Courtesy: http://foodartfashion.com/
Vivek Kapoor, Co-Founder- dineout.co.in
This one’s for all those who wish to get themselves and their loved ones a good ‘Dineout’ experience, but just haven’t had the time (or are feeling just too lazy :P) to explore their options.
So..we got talking to Vivek Kapoor, one of the four co-founders of Dineout (Ankit Mehrotra, Sahil Jain, Nikhil Bakshi – the other three) about their journey, challenges and more..but what we did discover along the way was that this is one man who absolutely ‘lowes’ the team that he’s a part of. (Aww! ^_^)
What prompted the idea?
Okay, I had been sailing for ten years (Vivek was in the merchant navy before this. Wow.) So, what I noticed, by travelling in the developed parts of the world, was that services like these were pretty common in other parts of the world and there was nothing like this here in India. So, we thought why not bring something like this? It was a fresh concept for the people here and the scalability of the concept was clearly visible.
Had you always wanted to be an entrepreneur or the idea just hit you along the way?
Look. I had always dreamt of starting something up and being my own boss but well, inhibitions and the fear of failure can really disrupt your thinking at times! Technically, I was almost the last one to be joining the team (laughs). Initially, I was just a friend helping out his friends, but well, here I am now! Ankit, Sahil and Nikhil had already plunged into the idea wholeheartedly.
Tell us about the challenges that you’ve had to face along the way.
Well, like every other start up, we’ve had our share of adversities, too. Since, the four of us come from a professional background where words like ‘commitment’ and ‘punctuality’ and ‘professionalism’ were running in our blood. But coming to Delhi was a real eye opener. We’ve had days where we’ve had to wait for hours even after taking appointments; we’ve come across situations where we’ve been told that a certain job would be accomplished within a certain allotted time, only to be deeply disappointed. The deadlines and commitments were mostly never met by the other parties. So, it was a cultural shock for us!
TimesCity acquired you recently. How does it feel?
You know how they say,” the best things happen to those who wait”? Yeah, I’ve started believing in that now!
Well we had been approached by a few who wanted to invest in us, but, as you know, it is very important for a start up to join hands with the appropriate fund house. And withTimesCity we knew, that the amount of expertise, mentorship and market presence would be huge. The platform that timescity gives dineout is immensely strategic, in terms of our technology vision, brand presence and business growth, which is exactly what the doctor ordered. After all it is the biggest media house in the country and has enough fuel to boomerang us to a level that we would have reached maybe, three or four years down the line. In addition, there was a lot of synergy between our services, so it is surely a step in the right direction.
How can YOU relate with the idea?
Well, Dineout is all about exploring new dining experiences and, personally, I get bored of visiting the same places again and again. So, yeah, because Dineout lets you explore new places where you can explore the best cuisines, lounges and dining experiences, I think this is one area where I can relate with the idea.
What, according to you, would be the most awkward dine-out experience?
A much awaited occasion. A special night. A dine out that you’ve dreamt of for so long. And what are you exposed to? No seats available. Or you have to wait for what seems like an eternity for your food. That’d be awkward. Dineout eliminates such situations. Just sayin.
Also, going out with your current and bumping into your ex with her/his current. Awwwkkkwaardd.
What are you working on currently?
Well, we’re working to build technology for our partner restaurants. We wish to embellish the already user friendly system. We’re trying to build a tech product that helps promote and market our partner restaurants in the most cost effective manner and one that shows a direct return on investment to the restaurants.
What would be the dream for Dineout?
No diner experience should be complete if Dineout is not a part of it.
Bacardi without coke = Dining experience without Dineout
THAT would be the dream.
What do you think is the most important deal for a successful venture?
Team! A good idea is important but a good idea is nothing without good execution. And efficient execution is impossible without a good team. If you can muster a team to which you can entrust everything, things become a lot easier. There are going to be obstacles, of course, but the very idea of your teammates having your back puts you at ease and helps you overcome those with a lot more efficacy.
The best part about working for Dineout?
The team, again! The four of us- we’ve been friends since Kindergarten! So, you can imagine the comfort space that we share with each other. I think we have such a friendly atmosphere that it makes working an absolute pleasure!
Rapid Fire:-
Dineout- Passion.
Food- North Indian.
Vivek- Focussed.
Travelling- Introspection.
Interviews- Fun!
Message to young entrepreneurs..
It’s tough. It sure as hell is tough. When you begin the journey, you’ll have to face a lot of hardships, but that shouldn’t stop you from working on your dream. If wherever it is that you are today is better than where you were yesterday, just know that you’re on the right path. Keep going.
P.S.- They offer heavy discounts!
Soo..click here NOW:-)
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