Biography of Srividhya Srinivasan: Founder of Amagi Media Labs & Oxyzo Financial Services- Entrepreneur
Biography of Srividhya Srinivasan:
Srividhya Srinivasan is a distinguished entrepreneur and
technology visionary, renowned for her role as the founder of Amagi Media Labs.
Her journey into the world of startups and innovative technology began with a
deep-rooted fascination for science and mathematics, which guided her through a
successful career in technology and entrepreneurship.
Early Beginnings and Education
Born into a middle-class South Indian family where both
parents were educators, Srividhya grew up with the values of hard work and
intellectual curiosity instilled by her family. Her academic journey took her
to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur between 1991 and 1995,
where she pursued a degree in Computer Science Engineering. Her passion for
technology was further fueled during her time at the Indian School of Business
in Hyderabad, where she completed her MBA.
Career Kick-off at Texas Instruments
After graduating, Srividhya began her career as a software
engineer at Texas Instruments from June 1995 to June 1999. This role marked the
beginning of her journey in technology, where she honed her skills and gained
valuable experience in the field. Her work at Texas Instruments laid a solid
foundation for her future ventures in technology and innovation. During her
time at Texas Instruments, she worked on VLSI design databases and test
automation systems, gaining valuable experience in semiconductor technology and
software development.
Co-founding Impulsesoft
In 1998, Srividhya co-founded Impulsesoft, a company
specializing in wireless audio technology. Her work at Impulsesoft involved
developing next-generation wireless products and collaborating with OEMs across
Asia and Europe. The company's success led to its acquisition by SiRF, a
NASDAQ-listed semiconductor major, where Srividhya continued to innovate and
integrate new products into SiRF’s portfolio.
Co-Founder of Impulsesoft Pvt. Ltd.
Srividhya's career began with her role as a co-founder of
Impulsesoft Pvt. Ltd., which was later acquired by SiRF Technologies. At
Impulsesoft, she was instrumental in developing the company's technological
innovations. Her contributions were pivotal in establishing Impulsesoft as a notable
player in the tech industry, focusing on enhancing communication technologies.
Director of R&D at Impulsesoft
As the Director of R&D at Impulsesoft from August 1999
to December 2005, Srividhya led the research and development efforts, driving
the company's technological advancements. Her role was crucial in shaping the
company's R&D strategies and ensuring the development of cutting-edge
technologies.
Leadership at SiRF Technologies
Before founding Amagi, Srividhya served as a Program Manager
at SiRF Technologies from January 2006 to January 2008. There, she played a
crucial role in the conception, architecture, and design of Bluetooth and GPS
multifunction radio chipsets. Her leadership extended to managing a software
group responsible for developing an automation system for validating GPS
chipsets, demonstrating her expertise in both hardware and software
technologies.
Founding Amagi Media Labs
In 2008, Srividhya, alongside her college friends Baskar
Subramanian and Srinivasan KA, founded Amagi Media Labs. The vision for Amagi
was to transform television advertising by leveraging technology. They sought
to address the inefficiencies in TV advertising, where small and regional
advertisers were often priced out of national channels. Amagi’s innovative
solution allowed for the airing of different ads in different cities
simultaneously on a common satellite feed.
At Amagi, she focuses on advancing digital media
technologies, specifically in delivering localized advertisements to digital TV
platforms in India. The company aims to revolutionize the media and advertising
landscape by enabling local advertisers to reach audiences through national
channels, a significant step towards integrating regional advertising with
mainstream media.
Biography of Srividhya Srinivasan: Founder of Amagi Media Labs & Oxyzo Financial Services-Entrepreneur/Investor/Impulsesoft/Life story of Srividhya Sr
Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
The path to success was not without challenges. In 2016,
Amagi faced numerous rejections while seeking funding. However, their
perseverance paid off in 2021 when Amagi achieved unicorn status with a
valuation of $1.5 billion, following significant investment from SoftBank. This
milestone validated their innovative approach and commitment to revolutionizing
TV advertising.
Expanding the Business Globally
Amagi’s success led to further expansion. The company’s
cloud-based technology allowed it to grow internationally, with deployments in
over 40 countries and support for more than 400 channel feeds. This global
reach was instrumental in establishing Amagi as a leader in cloud technology
for TV networks, content owners, and OTT platforms.
Embracing the Cloud Revolution
At the core of Amagi’s offerings is its cloud-native playout
and monetization platform. Unlike many competitors who transitioned from legacy
systems, Amagi was built from the ground up to be cloud-based. This approach
provided scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an
attractive option for broadcasters and content creators.
Co-founder Dynamics and Team Spirit
Srividhya’s partnership with Baskar Subramanian and
Srinivasan KA has been a cornerstone of Amagi’s success. The trio’s complementary
skills—Baskar’s strategic foresight, Srividhya’s product innovation, and
Srini’s sales expertise—created a balanced leadership team. Their long-standing
friendship and professional collaboration have been integral to the company’s
growth.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
The media and entertainment industry presented unique
challenges, particularly for a startup entering a traditionally hardware-based
field. Amagi’s success was driven by its ability to leverage emerging
technologies and adapt to industry trends. By focusing on cloud solutions, the
company was able to offer a disruptive alternative to conventional broadcast
operations.
Growth and Achievements
Amagi’s growth has been remarkable, with significant
milestones including the acquisition of Streamwise and the achievement of
unicorn status. The company’s revenue of $29.6 million in FY20-21 and its
latest funding round, which raised $100 million, underscore its continued
success and market impact.
Reflecting on the Entrepreneurial Journey
Srividhya’s journey highlights the importance of
perseverance, adaptability, and innovation. Her transition from a software
engineer to a successful entrepreneur illustrates how a strong foundation in
technology, combined with a willingness to take risks, can lead to
groundbreaking achievements in the industry.
Impact on the Media Tech Industry
Amagi’s impact on the media tech industry is significant,
particularly in the realm of local ads targeting and cloud-based solutions. The
company’s innovative approach has challenged traditional broadcasting models
and provided new opportunities for advertisers and content creators.
Addressing Gender and Entrepreneurship
Srividhya’s perspective on being a woman entrepreneur
reflects a broader understanding of female entrepreneurship. She acknowledges
the historical and ongoing contributions of women in various business sectors
and emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s passion and striving for
excellence.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Amagi is poised to continue its growth and
innovation in the media tech space. Srividhya’s leadership and the company’s
focus on cloud technology position it well for future developments and
opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.
A Legacy of Innovation
Srividhya Srinivasan’s career is a testament to the power of
innovation and the impact of technology on traditional industries. Her work
with Amagi Media Labs and her contributions to the field of media technology
underscore her role as a trailblazer and a leader in shaping the future of
broadcasting and advertising.
Timeline for Srividhya Srinivasan’s story
1991 - 1995
Completed B.E. in Computer Science from Bharathiar
University.
June 1995 - June 1999
Software Engineer at Texas Instruments, focused on VLSI
design.
August 1999 - December 2005
Co-Founder & Director of R&D at Impulsesoft Pvt.
Ltd., developed wireless audio tech.
January 2006 - January 2008
Program Manager at SiRF Technologies, worked on Bluetooth
and GPS chipsets.
February 2008 - Present
Co-Founder of Amagi Media Labs, innovating digital TV
advertising.
October 2010 - August 2015
Healthcare Investments Lead at Matrix Partners, managed
healthcare investments.
November 2016 - Present
Co-Founder & CEO of Oxyzo Financial Services Pvt Ltd,
offering SME financial solutions.
2021
Amagi Media Labs achieved unicorn status with a $1.5 billion
valuation.
