Biography of Ronak K. Samantray: Founder & CEO of TakeMe2Space & NowFloats

 Biography of Ronak Kumar Samantray: Founder and CEO of TakeMe2Space & NowFloats

Biography of Ronak K. Samantray: A Journey from Microsoft to Entrepreneurship

Early Aspirations and Education

Ronak Kumar Samantray's journey began in Cuttack, where he was a student at Chinmay Vidyalaya, Bokaro. From a young age, he was fascinated by computers and technology. This passion led him to pursue a degree in Computer Science at the College of Engineering and Technology in Bhubaneswar. Even in his early years, he was not just a student but also an innovator; he started the first robotics club in Odisha, Zairza, which continues to operate at his alma mater.

Initial Success at Microsoft

After graduating, Ronak landed a role at Microsoft as a Senior Software Design Engineer. He spent three productive years at Microsoft, working on various projects including a speech glove that translated finger gestures into speech. During his tenure, Ronak received multiple promotions and accolades, including the Gold Star Award. Despite this success, he felt a growing desire to forge his own path.

The Leap into Entrepreneurship

In 2011, Ronak made a bold decision to leave his promising career at Microsoft. He had no concrete plan but was driven by the urge to start something new. He spent the following months reflecting on his interests and exploring potential business ideas. This period of uncertainty eventually led him to co-found NowFloats, a startup designed to help small local businesses establish an online presence.

The Birth of NowFloats

In September 2012, NowFloats secured its first paying customer. The company’s mission was clear: to assist local shopkeepers in managing their online marketing and advertising needs. Ronak and his team developed a system where shopkeepers could simply send an SMS to update their offers, which NowFloats would then use to attract more customers. The ease of use and effectiveness of the service contributed to its rapid growth.

 Biography of Ronak Kumar Samantray: Founder and CEO of TakeMe2Space & NowFloats/Entrepreneur/Investor/TakeMe2Space/story of Ronak K. Samantray/age/

Early Challenges and Incubation

Starting a new business was not without its challenges. Ronak faced numerous obstacles, including the daunting task of securing funding and navigating the startup ecosystem. However, his efforts paid off when NowFloats became the first company to be incubated by Microsoft Ventures in India in 2012. This endorsement provided significant visibility and opened doors for the fledgling company.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Despite his demanding professional life, Ronak managed to maintain a balance between work and personal pursuits. He is known for his dedication to his startup and his willingness to support his employees' entrepreneurial ambitions. Several successful startups have emerged from his office, reflecting his commitment to fostering innovation.

Overcoming Transition Difficulties

Transitioning from a stable job at Microsoft to running a startup was not easy. Ronak found himself at ground zero, with no clear idea of his next steps. Despite the uncertainty, he remained confident and persistent. His prior experience and network helped him navigate the early stages of NowFloats, and he quickly began engaging with investors and developing the business model.

Developing NowFloats

NowFloats focuses on creating and managing websites for local shopkeepers, helping them gain visibility in a competitive market. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing shopkeepers to create a website in just minutes by sending a few messages. This innovative approach simplifies online marketing for small businesses and helps them compete with larger brands.

The Role of Incubators and Investors

Ronak emphasizes the critical role that incubators, investors, and accelerators play in the startup ecosystem. Incubators provide valuable branding and support, while investors offer the necessary funding to scale the business. Ronak’s experience at Microsoft and his subsequent interactions with investors underscored the importance of confidence and perseverance in securing support for a startup.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Ronak offers practical advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. He stresses the importance of focusing on solving problems and launching a minimum viable product quickly. He advises new entrepreneurs to test their ideas in the market promptly and use feedback to guide their next steps.

Achievements and Recognition

Ronak’s entrepreneurial efforts have not gone unnoticed. He was recognized in Forbes 30 under 30 Asia for his contributions to enterprise technology. This accolade reflects his innovative approach and the impact of NowFloats in transforming how local businesses approach online marketing.

Looking Ahead

Ronak's current venture, TakeMe2Space, aims to revolutionize space exploration by making it more accessible through AI-driven space infrastructure. The project reflects his continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and expanding the possibilities for everyday interactions with space.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on his journey, Ronak remains grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped his career. From his early days in Bhubaneswar to his groundbreaking work in space technology, his story is one of perseverance, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of new frontiers.

A timeline for Ronak Kumar Samantray:

1990s: Attended Chinmay Vidyalaya, Bokaro; studied Computer Science at College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar.

Early 2000s: Founded Zairza robotics club in Odisha.

2008-2011: Worked at Microsoft as Senior Software Design Engineer, received Gold Star Award.

2011: Left Microsoft to explore entrepreneurship.

September 2012: Co-founded NowFloats; secured first paying customer.

2012: NowFloats became first company incubated by Microsoft Ventures in India.

2013-2015: Focused on developing NowFloats’ platform for local businesses.

2015: Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia.

2024: Launched TakeMe2Space, focusing on AI-driven space infrastructure.

 Biography of Ronak Kumar Samantray: Founder and CEO of TakeMe2Space & NowFloats/Entrepreneur/Investor/TakeMe2Space/story of Ronak K. Samantray/age/