ABHINAND PANDYA

Chief Executive Officer

Abhinand Pandya

Chief Executive Officer

Goodlii

Looking good is a desire shared by all, but the challenge lies in finding the time for self-care and efficiently scheduling beauty and wellness appointments amidst our busy lives. This challenge inspired Abhinand Pandya during a platform strategy class at MIT Sloan, leading him to create Goodlii. The startup is a groundbreaking beauty tech platform that simplifies appointment scheduling through AI, making self-care more accessible. Abhinand’s vision for Goodlii is to bring structure to the unregulated salon industry with a scalable SaaS and e-commerce model across India. The platform, named by his children, Vivaan and Pranika, encapsulates the essence of smart, informed choices in looking good. With an extensive background in strategic financial management and business development, Abhinand is poised to revolutionise the beauty tech landscape, ensuring that everyone can effortlessly find the perfect place for their beauty needs at the right price. Driven by his passion for innovation and his commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit, Abhinand embarked on a journey to transform the beauty industry. His career, marked by success in strategic project management and financial advisory roles at renowned institutions like Cadila Pharmaceuticals, ABN AMRO, and Standard Chartered Bank, equipped him with the skills and expertise needed to lead Goodlii. Through his strategic thinking and visionary leadership, Abhinand aims to not only simplify the beauty appointment process but also to empower both consumers and businesses in the industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of Goodlii, Abhinand’s mission is clear: to create a platform that not only connects users with the best beauty services but also cultivates a sense of community and empowerment within the industry. With Goodlii, Abhinand envisions a future where self-care is not just a luxury but a seamless and integral part of everyday life. How? He shares this with us in an exclusive interview.

How did your time at MIT prepare you for the challenges of leading a startup like Goodlii?

My time and experience at MIT taught me that entrepreneurship is a possibility. The MIT Sloan School of Management equips aspiring professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to succeed in the competitive world of startups as entrepreneurs. I got a real taste for entrepreneurship by working with curated startups on problems of strategic importance. This reinforced my belief that we can deliver a user-friendly product for the Indian beauty segment using smartphone technology and address the untapped $18 billion market.

What strategies did you adopt as a startup CEO when building your team?

As a startup CEO, I meticulously crafted a teambuilding strategy that played a pivotal role in our success. I began by articulating a compelling vision and mission for our company, attracting likeminded individuals motivated to contribute. Strategic hiring, delegation of responsibilities, and fostering autonomy empowered team members. I, along with my energetic cofounder Kahaan Vasa, complement each other in functions to steer the project. Our diverse team, including Kishore, Pratik from Global Vox, and Vivek Yadav from ALEXA, brought fresh perspectives and innovation. By fostering collaboration, we harnessed collective creativity and resilience, driving our startup towards its goals. In summary, building a strong team involves aligning values, empowering individuals, and leveraging diverse talents. These principles propelled our startup forward, turning our vision into reality.

What are your greatest strengths as a CEO, and how have they benefited your start-up?

As a CEO, my greatest strengths are visioning, sensemaking, relationship-building, inventiveness, humility, and adaptability. These qualities, honed over two decades of experience, have nurtured a positive and inclusive work environment. Individuals feel valued, motivated, and engaged in pursuing our company’s goals.

How did your strategic project management and wealth investment roles shape your leadership style and strategic thinking?

Strategic thinking is essential for success in project management and wealth management. It lets you see the bigger picture, anticipate challenges, and identify growth opportunities. Translating this skill into leadership means approaching organisational issues from a longterm perspective, evaluating risks objectively, and making informed decisions under uncertainty. As a leader, you can guide your team through challenges and achieve organisational goals. Effective decision-making is a cornerstone of leadership. My experience in wealth investment and project management has honed my ability to make tough decisions under pressure, considering factors like financial implications, resource allocation, and stakeholder interests. Resilience and adaptability enable leaders to navigate uncertainty and guide their teams through change confidently

How do you perceive the current startup ecosystem in India, and what opportunities and challenges do you see for new entrepreneurs?

India’s large and diverse population presents a significant market opportunity for startups. Entrepreneurs can tap into various consumer segments and niche markets, offering products and services tailored to Indian consumers’ needs. However, our ecosystem is still evolving. Unlike established hubs like Kendall Square or Palo Alto, where resources and angel investors abound, we are catching up but still have a way to go. The Indian government’s Startup India programme, with its funding, tax benefits, and regulatory support, has fostered a favourable environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. Despite improved access to capital, startups face funding risks, especially in their early stages. New entrepreneurs without a track record or established networks find raising funds challenging. Market uncertainties and economic downturns further impact investment decisions. Additionally, attracting and retaining qualified employees remains a challenge, especially when competing with established companies and multinational corporations.

Can you discuss any upcoming projects or initiatives at Goodlii that you are particularly excited about?

At Goodlii, we’re developing an exciting AR component that empowers clients to make informed decisions about their appearance. Despite initial funding challenges, our vision remains strong.