In the thriving Indian startup scene, a new class of leaders is being formed. Among them is Gayathri Reddy, a lady whose determination to fight climate change and her love for sustainability are her driving forces. By means of her inventive enterprise, NOW Venture Studio, Gayathri is enabling deep-tech firms that provide answers to some of the most urgent environmental problems facing the planet.
A Family Legacy of Environmental Responsibility
Gayathri’s dedication to sustainability did not appear out of nowhere. It was a result of the morals her family had taught her. Gayathri’s father successfully petitioned the Karnataka High Court to restore and revitalize Bengaluru’s contaminated lakes nine years prior to the creation of NOW Venture Studio. Having seen this firsthand, Gayathri was inspired to follow a route that would lead to a more sustainable future.
Building a Strong Foundation
After earning her Master’s degree in Advanced Management Practice from the University of Bath in the UK, Gayathri returned to India to join her family business. This experience not only provided her with valuable business acumen but also exposed her to the importance of sustainable practices in the construction industry. Her family’s company, RJ Infrastructures, championed rainwater harvesting and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified projects for large multinational corporations.
From Entrepreneur to Changemaker
After working for the family company for a few years, Gayathri developed an urge to start her own company. She struck out on her own, opening a café and making angel investments in a variety of fields, including student housing and education. Gayathri regularly came across enthusiastic businesspeople with creative solutions for solving environmental problems at this period. Many, nevertheless, lacked the network of support they required to successfully traverse the challenges of establishing and growing a deep-tech firm.
The Birth of NOW Venture Studio
Motivated by a goal to close this gap, Gayathri established the non-profit KRnate Foundation in 2019 with an emphasis on water management and urban planning in Bengaluru. Gayathri worked with urban planners, water activists, and aspiring sustainability entrepreneurs through the KRnate Foundation. Her idea for NOW Venture Studio, a venture capital firm devoted to fostering deep-tech firms that tackle sustainability and climate change issues, was cemented by this encounter.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
The built environment, new materials, and the decarbonization of challenging industries like steel and cement are the three main areas of concentration for NOW Venture Studio. The studio offers more than just financial support. It provides comprehensive support, helping entrepreneurs with early customer adoption techniques, concept validation, producing MVPs, business opportunity curation, and obtaining first-round institutional investment.
Addressing Climate Challenges Comprehensively
Gayathri emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to climate action. “We firmly believe that if we are not addressing climate challenges comprehensively at every level, it will only add to the existing problems,” she explains. For example, when considering investments in last-mile delivery startups, NOW Venture Studio also explores ways to decarbonize the delivery process, ensuring a true net positive impact.
Empowering Future Generations
Beyond nurturing individual startups, Gayathri is passionate about empowering the next generation of climate warriors. She actively participates in initiatives like the World Economic Forum’s Annual Summit, where she was recognized as one of the Davos50 young leaders. Additionally, Gayathri is a trained Climate Reality Leader, a program led by Nobel Laureate and former US Vice President Al Gore. This training equips her with the scientific knowledge and tools to advocate for effective climate action.
Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Impact
Despite the growing pool of promising ideas, many climate-focused startups struggle to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world impact. NOW Venture Studio plays a crucial role in this process. By providing not just capital but also mentorship, guidance, and access to networks, the studio empowers these startups to overcome the initial hurdles and accelerate their path to market.
A Beacon of Hope for a Sustainable Future
Gayathri Reddy’s story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers alike. Through her unwavering commitment to sustainability and her innovative approach to venture building, Gayathri is proving that businesses can be a powerful force for good. NOW Venture Studio serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that tackling climate change requires not just technological advancements but also a collaborative spirit, a holistic vision, and a deep-seated belief in the power of human ingenuity.
Read more: Marketing News, Advertising News, PR and Finance News, Digital News
