Biography of Manoj Gupta: Founder & CEO of Plotch.ai and Craftsvilla

 Biography of Manoj Gupta: Founder & CEO of Plotch.ai and Craftsvilla- Entrepreneur

The Journey of Manoj Gupta: 

Early Beginnings and Education

Manoj Gupta’s academic journey began at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, where he earned his B.Tech in Engineering from 1994 to 1998. This foundation in engineering set the stage for his future endeavors. After IIT Bombay, Manoj pursued further studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering by 2000. This was followed by a period of advanced study at UC San Diego, where he worked towards his PhD (ABD) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering while earning a CPhil degree.

Expanding Horizons with an MBA

In 2006, Manoj made a strategic shift by pursuing an MBA in Finance from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. This decision added a new dimension to his expertise, blending technical knowledge with financial acumen, which would later prove invaluable in his entrepreneurial ventures.

First Professional Steps: Siliconwave

Manoj’s professional journey began as a Design Engineer at Siliconwave in San Diego in June 2000. At Siliconwave, he was involved in developing Bluetooth chipsets and associated firmware. This role provided him with significant insights into the tech industry and startup culture.

Founding WIT and Subsequent Acquisition

In 2001, Manoj joined the founding team of Wireless Interface Technologies (WIT), a startup established by a UCSD professor and other PhDs. At WIT, Manoj played a crucial role in designing complex Bluetooth and Wi-Fi systems. The company’s innovative technology caught the attention of Chrontel, which acquired WIT in 2003. Manoj then worked as a Team Lead at Chrontel, continuing to advance in the field of wireless technology.

A New Direction: Venture Capital at Nexus

After his stint at Chrontel, Manoj transitioned into the venture capital world by joining Nexus Venture Partners in March 2007. As a Principal, he was instrumental in helping early-stage companies grow and scale. His role involved working closely with passionate entrepreneurs and guiding them through the challenges of building scalable businesses.

Biography of Manoj Gupta: Founder & CEO of Plotch.ai and Craftsvilla- Entrepreneur/Investor/Success story of Manoj Gupta/Age/Net worth/Plotch.ai

The Birth of Craftsvilla

In 2011, Manoj embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by founding Craftsvilla. His idea stemmed from a road trip with his wife, where they encountered unique handcrafted products in Kutch. With Manoj’s experience in e-commerce and his wife Monica’s background in the handicrafts industry, they created Craftsvilla to connect local artisans with global customers. Craftsvilla aimed to preserve Indian culture and traditions while offering a platform for handmade, ethnic, and organic products.

Craftsvilla's Growth and Success

Under Manoj’s leadership, Craftsvilla rapidly grew to become India’s largest online marketplace for ethnic products. The company overcame challenges related to sourcing, quality control, and supply chain management. By focusing on building a solid foundation rather than just chasing growth metrics, Craftsvilla achieved profitability and emerged as a leader in its niche. By 2013, Craftsvilla was one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms in India.

Expanding Influence: Angel Investments

Alongside his work with Craftsvilla, Manoj became an angel investor, supporting startups like Tookitaki and Peerlist. His investments reflect his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting new ventures. His role as an angel investor allows him to contribute to the success of emerging companies and technologies.

Founding Plotch.ai

In April 2020, Manoj launched Plotch.ai, an AI-driven e-commerce ERP designed to help small and medium businesses globally. Plotch.ai aims to simplify the process of launching and managing e-commerce businesses, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency and scalability.

Craftsvilla's Market Position

Craftsvilla’s success continued as it became a prominent player in the e-commerce space. The company not only maintained a strong market presence but also positioned itself as a leader in the handcrafted products segment. Craftsvilla’s focus on quality and unique offerings helped it stand out in a competitive market.

The Role of Dreamers Early Stage Fund

In 2013, Manoj established the Dreamers Early Stage Fund, aimed at supporting technology and internet entrepreneurs in India. The fund focuses on seed-stage investments and helps startups gain access to global resources and talent. This initiative reflects Manoj’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Balancing Multiple Ventures

Throughout his career, Manoj has skillfully balanced his roles as an entrepreneur, investor, and mentor. His diverse experiences across different sectors and his ability to adapt to new challenges have been key to his success. Whether leading a company or supporting startups, Manoj’s strategic vision and expertise continue to drive his various ventures forward.

Legacy and Impact

Manoj Gupta’s journey from a technical engineer to a successful entrepreneur and investor showcases his remarkable ability to navigate and influence multiple domains. His contributions to e-commerce, venture capital, and angel investing have left a significant impact on the industry, inspiring many aspiring entrepreneurs and investors.

Looking Ahead

As Manoj continues to innovate and lead in various capacities, his story remains a testament to the power of combining technical skills, financial knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit. His ongoing work with Plotch.ai and Craftsvilla, along with his investments and initiatives, underscores his commitment to driving progress and supporting the growth of new ideas.

Manoj Gupta’s career trajectory highlights the importance of versatility and vision in achieving long-term success. From his early education to his current ventures, his journey illustrates how a diverse skill set and a forward-thinking approach can lead to significant accomplishments in multiple fields.

A timeline of Manoj Gupta’s career and achievements:

1994-1998: Earned B.Tech in Engineering from IIT Bombay.

2000: Obtained Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

2001: Joined founding team of Wireless Interface Technologies (WIT); company acquired by Chrontel in 2003.

2003-2007: Worked as Team Lead at Chrontel; transitioned to Nexus Venture Partners as Principal.

2006: Completed MBA in Finance from IIM Ahmedabad.

2011: Founded Craftsvilla, an online marketplace for ethnic and handcrafted products.

2013: Established Dreamers Early Stage Fund to support seed-stage technology startups.

2014: Craftsvilla became a leading e-commerce platform in India for ethnic products.

2020: Launched Plotch.ai, an AI-driven e-commerce ERP for small and medium businesses.

Ongoing: Continues to balance roles as entrepreneur, investor, and mentor, driving innovation and supporting new ventures.

 Biography of Manoj Gupta: Founder & CEO of Plotch.ai and Craftsvilla- Entrepreneur/Investor/Success story of Manoj Gupta/Age/Net worth/Plotch.ai