Biography of Akshay Gurnani: Co-Founder and CEO of Schbang & Baby Boom Photography
Story of of Akshay Gurnani: Co-Founder and CEO of Schbang
Akshay Gurnani, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur, is the
Co-Founder and CEO of Schbang, a prominent digital agency. With a focus on
digital strategy, SEO, advertising, and analytics, Akshay has established
himself as a leader in the digital marketing industry. His expertise extends
beyond his role at Schbang, as he is also a TEDx speaker and a recognized angel
investor.
Educational Background
Academic Qualifications
Akshay's educational journey began with a Bachelor of
Management Studies (BMS) from H.R. College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai,
followed by a Master’s in Commerce from the University of Mumbai. His academic
background provided a strong foundation in business and commerce, which has
been instrumental in his entrepreneurial and investment ventures.
Professional Experience
Foundational Experience in Digital Strategy
Gurnani’s early career involved roles in digital strategy
and social media management, where he developed expertise in creating and
executing marketing strategies across various platforms. His experience in
handling high-profile accounts and campaigns laid the foundation for his later
success in building and leading Schbang.
Biography of Akshay Gurnani: Co-Founder and CEO of Schbang & Baby Boom Photography/Angel Investor/Entrepreneur/Digital Trainer/Success story Akshay Gu
Early Career at FoxyMoron
Before founding Schbang, Gurnani was the Business Head for
FoxyMoron’s Gurgaon office, where he was instrumental in establishing the
branch and driving its growth. His achievements included setting up the office
from scratch, managing a team, and securing key accounts. His efforts resulted
in significant revenue growth and the successful execution of impactful
marketing campaigns.
Investing in Inclusive Technology
Gurnani’s investment portfolio also includes flutrr, India’s
first multilingual dating app designed to offer an inclusive experience for
users across different languages. This initiative reflects his commitment to
supporting technologies that enhance user experiences and cater to diverse
demographic needs.
Achievements and Roles
Before co-founding Schbang, Akshay gained valuable
experience in various roles related to digital strategy and advertising. At
Schbang, he has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and
establishing it as a leading player in the digital marketing space. His skills
in building and leading teams have been crucial to Schbang’s success.
Founding Schbang
Akshay Gurnani is the Co-Founder and CEO of Schbang, an
integrated solutions agency based in Mumbai. Since launching the company in
January 2015, he has spearheaded its growth into a prominent player in the
marketing and digital solutions industry. Under his leadership, Schbang has
expanded significantly, establishing a second office in Bangalore in 2017 and a
Delhi office in December 2020. The agency prides itself on providing a
comprehensive range of services, including social media marketing, website and
application design, branding, media planning, and influencer management.
Holistic Marketing Approach
Schbang’s success can be attributed to its holistic approach
to marketing, which aligns with the agency’s philosophy of helping clients
achieve completeness across various media channels. The agency's extensive
client roster includes notable brands such as Godrej, Fevicol, Asian Paints,
and Amazon Prime. This diverse portfolio underscores Schbang’s capability in delivering
tailored marketing solutions that drive brand success and enhance client
engagement.
Baby Boom Photography
In addition to his role at Schbang, Gurnani is also the
founder of Baby Boom Photography, a venture he started in February 2018. This
business focuses on portrait and studio photography, utilizing his expertise in
post-production and visual storytelling. Gurnani’s dual roles showcase his
versatility and commitment to both the creative and business aspects of his
career.
Focus Areas and Investments
Key Investment Areas
Akshay’s investment focus includes clean-tech and food and
beverage sectors. His investments reflect a keen interest in supporting
startups that offer innovative solutions in these domains. By investing in
companies like WickedGud, Akshay aims to drive positive change and
sustainability in the food industry.
Investment Portfolio
Angel Investor in Food and Clean-Tech Sectors
As an angel investor, Akshay Gurnani has made significant
contributions to startups in the food and beverage and clean-tech sectors. His
investments include companies like WickedGud, which focuses on gluten-free and
organic food products. With a total investment amounting to ₹76 million,
Akshay’s portfolio reflects his commitment to supporting innovative solutions
in these areas.
Strategic Investment in Kaatil
Gurnani is also involved as a strategic investor in Kaatil,
a company that aims to elevate the global presence of spicy food through unique
condiments made from Indian chillies. This venture reflects his interest in
expanding the reach of niche products and simplifying consumer choices with a
clear numerical heat level system.
Supporting Healthier Food Options
As an angel investor, Gurnani has supported several
startups, including WickedGüd, which strives to provide healthier food options
by eliminating unhealthy ingredients. His investment in WickedGüd aligns with
his vision of promoting better living through innovative food solutions, and
the company has garnered attention from notable figures such as Shilpa Shetty.
Commitment to Growth and Innovation
Akshay Gurnani is driven by a passion for growth and
innovation. His philosophy is centered around continuous learning and adapting
to change. This mindset has not only shaped his career but also influenced his
approach to investment and entrepreneurship, making him a prominent figure in
both fields.
Teaching and Speaking Engagements
TEDx Speaker and Educator
In addition to his professional achievements, Akshay has
made notable contributions as a TEDx speaker and educator. He has taught over
3,000 students, sharing his knowledge and insights on digital strategy and
entrepreneurship. His role as a speaker and educator underscores his commitment
to fostering talent and sharing expertise.
Notable Achievements
Recognition and Awards
Akshay has been recognized for his contributions to the
industry with accolades such as being named in Impact India’s 30 Under 30.
Schbang has also been featured in LinkedIn's Top 25 Startups for 2021 and
Akshay was acknowledged as a Top Voice in 2022. These honors reflect his impact
and influence in the digital marketing and startup communities.
Timeline for Akshay story
January 2015: Co-founded Schbang, a prominent digital
agency, and has led its growth.
February 2018: Founded Baby Boom Photography, focusing on
portrait and studio photography.
2019: Invested in flutrr, India's first multilingual dating
app.
2020: Schbang opened a new office in Delhi.
2021: Schbang was featured in LinkedIn's Top 25 Startups.
2022: Recognized as a Top Voice by LinkedIn.
