Innovating Through Challenges
Virender Singh
Chief Executive Officer
Digital Live Services
Challenges are merely opportunities cloaked in the guise of adversity; those who identify them often create history. When Virender Singh (CEO) ventured into a school in 2017 to participate in a small educational project with the Delhi government, little did he know that this visit would spark a revolution in education technology. Upon entering the classrooms after more than two decades, Virender was struck by the glaring technological gaps hindering effective learning experiences. Recognising the potential for innovation in this untapped market, he embarked on a journey to bridge the digital divide in education.
Driven by a vision to transform challenges into opportunities, Virender founded Digital Live Services. The initial hurdles were daunting, with the scarcity of integrated software and hardware solutions proving to be a significant barrier. Major software providers either offered prohibitively expensive products or lacked the necessary features, leaving Virender grappling with limited options. His background in hardware allowed him to develop innovative tools quickly, but the software component remained elusive. Despite these setbacks, Virender’s resilience kept him moving forward.
Undeterred by the lack of immediate solutions, Virender pivoted towards distance learning, a field gaining momentum even before the COVID-19 pandemic. He invested his own savings to establish a live streaming infrastructure, envisioning a future where teachers and students could connect seamlessly across distances. Initially, this idea met with resistance, as adoption rates were slow and educators were hesitant to embrace new technology.
However, the advent of the pandemic dramatically changed the landscape. As traditional classrooms were forced to close, the demand for remote learning solutions skyrocketed. Digital Live Services, with its pre-established infrastructure, was uniquely positioned to meet this sudden need. The company rapidly scaled its operations, establishing over 500 digital classrooms within a year. This surge not only solidified the company’s reputation but also significantly boosted its revenue and market presence.
Today, Digital Live Services stands as a testament to Virender’s determination and resilience. From humble beginnings to industry prominence, the company continues to innovate, revolutionising education through technology. Virender’s unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide has not only transformed his own career but has also had a profound impact on the educational experiences of countless students and educators nationwide. The company now offers a range of solutions, including compact digital classrooms and flexible payment options, making advanced educational tools accessible to a broader audience.
Today, Digital Live Services serves as a shining example of how adversity can be transformed into opportunity and how one individual’s vision can change the course of an entire industry. Through relentless innovation and a commitment to quality, Virender and his team have created a legacy of positive change in the educational sector, paving the way for a more connected and technologically advanced future in education. TradeFlock interacted with Virender to learn more about his company and how he is adding a new feather to India’s growth story.Â
How did Digital Live Services help struggling coaching institutes with large student bases?
When these institutes approached us, they were indeed in a precarious situation. They struggled with high overhead costs and a sudden drop in student engagement. We suggested a strategic shift to recorded lectures and leveraged our Mr. Learning platform to facilitate this transition. This approach allowed them to reconnect with their students effectively and stabilise their operations. The pivot was crucial not only for their survival but also for our growth. By addressing their immediate needs and demonstrating the strength of our solutions, we managed to grow rapidly. This move allowed us to earn significant revenue, which we reinvested into further expanding our capabilities. Initially, our focus was more on hardware solutions than just salvaging existing ones. Over time, we made a deliberate shift towards hardware manufacturing. Last year, our business expanded to a turnover of Rs. 310 crore, and this year, we aim to reach between Rs. 500 and 600 crore, establishing ourselves as one of India’s leading hardware manufacturers and OEM suppliers.
Can you share the story of how a software rejection turned into a significant opportunity for you?
Initially, we faced a significant setback when a company refused to offer us software due to various reasons. This rejection turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The major customer who was buying from them eventually became our customer, purchasing our software instead. This turn of events underscored the importance of resilience and innovation. We didn’t just stop there. We developed India’s first whiteboard software, MANNAT, which integrates powerful tools like Google search, access to over 15,000 images, and 3,000 3D objects. This innovation has been well-received in the market, with 1,000 pieces sold within days of its launch.
What challenges did you face when you started Digital Live Services, especially during the pandemic?
The onset of the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. We faced significant issues, particularly with the availability of hardware from China. This situation, however, spurred us to become more self-reliant. We decided to develop our own hardware in India, which was a strategic move. Now, we produce our own motherboards and cabinets, significantly reducing our dependency on external suppliers. We’ve also established a substantial manufacturing plant in Punjab, spanning 30,000 square yards. This self-reliance has made us capable of handling any challenge and expanding our offerings, including Google-certified programmes and mobile device management solutions. These developments have not only strengthened our market position but also ensured that we can continue to provide highquality, reliable solutions to our customers despite external challenges.
What is your vision for the future of Digital Live Services, and how do you plan to achieve it?
Our vision for Digital Live Services is to lead the digital education revolution in India. We aim to transform traditional classrooms into interactive digital learning spaces. To achieve this, we are investing heavily in technology and infrastructure. We are also focusing on expanding our manufacturing capabilities and launching new products. Furthermore, we plan to collaborate with government bodies and educational institutions to ensure our solutions reach every corner of the country. By staying committed to innovation and quality, we believe we can make a significant impact on the education system in India.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My father has been my greatest inspiration. I’ve seen him accomplish incredible things, from building factories to large-scale projects. His perseverance and achievements motivate me to aim higher and contribute positively to society. Watching him take on and overcome monumental challenges has instilled in me a strong work ethic and the drive to push boundaries and achieve great things.
You've worked with companies like ASUS and AMD. What were your biggest learnings from these experiences, and how are they applied in your current business?
Working with ASUS and AMD was incredibly enlightening. One of the most critical lessons I learned was the importance of the right chipset for any solution. The chipset’s capabilities are crucial for performance, as seen in devices like the iPhone. For instance, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 12 have different chipsets, leading to significant differences in performance and capabilities. This understanding has been instrumental in developing our solutions at Digital Live Services. We ensure that our hardware and software are built around robust and efficient chipsets, providing the best possible performance and reliability for our customers.
With many players in the market, what sets Digital Live Services apart?
Digital Live Services stands out due to our unwavering commitment to innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions. Our strategy includes thorough market research, showcasing demos to partners, and maintaining a robust supply chain. We’ve also focused on rural areas, providing affordable and accessible digital education tools that help bridge the gap between urban and rural educational resources. This approach ensures that we are not only meeting the needs of our customers but also contributing to the broader goal of digital education in India.
How do you plan to support teachers, especially in rural areas, with your technology?
Our vision is to connect every student with the best teachers through distance learning solutions. To achieve this, we are implementing training programmes for teachers, enabling them to effectively use our online teaching tools. We plan to train over 500,000 teachers, who will, in turn, train others, ensuring widespread adoption and improved educational standards across India. This initiative aims to create a ripple effect, enhancing the quality of education in even the most remote areas.
How does Digital Live Services invest in research and development?
Research and development are at the core of our strategy. We focus on developing affordable, world-class hardware and software. Our new manufacturing unit aims to produce 100,000 panels per month. Additionally, we plan to launch tablets, mini-PCs, and laptops to facilitate online classes and affordable computing for students. This extensive R&D ensures we remain at the forefront of educational technology, continually offering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Given your busy schedule, how do you manage to unwind and keep yourself energised?
Balancing work and personal life is crucial for sustained productivity and mental well-being. I make it a point to unwind by listening to music and watching movies. Spending quality time with family and friends is also essential for me. These activities help me recharge and maintain a fresh perspective, allowing me to approach work with renewed energy and focus.
What are your words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs?
I would like to emphasise the importance of innovation and resilience. In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s crucial to stay ahead by continuously innovating and adapting to new challenges. For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is to focus on creating unique solutions that address real-world problems. By doing so, you not only create a successful business but also contribute positively to society.
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