Hello,
Harshith Vuppala, an ex-entrepreneur turned founder of ExEntrepreneurs. From pioneering hyperlocal startups, now to fostering collaboration among like-minded ex-entrepreneurs for a possible re-startup and also enabling smooth transitions for ex-entrepreneurs into traditional jobs. Committed to building pathways to success.
The Story
Entrepreneurial Journey:
In the vibrant city of Hyderabad, where tradition meets modernity, GoNeedy was born in 2017 with a profound idea: to create an efficient, trustworthy, and impactful hyperlocal e-commerce ecosystem, connecting local businesses with consumers.
The beta phase saw the introduction of a game-changing 60-minute delivery service, garnering notable attention. Despite encountering technological limitations, we pivoted and continued supporting local sellers through a grassroots approach using WhatsApp, leading to an average of 75 deliveries per day.
By 2020, operations soared to new heights with a dedicated team of 27+ delivery champions managing an average of 320 daily orders across both cities. This phase underscored a pivotal lesson - that purpose should always supersede passion. It was not just about the startup, but about the customers and the team we served.
Over the years, a diverse skill set was accumulated, ranging from efficient project management to compelling storytelling, and from website development to UI/UX design proficiency. The entrepreneurial journey saw me wearing multiple hats - founder, CEO, and team leader. The privilege of assembling and guiding a diverse team of tech experts, marketers, UX designers, and field employees honed not only leadership skills but also provided invaluable insights into employee workflows, dynamics, and motivations.
In 2018, GoNeedy introduced India's 2nd hyperlocal e-commerce startup, and in 2019, we pushed boundaries further by pioneering India's 1st hyperlocal 2-wheeler logistics startup. These milestones stand as testaments to the innovative spirit and unwavering dedication of the team. The journey continued with the birth of HelloDukaan in 2021, a SaaS platform designed to empower businesses, further contributing to the growth of the local business community.
In four years, my startup had the honor of serving over 600 local businesses, a testament to the impact made in the community. This journey revealed that entrepreneurship is not just about business; it's about identifying genuine problems, devising innovative solutions, and, most importantly, making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Transition:
In the fast-paced world of startups, financial constraints can often lead to difficult decisions. After facing the reality of inadequate funds, I made the tough call to shutter both GoNeedy and HelloDukaan. This period became one of reflection and transformation, a time to recalibrate and redirect my energies.
Transitioning from founder to job seeker was a paradigm shift with its own set of challenges. Having immersed myself in the intricacies of entrepreneurship, I understood the unique difficulties of navigating a traditional job search. The knowledge was there, but the expertise in this realm was yet to be acquired.
In true entrepreneurial spirit, I saw this as an opportunity to apply my problem-solving prowess, resulting in ExEntrepreneurs - a venture driven by the mission to empower individuals who, like me, have journeyed through the exhilarating highs and humbling lows of entrepreneurship and are now seeking to seamlessly transition into the traditional job market.
With ExEntrepreneurs, the approach is more focused, and the execution more relentless. It's not just about finding a job; it's about leveraging the wealth of experience gained in the entrepreneurial trenches to create a bridge to new opportunities.
Just as every startup journey is unique, so too is the path of an ex-entrepreneur seeking their next adventure. With ExEntrepreneurs, I aim to empower individuals to craft their narrative, leveraging their entrepreneurial spirit as a catalyst for success in their next endeavor. Because, after all, the end of one venture is just the beginning of the next.
Embarking on the Next Chapter: ExEntrepreneurs
Starting a startup is not an easy task. It takes a lot of effort, hard work, and dedication to grow a startup. However, sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and entrepreneurs have to close their startups due to various reasons. This can be a challenging situation for entrepreneurs, especially when it comes to finding a job in their field of expertise. They are experienced and skilled, but they may not fit the traditional job-seeking mould.
This is where ExEntrepreneurs, a platform founded by Harshith Vuppala, comes in to help.
Harshith Vuppala, an ex-entrepreneur himself, knows the struggles that come with finding a job after closing a startup. In 2017, he launched his first startup, GoNeedy, and HelloDukaan, which clocked an ARR of Rs 1 crore but ultimately collapsed due to a lack of funds, and he had to start looking for a job to sustain himself. He soon realized that the conventional platforms for finding jobs did not suit
ex-entrepreneurs like him, who come with a host of expertise.
Harshith Vuppala explored the career pages of many startups and companies to look for a job role that suited his skills and experience. He found a startup and applied for it. He got the job and started working there. However, he realized how hard and time-consuming the process is and believed that there is a need for a platform that could connect ex-entrepreneurs to jobs in their field of expertise.
In 2023, Harshith Vuppala founded ExEntrepreneurs, a unique ex-entrepreneurs community platform designed to cater to the needs of ex-entrepreneurs. The platform aims to connect ex-entrepreneurs with top companies that value their experience and also to facilitate collaboration between ex-founders and ex-co-founders to foster new startup ventures.
ExEntrepreneurs is not just for entrepreneurs who failed; it’s for all experienced entrepreneurs who have exited from their previous startups and are looking for a re-startup and also who want to continue their journey in their field of expertise.
ExEntrepreneurs offers three primary services
Collaborate with like-minded ex-entrepreneurs for a possible re-startup.
Find the right job.
Hire ex-entrepreneurs | For companies looking to hire ex-entrepreneurs.
The collaborative service connects like-minded ex-founders and like-minded ex-co-founders to collaborate on new startup ventures. This service helps ex-entrepreneurs to work with and create new startups.
The “finding the right job” service connects ex-entrepreneurs to job openings that match their experience and expertise. The platform also allows ex-entrepreneurs to create a profile and share their experience.
eChai Ventures partners with select brands as their growth partner, helping them expand market reach, drive revenue growth, amplify brand visibility, and strengthen hiring efforts.
About eChai Ventures
eChai Ventures is a global startup network connecting entrepreneurs through local meetups in 20+ cities worldwide, enabling cross-border collaborations via startup panels, demo days, cricket, and pickleball leagues.
Make the most of eChai Ventures network:
- Complete Your eChai Profile It's key for others to discover you.
- Join eChai's Startup Meetups: Register for relevant eChai events happening across cities. Each event will have specific instructions on how to join.
- Discover Startup Folks: Explore and connect with other participants.
- Stay Updated: Follow the eChai feed for the latest updates from our community.
- Explore eChai Partner Brands: Check out our partner brands and how they can support you.
- Showcase Your Startup: Get opportunities to present your startup.
- Get Involved: Engage more and get a chance to volunteer or host meetups.
- Attend Global Events: Participate in events across different cities and countries.
- Find Collaborators: Discover co-founders, collaborators, talent, and business opportunities.
- Build Friendships: Make meaningful connections with fellow startup enthusiasts.
Join the meetups that interest you and start making the most of the community.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out at [email protected].