29th - 30th October 2021 - Bangalore.
I am keen at observing, diagnosing, and advancing the interplay between technology and society.
* belong to the action-oriented research school.
* am concerned about the exploding populations in urban spaces and the resulting inequalities and persisting inequities.
* tread a carefully-crafted path between capitalism and socialism.
* use my startup skills to bring method, organisation, and growth to civil society and human rights organisations.
1. Co-founded one of South India’s earliest and largest book-an-auto services, AutoRaja.
2. Conducted Tamil Nadu's first empirical study on the lives of auto-rickshaw drivers, with an emphasis on the economics of operating auto-rickshaws.
This study laid the foundation for the driver-engagement and government-engagement models at AutoRaja. The study further helped AutoRaja advance
positive engagement with trade unions.
3. Contributed to AutoRaja in the following manner:
a) conducting market and policy research
b) creation of business model - identification of revenue streams and creation of operational model
c) onboarding drivers and building a unique driver engagement model
d) handling operations: building and implementing interface among auto drivers, customers, and company
e) team building: built capacity and consequently hired members of driver families as well as first
generation degree holders from tier 2 cities, and transgender women, for various roles at AutoRaja
strategic decision-making, especially in the backdrop of rapidly-changing market dynamics
f) handling marketing, sales, and business development aspects of the venture
g) liaising with government agencies, non-profits, and corporates
h) fundraising from diverse avenues including organisations offering grants as well as private equity firms and venture capitalists
i) handling public relations for AutoRaja: covered in over 40 media articles and videos
4. Mentor startups and conduct workshops on entrepreneurship
5. Contribute to strengthening governance