Biography of Madhavi Shankar: Founder and CEO of SpaceBasic- Entrepreneur
Biography of Madhavi Shankar:
Madhavi Shankar grew up in Bengaluru, hailing from a
traditional South Indian family where education was highly valued. Her parents,
both doctors, instilled a sense of discipline and the importance of learning in
her from a young age. Madhavi was not only focused on her studies but also
engaged in various extracurricular activities. Despite facing challenges with
her grades, she thrived in organizing events and enjoyed immersing herself in
diverse experiences that would shape her future.
The Academic Journey
Madhavi's educational journey began at the National Public
School and continued at Visvesvaraya Technological University, where she
pursued her Bachelor’s degree. Her thirst for knowledge and innovation led her
to further her studies in Australia. In 2012, she moved to Sydney to earn her
Master's in Engineering Management and an MBA from the University of Technology
Sydney. This move was pivotal, allowing her to experience life as an
international student and broaden her horizons.
Sparking the Entrepreneurial Spirit
While in Sydney, Madhavi’s passion for startups ignited.
Working in a tech startup, she juggled various roles—from receptionist to sales
to product management—gaining invaluable insights into the startup ecosystem.
This hands-on experience fueled her desire to create something impactful in the
education sector, especially after witnessing the challenges faced by students
and institutions.
A Fortuitous Encounter
In 2016, a chance meeting with Indu Navar, a successful
Silicon Valley entrepreneur, changed the course of Madhavi's life. Their
lengthy discussions revealed a shared vision for leveraging technology to
address the needs of underserved sectors in India. Motivated by this
conversation, Madhavi returned to India with a clear purpose: to innovate in the
education space and improve the student experience.
The Birth of SpaceBasic
In March 2018, Madhavi co-founded SpaceBasic, Inc., driven
by a mission to digitize the non-curricular aspects of student life.
Recognizing that over 80% of universities in India lacked adequate
technological solutions outside the classroom, she aimed to streamline
operations and enhance communication within educational institutions. This
vision laid the groundwork for a platform that would transform student housing
and campus experiences.
Building a Robust Platform
SpaceBasic quickly gained traction, growing from a modest
6,000 users to over 250,000 across 70 colleges and universities within just a
few years. The platform provides a comprehensive suite of features, including
automated student housing, digital cafeterias, smart IDs, and a payment system.
By simplifying everyday tasks and communication, SpaceBasic empowers students
and staff to focus on what truly matters: learning and growth.
Recognition and Impact
Madhavi's work with SpaceBasic has not gone unnoticed. She
has been recognized on several prestigious platforms, including Forbes Asia's
30 Under 30 and the Government of India's Top 30 Women Transforming India.
These accolades reflect her commitment to leveraging technology for societal
impact, particularly in the education sector. Her leadership has positioned
SpaceBasic as Asia's largest AI-powered university campus automation platform.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Beyond her role as CEO, Madhavi actively contributes to the
entrepreneurial community. As a mentor for Techstars, she supports budding
entrepreneurs through the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program, helping
them navigate the complexities of building a startup. Her involvement
demonstrates her dedication to fostering innovation and empowering others in
the tech landscape.
Commitment to Women's Empowerment
Madhavi is passionate about promoting women's employment and
equal opportunities in technology. She aligns this mission with her work at
SpaceBasic, advocating for a more inclusive workforce. Her dedication to
uplifting women in entrepreneurship not only inspires others but also contributes
to a more equitable society.
Global Engagement and Influence
Madhavi has also made significant contributions on an
international level. She serves on the advisory board for the 1M2030 initiative
by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), working
towards global challenges and sustainable development. As one of the youth
speakers at the UN headquarters in Geneva, she represented India and
highlighted the importance of education and technology in achieving global
goals.
Biography of Madhavi Shankar: Founder and CEO of SpaceBasic- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/ digitize non-curricular student life/SpaceBasic
Continued Growth and Ambition
SpaceBasic continues to thrive under Madhavi's leadership,
with a year-on-year growth rate of 300%. The platform's future looks bright as
it aims to reach a revenue target of $25 million by 2026. Madhavi's vision is
to further integrate AI technology into educational institutions, allowing for
predictive data-driven decisions that enhance operational efficiency and
student experiences.
Innovating for a Better Future
Madhavi's journey from a student in Bengaluru to a leading
tech entrepreneur illustrates the transformative power of education and
technology. By addressing the real challenges faced by students and educational
institutions, she is paving the way for a brighter future. Her work exemplifies
how innovation can lead to meaningful change in society.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Madhavi Shankar's story serves as an inspiration for
aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women looking to make their mark in
technology. Her commitment to innovation, empowerment, and education reflects a
powerful message: with determination and vision, one can create impactful
solutions that benefit communities and transform industries. As she continues
to lead SpaceBasic and mentor others, her legacy of empowerment and innovation
will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
Timeline of Madhavi Shankar’s Journey
Childhood - Grew up in Bengaluru, fostering a strong value
for education in a traditional family.
2005-2011 - Attended National Public School and later
pursued a Bachelor’s degree at Visvesvaraya Technological University.
2012 - Moved to Sydney for a Master's in Engineering
Management and an MBA at the University of Technology Sydney.
2016 - Met Indu Navar, sparking the vision to innovate in
the education sector upon returning to India.
March 2018 - Co-founded SpaceBasic, Inc. to digitize
non-curricular student life aspects in Indian universities.
2018-2021 - SpaceBasic grew from 6,000 to over 250,000 users
across 70 institutions, enhancing campus experiences.
2021 - Recognized on Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30 and among the
Government of India's Top 30 Women Transforming India.
Ongoing - Actively mentors entrepreneurs through Techstars
and engages in women's empowerment initiatives.
2022-Present - Serves on the advisory board for the UN's
1M2030 initiative, advocating for education and sustainable development.
2024 - Aims for SpaceBasic to reach $25 million in revenue
by 2026, focusing on AI integration in education.
