Biography of Kartik Gaggar: Founder and CEO of Rooftop- Entrepreneur
Kartik Gaggar and Rooftop
Kartik Gaggar is the founder and CEO of Rooftop, an
innovative art-tech platform that connects art lovers with traditional Indian
art forms. His journey in the art space began with his background in business
and a keen interest in art. Kartik’s entrepreneurial spirit is shaped by his
experiences as a Chartered Accountant and a business consultant. His work has
always centered around creating impactful solutions that bridge gaps between
different sectors, and Rooftop is a manifestation of his desire to make traditional
Indian art more accessible globally.
Professional Background and Early Career
Rooftop was born out of Kartik’s curiosity for art and his
vision to connect art enthusiasts with renowned artists. Before venturing into
the art industry, Kartik worked as an Audit Associate at PwC, where he honed
his skills in auditing, strategic planning, and business processes. His
professional background in consulting and finance has given him the tools to
build a strong business model for Rooftop. His role as a Senior Management
Consultant allowed him to work with various businesses, gaining insights that
would later help him shape his own venture.
Founding Kamaai Capital and Gaining Entrepreneurial
Experience
In 2017, Kartik founded Kamaai Capital, an early-stage
investment firm focused on empowering entrepreneurs with the capital needed to
scale their ideas. Kamaai Capital allowed him to experience the startup
ecosystem, which further fueled his desire to create Rooftop. This experience
was essential for understanding how to run a business and manage the
intricacies of growth, which he later applied to his art-tech venture.
The Birth of Rooftop During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The idea for Rooftop emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic,
when traditional art experiences were severely limited. The lockdowns brought
the art world to a standstill, with artists struggling to showcase their work,
and art lovers facing barriers in engaging with their passion. This challenge
led Kartik to think of a solution—an online platform that would bridge the gap
between artists and art enthusiasts. Rooftop was conceptualized as a space
where artists could connect with global audiences without the constraints of
time and location.
Rooftop’s Vision: Making Traditional Indian Art Accessible
The vision behind Rooftop is to make traditional Indian art
forms more accessible, fostering a global community of art lovers and creators.
The app allows people to learn about various forms of Indian art, from folk and
tribal to classical. By offering a wide range of workshops and educational
experiences, Rooftop aims to educate people on the rich and diverse art forms
of India, ensuring these traditions continue to thrive in the modern world.
Supporting Artists and Providing Sustainable Income
Rooftop has been instrumental in providing artists with a
platform to showcase their skills and gain a sustainable income. The app
connects users with over 2,000 expert artists who lead workshops on everything
from painting to sculpture. These workshops provide a unique opportunity to
engage with award-winning artists, including those who have received
prestigious honors like Padma Shri and National Awards. The goal is not only to
educate but also to promote and preserve Indian art forms that have been passed
down through generations.
Building a Global Community of Art Enthusiasts
With more than 42,000 members across 20 countries, Rooftop
has successfully built a thriving global community. It has enabled art
enthusiasts from around the world to experience India’s cultural heritage
through online workshops, personalized courses, and art battles. The app offers
features like daily quizzes, community engagement, and inspiration modules to
keep users connected and engaged in the art world. Rooftop’s approach combines
modern technology with traditional art, allowing it to reach a broad and
diverse audience.
Biography of Kartik Gaggar: Founder and CEO of Rooftop- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/startup/art-tech platform/Rooftop story/Kartik Gaggar story
Collaborations and Cultural Preservation Initiatives
The company’s mission extends beyond simply hosting
workshops. Rooftop also plays a vital role in preserving India’s rich art
heritage. In partnership with the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training,
Rooftop is working on integrating traditional Indian art into academic
curricula, ensuring that future generations continue to appreciate and learn
about these art forms. This initiative further reinforces the platform’s
commitment to cultural preservation and creative learning.
Overcoming Challenges and Driving Innovation
Despite facing challenges, Kartik’s perseverance has helped
Rooftop grow and expand its impact. The company has continued to innovate,
offering not just courses, but also collaborative projects, exhibitions, and
art showcases that have garnered interest from art lovers worldwide. By
focusing on art education and accessibility, Rooftop has created a unique space
for people to connect with art in a meaningful way.
Rooftop’s Pitch on Shark Tank India
In February 2024, Kartik pitched Rooftop on Shark Tank
India, seeking an investment of ₹2 Crores for a 4% equity stake in the company.
While the pitch did not result in any investment offers, it was a significant
moment for Rooftop, exposing the platform to a wider audience. The appearance
on Shark Tank highlighted Rooftop’s potential in the art-tech space and its
capacity to drive positive change in the art community.
The Digital Revolution in Art Preservation and Promotion
Rooftop's success is a testament to the transformative power
of digital technology in preserving and promoting traditional art. By bridging
the gap between artists and art lovers, the platform has not only created a new
business model but has also empowered artists to reach global audiences. The
app's user-friendly interface and diverse offerings make it an ideal platform
for both beginners and seasoned art enthusiasts.
Kartik’s Resilience and Adaptability in Entrepreneurship
Kartik’s journey with Rooftop showcases the importance of
adaptability and resilience in entrepreneurship. The transition from an offline
studio-based model to a fully digital platform during the pandemic was a
pivotal moment for Rooftop. It demonstrated Kartik’s ability to pivot quickly
in response to unforeseen challenges, which has been crucial in the company's
growth.
Future Plans: Expanding Rooftop’s Global Reach
Looking ahead, Kartik aims to expand Rooftop’s reach even
further by offering more workshops, collaborating with international artists,
and fostering deeper connections between art lovers and creators. The platform
is poised to become a major player in the art-tech space, offering unique
experiences that celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of India’s
traditional art forms.
A timeline for Kartik Gaggar’s journey with Rooftop:
Early Career - Kartik works at PwC as an Audit Associate,
gaining skills in auditing and business strategy.
2017 - Founding of Kamaai Capital, an early-stage investment
firm, enriching Kartik's entrepreneurial experience.
2020 (COVID-19) - The idea for Rooftop is born as Kartik
sees a need to connect artists and enthusiasts digitally.
2020 - Rooftop launches as an art-tech platform aimed at
preserving and promoting traditional Indian art.
2020-Present - Rooftop grows to 42,000+ members across 20
countries, offering workshops and cultural experiences.
February 2024 - Kartik pitches Rooftop on Shark Tank India,
garnering wider exposure but no investment offers.
2025 - Kartik looks to expand Rooftop's global reach through
more workshops and international collaborations.
