Biography of Santosh Panda: Founder & CEO of Foundership and Explara- Entrepreneur
Biography of Santosh Panda:
Santosh Panda's journey is one of innovation and
determination. From an early age, he displayed an entrepreneurial spirit, which
led him to explore the vast field of technology. He earned his Bachelor’s
degree in Industrial and Production Engineering from Utkal University, laying a
solid foundation for his future endeavors. With a thirst for knowledge, he
further pursued a Post-graduate Diploma in Advanced Computing from the Center
for Development of Advanced Computing in Bangalore.
Academic Pursuits in the UK
Eager to expand his horizons, Santosh moved to the UK for
his MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School. Specializing in Information
Technology Management, he developed critical skills that would serve him well
in his future career. His educational experiences abroad enriched his
understanding of global business dynamics, preparing him for the competitive
world of tech startups.
The Early Career
Before becoming a founder, Santosh gained valuable
experience working in the tech industry. He served as a Senior Software
Engineer for prominent companies like BBC and eBay. At the BBC, he was part of
the team that developed the iPlayer, a popular media streaming service. His
work involved creating software for media asset management and streaming
workflows, solidifying his reputation as a capable engineer.
eBay Experience
At eBay, Santosh led a product team focused on developing
minimum viable products for the UK and EU markets. His role included
interviewing customers and utilizing eBay APIs to create successful extensions
for various services, including eBay Motors. This experience gave him insights
into consumer behavior and product development, which would be invaluable in
his entrepreneurial journey.
The Birth of Explara
In 2008, Santosh took a significant step by co-founding
Explara, India’s first DIY event ticketing and management platform. This
venture was born out of a need to simplify event organization for businesses
and individuals. While still working in London, he managed to bootstrap
Explara, showcasing his resilience and ability to juggle multiple
responsibilities.
Relocating to India
In 2011, Santosh made the bold decision to move back to
India to grow Explara further. The transition was not easy, but his
determination to create a successful platform drove him. He worked tirelessly
to expand the company’s reach and capabilities, ensuring it could serve the
growing needs of event organizers across the country.
Overcoming Challenges
Building Explara was not without its hurdles. Santosh faced
numerous challenges, including funding issues and operational obstacles.
However, his perseverance paid off as he navigated through the difficulties,
ultimately leading the company to achieve $11 million in gross revenue. His
journey was a testament to his commitment to creating a viable business in a
competitive market
Achieving Profitability
After years of hard work and determination, Explara became
profitable in 2019. Santosh’s leadership and innovative approach allowed the
platform to serve over 50,000 events, helping countless organizers streamline
their event management processes. This success highlighted the impact of his
entrepreneurial efforts and the demand for reliable event solutions.
The Foundership Initiative
In 2021, Santosh co-founded Foundership, a global
accelerator focused on Web3 and AI startups. Based in Singapore, with a presence
in Dubai and India, Foundership aims to nurture emerging tech entrepreneurs.
This initiative is not just about funding; it also provides coaching and a
supportive community for founders, equipping them with the tools needed to
succeed.
Embracing Web3 and AI
Recognizing the potential of Web3 and AI technologies,
Santosh is committed to helping startups navigate this rapidly evolving
landscape. Foundership’s mission is to incubate and accelerate top founders,
guiding them in launching innovative products that can reshape industries. By
fostering a collaborative environment, Santosh aims to empower the next
generation of tech leaders.
Biography of Santosh Panda:Founder & CEO of Foundership and Explara-Startup/Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/Investor/Santosh Panda story/Explara story
A Wealth of Experience
Santosh’s extensive background in the software industry has
been a significant asset in his endeavors. With a diverse range of experiences,
including consulting for FTSE 100 companies, he possesses a deep understanding
of both startups and established businesses. His journey is marked by
resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on growth.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem
One of Santosh’s key beliefs is in the importance of a
supportive startup ecosystem. He understands that many aspiring entrepreneurs
face challenges similar to those he encountered. By establishing Foundership,
he aims to create a nurturing environment where founders can learn from each
other and access valuable resources that were not available during his early
career.
Passion for Mentorship
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Santosh is
passionate about mentorship. He actively engages with startups, sharing his
knowledge and insights to help them avoid common pitfalls. His commitment to
giving back to the community is evident in his coaching efforts, as he aims to
elevate others and foster innovation.
A Global Perspective
Having worked in multiple countries, including the UK, USA,
and Finland, Santosh brings a global perspective to his work. He believes that
collaboration across borders is essential for driving innovation. His
experiences have taught him the value of diverse viewpoints, which he actively
promotes within Foundership’s community.
Looking to the Future
As Santosh continues his journey with Foundership, he
remains optimistic about the future of the startup ecosystem, especially in
India. He sees immense opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly in
the fields of technology and entrepreneurship. With his experience and vision,
he is dedicated to helping emerging founders realize their potential.
Legacy of Innovation
Santosh Panda’s story is one of perseverance, innovation,
and a commitment to helping others succeed. From launching Explara to
co-founding Foundership, he has made a significant impact in the tech world.
His journey inspires many, showing that with determination and the right
support, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.
A timeline for Santosh Panda's story:
Early 1980s: Born in India, shows early entrepreneurial
spirit.
2000: Earns Bachelor’s in Industrial and Production Engineering
from Utkal University.
2002: Completes Post-graduate Diploma in Advanced Computing
in Bangalore.
2004: Moves to the UK for an MBA at Alliance Manchester
Business School.
2005: Works as a Senior Software Engineer at BBC,
contributes to iPlayer.
2006: Joins eBay, leads product team for UK and EU markets.
2008: Co-founds Explara, India’s first DIY event ticketing
platform.
2011: Relocates to India to grow Explara.
2019: Explara achieves profitability, serving over 50,000
events.
2021: Co-founds Foundership, a global accelerator for Web3
and AI startups.
2024: Continues to mentor and support emerging tech
entrepreneurs.
