Punjab Inc: This tech pioneer from Chandigarh wears many hats | Chandigarh News

My journey in the technology sector has been nothing short of a dream. Following the completion of my Masters in Computer Applications from Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, I embarked on a fulfilling tenure and gained valuable experience first with the Tata group, then with a startup based in the United States and finally as a Product Manager at Quark Media House. These experiences equipped me with valuable insights and a desire to take my entrepreneurial aspirations to the next level. In 2004, I finally took the plunge and founded GrayCell Technologies.

What made you start your company?

Nudged by my father and my wife, I undertook a calculated risk in 2004 by establishing GrayCell Technologies. Since then, our organization has experienced significant growth, now serving a continuously expanding roster of Global 2000 clients. The dedicated team at GrayCell Technologies has transformed into a formidable force, comprising highly skilled professionals who contribute to our ongoing success.

The success of GrayCell Technologies is a result of a combination of factors. Our commitment to delivering high-quality services, a focus on innovation, and the dedication of our talented team have played crucial roles. Additionally, our ability to adapt to industry changes and meet the evolving needs of our clients has been key to our sustained growth.

I also launched GrayCell Ventures with the purpose of supporting and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs.

The vision behind GrayCell Ventures goes beyond providing seed capital for startups it is designed to serve as a mentorship platform, where I aim to guide and nurture the talent within the entrepreneurial space.

As an active angel investor, I have invested in over 125 startups, contributing to the dynamic landscape of startup innovation. This commitment and impact have been recognized with the distinction of being listed among India’s top 100 Angel investors. I am also a founding member of the Chandigarh Angel Network, underlining my commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for startup growth.

Your accomplishments till now

I am the current Chair of The National Association of Software and Services Company (NASSCOM) Chandigarh and Punjab Chapter, a position I hold with great responsibility and commitment. In the past, I have had the privilege of serving as the President of The IndUS entrepreneurs (TiE) -Chandigarh, contributing to the growth and development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

I have dedicated my efforts as a mentor to TEDx Chandigarh, and I previously held the position of Chair for Yi (Young Indians), Chandigarh chapter. Additionally, I proudly serve as the founding curator for the Chandigarh Hub of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, a role that involves fostering meaningful connections and dialogue among emerging leaders.

In 2011, I had the honor of receiving the esteemed Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award for Most Promising Entrepreneur, recognizing my contributions to the software arena. Additionally, under my leadership, our company has been fervent proponents of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). We actively support initiatives such as organizing blood donation camps, conducting tree plantation drives, and contributing to charities for orphans and women in need. I am proud to share that GrayCell has been bestowed with the “Jewel Of The Crown” award for Excellence as a “Socially Active Unit” in this region for three consecutive years. This recognition underscores our commitment to making a positive impact on society and aligns with our core values of responsible business practices and community engagement.

The challenges

While the journey has been fulfilling, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Establishing GrayCell Technologies in 2004 was a bold move, and I honestly had no idea of what to expect. One significant challenge was navigating the early years, where the business landscape was unpredictable. Securing a foothold in the tech industry required strategic decisions and a resilient approach to overcome initial obstacles. Plus back in the day there was no access to mentors/mentoring so a lot of lessons were pretty much learned the hard way. Another challenge was people, building a talented team was crucial, and attracting skilled professionals posed its own set of challenges in a competitive market.

Challenges are inevitable in the business world, and they often serve as valuable learning experiences. My advice would be to embrace challenges with resilience and adaptability. Build a strong support network, stay focused on your goals, and never underestimate the power of innovation and a dedicated team. Each challenge is an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Future plans

Looking ahead, our vision for GrayCell Technologies is to continue innovating, expanding our global footprint. The technology landscape is dynamic, and we aim to stay at the forefront of innovation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are areas of keen interest. Isee immense potential in applying these technologies to enhance our service offerings and provide more intelligent solutions to our clients.

Moreover, exploring opportunities in emerging tech domains will be a continual focus.

We are also exploring strategic partnerships and collaborations. By forming alliances with businesses and organizations that align with our values and expertise, we can broaden our reach and offer more comprehensive solutions. Additionally, we will continue to invest in talent development to ensure that our team is equipped to meet the diverse needs of our expanding client base.

Lastly we aim to further strengthen our position as a leading provider of tech solutions while maintaining a commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.