Biography of Vishal Gondal: Founder & CEO of GOQii -Entrepreneur & Angel Investor
The Entrepreneurial Journey of Vishal Gondal
Vishal Gondal, born on 14 July 1976, is a prominent Indian
entrepreneur and angel investor known for his ventures in the tech and gaming
industries. He made his mark as the founder and CEO of GOQii (pronounced
Go-Key), a leading health tech company.
Pioneering in Gaming
Gondal's entrepreneurial journey began with the
establishment of Indiagames, a game development and publishing company. His
vision and leadership propelled Indiagames to success, culminating in its
acquisition by DisneyUTV Digital, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company
India, in 2011. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in Gondal's
career, showcasing his ability to build and scale innovative ventures in the digital
entertainment sector.
Vishal Gondal: From Video Games to Fitness Technology
Founding of Indiagames
In 1999, Vishal Gondal founded Indiagames, a prominent video
game development and publishing company. By 2009, the company had grown
significantly, boasting around 300 employees with offices in Mumbai, Beijing,
London, and Los Angeles. During this period, Indiagames was acquired by TOM
Online Games, a subsidiary of TOM Online Inc., with Gondal retaining his
position as CEO. The acquisition highlighted Indiagames' profitability,
generating approximately $400,000 in profit from $11 million in revenue.
Strategic Move and Transition
In 2009, Vishal Gondal made a strategic decision to sell a
majority stake (76.29%) of Indiagames to TOM Online Inc., a subsidiary of TOM
Online Games. This move marked a significant transition as he stepped down from
his role as CEO of Indiagames. At the time of acquisition, Indiagames was
generating substantial revenue of $11 million annually, with profits amounting
to approximately $400,000.
Venture into Investment
In 2008, Vishal Gondal launched the Sweat and Blood Venture
Group, focusing on seed-level investments in startups. The group has since
invested in several ventures, including Instablogs and Docsuggest, contributing
to the growth of innovative businesses.
Sweat and Blood Venture: Investing in Innovation
In 2008, Vishal Gondal established Sweat and Blood Venture
Group, aimed at nurturing and investing in startups through seed funding. This
initiative reflects his commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship
in India. Sweat and Blood Venture Group has invested in various ventures,
including Instablogs, Docsuggest, and others, contributing to the growth of
emerging businesses in the country.
Leadership at DisneyUTV Digital
August 2012 marked another milestone for Gondal when The
Walt Disney Company India Pvt. Ltd. restructured its digital assets under the
newly formed DisneyUTV Digital division, appointing Vishal Gondal as its
managing director. His leadership contributed to the strategic expansion and
development of digital initiatives within the company.
Launch of GOQii
In March 2014, Vishal Gondal ventured into the realm of
fitness technology by founding GOQii, headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
GOQii focuses on merging technology with health and fitness, offering
personalized coaching and wearable devices to promote overall well-being.
Vishal Gondal's Journey with GOQii
Vishal Gondal embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in
March 2014 by launching GOQii, a fitness technology firm based in Menlo Park,
California, with additional offices in Mumbai and Shenzhen. His vision for
GOQii was clear: to help people make lasting changes towards healthier
lifestyles. By integrating advanced wearable technology with expert coaching,
GOQii offers a comprehensive ecosystem that combines tech innovation with
personalized human guidance. This approach aims to foster sustained engagement
and empower individuals to achieve their health goals effectively.
From Gaming to Patriotic Games: The Birth of FAU-G
Apart from GOQii, Vishal Gondal is also the Co-founder of
nCore Games, where he and his team have been working on an exciting project
called FAU-G (Fearless And United: Guards). The idea for FAU-G emerged not as a
reaction to the PUB-G ban in India but as a long-planned initiative that began
taking shape in mid-2020. This action game is part of nCore Games' broader
strategy to create compelling gaming experiences that resonate with Indian
audiences.
Expanding the Gaming Universe
Alongside FAU-G, nCore Games under Vishal's leadership is
gearing up to launch two other games: one centered around cricket and another
focused on music. These games are designed to cater to diverse interests and
preferences within the gaming community, further solidifying nCore Games'
position in India's gaming landscape.
Honoring Indian Soldiers through FAU-G
FAU-G's storyline is deeply rooted in significant Indian
events, with its first episode dedicated to the Galwan Valley clash. Vishal
Gondal aims to use FAU-G not just as a form of entertainment but also as a
medium to educate players about pivotal moments in India's history and to honor
the valor of Indian soldiers. Furthermore, Vishal has committed that 20% of
FAU-G's net revenue will be donated to the BharatKeVeer trust, which supports
the welfare of Indian soldiers and their families.
Engagement in Conferences
Vishal Gondal is a sought-after speaker and has presented at
prestigious events such as the INK Conferences in Mumbai, where he shares
insights and innovations in technology, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
Role at Disney and Beyond
Following the acquisition of Indiagames, Gondal took on the
role of Managing Director of the Digital division at The Walt Disney Company
India from September 2012 to June 2013. His tenure at Disney underscored his
strategic acumen and leadership in managing digital and gaming initiatives
within a global entertainment conglomerate.
Recognized Industry Leader
Gondal's contributions to the mobile content space were
widely recognized, earning him a place among the top 50 executives by 'Mobile
Entertainment' Magazine, a prestigious UK-based publication. His achievements
placed him in esteemed company alongside renowned figures like Steve Jobs.
Biography of Vishal Gondal: Founder & CEO of GOQii -Entrepreneur & Investor/ nCore Games/FAU-G/CEO of Indiagames/TOM Online Games/DisneyUTV Digital/lif
Passions Beyond Business
Beyond his professional achievements, Gondal is passionate
about physical fitness and the outdoors. He actively participates in marathons,
ultras, trekking, and sky diving, reflecting his enduring love for adventure and
personal challenges. His journey in sports began during his youth as a national-level
volleyball player.
A Multifaceted Media Personality
Gondal's enthusiasm for technology and innovation extends
beyond business into media and entertainment. He is a longtime TEDster,
showcasing his interest in cutting-edge ideas and developments. Additionally,
he serves as a judge on prominent television shows such as 'The Pitch' on
Bloomberg TV and 'Your Wish is My App' on NDTV, where he evaluates and supports
aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators.
Venturing into New Frontiers
In September 2020, Gondal made headlines again with the
announcement of FAU-G (Fearless and United Guards), a mobile game developed by
nCORE Games, where he serves as a key figure. The game, endorsed by Bollywood
superstar Akshay Kumar, was released on 26 January 2021, garnering significant
attention and acclaim within India's gaming community.
The Rise of Vishal Gondal: From Gaming Pioneer to Tech
Investor
Vishal Gondal embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at
just 16 years old when he founded IndiaGames, a venture that would earn him the
title of "Father of the Indian Gaming Industry." Under his guidance,
IndiaGames soared to great heights in the gaming sector, eventually catching
the attention of global giant Walt Disney Company. In 2012, Disney acquired
IndiaGames, propelling Vishal into the role of Managing Director Digital at
Disney UTV.
Venturing Beyond Gaming: A New Role as Investor
Beyond his pioneering role in gaming, Vishal Gondal
transitioned into a prominent angel investor. His journey into investment began
with a keen eye for promising startups across various industries. Notably, he
has backed ventures like educational software platform Leverage Edu, financial
technology firm Truly Financial, and entertainment software developer nCore
Games. Vishal's investments reflect his broad interests and commitment to
fostering innovation.
Recognition and Influence in the Digital Realm
Vishal's impact extends beyond entrepreneurship and
investment. His leadership in the mobile content space earned him recognition
among the top 50 executives by 'Mobile Entertainment' Magazine. This accolade
underscored his influence and contributions to shaping digital and mobile
industries, cementing his status as a key figure in India's tech landscape.
Continuing the Legacy: Inspiring Future Innovators
Today, Vishal Gondal continues to inspire as Co-Founder,
President, and CEO at GOQii, where he drives forward-thinking initiatives in
health technology. His journey from gaming pioneer to tech investor exemplifies
resilience, vision, and a commitment to pushing boundaries in the digital age.
As he navigates new ventures and investments, Vishal remains a beacon for
aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that passion and perseverance are key to
success in the dynamic world of technology.
Awards and Recognitions of Vishal Gondal
Vishal Gondal, a prominent figure in the digital business
and mobile content space, has received several accolades throughout his career,
highlighting his entrepreneurial prowess and leadership.
2001: Named one of the Top 40 Indian Entrepreneurs by
Business Today, recognizing his early contributions to the entrepreneurial
ecosystem in India.
2005: Featured in Mobile Entertainment magazine's list of
the top 50 executives in the mobile content space, reflecting his influence and
innovation in the industry.
2005: Indiagames, founded by Vishal Gondal, was listed by
Red Herring among Asia's Top 100 companies, underscoring its impact and success
in the technology sector.
2012: Recognized by techcircle.in as one of the top 25
powerful people in Indian digital business, acknowledging his continued
leadership and influence in the digital landscape.
2019: Awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by
"Entrepreneur Magazine," honoring his achievements and
entrepreneurial journey.
Vishal Gondal's entrepreneurial journey is characterized by
innovation, resilience, and a pioneering spirit in both gaming and health
technology sectors. His ventures continue to push boundaries, shaping the
future of digital entertainment and wellness solutions in India and beyond.
A timeline
summarizing Vishal Gondal's entrepreneurial journey:
1976: Vishal Gondal is born on July 14.
1999: Vishal Gondal founds Indiagames, marking the beginning
of his entrepreneurial career in the gaming industry.
2008: Launches Sweat and Blood Venture Group, focusing on
seed-level investments in startups.
2009: Sells a majority stake in Indiagames to TOM Online
Inc., continuing as CEO until the acquisition.
2011: Indiagames is acquired by DisneyUTV Digital, a
subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company India.
2012: Appointed Managing Director of DisneyUTV Digital.
2014: Vishal Gondal founds GOQii, a health tech company focusing
on fitness and wellness.
2020: Co-founds nCore Games and begins work on FAU-G
(Fearless And United: Guards), a patriotic action game.
2021: FAU-G is launched on January 26, garnering significant
attention in India's gaming community.
This timeline encapsulates Vishal Gondal's evolution from a
gaming entrepreneur to a leader in health technology and his recent ventures in
gaming with nCore Games.
