Venkatesh is the CEO and founder of Dot Com Infoway, a leading digital marketing, web, and mobile app development and marketing company that has been serving clients worldwide for over 24 years. He is also the co-founder of Magzter, the world’s largest and fastest-growing cross-platform global digital magazine store, and Thooya Innovations, a social enterprise that provides free, comfortable, sustainable, and hygienic toilets.
With a mechanical engineering degree from Anna University and a distinct passion for technology, gadgets, and games, Venkatesh has established himself as a serial entrepreneur, an angel investor, a best-selling author, and a prominent influencer in the mobile app and digital marketing industry. He has won multiple awards, including the CEO of the Year Award 2020, the IT Professional of the Year 2016, and the Top Icon of South India 2020. He is driven by the motto, “Everything is possible, especially the impossible,” and strives to create value, impact, and growth for his businesses, clients, and community.
Company: Dot Com Infoway
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Venkatesh C.R: I’m Venkatesh C.R., a serial entrepreneur with a deep passion for transforming emerging businesses into industry leaders. I hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University, and I have always been fascinated by technologies, gadgets, and games.
Dot Com Infoway is an IT company that delivers a wide range of mobile and web solutions. These include but are not limited to mobile app development and digital marketing. DCI has been nominated as the ‘Top Mobile App Marketing’ company by Clutch and as the ‘Top ASO Agency’ by Business of Apps. We have offices in India and North America and a worldwide client base. I founded the company in the year 2000 so that tallies up to exactly 24+ years of leadership on my part. I’m a tech fanatic, to say the least, with an equally inexhaustible passion for the mysterious and the magical.
If you were in an elevator with Warren Buffett, how would you describe your company, your services or products? What makes your company different from others? What is your company’s biggest strength?
Venkatesh C.R: Dot Com Infoway has been at the forefront of the tech industry since 2000, providing a wide range of services including mobile app development, web development, Mobile app marketing, and digital marketing. Our commitment to innovation and excellence has earned us a reputation as a top-tier service provider in both India and North America.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to client satisfaction. We ensure every project is a collaborative effort and technical expertise with our clients business goals. Our portfolio speaks volumes about our capabilities, featuring successful projects across various industries, and our accolades from platforms like Clutch and Business of Apps further validate our excellence.
Our biggest strength lies in our ability to adapt and innovate. We’ve embraced emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and Blockchain, integrating them into our services to provide cutting-edge solutions. Moreover, our focus on building long-term relationships and delivering exceptional value ensures our clients see us not just as service providers, but as partners in their success
Quiet quitting, The Great Resignation, is an ongoing trend causing many businesses to struggle to keep talent engaged and motivated. Most are leaving because of their boss or their company culture. 82% of people feel unheard, undervalued, and misunderstood in the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are you adapting to the current shift we see?
Venkatesh C.R: In my experience, keeping employees happy boils down to creating an environment where they feel valued, heard, and understood. Here at Dot Com Infoway, we focus on several key strategies to ensure our team members are engaged and motivated:
Open Communication: We maintain an open-door policy where employees can freely share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regular town hall meetings and one-on-one sessions with managers ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.
Recognition and Reward: Acknowledging hard work and achievements is crucial. We have implemented a comprehensive recognition program that includes awards, public acknowledgments, and performance bonuses to celebrate individual and team successes.
Professional Development: We invest in our employees’ growth through continuous learning opportunities, training programs, and career advancement paths. Encouraging skill development not only benefits the company but also empowers our employees to achieve their career goals.
Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and wellness programs help our team manage their personal and professional lives effectively.
Inclusive Culture: Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is a priority for us. We ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, feels included and respected.
To adapt to the current shift we see, we are constantly evolving our policies and practices based on employee feedback and industry trends. This includes adopting new technologies to facilitate remote work, enhancing our benefits packages, and creating a more agile and resilient organizational structure. By doing so, we aim to not only retain our talent but also attract new talent who are aligned with our company values and vision.
Online business keeps on surging higher than ever, B2B, B2C, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, Zoom medical consultations, what are your expectations for the year to come and how are you capitalizing on the tidal wave?
Venkatesh C.R: The rapid acceleration of online business across B2B, B2C, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, and telehealth is reshaping the global economy. For the year to come, I anticipate this trend will continue to grow, driven by increasing consumer comfort with digital platforms and businesses seeking efficiency and reach.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Venkatesh C.R: Right now, the biggest challenge in business is keeping up with the fast pace of technological change. Technologies like AI, IoT, and Blockchain are evolving rapidly, and businesses must adapt quickly to stay competitive. This means constantly learning and integrating new tech, which can be both exciting and daunting.
Another key challenge is cybersecurity. As we become more digital, protecting our data from cyber threats is crucial. We need advanced security measures and constant vigilance to stay safe
At Dot Com Infoway, we tackle these challenges by fostering a culture of innovation, investing in the latest technologies, and prioritizing cybersecurity. We also focus on continuous learning for our team and building adaptive strategies to turn challenges into opportunities and drive growth.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Venkatesh C.R: In my experience, the most underestimated part of running a company is the importance of effective communication. It’s easy to focus on strategies, numbers, and innovations, but without clear, open, and consistent communication, even the best plans can fall apart.
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Venkatesh C.R: If I could pick any business superpower, it would be the ability to predict future trends with pinpoint accuracy. Imagine always knowing what’s coming next!
With this power, I’d always stay ahead of the curve. We could develop products and services before the demand even hits, allocate resources more efficiently, and tailor our strategies perfectly to meet future needs. It would also help us build stronger relationships with our clients by anticipating their needs and delivering solutions before they even realize they need them.
What does “success” in 2024 mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision
Venkatesh C.R: Success in 2024, to me, is defined by a holistic approach that balances personal fulfillment and professional achievements. Personally, it means nurturing my own well-being and continuing to grow as a leader who inspires and supports others. It involves creating meaningful relationships and experiences that enrich my life and the lives of those around me.
Professionally, success for Dot Com Infoway involves:
Client Success: Our clients’ success is our success. We aim to be their trusted partner, delivering innovative and effective solutions that drive their business growth.
Employee Empowerment: Building a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and equipped to achieve their best. This includes ongoing training, development opportunities, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Technological Leadership: Leading the industry by adopting and integrating the latest technologies, from AI to blockchain, ensuring we offer the most advanced and effective solutions to our clients.
Sustainable Practices: Implementing sustainable practices that not only contribute to our business growth but also to the betterment of society and the environment.
Global Reach: Expanding our global presence while maintaining a personalized approach to each client, ensuring we understand and meet their unique needs and challenges.
In essence, success in 2024 is about creating a thriving ecosystem where our clients, employees, and the community all benefit from our efforts.
