Startup Founder’s Journey From Germany to India – Vittal Ramakrishna
The entrepreneurial world is full of inspiring stories, but few are as captivating as that of V Ramakrishna. From his early ventures in Bangalore to his groundbreaking work in crowdfunding across Germany, his journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and vision. As the founder of ‘Create,’ a platform empowering over 20,000 creators to sell homemade and handmade products, and PA Marketplace, which democratizes funding, Ramakrishna’s impact has been profound. This blog explores his journey, the challenges he faced, and his ultimate return to India to revolutionize the startup ecosystem.
In This Episode
Early Beginnings in Bangalore
Born and raised in Bangalore, India, V Ramakrishna graduated in 2008, a year marked by a global financial downturn. With limited job opportunities, he took the entrepreneurial route, knocking on doors of retail stores to offer website development services. His persistence paid off when he secured a project for Madura Garments, now under the Aditya Birla Group, building a fashion management system. This first successful exit marked his entry into the world of startups.
Venturing into Investment and Crowdfunding in Germany
Despite his background in electronics engineering, Ramakrishna pivoted to investment management, joining KPMG and working with global clients. His journey took a crucial turn when he relocated to Germany, where he encountered the emerging world of crowdfunding in 2013. Intrigued by its potential, he collaborated with a US-based entrepreneur to refine the concept. Inspired by campaigns like the SWAT Kats crowdfunding project, he developed a platform catering specifically to German-speaking countries—Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Building a Crowdfunding Empire in Europe
By 2016, Ramakrishna had launched one of Germany’s earliest crowdfunding platforms. Despite bureaucratic hurdles and being a solo founder in a document-heavy business environment, he managed to secure significant traction. His expertise led him to a seat on the European Crowdfunding Council in 2019, where he helped shape policies around crowdfunding in Europe. The platform’s success culminated in its acquisition by a major German media house, marking yet another successful exit.
The Return to India and a New Vision
While deeply entrenched in the European startup ecosystem, Ramakrishna remained connected to India. In 2019, he was appointed as the German ambassador for a startup exchange program between India and Germany. His visit to India in early 2020 provided new perspectives on the rapidly growing Indian startup landscape. As the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he found himself exploring India, leading to a serendipitous encounter with an artisan selling handmade dolls at a fraction of their city price. This sparked the idea for ‘Create,’ a platform dedicated to empowering artisans and small-scale creators.
The Birth of ‘Create’: Empowering Local Creators
Launched amidst the pandemic, ‘Create’ aimed to bridge the gap between artisans and consumers, providing a direct marketplace for handmade products. By eliminating middlemen, the platform ensured better profits for creators while offering unique, high-quality products to buyers. Today, ‘Create’ has successfully onboarded over 20,000 creators, transforming the way handmade and homemade goods are sold in India.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Ramakrishna’s journey has not been without challenges—from navigating German bureaucracy to adapting to the Indian market. However, his resilience and ability to pivot have made him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. His focus remains on fostering innovation, supporting startups, and continuing to build platforms that create meaningful impact.
V Ramakrishna’s story is one of determination, strategic risk-taking, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others. From revolutionizing crowdfunding in Germany to creating an ecosystem for artisans in India, his contributions highlight the power of entrepreneurship in transforming lives. As he continues his journey, his ventures serve as an inspiration for startups and creators worldwide.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Indian Community Podcast!