Biography of Sameer Sharma: Founder and CEO of uEngage & Shoutlo- Entrepreneur
Biography of Sameer Sharma:
In Chandigarh, a visionary named Sameer Sharma embarked on a
journey that would shape the future of local businesses in India. Growing up in
a small town in Punjab, Sameer always dreamed big. He pursued a Bachelor’s
degree in Computer Science Engineering at Chitkara University, where he not
only excelled academically but also made significant contributions, such as
implementing a real-time Wi-Fi site for his educational institution. His early
experiences laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the tech world.
From Student to Professional
After graduating in 2007, Sameer gained practical experience
through industrial training in Linux administration at NIIT Chandigarh. This
was just the beginning; he soon found himself working for prominent companies
like HCL and E*TRADE Financial in the Bay Area, California. These experiences
honed his skills in technology and marketing, giving him the expertise needed
to navigate the complexities of the business landscape. Sameer’s journey
through the corporate world was characterized by a relentless pursuit of
knowledge and excellence.
The Birth of Trideal
In 2012, Sameer took a significant leap and co-founded his
first startup, Trideal, which focused on providing exclusive deals in the
Tricity area. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he navigated the
challenges of startup life. Trideal’s innovative approach captured the
attention of consumers and investors alike. After three successful years,
Sameer made a pivotal decision to sell Trideal to Littleapp, a company owned by
Paytm, marking a significant milestone in his career.
A New Chapter Begins
With the lessons learned from his first startup, Sameer set
his sights on new ventures. In October 2018, he founded uEngage, a platform
designed to empower local businesses by facilitating direct online orders,
logistics, and marketing. Recognizing the challenges faced by restaurants and
small vendors, he aimed to liberate them from high commission fees charged by
major food delivery apps. uEngage quickly gained traction, partnering with
nearly 4,000 outlets, including popular names like Samosa Party and La Pinoz
Pizza.
Empowering Local Businesses
uEngage was not just another tech platform; it was a game
changer for the food tech industry. By connecting directly with local
restaurants, Sameer ensured that businesses could enhance their bottom lines
without incurring hefty fees. His vision for uEngage aligned with the Indian
government’s initiative, ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), further
establishing uEngage as a leader in hyperlocal commerce. This partnership
allowed them to expand their reach and impact significantly.
Building a Community
Sameer’s commitment to entrepreneurship didn’t stop with
uEngage. He also co-founded Shoutlo, a platform aimed at fostering community
engagement and interaction. Through these ventures, Sameer has focused on
creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive in a competitive market.
His dedication to supporting small vendors has been instrumental in changing
the landscape of local commerce, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The Role of an Investor
In addition to running his startups, Sameer has embraced the
role of an active angel investor. He supports around eight emerging startups,
sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to help others succeed. This
aspect of his career showcases his desire to uplift the entrepreneurial
ecosystem in India, particularly among youth from smaller towns. Sameer
believes that nurturing talent in these regions can unlock immense potential
and drive economic growth.
Biography of Sameer Sharma:Founder & CEO of uEngage & Shoutlo- Entrepreneur/ age/net worth/investor/startup/empower local businesses with online orders
Balancing Work and Life
Despite his busy schedule, Sameer values personal time and
self-care. A sports enthusiast, he enjoys playing cricket, table tennis, and
chess in his spare time. Living in Chandigarh with his wife and child, he finds
joy in both his family life and his professional pursuits. His commitment to
maintaining a work-life balance reflects a more holistic approach to
entrepreneurship, where personal well-being is just as important as business
success.
Lessons from Experience
Reflecting on his journey, Sameer acknowledges the
importance of user experience and customer feedback. He wishes he had
prioritized these aspects earlier during the Trideal days. This lesson has
guided his approach with uEngage, where understanding customer needs has become
a core principle. Sameer’s openness about his past mistakes demonstrates his
commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
Insights into the Future
As the hyperlocal business model continues to evolve, Sameer
is optimistic about the future. He recognizes that the pandemic has accelerated
the shift toward digital platforms, creating new opportunities for local
vendors. By leveraging the ONDC network, uEngage aims to empower even more
businesses to navigate the digital landscape effectively. Sameer believes that
this trend will only grow, making hyperlocal e-commerce a vital part of India’s
economic fabric.
A Vision for Change
Sameer’s entrepreneurial journey is not just about building
successful companies; it’s about creating a lasting impact on the business
landscape. His focus on empowering local businesses reflects a deep
understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics. By fostering a sense of
community and supporting local entrepreneurs, Sameer is contributing to a more
sustainable and inclusive economy.
An Invitation to Collaborate
As uEngage continues to grow, Sameer invites local
businesses to embrace the digital transformation. With a comprehensive suite of
SaaS products, uEngage provides the tools needed for businesses to enhance
their online presence. Sameer’s vision is clear: to enable local vendors to
thrive in the digital age, ensuring that no one gets left behind in this
rapidly changing world. Together, through collaboration and innovation, he
believes they can create a brighter future for local businesses across India.
Timeline for Sameer Sharma's Journey
1985: Sameer Sharma is born in a small town in Punjab.
2007: Graduates with a Bachelor's in Computer Science
Engineering from Chitkara University.
2007-2008: Completes industrial training in Linux at NIIT
Chandigarh.
2008-2012: Works at HCL and E*TRADE Financial in California,
gaining key industry experience.
2012: Co-founds Trideal, focusing on exclusive deals in the
Tricity area.
2015: Sells Trideal to Littleapp (Paytm), marking a career
milestone.
2018: Founds uEngage to empower local businesses with direct
online orders.
2018-2023: uEngage partners with nearly 4,000 outlets,
revolutionizing local commerce.
2020: Co-founds Shoutlo to enhance community engagement.
2023: Embraces role as an angel investor, supporting eight
emerging startups.
2024: Continues to promote digital transformation for local
businesses through uEngage.
