HERALD: Tell us something about your company?
SHAKIR KAZI: Speedon is India’s first and only Internet service finder. It is an online aggregator enabling users to get connected to ISP’s for their Internet needs in the quickest possible time. It started with a vision to digitally empower India by increasing the Internet connectivity and making it reach a billion people. It is a one-stop solution for searching the best ISP’s in your area and is set to transform the Internet space in India. It is committed towards digitally connecting users to the Internet and making India one of the top countries for Internet adoption globally.
HERALD: What is your field of speciality? How is it different from your competitors?
SK: We are distinguished by our expertise in research, which helps feed an expansive database of ISPs. Every Speedon customer will be able to choose from comprehensive lists of ISPs specific to their region and establish a fast broadband connection in a matter of hours. Our easy-to-understand processes are primed to empower Internet users across the socio-economic and regional development board.
HERALD: How does your company help Goans?
SK: Be it an individual, a company or a start-up, Internet is their primary need. We understand their requirements and help them to search, select, and secure the fastest and the most cost-effective broadband Internet connection in their area not just possible, but also a completely user-friendly experience.
HERALD: Who are your major customers?
SK: Our major customers include all individuals, start-ups, government enterprises and companies of all sizes.
HERALD: What issues did you have to face when you thought of launching this company?
SK: When we thought of converting this idea into reality, we had a handful of ISP’s believing in our idea and supporting it. As we got incubated at CIBA and started the development of our online platform, we proved we can provide much more than we thought of delivering initially. Now we see almost all ISP’s across all regions willing to join and use our platform to drive the Internet revolution in India. CIBA was instrumental in guiding us and providing some great networking platforms which helped us to understand the market and strategies required to excel. CIBA provided us access to The World Startup Expo, Bangalore which was held in November 2016. This boosted our confidence as we were one amongst the few start-ups identified across India for the competition.
HERALD: What made you work as an entrepreneur in Goa?
SK: Having our operations already in Pune and having worked in other big cities, Goa provides a perfect work-life balance unlike other big cities. As a product company we need to constantly innovate and invent and Goa is such place which gives you the space to do. The not so busy life in Goa gives you a sense of peace and comfort which enables you to bring the best out of you.
HERALD: How do you see the Goa market? Are you planning to spread out?
SK: The Goa market is yet to make a mark with respect to the Internet subscribers. We will be starting our full fledge operations in Goa and would be connecting every household to the Internet. To achieve this target, we are working with various ISP’s to provide the infrastructure and connectivity needed.
HERALD: How did the journey begin?
SK: As a user, I was unhappy with the process of getting an Internet connection in India. To add to this, most of my customers came back to me and asked if we could improvise on the process of getting an Internet connection. After a lot of survey’s and research, we concluded on developing Speedon, a platform to help consumers not just get Internet access in shortest possible time but also give them the best deals in their area, instant online documentation and online bill payments making it a hassle – free experience for them.
HERALD: Where do you see yourself and your company in next five years from now?
SK: In a country where Internet penetration remains one of the lowest in the world, Speedon will provide solutions to a fundamental problem – making Internet connectivity options simple to search for and equally simple to apply for. In the next five years we will be covering all major cities in India and reaching out to almost 70 per cent of the Internet population.
