Biography of Naveen Tewari: Founder and CEO of Glance -Indian Entrepreneur
Story of Naveen Tewari:
Early Foundations and Education
Naveen Tewari’s remarkable journey began in Kanpur, Uttar
Pradesh, where he was born and raised. His academic journey commenced at the
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he pursued a bachelor’s
degree in mechanical engineering. This period was formative for Tewari,
providing him with a robust analytical foundation and problem-solving skills.
Driven by a desire to further his knowledge and expertise, Tewari continued his
education at Harvard Business School. Here, he pursued a Master’s degree in
Business Administration and was honored with the Dean’s Award, recognizing his
exceptional leadership and contribution during his studies.
Early Career -Starting Out in the Corporate World
Tewari's professional journey began with roles in
high-profile organizations. He worked as a Business Analyst at McKinsey &
Company from 2000 to 2003, where he honed his skills in strategic analysis and
problem-solving. His stint at Charles River Ventures as an Associate from May
to September 2004 involved technology investments across India and the US,
focusing on market entry strategies for the Indian market.
His role involved strategic planning and business analysis,
which helped him gain a deep understanding of business operations and strategic
decision-making. This experience was crucial in shaping his approach to
entrepreneurship. Concurrently, Tewari enrolled at Harvard Business School,
where he further honed his skills. He also spent some time at Charles River
Ventures, where he learned about venture capital and the dynamics of startup
funding.
The Inception of InMobi
In 2007, Naveen Tewari and his three co-founders embarked on
their first entrepreneurial venture with mKhoj, an SMS-based search engine.
Despite their innovative approach, mKhoj faced several challenges and
eventually did not succeed. However, this setback did not deter Tewari.
Instead, he and his team pivoted their focus to mobile advertising, a
burgeoning field with significant potential. This pivot led to the creation of
InMobi, a mobile advertising and technology platform designed to revolutionize
mobile marketing.
Growth and Expansion of InMobi
InMobi’s growth trajectory was marked by several strategic
milestones. In 2008, the company secured Series A funding of $7.1 million from
Kleiner Perkins, a venture capital firm known for its investments in innovative
technology companies. This initial funding allowed InMobi to establish a strong
foundation. By 2009, the company had expanded its operations to Europe, leveraging
local talent to drive growth. The subsequent years saw additional funding
rounds, including Series B funding of $8 million in 2010, which facilitated
further expansion and technological advancements.
Becoming a Unicorn
InMobi’s success continued with significant acquisitions and
partnerships. In 2011, the company acquired Sprout, a US-based mobile
advertising solutions provider, enhancing its technological capabilities. This
was followed by the acquisition of MMTG Labs in 2012, which specialized in Facebook
apps. By 2014, InMobi had launched the world’s largest mobile native
advertising exchange, solidifying its position in the market. The company
reached unicorn status in 2016, a testament to its rapid growth and innovative
approach under Naveen Tewari’s leadership.
Founding Glance
In 2019, Naveen Tewari introduced Glance, a subsidiary of
InMobi focused on delivering personalized content directly to users' smartphone
lock screens. Glance leverages artificial intelligence to curate and present
content across various categories, including news, sports, and entertainment.
The platform offers content in multiple languages, catering to a diverse user
base. The launch of Glance was a strategic move to address the evolving needs
of mobile consumers and capitalize on the growing demand for personalized
digital experiences.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to
businesses worldwide. For InMobi and Glance, however, the pandemic also
presented opportunities for growth. Despite the global uncertainty, InMobi’s
B2B segment experienced its best year ever. Glance saw its daily active users
increase from 70 million in 2019 to over 115 million in 2020. During this
period, Glance also acquired Roposo, which became India’s leading short-video
platform, further boosting its market presence and user engagement.
Biography of Naveen Tewari: Founder and CEO of Glance -Indian Entrepreneur/ Glance/InMobi/Success story of Naveen Tewari/Life story of Naveen Tewari/
Naveen Tewari: A Visionary Leader in Technology
Naveen Tewari, a prominent entrepreneur and tech visionary,
currently serves as the Founder and CEO of Glance. Since taking the helm in
April 2019, he has been steering the company towards new heights in the
technology landscape. Glance, under his leadership, has made significant
strides, becoming a notable player in delivering AI-driven, personalized
content to users on their smartphone lock screens.
Glance: Navigating Challenges and Achieving Unicorn Status
2020 was a challenging year for many startups due to the
global pandemic, but Glance, led by Tewari, emerged resiliently. The startup,
which is part of the InMobi group, achieved unicorn status in 2020 after
securing $145 million in funding from Google and Mithril Capital. Glance
provides a unique service by delivering AI-driven, personalized content on
Android smartphone lock screens in multiple languages, including English,
Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bahasa. This content spans various categories such as
news, entertainment, sports, and fashion, presented in a visually engaging
format.
Expansion and Innovation
Glance's growth continued with the acquisition of Roposo, a
short-video platform, in 2019. The company's innovative spirit was further
demonstrated by its Series D funding round in February 2021, where it raised
$200 million from Reliance-owned Jio Platforms. Glance also introduced Glance
TV, an interactive content platform designed for Android smart TVs, marking another
milestone in its expansion and innovation journey. This venture solidifies
Glance's position as a trailblazer in the digital content space, continuing to
push the boundaries of user engagement and technology.
Challenges and Innovations
Glance’s innovative model, which transforms the smartphone
lock screen into a dynamic content hub, comes with its own set of challenges.
Developing a platform that continuously delivers relevant and engaging content
requires constant adaptation and technological innovation. Naveen Tewari
acknowledges that building a novel product involves navigating risks and
staying ahead of market trends. Glance’s success in creating a personalized and
socially aware content experience underscores its ability to meet user needs
effectively.
Investments and Start-Up Ecosystem
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Naveen Tewari
is an active investor and supporter of the startup ecosystem. He has invested
in approximately 30 startups, including well-known names like NestAway,
Razorpay, and Bombay Canteen. His involvement in these ventures highlights his
commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging businesses. Tewari
also co-founded iSPIRT, an organization dedicated to addressing government
policy, creating market catalysts, and nurturing product entrepreneurs in
India.
Philanthropic Efforts
Naveen Tewari’s philanthropic efforts reflect his commitment
to social impact. He founded and chairs the India School Fund, a U.S.-based
nonprofit organization that funds and establishes schools in rural India. This
initiative aims to improve educational access and quality in underserved
regions, aligning with Tewari’s belief in the power of education to drive positive
change in communities.
Recognition and Awards
Naveen Tewari’s contributions to technology and entrepreneurship
have earned him widespread recognition. He has received several prestigious
awards, including the ‘Pathbreaker of the Year’ Award from Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and the Forbes India Leadership Award for ‘Outstanding
Start Up’. His achievements highlight his influence and leadership in the tech
industry, as well as his commitment to innovation and excellence.
Current Focus and Future Plans
With Glance’s impressive growth and success, Naveen Tewari
is focused on expanding the platform’s reach. The company plans to deepen its
presence in Southeast Asia and explore new markets in Latin America and the
U.S. By continuing to innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics, Glance
aims to solidify its position as a leader in mobile content delivery and
digital engagement.
Navigating Future Challenges
As Glance scales its operations, it faces the challenge of
maintaining its innovative edge while managing the complexities of global
expansion. Naveen Tewari is dedicated to addressing these challenges and
ensuring that Glance continues to deliver exceptional value to its users. The
company’s ability to navigate these obstacles will be crucial in sustaining its
growth and success in the competitive digital landscape.
Diverse Board Roles and Contributions
In addition to his role at Glance, Tewari is actively
involved in various boards. Since April 2023, he has been serving on the Board
of Directors at Narayana Health, contributing his expertise to the healthcare
sector. He also joined the Board of Directors at Anuva in January 2023, where
he is involved in creating a genomic data bank aimed at advancing drug
discovery. His past board experience includes a tenure at Paytm from March 2015
to March 2017, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s strategic
direction.
Legacy and Impact
Naveen Tewari’s entrepreneurial journey, from founding
InMobi to launching Glance, exemplifies his vision and ability to disrupt
traditional industries. His contributions to the mobile tech sector and his
efforts to support startups and philanthropic causes demonstrate his commitment
to driving positive change. Tewari’s legacy is marked by his innovative
approach, leadership, and dedication to making a meaningful impact in
technology and society.
Conclusion
Naveen Tewari’s story is a testament to the power of vision,
innovation, and perseverance. His journey from a business analyst to a leading
entrepreneur and philanthropist highlights the importance of embracing
challenges and pursuing excellence. As he continues to lead and inspire through
his ventures, Tewari’s contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on
the technology industry and beyond.
Timeline for Naveen Tewari’s story:
1977: Born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
1999: Completed B.Tech at IIT Kanpur.
2001: Earned MBA from Harvard Business School.
2000-2003: Worked as Business Analyst at McKinsey &
Company.
May 2004 - September 2004: Associate at Charles River
Ventures.
2007: Co-founded InMobi.
2008: Secured $7.1M Series A funding.
2009: Expanded InMobi to Europe.
2011: Acquired Sprout.
2012: Acquired MMTG Labs.
2014: Launched largest mobile native ad exchange.
2016: InMobi achieved unicorn status.
2019: Founded Glance.
2020: Glance acquired Roposo and reached unicorn status.
February 2021: Raised $200M Series D funding.
April 2023: Joined Board of Narayana Health and Anuva.
