“Remember to give back once you’ve succeeded, because supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs is how we grow as a community.”
Entrepreneurs Today recently reached out to Ashutosh Bandekar, a driven entrepreneur leading two growing ventures, Envagor Enterprises, an online clothing brand, and Excellence Edutech Pvt Ltd, a thriving education technology company that specialises in JEE and NEET coaching. Under his leadership, Excellence Edutech has consistently doubled its revenue annually.
Beyond his businesses, Ashutosh explores emerging technologies such as Web3 and AI to inform his strategic decisions. As an angel investor, he actively supports startups, offering both capital and mentorship, sharing his experience to guide young entrepreneurs through their early stages of growth.
Finding Inspiration
Ashutosh had an entrepreneurial spirit since his college years, and all he could dream of was to build something of his own.
He explored over 20 ventures, from selling wristbands and network marketing to running a small café. Though most of these early attempts failed, each experience taught him valuable lessons about business and perseverance.
Interviewer: What is one principle in business that you religiously follow?
Ashutosh: “Starting with just ₹2000, I adopted a philosophy of low-cost experiments and reinvesting profits. These experiences eventually led to the creation of Envagor, my clothing business, and Excellence Edutech Pvt Ltd, my edtech company.”
A Competitive Edge
Ashutosh’s businesses stand out because of their focus on solving real-world problems and swiftly adapting to market changes.
During the pandemic, Excellence Edutech quickly transitioned to online learning, allowing them to outpace competitors. A key differentiator is Ashutosh’s use of data-driven decision-making, which helps both Envagor Enterprises and Excellence Edutech stay ahead of market trends. As Ashurosh asserts,
“Whether it’s the personalised education we offer or the unique, value-driven fashion in Envagor, our priority is to deliver the best customer experience.”
Troubled Waters
Ashutosh faced significant challenges, including navigating the abrupt shift to online operations during the pandemic. This required rapid adaptation, but the quick pivot gave his businesses a competitive edge.
Operating with minimal capital was another hurdle, pushing him to be resourceful and efficient. His exploration of emerging technologies like AI and Web3 has also presented challenges, but these innovations have enabled smarter decision-making and driven growth in both his ventures.
Major Milestones
“I measure success by solving problems and achieving meaningful outcomes.”
Ashutoshr’s key achievements include the exponential growth of Excellence Edutech, which has nearly doubled its revenue every year, with a target of reaching ₹100 crore this year. He shares,
“Another significant achievement is watching our team members grow—one employee started as a watchman and is now our admin head. It’s stories like these that make me proud of our journey.”
Apart from his own ventures, Ashutosh has also begun investing in startups as an angel investor, supporting young entrepreneurs in overcoming early-stage challenges and contributing to the startup ecosystem.
Plans Ahead
Ashutosh’s plans ahead include driving Excellence Edutech toward reaching ₹100 crore in revenue this year while continuing to scale both its online and offline presence.
For Envagor Enterprises, he plans to expand product lines and enter new markets. He is also committed to exploring emerging technologies like AI and Web3 to optimise business processes further.
Additionally, Ashutosh aims to deepen his involvement in angel investing, using his experience to mentor and support more startups and help fellow entrepreneurs succeed.
Major Takeaways
Ashutosh emphasises that one of the most important lessons he has learned is that failure is an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey, with each setback providing valuable insights.
He advises starting small, remaining flexible, and focusing on solving real problems, as these areas often yield the greatest rewards. Leveraging data and technology for informed decision-making is crucial. Lastly, he adds,
“Don’t shy away from challenges or new opportunities, and always be willing to adapt.”
