At Entrepreneur Bulletin, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ravi Mittal, the visionary entrepreneur behind QuackQuack, India’s leading homegrown dating app. In this candid conversation, Ravi shares his unconventional journey, the challenges he faced, and the insights that have propelled QuackQuack to success.
From College Dropout to Tech Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur Bulletin: Ravi, can you tell us about your journey into entrepreneurship and how QuackQuack came to be?
Ravi Mittal: I started my career at the age of 16, dropping out of college to work with my father’s manufacturing company. However, I realized my passion lay elsewhere, particularly in the B2C consumer internet space. In 2010, I noticed a gap in the Indian dating scene and decided to address it. I rented a small 2BHK apartment, assembled a development team, and that’s how QuackQuack was born. Today, we boast over 17 million users and more than 10 million app downloads, adding approximately 330,000 new users every month.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Entrepreneur Bulletin: What were some of the significant challenges you faced in the early stages of QuackQuack?
Ravi Mittal: One of the initial hurdles was securing payment gateways. Dating apps were considered high-risk, making it difficult to find partners willing to work with us. We managed to overcome this obstacle, but challenges persist. Currently, the enforcement of a 15% commission by Google on in-app purchases poses a significant challenge for digital startups like ours in India.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Entrepreneur Bulletin: What key lessons have you learned throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
Ravi Mittal: I’ve learned that while no two businesses are the same, many principles are transferable. For instance, lessons from one venture can often be applied to another. It’s also crucial to hire and, if necessary, fire quickly to maintain team efficiency. Being honest with your team and hiring based on skills rather than salary expectations are also vital lessons I’ve embraced.
Navigating the Digital Landscape
Entrepreneur Bulletin: What do you see as the biggest challenges for brands in the digital space today?
Ravi Mittal: The digital space is expanding rapidly, and brands need to invest in various channels like influencer marketing, YouTube, brand collaborations, video marketing, and PR. It’s no longer just about digital ads; a multifaceted approach is essential to stand out and connect with the audience effectively.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneur Bulletin: What advice would you give to those aspiring to become entrepreneurs?
Ravi Mittal: Don’t focus too much on the competition. Instead, concentrate on improving your product, enhancing brand visibility, and refining your key performance indicators (KPIs). Staying customer-centric and continuously seeking ways to add value will set you apart in the long run.
Conclusion
Ravi Mittal’s journey from a college dropout to the CEO of a leading dating app exemplifies the resilience and innovation that define successful entrepreneurship. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the dynamic digital landscape.
