In today's post-pandemic and post-zero interest rate world, the role of venture capital extends far beyond just financial investments. At Malpani Ventures want to be proud backers of businesses which foster innovation and growth and drive positive change aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). In our journey, we've partnered with companies that share our vision for a more sustainable and equitable world. Today we throw the spotlight on them:
Ajjas' 2-wheeler ride safety device, which provides accident alerts to victims' families, primarily aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): By sending accident alerts to victims' families promptly, Selligion's safety device contributes to improving the well-being of individuals involved in accidents. Quick updates enable faster medical assistance and response, potentially saving lives and minimizing the severity of injuries. This aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Selligion's safety device exemplifies innovation in the realm of transportation safety. The device enhances the existing infrastructure by incorporating modern technology to address road safety concerns. This aligns with the goal of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
Biomoneta's air decontamination device, designed to provide clean air in environments like hospitals, ICUs, laboratories, homes with vulnerable populations, and patients, primarily aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Biomoneta's air decontamination device directly contributes to promoting good health and well-being by ensuring cleaner and safer air quality in critical environments such as hospitals, ICUs, and laboratories. Clean air is essential for preventing the spread of airborne diseases, reducing the risk of infections, and improving overall health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations like elders, kids, and patients.
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Biomoneta's technology supports the creation of sustainable and resilient cities and communities by offering a solution to indoor air pollution. As urbanization increases, ensuring clean and breathable air indoors is crucial for the well-being and quality of life of inhabitants. By targeting not only medical settings but also homes, Biomoneta contributes to the development of safe and livable communities.
Nesa Medtech's development of an affordable, minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids that avoids incision, scarring, hospitalization, and general anaesthesia primarily aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Nesa has also received the US FDA 501k clearance.
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Nesa Medtech's innovative approach to uterine fibroid treatment directly contributes to promoting good health and well-being for women. By offering a minimally invasive and more patient-friendly treatment option, the technology can potentially reduce the physical and emotional burden associated with traditional surgical methods. This aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Nesa Medtech's emphasis on providing an alternative, less invasive treatment for uterine fibroids addresses a specific health concern that predominantly affects women. By offering an approach that minimizes the need for hospitalization and general anaesthesia, the technology can help women avoid potential complications and barriers associated with surgical interventions. This supports the goal of achieving gender equality and empowering women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Nexxio's tool, which aids manufacturers in digitizing their sales and distribution systems to achieve greater efficiency, leaner operations, and increased revenues, primarily aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Nexxio's tool exemplifies innovation in the manufacturing sector by providing technology-driven solutions to enhance sales and distribution systems. By promoting the digitization of these processes, Nexxio contributes to the advancement of the industry, the development of resilient infrastructure, and the fostering of innovation, all of which are central to SDG 9.
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The digitization of sales and distribution systems through Nexxio's tool has the potential to lead to improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and revenue growth for manufacturers. By optimizing these processes, manufacturers can potentially create more sustainable jobs, drive economic growth, and support decent work opportunities. This aligns with SDG 8's emphasis on fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.
Garageworks, as a 2-wheeler servicing company collaborating with insurance companies to expedite insurance claims, provides employment to mechanics it helps skill, primarily aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Garageworks' emphasis on employing skilled mechanics not only supports economic growth but also promotes decent work opportunities. By providing employment in the automotive repair sector, Garageworks contributes to decent livelihoods and job security, which are essential components of sustainable economic development.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Garageworks' collaboration with insurance companies to streamline insurance claims processing demonstrates innovation in the insurance and automotive sectors. This kind of industry collaboration promotes the efficient use of infrastructure, technological advancements, and innovative practices. This aligns with the goal of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
Tessol's provision of end-to-end cold chain technology solutions that are sustainable, reliable, and applicable across various use cases including food, quick delivery of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and more, primarily aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Tessol's cold chain technology solutions play a vital role in addressing food security and reducing food wastage. By ensuring that perishable goods, including food, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines, are transported and stored under optimal conditions, Tessol contributes to preventing spoilage, reducing losses, and improving access to safe and nutritious sustenance. This directly supports the goal of achieving zero hunger and ensuring access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food for all.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Tessol's sustainable and reliable cold chain technology solutions exemplify innovation in the area of logistics and supply chain management. By offering end-to-end solutions that cater to various industries and use cases, Tessol contributes to the development of resilient infrastructure, promotion of inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. This aligns with SDG 9's focus on building infrastructure that supports economic growth and development.
Selligion's innovative cloud computing device, which caters to students from low-income communities in India, primarily addresses SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
SDG 4 (Quality Education): Selligion's cloud computing device offers students who lack access to expensive hardware the opportunity to receive a quality education. By providing a means for these students to access educational resources, online learning materials, and digital tools, Selligion contributes to bridging the education gap and promoting equitable access to knowledge, aligning with the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Selligion's approach reflects the spirit of innovation and the development of cost-effective, technology-driven solutions. By providing cloud computing capabilities without the need for extensive hardware, Selligion contributes to the advancement of infrastructure and technological innovation, particularly in regions where traditional infrastructure might be lacking. This aligns with the SDG 9 goal of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
As we reflect on the remarkable journeys of these companies, we invite you to be a part of our shared vision. If you are building a business for the betterment of tomorrow, please pitch to us at pitch@malpaniventures.com.
Discover unique approaches to revolutionize customer acquisition for your Indian startup. Learn actionable tactics that go beyond the beaten path, designed to set your SaaS company apart in today's competitive landscape.
I understand the struggle of SaaS founders in India trying to stand out in a sea of competitors. The conventional sales and marketing tactics have lost their edge. To thrive, we need to explore innovative approaches that resonate with modern consumers. Here's how you can create an effective customer acquisition engine:
Community-Led Growth: Foster an active community of your ideal customers. Cultivate engagement, share insights, and build relationships. Your community becomes a hub for growth.
Thought Leadership Content: Develop thought-provoking content that establishes you as an expert. Nurture a loyal following by sharing insights tailored to your target audience's needs.
Strategic Integrations: Leverage popular products by integrating with their add-on marketplaces. This expands your reach and taps into an existing user base.
Word-of-Mouth Power: Craft an exceptional product and story that people can't help but talk about. Create a product so valuable and unique that word-of-mouth referrals become a natural driver of growth.
Service-First Approach: Solve customer problems through services initially. This builds trust and insights to create a product that perfectly addresses their needs. We're masters to service-first approach and it can work wonders if done right
To capture attention and stand out, your message must be powerful and distinct:
Niche Focus: Don't aim to serve everyone. Identify an underserved niche and position yourself as their ultimate solution. This focused approach will resonate deeply. Further reading- Ideal Customer Profiles
Freemium Engagement: Embrace product-led growth through freemium offerings. Engage users with a taste of your product's value before they commit.
Innovative Business Models: Reimagine your business model to be extraordinary. This differentiation can create a lasting impression on potential customers.
Mastering a tactic that outshines your competition is a game-changer:
Strategic Excellence: Excel in a specific tactic—whether it's PPC, LinkedIn marketing, or outbound sales. Aim to be 3-5x better or cheaper than rivals.
Strategic Alliances: Forge insider relationships with significant partners. These collaborations can amplify your reach and credibility.
Yes, these strategies are challenging, but the rewards are worth it. Many SaaS founders stick to the basics, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out. By embracing unique methods early on, you gain an unfair advantage in customer acquisition.
Community Cultivation: Identify platforms where your target audience gathers. Start engaging, sharing insights, and building relationships to foster your community.
Thought Leadership: Outline three topics your audience is hungry for. Craft insightful content around these themes to establish your expertise. Write 3 thought pieces on 3 topics and share them on 3 social mediums over 3 weeks
Integration Exploration: Research popular products that align with your SaaS offering. Investigate the potential of integration and the benefits it could bring.
Word-of-Mouth Gameplan: Brainstorm what makes your product exceptional. Craft a compelling narrative around it, sparking conversations and referrals.
Niche Definition: Pinpoint an underserved niche that resonates with your passion and expertise. Tailor your messaging to cater to this specific group.
Freemium Approach: Evaluate how a freemium model could fit your offering. Design a plan to introduce users to your product's value.
Strategic Partnerships: Identify potential partners who align with your values. Initiate conversations to explore collaboration possibilities.
In a sea of SaaS startups, embracing these alternative strategies can redefine your customer acquisition game. Dare to be different. Your unique approach is your key to an unfair advantage in the marketplace.
At Malpani Ventures, we recognize the importance of building technology to solve real-world challenges. The global pandemic has acted as a catalyst for change, giving a realization among business owners of the role that technology plays in their operations.
Today, we're thrilled to announce a partnership that has the potential to reshape the landscape of Indian MSMEs. Malpani Ventures, building its B2B SaaS portfolio, has led a $375k pre-seed round in Nexxio, a B2B SaaS company digitizing MSMEs in India.
In a world driven by technological advancements, the intricacies of business operations cannot be understated. Nexxio, under Dhiraj Bhandari, is on a mission to change how Indian SME brands engage with their sales and distribution functions. This marks a stride forward in harnessing the power of digitization for higher business efficiency and growth.
Nexxio's platform embodies the essence of simplicity and effectiveness. It brings together a company's salesforce, distributors, dealers, and influencers onto a unified platform, granting them 24/7 real-time access to business operations and insights. By catering to the needs of MSMEs, Nexxio addresses a clear need – the need for a centralized hub that optimizes and automates sales and distribution processes.
One cannot overlook the profound impact Nexxio has already made in the market. Prominent names like Nilkamal, TTK Prestige, EagleCoats, Sonet Sanitarywares, ELICA Whirlpool, Servokon, Sturlite, Kaveri Tanks, and Sunflame, among others, have placed their trust in Nexxio. This trust underscores the real-world value that Nexxio brings to the table, enabling businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
What lies behind Nexxio's success is its founder-market fit. Dhiraj's background in computer science, coupled with his tenure at Oracle spanning over a decade, underscores his deep-seated understanding of enterprise applications and their potential to transform businesses. Notably, Dhiraj's hands-on experience in running a family-owned PVC pipes manufacturing unit further cements his ability to bridge the gap between software innovation and real-world operational challenges.
We are excited about the transformation Nexxio is set to bring forth. The MSME industry is the backbone of India's economy, and empowering it with technology is not just a strategic or financial move, but a commitment to the growth of the nation.
If you are a brand owner or manufacturer ready to digitize your operations to:
Streamline sales and distribution
Improve productivity, and
Accelerate growth,
Learn more about Nexxio now!
We're elated to be part of Nexxio's journey and invite you to stay tuned for more updates as this visionary company continues to redefine the future of Indian MSMEs.
Life is competitive, and it’s hard to find a good job. Many young people approach me for career counseling, and these are the 4 simple things I tell them to do, so they can stand out.
Finally, instead of trying to rework your resume so that you can force-fit it into the job description which the recruiter advertises , craft a dream job for yourself, which plays to your strengths, and then identify an employer who will be willing to pay for your skills ! This takes longer, but is much more satisfying in the long run !
Many entrepreneurs are reluctant to share content or use social media to promote themselves because they're not very confident about their writing skills. And some of this is a result of all the school essays that they were forced to do as homework. English language classes kill creativity and spontaneity !
But the reality is that everyone has a story inside them which is quite easy to share. The secret is that instead of writing things down on a blank sheet of paper ( which is going to give you brain freeze), you need to talk into your smartphone and then use free text to speech apps to convert this into a digital asset which you can then share on multiple platforms.
It’s quite easy to continue creating content on a regular basis because you're dealing with problems every single day - and you're solving these problems because you are the domain expert !
Customers are very interested in other customers' problems , and how you solve them – so this is stuff they will be happy to consume. Use this for your videos, emails ( as an ezine), blog posts, and Tweets and LinkedIn !
Since entrepreneurs deal with users daily day in and day out, all you need to do is reflect on your day for 5-10 ten minutes in the evening, and just record all these experiences. Or you can do this just after you have tackled a problem and resolved it . This is very useful for you , because it will help you reflect , and think about what went right and what went wrong and what you can do to improve. Encourage everyone in your company to do this as well – this is a great way of sharing knowledge, and will help you in your knowledge management efforts.
Sharing these experiences will make you more thoughtful – metacognition helps you think better !
And by sharing generously, you will position yourself as someone who's happy to learn and to teach, so you will be seen as a thought leader, and this will help to increase your confidence and your self-esteem.
This will also help grow the startup ecosystem in India, as you will be able to guide other founders, who can reach out for help !
Reuse these stories for multiple applications , such as sending emails to your customers; or sharing on LinkedIn and Twitter. And these will make great stories for your grandchildren as well.
Remember that each day is a new day , with its own stories. So please make it a point to share. And once you start, this will become a positive virtuous cycle , because the more you share, the better you will get at sharing. You will start actively looking for stories to share, because you will need to keep on creating new content all the time, and this is a very useful skill to master.
For every 1000 residents,
Bhutan has 20 computers
Sri Lanka has 27.21
Sudan has 89.7
Mongolia has 133.12
Israel has 740.35
but,
India has less than 16!
World’s 5th largest economy, with 2 out of 3 citizens below the age of 35 years, does not have enough computer penetration to be able to skill them.
There are over 200 million Indian households which:
-Have at least 1 school going child, and;
-Do not have a computer/cannot afford a computer
The good folks at Selligion are building the world’s first Hybrid cloud computing eco-system - delivered through the world’s first Computing As A Service model.
A compute eco-system that can potentially deliver any
Processing
RAM
Storage
GPU
OS
App on-demand
that too, instantly…
Subscribers only pay for what they use. The computers never require an update.
Truly the latest in computing, forever.
Selligion is making a shoal of low-powered computers - connected to a very high-end cloud infra
Do basic tasks on their local machine
Do heavy lifting over their cloud
Browsing the Internet - 👍🏼 Possible
Writing and sending an email - 👍🏼 Possible
Editing a major motion picture - 👍🏼 Possible
Streaming content - 👍🏼 Possible
Design and Edit of 3D files - 👍🏼 Possible
Attending an online class - 👍🏼 Possible
Streaming of 4k content - 👍🏼 Possible
Playing high-end online games - 🤞🏼 Ahh… maybe
There is none. You can start using a computer for as low as Rs 299/month. Any updates & upgrades will be done by the company at no additional cost!
Malpani Ventures is proud to lead Selligion’s pre-series A round. We wish the team our best in their vision to build a national computing infrastructure that connects at least 200 Million Indians to the Digital Economy, irrespective of their age, location, gender, language, social and economic backgrounds!