Sreeshankar Nair - Participating In Shark Tank Offers An Unparalleled Opportunity (Founder & CEO at Brainwired and Participant of Shark Tank India)

 


Following the TV airing of our episode, our website experienced a surge of 1.5 to 2 lakh regular visitors in the initial days, causing our servers to crash twice. Although we received numerous orders, we initially weren't prepared to deploy such a large number of devices. Consequently, we had to wait, and now, after a few iterations, we are fully prepared to launch version 3.0.


1. It's been almost 6 years since the inception of Brainwired; could you walk us through your journey from then to its current standing?

Brainwired was initially conceived in early 2016 when Romeo and I were planning a significant project for our engineering final semester exam. We officially established Brainwired as a partnership firm in 2018, later incorporating it as a private limited company in 2020. The journey from inception to the present has been akin to a roller coaster, marked by both highs and lows. There were moments, especially during the early days of the COVID lockdown when we contemplated shutting down Brainwired. Despite facing numerous rejections from investors initially, we persevered, leading us to our current position where we earned two national awards, won a state startup competition, and were featured on Shark Tank India, among other achievements.

In our early years, our focus was primarily on prototyping, testing, and collecting data for our IoT devices and AI algorithms. Now, we have successfully launched version 3.0 of WeSTOCK - Cowboy with a good set of B2B and B2G clients.


2. What inspired you to delve into the AnimalTech sector?

My co-founder and I have familial roots in the dairy industry, with both sets of our grandparents having a background in dairy, providing us with firsthand insight into the challenges encountered by dairy farmers and the missed opportunities resulting from traditional manual farming methods. This project has always held a deeply personal significance for us, as we are committed to ensuring that we contribute to the well-being of dairy farmers in India and around the world, enabling them to derive a profitable livelihood from dairy farming.


3. In what ways does your AnimalTech startup prioritize ethical practices and sustainability in its solutions?

Brainwired is deeply committed to prioritizing ethical practices and sustainability in all aspects of our solutions. We have implemented several key strategies to ensure our commitment to these principles while developing WeSTOCK:

  • Animal Welfare Standards: Our technologies and solutions are designed with a primary focus on the well-being of animals. We adhere to and promote high standards of animal welfare, ensuring that our innovations contribute positively to the lives of animals.
  • Environmental Impact: Sustainability is a core consideration in our operations. We continually assess and minimize the environmental impact of our products and processes. This includes efforts to reduce carbon footprint, minimize waste, and explore eco-friendly materials.
  • Supply Chain Transparency: We maintain transparency throughout our supply chain, ensuring that all components and materials used in our products are sourced responsibly. This includes monitoring and verifying the ethical practices of our suppliers.
  • Data Privacy and Security: In the development of our AnimalTech solutions, we prioritize the privacy and security of data. We strictly adhere to ethical standards in data collection, ensuring that any information related to animals or users is handled with the utmost care and respect for privacy.
  • Collaboration with Experts: We actively collaborate with experts in animal science, veterinary medicine, and ethical business practices. This ensures that our solutions are not only technologically advanced but also aligned with the latest ethical standards and scientific knowledge.
  • Education and Outreach: We engage in educational initiatives to raise awareness about ethical considerations in AnimalTech. This includes outreach programs to inform users, stakeholders, and the public about the ethical implications and sustainable practices associated with our technologies.
  • Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement. Regular assessments and reviews are conducted to identify areas where we can enhance our ethical and sustainable practices. Feedback from stakeholders and users is actively sought and integrated into our development process.


4. What insights or benefits did you acquire from your participation in Shark Tank?

Participating in Shark Tank offers an unparalleled opportunity for free market outreach, thrusting your startup into the spotlight overnight. This exposure has both advantages and disadvantages. While it enhances brand recognition, it can also overwhelm your workforce with orders and attention, affecting overall performance. Having the Sharks as part of your team is beneficial for negotiations, and their presence on our cap table adds value. Nevertheless, the ultimate determinant of success is the efficacy of our efforts and strategies, propelling us to new heights.

Following the TV airing of our episode, our website experienced a surge of 1.5 to 2 lakh regular visitors in the initial days, causing our servers to crash twice. Although we received numerous orders, we initially weren't prepared to deploy such a large number of devices. Consequently, we had to wait, and now, after a few iterations, we are fully prepared to launch version 3.0.


5. Outside of your work in AnimalTech, what are some of your hobbies or passions?

Being a passionate anime enthusiast, I dedicate time to keep up with the latest anime releases. My hobbies encompass reading, dancing, writing, and traveling. However, my most cherished moments are those spent with my daughter and wife. This precious time with them serves as a true retreat, allowing me to disconnect and simply be myself.


6. Could you share a book that has significantly influenced or inspired you and how did it impact you?

The book that left a lasting impression on me in my early memories is "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma. Recently, I've delved into "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" and "The Lean Startup." "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" was particularly influential, guiding me to recognize the delicate balance between life and work. It played a significant role in fostering my spirituality and inner peace. While books like "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" offer valuable entrepreneurial insights, helping me discover fresh strategies and view business from different perspectives.


BRIEF BIO:

Founder & CEO at Brainwired

Participated at Shark Tank India

Interviewed by - Shreya 

Edited By - Pragya Lamba

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