Biography of Baskar Subramanian, Co-founder & CEO of Amagi Corporation- Entrepreneur
Biography of Baskar Subramanian:
Baskar Subramanian, Co-founder of Amagi Corporation, shares
his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. From his early decision to drop out of
IIT to leading a successful mediatech startup, Baskar's story highlights his
resilience and vision in building Amagi Corporation.
Baskar Subramanian’s entrepreneurial journey is a compelling
tale of innovation and resilience. His story begins with a solid technical
foundation, having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Technology from the Government
College of Technology (GCT) in Coimbatore, India. After starting his career as
a software engineer at Texas Instruments, Baskar’s entrepreneurial spirit led
him to co-found Impulsesoft, a wireless technology company specializing in multimedia
headsets and watches.
Early Academic Pursuits
Baskar Subramanian began his higher education at the Indian
Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay), where he pursued a Master of
Technology (MTech) in Computer Science in 1996. However, he decided to leave
the program midway to follow a different path.
Before his time at IIT Bombay, Baskar completed his Bachelor
of Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Science Engineering from GCT between 1991 and
1995. His early academic focus laid the foundation for his future
entrepreneurial ventures.
Early Ventures with Impulsesoft
In 1999, Baskar Subramanian launched Impulsesoft, which
quickly made waves in the technology sector. The company gained recognition for
its innovative products, including wireless multimedia headsets and one of the
first Bluetooth watches. By 2005, Impulsesoft attracted interest from major
players, leading to its acquisition by SiRF Technology Holdings. Despite its
success, Baskar and his team recognized the need to pivot and exited the market
in 2009.
Transition to Amagi
Following the exit from Impulsesoft, Baskar Subramanian set
his sights on a new venture. In 2008, he co-founded Amagi, a media technology
company with a vision to transform the broadcast industry. Initially, Amagi did
not have a formal business plan but focused on establishing its value system
and vision. The company targeted local advertising in Indian TV, introducing
innovative solutions for localized ads and signal splicing.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Amagi faced several challenges in its early days,
particularly in selling its innovative ideas. To address this, the company
embarked on a mission to build media planning and measurement systems across
numerous cities. This effort involved assembling large ad sales teams and
navigating financial difficulties. Unilever’s realization that they were
spending more on Amagi’s services than their own sales team led to price
increases, prompting a need for strategic adjustments.
Biography of Baskar Subramanian, Co-founder & CEO of Amagi Corporation- Entrepreneur/Startup/Investor/Success story of Baskar Subramanian/Life story
Embracing the Cloud for Media Innovation
Baskar’s strategic vision led him to explore the potential
of cloud computing and streaming TV. This decision marked a significant turning
point for Amagi. By shifting focus to leveraging cloud technology, Baskar and
his team rebuilt the company from scratch. This pivot allowed Amagi to grow
rapidly, expanding from just two channels to 250 channels and employing over 1,000
people worldwide by 2020.
Building a Strong Company Culture
Under Baskar’s leadership, Amagi has thrived by fostering a
strong company culture and embracing diverse perspectives. He emphasizes the
importance of vision, diversity, and starting with smaller customers. The
diversity among the co-founders—Baskar as the optimist, Srividhya Srinivasan as
the pessimist, and KA Srinivasan as the numbers guy—contributed to a
well-rounded and innovative team, essential for navigating the challenges of
the tech industry.
The Role of Persistence and Adaptability
Baskar’s journey illustrates the power of persistence and
adaptability in entrepreneurship. Despite facing setbacks and financial
difficulties, he remained committed to his vision and adapted his strategies as
needed. This resilience enabled Amagi to overcome early challenges and achieve
significant growth, solidifying its position as a leader in SaaS-based
solutions for broadcast media.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Baskar Subramanian is not only a successful entrepreneur but
also a mentor and speaker who shares his insights with aspiring entrepreneurs.
He regularly participates in technology and industry events, advocating for the
transformative potential of cloud technology in the broadcast industry. His
efforts to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and provide guidance to
start-ups reflect his commitment to nurturing the next generation of
innovators.
The Impact of Vision and Determination
Baskar’s story highlights the importance of having a clear
vision and the determination to see it through. His ability to predict future
trends and focus on long-term goals rather than immediate outcomes has been a
key factor in his success. This approach has allowed Amagi to continuously
evolve and remain at the forefront of technological innovation in the media
industry.
Lessons from the Journey
Through his experiences, Baskar has learned valuable lessons
about the entrepreneurial journey. He stresses the significance of embracing
the journey itself, rather than obsessing over the destination. His emphasis on
diversity in thought and approach, as well as the importance of starting small
and scaling gradually, offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Evolution of Amagi
Amagi’s evolution from a start-up to an industry leader is a
testament to Baskar’s leadership and vision. The company’s growth trajectory,
marked by substantial funding and a significant market presence, underscores
the effectiveness of Baskar’s strategic decisions and innovative approach. His
focus on leveraging technology to disrupt the media market has positioned Amagi
as a trailblazer in the SaaS space.
A Personal Passion for Cycling and Nature
Outside of his professional achievements, Baskar Subramanian
is also known for his personal passions. He is an avid cycling enthusiast and
enjoys exploring cycling trails in and around Bangalore. His love for nature
and travel reflects his balanced approach to life and work, highlighting the
importance of pursuing personal interests alongside professional success.
The Influence of Early Inspirations
Baskar’s early inspirations played a crucial role in shaping
his career. Growing up, he was inspired by the story of Bill Gates and aspired
to be a top software developer. Despite the financial constraints that
prevented him from having a computer at home, Baskar developed his skills using
school resources and sold his first software while still in high school.
A Remarkable Entrepreneurial Legacy
Baskar Subramanian’s journey from a software engineer to a
successful serial entrepreneur embodies the spirit of innovation and
determination. His ventures, including Impulsesoft and Amagi, demonstrate his
ability to identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive technological
transformation. Baskar’s story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and
highlights the value of perseverance, vision, and adaptability in achieving
success.
Timeline for Baskar Subramanian’s Journey:
1991-1995: Completed Bachelor of Engineering in Computer
Science from GCT, Coimbatore.
1996: Enrolled in Master of Technology at IIT Bombay but
left midway.
1999: Co-founded Impulsesoft, specializing in wireless
multimedia technology.
2004: Developed one of the first Bluetooth watches.
2005: Impulsesoft acquired by SiRF Technology Holdings.
2008: Co-founded Amagi, focusing on media technology and
cloud innovation.
2009: Exited Impulsesoft and shifted focus entirely to
Amagi.
2010: Introduced localized advertising solutions for Indian
TV through Amagi.
2015: Began significant expansion, leveraging cloud
technology for growth.
2020: Amagi expanded to 250 channels and over 1,000
employees worldwide.
2023: Amagi raised Rs 800 crore, valued at $1.4 billion.
