Biography of Rakesh Deshmukh: Founder & CEO at Natoe.ai & Indus OS- Entrepreneur
Rakesh Deshmukh Journey
Rakesh Deshmukh began his illustrious career with a Bachelor
of Technology in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology,
Bombay. After graduating in 2006, he ventured into the tech industry, where his
journey would take him through various roles and ventures, each contributing to
his growing reputation as an innovative entrepreneur. His early experiences,
which included roles at various tech firms, laid the groundwork for his future
successes.
The Early Tech Ventures
In 2006, shortly after completing his education, Deshmukh
joined ITFinity Solutions as a Software Developer, marking the beginning of his
professional career. His roles evolved quickly; by 2007, he had moved to
Footspring Technology as a Senior Software Developer. The early years were
crucial for honing his skills and understanding the intricacies of technology
and software development.
Founding MoFirst Solutions
Deshmukh’s entrepreneurial spirit took flight in 2008 when
he co-founded MoFirst Solutions Pvt Ltd. At MoFirst, he was instrumental in
creating industry-leading mobile and telecom products that enhanced business
productivity globally. The company’s success was driven by a talented team and
Deshmukh’s vision, which combined deep domain knowledge with a relentless
pursuit of excellence.
The Rise of Indus OS
In 2013, Deshmukh co-founded Indus OS with fellow IIT Bombay
alumni Akash Dongre and Sudhir Bangarambandi. Indus OS aimed to address a
unique need in the Indian market by providing a localized smartphone operating
system. The company quickly gained traction, launching India’s first Gujarati
smartphone and pioneering language technology in partnership with various
institutions.
Indus OS’s Market Impact
Under Deshmukh’s leadership, Indus OS expanded rapidly,
becoming the second largest operating system in India. The company formed
strategic partnerships with twelve Indian mobile brands and collaborated with
Samsung for an exclusive app store. This expansion not only solidified Indus
OS’s market position but also showcased Deshmukh’s ability to drive growth and
innovation in a competitive field.
Biography of Rakesh Deshmukh: Founder & CEO at Natoe.ai & Indus OS- Entrepreneur /Startup/AI/Age/Salary/Net worth/MoFirst/Success story Rakesh Deshmukh
Acquisition by PhonePe
In 2022, Indus OS, now rebranded as Indus Appstore, was
acquired by PhonePe for $90 million. This acquisition marked a significant
milestone for Deshmukh and his team, as PhonePe aimed to leverage Indus
Appstore to challenge the dominance of Google and Apple in the Indian app
market. The deal concluded after a complex legal battle with Affle Global,
highlighting the strategic importance of the acquisition.
Transition and New Beginnings
Following the acquisition, Deshmukh decided to step down
from his role at Indus Appstore. His departure marked the end of a successful
chapter and the beginning of a new venture. Deshmukh announced his decision to
take a brief hiatus to recharge and prepare for his next big project,
emphasizing his intent to continue making a significant impact through technology.
Launching Natoe.ai
In May 2024, Deshmukh co-founded Natoe.ai, marking his
return to the entrepreneurial landscape with a fresh focus. Natoe.ai aims to
revolutionize the healthcare sector by leveraging artificial intelligence to
address delays in diagnostic report processing. This venture reflects
Deshmukh’s commitment to integrating social impact with technological
innovation.
The Vision Behind Natoe.ai
Natoe.ai’s mission is to tackle pressing issues in
radiology, such as long waiting times for diagnostic reports. By using AI
technology to analyze X-rays and generate reports swiftly, the platform aims to
enhance the accuracy and efficiency of radiology services. Deshmukh’s vision is
to significantly reduce the turnaround time for critical diagnostic tests,
which can be life-saving in emergencies.
Building a Strong Team
Deshmukh has assembled a skilled team for Natoe.ai,
including IIT Bombay alumna Pragya Goyal as CTO and Herukh Shahani, a former
colleague from Indus OS, as CBO. This team is crucial for developing and
scaling the AI technology that will drive Natoe.ai’s success. Their combined
expertise is expected to propel the startup forward in a competitive market.
Future Plans and Expansion
Natoe.ai plans to start a pilot project in August 2024, with
a commercial launch set for December of the same year. The initial focus will
be on X-ray diagnostics, with future expansions planned for other types of
radiology tests like CT scans and MRIs. This phased approach aims to ensure the
technology’s robustness and effectiveness before broader implementation.
Industry Potential
The radiology industry, valued at approximately USD 70
billion and projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030, presents significant
growth opportunities for Natoe.ai. Deshmukh’s new venture is well-positioned to
capitalize on this expanding market, offering innovative solutions that meet
critical needs in healthcare diagnostics and treatment.
Timeline for Deshmukh’s story
2006: Began as a Software Developer at ITFinity Solutions.
2007: Senior Software Developer at Footspring Technology.
2008: Co-founded MoFirst Solutions Pvt Ltd.
2013: Co-founded Indus OS.
2022: Indus OS acquired by PhonePe for $90 million.
May 2024: Co-founded Natoe.ai.
August 2024: Pilot project for Natoe.ai starts.
December 2024: Commercial launch of Natoe.ai.