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Rishi Khiani

Founder at Kaam.com

Professional Background

Rishi Khiani is a dynamic entrepreneur with a robust track record in the media, consumer technology, and enterprise sectors. With over 15 years of experience, he has been a pivotal figure in the evolution of digital platforms in India. His entrepreneurial journey began with the inception of UrbanEye Media, which achieved significant success and was acquired by the Network18 group in 2006. Following this initial foray into entrepreneurship, Rishi continued to innovate and inspire, co-founding Scootsy, a logistics startup, which was later acquired by Swiggy in 2018. His career trajectory is marked by the leadership of two of India’s largest Internet conglomerates: Times Internet Ltd., where he served as CEO, and Web18, where he was the founding COO. In these roles, Rishi was instrumental in launching and revitalizing some of India's most celebrated digital platforms, including The Times of India, Economic Times, MoneyControl, BookMyShow, Yatra, IndiaTimes, NBT, iDiva, CricketNext, and Zigwheels.

Extensive Media Influence

Rishi’s impact on the Indian media landscape is profound. His vision for digital media was evident when he disrupted the music industry by securing the first licensing deal for digital streaming with major record labels, including T-Series, for the IN.COM music platform. This initiative positioned him as an early pioneer in fostering the growth of cloud-based music services in India. Furthermore, Rishi played a crucial role in conceptualizing and building Gaana, one of India’s most popular music streaming services, while under the Times Group’s umbrella.

In 2011, demonstrating his foresight in the media landscape, Rishi led a consortium that successfully acquired the Internet, mobile, and global television rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL). This strategic bid underscored his ability to recognize and capitalize on emerging trends within the digital domain.

Visionary Leadership in Tech

Beyond his ventures in media, Rishi Khiani is also the co-founder of Fork Media, a fast-growing tech company that has expanded its operations across eight countries and has received accolades as one of the Asian Pacific’s most rapidly growing tech firms, as recognized by Financial Times, ET, and Deloitte. This position highlights Rishi's knack for identifying market opportunities and scaling businesses effectively.

Furthermore, he co-founded Revolutionary Fitness, which has garnered substantial attention and investment, including a strategic investment from Marico Ltd. in 2018. The company later spun off Hello Green, which has been instrumental in revolutionizing India's approach to health and nutrition through its ready-to-eat platform.

Currently, Rishi is the founder and CEO of Kaam.com, an initiative that reflects his ongoing commitment to changing the future of work. This platform aims to redefine job roles and create a more flexible, resilient workforce in response to the evolving job market.

Education and Achievements

Rishi's academic background is as diverse as his career. He began his education with ICSE schooling at Campion and later pursued entrepreneurial studies at Babson College, a recognized institution known for its emphasis on business innovation. His education continued with language studies at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain, showcasing his commitment to cultural diversity and global commerce. Additionally, Rishi explored his artistic side by studying Art at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, which reflects his multifaceted interests and innovative approach to business.

Rishi has not only succeeded in his ventures but has also been an active contributor to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. He founded Antfarm Business Incubator Private Limited, championing youth entrepreneurship by providing guidance and resources to aspiring startups.

Achievements

Throughout his career, Rishi has established himself as a notable figure in the Indian tech and media arena, characterized by several key achievements:

  • Successful Exits: Rishi has celebrated two successful exits with UrbanEye Media and Scootsy, enhancing his reputation as a formidable entrepreneur.
  • Leadership Roles: His leadership has shaped major brands and platforms that have become household names in India, impacting millions of users and redefining digital media consumption.
  • Recognition in Tech: The recognition of Fork Media as one of the fastest growing tech companies in Asia Pacific underscores his prowess in developing scalable businesses that make a significant impact in various markets.
  • IP Rights Acquisition: As the leader who orchestrated the successful acquisition of IPL rights, Rishi carved out a significant niche in the sports media landscape, engaging millions of fans across multiple platforms.
  • Commitment to Innovation: His continuous pursuit of innovative solutions through platforms like Kaam.com illustrates his forward-thinking approach to entrepreneurship and employment.

In summary, Rishi Khiani’s career is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative mindset, and commitment to excellence. His extensive background in media and technology, coupled with a robust educational foundation, positions him as a leader and visionary in his field. Rishi continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs with his dedication to changing the landscape of jobs and work in India, making him a notable figure to watch in the coming years.

Related Questions

How did Rishi Khiani become a pioneer in the media and technology sectors in India?
What strategies did Rishi Khiani employ to achieve successful exits with UrbanEye Media and Scootsy?
In what ways has Rishi Khiani's educational background contributed to his entrepreneurial success?
What future projects is Rishi Khiani working on to disrupt the job market with Kaam.com?
How did Rishi Khiani's leadership at Times Internet Ltd. influence the digital media landscape in India?
What were the key challenges Rishi Khiani faced during the acquisition of IPL rights, and how did he overcome them?
How has Rishi Khiani's involvement with Fork Media impacted the technology scene in Asia Pacific?
What inspired Rishi Khiani to launch Revolutionary Fitness and its subsequent spinoff, Hello Green?
Rishi Khiani
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Location

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India