Biography of Utkarsh Kawatra: Co-Founder of myHQ & BloodConnect Foundation
Utkarsh Kawatra: A Visionary Social Entrepreneur
Utkarsh Kawatra is the Co-Founder of myHQ, India's largest
workspace discovery platform. Founded in April 2016, myHQ has grown
significantly, now boasting a pan-India presence with over 2000 co-working
space partnerships and serving over 50,000 individuals and 1000+ corporates.
Backed by ANAROCK since 2022, myHQ offers a comprehensive solution for finding
and booking workspaces tailored to various needs, enhancing workspace
experiences across the country.
A Journey Through Education and Entrepreneurship
Utkarsh Kawatra is the co-founder of myHQ, a company
dedicated to helping individuals and businesses find their ideal workspaces.
His educational journey began at Delhi Public School - R.K. Puram, where he
completed his science studies from 1994 to 2008.
He further pursued an integrated Master’s Degree in
Mathematics and Computing at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi,
graduating in 2013 with a grade of 7.84. During his time at IIT Delhi, he was
actively involved in the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the Students in Free
Enterprise (SIFE) group.
A Diverse Professional Background
Utkarsh's early career includes roles as an Investment
Analyst at Helion Ventures, Solutions Associate at Opera Solutions, and
Business Analyst at Opera Solutions. He has also gained experience through
internships at HSBC, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and Genpact Headstrong
Capital Markets, where he worked on various projects related to market
analysis, investment modeling, and ERP package implementation.
Championing Blood Donation through BloodConnect
In addition to his role at myHQ, Utkarsh is also a
Co-Founder of BloodConnect Foundation, a non-governmental organization
dedicated to addressing blood shortages in India. Established in April 2010,
BloodConnect has made a significant impact by organizing blood donation camps,
raising awareness, and running a helpline, ultimately saving over 1 million
lives. The foundation operates with a team of over 300 volunteers across 10
cities.
The Birth of BloodConnect
BloodConnect was born out of a personal experience of Nitin
Garg, Utkarsh’s co-founder. In 2010, Nitin faced a pressing need for blood for
a family member and went door-to-door on campus to find voluntary donors. This
experience highlighted the willingness of youth to help in emergencies,
inspiring Nitin to start BloodConnect. Initially set up as a helpline,
BloodConnect quickly grew into one of India’s largest youth-led initiatives in
the field of blood donation, with a presence in over 10 cities and a team of
over 200 members.
Shifting Focus to Supply
Initially, BloodConnect was established as a helpline aimed
at addressing urgent blood donation needs. However, within a year, the founders
recognized that focusing solely on demand was not sufficient. To address the
root of the problem, they shifted their focus towards ensuring a continuous
supply of blood for banks. This led to the organization of blood donation camps
and the development of a comprehensive BloodConnect platform. The team also
launched awareness campaigns to inspire and motivate youth to donate blood
regularly, underscoring the importance of a consistent donor base. This
strategic pivot transformed BloodConnect from a mere helpline into a 360-degree
solution provider with a scalable model for expansion.
Biography of Utkarsh Kawatra: Co-Founder of myHQ & BloodConnect Foundation/ Success story of Utkarsh Kawatra/Life story of Utkarsh/myHQ & BloodConnect
Managing the Organization
Running BloodConnect has been a profound learning experience
for Utkarsh Kawatra. Initially focused on operational management, he tackled
challenges unique to a student-run organization, including managing handovers
and coordinating diverse volunteer teams. Over time, Utkarsh transitioned into
a strategic role, concentrating on long-term planning and development. His
efforts led to significant milestones such as the organization’s first major
expansion, key collaborations, and innovations in blood donation camps. This
strategic shift has reinforced the role of youth in driving meaningful societal
change.
Initial Reactions from Other Colleges
Initially, BloodConnect faced a lukewarm reception from
other colleges. The challenge was articulating the value and benefits of their
initiative in a way that resonated with different institutions. The novelty of
their approach and the concept of a student-run blood donation helpline were
not immediately clear to many. However, persistence and continuous improvements
gradually began to change perceptions. Over time, BloodConnect introduced
innovative elements into their blood donation camps and awareness activities,
which helped to demonstrate their commitment and effectiveness. This growing
focus on enhancing the donor experience fostered stronger, long-term
collaborations with other colleges and institutions.
Competition and Strategy
The field of blood donation is highly competitive, with
numerous organizations working to address the critical issue of blood shortages.
Despite this competition, the problem remains vast, with a significant
country-wide shortage of blood supplies. BloodConnect recognizes the need for
collaboration among various organizations to effectively tackle this issue. To
differentiate themselves, BloodConnect leverages their unique strengths and
strategies. They focus on being completely youth-led, with a team of 150 young
volunteers managing all operations. This youthful energy and perspective are
central to their approach.
Unique Approach and Differentiation
BloodConnect's strategy involves several key differentiators
from other organizations. They exclusively partner with government blood banks,
ensuring that their efforts support the most underserved communities.
Additionally, BloodConnect does not charge any administrative fees for their
services, reinforcing their commitment to the cause without financial
constraints. Their helpline model is another unique feature, providing a
coordinated effort between requesters and donors. This comprehensive approach,
combined with their innovative, theme-based donation camps, sets BloodConnect
apart from others in the field.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
One of the major challenges BloodConnect faced was its
transition from a college-based initiative to an independent organization.
While operating within a single college provided initial recognition,
volunteers, and financial support, it also limited expansion to other
institutions. The decision to register BloodConnect as an independent entity was
difficult due to the loss of college support. Despite these challenges, the
team’s dedication remained strong, and they successfully sought new volunteer
leaders and financial backing. This transition period was crucial for setting
up internal processes to support growth and sustainability.
Achievements and Expansion
After overcoming the initial obstacles, BloodConnect
regained momentum and became a significant player in the field of blood
donation. The organization’s ability to attract new volunteers and secure
financial support enabled it to expand its reach and impact. BloodConnect’s
model proved to be effective, and the organization became a beacon for youth
involvement in social causes. The commitment to continuous improvement and
innovation has been a driving force behind its success and growth.
Expanding Horizons in Social Entrepreneurship
Utkarsh’s commitment to social issues extended beyond
BloodConnect. He also played a key role in establishing the SIFE (now Enactus)
chapter at IIT Delhi. This initiative focused on working with Burmese refugees
and training community leaders and women entrepreneurs to create alternate
sources of income, demonstrating his broader vision for social impact.
A Lasting Impact
Through BloodConnect and his other social ventures, Utkarsh
Kawatra has made significant strides in addressing critical social issues and
empowering communities. His work continues to inspire and facilitate meaningful
change in India and beyond.
Timeline for Utkarsh Kawatra story
April 2010: Co-founded BloodConnect Foundation to address
blood shortages in India.
April 2016: Launched myHQ, India’s largest workspace
discovery platform.
2013: Graduated with an integrated Master’s Degree in
Mathematics and Computing from IIT Delhi.
2010: BloodConnect evolved from a helpline to a
comprehensive blood donation solution provider.
2013: Joined the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) group at IIT Delhi.
2010: BloodConnect organized its first blood donation camps
and shifted focus to ensuring a continuous supply of blood.
2022: myHQ backed by ANAROCK, enhancing its presence and
service offerings.
