Biography of Pranjal Sinha: Founder and CEO of Sama- Entrepreneur
Biography of Pranjal Sinha:
Sama: Revolutionizing Dispute Resolution in India
In 2015, three college students with different expertise
came together to address a significant problem in India: the overwhelming
backlog in the judicial system. Pranjal Sinha, a law student from the
prestigious West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS),
Akshetha Ashok, and Vikram Kumar, who was pursuing computer science, co-founded
Sama, a Bengaluru-based platform designed to offer Online Dispute Resolution
(ODR). Their vision was simple but impactful – to offer a faster, more efficient
alternative to traditional court-based dispute resolution.
The Struggles of the Indian Justice System
Pranjal had seen firsthand the problems of India’s legal
system, especially the notorious "Taarekh Pe Taarekh" (delayed
justice). He believed there was a better way to resolve disputes outside the
court system. With millions of pending cases, people were often stuck waiting
for years without resolution. Sama aimed to cut through this red tape by
offering a faster, more accessible solution through technology, making it
easier for individuals and businesses to settle their disputes online.
The Birth of the Idea
The idea for Sama came about during a Startup Weekend event
in Kolkata, where Pranjal, Akshetha, and Vikram met. Pranjal’s passion for
mediation inspired the trio to work on a platform that could help resolve civil
disputes, from consumer issues to financial disputes. Unlike traditional
courts, Sama aimed to resolve conflicts quickly, without the emotional and
financial costs associated with long-drawn legal battles.
The Role of Technology in Dispute Resolution
One of the core principles behind Sama was to use technology
to facilitate dispute resolution. The platform provides services like online
arbitration, mediation, and even Lok Adalats, helping resolve cases in as
little as 30 days, compared to the average of 3 years in a court of law. Sama’s
tech-driven approach ensures that parties on both sides of a dispute can
communicate, collaborate, and ultimately find common ground, all while avoiding
the stress of physical court hearings.
Learning from the Best: JAMS Weinstein Fellowship
Pranjal’s journey to understanding the power of mediation
deepened when he received the prestigious JAMS Weinstein International
Fellowship in 2018. This fellowship allowed him to attend a mediation training
course at Harvard Law School and a business development course at Stanford
Graduate Business School. Pranjal’s exposure to these international platforms
gave him the knowledge and tools needed to build a scalable ODR system for
India, helping him refine Sama’s offerings.
Sama’s Early Challenges
When Sama was first launched, it faced significant
challenges. For nearly three years, they had no cases at all. People didn’t
even understand what mediation was, often confusing it with meditation. Despite
their best efforts to explain the benefits of ODR through campaigns, such as
"Suljhao, Magar Pyaar Se" (Resolve with Love), there was little
traction. However, this didn’t deter the co-founders. They persisted in raising
awareness and educating people about mediation, one of the four key methods of
resolving disputes outlined in Chanakya's ancient teachings.
The Breakthrough Moment
In 2019, Sama finally landed its first client. This marked
the beginning of its journey to success. As awareness grew, more people began
to recognize the value of resolving disputes outside the traditional court
system. Sama’s breakthrough came when the platform helped resolve complex
disputes in sectors like banking, insurance, and even mining. With a growing
clientele, Sama proved that it was possible to settle disputes efficiently and
cost-effectively online.
Shark Tank India and the Big Deal
Sama’s moment of fame came when it appeared on Shark Tank India, a popular business reality show. The co-founders pitched their idea to the sharks, asking for ₹1 crore in exchange for 1% equity. The sharks were impressed by Sama’s growth and potential, leading to a multi-shark deal with investors Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, and Ritesh Agarwal. This validation from top investors not only boosted Sama’s credibility but also gave it the resources needed to expand its services further.
Biography of Pranjal Sinha: Founder and CEO of Sama- Entrepreneur/address the backlog in India's judicial system/age/net worth/investor/startup
Sama’s Growth and Impact
Since its inception, Sama has resolved over 35 lakh disputes
across various sectors. With a user-friendly online platform, people can easily
file disputes, send notices, and connect with mediators to settle issues
without going to court. This innovative system has reduced the burden on
India’s already overwhelmed judicial system while providing an alternative that
is faster and less expensive.
How Sama Works: Simplifying the Process
Sama’s process is straightforward and accessible. A person
who has a dispute can register on the platform, file their case, and invite the
other party for resolution. After an invitation is sent, a mediator is
appointed to facilitate communication between the two parties. The aim is to
reach a settlement agreement within 30 days. If mediation fails, the case can
proceed to arbitration, where a final decision is made within 90 days. This
efficiency in handling cases makes Sama a reliable option for those seeking
quick resolution.
The Role of Case Managers
Sama’s success can also be attributed to the role of case
managers. Each party in a dispute is assigned a case manager who helps them
navigate the online process, providing administrative support and ensuring
smooth communication. This personal touch makes the experience more accessible,
especially for people who may not be tech-savvy. The case manager becomes a
trusted guide through the legal process, making it easier for people to resolve
their disputes without feeling overwhelmed.
Rising Recognition and Expansion
Sama’s innovative approach has earned the company
recognition from key figures in the legal and government sectors. It has been
praised by the Ministry of Law and Justice and even received accolades from the
former Union Minister of Law, Kiren Rijiju, for promoting ODR in India. Sama’s
platform continues to expand, with over 3,000 experienced mediators and
arbitrators now onboard across more than 440 districts in India, helping to
solve disputes in every corner of the country.
Overcoming Early Struggles
Despite early struggles, including no cases for the first
few years and a heavy reliance on a few big clients, Sama has managed to
overcome these challenges through sheer determination and continuous
innovation. They have invested in educating people about the benefits of ODR,
using creative strategies like flash mobs and pamphlet distributions to raise
awareness. This commitment has paid off, as the platform has now become a go-to
resource for millions of Indians seeking alternative dispute resolution.
Future of Sama: Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Sama plans to continue expanding its
services, especially by incorporating artificial intelligence to manage an
increasing number of cases. The platform’s success has opened the doors for
more legal tech innovations in India, and Sama is poised to be a leader in this
space. As more people recognize the power of ODR, Sama is setting a new
standard for dispute resolution in the country, making it easier for anyone to
access justice in a timely and efficient manner.
Conclusion: Sama’s Legacy
Today, Sama stands as a beacon of innovation in the Indian
legal landscape. By leveraging technology to provide affordable, accessible,
and efficient dispute resolution services, it is transforming the way India
approaches conflict. With the support of key investors and an expanding network
of mediators, Sama is on its way to reshaping the justice system, one case at a
time.
A timeline of key events for Sama:
2015 - Sama is co-founded by Pranjal Sinha, Akshetha Ashok,
and Vikram Kumar to address the backlog in India's judicial system.
2015 - The idea for Sama is born at a Startup Weekend event
in Kolkata.
2018 - Pranjal receives the JAMS Weinstein International
Fellowship, deepening his expertise in mediation.
2019 - Sama resolves its first case, marking the beginning
of its success.
2019 - Sama appears on Shark Tank India and secures a
multi-shark deal with top investors.
2020 - Sama expands its services, helping resolve disputes
across multiple sectors.
2021 - Sama’s platform resolves over 35 lakh disputes,
streamlining the Indian legal process.
2021 - Sama receives recognition from the Ministry of Law
and Justice.
2024 - Sama continues to grow, onboarding 3,000 mediators
and arbitrators, expanding its reach across 440 districts in India.
Future Plans - Sama aims to incorporate AI for better case management and further expand its services.
