Tell me about your journey so far

I don’t hail from a business background and have had no formal training as an entrepreneur. I can proudly say that I am the first entrepreneur in my family. I have been working in start-ups from the beginning of my career. Specifically, all my learnings have come from my last two start-ups where I worked as a founding member or joined as an early employee. Now, I am accustomed to handling pressure, managing uncertainties, and delivering per customers expectations. I love the challenges, un-certainty and dynamics of a start-up. Being a hardcore technology enthusiast, I handled Product development and building the entire technology stack from scratch. My previous stint was Vice President of Engineering at Ramyam Labs, where I handled the entire product portfolio. I was instrumental in getting Ramyam Labs acquired to a large German Conglomerate- Bertelsmann’s Arvato CRM division.

What led you build KIKSAR? 

My cofounder and I wanted to start something on our own. My Aha moment was during the arduous commute from the suburbs of Whitefield, where I reside, to MG Road, where I work. I would browse apparel shopping sites while waiting in traffic. So, I have two daughters and would often shop for them online. It was a real time-saver. But the real challenge began when I was unable to find online specifically what one or sometimes, both had asked me to buy. Either the colour or size would be out of stock or unavailable. When I did some digging, I found out that several online retail sites reported a high rate of inventory returns, sometimes nearly 40%. This led me to think - would it be possible to build a product that can help customers find exactly what they want and how it looked prior to buying? That's how KIKSAR was born. Augmented Reality in e-commerce is the next big thing, and this can be hugely supported with AI functions. We have developed an AR-AI enabled virtual try on (VTO) platform that provides styling and fitment. 

What would you say is your area of expertise? 

I handle all the product development, technology stack and understanding the pros and cons of the technology deployed. I also manage pre-sales, where a sound knowledge of technology combined with sales is required. 

What biases and challenges do women face in the fray of entrepreneurship? How can they overcome it? 

Regardless of gender, entrepreneurship isn't for the weak hearted and risk-averse. Earlier, it was hard to find women carrying the mantle of leadership in tech roles but the scenario is changing today. There is a very noticeable and tangible improvement in female representation in business and socio-economic environments, and this is long deserved. Now is when we need to labour on and make this a norm. But even now women are expected to sober down their ambitions. With a three-year-old and a newborn, I was raring to go to the next level in my career but was told to take it easy. In addition, women tend to harsher on themselves so the added pressure from society to be a certain way doesn't help. I'm privileged to have a supportive spouse and family, and this is imperative to women building long and fulfilling careers. So, while societal pressures and biases will continue to exist and push us down, we simply have to keep our eye on the goal and keep powering ahead. Opportunities are available now and there is a real appreciation for talent, regardless of gender. Women must capitalise these advantages. 

How do startups enable more female participation? 

Startups dont follow a pre-defined template or workflow structure. It's a fluid process that takes shape as the company and product grows, and allows for a lot of flexibility for the most part. I have a lot of freedom as an entrepreneur and can work at my own speed. This is something women across the board can tap into. Certainly, there are some high pressure periods but one can run at one's own pace, while adapting to an agile environment. Another quality that women inherently bring to the table is multi-tasking and startups could use that kind of speed all the time. Women can juggle several roles simultaneously with ease, and companies should leverage this. 

What's the one thing that you see AI transforming completely?

With AI, ecommerce will completely revolutionise modern shopping. We're in the age of hyper personalisation thanks to AI and its related technologies. Over time, a shopper's experience will become more personalised. 

What's your advice for other women?

To women who are keen on becoming entrepreneurs, nurture your venture with a deep sense of purpose. If you're a working mother, don't let the guilt pile on. Instead, learn to delegate. And children need to see you working, this is good for their morale too.