Journey of Shruthi Reddy: Founder and CEO of Anthyesti Funeral Services-Entrepreneur
Journey of Shruthi Reddy:
Early Education and Passion for Technology
Shruthi Reddy's story begins with her academic pursuits at
Bhoj Reddy Engineering College for Women, where she embarked on a Bachelor of
Technology degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. From 2002 to 2006,
she not only excelled academically, graduating with first-class honors, but
also developed a passion for technology that would serve as the backbone of her
future endeavors. During her college years, Shruthi was actively involved in
various technical projects and extracurricular activities, cultivating a strong
foundation in problem-solving and innovation.
Career Beginnings in IT
Following her graduation, Shruthi entered the professional
world as a junior programmer in an IT firm based in Bengaluru. Her eagerness to
learn and adapt quickly allowed her to develop valuable technical skills.
Shruthi's time in this role was marked by hard work and dedication, as she
immersed herself in application software development. Her next move brought her
back to Hyderabad, where she took on another position in the IT sector, further
solidifying her expertise in programming and project management. Each step in
her career not only expanded her technical knowledge but also equipped her with
insights into corporate dynamics and team collaboration.
A New Chapter in Kolkata
In 2009, Shruthi married Gurvinder Singh Sethi, a
professional at Tata Motors, whose job transfer in 2011 took the couple to
Kolkata. This transition was more than just a change of location; it marked a
significant turning point in Shruthi's career. Initially, she was able to
continue her work remotely, but when her employer asked her to relocate back to
Hyderabad in 2015, she made the courageous decision to resign. This allowed her
to explore new possibilities and dedicate herself fully to her next venture.
The Birth of a Unique Idea
The seed for Shruthi's innovative business idea was planted
during a personal experience in 2014 when her husband faced challenges while
organizing the funeral for his maternal grandfather. She observed the stress and
emotional toll this placed on her husband and the family, as they had to juggle
numerous arrangements while coping with their loss. This experience sparked a
realization: there was a significant gap in the funeral services market that
could be filled with compassion and professionalism. Shruthi envisioned a
service that would handle all aspects of post-demise arrangements, allowing
families to focus on their grief rather than logistics.
Founding Anthyesti Funeral Services
In January 2017, Shruthi took a bold step forward by
founding Anthyesti Funeral Services in Bengaluru. With a clear vision of
providing comprehensive and sensitive funeral solutions, she dedicated herself
to creating a service that addressed the emotional and practical needs of
grieving families. From the outset, she focused on offering well-organized
packages that included VIP hearse services, mobile freezers for preserving
remains, and assistance with ceremonial rites. This holistic approach aimed to
relieve families of the burdens often associated with funeral planning,
emphasizing dignity and respect throughout the process.
Scaling the Business
Under Shruthi’s dynamic leadership, Anthyesti began to
flourish. She implemented detailed business strategies that not only
streamlined operations but also significantly enhanced the company's market
presence. By identifying new opportunities for growth—such as expanding service
offerings and establishing collaborations with local mortuary services—she
effectively created a niche market. Her efforts culminated in the company’s
valuation soaring to ₹10 crores, reflecting her ability to blend compassion
with entrepreneurial acumen.
Effective Sales Strategies
Recognizing the importance of a strong sales approach,
Shruthi developed strategies that drove substantial revenue growth. Over a span
of six years, she successfully increased revenue from ₹12 lakhs to an
impressive ₹250 lakhs. One key component of her sales strategy was educating
clients on the benefits of pre-planning funerals, which not only alleviated
stress during difficult times but also fostered a culture of awareness
regarding funeral arrangements. This proactive approach helped demystify the
process for many, making it easier for families to make informed decisions.
Innovative Marketing Approaches
To broaden Anthyesti’s reach, Shruthi embraced innovative
marketing strategies, particularly in the digital realm. She launched
comprehensive digital marketing campaigns that included social media
advertising, email marketing, and engaging online promotions. By leveraging
various online platforms, she not only disseminated information about her
services but also educated the public on the importance of thoughtful funeral
planning. Furthermore, her active engagement with the local community—through
sponsorships and participation in events—fostered trust and connection,
ensuring that the business resonated with its target audience.
A Commitment to Organ Donation
In 2019, recognizing the need for greater awareness in the
organ donation sector, Shruthi founded the Anthyesti Foundation. This
initiative aimed to reshape public perceptions about organ donation by
dispelling myths and fostering a culture of awareness. By mobilizing volunteers
and establishing collaborations with hospitals, the foundation has been pivotal
in streamlining the organ retrieval process. Shruthi's commitment to this cause
has not only impacted individual lives but has also positioned the foundation
as a vital player in enhancing the healthcare landscape.
Journey of Shruthi Reddy: Founder and CEO of Anthyesti Funeral Services-Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/funeral solutions/startup/Anthyesti Funera
Building Community Trust
Through the Anthyesti Foundation, Shruthi has worked
tirelessly to educate communities about the significance of organ donation. She
has orchestrated awareness campaigns and grassroots initiatives aimed at
informing the public, particularly the youth, about the benefits and logistics
of organ donation. By creating a platform for open dialogue, Shruthi empowers
individuals to make informed decisions about their health and the potential to
save lives.
Creating Technological Solutions
An important aspect of Shruthi's impact has been her
dedication to integrating technology into the funeral services sector. She
spearheaded the development of an online repository for patients awaiting organ
transplants, optimizing the matching process and enhancing transparency. This
tech-driven initiative enables individuals to register on waiting lists easily,
ensuring that those in need of transplants receive timely assistance. Shruthi's
innovative mindset continues to redefine how services are delivered in
sensitive sectors.
Supporting the Underprivileged
Anthyesti Foundation also addresses critical financial
barriers faced by many individuals seeking organ transplants. Shruthi initiated
programs to provide financial support for underprivileged individuals, ensuring
they have access to necessary procedures regardless of their economic
situation. This commitment to equity reflects her belief that everyone deserves
the opportunity for life-saving medical interventions, bridging gaps in
healthcare access.
A Multi-Faceted Leader
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Shruthi has emerged as
a prominent public figure and advocate. She has taken the stage at TEDx events,
sharing her insights on "Living Life With A Purpose." This platform
has allowed her to challenge societal norms and inspire audiences to reevaluate
their life choices and career paths. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; she
received the National Entrepreneurship Award, which recognizes her innovative
contributions to the industry. Additionally, her appearance on Shark Tank India
showcased her commitment to pushing boundaries in the funeral services space,
earning respect from investors and peers alike.
Balancing Roles and Responsibilities
Despite her demanding career, Shruthi remains a devoted
mother, illustrating a remarkable ability to balance her professional and
personal life. She brings a unique blend of compassion and determination to her
role as a parent, believing that both family and career are integral to her
identity. Her dedication to living life to the fullest reflects a deep
appreciation for the opportunities she has created for herself and others.
A Legacy of Change
As Shruthi Reddy continues to lead and innovate within the
funeral services sector, her journey stands as a testament to the power of
combining empathy with entrepreneurship. She demonstrates that even in the face
of life's most challenging moments, it is possible to forge a path that offers
hope, dignity, and support to those in need. Through her work with Anthyesti and
the Anthyesti Foundation, Shruthi not only challenges conventional views of
death and grieving but also creates lasting change, ensuring that her legacy
will resonate for years to come.
Timeline
2002-2006: Studies Electrical and Electronics Engineering at
Bhoj Reddy Engineering College, graduating with first-class honors.
2006-2009: Begins her career as a junior programmer in
Bengaluru, enhancing her programming and project management skills.
2009: Marries Gurvinder Singh Sethi; relocates to Kolkata in
2011.
2014: Experiences personal challenges during her husband’s
grandfather's funeral, inspiring her business idea.
January 2017: Founds Anthyesti Funeral Services in
Bengaluru, focusing on compassionate funeral solutions.
2018-2023: Scales the business, increasing revenue from ₹12
lakhs to ₹250 lakhs through effective strategies.
2019: Establishes the Anthyesti Foundation to promote organ
donation awareness and streamline retrieval processes.
2020: Develops an online repository for organ transplant
patients to enhance transparency and matching.
2021: Initiates financial support programs for underprivileged
individuals seeking organ transplants.
2022: Shares insights at TEDx events and appears on Shark
Tank India, gaining national recognition.
2024: Continues to innovate in the funeral services sector,
balancing her roles as a leader and mother.
