Biography of Vineet Saraiwala: Founder & CEO of Atypical Advantage-Entrepreneur
Biography of Vineet Saraiwala:
Vineet Saraiwala is the founder of Atypical Advantage,
India's largest livelihood platform dedicated to empowering persons with
disabilities (PWD). Atypical Advantage connects people with disabilities to
opportunities in the corporate world, the art scene, and much more. The
platform has made significant strides in just a few years, serving over 20,000
talents with disabilities and collaborating with over 300 corporates. It offers
a comprehensive range of services—from job placements to providing a marketplace
for disabled artists. Vineet's deep personal connection to the cause drives his
commitment to creating a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.
Atypical Advantage’s Origin Story
Vineet's own journey is one of resilience. As a visually
impaired individual, he faced significant barriers in his own career despite
earning an MBA from IIM Bangalore. His challenges were compounded when he
observed the lack of job opportunities and societal barriers for others with
disabilities, particularly during the lockdown. These personal experiences
inspired the creation of Atypical Advantage. The platform's goal is to break
down the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from leading fulfilling,
independent lives.
Overcoming Corporate Barriers
In the corporate world, hiring individuals with disabilities
is often met with hesitation. Many companies are uncertain about how to
accommodate disabled employees, or they may simply lack awareness of the skills
that individuals with disabilities can bring to the table. Vineet's experience
highlighted that these fears and concerns stem from a lack of understanding. In
response, Atypical Advantage provides education and support to both employees
and employers, facilitating inclusive hiring processes and ensuring companies
are prepared to welcome people with disabilities into their workforce.
Creating Inclusive Hiring Opportunities
Atypical Advantage is not just a recruitment platform—it
also serves as a full-fledged ecosystem that empowers persons with disabilities
to secure meaningful work. The organization provides candidates with
specialized training through Atypical Academy, helping them become job-ready
for diverse industries. Whether it’s through soft skill development or
interview preparation, the academy equips individuals with the tools they need
to succeed. The platform also partners with corporates to create customized solutions
that support both the hiring process and the long-term success of employees
with disabilities.
Sensitizing Corporates to Disability Etiquette
Atypical Advantage recognizes that inclusion goes beyond
hiring. It's also about fostering an inclusive work culture. The platform
organizes workshops for companies, helping them understand disability
etiquette, which enables them to treat employees with respect and awareness.
Additionally, Atypical Advantage conducts disability audits for companies,
ensuring that their physical and digital environments are accessible to all
employees. By equipping companies with the right knowledge and tools, the platform
paves the way for a more inclusive work environment.
Breaking Down Accessibility Barriers
One of the biggest challenges faced by persons with
disabilities is accessibility. Whether it's navigating physical spaces or
accessing information online, many environments are still not designed with
accessibility in mind. Atypical Advantage addresses this by ensuring that all
aspects of its platform, including the website, are fully accessible. From
screen readers for the visually impaired to subtitles and captions for the
hearing impaired, the platform ensures that all users can easily navigate and benefit
from its services.
Biography of Vineet Saraiwala: Founder & CEO of Atypical Advantage-Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/Atypical Advantage/disability etiquette
The Role of Corporate Partnerships
Vineet credits corporate partnerships as crucial to Atypical
Advantage's success. Through collaborations with over 300 companies, Atypical
Advantage has created thousands of employment opportunities for persons with
disabilities. These partnerships also help to change the narrative around
disabilities in the workplace. As more corporations see the benefits of hiring
disabled individuals, the stigma that often surrounds disabilities begins to
dissipate. The platform also provides ongoing support to both the employer and
the employee, ensuring that the transition is smooth and sustainable.
Showcasing Talent in the Arts
In addition to job opportunities, Atypical Advantage also
provides a platform for artists with disabilities. The organization offers a
marketplace where disabled artists can showcase and sell their work, whether
it’s paintings, music, or performances. This enables artists to earn a
dignified income while gaining recognition for their talents. By providing a
space where their work can be seen and appreciated, Atypical Advantage helps to
amplify the voices of disabled individuals in the art world.
Recognizing Achievements: National Startup Award
Atypical Advantage's achievements have not gone unnoticed.
In 2023, the platform was awarded the prestigious National Startup Award in the
Social Impact category by the Indian government. This recognition reflects the
significant impact the platform has had in promoting the inclusion of persons
with disabilities in the workforce and society. The award is a testament to the
hard work and dedication of Vineet and his team, who continue to push the
boundaries of what is possible for people with disabilities.
Pitching on Shark Tank India
Vineet’s pitch on the popular show Shark Tank India in
Season 2 was a pivotal moment for Atypical Advantage. His heartfelt and
passionate pitch about the need for disability inclusion resonated with both
the judges and the audience. Vineet emphasized the importance of
perspective—explaining that what truly matters is not "nazariya"
(vision) but "nazariya" (perspective). His message was clear: the
real issue is not disability, but society's perspective on it. As a result,
Atypical Advantage received a ₹30 lakh investment from Namita Thapar and Aman
Gupta for 3% equity, which was a huge endorsement for the company's mission.
The Impact of the Shark Tank Appearance
The appearance on Shark Tank India brought immense
visibility to Atypical Advantage. Vineet reports a significant increase in
website traffic, social media followers, and leads after the episode aired.
However, he believes that the true impact cannot be measured solely in numbers.
What was most valuable was the shift in societal attitudes and the growing
acceptance of people with disabilities in the corporate world. This change in
mindset is what Vineet views as the most important outcome of the exposure.
Societal Shifts Toward Empathy
The Shark Tank appearance also led to a broader societal
shift. Senior leaders from top companies began reaching out to inquire about
hiring persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities started dreaming
of becoming CEOs. Society as a whole began to move away from sympathy and
started to embrace empathy. Vineet believes that the real change lies in these
shifts in attitude—where disability is no longer seen as a hindrance but as an
opportunity for diversity and inclusion.
Vision for the Future: Empowering 1 Million People
Looking ahead, Atypical Advantage has ambitious plans.
Vineet envisions empowering one million persons with disabilities by 2035. The
platform is steadily expanding its reach, continuously creating new
opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute to the workforce,
society, and the arts. Vineet’s vision is one of true inclusivity, where people
with disabilities are not merely accommodated, but celebrated for their unique
talents and abilities.
Beyond Employment: A Dignified Life
Vineet’s mission goes beyond just providing jobs—it’s about
giving people with disabilities the opportunity to live dignified lives. By
helping them secure meaningful work and providing access to platforms where
their talents can shine, Atypical Advantage fosters a sense of pride and
self-worth. Whether it’s through employment or artistic expression, the
platform gives individuals the tools to live independently and confidently,
knowing their contributions are valued.
Atypical Advantage’s Ripple Effect
The ripple effect of Atypical Advantage’s work is
far-reaching. From the way companies view disability to the way society
perceives people with disabilities, the platform is creating lasting change.
Its impact is not just felt in the corporate world but also in communities,
schools, and families across India. Through education, awareness, and
opportunity, Atypical Advantage is helping to build a society where
everyone—regardless of ability—has the chance to succeed.
A timeline of key events in Vineet Saraiwala’s journey with
Atypical Advantage:
2020: Vineet, a visually impaired IIM Bangalore graduate,
launches Atypical Advantage to address job barriers for persons with
disabilities.
2021: Atypical Advantage begins offering job placements and
a marketplace for disabled artists, reaching over 20,000 talents and partnering
with 300+ companies.
2022: The platform expands its services, offering training
through Atypical Academy and conducting disability etiquette workshops for
corporates.
2023: Atypical Advantage wins the National Startup Award in
the Social Impact category and continues to foster employment and arts
opportunities for people with disabilities.
2023: Vineet pitches Atypical Advantage on Shark Tank India,
securing a ₹30 lakh investment from Namita Thapar and Aman Gupta.
2024: Atypical Advantage envisions empowering 1 million
people with disabilities by 2035 and continues to grow, aiming for societal
change in the perception of disability.
