In recent years healthcare has become an integral part of the business ecosystem in India. To stand apart in the race, startups today need a more customized approach and targeted promotion to have an impact on their audience. While healthcare itself is a noble profession and majorly contributes to humanity, successful healthcare Startups are making a valuable contribution to the national economies around the world, their stories as influential role models on a groundbreaking journey are inspiring many young aspirants.

Leadership in the health care sector is spread across management and clinical workforces, creating peculiar challenges. Therefore Strong and competent management and leadership workforces are thus required to navigate the sector.

Ravi Teja Akondi is a CEO & Co-founder of iMumz, Bangalore. iMumz is the fastest growing platform for Indian pregnant women with around 500,000+ members and is trusted by more than 1000+ leading doctors. 

iMumz app provides actionable activities like meditation, music, yoga, and unique baby bonding exercises for women to be physically and mentally healthy and connect with the baby. Imumz is declared as the second-best health app of the country by the Government of India.

USP which attracted customers to iMumz

Ravi Teja Akondi says, “Actionable insights is our USP. Every mother and expecting mother wants the best for the baby. The early years are very important for the child. Mothers are generally very confused as it is very chaotic. iMumz informs the right things for the mother on a particular day like meditation and baby bonding activities along with expert suggestions which are actionable insights.”

New offerings from iMumz

Ravi Teja Akondi informs, “We are not currently selling any products but offering services dependent on the motherhood journey. We offer- 

Early 6 months care during pregnancy  Postpartum care Lifestyle guide Mother’s emotional health  Breastfeeding care  Care for newborns Social and development activities for baby development.  India’s first Unique IQ development toy kit to develop core skills for under 2 years of age  Micro intervenes every single day.”

iMumz Journey 

Ravi Teja Akondi states, “iMumz started in March 2020. Before that, we were ideating the same concept. We have 5 lakhs + registered users of which 35 % are parents and 65 % are pregnant women. We have 1000+ healthcare experts with a holistic approach with 700+ leading experts in their field of knowledge.”

Experience of iMumz for parents 

Ravi Teja Akondi states, “Every product is directed to different consumers. Parents staying in urban and remote areas have a different persona. Some products work for metro users and some for Indian users. iMumz has 70% users from the top 30 cities of the country and is more pronounced to the metro cities. There is a very strong adoption of iMumz in tier 4 cities and remotest areas. We had many inbound calls that the iMumz app should be available in Hindi as well. A mother is after all a mother and needs special attention. There was a lot of organic production in tier 4 places of India as well. Our primary user persona is in tier 1 and top 30 cities of the country.”

Plans to expand operation for iMumz 

Ravi Teja Akondi states, “Being in the first year of operations, we have focused on technology and content creation. We have focused on the deployment of funds in these areas. We are ensuring that we are delivering high-quality content and live sessions for our mothers who deserve the best. Currently, there is a team of 13 people to get 5 lacs+ users on board with iMumz.”

Future plan for iMumz 2022 

Ravi Teja Akondi states, “We are currently progressing and the round investor details will be disclosed soon. We already have commitments in place for iMumz.”

Present and future Revenues for iMumz 

Ravi Teja Akondi states, “Financially in 2022, we are focusing on revenues and we are on track.”

Message from an expert on entrepreneurship

Ravi Teja Akondi informs, “ I would like to advise budding entrepreneurs that the industry is not always glamorous as it looks. We always look on the brighter side of things. We assume many things on startup fundings but there is resilience required to solve complex problems. Keep your thoughts clear on ventured-packed experiences and you should love and be dedicated to solving problems.  There is a good scope of sustainable business in entrepreneurship. Understand and read about entrepreneurship. It's not always glamorous. Come with a strong drive towards it.” 

For fellow entrepreneurs who are on their 0 - 1 journey, I would say go, try to solve problems with fewer resources and time. Build faster feedback notes. Be very dynamic and try to change at a faster pace, it's important at the initial stages. Don't lose your courage and confidence. “

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)