Biography of Vasanth Tamilselvan: Founder and CEO of Ariro Toys- Entrepreneur
Biography of Vasanth Tamilselvan:
Early Academic Foundations
Vasanth Tamilselvan’s educational journey began at DG
Vaishnav College, where he completed his Bachelor of Commerce in
Business/Commerce between 2002 and 2005. During his time at college, he was
actively involved in student activities, serving as Vice Chairman and
participating in street theatre. His academic pursuits continued at Madras
School of Social Work, where he earned a Master’s in Social Work from 2005 to
2007. Here, Vasanth engaged in various activities such as street theatre,
plays, and symposiums, and was the president of his department.
Initial Professional Ventures
Following his academic journey, Vasanth entered the
professional world, starting with a role as a Business Development Manager at
MD Market Makers from October 2009 to December 2013. His career then took a
significant turn when he co-founded Innovasia Media Solutions Private Limited
in January 2013. Over the next seven years, Vasanth played a crucial role in
developing the company, which specialized in media solutions, and contributed
to its growth until October 2020.
The Spark for Ariro Toys
In 2016, Vasanth and his wife, Nisha Ramasamy, welcomed
their daughter Nakshatra into their lives. Their daughter’s reaction to plastic
toys, which caused skin issues due to atopic dermatitis, inspired them to find
safer alternatives. They struggled to find wooden toys locally, which led them
to create their own. This personal challenge sparked the idea for Ariro Toys,
as they realized a gap in the market for safe, eco-friendly wooden toys.
Founding Ariro Toys
In June 2020, Vasanth and Nisha launched Ariro Toys with a
vision to provide high-quality, plastic-free toys for young children. Their
goal was to create toys that were not only safe and environmentally friendly
but also aligned with Montessori principles. Ariro Toys specializes in
handcrafted wooden toys designed to support developmental milestones in
children, focusing on sensory and motor skills.
Biography of Vasanth Tamilselvan: Founder & CEO of Ariro Toys- Entrepreneur /Startup/Investor/Age?net worth/Vasanth Tamilselvan story/Ariro Toys story
Research and Development
Before officially launching Ariro Toys, Vasanth and Nisha
conducted extensive research. They traveled to Italy, Shanghai, and Malaysia to
study Montessori principles and evaluate the types of toys used in different
countries. Despite their efforts, their initial attempts to produce these toys
in India were unsuccessful. This led them to explore alternative solutions,
ultimately leading to the involvement of local artisans.
Discovering Local Artisans
During their travels through South Indian villages, Vasanth
and Nisha encountered rural artisans skilled in traditional woodworking.
Recognizing their potential, they trained these artisans to create the specific
types of toys they needed. This collaboration allowed Ariro Toys to offer
handmade products while supporting local craftsmen and ensuring the toys met
their quality standards.
Ariro Toys’ Product Range
Ariro Toys features a diverse range of products, including
teethers, rattles, mobiles, and larger items like indoor jungle gyms and Pikler
triangles. Most of their toys are made from neem wood, a material chosen for
its natural antibacterial properties and safety. The use of neem wood reflects
their commitment to providing toys that are both safe and beneficial for
children’s health.
Manufacturing and Expansion
With a team of 12 full-time employees, Ariro Toys has
expanded its operations and is preparing to open its first experience center in
Chennai. Their manufacturing process involves a combination of handmade
craftsmanship for smaller toys and factory production for larger items. The
company’s growth is also supported by their online presence and partnerships
with various retailers.
Shark Tank India Success
Ariro Toys gained significant attention when they appeared
on Shark Tank India. In Episode 9, Vasanth and Nisha pitched their business,
seeking an investment of 50 lakh rupees for a 2.5% equity stake. They
ultimately secured an offer of 50 lakh rupees for 10% equity from investors
Aman Gupta and Peyush Bansal. This deal provided them with both funding and valuable
business insights.
Impact and Reach
Ariro Toys has made a notable impact in the toy industry
with its eco-friendly approach and dedication to quality. The company’s
products are available through their Shopify-based website and across 43 stores
throughout India. Their commitment to plastic-free toys and adherence to
Montessori principles have garnered them recognition and a loyal customer base.
Product Features and Benefits
The toys produced by Ariro Toys are designed for children
aged 0-24 months and are crafted to be safe and hygienic. By using neem wood,
they ensure that their products are free from plastic and other harmful
materials. This focus on quality and safety aligns with their mission to support
healthy child development.
The Founders’ Vision
Vasanth and Nisha’s vision for Ariro Toys extends beyond
merely providing toys; they aim to foster a safe and nurturing environment for
children’s growth. Their personal experience with their daughter’s health
challenges motivated them to create products that are both fun and beneficial
for young children.
Future Plans and Growth
Looking ahead, Ariro Toys plans to continue expanding its
product range and presence in the market. The opening of their experience
center in Chennai is a significant step towards increasing customer engagement
and providing a hands-on experience with their products. The company also aims
to further develop its partnerships and reach more customers across India.
Ariro Toys’ Market Position
With a post-money valuation of $639K and annual revenue of
₹3.71 crore, Ariro Toys is positioned as a leading brand in the eco-friendly
toy sector. Their success on Shark Tank India and their growing presence in
retail stores and online platforms highlight their significant impact on the
market.
Legacy and Influence
Ariro Toys represents a successful blend of personal
experience, innovative thinking, and social responsibility. Vasanth
Tamilselvan’s journey from addressing a personal challenge to creating a
successful business showcases his commitment to improving children’s lives and
supporting local artisans. The company’s focus on quality, safety, and
sustainability continues to drive its success and influence in the toy
industry.
Timeline for Vasanth Tamilselvan’s journey
2002-2005: Completed B.Com at DG Vaishnav College.
2005-2007: Earned Master’s in Social Work at Madras School
of Social Work.
October 2009 - December 2013: Worked as Business Development
Manager at MD Market Makers.
January 2013 - October 2020: Co-founded and developed
Innovasia Media Solutions.
June 2020: Launched Ariro Toys, focusing on eco-friendly
wooden toys.
2016: Inspired to create Ariro Toys due to daughter’s
reaction to plastic toys.
2019: Conducted research in Italy, Shanghai, and Malaysia
for Montessori principles.
2020: Trained South Indian artisans to create Ariro Toys.
2022: Appeared on Shark Tank India and secured investment.
Ongoing: Expanding product range, opening experience center
in Chennai, and growing market presence.
