Praveena K, Founder and CEO, Namma Swadeshi Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
Praveena K, Founder and CEO of Namma Swadeshi Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a solar energy company committed to providing sustainable and innovative energy solutions, embodies an inspiring entrepreneurial journey. His path from being a farm laborer and salesman to founding a company now valued at over 100 crore rupees has been defined by perseverance and vision. He firmly believes that "Poverty is not a weakness; it's strength," and this philosophy has fueled his entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success in the renewable energy sector. Having once worked for Rs 6 a day as a farm laborer, he has transformed those early struggles into a foundation for building a successful business.
Namma Swadeshi Ventures and Services
Namma Swadeshi Ventures Pvt. Ltd. is dedicated to offering
cutting-edge renewable energy solutions, with a primary focus on solar power.
The company provides a range of services, from solar panel installations to
energy-efficient systems for homes, industries, and businesses. Its goal is to
make renewable energy accessible and affordable, contributing to environmental
sustainability. It began in 2020 with an initial investment of just 1,800
rupees during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a company now valued at over
100 crore rupees, driven by its commitment to innovation and sustainable
development. Namma Swadeshi Ventures now operates both B2B and B2C segments,
with 25-30% of its revenue coming from the showroom business in the B2C
segment.
Professional Journey
Praveena K's professional journey began in 2006 when he
started as a Sales Officer at Parle Products Pvt. Ltd., where he gained
foundational experience in sales and business development. In 2010, he moved to
Wipro Ltd. as a Sales Executive, further honing his skills in corporate sales.
By 2012, he had joined Coca-Cola as a Sales Team Leader, managing key sales
operations and leading teams to achieve significant growth in the region. It
was during his time at Coca-Cola that he met Satyajeet Prasad, a key figure who
encouraged him to pursue greater opportunities, eventually leading him to join
OYO Rooms, where he contributed to the rapid expansion in Karnataka. In 2020,
he founded Namma Swadeshi Ventures Pvt. Ltd. with just 1,800 rupees, and today
the company is valued at over 100 crore rupees.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
As the Founder and CEO, Praveena K is responsible for
steering the company's strategic direction, driving innovation, and overseeing
operations. From identifying new market opportunities to forming strategic
partnerships, he focuses on ensuring that Namma Swadeshi Ventures stays at the
forefront of the renewable energy industry. He wouldn't have been able to do
this without the unwavering support of his wife, Chinmayee Praveen, who
co-founded the company and has been a pillar through the most challenging phases
of their journey. His responsibilities also include expanding the product range
- such as water heaters and high-quality solar panels - and opening showrooms
to cater to growing customer demand.
Key Qualities or Skills for an Entrepreneur
In a competitive industry like renewable energy, the
ability to innovate, stay resilient, and have a deep commitment to one's vision
are crucial. As he always says, "Poverty is not a weakness; it's
strength." Having faced his own share of challenges, he knows that
resilience, creativity, and discipline are essential for success. Understanding
the technical and market dynamics is also key, but equally important is the
ability to build strong relationships and adapt to changes in the industry.
Starting with limited financial resources is not a disadvantage; it can become
one's strength if one stays persistent.
Balancing Personal Growth and Professional Development
Maintaining a balance between personal growth and
professional development is something he prioritizes. He invests time in
continuous learning, both for himself and his team, and makes sure he steps
back when necessary to focus on personal well-being. Building a strong and
capable team allows him to delegate responsibilities, which gives him the space
to focus on both the growth of the company and his personal development. He
believes that a healthy balance leads to better leadership and a more
sustainable organization.
Business Advice
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay committed to their vision, no matter how humble their beginnings may be. He reminds them, "Poverty is not a weakness; it's strength." Start small, but dream big. The renewable energy sector is full of opportunities for innovation and growth, but it requires persistence, resilience, and a passion for making a positive environmental impact. He encourages entrepreneurs to stay informed, build a strong network, and always be open to learning and adapting to the changes in this fast-growing field. One may begin with limited capital, as he did with just 1,800 rupees, but with dedication, their business can thrive.
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