Biography of Krishnan Sunderarajan: Founder of LOKA - Entrepreneur
Biography of Krishnan Sunderarajan:
Krishnan Sunderarajan is a dynamic entrepreneur whose
journey is deeply intertwined with his passion for gaming and technology. As
the founder of LOKA, India’s first comprehensive metaverse application, he aims
to create immersive virtual environments that allow users to interact in
engaging ways. His commitment to fusing technology with entertainment
highlights a forward-thinking approach to innovation that resonates with the
evolving digital landscape.
The Educational Journey
Krishnan’s academic path began at SRM University, where he
earned his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from 2008 to 2012. During this
period, he developed a solid foundation in programming and software
development. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, he later
pursued a nanodegree in Android Development from Udacity between 2016 and 2017.
This additional training equipped him with essential skills to build mobile
applications, enhancing his ability to create user-friendly digital experiences.
Early Ventures in Food E-commerce
Before venturing into the tech world of the metaverse,
Krishnan co-founded Foodebaba, an innovative food e-commerce platform that
connected some of India's most iconic eateries with customers across the
country. Operating from 2015 to 2019, Foodebaba not only delivered beloved
traditional foods but also preserved culinary heritage by aggregating offerings
from over 53 cities. This venture showcased his ability to blend technology
with a passion for food, creating a service that brought nostalgia and convenience
to customers craving authentic flavors.
A Leap into the EdTech Space
In addition to his food venture, Krishnan explored the educational technology landscape by co-founding UPSC Guru in 2014. This platform was dedicated to assisting students preparing for various competitive government exams. Despite its short lifespan, the project provided him with critical insights into startup dynamics, including the challenges of financial sustainability and the importance of understanding market needs. This experience further fueled his determination to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities that could make a meaningful impact.
Founding LOKA
In July 2021, driven by a desire to create social
connections in a time of physical distancing, Krishnan founded LOKA. He
envisioned a metaverse where individuals could gather, interact, and experience
events in a virtual setting. Recognizing the growing significance of digital
interactions during the pandemic, he set out to bridge the gap between
real-life experiences and their virtual counterparts, allowing people to form
relationships and explore new environments from the comfort of their homes.
Shark Tank Success
Krishnan's appearance on Shark Tank India marked a pivotal
moment in his entrepreneurial journey. By securing investments from prominent
investors such as Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, and Anupam Mittal, he gained not
only financial support but also invaluable mentorship and exposure. This
platform validated his vision for LOKA, enhancing its credibility and enabling
him to scale the business more effectively.
Creating the Metaverse Experience
At its core, LOKA is designed as a multiplayer platform
where users can explore digital replicas of iconic Indian cities. By
customizing their avatars, users can traverse famous landmarks and interact
with others in vibrant virtual spaces. This approach not only fosters social
interaction but also allows users to engage with the rich cultural tapestry of
India in an innovative manner, transforming how they perceive and experience
both gaming and socializing.
The Vision Behind LOKA
Krishnan's inspiration for LOKA can be traced back to his
childhood experiences with video games that featured Indian contexts, such as
an unofficial version of Grand Theft Auto set in Punjab. These games sparked
his imagination and helped him realize the potential of incorporating local
culture into gaming. He understood that creating relatable content could
enhance user engagement, leading him to develop LOKA as a platform that
celebrates Indian culture while providing a fun and immersive experience.
Growing User Base and Collaborations
Since its inception, LOKA has rapidly attracted a user base
nearing 200,000 individuals, highlighting the growing interest in virtual
experiences in India. The platform has also ventured into the B2B space,
collaborating with brands like boAt Lifestyle to host unique events such as
K-pop concerts in its metaverse. These partnerships not only expand LOKA’s
reach but also create diverse opportunities for users to engage with content
that resonates with their interests.
Biography of Krishnan Sunderarajan: Founder of LOKA - Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/Foodebaba story/metaverse app/foster virtual social
Building a Strong Team
Leading LOKA requires a dedicated team, and Krishnan has
assembled a talented group of 12 individuals focused on various aspects of the
business. From technology development to brand partnerships, each member plays
a vital role in ensuring that the platform remains innovative and
user-friendly. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and enables
the team to respond effectively to the evolving needs of their users.
The Metaverse and Future Trends
As the concept of the metaverse gains traction worldwide,
Krishnan sees significant potential for its integration into everyday life.
Research suggests that by 2040, a substantial portion of the global population
will engage with metaverse platforms, creating a vast market for services and
experiences. LOKA is strategically positioned to capitalize on this trend, as
it provides users with a unique opportunity to engage in social interactions
that blend the virtual and physical realms.
A Personal Journey
Beyond his professional achievements, Krishnan’s personal
life took a joyful turn in 2023 when he welcomed a child into his family. This
new role as a father brings both challenges and rewards, requiring him to
balance work and family life. Embracing fatherhood, he remains committed to
pursuing his passion for technology and gaming, all while serving as a role
model for the next generation and inspiring them to explore their own
interests.
A timeline for Krishnan Sunderarajan and LOKA:
2008-2012: Krishnan earns a Bachelor's in Computer Science
from SRM University.
2014: Co-founds UPSC Guru, an EdTech platform for
competitive exam preparation.
2015-2019: Co-founds Foodebaba, a food e-commerce platform
connecting iconic eateries.
2021-07: Founds LOKA, India's first comprehensive metaverse
application, to foster virtual social connections.
2021-10: Appears on Shark Tank India, securing investments
from Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, and Anupam Mittal.
2022: LOKA attracts a user base nearing 200,000,
collaborating with brands for events.
2023: Krishnan embraces fatherhood while continuing to lead
LOKA’s growth and innovation.
