Bhumika Chauhan
From Vision to Venture
Entrepreneurship often begins with a simple observation, and for Akash Joshi, it was his experience in sales and marketing that opened his eyes to inefficiencies in post-sales engagement and distribution networks. He saw how businesses struggled with visibility, loyalty management, and seamless stakeholder connections. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve these gaps, Akash decided to build the solution himself. In 2016, at the age of 30, with an initial investment of just ₹5 lakhs, he founded IMAST Operations Private Limited in Indore.
Building the Foundation
The early years were filled with challenges. Raising capital, hiring the right talent, and convincing clients to adopt a new SaaS platform were daunting tasks. Yet, Akash stayed the course with a mindset rooted in persistence and system-building. He believes that clarity of vision, technology support, financial discipline, and strong networks form the essentials of any successful business. Over time, his steady focus and commitment helped IMAST grow from a small startup into a powerful SaaS venture.
Scaling to Success
Today, IMAST has achieved a turnover of ₹20 Cr and a company valuation of ₹200 Cr, serving more than 100 clients with a workforce of over 300 employees. The company’s suite of solutions spans loyalty management, sales force automation, dealer management systems, and after-sales service automation. By offering end-to-end ownership, real-time dashboards, and customizable modules, IMAST has not only built a robust platform but also earned a remarkable 95% client retention rate, a feat that sets it apart in the SaaS ecosystem.
Impact on Businesses and Society
What makes IMAST special is not just its software, but the impact it creates. By connecting supply chain stakeholders on a single digital platform, the company empowers businesses to operate with greater efficiency, transparency, and customer focus. Its solutions strengthen loyalty, improve sales performance, and simplify after-sales engagement, enabling organizations to compete more effectively in a rapidly changing digital economy. For Akash, the goal has always been clear: to solve real-world problems through scalable technology that delivers measurable impact.
Struggles, Learnings, and Philosophy
The journey was not without hurdles. Securing initial funding, attracting the right talent, and onboarding early clients were challenges that tested Akash’s resolve. However, he overcame them through persistence, trust-building, and a commitment to structured systems. His philosophy is simple but powerful—systems drive scale, people drive loyalty, and persistence drives results. These principles not only guided him during tough times but continue to shape IMAST’s growth strategy today.
Inspiration and Personal Edge
Akash draws inspiration from Narayana Murthy, who built Infosys into a global leader while staying true to Indian values. Similarly, Akash aims to expand IMAST globally while remaining rooted in integrity and innovation. What makes him unique as an entrepreneur is his blend of emotional intelligence and process orientation. While he is emotionally driven and deeply values relationships, he is equally process-focused, ensuring scalability and discipline within the organization. This balance has been central to building both trust and growth.
Achievements and Recognition
IMAST’s remarkable journey has earned recognition in the form of multiple awards, including the India Business Excellence Award, StartUp 77 Recognition, and the Red FM Leadership Award. These accolades highlight not just the company’s growth but also its contribution to reshaping how businesses approach loyalty and distribution in India.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Akash envisions IMAST expanding beyond India and becoming a global leader in exportable SaaS solutions. His vision is to position India’s SaaS industry on the world stage, creating products that rival the best while staying true to Indian strengths. The focus remains on continuous innovation, global partnerships, and scaling solutions that create meaningful change for businesses everywhere.
Advice to Future Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on his journey, Akash shares a message for aspiring entrepreneurs: start small, think big, solve a real problem, and keep building value. He emphasizes that success does not come overnight but is built step by step through persistence, discipline, and a relentless focus on solving problems that matter.
Conclusion
From a modest investment of ₹5 lakhs to a company now valued at ₹200 Cr, Akash Joshi’s story is a shining example of what vision, determination, and innovation can achieve. Through IMAST, he has not only created a successful business but also redefined digital transformation for companies across India. His journey serves as an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs, proving that with the right mindset, even the biggest challenges can become stepping stones to success.
Website : https://www.imast.in/
