Biography of Dipanshu Bajaj: Founder & CEO of HoloKitab- Entrepreneur
Biography of Dipanshu Bajaj:
Dipanshu Bajaj co-founded HoloKitab in 2020 with a mission
to transform education through technology. They realized that traditional
textbooks and methods were no longer enough to engage students effectively.
Their idea was to use augmented reality (AR) to create interactive and
immersive learning experiences. By integrating 3D images and animations into
educational content, HoloKitab aimed to make learning more fun and impactful,
helping students better understand complex concepts.
Building the Foundation
Before founding HoloKitab, Dipanshu and Nikhil had solid
academic backgrounds. Dipanshu completed his Bachelor’s in Commerce (Finance)
from Guru Nanak Dev University, while Nikhil also pursued a similar education.
Their professional journeys took them through different industries, with
Dipanshu working as a Financial Analyst and later as a Business Analyst. Their
experiences in finance and business gave them a solid foundation, but they both
shared a deep passion for education and technology, which led them to embark on
the HoloKitab venture.
The Idea Behind HoloKitab
HoloKitab is a mobile-based platform that offers 3D
interactive textbooks for students. The app uses augmented reality to bring the
images and content in textbooks to life. Students can interact with these 3D
models in real-time, which makes the learning process more engaging and
enjoyable. The platform is available for both Android and iOS devices, making
it accessible to a wide audience. The idea behind HoloKitab is simple but
powerful: to merge technology with traditional learning to create an experience
that enhances students' understanding.
Gaining Momentum with Investors
In early 2023, HoloKitab made significant progress by
raising funds to further develop their platform. The company had already sold
over 10,000 books, and its success caught the attention of investors. During
their pitch on Shark Tank India, Dipanshu and Nikhil asked for ₹45 lakhs in
exchange for 10% equity in the company, giving them a valuation of ₹4.5 crore.
However, after discussions and negotiations, the deal was finalized with
investor Namita Thapar, who agreed to invest ₹45 lakhs for 25% equity, lowering
the company’s valuation to ₹1.8 crore.
The Power of Augmented Reality
HoloKitab’s core strength lies in its use of augmented
reality (AR) technology to bring textbooks to life. Through AR, students can
view and interact with 3D models, such as animated animals, historical figures,
or scientific phenomena, directly from their textbooks. This immersive
experience makes complex subjects more tangible and easier to grasp. The app
also features natural voiceovers and HD graphics, ensuring that the learning
experience is not only interactive but also enjoyable and educational.
Expanding Their Product Line
Initially, HoloKitab focused on providing interactive books,
but they quickly expanded their product line. In addition to educational books,
the company began offering educational toys. These toys were designed to
enhance children’s problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
HoloKitab has also enhanced its business model with SaaS
(Software-as-a-Service), charging a service fee of ₹100 per globe sold. The
expansion into educational toys and a SaaS model allowed them to diversify
their revenue streams and reach a broader audience.
Business Growth and Milestones
HoloKitab saw steady growth in its early years. In the
fiscal year 2020-2021, their sales amounted to ₹2 lakh, largely from their
first book focused on the alphabet. In the following year, they released three
more books and saw their sales jump to ₹10 lakh. For the current financial
year, they projected sales of ₹3 lakh, showing that their products were gaining
traction. They also secured a contract for globe sales, which would earn them
₹4 to ₹5 lakh annually. This contract, along with other products, played a
crucial role in their growing success.
Innovative Approach to Learning
HoloKitab’s approach to learning is innovative, focusing on
making education more active and engaging. Traditional video-based learning is
often passive, with information being quickly consumed but not retained.
HoloKitab believes that hands-on, interactive learning helps students retain
information better. By using AR to enhance textbooks, they provide students
with a more active learning experience, making education not just more fun but
also more effective. This approach aligns with their mission to make learning
both enjoyable and impactful.
Affordable and Accessible Education
One of the core goals of HoloKitab is to make education more
accessible to students from all backgrounds. The company ensures that its
products are affordable and can be used by students in both urban and rural
areas of India. They recognize the need to provide innovative educational tools
to underserved communities, ensuring that every student, regardless of their
location or economic status, has access to the latest educational technologies.
HoloKitab’s aim is to create a level playing field in education, where quality
learning is available to all.
Biography of Dipanshu Bajaj: Founder & CEO of HoloKitab- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/education through AR technology/HoloKitab
Business Model: B2B and B2C Growth
HoloKitab’s current business model primarily focuses on B2B
(Business-to-Business) sales, where they sell their products to schools and
educational institutions. However, the company has plans to shift to a B2C
(Business-to-Consumer) model in the future. This transition would allow them to
directly sell to individual consumers, expanding their customer base. In
addition to the sales of books and globes, they generate revenue through
service fees and by selling educational toys online. This model allows them to
cater to a wide range of customers, from schools to individual learners.
Revenue and Future Projections
HoloKitab’s financial growth has been steady. In the first
year, the company earned ₹2 lakh in sales, which increased to ₹10 lakh in the
second year after expanding its book collection. The third year’s projections
indicated ₹3 lakh in sales, showing a slight dip but still indicating growth.
The company also has a steady source of income from their globe contracts,
which provide additional revenue. As HoloKitab continues to develop its
products and expand its offerings, it is optimistic about future sales, especially
with the planned shift to a B2C model.
A Successful Pitch on Shark Tank
HoloKitab’s appearance on Shark Tank India marked a
significant milestone for the company. Dipanshu and Nikhil were initially
seeking ₹45 lakhs for a 10% stake in the company. After negotiations, investor
Namita Thapar offered them ₹45 lakhs in exchange for 25% equity, with the
condition that they expand their services to other industries and adjust their
revenue model. The founders countered with an offer of ₹45 lakhs for 20%
equity, which was accepted. This investment was crucial in helping HoloKitab take
the next step in its journey and further develop its AR-based educational
products.
Enhancing the Learning Experience
HoloKitab’s products are designed to make learning more
engaging and effective. The company’s use of AR technology allows students to
interact with 3D models of objects they are learning about, providing a more
tangible and interactive learning experience. This approach not only helps
students understand concepts better but also makes learning fun and enjoyable.
By combining traditional textbooks with innovative AR features, HoloKitab is
reshaping the way students learn, making education more dynamic and interactive.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, HoloKitab is focused on expanding its product
offerings and increasing its reach. The company plans to grow its presence in
both the B2B and B2C markets, targeting a wider range of customers. With the
backing of investor Namita Thapar, HoloKitab has the resources it needs to
continue innovating in the educational space. The company is committed to
improving learning experiences for students across India and beyond, making
education not just more accessible, but also more engaging and effective.
A timeline based on the story of HoloKitab:
2020 – Dipanshu Bajaj co-founded HoloKitab to transform
education through AR technology.
2020-2021 – The company sold its first book, earning ₹2 lakh
in revenue.
2021 – Launched additional books and saw revenue growth to
₹10 lakh.
2022 – Expanded product line to include educational toys and
a SaaS model.
2023 – Raised ₹45 lakhs through Shark Tank India for 20%
equity, boosting growth.
2023 – HoloKitab’s revenue projections for the year were ₹3
lakh, with additional income from globe contracts.
2024 and Beyond – Plans to shift from B2B to B2C, aiming for
broader market expansion.