Biography of Srinivas Kantheti: Founder & CEO of Bike Bazaar & Wheels EMI- Entrepreneur
Biography of Srinivas Kantheti:
Srinivas Kantheti has cultivated a distinguished career over
more than three decades, with a special emphasis on the two-wheeler sector. His
journey, marked by strategic roles and pioneering initiatives, underscores his
profound impact on the industry. For the past 15 years, he has been deeply
involved in the two-wheeler market, shaping its financial and operational
landscapes.
Transformative Leadership at Bajaj Auto
Srinivas Kantheti’s tenure at Bajaj Auto was a period of
substantial growth and innovation. As the head of the Auto Finance Business, he
was responsible for developing and managing a comprehensive portfolio of loans
for two and three-wheelers. His strategic vision and leadership were crucial in
expanding Bajaj Auto’s financial services, making it a dominant player in the
automotive finance sector.
Founding and Vision of Bike Bazaar
In April 2017, Srinivas co-founded Bike Bazaar, a subsidiary
of Wheels EMI Pvt. Ltd. The inception of Bike Bazaar was driven by the need to
address the gaps in the two-wheeler lifecycle market. The company’s mission is
to provide a holistic suite of services for two-wheeler owners, covering
everything from financing and purchasing to servicing and resale, thus
enhancing the economic stability of under-represented customer segments.
Expanding Services Beyond Metros
Bike Bazaar has carved out a unique niche in the two-wheeler
market by targeting areas beyond major metropolitan centers. The company
focuses on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as well as rural areas, where access to
comprehensive two-wheeler services has traditionally been limited. This
strategic expansion aims to cater to the needs of customers who are often
overlooked by larger, metro-centric companies.
Strategic Brand Enhancement at Bajaj Auto
During his role as President of Bajaj Auto’s Motorcycle
Business, Srinivas Kantheti played a pivotal role in enhancing the brand’s
market position. He introduced a strategic three-brand framework that
significantly refined Bajaj Auto’s competitive stance. His work included the
successful repositioning of the “Discover” brand, transforming it into a
leading power commuter segment player, thereby strengthening Bajaj Auto’s
market presence.
Innovations in Sales and Service Management
Srinivas’s leadership led to the restructuring of Bajaj
Auto’s sales operations into five distinct regions or “Circles.” This reorganization
was designed to improve market responsiveness and operational efficiency.
Additionally, he spearheaded the implementation of Total Productive Maintenance
(TPM) across dealership service centers, which played a crucial role in
boosting customer satisfaction and service quality.
Biography of Srinivas Kantheti: Founder & CEO of Bike Bazaar & Wheels EMI-Entrepreneur/Startup/Age/Net worth/Success story of Srinivas Kantheti/ Bike
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Evolution from Wheels EMI to Bike Bazaar
The rebranding from Wheels EMI to Bike Bazaar was a
strategic move to reflect the company’s expanded role in the two-wheeler
lifecycle. Wheels EMI initially focused on finance, but the transition to Bike
Bazaar represented a broader vision of offering end-to-end services for
two-wheelers. This new brand identity more accurately encapsulates the
company’s comprehensive approach to the market.
Collaborating with Unorganized Retail Outlets
Instead of competing directly with existing unorganized
retail outlets in major urban areas, Bike Bazaar has chosen a collaborative
approach. By partnering with these outlets, the company enhances their business
operations through financial support while leveraging their established market
presence. This strategy allows Bike Bazaar to focus on adding value through
financial services without disrupting existing business models.
Commitment to Quality and Customer Assurance
Bike Bazaar places a strong emphasis on ensuring the quality
of the two-wheelers it finances. The company employs advanced technology to
thoroughly inspect each bike before approving financing. This rigorous quality
assurance process builds trust with customers, ensuring they receive reliable
and well-maintained vehicles.
Achievements and Growth Trajectory
Under Srinivas’s leadership, Bike Bazaar has achieved
significant milestones. The company successfully completed a Series D funding
round, raising $30 million to support its growth initiatives. Additionally,
Bike Bazaar has disbursed over 3.75 lakh two-wheeler loans, demonstrating its
substantial impact on the market. The company’s expansion plans include
increasing its footprint in rural India and enhancing its services.
Embracing the Future of Electric Mobility
Bike Bazaar is also positioning itself at the forefront of
electric mobility. The company is investing in the electric vehicle (EV)
sector, responding to the rising demand for sustainable transportation options.
Bike Bazaar’s offerings include financing, leasing, and rental solutions for
electric two-wheelers, reflecting its commitment to innovation and
environmental sustainability.
Driving Financial Inclusion and Impact
A core aspect of Bike Bazaar’s mission is to promote financial
inclusion. The company focuses on underserved populations, including women and
small-medium enterprises, by providing accessible financing options. Srinivas
Kantheti emphasizes the importance of improving financial access for these
groups, contributing to broader economic empowerment.
Expanding Market Presence and Services
With a presence in over 140 cities and more than 1,000
touchpoints across India, Bike Bazaar is well-positioned to influence the
two-wheeler market. The company’s extensive network allows it to offer a range
of services, from financing to servicing, across diverse regions. This
widespread presence supports Bike Bazaar’s goal of becoming a leading player in
the two-wheeler lifecycle management industry.
Looking Ahead: Vision for Continued Growth
As Bike Bazaar continues to evolve, Srinivas Kantheti’s
vision remains focused on expanding the company’s role in the two-wheeler
market. The company aims to lead in providing comprehensive lifecycle services
and innovative solutions for two-wheelers. With ongoing investments and
strategic initiatives, Bike Bazaar is set to further its impact and achieve its
ambitious goals in the coming years.
Timeline of Srinivas Kantheti’s Career
1980s-1990s: Developed expertise in the two-wheeler
industry.
15 Years Ago: Began deep involvement in the two-wheeler
market.
At Bajaj Auto:
Head of Auto Finance Business: Developed and managed
two-wheeler financial services.
President, Motorcycle Business: Introduced a three-brand
framework and restructured sales operations.
April 2017: Co-founded Bike Bazaar, transforming Wheels EMI
into a holistic two-wheeler services company.
2018: Expanded Bike Bazaar’s services beyond metropolitan
areas to tier-2, tier-3 cities, and rural regions.
2020: Completed Series D funding round, raising $30 million.
2021: Disbursed over 3.75 lakh two-wheeler loans.
Present: Investing in electric mobility and aiming for
further growth and expansion across India.
