“We observed from childhood how our families were always solving problems through their businesses around them, and we want to continue that tradition.”
In a candid conversation with Entrepreneurs Today, Khushboo Gupta and Vikas Agarwal speak of the factors that pushed them on the journey of being entrepreneurs and how they have been navigating their roles so far.
Khushboo Gupta and Vikas Agarwal, co-founders of REVIVO, pioneer a web-based platform that connects customers with unorganised service players and delivery systems for laundry and dry-cleaning needs. Leveraging technology and partnerships with expert care providers, REVIVO offers a reliable, convenient, and eco-friendly solution while reducing its environmental impact. With a business background and a passion for innovation, Khushboo and Vikas aim to transform garment care while delivering top-notch service.
Finding a Gap in the Market
Khushboo and Vikas were inspired to venture into the business world by their upbringing in Marwari families, where problem-solving through entrepreneurship was a way of life. They observed the challenges and inconsistencies in the garment care industry and saw an opportunity to innovate.
Motivated by a desire to address these issues, they embarked on a journey of market research and piloted a laundromat unit in Gurgaon. Drawing upon their business acumen and marketing expertise, they developed REVIVO—a scalable and customer-centric solution aimed at providing reliable, convenient, and eco-friendly garment care services. As Khushboo mentions,
“The aim has always been to provide a reliable, convenient, and eco-friendly solution for garment care, which led to the inception of REVIVO.”
Speaking of what sets them apart in the market, Vikas asserts,
“Our business stands out due to its unique combination of a low asset base model, scalability, and profitability. We have designed our business model to be easily replicated, allowing for rapid expansion on a pan-India basis. This scalability sets us apart from competitors and positions us for sustainable growth. Additionally, our focus on profitability ensures that we can continue to provide high-quality services while maintaining a strong financial foundation.”
Navigating Challenges
Khushboo and Vikas encountered several challenges on their journey to establish REVIVO. One major hurdle was establishing their brand in a competitive market. They tackled this by prioritising exceptional service, fostering customer relationships, and investing in marketing efforts to boost visibility.
Looking back, they say,
“Another challenge we faced was scaling our operations to meet growing demand. This required careful planning and investment in infrastructure and technology. We implemented efficient processes and systems to streamline our operations and improve productivity.”
Their ability to persevere, adapt, and maintain a customer-centric approach has been crucial in overcoming these challenges. Despite the obstacles, they remain dedicated to their vision and are continuously seeking innovative ways to grow and improve their business.
Celebrating Feats
Khushboo and Vikas have achieved significant milestones with REVIVO, as evidenced by their impressive track record:
They have consistently surpassed revenue targets, demonstrating sustained financial success. They have also seen high rates of customer satisfaction based on positive reviews and repeat business due to the quality of their service.
REVIVO has also successfully expanded into two markets, Gurgaon and Delhi, and growing its customer base indicates effective market penetration strategies.
They have also been able to reach operational efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and technology solutions, which have improved their operations. Moreover, their innovative business model and contributions to the industry have been recognised, including funding through the Government of India’s Seed India Fund Scheme (SIFS) program and participation in prestigious programs like Gurukul, offering assured funding from their VC fund network.
Plans Ahead
Khushboo Gupta and Vikas Agarwal have outlined strategic plans to advance their business. Their primary objective is nationwide expansion, aiming to extend their services across India to reach more households and capture a larger market share. Alongside expansion, they are focused on diversification, intending to introduce new services and offerings to meet the evolving needs of their customer base.
To achieve their goals, Khushboo and Vikas prioritise operational efficiency. They plan to invest in building strategic partnerships with expert garment care providers to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their operations. These alliances not only ensure high-quality service delivery but also facilitate penetration into new markets, reinforcing their expansion strategy.
Customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of REVIVO’s plans. Khushboo and Vikas are committed to delivering exceptional service and value to their customers. By prioritising customer delight and retention, they aim to solidify REVIVO’s position as the leading garment care service provider in India.
Life Lessons
“Our mantra lies in 3Ps – Purpose, Passion, Perseverance.”
In their journey with REVIVO, Khushboo Gupta and Vikas Agarwal have learned crucial lessons and in their own words, some of the lessons they want to share with the budding entrepreneurs are:
- Persistence is key: Building a successful business takes time and effort. It’s important to stay persistent and not get discouraged by setbacks.
- Pivots are crucial: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s important to be adaptable and willing to change course when necessary.
- Focus on customer satisfaction: Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. By focusing on providing exceptional service and value to our customers, is what our motto is which drives the entire organization.
- Build a strong team: Surround yourself with talented and dedicated individuals who share your vision and passion. A strong team is essential for the success of any business.
- Keep learning: The business world is always changing, so it’s important to continue learning and growing. Whether it’s through books, courses, or networking, there’s always something new to learn.