Biography of Y. Rajasekhar Reddy: Founder & CEO of Kitsons- Entrepreneur
Biography of Y. Rajasekhar Reddy:
Kitsons is a unique retail business in Hyderabad, comprising
eight stores spread across popular neighborhoods like Gachibowli, Nallagandla,
and Hitech City. Founded by Lt. Col. Y. Rajasekhar Reddy (Retd.), this
first-generation company offers a variety of products, including stationery,
toys, and arts and crafts. The name "Kitsons" holds personal
significance for Rajasekhar, as it combines the names of his children,
reflecting his family's close ties.
A Soldier’s Journey
Lt. Col. Y. Rajasekhar Reddy has a remarkable background.
After graduating in Civil Engineering from Osmania University, he joined the
Indian Army in 1986. Over 22 years, he served in various operations, including
the Indian Peace Keeping Force and the Kargil War. After dedicating two decades
to the military, he made the bold decision to retire early and pursue
entrepreneurship.
Transition to Entrepreneurship
After leaving the Army, Rajasekhar turned his attention to
business. His vision was to create a one-stop shop where customers could find
high-quality stationery and toys. With a passion for excellence, he focused on
sourcing products that were either locally made or imported from Europe,
ensuring that Kitsons stood out in the retail landscape.
Family Involvement
Rajasekhar's sons, Abhishek and Shubhankar, have joined him
in this venture, bringing their own expertise to the table. Abhishek, who has a
degree in Mechanical Engineering and a diploma in Business Management from
Symbiosis, previously worked for Accenture and DE Shaw. His experience has been
invaluable in helping to grow the family business.
Biography of Y. Rajasekhar Reddy: Founder & CEO of Kitsons- Entrepreneur/stationery, toys, and arts and crafts/age/net worth/investor/startup/
A Unique Retail Experience
Kitsons is not just another stationery store; it aims to
provide an engaging shopping experience. The stores are designed to be
welcoming and well-organized, showcasing a diverse range of products from art
supplies to party accessories. The focus on authenticity and quality has helped
the brand establish itself as a leader in the organized stationery market in
South India.
The Pitch on Shark Tank
In a recent appearance on Shark Tank India, Rajasekhar
pitched Kitsons to the judges, seeking ₹10 crores for 10% equity, which valued
the company at ₹100 crores. Although the sharks did not invest, they expressed
their admiration for Rajasekhar’s dedication and service to the nation,
highlighting the respect he earned as a former Army officer.
Growing Recognition
Despite the lack of investment from the sharks, Kitsons has
gained significant recognition. The brand's commitment to quality and its
extensive range of products have resonated with consumers, making it a go-to
destination for arts, crafts, and stationery in Hyderabad. The support from his
family and community has been instrumental in its growth.
Community Impact
Kitsons not only focuses on retail but also aims to make a
positive impact in the community. By providing quality products at competitive
prices, the company has become a beloved local business. Rajasekhar’s
leadership emphasizes the importance of integrity and customer satisfaction,
further solidifying Kitsons' reputation.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Rajasekhar and his sons aspire to expand
Kitsons beyond Hyderabad. They envision opening more stores and possibly
branching into online sales to reach a broader audience. Their goal is to
become a household name in the stationery and toy retail sector, synonymous
with quality and reliability.
A Legacy of Dedication
The journey of Kitsons reflects Rajasekhar’s dedication to
both his family and his customers. By combining his military discipline with
entrepreneurial spirit, he has built a successful business that honors his
children’s names while providing valuable products to the community. Kitsons
stands as a testament to the power of hard work and family values in achieving
one’s dreams.
A timeline for the journey of Kitsons and its founder, Lt.
Col. Y. Rajasekhar Reddy:
1986 - Rajasekhar graduates in Civil Engineering and joins
the Indian Army.
2008 - Retires after 22 years of service, including the
Kargil War, to pursue entrepreneurship.
2010 - Founds Kitsons in Hyderabad, offering stationery,
toys, and arts and crafts.
2012-2023 - Expands Kitsons to eight stores in popular
neighborhoods like Gachibowli and Hitech City.
2023 - Rajasekhar pitches Kitsons on Shark Tank India,
seeking ₹10 crores for 10% equity.
2023 - Despite not securing investment, Kitsons gains
significant recognition for quality products.
2024 - Aims to expand beyond Hyderabad and explore online
sales to reach a wider audience.
