of building materials ordered by a customer. The company picks the materials from different vendors and then deliver them in one single shot to the customer.  

    Construmart – Customer Acquisition

    Initially, we were just 2 of us working on meeting customers personally. Since the entire process of procuring construction material is very cumbersome, people were more than happy to give us a chance.

    It is only after 3 months of coming into existence, that Construmart hired sales teams and manpower for accounts and purchase. After 12 months of operations, the company set up a telesales team as well.  

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    Construmart – Funding

    Construmart has raised seed fund and also angel fund in December 2017. Construmart has utilized the seed capital and some part of the angel fund to scale up the business, acquire new customers, and build a team in line with the business requirements.  

    Construmart – Challenges

    There have been numerous challenges that we have faced over the last 3 years. Hiring and retaining the right talent is one big challenge that all startups face & we are no different.

    In order to address this, Construmart has introduced innovative campaigns for better skill development, employee growth, and team bonding. The company takes initiatives like knowledge sharing sessions and at least one customer interaction per month for all employees. The idea behind the customer interaction experience is to give everyone in the company a glimpse of customer expectations so that the employees can align their actions as per customer expectations.  

    Construmart – Competitors

    The company does not have any direct competition as the company is unique in its own way. Unlike other start-ups in this space, Contstrumart is not a marketplace. The company is trying to create a platform focused on sanitary ware & washrooms, at the click of a button.

    We want to leverage the best of technology for a seamless and hassle-free experience in the designing/renovating and buying via our innovative, interconnected concept of experiential store and online purchases.

    Construmart – Achievements

    Construmart is a new age company with the vision of acting as a catalyst in the sanitation ecosystem in the country. It is committed to transforming the washroom economy in the country, by leveraging the best of technology. Some major achievements of Construmart are-  

    • The company is growing at a rate of 100% YoY.
    • The company reached the break-even stage in the 1st year of its operation.  
    • Construmart is a solution-focused company and it is witnessing good traction. Over the past 3 years, Construmart has sold products across categories including Electricals, Plumbing materials, Water tanks, Gensets, AAC Blocks, Bathroom fittings and Accessories, Sanitary-ware, Tiles, Flush-doors, and Hardware items.

    Construmart – Awards & Recognitions

    Construmart has been awarded ‘Innovators award – 2018 in an event in Gurugram.

    Construmart – Future Plans

    Construmart is proposing to set up ‘Experience Centers’ and display multiple options of complete pre-set washroom designs, across price points, so as to be able to cater to diverse customer requirements. In addition to the displayed preset bathrooms, the Experience Centers will also have the facility to create live/ on-the-fly 3D designs as per customer feedback/ requirements. These experience centers will also be integrated with the Construmart website where the customer will have options to choose across price ranges and see the preset washrooms available for that price point.

    Soon Construmart is planning to expand to other parts of the country via its experience stores in a franchise based model.