Pavan Kumar
Programs: Advisory Solutions & Labs Coach - Community Mentor, NSF I-Corps, CoMotion Innovation Gap Fund, CoMotion DubPitch
LinkedInIndustry experience
- B2B SaaS
- HealthCare
- Medical Devices
- Marketplaces
- Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Fintech
- Media
- EduTech
Areas of expertise
- Building Platforms
- Marketplaces
- Ecosystems
- Lean organization
- Developing unique business models, partnerships, go-to-market strategies and gaining traction
Background
Pavan is an entrepreneur, investor, author and speaker. He founded two startups and spent over two and a half decades in enterprise leadership roles in sales, strategy, partnerships & customer operations. Pavan has led strategic business units, new business initiatives, and strategic partnerships to achieve hyper growth, and is recognized for chasing innovation and change. He has invested in early stage startups in India, UK, ME, U.S. and Africa in media, entertainment, edutech, foodtech, deeptech, fintech, healthtech etc., and advises numerous startups in B2B SaaS, platforms, and marketplaces. Pavan holds an MBA in marketing and a Ph.D. in business management from Osmania University.
Working with CoMotion
Mentor journey
I have worked with CoMotion since March 2021, participating in I-Corps, CoMotion Innovation Gap Fund, and CoMotion DubPitch. I became a mentor because of the unique structure of the programs helping founders give shape to their ideas in a short time. I also became a mentor because of the mentor & advisor network of reputed industry veterans and thought leaders, as well as the meticulous planning and execution of the programs.
Favorite project
The one I am currently associated with, ExerciseRx, is progressing quite well. The team brings a strong background, domain knowledge, and a network to refine the idea and evolve the right business model.
Advice to innovators
Be it B2B or B2C, early engagement with the customer is very important. Most startups fail by trying to build the product/service in isolation and later realizing that it lacks market fit. Early on, having an anchor customer helps a great deal in product-market fit, evolving revenue model, and gaining traction. Resist the temptation of free Proof of Concept or trials; if your product/service genuinely solves a problem or creates value, the customer will be willing to pay.
On the lighter side
Fun anecdote
I was mentoring a team of medical professionals with their idea. In addition to helping with their idea, I ended up teaching finance fundamentals such as cost, price, margin, profit, ROI, etc.
